The Lauren Condominium Owners Association
Minutes of the Board of Directors - April 14, 1999
President Joe Morris called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Manager's Office. Present were other Board members Adrienne Simenhoff, Mike Silverstein, Elizabeth VanderPutten, Waldemar Wajszczuk, and Property Manager Walter Krolman.
Treasurer’s Report
As of February 28, 1999 the Lauren had $445,427 cash on hand. In February, we had income of $48,118 compared with expenses of $40,060 for a monthly surplus of $8,050.
Operating income was under budget by $2,775, found mostly in interest income. Operating expenses were under budget by $8,948 with utilities the largest variance. Capital expenditures for February totaled $770. As of February 28, the Lauren had a total income of $96,077 compared to $86,875 for a year to date surplus of $9,202
The Board approved transfer of the operating surplus from last year to capital reserves.
Action Items
Lobby Punch list
- Mirror: The Board approved the use of a new contractor to install a new multi-piece mirror by the elevator to replace the cracked one.
- Handrail: The Board asked the Manager to make sure the wall by the handrail in the lobby is painted. The Manager is to continue to keep a watch on the handrail to make sure it stays secure. He is also to get options for other kinds of handrails and wall coverings to reduce future problems.
- Lighting in the Lobby and the Bulletin Board: The Board asked the manager to make sure that Georgetown Design complete the items they are working on as soon as possible.
Furnishings and Rugs: Despite many efforts, the Board has not been able to find a suitable rug. They now intend to go through a new interior decorator. Board members will get names this week
Lost Packages: The Board discussed a complaint of a lost package at the desk. The package was signed for by a desk person but apparently was not delivered. The Board reminds residents that they must sign for all packages. The Board also reminds residents that most delivery services will deliver directly to your unit. This is of course the safest way for any expensive items. If residents are planning to be away for extended periods of time, it is best to make arrangements for delivery of packages to your unit or to have the package picked up by a friend. It is also a good idea to have the post office hold delivery of mail if you are going to be gone for long periods.
Heat: The Lauren almost always turns off heat by April 15th so that the air conditioning can be turned on. As usual for Washington, the spring weather varies from day to day. A week ago, temperature was in the 80s; this week its been highs of 60s. Recognizing the cold wave, the property manager will try to have the heat on this week but must be prepared to get the air-conditioning on quickly. This is difficult given the infrastructure of the building.
Request for Waiver of a Move-in Fee: The Board considered but rejected a request for a waiver of a move in fee. This is standard policy.
Committee Reports
High Speed Internet Access and Alternative Cable/Satellite Service: Waldemar reported on a number of ideas. StarPower offers high speed Internet access, local and long distance telephone service and cable TV. These can be purchased separately or together as a package. This may be the most cost-effective alternative. There are no direct costs to the Association. Each unit owner who wishes the service would buy it. One question is whether this service can or should be offered along with DC cable or would they need an exclusive contract. The Board will ask the Lauren lawyer to review this and other contract issues. Waldemar also discussed the possibility of getting a form of DirectTV.
Review Status and Discussion Items
Noise: Two problems have been reported. The construction of the building in the back has annoyed a number of people. The buses by the Hotel are idling again. The property manager will talk to both groups, asking them to obey the law. Owners and residents are encouraged to call either the hotel or construction site themselves. The number for the Summerfield Embassy Square Hotel is (202) 659-9000. The General Manager is Henry Newsome. The number to call to request police assistance in enforcing DC's non-idling laws is (202) 727-1010.
Garage Entry Policy for Inclement Weather: The Board reviewed issues about the garage ramp in storms. Options that have been discussed in the past were heating the concrete or scoring the concrete to make it have traction. All of these are expensive and are none is guaranteed to work. The current policy is to open the door during bad weather to limit the possibility of a car sliding down to the door and breaking it. However, leaving the door open could breach security. The Board authorized hiring an additional person if possible to watch the door. However, it is often difficult to get someone in during a snowstorm. The manager will develop a new policy for desk personnel.
Annual meeting: The Board reminds owners that the Annual Meeting is May 5, 1999 at 7:30 PM at Marriott Hotel. Be sure to attend or turn in a proxy.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45. Executive session followed.
Respectively Submitted
Elizabeth VanderPutten, Secretary
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