The Lauren Condominium Association

 

MINUTES OF THE LAUREN BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
JUNE 17, 2010

CONVENING OF MEETING

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Roger Hirschland. Present were other board members Elizabeth VanderPutten, John Filice, Barrett Witkin, and Dwight Clark; property manager Walter Krolman; and owners Wayne Rhee and Najah Abdalla.

READING, MODIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 17, 2010

The Board approved the April minutes as a true record of that meeting.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Highlights of the Treasurer's Report [See Treasurer's Report below]

The Board had no comments with regard to the Treasurer’s Report.

ACTION ITEMS

N Street Brick Façade Repairs

The Board reviewed a proposal from Dave Fyffe of Seal Engineering for a $1900 inspection to look for any additional trouble areas that may result in future buckling of the brick façade. The Board voted unanimously in favor of proceeding. Notice will be posted so owners are not concerned by individuals roaming around the building looking toward windows with binoculars.

Annual Meeting Proxy System

The Board considered a proposal from the Lauren legal counsel for a series of changes to the current proxy system and voted unanimously to implement the change, which will involve the following:

  • Send a letter to all owners eight weeks ahead of the annual meeting notice, soliciting nominations for the board
  • The President’s annual notice a month before the annual meeting should include 1) President’s annual letter, 2) List of nominated candidates with short biographies submitted in response to first mailing, and 3) proxy form that contains no names of nominees. A blank space will be provided for assignation of the proxy. Should no name be listed on the proxy form assigning the proxy to an individual the proxy will default to the board president.

REVIEW STATUS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS

Roof Garden Furniture Replacement

Has been purchased and shall be picked up on June 18.

Water Valve Replacements

Contract has been signed. Lauren management is working with contractor to schedule implementation. Board shall post notice 1 week prior to commencement of work, as work will result in temporary loss of water throughout the building. Since air conditioning must be turned off, the implementation will not take place during projected high temperatures.

Flashing Driveway Lights & Other Warning Devices

Lights on either side of driveway have been installed, and explanatory signs are soon to be installed. The Board thanks Don Benedict for his efforts getting "Hidden Drive" signs posted on Sunderland and Thomas Zawalich for the original idea for the flashing lights.

Roof Garden Grill

New grill to be procured and installed within 2 weeks. Board thanks Wayne Rhee for his effort researching, recommending, and assisting with the procurement of an awesome new addition to the Roof Garden.

Front Desk Renovation

Signed and executed proposal was received within past week. Lauren management will schedule work and post notice in advance of commencement.

Parking Space Ownership-Memorialization of Board Action

The Board agreed in the last meeting to allow non-resident ownership of parking space (spouse ownership). Board is to notify individual as to exception to condo rules and regulations.

Bicycle Room Cleaning & Disposal

Notice has been posted that there are 30 days to label your bicycle. Any remaining unlabeled bicycles after 30 days shall be removed and donated to charity.

Roof garden accessories- Trash Cans-(Clark/Filice)

This item is still in process, to be resolved by next board meeting.

Outdoor Parking Lot Condition- Resealing/Resurfacing Options

Dave Fyffe has not been available to inspect lot. Lauren Management is working to coordinate a brief inspection at no cost.

Window Replacement

Past vendor is requiring sidewalk protection, but there is no confirmation of a requirement that this has to occur. Board requested that Lauren Management search for other options/approaches to resolve the issue – including discussing with owners who have already installed internal noise abatement windows.

Energy Committee-Reappointment & Charge- (E Stier/A Tax/B Witkin)

The group will begin research efforts shortly.

Signs for North & South Exit Doors-Purchase

Signs have been ordered, delivery is forthcoming. This is another attempt to keep doors closed and building secure throughout deliveries and moves.

Additional (4th) Water Heater Proposal

On hold until winter.

Management Report--Review and Discussion of Items Other than Above

No comments.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Decorating Committee

Board discussed progress on a number of construction items:

  • Greg Carlsen has finished punchlist of follow-up items with the exception of 1 remaining wallpaper issue. Lauren Management has reviewed status of all resolved items with contractor.
  • Reader panels have been added in elevators.
  • Elevator Floors: Concern was expressed about dirt collecting between tiles. One option was proposed was to replace the current floor with black tiles, but no decision was made. In the meantime, the current floor may require monthly scrubbing, may necessitate temporary carpets in elevators to be placed inside for moving days.
  • Input was suggested to update the bulbs in the elevators to appear warmer and a little less bright.

IN-UNIT RENOVATIONS

Proposed Changes to Association Rules and Procedures for Unit Renovations

The Board reviewed a series of proposed changes to the Association Rules and Procedures for Unit Renovations. Discussion included:

  • Disruption to building or building tier utilities required by construction must be preceded by notification and agreement by building management 1 week in advance of disruption.
  • A series of grammatical changes.
  • Permits should be reviewed by Lauren management (board members not involved in the review); in-person meeting should be with Lauren management (again, no board members).
  • Contractor must meet with owner and Lauren Management prior to start of any construction.

Renovation plans for units 112 and 113

  • Najah Abdalla, a nonresident Lauren owner and architect in DC, VA, and MD, presented a proposed renovation plan to the board on behalf of Thomas Zawalich for units 112 and 113. Some notes with regard to the discussion:
  • Mr. Abdalla explained that the current architectural draft is the first in a series of designs required to obtain permits for construction (electrical, plumbing, zoning, mechanical drawings).
  • Board questioned the spaces detailed and Mr. Abdalla explained that two of the rooms were bedrooms, 1 was a working office for the owner’s business, and one was to function as an employee lounge and lunch area.
  • Mr. Abdalla requested that board follow up with Mr. Zawalich directly.

NEW BUSINESS 

None

NEXT MEETING 

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2010. The Board encourages and invites owners to attend the monthly meetings.

ADJOURNMENT 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The Board met in executive session. 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED 

Barrett Witkin, Secretary

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Month Ending MAY 2010

A.   Total Owners Equity / Net Cash Available

Total owners equity / Net cash available at the end of May 2010 was  $ 1,171,991.08

1.    Fund Balances as of the end of May 2010

a.    Operating cash balance as of the end of  May 2010: $ 109,745.50  

b.    Reserve Funds:

b.1) Unrestricted capital reserves:                        $    691,025.08

b.2) HVAC dedicated replacement reserve
        
       fund booked balance:                                    $    389,089.00   

Total Reserves          $ 1,080,114.08

Note 1 re Reserve Funds:
2010 Monthly reserve contributions total $ 22,635.85 into respective reserve accounts as follows: 

·        General Reserves for 2010 = $14,083.33 per month

·        Restricted HVAC Reserves for 2010 = $8552.52 per month

Note 2 re Reserve Funds:
The HVAC reserve fund includes an additional subsidy transfer of $21,972 from the general reserves as of January 1, 2010.

B.   Year-to-date operations, through the end of May 2010:  

 

Lauren Budget

Simmons Report

Over/
(Under) Budget

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

Fees

455,575

 

455,670

 

95

Other Income

39,505

36,710

  (2,795)

Transfers from Reserves

69,472

79,799

10,327

Total

564,552

572,179

7,627

 

 

 

 

Expenditures

 

 

 

Operating Expenditures

349,148

342,568

(6,580)

Capital Expenditures

45,000

19,562

(25,438)

Other (Non Operating) Expenditures

146,817

143,893

(2,924)

 

Total

 

540,965

 

506,023

   

   (34,942)*  

                                                

 * $ 34,942: 

  • Underage due largely to timing of Interior Design invoices
  • Note that the Board has allocated 45K for Interior Design capital expenses for calendar year 2010 and YTD $12,361 has been spent.

 C.  Other Treasurer Reports  

  1. Laundry Income: 

a.    May  coin deposits                                                           $  1,458.00

b.   May “Net” Credit Card Income per Global Statement:    $ 1,363.74  

Total laundry income May 2010                              $  2,821.74     

NOTE:                                                                                                                                   

·         Coin collection and deposit covering period 03/26/10-05/12/10 performed 05/12/10 and the amount collected ($1,458.00) will be shown on June 2010 financial statement.  

  1. CD Activity with Smith Barney

·         Smith Barney has been successfully conducting electronic transfers of our monthly reserve contributions to the respective reserve accounts…General Reserves & Restricted HVAC Reserves.

·         Treasurer and Property Manager have reviewed the monthly Smith Barney statement of account for The Lauren Condominium reserves and have determined it to be accurate. Interested owners are free to request a copy from our Property Manager in writing. CD purchases / activity during the month are reflected in the monthly statement.

·         The Treasurer and Property Manager discuss the following with Smith Barney on a regular basis:  a) Current money market funds; b) CD Maturing Dates d) Non Smith Barney CDs to be moved into our Smith Barney account.

·         Remaining CD’s to be transferred to Smith Barney upon maturity:

WA First Bank: Matures 7/24/10 (5.25%)      $ 77,735.79  

4        Capital Expenditures         

·         Interiors: Approximately $ 25,000 to $ 30,000 more in capital expenses remains to cover contractor and interior design fees for interior renovations that were begun in 2009.

·         Southern Façade repair pending investigation by Seale Engineering….Cost of initial repairs estimated at $5,000. Cost of further repairs to be determined.

·         Valve Replacement. Board has signed a contract for $8,532 to replace a 6” sprinkler valve and a large number of small valves on hot water recirculating line.

·        Front Desk Renovation. The Board has signed a contract for $9,995 for  renovation of the front desk reception office

·        Roof Garden. The Board has approved purchase of a replacement grill and lounges for a cost of approximately $4,000.  

- END OF TREASURER’S REPORT -


Previous issues of Lauren Board Minutes from 1996 through this month are available from www.lauren.org/minutes.htm. Other Lauren information may be found in the Business Section of the Lauren Web site www.lauren.org/business.htm

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