Summary of ECA Board Meeting Aug. 25, 2015

Board Present: Sharon Bobb, Patricia Batey, Clifford Cohen, Peg Downey (by phone), Jim Jones, John McNerney, Steven Schattman

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

Here are highlights  from the meeting noted by Ellen Cohen:

. The President announced that the system of hall representatives is being revived and the Board is looking for new volunteers.  The task of the hall reps is to welcome new residents and acquaint them with the house rules and by-laws.

. The President announced that on Oct. 6 there will be a presentation by ePipe to educate us about corrosion in the pipes and what we can do about it and the pinhole leaks.

. The next Board meeting will be on Sept. 29 to avoid conflict with the Jewish holidays.

. A resident (Marge McNerny) spoke about humidity in her unit after fan coil installation and noted that it seems to be an issue with many residents, with humidity ranging from  65-80%.  Some  pans in fan coil units still have water.  Filters are difficult to install, are expensive and can only be ordered online.   The fan coil units were recommended by Mendoza.  Units were chosen by Management and the Board and were offered extended warranties.

. A resident (Alex Kelty) raised the issue of  ramps and ADA-assisted doors for garage levels and the entrance to the Arcade. 

. A resident (Al Mueller) commented that the head concierge will be leaving the building and this is the second time that has happened in a short time.  He stated that the retention rate needs to be addressed.

. A resident (Al Mueller) commented that an item of $165,000 for MR&R that was approved by the Board at the last meeting was not reviewed by the Budget Committee and was added at the last minute to the agenda. He was concerned that agenda items should not be added at the last minute unless it is an emergency.  He also asked why the MR&R committee meets on Tuesday mornings when it is not convenient for people who work to attend.  David Robinson replied that the charter for their committee doesn’t say ‘Thou shall meet at certain times’.  

. A resident (Molly Franz) said she had understood that the MR&R meetings were private.

. A resident (Molly Franz) asked why the Board was going to vote on a mechanical, electrical and plumbing contract and wanted to understand how this new proposal relates to the plan we have been following.

. A resident (Molly Franz) asked about the status of the study on installation of the windows, balconies and balcony/patio doors.  Some residents still have problems with windows not being plumb and balconies not being level and puddles of water collecting on the balconies.

. A resident (Stefanie Olshan) asked if we are paying for our engineers to repair problems which have have been caused by QAS during installation of the fan coil units.  

. A resident  asked if it is possible to lower the swimming pool water  from 91 degrees to something lower at least during the summer.  Mr. Lee responded that this question has been raised before and he receives both complaints and thank-yous from residents each time the temperature is adjusted.

. The Finance Committee (Folake) reported that it has suggested for Board consideration changes to move-in/move-out fees to repair the wear and tear in the elevators and to remove trash left on G-1 by movers.

. A resident (Pat Pizer) noted that there has been significant turnover in the building.  70% of those moving in/out are renters.

. Board member Peg Downey announced that henceforth, the MR&R and Design committees will be having joint meetings.

. The Smoking Committee (Al Mueller) distributed a list of recommendations  for the Board to consider.

The following notes are from Molly Frantz:

The Board approved all the contract proposals listed in the agenda.  The key one had to do with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.  Board members want a fresh look at things since there have been so many problems/complaints after all the work done.  They definitely do not want Mendoza.  Most interesting part of the discussion was Santos had no idea about the proposal and was arguing against doing it.  His point was we have a plan for replacing equipment, etc.  The Board is looking beyond a plan for replacing old equipment to what are the problems we have, things like humidity, leaks, etc.