Notes from Informal Discussion with ECA Board Jan 15 2012

Present: Ilo-Mai Harding, Alfred Muller, and David Robinson.

About 30 people attended the gathering.

Main Topic of Discussion: Capital Improvement Project and activities building on the existing Mendoza Report.

David Robinson is working with Ted Ariev to organize and prioritize the numerous critical projects the ECA is faced with. Ariev’s guiding principles for prioritization are as follows:

#1 Safety

#2 Health

#3 Quality of life

Safety addressed government standards that the Association must meet including electrical issues and fire regulations. The discussion pointed out that we have no sprinkler system and the only condo building in the neighborhood that does is the Carlton, which is new enough to have had that featured required and therefore built in. Also, doors into units have been cut leaving gaps that can easily feed a fire as the air passes under these doors that do not meet safety standards. One resident discussed 19 code violations that were discovered when she renovated her kitchen. She conjectured there are many other apartments with these kinds of problems. Because code changes, it is not always possible to be current with every requirement. And surprisingly the Association gets conflicting information from fire officials.

Other issues that will be addressed in the amended Mendoza Report include balconies, garage, and patio repairs.

This discussion also led into a sizeable amount of time discussing hallway renovation. The Board members emphasized that structural, electric, health, and safety issues must be addressed before the Hartman Design Group would be allowed to move forward. There was also discussion about a possible new survey that needs to be done before the Hartman Group is allowed to proceed. People are still concerned that the refurbishment of the halls project needs to focus on cost and durability. One attendee pointed out that chairs in the elevator lobby are not holding up and need to be replaced.

Another topic that was brought up by an active swimmer is that tiles are falling off the walls of the pool. Also the use of the equipment in the gym is becoming more popular. There is a TV now but users need to bring headphones for effective use. Another suggestion was to install written instruction for how to operate the TV.

A suggestion from the floor recommended taking a survey to find out the expertise of residents and to get younger people involved in Association business.

Dr. Muller said he would send his notes to the absent Board Members to inform them about the discussion.