The Lauren Condominium Owners Association
Minutes of the Board of Directors - May 28, 1997
President Joe Morris called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in Unit 109. Present were other board members Eileen Collins, John Doolittle, Elizabeth VanderPutten and Waldemar Wajszczuk and Property Manager, Walter Krolman. In addition, owner Roger Hirschland was present during part of the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
In April, The Lauren's finances continued to display the healthy trend that began in January. The Lauren's official financial statements show that the capital reserves climbed to $279,551, up $58,000 from March 31. Forty-five thousand dollars of this increase resulted from the transfer of surplus 1996 operating funds to the reserve accounts, which the Board approved earlier this year. The total cash on hand as of April 30 was $340,939,781, down $4,000 from March, while the Association had $310,902 as t available cash, an increase of $1,000 from last month.
The amount of operating income The Lauren received in April was roughly $425 more than anticipated. Most of this was the result of higher than expected interest income. As for expenses, six of the eight major budget categories (Utilities - $144, Contracted Expenses - $228, Professional Services - $1603, Administrative Expenses - $217, Insurance - $511, and Capital Expenditures - $4,375) were under budget. Maintenance costs exceeded the budgeted amount by $794 due to the timing of ground supply expens es, while Personnel costs were over budget by nearly $3,400 because of convector servicing and the addit ion of an employee's family to the health care policy.
Several of this year's planned capital projects have been completed, but as of April 30, the Association has not been billed for the work. The total value of the completed work thus far is $21,750. However, in April, the Association did make one capital expenditure of $1,639 for the initial work on the new canopy.--Waldemar J. Wajszczuk, Jr., Treasurer
Action Items
Formation & Appointment of Committees
- Marketing, John Doolittle, chair
- Cost Containment, Waldemar Wajszczuk, chair
- Security, Elizabeth VanderPutten, chair
- Zoning, Brian Larkin, chair
- Lobby Renovation, Eileen Collins, liaison
- Landscaping, Waldemar Wajszczuk, lisison, Don Benedick, chair
Tier Exhaust System Report
The Board raised a number of questions about the report and wondered what steps might be taken to improve air flow throughout the building. Walter Krolman said he would relay the queries to the contractor and report back to the Board.
Review draft of Emergency Evacuation Plan
The issue of notification of handicapped persons living in the building was discussed. It was decided that residents who require assistance during emergency evacuations should notify Lauren staff. During an emergency evacuation, the names and unit numbers of those individuals will then be given to fire department personnel so they can be helped out of the building. After making these changes, the Board approved the Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Review Status & Discussion Items
Security Measures
- A security camera in the foyer will be hooked into the cable-tv and master antenna system allowing residents to see who is buzzing their units. The black and white camera will be installed in the next four to six weeks and costs $4,200.
- Hallway mirrors for floors 1-9 are in and will be installed within the next two weeks.
- Access to the building must be carefully monitored.
- All guests must be signed in. The desk will not accept phone authorizations but rather encourage residents and owners to provide the front desk with a request in writing to allow individuals to have access to their units. Admission requests by telephone will not be accepted A second meeting of Lauren staff focusing on security issues is being planned.
- The buzzer which accompanies the opening of the front door is both loud and long. Walter Krolman will determine if the length of time required to activate the opening of the front door can be shortened.
Hallway signage
Remaining hallway signs will be installed in mid June.
Front entrance canopy
An inspection of the canopy installation will be made to determine if the canvas is properly fitted over the frame and/or the posts require some straightening.
Board of Directors Building Tour
Property Manager Walter Krolman and Building Engineer Wayne Hall will conduct a tour of the building for members of the Board on June 25 at 6:30 p.m.
New Business
Roger Hirschland requested permission to create a doorway between his unit (906) and Unit 907 in the event that he purchases the adjoining unit. Permission was granted.
Property Manager’s Report
In the event that an elevator car is not functioning properly, staff is reminded of the procedures to be followed. Staff must actively search for an elevator car when the elevator alarm is sounded. If the elevator is believed to be out of order and personnel cannot verify whether anyone is trapped inside the car, staff are to call the elevator service company.
A recent leak on the penthouse level resulted water driping into 10th floor trashroom. In response, the Board authorized repairs to reseal the roof flashing and improve drainage in the area. The 10th floor will be monitored to determine if the leaking has stopped.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m. The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Unit 109. All residents and owners are invited to attend meetings of the Board of Directors. Executive session followed. Copies of the Minutes of this meeting may be obtained via e-mail by sending Property Manager Walter Krolman a request at WKrolman@aol.com .
Respectfully Submitted,
John Doolittle, Secretary
John Doolittle 3672 Winfield Lane, NW Wash, DC 20007 Phone/Fax: (202) 333-1479 bakedoo@erols.com
