The Lauren Condominium Owners Association
Minutes of the Board of Directors - June 25, 1997
President Joe Morris called the meeting to order at 7:50 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, owners Michael Silverstein and Thomas Zawalich were present during part of the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
The Lauren's finances continued to improve. The Lauren's financial statements show that the capital reserves climbed to $292,400, an increase of $13,000 since April. The total cash on hand at the end of April was $355,879 with $330,738 as net available cash. These amounts were up $15,000 and $20,000 respectively from last month.
The amount of income The Lauren received in April was roughly $830 more than anticipated. Most of this was the result of higher than expected income from move-in fees, within unit service and laundry. As for expenses, six of the eight major budget categories were under budgeted mounts for the month. Utilities were under by $730; while Maintenance; salaries; Contracted Expenses; Insurance and Taxes Maintenance; and Capital expenditures by $1130, $2100, $145, $311, and $20,310 respectively. Over budget were the Professional Services ($2090) and Administrative Expenses ($1) categories. The overage in Professional Services was the result of the annual Association audit being billed one month later than anticipated. By the end of April a number of Capital projects were underway or had been completed. Invoices for most of these projects had not yet been received y the close of the month.--Waldemar J. Wajszczuk, Jr., Treasurer
Action Items
Renovation Request
The new owner of Unit 111, Thomas Zawalich, requested permission to augment the utility connections in his unit by drilling a hole through to the basement level. The work as approved as long as it conformed with acceptable procedures.
Pet Rule Exception
The Board decided to grant the exception, provided that it is supplied with letters from health professionals attesting to the therapeutic need for a pet. In addition, the unit owner requesting the exception abide by the Board’s stipulations regarding comportment of the pet.
Master Insurance Policy
A proposal submitted by Weaver Brothers of Bethesda to continue providing the Lauren with a comprehensive insurance policy was reviewed and accepted. The new policy will provide additional coverage and save the building approximately $2,000 over the previous one during the next year.
Committee Reports
Lobby Renovation
Liaison Eileen Collins reported that the committee will be meeting within the next few weeks to discuss its approach to remodeling the lobby.
Marketing
Chair John Doolittle is developing ways to make the Lauren’s homepage on the Internet more widely known. In addition, he is eager to ensure the data on the webpage is current and will be making suggestions on how to maintain the page’s timeliness. Another effort includes the printing of a brochure extolling the virtues of the Lauren. The brochure will be available for distribution by September.
Security
Chair, Elizabeth VanderPutten reported that owner Adrienne Simenhoff has joined the committee. She also reported the following issues that the committee has addressed:
1) the length of the buzzer sound when persons are allowed to enter the front door in the lobby has been made shorter;
2) desk personnel have been instructed they need a letter to authorize release of keys to guests. This policy means that under no circumstances will desk staff give out keys to units based on receiving authorization phone. Only the Property Manager can authorize a key release from a telephoned request.
In a security related issue, Joe Morris complained about restaurant leafleters in building. Property Manager Walter Krolman suggested calling restaurant to stop the barrage and the intruders from entering building
Landscaping
The committee was requested to present the Board with a detailed summary of anticipated expenses so they could be considered when next year’s budget is prepared.
The committee would like to see the dead tree on 20th Street in front of the building replaced. If the City will not remove the tree, it was suggested that we ask permission to pay for the replanting.
Review Status and Discussion Items
Foyer Camera
The camera has been installed and is partially operational. District Cable has yet to connect the camera to the system in the building.
Hallway Signage
The remaining 20 signs will be installed the first week in July.
Front Entrance Canopy
The vendor is sending a seamstress to restring and tighten the canvass over the frame.
Building Air Flow
An effort will be made to be sure the duct system is operating properly and to ensure the registers are properly balanced.
Penthouse Water Leak
Caulking and testing of the seal around the elevator doorway indicated the problem has been repaired. Additional work needs to be done to flashing in a corner by the pool.
Staff Awards
Periodic awards will be made to Lauren employees with at least 10 years of service. The 10-year honor will be given to Thomas Burless and Cacho (Desiderio) Salinas.
In addition, cash awards will be made for outstanding meritorious service to those employees whose efforts helped resolve the recent incident involving a suspicious looking package. Letta Atsbeha and Sergio Rivas will receive recognition and $50 each for their handling of the incident tomorrow morning.
Dupont Circle Citizens Association Request for Donation
The Board decided not to support the Dupont Circle Citizens Association but would post the donation request during the Lauren’s fall party encouraging individual contributions.
Property Manager's Report
The report was accepted as presented.
New Business
Window Decorations
The discussion was tabled until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, July 21 at 7 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
