Summary of Meet the Candidates Program

I had to miss the Meet the Candidates program held April 23 but I'm posting the summary that Patti Absher wrote with input from Peg Downey. Patti invites other attendees to add to this summary. 

Three major issues confront our condo association:

1)    Improving our current management by making changes in the existing management or replacing it with a professional management company.

2)    How to refurbish the building’s public areas.

3)    When to replace windows and doors for all units.

 

Karren Alenier

Professional Management: supports

Refurbishment: supports

Window/Door Replacement: supports

 Ms. Alenier, who has a background of management within the federal government, said a condo board needs to be working at a supervisory and planning level, rather than performing management work the staff if staff have not. She therefore supports contracting with a professional management company where greater resources and group discounts can be realized. She believes a good professional management company and replacement of leaky windows and doors will help the Elizabeth achieve cost savings. Ms. Alenier supports communication within the Elizabeth, and is the creator of this blog.

Sharon Bobb

Professional Management: supports

Refurbishment: supports

Window/Door Replacement: supports

Ms. Bobb has made replacement of windows/doors a visible issue at monthly board meetings and has done extensive research that she supplied to the current board. As a retired human resources executive manager, she wrote job descriptions for all the current staff, hoping to help solve some of the existing management issues. She supports effective management and a board that communicates well with each other and the residents. She sees the refurbishment as a way to enhance our property values but also as an opportunity to improve the quality of life at the Elizabeth.

Charles Bressler 

Professional Management: does not support

Refurbishment: supports

Window/Door Replacement: supports

Mr. Bressler, a former Board president, believes that the current in house manager should be replaced and recently asked her to consider resigning so that her predecessor could be brought back.  He also believes that the Board can and should continue to manage an in-house staff. In the interest of preserving property values, he, as a real estate agent, supports the refurbishment and the replacement of doors/windows. He did caution that he believes the refurbishment project will go over budget as it did when he was involved with building refurbishment 20 years ago.

Monique Fridell

Professional Management: does not support

Refurbishment: supports

Window/Door Replacement: does not support windows in the near future 

Ms. Friedell, an incumbent board member serving as treasurer, makes conserving money her primary concern.  Ms. Fridell believes that in-house management needs additional time and direction by the Board in order for staff to do their jobs effectively. However, she also said our manager has too many responsibilities and serves in the dual role of in-house and community manager. On the issue of window replacement, her goal for the Elizabeth is that it become a “green” building, but currently supports the information in the Reserve Study which recommended replacement of windows/doors in 2021. 

Judy Gann 

Professional Management: supports 

Refurbishment: supports

Window/Door Replacement: unclear. She said she has storm windows in her apartment and that they make a very big difference.

As incumbent board member and Board Secretary, Ms. Gann led the search for a contractor to provide needed improvements in the interior design of lobbies, halls, and other shared spaces in the Elizabeth and wishes to continue that work. She also chaired the Landscaping Committee.

Alexandra Kielty

Professional Management: her position was unclear but leaned toward in-house management 

Refurbishment: supports

Window/Door Replacement: unclear 

Ms. Kielty, an incumbent board member, supports refurbishment of the building, particularly as it pertains to the exercise room.  She is concerned about rising condo fees but also sees the need to spend money to preserve the value of homes in the Elizabeth.