The Lauren, A Condominium
Minutes of the Board of Directors, September 2, 1998 (Rev.)
President Joe Morris called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in unit 109. Present were board members Joe Morris, Adrienne Simenhoff, John Doolittle, Mike Silverstein and Elizabeth VanderPutten and for a portion of the meeting unit owners Eileen Collins and Mason Essif.
Treasurer’s Report
The budget report covers two months.
As of July 31, 1998, net cash is $408,989. So far for this year, we had an income of $506,000 with expenses of $461,000 with a surplus of about $45,000.
Operating income has been above budget by $6,000 and operating expenses have been $3,900 below budget.
In June, the Condominium ran a $3,294 surplus. In July, the surplus was a patriotic $1776.
Overall, Capital expenditures were within our overall capital expenditure budget. The chiller is paid in full at $112,711, which was considerably below budget.
Final bills on the lobby are not yet in and we still have to pay for the pavers outside, the doorways and the elevator renovations. The Treasurer estimated that $55,000 is still to be paid for the renovation project. The total cost is higher than estimated but additional projects were included (elevators, pavers, upgraded finishes etc).
Action Items
Roof Garden party
The date for the Annual Lauren Roof Garden Party is set for September 23 from 6 - 8:00.
High Speed Internet Access for the building
The Board discussed an unsolicited proposal from CAIS for high-speed access to the Internet. The cost would be approximately $40 a month if 40 owners signed up for it. The Property Manager will meet with the vendor. Resident and owners who are interested should contact Walter.
Lobby Redecoration
Georgetown design presented some additional designs for furniture for the lobby. While the Board liked the furniture, they did ask for one that might cost a little less. In the meantime, the old furniture will be put back.
The City finally approved the installation of pavers outside the door. However, the city says they are 30 - 60 days behind in recording deeds and issuing permits.
The wall panels have been ordered for the elevators.
John Doolittle found a company that can "cleanup" some of the elevators surfaces that have been scratched or have graffiti. The Board authorized this service.
The Board authorized the Manager to hire a company to polish the marble in the lobby.
Bonuses for the Lobby Staff
The Board approved bonuses for the lobby personnel who handled the dislocation and dust during the renovations with patience and professionalism.
Committees
Gardening Committee The President re-appointed the garden committee headed by Don Benedick.
Other Business
Board Commended John Doolittle Who Is Stepping Down
John Doolittle announced that he has a contract to write a book and, with the deadline drawing near, must cut back on commitments. This means regretfully that he must resign his position on the Lauren Board.
The Board commended Doolittle for his record nine years of continuous service as an officer of the Board and for his continuing contributions to upgrading the quality of Lauren. Among these the Board cited his work with decorating committees, chairing the marketing committee, overseeing the Lauren Newsletter and development of the Lauren Website, producing the Lauren brochure, and inaugurating informal activities such as the roof garden socials.
Recalling the difficult years as well as the good, Doolittle said, "It has been satisfying to look back over the past nine years and reflect how bravely previous boards dealt with struggles confronting the Lauren. Often the board meetings would last until nearly midnight while we deliberated over the managerial and financial 'crises' facing the building. As the problems mounted, Board members would draw energy and insight from one another. Fortunately, for the Lauren, our efforts paid off and the operation of the building became predictably sound. I am proud to have been a part of those efforts."
The Board noted that in losing Doolittle, the Lauren is losing an important source of institutional memory as well as an unstinting source of support for improving the Lauren.
Mayoral Forum
The mayoral candidates will discuss condominium issues.
- Tuesday, September 8, 1998
- 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Meeting Hall of St. Paul's Parish
- 2430 K St. NW, Washington, DC
Condo Fee Request
Owner Mason Essif spoke about the budget and asked if the Board would strive to keep the condo fees at the same level. The President suggested he attend the next few board meetings where budget will be discussed.
Property Manager’s Report
HVAC. Krolman reported that there were two malfunctions since the last Board meeting. Owner Eileen Collins thanked the Board for the work in improving the functioning of the air conditioning. The water temperature was lowered 3 degrees from the factory set temperature. Board members commented that they too felt the differences.
Pool. The Board approved a recommendation by the manager to replace the rusted fill spout that will make filling the pool easier.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Board will be Oct 7.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15. Executive session followed.
Respectively Submitted
Elizabeth VanderPutten, Secretary
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