Summary of ECA Board Meeting February 24, 2015

Board Present: Steven Schattman, Sharon Bobb, Patricia Batey, Jim Jones, John McNerney, Alfred Muller, Jim Vuko

Others Present: ECA General Manager Terry Lee, Legum & Norman Regional Manager James Santos. 

Highlights of the Meeting

ECA Treasurer reported that we have started drawing against our line of credit. The cold weather has saved us interest.

ECA General Manager will issue a revised schedule for window installation. Because of the time lost, the contractor will bring on extra crews and there may be some Saturday work which will not include demolition noise or window replacement. Window installation through the 7^th floor in the 19^th tier is next up for completion.

Claims against the ECA master insurance policy rising in 2015 due to sewage backup problems caused by "exploding toilets."

BuildingLInk will give a presentation Saturday, March 17, 2015 at 10 AM. This is for users already familiar with basic navigation of the BuildingLink system. ECA president urges everyone to upload a photo of themselves to promote community awareness. For example, you might then be able to learn people’s names by seeing their photosl Volunteers are needed. Call Pat Batey.

Board agreed to revew the Denzel contract.

Board agreed to purchase new device to bring winter cold air if a unit resident wants air conditioning in . This is more energy efficient.

Based on recommendation from the budget committee, the draft audit report has been accepted and sent back to the auditors for completion.

Noise from water pump continues. The problem is over one year running.

Committee Reports

Fitness: a new treadmill will be purchased to replace an old one.

Participation Committee continues to work on a campaign to update the ECA Bylaws starting with the initiative to lower the number of votes required to change ECA bylaws. Survey summary showed a surprising 85% indicating they would vote for the bylaw initiative. A separate proxy for the bylaw change will have its own proxy. The proxy will arrive and be distributed in several weeks. Volunteers are needed. Contact Jim Vuko.

Making a Difference Committee—on March 25 from 5-7, the committee will collect professional clothing to help financially disadvantage to get jobs. If possible, please bring clothing on hangers.

Comments from Floor

Praise was extended to ECA weekday mornings life guard Mohammed Ali for making sure the pool is opened 6-9 AM Mon-Fri.

Praise was extended to Early Kelly, ECA engineer for 23 years of service and to remind people he will retire in a year or do.

Bylaws Update Initiative Needs Your Support

Please  Help Update Our ECA Bylaws

The Board of Directors has launched a Bylaws Update Initiative which seeks to lower the number of votes required to change Elizabeth Condominium Association Bylaws from 75% to two-thirds of ECA members.  In order to achieve this goal, 75% of ECA members must vote to approve this change at the May 2015 Annual Meeting. 

Why This Change Is Important

The current limitation makes it difficult for our Board to respond in a timely fashion to challenges facing our community.  A 75% majority vote requires extraordinary effort and expense to achieve, especially where a sizeable number of the apartments are not owner-occupied.  Today 101 or 28.7% of Elizabeth apartments are being rented.  The proposed update is in line with Maryland condominium law and the vast majority of condominiums in our state.  Maryland law states that bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of unit owners unless a higher percentage is required in the Bylaws.  Two-thirds is a super majority and is sufficient to prevent a small number of homeowners from changing bylaws and forcing their will on the rest of the community.  The proposed update will allow for somewhat greater flexibility in making changes in the operation of the Association, when appropriate.

We Need Your Help

A great deal of manpower will be needed to get the 75% of votes required to pass this update.  If you would like to help you just reply to this email and someone will contact you.

Please tell your friends.  Thank you!

James Vuko, Participation Committee Chair / jvuko@conference.com / 301-913-5934