Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
Queensberry Condominium Trust
May 21,  2012

Pursuant to the Article V.  Section 5.9 of the By-Laws of Queensberry Condominium Trust,  a monthly meeting of the Trustees was held on Monday,  May 21,  2012, at 6:30PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

Those Present:  Michael Grappo, Ning Hernandez, Sheryl Kelly and Jeff Schwarz , Trustees
David Sherf was not Present
Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM.  

FINANCIAL REVIEW

An electronic version of the monthly financial report for April had been e-mailed to the trustees along with copies of all paid bills.    The balance sheet at the end of April  reflected $11,572 in the operating account and $43,021 in reserves.    Jeff asked what the $187 charge for landscaping was for.   A review of the expense distribution report reflected that the expense was a reimbursement to Sheryl for the urns and planters she had purchased to be placed outside the front door of each building.   Jeff asked about the $245 charge for office supplies and expenses.   Pam replied that this was Modica’s administrative charge for postage, photocopies, scans and faxes associated with the building during the month.   Modica has one machine that requires a code for each property that tracks the number of photo copies, scans and faxes.   The postage meter also tracks costs per building.   Michael stated that many properties charge for each and every time a notice or memo is delivered and posted to a property.    Modica does not follow this practice.   Michael went on to say that he has worked with several management companies and does not find any Modica charges to be unreasonable.  Jeff  further had a question on the electrical line item of the expense distribution report where there was a charge of  $1,980 and then a credit to offset the charge.   Pam stated that it was most likely a bill that had been posted in error and then reversed.      

Pam informed the trustees  that at the end of April 2011, the association incurred costs of $28,875  for oil and gas as compared with this year total costs of $19,480  representing an overall savings of $9,395 as a result of the conversion.   The association has a net profit of $11,448 for the first four months of the fiscal year and is current with all operating bills.

OLD BUSINESS  

The first item of business was the status of moisture infiltration in 111-19 and 17.    Sheryl and Jeff for the benefit of Michael explained that during the roof replacement project last year their respective units sustained moisture infiltration prior to the roof installation being complete.   The contractor, Eagle Rivet , denied any responsibility.   The relationship between the contractor and the association was strained at best due to the duration of the project.   David Modica had taken moisture readings in both units.   Sheryl indicated that she believes her unit has not sustained any additional moisture and has dried out.   Jeff is not so sure.   David Modica suggested that the problem may be the older windows in this unit.   Michael suggested that as a test, to replace one window to see if there is any noticeable difference.  

Touch up paint building 107 and wall/carpentry repairs in basement of 107.    Michael suggesting obtaining estimates prior to proceeding.  


Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
5-21-12
Page Two

NEW BUSINESS

Pam had prepared the paperwork for the new trustees for recording at the registry.    Everyone present signed. Arrangements will be made to obtain David Sherf’’s signature.

Sheryl Kelly executed the Service Agreement,  Facilities Easement and Compensation Agreement with Comcast on behalf of the Condominium Trust.   The association will be receiving the sum of $5,160 within (45) days after the execution of these agreements by both parties.

At last months meeting, the trustees reviewed the proposals that Pam had obtained for repairs/replacing the wrought iron railing around the perimeter of the property.   Logan Grate submitted an estimate to repair the railing for $5,500.  Nino’s Iron works submitted an estimate for repairing the railing  $4,500, and providing a new railing $13,100.    Michael obtained an estimate from Designer Fence to remove the old railing and replace with a new railing for the sum of $33,797.50 and another proposal from JC Sosa for fabrication and installation  $17,000 plus galvanization $6,000 for a total of $23,000.    The trustees were very interested in Nino’s bid to replace the railing with a new one.   Michael suggested setting up a meeting with Nino to obtain information of what the fence would look like, and ensure that  the bid included removal of the old fence, how would the new fence be installed,  etc.    The trustees felt that $13,000 expenditure was possible for the association to undertake this year.    Everyone agreed that the existing railing is beyond repair but wanted to be sure their were no hidden costs.  

Pam obtained a bid from B & M Restoration & Contracting for digging out the existing concrete in the courtyard, re-grading and pouring a new concrete patio for the sum of $17,900.   Since last month two more bids were obtained – R.L. Goldman, $27,200 and Cappuccio Construction for the sum of $12,580.   Cappuccio was the contractor who renovated the laundry room in building 107 last year.    Ning stated that she has been a proponent of making repairs to the courtyard for the last two years but something always seemed to take priority.    The trustees will review the feasibility of doing both projects this year if it is possible.  

The last item on the agenda was the elusive odor in building 111.   Originally it was thought to be coming from the recycling containers.   They were subsequently washed, deodorized and placed outside.     The odor still has continued off and on.    The fear is that there could be a cracked drain line under ground allowing sewer gases to escape which can be very costly to repair.    David Modica is working with Boston Water & Sewer and Paul,  Modica’s plumber,  has been investigating the source.     A solution to this must be found prior to undertaking any capital projects.  

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:35PM.

Respectfully submitted by:
Pamela Pendias
Modica Associates
For the Recording Secretary
Queensberry Condominium Trust