Lauren Condominium Association
Minutes of the Board of Directors
February 28, 1996
President Brian Larkin called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 residents, Roger Hirschland and Elizabeth VanderPutten.
Treasurer's Report--
The Lauren has started the new year in good fiscal shape.
In January the capital reserves were up by $13,000 to $229,054.78, reversing the declines recorded in the last two months of 1995. Also, the total cash on hand and the net cash available to the Association were up slightly from December levels. Income and expenditures for the months were close to anticipated levels. Utilities, salaries, and contracted expenses were over budget by about $2,200, $600, and $1,400 respectively, which in part was a result of the severe weather the area experienced in January.
However, the over expenditures were partially offset by other categories which were under budget. These categories were led by professional services which was $1000 under budget and maintenance which was under by $1,200.
Overall, the Lauren was slightly over budget for the month of January.
Action Items--
The pool service contract needs to be renewed.
Seahorse presented a bid to continue providing the service at a small increase over last year. The firm will include some safety features such as a Shephard's Crook and a flotation device. It was decided to renew the Seahorse contract. The pool will be open beginning May 15 and close October 1.
Committee Reports--
Building Security
Chair, Jason Juffras presented the committee's report on security in the building. Committee members included Dr. Lillian Comas Diaz and former Lauren Board presidents, John Filice, Joe Morris and Dr. Elizabeth VanderPutten. Their report was based on a survey of resident attitudes about a number of security issues. According to Juffras, the committee's recommendations are fairly modest because the survey indicated most residents think, "things are going pretty well". The report makes the following recommendations:
1. The committee recommends that the Board of Directors modify the building access policy so that the period in which intercom use is not required reflects peak business hours more closely. Specifically, the committee proposes that the open-door policy be in effect during the following periods: 8am to 7pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, instead of 7am to 7pm every day under the present policy.
2. The committee recommends that the property manager develops formal procedures and institute training for the front desk staff about how to deal with emergencies, particularly fire. The committee is pleased to note that this recommendation is already being implemented.
3. The committee recommends that the property manager distribute a memo to all residents asking them to fill out an incident report in case of a burglary, injury, assault, fire, or other serious event. The Board of Directors should be informed of all such reports.
4. The committee recommends that the property manager procures and distribute a new batch of refrigerator magnets advising residents what to do in case of fire.
5. The committee recommends the posting of a sign near the outdoor parking lot (perhaps on the Laureno's back wall), indicating that the lot is monitored by security cameras and that any crimes will be detected.
6. The committee recommends that the intercom in the garage be moved to a position near the electronic box that opens the garage door. Presently, the intercom is mounted on a pipe near the ceiling, making it inaccessible.
7. The committee recommends that the property manager replace a listing of key codes that is kept behind the front desk to identify keys to get into utility rooms and condominium units in case of an emergency. The old list was tattered and worn, and might not have been legible in an emergency. The committee is pleased to note that this recommendation has already been implemented.
8. The committee recommends that the property manager remind all residents in a memo that fire detectors must be kept in working order, with good batteries, and that the Lauren will replace any inoperative batteries.
9. The committee recommends that the Board of Directors proceed with the strengthening of the metal railing on the roof deck. The railing is rusted in several places, vertical pieces are missing in certain areas, and some sections need reinforcing. The committee is pleased to note that the property manager has requested bids by March 15 and that funds for this project have been reserved in the 1996 capital budget.
10. The committee recommends that the Lauren secure additional security equipment -- a flotation device and a Shepherd's Crook (rescue pole) for the pool area. Seahorse Pool Service will donate this equipment if we renew our policy with them. The committee recommends that this equipment be purchased if the policy with Seahorse is not renewed.
Hallway Renovation
Chair, Paul Kearney reported committee members met with and received proposals from three design firms. It was decided to accept the bid of one of the firms, Gotwald & Finch of Georgetown. The design plan should be ready for Board approval within a month.
Newsletter
Co-Editors Waldemar Wajszczuk and Paul Kearney reported they have received several story ideas.
Personnel
Chair Jason Juffras will be organizing a meeting of this committee to discuss general personnel policies.
Review Status and Discussion Items--
Door closers have been installed in all but one unit. It will be completed soon.
Four meter-free parking spaces on the Sunderland side of the building have been designed with residential parking limitations.
Permits applying for the closure or removal of the underground storage tank will be filed with the city next week. The consultant's report recommended closing and not removing the tank.
Computerization of Lauren records is underway. President Brian Larkin is developing a master database. Once that is done he will be able to get complete financial records on computer.
Two addition bids are expected for roof deck railing repairs. Once they are in a contractor will be selected and the repairs will be completed before the pool opens, according to Property Manager, Walter Krolman.
The annual meeting of the Lauren Condominium Association will be Wednesday, May 8. We will try and schedule it at Marriott Hotel on 22nd street.
Flash Heaters vents have rusted due to improper installation of venting tubes. It was decided to spend $7,500 necessary to configure the venting and replace the rusted housing in order to get the heaters functioning.
Adjournment--
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. An executive session followed. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the board will be Wednesday, March 27 in Unit 109 at 7 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Doolittle, Secretary
