The Lauren Condominium Owners Association
Minutes of the Board of Directors - March 5, 1997
President Brian Larkin called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in Unit 109. Present were other board members Eileen Collins, John Doolittle, Joe Morris and Waldemar Wajszczuk and Property Manager, Walter Krolman.
Treasurer's Report
The Lauren began 1997 in sound financial shape. For the first time since mid-1996, capital reserves increased. January closed with just over $188,000 in the reserve accounts, up more than $15,000 from December. The total Cash on Hand was just over $300,000, of which $42,000 was already committed to various operating expenses. This leaves The Lauren with just over $260,000 in net available cash, also up roughly $15,000 from the December level.
Income during January was roughly $500 less than anticipated. This was a result of less than anticipated monthly condominium fees and interest income. Five of the eight major budget categories were under budget, including: Maintenance Expenses ($110), Contracted Expenses ($75), Professional Services ($2700), Administrative Expenses ($775) and Insurance and Taxes ($10). Utilities and Salaries were over budget by roughly $2400 and $700 respectively. The utility overage was a result of a higher than expec ted gas bill.
No capital expenditures were budgeted or made during January.
Action Items
Fund Transfer
The Board decided to transfer $45,000 from the Operating Fund to the Reserve Fund.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Lauren Condominium Association was tentatively set for Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. The session will be held at a nearby hotel.
Door Thresholds
It was decided to have Lauren personnel clean and finish the thresholds.
Driveway ramp-- Rather than to resurface the driveway ramp leading to the parking garage, it was decided to rely on Lauren staff to watch and prepare for winter weather conditions. Proposals which were considered included installing heating coils in the roadway and resurfacing the ramp with grooves to increase traction.
Unit HVAC/Exhaust Cleaning
All residents will be notified of a proposal from a vendor who will clean exhaust ducts in units. The charge for the work would be borne by unit owners.
Pool Maintenance
The contract proposal submitted by American Pool Service was accepted.
Move-In Letter
The Board approved language for procedures to be followed when new occupants anticipate moving into a unit. The regulations will be sent to all owners.
Committee Reports
Security Committee
Elizabeth VanderPutten discussed several issues related to building security. As Chair of the Security Committee, she will prepare a letter reminding residents of the following precautions:
- 1. Don't buzz strangers into the building.
- 2. When entering the building don't let persons follow you in.
- 3. Never open your unit door to a stranger.
A discussion on general security procedures followed. As a result, several measures were approved.
- The Board decided that all contractors working in the building's common areas must register with the front desk and display visitors passes.
- Decals will be provided to all residents with the telephone number of the Lauren front desk.
- In an effort to improve services, residents will be asked to voluntarily provide emergency contact numbers to the staff.
- It was suggested that small mirrors be installed so as to provide visibility around the corner to the short hallways serving the 01, 02 and 03 units.
- Property Manager will obtain pricing on a video system that would allow residents to view visitors before buzzing them into lobby.
- All building staff will be asked to attend a meeting with members of the Board to discuss security matters in the building.
Marketing Committee
Chair John Doolittle discussed ways of improving the Lauren's image. He also presented a bid received to create a Lauren homepage on the Internet. Brian Larkin suggested that he might be able to begin work on the homepage.
Zoning Committee
Chair Joe Morris reported on developments that may influence the zoning of the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
Lobby Renovation
Eileen Collins Board Liaison to the Lobby Renovation Committee said the committee would be meeting soon.
Cost Containment and Revenue Enhancement Committee
Tower Resource Management has begun marketing the availability of the roof with several communications companies. This effort should result in enhanced income for the Lauren.
Review Status and Discussion Items
Hallway signage
The new hallway signs will be installed later this week, according to Walter Krolman.
Window Insulation Options
A memorandum will be sent to all residents which describes various methods of sealing windows so as to keep out weather and noise. The document will explain procedures and their costs.
Tier Exhaust System
A date has yet to be set with a contractor to test the airflow in the tiers to be sampled.
Emergency Evacuation Plan
The report will be presented to the Board at its next meeting.
Property Manager's Report
HVAC Leaks--Several minor refrigerant leaks were detected.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m. Executive Session followed. The next meeting of the Board will be Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. in Unit 109. Copies of the Minutes of this meeting may be obtained via e-mail by sending Property Manager Walter Krolman a request at TheLauren.com.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Doolittle, Secretary
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John Doolittle 3672 Winfield Lane, NW Wash, DC 20007 Phone/Fax: (202) 333-1479 bakedoo@erols.com
