Showing posts with label financials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label financials. Show all posts

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
Queensberry Condominium Trust
July 23,  2013


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, July 23, 2013, 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 participated via telephone
David Sherf  and Michael Grappo were not present


Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates  


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


FINANCIAL REVIEW



The June financial report was sent out electronically in advance of the meeting.  The balance sheet as of June 30, 2013,   reflects $8,722 in the operating account and $67,519 in reserves.    With the exception of one unit owner, everyone is current with their condo fees.   As of June 30th, 2013  the association has a net profit of $2,267 for the month and a net profit of $3,194 thus far six months through the fiscal year.   The association is current with all operating bills.    


OLD BUSINESS/MAINTENANCE ISSUES   



Dumpsters on site – The addition of an extra (2) yard container has alleviated the trash over flow issue.   Sheryl noted that the area under the dumpsters is not consistently clean and often times there is debris caught behind and under the containers.   Pam stated she would speak with the maintenance crew concerning this.


It was noted that often times, trash is found mixed in with the recycling containers.   Pam suggested circulating a memo but the consensus of the trustees was that a memo would not do any good.   It was suggested that we simply discontinue recycling altogether but Pam stated that would result in the City curtailing trash pick up that would result in the association having to pay a private trash removal company.    Thus far the building has not be cited for recycling violations and the City has been emptying the containers.     


The vendor needed to have the carpet sent out to be bound in order to finish laying the carpet on the stairs.   Jeff noted that the carpet was being installed differently on the stairs and was not pleased stating that there was no edge exposing the wood stairs.   Pam questioned this since the carpet was being sent out to be bound to allow for this.    The carpet installer advised that the installation should be complete by Friday, July 26th.   The association has not paid any monies as a deposit for the carpet.  


Signs “Please Keep Gate Closed: have now been put on all gates.   Ning and Jeff believe they have made a difference.   


NEW BUSINESS


The association has a new landscaping company this year, Green Pea Urban Gardens.    Although this vendor will probably cost more money than the budget allows, Pam will work with the vendor to keep down the costs.   Pam suggested  that the trustees may want to consider purchasing some perennials, that would be an investment since they would come up year after year and add some color to the garden.   The trustees agreed to allow Peggy


Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
7-23-13
Page Two


Prentice to purchase  perennials of her choice, to embellish the garden at a cost not to exceed $300.



MISCELLANEOUS OTHER BUSINESS


Pam told the trustees that she had recently received Final Notice from the Water Department regarding the lack of a back flow prevention device in building 107.    Ning and Jeff did not recall this being discussed.   Pam stated that she had sent the trustees the original notice when the building was cited in May.    Sheryl checked her old e-mails and found that the trustees were notified of this requirement .    Pam told the trustees that this would be costly and would obtain estimates.


On a positive note, the vandal responsible for breaking the glass in the door in the spring will be reimbursing the association $600, for the cost the association incurred for cleaning up the glass on the weekend and replacing it.  The courts indicated that the defendant must repay the sum in six months.                 


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

Wednesday, March 13, 2013


Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
Queensberry Condominium Trust
March 11, 2013

Pursuant to the Article V.  Section 5.9 of the By-Laws of Queensberry Condominium Trust,  a special meeting in lieu of the annual meeting of unit owners was held on Monday,  March 11,  2013, at 7:00PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

Those Present:  Ning Hernandez 111-05, Sheryl Kelly 111-19, Jeff Schwarz  111-17 and Michael Grappo 107-4 & 107-8, Trustees

Sarah Park  106-6, Max Compagnon  107-11 (proxy Michael Grappo), Michael Vounatsos  107-9 & 107-15 (Proxy Sheryl Kelly)  Robert Mersereau 111-12, Ria Jauw 111-14 , & Richard Bettano 111-15, Unit Owners

Pamela Pendias,  Modica Associates 

23.74%  of the beneficial interest was present either in person or by proxy.   Since a quorum was not present no formal business could be conducted.  An informational meeting was held for those owners who were present.

Pam  called the meeting  to order at 7:10 PM.  

OLD BUSINESS  


Owners were furnished with the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012,  reflecting $5,577 in the operating account and $59,373  in the reserve (savings) account.    At Year End the association was current with all operating bills and with the exception of one owner, everyone is current with their condo fees.

For the most part the budget was accurate and condominium fee revenues  are sufficient to meet operating expenses.    Line items that were significantly over budget include oil and capital repairs .   The building converted to gas last year so the line item for oil was eliminated in the operating budget for 2012.   However the association paid for December oil deliveries in January resulting in an overage of $9,409.   The other item that exceeded budget was capital repairs,$81,355,  since nothing was budgeted for this line item.    The association made two notable capital improvements to the building last year;  the courtyard at the rear of the property was replaced and new drainage installed  to eliminate standing water and the wrought iron  railing running along the perimeter of the property was replaced.   Both projects cost $15,100  each for a total of $30,200. 

The association had two insurance losses last year.   In January 2012 one of the heating boilers cracked.    A claim was filed under the master policy for the building to help defray the cost of furnishing and installing a new heating boiler $30,000.    There is a $15,000 deductible under the master policy,    There was also an insurance claim filed in June 2012 when  two different pipe  breaks were discovered  under the floor of 111-20A.    While insurance does not cover the cost of repairing the lines, it does cover the cost of cosmetic repairs in the unit, replacing carpet  and floors that needed to be removed in order to access the two breaks in the pipe under the floor.     Other capital expenses include  $22,200, final payment to the contractor for  replacing roof in 2011 and lining the chimney $2,650 associated with the converting the building from oil to gas heating.    

NEW BUSINESS

Along with the year end figures owners were furnished with a new operating budget for F/Y 2013, which for the most part remains the same with no increase in condo fees.     Owners were furnished with a balance sheet as of February
28, 2013 along with copies of the bank reconciliation and bank statements reflecting $5,340 in the operating
Minutes of the Annual Meeting
3-11-13
Page Two

 (checking) account and $62,088 in the reserve (savings) account.

At the end of February, the association has a net loss of $237.   Items over budget at this time include gas, and snow removal which will even out as the year progresses.    The financial statements are done on a cash and not accrual basis.

The next item of business was the election of five trustees to serve a one-year term.    The incumbent trustees all indicated that they would be seeking re-election.    Pam stated that she had heard from no other unit owner wishing to serve as a trustee.     The incumbent trustees were all re-elected by acclamation by those unit owners present.

OTHER BUSINESS

Pam noted that more often than not, the gates behind the rear of the property are left ajar.   Sara Park stated that tenants in the basement prop the rear doors and gate to the courtyard open to allow guests access for weekend parties and smoking in the courtyard.    The courtyard is a common area and smoking is not permitted in the common areas, hallways, stairwells, etc.   Sheryl Kelly suggested that Modica obtain a proposal for furnishing and installing door closers on all (3) gates as residents are not closing them.   Sheryl did note a problem with the gate at 107 Jersey Street not latching.   Pam stated she would look into it and have it repaired.    

Richard Bettano suggested the name of a local landscaper the association may wish to consider using this year to spruce up curb appeal.    Pam said she would call, Peggy Prentice at Green Pea Gardens for an estimate.  

Pam was informed that a new tenant moved into 111-16 recently.    Unfortunately investor owners often times neglect to inform management when there is a change in occupancy in their respective units.    Sheryl suggested that Modica draft a letter for new tenants informing them of the building rules governing trash, quiet hours, monthly pest control, removal of A/C’s and need to register bikes.     Pam to contact the owner of 111-16, get the name of the tenant ane charge the owner the requisite $150 move-in fee.     The only real control Modica has is when new residents call requesting to be listed on the directory located in the foyer of each building.  

Someone asked about the pipes in the courtyard.   Pam stated that they were kept for the insurance company so they could see the damage associated with the corroded steam pipes resulting in the most recent insurance loss for the association.   

Sheryl had questions about the costs associated with snow removal and did not see any consistency in the billing.   Pam stated that there were up charges for removing snow on weekends and holidays but will send Sheryl and all board members a copy of the snow removal services that Modica has been providing at the building.

Robert  Mersereau asked if something could be done about the ponding water on the sidewalk at the entrance to the courtyard suggesting that the drain should be checked in that area.   Modica will arrange for this.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at  7:50 PM. 

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

Wednesday, February 20, 2013


Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
Queensberry Condominium Trust
January 30, 2013

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 Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 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
Michel Grappo and David Sherf were not present
Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates 

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

FINANCIAL REVIEW


The December financial report was sent out electronically in advance of the meeting.  The balance sheet as of December reflects $5,577 in the operating account and $59,373 in reserves.    Sheryl commented that the association had more money $70,986 in November than the end of December $64,950.   Pam stated that it was due to the operating account having $27,878 as a result of double condo fees, an extra $13,500 that was due the month of October.    In actuality, the association has more money ($16,265) in reserves as compared to $43,106 in November.  

Sheryl had many questions on the financial reports.    Sheryl asked why General Landscaping was paid the sum of $224 in December for fall services.   Pam stated that the service provided was final fall clean up and that she would send the trustees a copy of the landscape contract for review.   However, it should be noted that the line item in the budget for landscaping was $2,400, and the association actually spent $2,008 for a savings of close to $400.    Sheryl inquired about Modica’s  $1,680 invoice  for replacing the heat timer in November.   Pam explained that the heat timer had failed and was replaced with a used one that Modica had on hand.   Sheryl asked for a detailed breakdown on Modica’s invoices showing labor and material.   Sheryl also asked why the bills the association was paying were paid to Modica.   Pam explained that Modica has a full time licensed and insured plumber on their payroll.    Since the plumber is a Modica employee, the invoice comes from Modica, and not an independent plumbing company.    Furthermore, it is beneficial for the association rather than having to be at the mercy of waiting for an independent plumbing company to respond.   In the event of any building emergency, Modica’s plumber is able to provide prompt service.    Sheryl asked about Modica’s invoice responding to a gas leak in November.   Pam reminded the trustees that the building received an emergency call from the gas company of a gas leak on a Sunday.   Modica had to meet the gas company to provide keys to the units that were suspected to be the source of the gas leak.   Had the leak not been found, the building would have had to be evacuated.    Sheryl asked about Modica’s $225 charge for delivering ice-melt.    Pam explained that Modica charges once a year for providing ice-melt at the front and rear entrances of both buildings.    Modica re-fills the ice-melt buckets as often as necessary during the course of the winter.   Sheryl opined that she would like to see actual invoices for the ice-melt.    In addition, Sheryl also asked to see receipts when the building is charged for Janitorial Supplies.   A question arose as to the $175 charge for repairing the ceiling in 107-2.   Pam explained that this unit owner had sent several lengthy e-mails along with engineering reports that the building was not structurally sound and that he had paid twice previously to repair the ceiling in his unit.    Pam checked the unit several times with the mason who re-pointed the building and nothing obvious could be found.  Moisture readings were taken in the unit and the only moisture that was detected was in the
right hand corner of the bay window approximately six inches square.    The moist area was cut out and left open to dry.   Once the area dried out, the hole was patched and repaired.    The area in question was in the vicinity of a steam pipe in the wall and could have retained moisture.    The consensus of the board was that repairs in units due to a common area should be handled consistently and that the association does not usually perform repairs in units.    

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting
1-30-13
Page Two

 

OLD BUSINESS  


Sheryl asked whether the owner of the unit with the air conditioner had been fined for keeping the air conditioner in the window.   Pam explained that the owner of the unit cannot remove the air conditioner since the building has settled not allowing him to remove it.    The trustees asked Pam to verify this with the owner.    Pam stated that she was to have done this however something had come up preventing her from meeting him on the designated day.   Pam will re-schedule with the owner to determine whether or not the air conditioner can be removed. 

There were two different steam leaks in January.   The first was a leaking return line that  ran under the concrete floor between 107 and 111.  This required the floor to be jack hammered in both buildings in order to access the leaking pipe to replace it.   The old pipes are in the courtyard for the trustees to see.   An insurance claim has been filed under the master policy for the building which should minimize costs to the association.   A second steam leak was found inside of 111-20A.    Service Master was called in to remove the old carpet and provide moisture readings in the unit to reassure the tenant who was very concerned about the possibility of residual moisture and mold.   The wall in the bedroom was removed and replaced, the bedroom re-painted.  The carpet in the bedroom was replaced as well. 

The association has not as yet released final payment in the amount of $9,100 for the railing.    There was some discussion as to the height – the railing is lower between the two buildings and higher on the sides.    The consensus of the trustees was to let the height matter drop.   However,   Sheryl stated that she thought the railing was already exhibiting signs of rust.    The trustees will examine the “rust” on the railing after the meeting.   

NEW BUSINESS

Ning had asked about mailboxes and who is responsible for them.    Mailboxes are provided by the condominium association but maintenance of the actual boxes themselves falls on the unit owner.   As an example, Modica does not have keys to the individual mailboxes.   If the lock breaks, or a tenant loses a mailbox key, it is the responsibility of the unit owner to replace the broken lock.    Pam had received a verbal estimate of $246.19 per group of (4) mailboxes and the association needs (12) for an estimate of approximately  $3,000 excluding installation.    The consensus of the trustees was that it was too costly a project to entertain.   

The last order of business was to schedule the date and time of the annual meeting of unit owners.    Board meetings are generally the 3rd Monday of every month but recently these Mondays have fallen on a holiday, January 21st, Martin Luther King Day, February 18th, is Presidents Day.   The following week Sheryl will be away, it was suggested that the meeting be scheduled for Tuesday, February 19th.    Pam to check her schedule and also check with Michael Grappo for his availability as to an annual meeting date.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50PM. 

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

Friday, March 9, 2012

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

Queensberry Condominium Trust

February 21, 2012

Pursuant to the Article V. Section 5.9 of the By-Laws of Queensberry Condominium Trust, a special meeting in lieu of the annual meeting of unit owners was held on Tuesday, February 22, 2012, at 7:00PM at the offices of Boston Choice Properties, 125 Jersey Street, Boston, MA.

Those Present: Ning Hernandez 111-05, Sheryl Kelly 111-19, Jeff Schwarz 111-17 and David Sherf 111-12A, Trustees

Doug McClennan 107-10 & 107-15, Max Compagnon 107-111 (proxy Jeff Schwarz), Helen Chigrinskaya & John Hunter 111-06, & Richard Bettano 111-15, Unit Owners

Pamela Pendias , Modica Associates

18.9297% of the beneficial interest was present either in person or by proxy. Since a quorum was not present no formal business could be conducted. An informational meeting was held for those owners who were present.

Pam called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

OLD BUSINESS

Owners were furnished with the balance sheet as of December 31, 2011, along with the bank reconciliation and bank statements reflecting $124 in the operating account and $83,181 in the reserve (savings) account. As of December 31, 2011, the association had $40,728 in aging payables. $35,283 of this amount is for capital items (to be paid out of the reserve account) as follows; Eagle Rivet, the roofing company is owed $24,200, Ranco is owed the sum of $8,333 for re-piping the boilers to accommodate burning gas in lieu of oil and $2,750 to line the chimney as required for the gas conversion.

For the most part the budget was accurate and condominium fee revenues are sufficient to meet operating expenses. Line items that were over budget include oil (due to increase in price $3.299 this year as compared to $2.699 locked in last year) snow removal (heavy record breaking snow accumulation last winter) and building insurance.

The roof has now been replaced. The trustees are holding $24,200 and are attempting to negotiate with the Contractor for time delays as well as moisture infiltration in two units in building 111. David Sherf, has been negotiating with the President of Eagle Rivet, Arthur Diaz, who agreed to accept $4,500 less to settle the matter. Since that time, they have had a change of heart and are now unwilling to sign the written agreement that they had verbally assented to. The association will remit final payment $19,700 in hopes that Eagle accepts the check and this will close the matter.

Last year the association renovated the laundry room in building 107 in connection with having to dig up and replace a broken drain line under the floor. The cost of the renovation was partially offset by building insurance. The doors to the roof have been replaced and are now equipped with magnetic closers. The front doors of both buildings were re-finished on the outside and a new gate was installed on the alley side of the building to enhance security. The ceiling on the top floor of building 107 was replaced and top floor ceilings re-painted following the roof replacement. Building 111 has received touch up paint throughout. The same will be done in Building 107 now that the boiler has been replaced and work in the basement and renovations in 4 and 8 have been completed.

Minutes of the Annual Meeting

2-21-12

NEW BUSINESS

Owners were furnished with the year end figures from last year as compared with the budget along with the operating budget for 2012. The budget will for the most part remain unchanged – there will be no increase in condo fees this year.

One of the heating boilers cracked and has since been replaced. A portion of the cost of replacing the boiler was paid for by building insurance which covers these costs.

The conversion from oil to gas has now been completed and both buildings are now being heated solely by gas. The association had to pay to bring in a new gas line, and the gas company provided “new” gas burners at no expense to the building. It is hoped and anticipated that the conversion will result in an overall reduction in heating costs.

The association has hired a new pest control company. The company services the building on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. In addition, they will treat individual units for mice and/or roaches at no added cost as long as the service is done at the same time as the service to the building.

The laundry equipment in both buildings is starting to fail. First the washer in building 107 was leaving puddles on the floor and now the same is also true in building 111. The trustees had been negotiating with Automatic Laundry to extend the contract. The laundry company was willing to pay the association $850 towards tiling the laundry room floor of 107 if the association agreed to a contract extension for another (7) years until 2021 in exchange for new laundry equipment and an increase in price from $1.25 to $1.50. The board decided against extending the contract. Automatic is now contending that they have the right, under the contract, to extend the contract if the equipment begins to fail. David Sherf will have a look at the contract and advise the board.

The next order of business was election of trustees. Bill Gentz, is stepping down from the board as he has moved out of state thus creating a vacancy on the board. The four incumbent trustees are seeking re-election. Since a quorum was not present, the incumbent trustees will appoint a successor to fill the vacancy.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela Pendias

Modica Associates

For the Recording Secretary

Queensberry Condominium Trust

Thursday, January 12, 2012

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.

Minutes of the Trustee Meeting

12-19-11

Page Two

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

Monday, March 14, 2011

Notes from the Annual Owners' Meeting on February 15, 2011

Attending:
Pam McNeil (MA) --Modica Associates
Ning Hernandez (NH) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Yelena Chigirinskaya (YC) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Douglas McClennen (DM) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Bill Gentz (BG) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Distribute to:
David Sherf (DS) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Financials' Review 
  • Cash flow at the end of 2010
  • Associations' reserve was grown to $23,00
Reviewed 2010 budget
  • Revenue (e.g. condo fee income)
  • Mandated that 10% of the annual budget is set aside in the reserve
  • Expenses
    • Manager fees - small but acceptable increase
    • Utilities are the big expenses
    • Question:  What are we paying for oil?
      • $2.699/gallon (capped).  MA can provide a spreadsheet with the history of oil consumption and payment for the buildings
    • Board is investigating converting to gas as a cost saving measure
    • Question about efficiency of converting to gas?gas com
  • Repaires
    • Over budget because of the sewer leak outside
    • Leaks in the common areas due to skylights and roof problems
  • Building insurance
    • Question:  What does it cover?
      • Catastrophic loss.
    • $15,000 deductible total for both buildings
    • Owners express concern that the insurance premium is too high for the deductible
Reviewed 2011 Budget
  • Assessment to replace the roof
  • Question: Who establishes the operating budget? 
    • The board
  • Some owners express concern about not being presented with bids and contracts reviewed and/or signed by the board
  • Question:  What is the timeline for replacing the ceiling in the common area? 
    • Will be replaced along with the roof, probably after the roof is replaced.
  • Question:  What will happen to the funds remaining from the roof replacement assessment? 
    • They will go to the reserves and other repairs.
  • Upcoming projects:
    • roof
    • 107 laundry room
    • pipe issues in the basement
    • front doors
These minutes are written to Yelena’s best recollection. Please notify her of any discrepancies immediately.

Friday, October 8, 2010

September 21, 2010, Meeting

Attending:
Nancy (MA) --Modica Associates
Yelena Chigirinskaya (YC) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Douglas McClennen (DM) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Bill Gentz (BG) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Distribute to:
Ning Hernandez (NH) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
David Sherf (DS) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
107 Mail Room for general information
111 Mail Room for general information

Window Replacement
David Sherf will write the letter to Hadco.  The board will wait for a month once DS sends the letter. After that we could send it to collections if deemed to be effective.  If collections is successful, we would receive 66% of the $250.00.

107 Laundry Room Floor
David has been talking to Doug about the finding behind the walls of the laundry room.
  • MA to let us know when the contract with the laundry provider renews
  • MA to email the specs to the board, and then rebid with inclusion of the firewall.
  • MA also to check status the bid from March 16.
Bad Smell in 107
Same

Landscaping
Item Complete.

Terrazzo Sidearms Need Repairs
MA to schedule the work with Chiccarelli & Pires ($1600).  They will probably be available mid October.

Water Damage/Leaks Due to the March 15 Storm
Both units 107-18 and 107-19 had previously agreed to the skylight replacement, but the work has not been done yet.  (107-19 is under agreement to sell, and there is a contingency in the P&S to replace the skylight.)  The two units are doing the work together.  MA expects that the work will be complete within the next couple of weeks.  MA to let the board when skylight work is being scheduled.  (DM would like to meet with the contractor before the work is started.) 

MA scheduled Cresent Paint to come and repair the ceiling in the 107 common area on the top floor for 9/23/2010, because renters have been complaining about the hole in the ceiling.  The board still wants to wait to fix the ceiling until work on the skylights is complete.  MA to reschedule the work with Crescent Paint.

Roof Replacement
MA provided the board with the proposals for the installation of the white replacement roofing materials. 
  • US Roofing - $75,075 (the lowest) 
  • Maurice Richard - $78,000
Both Maurice Richard and US Roofing agreed to come and talk to the board if needed.

Carlisle (makes the roofing material) has the best manufacturing warranty in the business. DM to check what the Carlisle specifications are (as the proposal states that the roofing will be installed per Carlisle specs).

The board discussed the pros and cons of white PVC roofing, particularly in a dense urban environment.
  • The white roof reflects more light, and does not absorb as much heat as the traditional roofing
    • Good in the summer
    • Maybe not so good in the winter
  • In an urban environment, the white roof would get dirty faster.  (Once it is dirty, it is no longer as efficient as it is designed to be.
  • The white roofing is most successful in the South and South West.
  • The white roofing is most often used in an industrial setting, not for one building.
  • Maurice Richard:  you can paint a black roof white for the same effect.  The downside is that you will have to repaint it.
  • PVC is carcinogenic.  If the white roof is installed, there will be no possibility of a roof deck.
MA to get references for similar buildings from US Roofing with white roofing over 10 years old, and ask these associations for feedback.

We currently have a contractor spec, not an engineering spec.  DM suggested that it would be helpful to have an engineering spec for the roof, to make sure that everything is done correctly, and nothing is missed. An engineering spec should cost no more than $4000.  An engineering spec can be re-used indefinitely.  With the engineering spec, we would need to re-bid the roof work.  The board decided to consider getting the engineering spec for the roof.  MA to obtain several bids for the engineering spec.

There is space under the roof deck.  It is air space (ventilation).  DM would like to know if we can increase roof insulation by using some of that space.  MA to find out if an engineer can help us with the insulation--determine how to better insulate the roof.

The board would like to complete the work on the roof before next winter.

Repolishing Wood on the Front Doors
MA obtained 3 proposals for refinishing of the front entry doors. 
  • Cresent Painting - $3500
  • Vogt & Company - $7600
  • Brian J. Hernon - $4700
Cresent Paint came in at $3,500, which is significantly less than the other two choices. 

The 107 front entrance door does not close well and is jamming.  Can it be fixed by putting in a continuous hinge. DM thinks that the problem with the door is the uneven floor.  Also there is no sealing strip (weather strip) on the door. One possible fix might be to cut the door ~quarter of the inch and put a sweep under the door. Can a carpenter solve this problem? MA to ask Crescent to look at the door. DM will meet with them.

Financials
Unit owner of 111-20A paid maintanence through August, 2010.  We waived the 2010 late fees as agreed.

Budget for 2011
Considerations when putting together the budget for next year:
  • Assessment for the roof
  • Consider making assessment bigger than the roof costs to replenish the reserve
MA to do the preliminary budget for the next meeting.


Miscellaneous
  • Queensberry Street gate is scheduled to be permanently repaired by Ninos Iron Works next week, and the work should cost ~$50
  • Vagrants on the door steps: MA had issued a notice to the residents to encouraging them to contact the BPD Precinct Four whenever there is a problem with vagrants disturbing the peace outside of the building.
  • Occasionally school kids smoke pot on the door steps.  What can we do to discourage them?
  • Unit 107-21B: The residents have no knowledge of the cable wires.  So David Modica will remove the wires right away.
  • Unit 107-2: MA to send a letter to the owners asking them to remove the wires by 10/31.  Otherwise, the wires will be removed at the owners' expense.  
  • Oil tanks: we are grandfathered in.
  • Iron fence on Queensberry Street side: the board decided to wait till spring to do the repairs.
  • The faucet outside by 107 entrance is leaking and still needs to be fixed. 


These minutes are written to Yelena’s best recollection. Please notify her of any discrepancies immediately.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

August 17, 2010, Meeting

Attending:
Nancy (MA) --Modica Associates
Douglas McClennen (DM) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Bill Gentz (BG) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Ning Hernandez (NH) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Yelena Chigirinskaya (YC) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

Distribute to:
David Sherf (DS) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
107 Mail Room for general information
111 Mail Room for general information

Window Replacement
MA made one further phone call to Hadco, asking for a final refund of $250.00. MA has received no response and therefore asked David Sherf to write a letter.

107 Laundry Room Floor
The board discussed possible ways to repair the floor: pouring the slab on grade vs floating slab.
  • Floating slab—is lifted on joists above the soil, creating a "gap" between the ground and the floor.
  • Slab on grade—is poured down against the soil, thus sealing the so called "gap".
The current floor is a concrete slab on joists with plywood on top.  The proposal (whose?) is for thicker concrete slab with the floor. 

The board needs the following questions answered before deciding on the "slab on grade" floor:
  • Are there any pipes between the current "floating slab" floor and the dirt?
  • Is there a significant price difference between the 2 types?
  • If plumbing work needs to be done (pipes burried to allow for the "slab on grade" floor, what would the extra costs be?
Fire code violation was discovered when the laundry room wall was opened. No insulation (no 2nd layer of sheet rock) between the laundry room and an abutting unit.  David Modica is aware of this problem, and this minor issue will be fixed with other work in the laundry.

MA to request 2 specs from Wolf Rock Development and ask about pros and cons. The board will review the specs.

[Later edit:  In an email David Modica reminded the board that we have reviewed bids for this work and questions the need to rebid the work.  Notes about previous bids can be found here -- the latest bid information was noted in the March 16th Meeting Notes.]

Bad Smell in 107
The BWS contractors have found the problem.  The pipe in the street is not only sagging, but also collapsing.
This is now a major problem that with effect the entire block. The city will now have to rip up the entire street from Queensberry to Perterbourgh in order to fix the problem.  The time line for this work is not known, but the smell can intensify at times until the problem is repaired.  David Modica continues to work with BWS to try to get some idea of what it is involved for going forward.

DM met with David Modica in the laundry room and looked into the cut in the slab.  Failed pipe (in the street) was leaking and filling up the space under the slab.  The town should fix the pipe.

Landscaping
Tree was cleaned up where the branch was cut.  The faucet (by the 107 entrance) is leaking.  A rhododendron bush has died (on the Jersey Street side of the building).  MA to inform Malkasian about the dead  rhododentron bush. 
[Later edit: The dead bush has been removed.] 
Chiccarelli and Pires has estimated repairs of the sidearms at $1,600.00 with the additional costs of permits.  The board has reviewed the bid and approved it.  MA to schedule the work sometime before November. 

  • Unit owners of 20-19 and 20-19 have agreed to replace the skylights. MA forwarded them a couple of proposals and put them in touch with each other.
  • Cresent Painting will be happy to repair and repaint the ceiling on the top level of 107 for $550.00 (includes replacing the ceiling) We need to wait till the skylights are repaired before scheduling that job.
Roof Replacement
MA has received two roofing bids. Richard Roofing was the least costly by far, at $69,000.00. Two more bids are coming (from Eagle and Cappucio).  We are using Maurice Richard’s scope/spec.
DM proposes that the board considers using white rubber roofing.  It is supposed to be good at reflecting heat.  MA to request prices for this version as well.  The board asks that the spec is revised to include the repairs/replacement of the damaged roof decking--there should be an allowance for fixing the decking (the amount to be discussed with David Modica).

Repolishing Wood on the Front Doors
MA recieved bids for sanding and refinishing the front entrance doors.  Corinne pulled out bids from last year, and both companies would honor the prices.  (Vogt & Company - $7600 total, and Crescent Painitng—3rd bid. $3500 total.)  The board eliminated Summer Painting.  DM will talk to Vogt & Company(the high end bid), and MA will talk to Crescent.

Renegotiate Insurance Deductible
Earthquake insurance will be included in the master policy.  No flood insurance, because we are not in the flood zone.  Item Complete.

Financials
Overdue unit owners have agreed to pay the balances before September 1.  MA to send reminders and let the board know when the payments arrive.

Miscellaneous
  • The gate on Queensberry Street side was repaired again but whether or not it is a permanent fix remains to be seen.
  • MA have sent a letter to unit 21B asking to remove the wires from the window. No answer has yet been received.  MA suggests a legal letter sent via certified mail.  The board requests MA to send another letter to 21B and give them a deadline to remove the wires.  After the deadline, the unit owner will be subject to fines. 
  • Wires in a 107 1st floor unit.  MA to send a letter.
  • The board requests that no hard copies of the financials and bills be made.  The board will review them electronically. 
  • MA to find out if there is a new requirement (from state? from insurance companies?) about oil tanks. 
  • The iron fence on the Queensberry Street side is severely rusted.
These minutes are written to Yelena’s best recollection. Please notify her of any discrepancies immediately.