Highlights of ECA Board Meeting September 29, 2021

 Board Present: Joe Bucherer (president), Francine Klein, Lyle Schwartz, Elisa Siegel, Jeremy Siegfried, Christopher Wemple

 

Board Absent: Makarand (Mak) Dehejia

 

Others Present: Richard Springer, General Manager; Jeremy Tucker (ECA Legal Counsel, Lerch Early & Brewer)

 

President’s Report

The President reported [more details in October 2021 newsletter]

—longtime resident owner Dr. Dewey Wiseman (unit 801) died September 12.

—Planning activities/reports are underway: Condition Assessment, updated Reserve Study, annual audit.

—Fitness Center has not only facelift but also new equipment

—Building has suffered several water leaks. He urges residents to buy and use water detectors.

—Signup for routine maintenance and filter replacement OR change filters yourself.

—Corridor refurbishment project moving along

—Residents urged to be considerate and wear masks in common areas.

—Expectation to shorten written minutes.

 

Resident Comments

Questions were raised about who can park on G1, particularly regarding long term healthcare aids. The rule is a unit can be issued a 3-day pass for a guest and beyond that is up to our general manager. There are some units with long term aids that have 2 parking spaces and rent out one of them.

 

Legal Report

State-wide mandate (as of September 2021) for retrofitting sprinkler system in high-rise building by 2033.  [This will cost up to $5million and there are no state grants for this. However, there may be some legal suits brought against this. Water damage from sprinkler systems is also a problem.]

 

Manager’s Report [again check Oct. 2021 newsletter for more info.]

—Storage Room cleanup has seen significant progress. Residents will get notice to claim things now moved to G4 as “unclaimed” items.

—Two-way radio amplification system up and running.

—Lobby level and garage level painting & repairs will be completed in 2-3 weeks.

—Hot water storage tanks will be replaced by crane on September 16. Garage access will not be impeded.

—Expect a Reserve Study presentation in November.

 

Board Motions

—G1 Parking Rules amended by unanimous Board approval.

—G1 access changes that will allow automated entry without a trip to the front desk passed by unanimous Board approval.

—Money owed to Association: actions in House Rules to recover past due condo fees, etc. are under revision and will be presented to owners for comment.

 

New Business

—Pool hours—under consideration is making pool hours run later in keeping with pre-Covid  hours.

 

Note: with the new practice of putting details about ECA business in the newsletter in a timely fashion, I’m feeling less of a need to do these monthly summaries unless there is something controversial that could use clarification. With our new general manager and president, news is getting communicated efficiently. KLA

Garage Parking Issues

 

PARKING TOWN HALL MEETING SEPTEMBER 1ST

 

            A meeting was held to discuss the proposed amendment to the House Rules for Guest Parking.  The amendment would change the way clients and customers of the arcade businesses would enter the parking garage on G!. The amendment proposed that arcade businesses would use a buzz-in system that would let these individuals enter without registration at the desk. The following issues were raised:

 

—How do we ensure that both resident and arcade owners are treated fairly?

 

—How do you implement a system that ensures security for residents if there is no registration?

 

—There have been informal arrangements with some arcade owners who get guest passes without registration being completed while others must have their clients register.

 

—Most customers/clients are short-term users and use the spaces for an hour or two and then leave.

 

—Several people mentioned that some individuals seem to have permanent permission to use guest parking every day for care givers, even when they have second parking spaces which they rent out, while caregiver uses guest parking. There was some discussion about a set aside when spaces were purchased from Arcade Parking (Bressler) for caregivers. There is no documentation provided. The owners were never informed nor was the house rules ever changed to reflect this.

 

—One individual bragged that she was smart to keep her second space when she sold her apartment, since it entitled her to use all the amnesties.

 

—Several residents use G-1 rather than parking in their own spaces because it was convenient.

 

 

It was rerecommended before any change is made that the Association modernize the entry and exit system by using a ticket machine to dispense tickets. This way entries would be recorded. This would provide a measure of security.

 

            The ECA President pointed out that the Board had not reviewed the proposed amendment, and that the purpose of the town was to generate discussion of the amendment prior to its review. The Board will review the\e amendment at the September Board Meeting in open session.

 

            It was obvious that there are several issues beyond the arcade owners access to G1 that will need to be addressed as the house rule is updated.

Highlights of ECA Board Meeting July 28, 2021

 

Board Present: Joe Bucherer (President), Makarand (Mak) Dehejia, Francine Klein, Lyle Schwartz, Jeremy Siegfried, Christopher Wemple

 

Board Absent: Elisa Siegel

 

Others Present: Richard Springer, General Manager; Jeremy Tucker (ECA Legal Counsel, Lerch Early & Brewer)

 

President’s Report

The President gave a brief report stating significant progress had been made on the corridors, work in the storage rooms has begun, and the board is reviewing the policy on guest parking. Lyle Schwartz and Richard Springer will deal with these issues in their reports. The President encouraged every to attend July 29^th town Hall Meeting to discuss the development at 5500 Wisconsin Ave.

 

Resident Comments

Resident questions were raised about guest parking and landscaping on the east side of the building.

 

Treasurer’s Report

The Budget and Finance Committee will be recommending the reclassification of certain expenses from the operating budget to the reserve operating account.  The Budget and Finance Committee has recommended a pay down of the loan of approximately 50,333.55. The Board unanimously approved that payment.

 

The work on the audit has begun. 

 

Manager’s Report

Notices have been sent and articles have been removed from parking spaces.  Bicycles were not removed (as the bike room is crowded and disorganized. The bike room will be part of the ongoing reorganization of the storage areas0.  Also shopping carts were not removed.

 

The President and General Manager have begun to clear out some abandoned items that were on the floor in Storage Room G2. Items removed from G2 are in the staging area on G-4.  This will enable current residents to review these items, to ensure no items were removed by mistake. G3-G4 contain footlockers It is anticipated that shelves can be placed in those rooms, after the abandoned or discarded items have been removed, this will make it easier for residents to use the storage areas and to review and label their boxes and other items.  Mr. Springer has labels for all residents to use to label their boxes.

 

The Compost bins on the east side of the building has been relocated.

 

One hot water storage tank ruptured and has to be replaced. It was determined that a second storage tank should also be replaced. The second storage tank is the same age and is scheduled for replacement in the near future. Driving this decision is the high cost of insulation which includes renting a crane to lift and place storage tanks ($30,000).

 

Lyle Schwartz, Committee Chair, Corridor Committee

 

The Committee and Phyllis Hartman met with potential construction contractors.  They were given the specs to prepare a bid, as part of this process a building walk through with the contractors was conducted by the committee.  Engineering staff was made available to answer questions.

 

The President indicated that there  was a proposed change to the guest parking house rule.  The Board voted to distribute the recommended change to the residents.  A town Hall Meeting on Sept. 1 will be held to review the recommended changes and to answer questions.

 

(Copies of the recommended Guest Parking change was sent out via building link today, July 29, 2021) (Other copies will be distributed under the doors).

 

 

 

 

Highlights of ECA Board Meeting June 30, 2021

Board Present: Joe Bucherer (president), Makarand (Mak) Dehejia, Francine Klein, Lyle Schwartz, Elisa Siegel, Jeremy Siegfried, Christopher Wemple

 

Others Present: Richard Springer, General Manager; Jeremy Tucker (ECA Legal Counsel, Lerch Early & Brewer)

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

Mr.  Bucherer acknowledged the horrific tragedy of the condo collapse in Florida and said the integrity of our building and its adherence to building code is in good order.

 

The RFP to begin hallway renovation has been launched.

 

He initiated the possibility of converting our pool from chlorinated to salt water, making comments that the conversion cost is not prohibitive, that it is easier to heat a salt water pool, and there are health benefits.

 

An update to the reserve study is planned for next year.

 

LEGAL REPORT

Mr. Tucker reiterated that the Elizabeth Condominium Association is following building code and that it is up to the Board to make decisions for the Association.

 

MANAGEMENT REPORT

Two-way radio amplification update: Installation of the equipment proceeding with antennae that are less obtrusive than previously imagined.

 

Composting: 150 bins have been distributed and the program seems to be working well.

 

Auto break-ins occurred at the Highland House and Willoughby  but not at The Elizabeth. People entering the garage late at night should report and suspicious activity.

 

Landscaping has been updated and every effort is being made to keep the plants watered.

 

Pool fan was replaced resulting in less noise.

 

STORAGE COMMITTEE

Pat Peyser presented a comprehensive report on what is being done to clean up storage which includes abandoned items, some of which are expressly forbidden by fire code and house rules. Check Building Link for what is allowed.

 

Ms. Peyser said that residents will be asked to visit storage and get their boxes marked as well as remove any items not permitted. Further information will be provided. Visits to our three storage rooms will be coordinated by management and identification tags to identify legally stored items will be provided.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

—Units C1-C3 in Arcade was sold to investment group making inquiry last month about fence, but it is not clear what business will occupy that space.

 

MOTIONS

Mail corridor and lobby renovations contract decided and awarded to Palmer Brothers.

 

Overhaul of chiller #2 approved.

 

Draft guidelines for approval of operating expense exceeding $15,000 as well as operation of contingency funds approved.

 

The meeting ended at 7:35 pm.

Highlights of ECA Board Meeting May 26, 2021

 

 

 

Board Present: Joe Bucherer (president), Makarand (Mak) Dehejia, Francine Klein, Lyle Schwartz, Elisa Siegel, Jeremy Siegfried, Christopher Wemple

 

Others Present: Richard Springer, General Manager; Romaine Cureton, Assistant Manager (AM); Jeremy Tucker (ECA Legal Counsel, Lerch Early & Brewer); Robin Manougian, John Manougian Insurance Agency

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

Mr.  Bucherer opened the meeting with praise for ECA members who helped get us on good financial footing. His aim as the new president of the board is to effect open communication and transparency, focus on committees and their work, and continue to make repairs and upgrades which will improve quality of life and help increase our property values. His comments in more detail can be seen in the current newsletter.

 

You are strongly encouraged to read the newsletter and see where you can help with committee work. The newsletter has substantial information in it and is worth your time.

 

Resident comments were moved to the front of the meeting after the President’s Report. Mr. Bucherer said that those raising issues should also be prepared to help resolve the issue. He allotted 15 minutes to this portion of the meeting, saying each speaker would have 3 minutes.

 

ADDITIONAL PAYMENT ON LOAN    

Another $150,000 payment was authorized by unanimous consent.

 

LAWYERS REPORT

            Mr. Tucker outlined 3 bills passed by the Maryland legislature. (Last month he mentioned that these might become laws.)

—The State will require filing of condominium reserve studies every 5 years.

—Electric car charging stations: condo owners will be allowed to install charging stations in their parking spacing if it meets code. Owners pay for equipment, installation and possibly the electricity?

—Virtual meeting are officially deemed acceptable not only for emergency situations like the Covid pandemic but any time from now on. (ECA will continue with Zoom meetings.)

 

Composting was also mentioned and encouraged. We are now ahead of the curve having implemented composting last week.

 

MANAGEMENT REPORT

            Composting: 100 bins were distributed and the first compost collection pickup happened with both large collection bins full. Another 100 bins will be distributed to those wanting to participate.

           

Two-way radio amplification update: Installation of the equipment will cause some drilling noise.

 

OPENING OF BUILDING RESOURCES

The Board voted unanimously to open the West lobby, party room, business center and fitness center on June 15. Look for an announcement to know what limitations will apply. Thanks to Karen Bues for moving this project along.

 

OPENING OF VILLAGE CENTER: June 14, 2021

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 —Fitness Center: some equipment will be eliminated. New equipment will be purchased.

—Large unit in Arcade under consideration for sale to a group wanting to put a fence around a patio terrace. Board had a special meeting and said not possible because the terrace is common space. Questions were raised about why the special board meeting did not say the potential buyer wants to establish a daycare center in that space. The ECA Board cannot prohibit who buys an arcade space.

 

NEIGHBORHOOD REDEVELOPMENT

5500 Wisconsin will undergo redevelopment. A public meeting will be held at the Friendship Heights Village Center the evening of June 7. [Redevelopment is also going to happen at Mazza Gallery.]

Highlights of ECA Board Meeting April 28, 2021

 

Board Present: Lyle Schwartz (president), Zlatan Beca, Joe Bucherer, Makarand (Mak) Dehejia, Francine Klein, Elisa Siegel, Christopher Wemple

 

Others Present: Richard Springer, General Manager; Romaine Cureton, Assistant Manager (AM); Jeremy Tucker (ECA Legal Counsel, Lerch Early & Brewer); Robin Manougian, John Manougian Insurance Agency

 

PRESENTATION ON OUR MASTER INSURANCE COVERAGE

The bottom line is that financial health of our Association is excellent and the only thing we need to do  to make it better is review the electrical panels (used to be called fuse boxes) in all our units and be sure that each owner upgrades to code. When we had that exceptionally bad year in 2015-2016 (excessive water damage incidents), we lost our top-rated coverage with Insurance  Co. of Greater New York (GNY). What turned around our situation at that time was the ePipe project (as led by then Board president Sharon Bobb), which Ms. Manougian said helped us move in record time (1 year) from the bottom-of-the-barrel insurance coverage to above average coverage. Since we have had 5 years without claims against our master policy we are now able to move back to the top-rated coverage of GNY. The Board decided to go with GNY and to keep our $15,000 deductible. One board member favored a $10,000 deductible. Owners will be given additional information so they can ensure their policies cover the building deductible.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

            Mr.  Schwartz urged everyone to turn in their proxies to ensure we make quorum and can conduct the annual meeting on May 5.

            This is Zlatan Beca’s last board meeting. He is not running for reelection. Mr. Schwartz thanked him for his service.

            The corridor & hallway renovation is moving forward. A list of acceptable construction companies is being compiled. When demolition begins depends on vaccination levels.

 

LAWYERS REPORT

            Mr. Tucker said contract work on hallway renovation moving ahead and he briefly outlined 3 bills coming out the Maryland legislature.

—The State will require filing of condominium reserve studies every 5 years.

—Electric car charging stations: condo owners will be allowed to install charging stations in their parking spacing if it meets code. Owners pay for equipment, installation and possibly the electricity?

—Virtual meetings are officially deemed acceptable not only for emergency situations like the Covid pandemic but any time from now on.

 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

            Judy Gann reported:

—The League of Women Voters ran the Meet the Candidates program with great success.

—Ten people are calling ECA members who have not submitted their proxies. The push is on to establish quorum.TURN IN YOUR PROXY IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY DONE SO.

 

MANAGEMENT REPORT

            A complete copy of Mr. Springer’s Management Report is available electronically.  Here are some of the highlights:

            Elevator Update

Mr. Springer said the elevator was scheduled to be fixed last week but that didn’t happen and he didn’t expect additional information from Otis until April 30. He will issue more info via BuildingLink once he knows what the status is.

Two-way radio amplification update

Lord & Company, the selected contractor, is completing the final drawings for the project and will submit them to Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services.

 Miscellaneous:

—Emergency procedures are being worked on. Bottom line is that people with mobility issues should shelter in place and call 911 (not the front desk) to report on their situation during an emergency. There will be no list kept at front desk.

—G4 Deck: looking into possibility of just painting the floor because this would be a much lower cost then what was previously under consideration. Caveat is that paint will have to be maintained.

 —Fitness Center: awaiting recommendation from FC Committee and Covid19 Task Force to open Center possibly in June.

—BBQ Grills cannot be used on our party room terrace because Montgomery County Codes requires 50 feet distance from the building and our terrace is 42 feet deep.

Composting Is Coming to the Elizabeth!

 

On April 14, 2021, the Elizabeth Condominium Association held a town hall meeting on composting. Thomas Fazio from Compost Crew provided a brief tutorial on what composting is, its benefits, and how it can be enacted here in the Elizabeth.

 

Largely, composting is the collection of food scraps that one usually puts in the trash. It can however include used paper towels and napkins that are soiled with food residues. More information will be provided by our management on what else can be composted.

 

Food wastes like banana peels, eggshells, orange peels, etc. cause methane gas which pollutes our environment. However, compost processing yields rich natural fertilizer which is known as black gold.

 

Here are some of the benefits of composting:

—Eliminates bad odors in our trash rooms and trash shuts.

—Reduces infestation of rodents.

—Gives new value to our food dollars.

—Promotes a healthy green environment.

—Creates new jobs.

 

Look for a brochure under your door next week to explain how composting will work at the Elizabeth. The Association will pay for all composting bins and the liners that go with them.

 

Our Board Members and General Manager are enthusiastically on board with this project which was brought to their attention by our neighbor Karen Bues. I encourage you to support this important project.