Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

July 16, 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,  July 16,  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 via telephone conference

Michael Grappo and David Sherf were not Present

Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates 

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

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The June  financial report was sent out electronically on Friday, July 13^th, 2012.    Neither Jeff nor Sheryl re-called seeing it – although Ning said she reviewed it briefly.    Pam will send out the report again tomorrow.    The balance sheet at the end of June reflected $16,794  in the operating account and $43,099 in reserves.

NEW BUSINESS

The first order of business was the resolution of the pipe breaks underneath 111 Jersey Street 20-A.   There were two (2) different breaks in the pipes located below this unit.    The owner of the unit, directed Modica Associates to open up the floor of the 2^nd bedroom of the unit where the first break was found.    The original video camera of the line indicated a break in the line under the toilet in the bathroom which is where the sewer flies were found.    However the unit owner thought the video was inconclusive.    On Monday, June 4^th, Modica had a crew open and jack hammer the concrete where a broken pipe was found.   The repair was made, the unit put back together, carpet replaced, unit deodorized,   sanitized and treated with an anti-microbial disinfectant.    The work was completed and the girls were told they could move back in to the unit on Friday June 8^th.     Tuesday, June 12^th, the unit was treated for flies.   On Wednesday, June 13^th, Modica had John’s Sewer revisit the property to video camera the lines.  Paul,  Modica’s plumber,  was also present during this visit and confirmed that there was a pipe broken under the toilet of the unit.   After making arrangements with the girls, on Monday, July 18^th, Modica’s  plumber opened up the floor of the bedroom, that backs up to the toilet  and  exposed the broken pipe below the floor.    The pipe was repaired, floor replaced, bedroom painted and the unit was made habitable again by the afternoon of Thursday, June 21 ^st, 2012. 

 

The girls in 111-20A are seeking to be compensated for rent, food and cleaning supplies as a result of their having to relocate to accommodate the repairs.    The trustees do not want to set a precedent of offering to reimburse them since they have not filed a claim under their homeowner’s insurance policy. Sheryl’s unit sustained water damage prior to the roof being replaced and did not look to the association for compensation.   They should look to their landlord for compensation. 

The association filed a claim for damage with the master insurance policy and received compensation to help defray the costs of making the necessary repairs.   

 

Pam suggested, and the board agreed, that replacing the rear courtyard, drainage work  and removal of the planters that is allowing moisture to seep through the brick wall in the living room of 111-20-A  should be prioritized.    The trustees voted to   accept the revised proposal from Cappuccio Construction for the sum of $15,100 to include the removal of the planters.    The trustees are also entertaining replacing the wrought

iron fence around the perimeter of the building.    Nino’s revised their bid to include changing the design to $15,100 for a total of $30,200 to complete both projects.     Replacing the fence around the perimeter will be deferred until fall.   The trustees will discuss a possible assessment of one month of double condo fees to defray the cost in order to complete both projects this year.

OLD BUSINESS  

Jeff stated that he had a contractor in his unit regarding the moisture infiltration who was of the opinion that the windows were not a contributing factor.     Jeff is awaiting a proposal to paint and repair the walls.

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.

Sheryl had company over the weekend who suggested a carpentry repair to the front door to allow it to close.   The guest stated that that too many screws have been placed in the door and that sections of new wood need to be cut out and re-glued to reinforce it so it will close properly.    The North Bennet Street School was suggested as a possible source.    Pam stated that this is a “trade school” and that most likely the students would not have insurance.    Pam to contact a contractor who bid to replace the doors last year for a proposal.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30PM. 

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust

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

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

April 23,  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,  April 23,  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
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 March had been e-mailed to the trustees along with copies of all paid bills.    The balance sheet at the end of March  reflected $6,369 in the operating account and $45,588 in reserves.    Ning asked if the pest control company sent in an adjustment for the over payment.   Pam stated that all invoices for pest control had been put on hold – the March financial reflected no charges for pest control.  Jeff asked what the monthly charge for pest control should be.   Pam stated that she would check and follow up with an e-mail and/or send Jeff the contract.   Sheryl questioned the charge for snow removal – specifically the charge for ice melt in the amount of $74.25 for an ice storm on March 2nd.    Pam stated that the ice melt charge was for applying  ice melt on the sidewalks.   Sheryl stated that she thought that she had been told that the $225  charge the association paid last year was for ice melt for the entire year.   Pam stated that was true – but for the buckets of ice melt that are left at the entrances to the building for residents to use on the stairs as necessary.    Modica keeps the buckets full of ice melt throughout the winter months at no additional charge to the building.    Ice melt that is applied during snow fall/ ice events is at additional cost as is snow removal.    Sheryl questioned the cost of the electrician’s invoice, $266, for replacing a light fixture and globes.   Pam responded by saying that the electrician needed to visit the building to see match the globes that needed to be replaced, go out and purchase the material and return to the building to install.   Furthermore any vendor that Modica uses is licensed and insured.   

Pam informed the trustees  that at the end of March, 2011, the association incurred costs of $23,741  for oil and gas as compared with this year total costs of $17,113  representing an overall savings of $6,628 as a result of the conversion.     Although it has been a mild winter compared with 2011 it still represents significant savings.   Sheryl asked about the oil payment of $2,909 in March.   A review of the invoices reflected that the payment was for an oil delivery received January 7th, 2012.   The association has a net profit of $6,245 for the first quarter of the fiscal year and is current with all operating bills.   Ning asked about aging receivables  (3) owners are behind in their fees but are making monthly payments.

OLD BUSINESS   

The first item of business was the status of Eagle Rivet.    A big thank you to David  Sherf for successfully negotiating a settlement with Eagle Rivet.    Arthur Dias signed the settlement agreement accepting a check in the amount  of $2,500  as full and final payment for the roofing work.    

Neither Sheryl nor Jeff had any further issues of moisture infiltration in their units.

The door sweep on the front door at 107 Jersey has now been installed

Painting the common areas has yet to be done in building 107.

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
4-23-12
Page Two

Sheryl asked about the status of the laundry equipment – contract.   The board did not wish to extend the contract and defective machines have been repaired or replaced.

NEW BUSINESS

Pam had prepared the paperwork for the new trustee for recording at the registry.    Since not all board members were present, this will be signed next month.

The wrought iron railing around the perimeter of the property is in dire need of repair.   Pam had obtained an estimate last fall from Logan grate to repair it for $5,500.    Pam obtained (2) proposals from Nino’s Iron works – 1) to repair 200 lineal feet of railings $4,500, 2) for furnishing and installing a new railing $13,100.    Pam obtained a 3rd proposal from Eliot Iron Works.   Their proposal to repair the existing railing was $16,500-$18,000.   Their estimate to replace the railing was $130,000.     The trustees were very interested in Nino’s bid to replace the railing with a new one.   Pam to get the particulars, find out would it would look like – would they replicate the existing fence, etc.

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.   There is no inexpensive way to alleviate the ponding water due to the pitch of the existing courtyard.    The job is also labor intensive since there is no access to bring any large machinery out back.    The old concrete would need to be carted out by hand.    Pam has had several contractors look at it and will obtain additional estimates.

The next item on the agenda were the agreements from Comcast.  A Facilities Easement Agreement, Services Agreement and Compensation Agreement.   Comcast would be willing to pay the association the sum of $5,160 within (45) days after receiving executed agreements  in exchange for the association allowing Comcast to keep and maintain their equipment in the building for ten years.   .   Sheryl stated that she recalled David Sherf saying this was a “no-brainer”.  Pam to get the agreements to David Sherf for his review and recommendation.

Sheryl noted a musty odor on the first floor of building 111.    Modica will look into this.    

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