Present at the meeting: Alexandra Kielty, Judi Barth, (late), Molly Frantz, Seth Levine, Al Muller, Scott Murdoch, Jim Santos, recorder of meeting minutes. Absent: Charles Bressler & Monique Fridell.
Meeting was held at the Friendship Heights Village Center.
This meeting ran pretty smoothly but it still took longer than originally planned. Most of the meeting involved small improvements to the building and deciding on contractors to accomplish these tasks. What is clear is that on-site manager Jim Santos is proactive and doing an excellent job.
Renovations:
During the heavy rainstorms, leaks from lobby windows were identified as workers attempted to begin installation of carpeting. 48 panes of glass had to removed and retrofitted. To replace glass would have cost $700-$1000 per pane.
Also had to level the floor, which was another unexpected cost.
Had to replace party room air handler but got a better deal from a previous contractor (versus the one carrying out the renovations. $8,000 versus $19,000)
New door security system: it will be about two months before the new system is operational.
Rentals in the building: need 21 more responses to determine number of rentals in building. Of the responses 78% of the units are at this time owner occupied.
Installation of TVs & audio equipment: will spend $19,000 – install two TVs, wireless microphones, keypads, speakers, DVD players.
Painting of balconies: Jim Santos has outlined a process for correcting problems with painting of balcony floors and ceilings. New products need to be used but old paint will have to be scraped and sanded.
Swimming Pool Management: After extensive research from Jim Santos, Board decided to renew the Aquafit contract.
Protective Covers for Garage Opener Mechanisms: Board approved purchase of protective covers.
Balcony Hardware: The Board decided to buy specially made aluminum braces to hold balcony planters. Many owners do not have these and want them while other may have braces that are causing rust to run down the balcony walls producing an unsightly mess. Owners would then be given opportunity to purchase the aluminum braces.
Rules for Private Contractors: Jim Santos is working on a set of rules for private contractors. This draft will come back to the Board for discussion/approval.
Emergency Generator: needs to be installed. Has to be coordinated with PEPCO. Will cause some elevator disruption.
Mendoza Engineering Study: still not complete.
Window-washing contract: Not decided. Board asked Santos to do additional research. Also there was some discussion about washing balcony doors and replacing certain screens.
ECA Website: Seth Levine expects to start testing the new website the week of August 23.
