Summary of the ECA Board Meeting March 22, 2016

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

Others Present: ECA General Manager Stephanie Deoudes, Gates Hudson Vice President of Operations Larry Hirschman, ECA Legal Counsel Jeremy Tucker

Here are highlights of this board meeting:

President’s Report:

—Rebuilding the Reserve Fund is a top priority.

—Due to increasing professional business duties, Julie Kantor stepped off the Budget & Finance Committee. Connie Row has been appointed to complete Ms. Kantor’s term. Ms. Row has extensive executive experience including budgeting, contracting, and strategic planning.

Comments from the floor:

Several residents questioned why action related to the Reserve Fund was done in Executive Session versus in the public monthly ECA Board meeting. Legal counsel Jeremy Tucker said the action involved some legal matters that needed to be handled in Executive Session.

A question arose about the protocol for handling an emergency situation like the lack of hot water experience more than a week ago. Our new GM said the protocol that she gave the Concierge staff when she arrived was that she should be called regarding any questions that they have or any problem in the building at any time of day or night.  Most of the Concierge staff follow that protocol and they call her regularly.  But, this is a new protocol and this past weekend, the Concierge apparently did not understand what to do.  The GM explained that these are good people, this is a transition period, and she will continue to work with them and bring them along.

The GM also said that we have hired a chief engineer who will begin work April 11, 2016. He holds a Class 1 Stationary Engineer’s License in the state of Maryland and will also live in the building.

Committee Reports:

FINANCE

The Budget & Finance Committee is waiting for the Audit Report.

DESIGN

Sample carpet and other design elements for hallway renovation can be seen in the ECA management office.

LANDSCAPE

Budgetary needs were outlined for various landscape improvements for the front circle and other areas of the ECA property. The first priority is to fix the front of the building.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE BOARD

After a long hiatus, conversations with the Board resumed last weekend. The next meeting will be held on the third Sunday of the month.

SMOKING

The committee prepared a comprehensive report with recommendation for how the Board might proceed. The Board President and Legal Counsel Jeremy Tucker praised the report for its thoroughness. The bottom line is a strong recommendation for a bylaw amendment making the entire building smoke-free. The Board thanked the committee for its work but and is taking the report under advisement. Copies of the report can be obtained from the ECA management office.

Old Business

Work by Mendoza-Ribas was approved unanimously for ultrasonic testing of the water supply lines on 18E and removal of insulation as needed

New Business

Purchase of a new phone system that serves the Management Office, Concierge, Elevators, and Boiler Room was approved unanimously.