Lauren Condominium Association

Minutes of the Board of Directors

January 31, 1996

President Brian Larkin called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in Unit 109. Present were other board members, John Doolittle, Jason Juffras, Paul Kearney and Waldemar Wajszczuk and Property Manager, Walter Krolman plus former board member Melva Caswell and resident Susan Dunbar, President Larkin welcomed Waldemar Wajszczuk as new member of board. He will serve as the Board's Treasurer. Melva left the Board after she and her husband, Luis Vazquez, moved to their new home in Silver Spring.
 

Treasurer's Report

As has been the case for all of 1995, the Lauren's finances ended the year in fairly good shape. The financial health of the Lauren continues to be stable, although as anticipated, the reserves decreased slightly from the final 1994 figure to $216,401,90.

overall, The Lauren finances were very close to the budgeted amounts. Of the Lauren's eight large budget categories, five were under budget and three were over budget. Two of the three categories that were over budget were over by a small amount and the final category, capital expenditures, was over by about $9,500. This additional expenditure was due to higher than expected costs for repairs on the building facade and the outdoor parking lot. Of the five categories that were under budget, significant savings were realized in two of the categories. In addition, for the year the Lauren's income was slightly higher than anticipated.
 

Action Items

Board Appreciation

Board members voted to express their thanks to the Lauren staff for their efforts during recent blizzard conditions. All staff members helped to make the winter storm more bearable for Lauren residents and professionals.

Garage ramp and door problems during winter.

Automatic door sensors will be checked and cleaned. It was suggested that moving the sensors and the keybox further back from the door would allow motorists to activate the opener sooner. Other suggestions included installing speed bumps and/or putting grooves in the driveway. Also, salting and cleaning the drive at the first sign of snow and ice was recommended.
 

Committee Reports

Building Security Chair, Jason Juffras indicated he will have a report to give to the Board at its next meeting.

Hallway Renovation Chair, Paul Kearney reported committee members met with three design firms. Written proposals have been received from two of the firms. One contractor is ready to show the committee a remodeling plan.

Newsletter Co-Editors Waldemar Wajszczuk and Paul Kearney reported that efforts to inaugurate the newsletter were hampered by the recent blizzard. They are planning to publish the first issue of the newsletter within the next month. Anyone who wants to submit an article should contact Waldemar Wajszczuk in Unit 312. He may also be reached at waldekl@ix.netcom.com
 

Review Status and Discussion Items

Changes to the financial services contract with Dubin & Associates have resulted in an annual savings to the Lauren of $3,750.

Door closers are being installed. The project will be completed by the end of February.

Outdoor Parking Lot gate is now functioning.

Flash heaters are not working despite recent efforts. During repairs, it was discovered that the heaters were rusting. The system will be examined by manufacturer's representatives soon.

Four parking spaces on Sunderland alongside the Lauren, which would be zoned for residential parking, are being sought. Attempts to secure the spaces are being made by resident and owner, Dave Lilling. Meters will be removed and replaced with Zone 2 parking restrictions.

Professionals in the Lauren who are applying for Certificate of Occupancies are awaiting written orders from the Board of Zoning Adjustment following its May 1995 denial of the request, according to John Doolittle. Once those orders are received, Doolittle said the professionals will have several choices of action including asking the BZA to reconsider its decision, appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals, or file a new application with the BZA.

Underground storage tank. Next week a report will be completed which documents the status of the underground tank enabling the Lauren to apply for a permit to seal the tank in the ground. Final approval must come from the Fire Marshall. The tank has been drained to the extent it is possible by using the oil as heating fuel.

Desk staff are now accessible by a pager which responds to calls from the telephone outside front door. Therefore, when staff are away from the front desk, it is possible to alert them by calling the pager. Property Manager, Walter Krolman has instructed desk staff on the importance of keeping a log of events which occur during their shifts. Information in the log will be available to the Property Manager and the Board of Directors. Krolman also reported that the staff had a training session to review procedures to follow in case of emergency incidents. Staff members were given specific instructions on determining the nature of an emergency, who to call, and how to respond.

Phase one of the computerization of Lauren records is completed. The project involved the entering of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all Lauren residents and owners into a computer file. The next phase will involve computerizing financial data and the budget.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. An executive session followed. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the board will be Wednesday, February 28 in Unit 109 at 7 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Doolittle,

Secretary