Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

November 19, 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,  November 19,  2012, at 6:30PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

Those Present:  Ning Hernandez and Jeff Schwarz , Trustees

Sheryl Kelly called in to the meeting

Michel Grappo and David Sherf were not Present

Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates  

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 PM.  

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The October financial report was sent out electronically in advance of the meeting.  The balance sheet as of October reflects $26,611 in the operating account and $43,106 in reserves.    Sheryl asked whether everyone had paid the extra condo fee last month.   Pam stated that the association collected $12,148 compared with $13,553 that should have been collected demonstrating that most had paid.   There being no further questions, the October financial report was accepted as presented.    

 

OLD BUSINESS  

Miguel has finished the touch up painting and the wall and molding in the basement of building 107 has now been restored. 

Sheryl asked about the carpet cleaning, the trustees decided to hold off on this at the last board meeting until spring.

NEW BUSINESS

The wrought Iron Railing is being fabricated and will be installed in the next few weeks.   Sheryl stated that if it got too cold, she believed it would be better to hold off until spring so as not to compromise the installation due to cold weather.    Pam spoke with the contractor who assured that weather should not be a factor. 

Ning asked about RCN.   Jeff stated that he let representatives into the building over the weekend and that RCN had distributed flyers alerting residents they could now begin to sign up for service.    However,  RCN was out to do an installation this morning and Pam was notified by RCN that they needed access to the wires that were in the “locked” Comcast Box.    Pam will follow up with both RCN and Comcast in an effort to expedite residents being able to obtain alternate service.   

The next item on the agenda was to approve the budget for F/Y 2013.   Pam had prepared a “draft” budget for the trustees to review and approve, up-dating it with the most recent figures as of October 2012.   There

will be no increase in condo fees next year.   Sheryl suggested budgeting $1,000 for trash removal in the

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11-19-12

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event the association opted to purchase a new dumpster next year.    Pam will make that change.   The trustees accepted the budget for F/Y 2013 with no increase in fees.

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER BUSINESS

The new “water hog” entrance mats that Sheryl had suggested have been placed in the entrances of both buildings.  

Sheryl has now removed the drywall underneath the bay windows in the living room of her unit (111-19) overlooking Queensberry Street.   No evidence of moisture was found behind the wall.  

Michael Grappo suggested to Pam that due to his schedule, the trustees think about meeting every other month instead of monthly.    The consensus was to not meet in December, meet again in January and schedule the annual meeting of unit owners in February.    The schedule and frequency of meetings will be  re-evaluated at that time.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20PM. 

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

October 22, 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,  October  22,  2012, at 6:30PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

 

Those Present:  Michael Grappo, Ning Hernandez and Jeff Schwarz , Trustees

Sheryl Kelly called in to the meeting

David Sherf was not Present

Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM.  

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

The September financial report was sent out electronically in advance of the meeting.  The balance sheet as of September reflects $29,113 in the operating account and $43,104 in reserves.    The association has collected $600 in fines (trash left in common area) and $2,150 in move-in fees this year.   Jeff asked what the $6,000 capital expense was for the month.   Pam replied that it represented the requisite deposit paid to Nino’s Iron Works for material associated with fabricating the wrought iron fence.   Sheryl asked when the fence was going to be installed.    Pam stated that she checked with Nino who advised that it should be ready in 3-4 weeks.   Jeff inquired about the invoice for EZ Disposal Service.  Pam said it was for bulk pick up associated with the moves on September 1^st , 2012.   There were two pick ups Saturday, September 1^st and Monday, September 3^rd, 2012.   Michael noted that move-in fees collected covered this cost. 

 

OLD BUSINESS  

 

Touch up painting will take place shortly.   Painters have been busy working outside since weather permits but needs to get done, especially work in the basement of 107 where molding is missing.    

 

Pam suggested having the carpets cleaned,   Consensus of the trustees was that the carpet did not look dirty and to hold off until spring.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

The work in the rear courtyard has now been completed.    Everyone is pleased with the appearance and believes it is a great enhancement to the property.    The fence should probably be painted in the spring that runs along the courtyard between the two buildings. 

 

The wrought Iron Railing is being fabricated and will be installed in the next 3-4 weeks.

 

Ning asked about RCN.   Pam stated that she had met RCN at the building and would inquire as to the status of when residents could begin to avail themselves of the service. 

 

 

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One month of double condo fees is being collected this month, to defray the cost of the two capital projects, courtyard drainage and replacement and wrought iron railing to cost a total of  $30,200. 

 

Ning asked about the budget Pam had drafted for next year.   Pam said she would up-date the “draft” budget with month end figures from October for the board to review and approve at the meeting next month. 

 

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER BUSINESS

 

Sheryl noted that the area around the dumpsters was very dirty with lots of trash on the ground and that they did not have covers.   There are (3) three (2) CY dumpsters that have covers on two sides.   One dumpster has covers on both sides, two of the dumpsters are missing a cover on one side.    This has been talked about before – replacing a cover will cost about $400 and is not cost effective.   A new dumpster costs approximately $1,800.    Pam suggested that over the weekend, more people are at home and perhaps cleaning up their apartments taking out trash etc.    The trustees will monitor the area.

 

Sheryl suggested that new “water hog” entrance mats should be purchased for the front foyers of the building.   The trustees agreed to purchase two (2) black “water hog” mats.   Michael suggested 3’ X 5” so they wouldn’t get hung up on the front door that swings in.  

 

Sheryl asked about the A/C Memo.    Pam said it was posted at the building and would go under all the doors this week.  

 

Sheryl stated that the area underneath the windows in her livingroom is moist and that the entire wall will need to be replaced.    Pam met with the Mason and Jeff in his unit a few weeks ago and that the mason caulked around all the windows in Jeff’s unit.    The exterior façade of the building is in tact and the mason was certain not allowing moisture infiltration.   Pam suggested that the mason check Sheryl’s unit.   Michael suggested that Sheryl remove the wall, since it needs to be replaced anyway, and monitor the area.   There could be residual moisture trapped within the bricks which has been evidenced by efflorescence on brick walls seen in other units.    

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20PM. 

 

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

August 27, 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,  August 27,  2012, at 6:30PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

 

Those Present:  Ning Hernandez, Sheryl Kelly and Jeff Schwarz , Trustees

Michael Grappo and David Sherf were not Present

Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM.  

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

The July financial report was sent out electronically in advance of the meeting.   Due to the timing of the meeting, Pam provided preliminary financial reports for the month of August.   The balance sheet at the end of July reflected $21,084  in the operating account and $43,101 in reserves.   Sheryl inquired as to the insurance expense for the month.   The reason for the additional expense was the annual premium for Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance of $990 that was paid.    Ning asked about the Verizon charge for the month that appeared to be twice the usual cost.   Pam said she would call Verizon and report back to the board.  There were no other questions and the report was accepted as presented. 

 

OLD BUSINESS  

 

Jeff had nothing new to report regarding moisture in his unit.   Although we have had rain, there appears to be no additional damage or dampness.  

 

Touch up paint building 107 and wall/carpentry repairs in basement of 107.   The trustees opted to defer this until September after the moving season is over.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

The trustees had approved moving forward with the courtyard and drainage work.   The contractor will start after the moves are completed in early September.   The cost will be $15,100.

 

The trustees are also entertaining replacing the wrought iron railing along the perimeter of the buildings.   Michael and Pam had met with Nino and approved the design and addition of a gate.   The revised cost for the new railing will be $15,100.  

 

There had been some discussion as to assessing unit owners to help defray the cost of both projects that will cost $30,200 so as not to deplete $43,101 in reserves.    Michael had suggested during a prior meeting assessing one month of double condo fees to defray the cost that would generate an additional $13,553 in revenues.   A vote was taken and it was unanimously RESOLVED:   to levy one month of double condo fees to be due October 1^st, 2012.   Pam to draft a memo for the board to review and approve explaining the decision to unit owners.

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8-27-12

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The owner of 111-20A will be invited to attend the next board meeting that had been changed this month due to last minute scheduling changes in order to ensure the presence of a quorum of at least three trustees in attendance.   

 

MISCELLANEOUS  OTHER BUSINESS

 

Pam informed the trustees that water consumption was up significantly in building 107 – most likely due to a running toilet.  Modica distributed a memo to the building informing residents of this.   Only one resident reported a problem and Modica’s plumber completed the repair on Monday.    Pam to monitor and if usage still remains high Modica will have to schedule their plumber to check all units to determine the source.

 

Pam further told the trustees that RCN had been in contact about bringing service into the building.    They have yet to dig up the street.    Pam was to have met them today but they postponed until Tuesday.    Service to the building will be available to residents this fall.

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:10PM. 

 

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust

Trustee Meeting December 19,2011

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

December 19, 2011

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, December 19, 2011, at 6:30PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

Those Present: Ning Hernandez, Sheryl Kelly and Jeff Schwarz

Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates

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

OLD BUSINESS

An electronic version of the monthly financial report for November had been e-mailed to the trustees along with a “draft” budget for fiscal year 2012 that was up-dated with figures from the end of the month. The balance sheet at the end of November reflected $9. in the operating account and $83,174 in reserves. Assessment revenues have been deposited into the reserve account and disbursed as necessary. October was the last month of the $130,000 assessment. To date, $126,682 has been collected. The Three owners in arrears have been contacted and are paying monthly.

The first item of business was the status of the roof replacement project. The contractor is seeking payment for the balance due of $24,200. Last month the trustees agreed to release $30,000. The roof is now complete, and warranties have been received. Sheryl expressed her dissatisfaction with the interior finish of the skylights and believes the interior finish should be wood. Furthermore there is a possibility that the moisture infiltration in units 17 and 19 in Building 111 occurred during the course of the roof replacement project and the trustees would like to see some compensation for this as well as liquidated damages due to the untimely finish of the project.

Pam will follow up with David Sherf to determine whether he has had an opportunity to speak with the contractor and informing them of the overall dissatisfaction with the project. The painting contractor has now completed the touch up painting in the common areas in building 111 and ceiling outside 111-19 and the carpets have been cleaned.

Sheryl had some questions with respect to some of the expenses incurred last month. Pam stated that going forward, the trustees could be furnished with copies of all paid bills for the month. Pam to e-mail the trustees a copy of the electrical invoice for replacing two light fixtures, postage log, and invoice for janitorial supplies for the board to review. Pam stated that janitorial supplies typically include trash bags and light bulbs. Sheryl also requested a job description of the services the cleaner performs during each visit.

Brookline Lock installed the door sweeps on the exterior front doors. The trustees were not overly enthusiastic with the work. The door at 111 now binds and the sweep is in adequate at 107. Pam will speak to the contactor about what more can be done. Both doors have now been equipped with full length roton hinges to ensure they are closing properly.

Pam will follow up with the gas conversion that was targeted to be complete by the end of the year. The chimney has been lined and we are currently waiting for the gas burners that were ordered through the gas company at no charge to the building.

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12-19-11

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Although trustees signed an access agreement with RCN, no one in the building seems to know that there is an alternate cable provider. Pam attempt to reach William Maroney again and remind him of the need to distribute pamphlets to building residents informing them that there is an alternative cable provider.

NEW BUSINESS

The next item on the agenda was to review the “draft” operating budget for fiscal year 2012 that Pam had furnished the board to review. The operating budget does not call for any increase in condo fees. Year to-date the association has spent $13,640 for gas – although $17,000 was the line item for gas in the budget. Sheryl expressed some doubt as to whether the association would realize any significant cost savings as a result of the conversion. Currently the building uses gas to heat hot water and the (10) units in the basement. Converting to gas will result in an additional (37) units being heated by gas. Pam stated that she would review this with David Modica and report back to the trustees tomorrow. However there obviously were cost savings involved or the association would not have proceeded with the conversion. Pam stated that she hopes that all capital items the association had assessed for would be completed and paid between now and the end of the year. The Trustees deferred approving the budget as presented for further review.

Pam to follow up with Automatic Laundry regarding the washing machine leaking in the laundry room of building 107.

The board agreed to change pest control companies. The trustees voted to go with Heritage for Pest Control Services since they will treat (4) units at no additional cost. Pam will establish a fixed day and time each month and circulate a notice to all building residents advising them of this. Anyone having a problem will notify Pam at Modica and have their unit scheduled to be treated at the same time as the monthly visit

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust

Trustee Meeting Nov 21, 2011

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

November 21, 2011

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, November 21, 2011, at 6:30PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

Those Present: Ning Hernandez and Jeff Schwarz

Sheryl Kelly via telephone

Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates

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

OLD BUSINESS

An electronic version of the monthly financial report for October had been e-mailed to the trustees along with a “draft” budget for fiscal year 2012 that was up-dated with figures from the end of the month. The balance sheet at the end of October reflected $622 in the operating account and $120,639 in reserves. Assessment revenues are being deposited into the reserve account. October was the last month of the $130,000 assessment. To date, $125, 638 has been collected. Three owners are in arrears, however all three are paying monthly.

The first item of business was the status of the roof replacement project. The contractor sent an e-mail last week requesting $30,000. The roof is now complete, and warranties have been received. Eagle Rivet is presently owed $54,200. The consensus of those present was to release $30,000. Jeff Schwarz wanted to be sure that David Sherf was also in agreement to release this payment. The contractor would still be owed the sum of $24,200. Sheryl expressed her dissatisfaction with the interior finish of the skylights and believes the interior finish should be wood. The vinyl is not a “finished” product. Pam reminded the trustees that the interior finish of the skylights was not included in the scope of the work as specified by the engineer, RMX. The contractor furnished the vinyl as an accommodation. However, Pam did speak with him and he would be willing to furnish a price for an interior wood finish based on the number of skylights. Pam reached out to all owners with skylights and the only ones of which she was aware are 111-19 and 107-15. No one else has come forward. The trustees have requested that Pam ask David Sherf to speak with the contractor and advise him of the associations intention to release $30,000, and remind him of the timeline it took to complete the roof and broach the subject of liquidated damages. Further there are issues with moisture infiltration in both 111-17 and 111-19 the source of which has yet to be determined. The engineer, RMX, has also requested payment for two field reports from July 11 and July 21^st, 2011 and project administration for the total sum of $1,375. Although the trustees were not impressed with the degree of project oversight and overall project administration they agreed to pay these two invoices.

The painting contractor will return to the building this weekend to complete the touch up painting in the common areas and ceiling outside 111-19. Pam will then schedule the carpets to be cleaned.

Brookline Lock will be installing the door sweeps on the exterior front doors of both building and will also install a roton hinge on the door at 111 Jersey which is not fully closing sometime this week.

Pam will follow up with the gas conversion to complete by the end of the year. Chimney will need to be lined and boiler re-piped. The gas burners have been ordered through the gas company at no charge to the building.

Although trustees signed an access agreement with RCN, no one in the building seems to know that there is an alternate cable provider. Ning phoned RCN and was told that service was not available. Pam to get in touch with

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

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Page Two

William Maroney again and remind him of the need to distribute pamphlets to building residents informing them that there is an alternative cable provider.

NEW BUSINESS

The next item on the agenda was to review the “draft” operating budget for fiscal year 2012 that Pam had furnished the board to review. The operating budget does not call for any increase in condo fees. Pam stated that she hopes that all capital items the association had assessed for would be completed and paid between now and the end of the year. The Trustees deferred approving the budget as presented for further review.

Pam obtained a proposal from Logan grate for repairing the metal railings around the perimeter of the property and furnishing and installing (4) wrought iron flower boxes to be mounted on either side of the stairs to deter people from loitering at the front of the buildings for the sum of $8,300. The Board will entertain this next spring.

Pam had obtained alternate proposals from two other pest control companies for the trustees to review. EHS charge for the initial visit is $408, thereafter each monthly visit will cost $118. They will treat (2) additional units at no additional cost if scheduled at the same time as the monthly visit. Heritage Pest charge for initial visit is $400 and monthly visits thereafter $126. They will treat (4) units if scheduled at the same time as the monthly visit at no additional cost. Pam suggested establishing a fixed day and time each month and that residents be notified. Anyone having a problem could notify Pam at Modica and have their unit scheduled to be treated at the same time as the monthly visit. The trustees voted to go with Heritage for Pest Control Services since they will treat (4) units at no additional cost.

A roton hinge will be installed on the 111 exterior door this week along with the door sweeps.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust

Trustee Meeting Oct 18,2011

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 Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at 6:30PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

Those Present: Bill Gentz, Ning Hernandez and Jeff Schwarz, Sheryl Kelly, and David Sherf via telephone

David Modica and Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates

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

OLD BUSINESS

An electronic version of the monthly financial report for September had been e-mailed to the trustees along with a “draft” budget for fiscal year 2012. The balance sheet at the end of September reflected $1,242 in the operating account and $110,352 in reserves. Assessment revenues are being deposited into the reserve account. There is one more month (October) to collect the balance of the $130,000 assessment.

The first item of business was the status of the roof replacement project. Everyone agreed that the work has taken an inordinate amount of time to complete. Despite the contractors difficulty obtaining permits, and having electrical wires moved, the project started in June and it is now October. Several owners are not pleased with the finish of the skylights in their units and have requested that the white vinyl be removed and replaced with a wood trim. A unit owner has contended that the roof is not pitched properly as there is some standing water that can be seen after heavy rain. David Modica explained that the board opted not to seek bids for a fully tapered roof due to the higher cost. The board opted instead to level and taper the roof down to 4’ of the gutters. There are dips, low spots on the roof where water will accumulate after a rain. The engineer has stated that as long as the water evaporates within 72 hours it should not jeopardize the integrity of the roof. The board opted for a fully adhered rubber membrane roof in lieu of a vinyl roof, again due to cost constraints There is an area of standing water outside of the penthouse at 111 Jersey and the engineer called for the application of a secondary cover strip over the top of the seam to add another layer of protection to this location. David Sherf offered to speak with the contractor about liquidated damages for untimely job completion. Once Modica compiles a final punch list, Eagle Rivet will be given a specified period of time to complete and if necessary another contractor will be called in to complete and the costs will be deducted from monies owned Eagle. It should be noted that Eagle was initially paid the sum of $14,000 in July to mobilize, and is owed the sum of $55,575.

The magnetic doors leading to the roof have been installed and are working properly. David stated that Modica would put a simple handle on the inside of each roof door to aid in pulling the door shut.

The gate on the alley side was replaced a few months ago as a security measure. It had been working satisfactorily until a resident reported that the gate would not latch. The company that installed the gate was called and found that the latch was filled with metal shards that prevented the mechanism from retracting so in fact it would not lock. A new latch was installed the following day at no charge to the building. .

The ceilings on the 4^th floor of both buildings have been repaired and painted. The contractor will also be re-finishing the wood doors and frames on the exterior of the building as well as touching up the paint in the common areas. Once the painting is finished the carpets will be steam cleaned.

The exterior front door at building 107 has a new “roton” hinge that picked up the door enough so that it would open

without binding on the tile. This has exacerbated the gap under the door. The vendor is looking into options for a door sweep that would insulate the door as well as allow the door to open and close without binding.

The trustees will not renew (extend) the laundry contract in exchange for new laundry equipment for building 107.

Residents were notified that any bicycle parked in the courtyard is required to have a bicycle sticker. Stickers were distributed and any bicycle found without a sticker was removed.

The association paid $5,496 to the gas company to install a new gas line into the building so the association could convert from oil to gas heat as a cost saving measure. Currently, oil costs approx $1.00 more per gallon than it did last year. The gas company will be providing (2) new gas burners at no charge to the building. Other costs associated with the conversion include having the chimney flue re-lined $5,900 and new piping for the boilers $12,500. The revenues from the assessment will cover the costs associated with the conversion.

Modica distributed a memo informing building residents that air conditioners need to be removed from the windows to conserve energy and as required by the City of Boston.

The trustees signed an access agreement with RCN. Residents will now have a choice between using Comcast or RCN for cable and internet service. David Modica is also talking with Comcast about a lump sum payment.

Pam furnished the trustees with proposals from two other pest control companies. Both were within dollars of one another for the service they would provide. Pam to get clarification and report back to the trustees to make a decision to change vendors.

NEW BUSINESS

The next item on the agenda was to review the “draft” operating budget for fiscal year 2012 that Pam had furnished the board to review. Pam noted that the only outstanding item of which she was aware the trustees were entertaining was creating a planter on either side of the stairs at the front entrances to discourage vagrants from loitering in the front of the buildings. David Modica stated that due to the monolithic construction of these stairs that the board may wish to entertain installing metal urns to hold plants that could be embedded on either side of the stairs. Modica to obtain proposals for this as well as repairing and painting the iron railings out front.

The proposed operating budget provided for no increase in condo fees. Pam will review the proposed budget after the month of October closes and up-date the figures and send it to the board for final approval next month.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust