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

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 3^rd 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

June 15, 2010, Meeting

Attending:

Nancy (MA) --Modica Associates

Bill Gentz (BG) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

Ning Hernandez (NH) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

Yelena Chigirinskaya (YC) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

Distribute to:

Douglas McClennen (DM) --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

No money from HADCO. Is it time to request David (DS) to write a letter to Hadco?

107 Laundry Room Floor
Same.

Bad Smell in 107

BW&S was at the building yesterday and today with a full crew and a police detail. BW&S was able to pump down far enough to access our lines. BW&S performed a dye test and the dye came back into the BW&S lines; therefore, they were able to determine that the water is flowing from the buildings to the BW&S lines.

BW&S performed a camera test and saw no breaks in the lines. However, there may be a sag in one of our lines, so more investigation is needed. BW&S will gives us their full report.

Questions for Dave Modica

• When will the BW&S report become available, and would it be possible to get the report by the end of the week?
• Why did JMechanical charge the association twice?--$1840 and $1780

Landscaping
The plants for $1000 have been planted. Modica cut the branch on 111 Jersey Linden Tree. Stil waiting for updates on the Aphid treatment.

Later edit: After the meeting the board walked around the buildings and looked at the landscaping in front of the buildings. The board did not see any annuals planted. From April 20, 2010, meeting notes: "The board decided to ask Malkasian to work with $1000 (total, labor inclusive) to add plantings and improve the landscaping with the following specific requests: 1) no arbovitaes, 2) add approximately $100 worth of annuals in locations Malkasian sees fit."

Terrazzo Sidearms Need Repairs
Same. The sidearms still need repairs.

Water Damage/Leaks Due to the March 15 Storm
Waiting for status on the sky lights owners for fixing them. Status on the ceiling patches. MA to start getting roof bids for full replacement.

Repolishing Wood on the Fronnt Doors
Same. MA to bid sanding and polishing the front doors of 107 and 111.

Renegotiate Insurance Deductible
Same

Preparation to Renew the Laundry Contract
Besides looking into getting new type of machines, the board also would like to consider contracting a different vendor. Currently, our contract is with Automatic Laundry Services (ALS).

Miscellaneous

• Questions for Modica:
  • What was happening with the power outages during the night? (on 6/13 and 6/14)
  • What services are included in the Janitorial Work? Can the janitor the weeds/common area outside?
• The gate on Queensberry side does not close. The door also may need oiling.
• A basement unit in 107 on the back courtyard side has a cord coming out of the unit. Is this an antenna? The board is concerned that whatever it is, it is not legal.
• Line of credit

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

May 18, 2010, Meeting

Attending:

Corinne Getchell (MA) --Modica Associates

Douglas McClennen (DM) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium TrustBill Gentz (BG) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

Ning Hernandez (NH) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

Distribute to:

David Sherf (DS) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

Yelena Chigirinskaya (YC) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

107 Mail Room for general information

111 Mail Room for general information

Window Replacement
Modica has not heard back from HADCO yet.

107 Laundry Room Floor
Same.

Bad Smell in 107
The city attempted smoke test. However something is still blocking the drain. Board was given the phone number of Mike Ross, City council, to call and inquire about if BWSC can move on testing their own drain lines. Dave M indicated that the problem was likely to be on the BWSC lines. So the board will hold on hiring drain company to camera 107’s main drain line until BW&S can camera their sewer lines on the street. BW&S is to let Dave Modica know when they have camera their lines on the street. Dave Modica will continue to call BW&S to learn when their lines have been camera. The association has already paid $1,840 for plumbers to be there with no smoke coming into 107/111, so we want to be sure city does their end well this time.

Landscaping
Modica will cut down loose branch of the linden tree in front of 111 swinging in the garden, not the actual limb but the branch. Board will wait on hiring Arborway Tree to cut the limb for $330 to see if City will actually cut as Modica has been calling Parks Dept. to report a safety issue and City might be coming out to actually cut limb due to pressure Modica has been placing on City. Board voted to wait on city to cut the limb before paying Arborway to do it, pending whatever the cut-off date for treating for Aphids is. Modica to confirm with arborist what cut-off date is to treat for Aphids. Arborway’s price to cut limb is $330 and treat for Aphids is $210.

Terrazzo Sidearms Need Repairs
Modica may apply a patch until new long term solution is found.

Water Damage/Leaks Due to the March 15 Storm
Patches and lap sealant added per Doug's request. No leaks have been noticed since lap sealent applied. The ceiling will be kept open until next big storm. Also, possibility of new roof was brought up to make sure that the building is protected against this type of damage going forward.

Repolishing Wood on the Fronnt Doors
Same.

Renegotiate Insurance Deductible
Modica will continue to collect bids at the $5,000 and $15,000 deductible levels.

Move In Fees
Item complete.

Preparation to Renew the Laundry Contract
The board would like to investigate getting the "over-under" type machines to increase the number of machines in each laundry room.

Miscellaneous

• Line of credit is still on hold pending dire need. At this point there is no immediate need for a line of credit.
• Letter to 111-11 owners RE A/C: item complete
• MA checking on building settling reimbursement from city: no payments available to condo associations, item complete.

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

Preparation to Renew the Laundry Contract

(05/18/2010) The board would like to investigate getting the "over-under" type machines to increase the number of machines in each laundry room.

(06/15/2010) Besides looking into getting new type of machines, the board also would like to consider contracting a different vendor. Currently, our contract is with Automatic Laundry Services (ALS).

Status Update Since September

Distribute to:

Corinne Getchell (MA) --Modica Associates
Yelena Chigirinskaya (YC) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
Douglas McClennen (DM) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust Bill Gentz (BG) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust
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

Second Means of Egress
Same.

Window Replacement
Hadco paid $375 of $825 deposit they took for panning, $150 per each window, 3 in total, and that was cost to Hadco. So the refunded was $375. MA does not think that we are going to get anymore money from them. What does the association want to do?

107 Laundry Room Floor
The board and MA exchanged many emails about what the specs for the work should include, and what a reasonable price for the work might be relative to what a contractor is proposing. The latest info to be discussed during the next trustees' meeting.

Deformation Monitoring Points (DMPs)
MA checked with Dave Modica and he suggested checking every two years with the existing DMPs and every year for the new ones. However if new construction is going to continue on Boylston, the board may want the existing DMPs to be checked sooner.

2008 Financials
The financials on the masonry project costs were mailed out to the owners in January. Item complete.

Torn carpet in basement
Same.

Landscaping
Moving the vent would be tied in with fixing up the 107 Laundry room. At that point, it would be investigated if vent can be moved or positioned such that it still vents properly but avoids blowing on the Emerald Arborvitae.


111 Laundry Sink Tap Is Leaking
Item complete.



Terrazzo Sidearms Need Repairs
The work cannot be performed during colder temperatures. MA did have Chicarelli look at them. Chicarelli needs spec #’s of casting finish. MA not sure if DePaoli will respond as Assoc. did not pay in full for work as Board was not satisfied with the work. MA to contact DePaoli to see if will provide any info.



Miscellaneous:

• A work order for the lentil sitting in courtyard was issued to be moved to the boiler room. Please let MA know if the lentil is still in the courtyard.
• 107 Outdoor glass has been replaced. Item complete.
• Front doors polishing is put on hold due to low cash flow.

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

September 15 Meeting

Attending:

Corinne Getchell (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:

Kristen Lipstreuer (KL) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

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

Second Means of Egress
Logan Grates has been given the go ahead and is in the process of making the grates. They will be in touch with MA when the grates are ready for installation.

Window Replacement
MA sent another letter to Hadco Window and Door on 9/3, but has not had a reply.

107 Laundry Room Floor
Vogt & Company (the carpentor/vendor whose proposal the association is considering) warns that roll-out/linoleum type floor is pourous, and if there are leaks, the floor maybe severely damaged or destroyed. The carpenter discussed the issue with Dave Modica, and both recommend installing tiled floor. DM estimates that the price difference between tile and linoleum may be over $1000, and the linoleum floor should last for several years. MA to get an estimate on both tile floor and linoleum floor to see what the actual cost may be and what the actual difference in price is. Plumbing is to be inspected when the floor is removed. DM requests that the material to be used for the subfloor is specified in the proposal.

Deformation Monitoring Points (DMPs)
Work has been completed. MA has the report, and the board has reviewed it. MA to ask David Modica to determine when the next time should be for checking the DMPs--two years, or possibly 6 months/1 year for the new DMPs.

2008 Financials
DM would like the cash flow report, sent out to the owners, to show clearly why the association experienced the net loss even though the income from the temporary fee increase collected more money than required for the masonry repairs. DM will email the changes to MA, and MA will mail the information to the owners.


Jim, BG and Corinne will work together to correct the 2009 cash flow report, but will not hold up the mailing to the owners for that.

Torn carpet in basement
Same.

Landscaping
The proposal has been submitted to MA for the board to review. Currently, one Emerald Arborvitae plant in front of the 107 laundry vent is not healthy, probably due to vent, so replacing it, as the proposal suggests, will not resolve the issue. MA to ask the landscaper how that problem can be resolved.


The cost of the materials and labor proposed is $2000. Due to lack of finances to do this work right now, MA to ask the landscaper if the work can be postponed till next spring.

111 Laundry Sink Tap Is Leaking
The threads on the tap are stripped, so the facet handles have to be replaced. Dave Modica estimates the cost to be $200-$250.

Terrazzo Sidearms Need Repairs
107 sidearms are crumbling and falling apart. 111 sidearms also have problems, but are not in as bad shape as 107.

Miscellaneous:

• Extra lentil sitting in the courtyard. MA to ask Chicorelli about it. It should probably not be left there, and should at least be moved down to the boiler room for safe storage.
• Outer door glass been broken in 107. The glass needs to be replaced.
• Front doors needs polish

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

August 18 Meeting

Attending:

Corinne Getchell (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:

Kristen Lipstreuer (KL) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

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

Second Means of Egress
Samples have been delivered to Modica, and the board approves the samples. MA to call and schedule the installation.

Window Replacement
Same.

107 Laundry Room Floor
Carpenter (Vogt & Company) did a proposal and submitted to MA, with the cost of $7600. The proposal includes carpentry, but does not include tiling, removing and reinstalling the washing machines. The laundry company will have to do the removal and reinstallation of the machines. The laundry company will not give the association more than $700-800. The estimate is approximately $52.77/sq. foot (based on 8x18 ft area).

Doug proposes to just fix the floor, and put down rolled goods. Currently the floor is a potential tripping hazard.

MA to ask the carpenter to price items 1-3 on the proposal, without preparing the floor for tiling (described in item 2), without new cabinets or counters, and without painting.

When the floor is lifted, it is likely that they will find rot in the joices. Joices will have to be replaced. This work would not be included in the estimate.

Deformation Monitoring Points (DMPs)
Doug spoke to Cullinan Engineering. We did not lose a lot of information. The work is not completely redundant. The measurements have to be done 3 times due to temperature variances. They have to do it 2-3 times to get an accurate measurement. Cullinan will invoice one time once the work is completed. The board approves the proposal. MA will contact Cullinan Engineering to proceed.

Bad smell in 107
Doug and Bill have not noticed the bad smell for awhile. Item complete.

2008 Financials
Bill met with MA’s accountant and redid the summary for 2008. Transfer from reserve and other expenses items have been cleaned up, and the totals have changed as a result. Bill proposes to add footnotes when the new financial summary is sent to the owners. MA will put the new financial summary in a digestable form for the owners. Bill created a summary of income and expenses for the masonry project. The following will be mailed to the owners: reconciliation of 2008 financial summary with the footnotes, the masonry project summary, and trustee voting forms.

Torn carpet in basement
Same.

Landscaping
The landscaper is still working on the proposal.

Security cameras
Doug did some investigation on the cameras, and found that the association can get 5 WiFi cameras for about $500. Anyone can access the cameras if he/she knows the IP address and the password. The ongoing cost would be electricity and IP address. This is not a high priority, so the item will be moved to the Long Term projects list. This project may be coupled with redoing the front doors.

111 Laundry Sink Tap Is Leaking
Same.

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

May 19 Meeting

Attending:

Corinne Getchell (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:

Kristen Lipstreuer (KL) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

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

Structural Needs Assessment Report
All items listed by the independent engineer's report have been repaired. So Chicarelli & Pires was paid the remaining $10,000 on April 29. Item Complete.

Second Means of Egress
Logan Grates began installation, but MA realized that a wrong type of grate was being used. Logan Grates will provide another sample for approval before installing.

Window Replacement
Same.

107 Laundry Room Floor
MA is continuing to negotiate with ALS (Automatic Laundry Services). $750 that ALS has agreed to give to the association to fix the floor is not enough. MA will ask ALS if ALS knows anyone who would do that kind of work for only $750, or try to negotiate a larger amount. When the floor is removed, the plumbing underneath needs to be investigated. It is possible that the smell in 107 is caused by drain water backing up. One suggested solution is to install a backflow preventor.

Bad Smell in 107
The smell has been cleared for now. The city has cleared out the sewers. Will monitor to see if the smell returns.

Dead Tree in Front of 107
Same. Doug has offered to purchase a ginko tree. The landscaper (Malkasian) provided an estimate of $250 that includes installation of the tree only. (The amount is higher because the stump of the old tree has to be dug out.) MA to ask Malkasian for the total estimate on purchase, delivery and installation of the tree.

Torn Carpet in the Basement
Dave Modica is investigating.

2008 Financials
Bill is working with Modica's accountant to reformat the monthly financial statements to make them easier to understand. Bill and Doug are also working to reorganize the financials for mailing out to the owners. So far the following problems have been identified: 1) balance sheets need to match the assets; 2) certain column items are superfluous and can be removed from the budget comparisons; 3) bank statements do not reflect the cut checks that have not yet been cached by the payee.


Landscaping
Doug and Corinne met with Rick Malkasian. The association plans to use $1500-$2000 this year (in addition to what is normally allocated for landscape maintenance) to plant and fix landscaping starting from the Queensberry Street alley to Jersey St. The trustees are now waiting for a specific proposal. MA to ask the landscaper about the timeframe.
NOTE: The tree in front of 111 Jersey needs to be pruned--it is too low to the ground. It also needs to be treated. MA to speak to an arborist about treatment.

Deformation Monitoring Points (DMP's)
Cullinan Engineering provided an estimate to create 7 new Deformation Monitoring Points (DMP's) to replace the ones destroyed during the masonry and structure works, set the baseline for the new points, and do a regular reading on all 37 points for $4275. Previously, the association has been paying approximately $2000 for reading and computation. The last reading was taken in February, 2007. Trustees have questions on the work proposed by Cullinan Engineering. On point 2 in the estimate proposal—does this imply 2 separate readings? How far apart will the readings be? If the readings are done at the same time, then why do we need 2 readings done? On point 3 in the estimate proposal—would this be the 3rd time readings are taken on the 7 new DMPs? How will this be billed?

111 Laundry Sink Tap Is Leaking
MA plumber has looked at the leak, but the tap is still leaking. Also the faucet handle shut off position is too close to a hose.

Security Cameras
A system can cost anywhere between $4000 and $15000. Some of the variables are whether the system is digital; how an incident is handled; who would review the recordings. Once a system is installed the options are to sign up for a maintenance plan or to pay a fee to review the recordings when an incident occurs. Further investigation of cameras installation will be put on hold until the 107 laundry room floor issues are resolved.

Misc:

• The glass in the 111 Jersey entry door has recently been broken and replaced 3 times. The glass cost approximately $370 per door
• Regular carpet cleaning was done

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

111 Laundry sink tap is leaking

(05/19/2009) MA plumber has looked at the leak, but the tap is still leaking. Also the faucet handle shut off position is too close to a hose.

(06/16/2009) Have asked that plumber move sink valve handles to 9 and 3 o'clock.

(08/18/2009) Same.

March 17 Meeting

Attending:

Corinne Getchell (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:

Kristen Lipstreuer (KL) --Trustee, Queensberry Condominium Trust

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

Structural Needs Assessment Report
An independent engineer provided a report on the masonry work. In general everything was done well. Dave Modica will review the report and email the board his comments. The report points out a few oversights (e.g. page 10, photo 6, shows that the 111 Jersey entrance cornice has not been repaired). Chicarelli & Pires was paid all except $10,000. MA will continue to withhold the $10,000 until the items pointed out by the independent engineer’s report are fixed.
MA to check on when we last looked at the building settlement points.

Second Means of Egress
Same.

Window Replacement
Still waiting on refund from Hadco. Logan Grates will fix the grids.

107 Laundry Room Floor
ALS (Automatic Laudry Services) came and looked at the floor. ALS will give us $750 to fix the floor. When the floor is removed, we will need to investigate the drain pipes underneath to see if larger pipes have to be installed.
Our contract with ALS does not expire until 2014. Laundry breakdown: 55% to ALS, 45% to QCT.


Bad Smell in 107
The smell is still there, but not as bad. In February, John’s Sewer snaked the main sewer line in 107. The line has a few dips where water holds and at 83 feet line is possibly rotted at bottom. Also the 3 stacks on the roof were video inspected. The stack on the right has a small hole at about 48 ft from the room. Clean out is at 51 ft (white color). Doug inspected the Is the hole in the stack a possible cause of the smell, and can the hole be fixed? Inquire the drain companies. MA to ask Dave Modica and a plumber take a look and provide feedback on the video? Inquire about the possible rotted sewer line. After reviewing the video, DM thought that the middle pipe might also not be draining properly and maybe the cause of the smell.


Dead Tree in Front of 107
Same.

Torn Carpet in the Basement
AJ Rose Carpets will look at the problem this week. MA to ask them for a recommendation to possibly tear out that section of the carpet and replace it, or cover it with a “throw” type carpet matt.

2008 Financials
Bill is working with Modica's accountant to straighten out and simplify our financials. MA to send out the trustee ballots to the owners by mail (no quorum at the annual meeting), together with the financials in about two weeks.

Landscaping
The board is again reviewing the landscape design.

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

February 24 - Annual Meeting Of Unit Owners

Financial Review (at close of January 2009)

Operating : $ 444.94

Reserve: $56,077.90

A/P: $62,274.79 ($50K payable to Chicarelli & Pires and $12,274.79 to the Reserve Account)

- details will go out to the owners after the board reviews





2008 Year End Figures

- owners (Paul) request a revised/decipherable YTD Actual/YTD Budget that reflects 12 month totals (collected/spent/etc), not the 18 month project (How much expected to come in? How much actually came in, etc?)


Other questions on the financial statement:

- Transfer to Reserve-Assessment line --> confusing
- From Reserve
- Other Income

- Suggestion to separate out regular budget from the temp. fee increase and masonry costs



2009 Budget

- March is the last month of the temporary fee increase
- The condo fees go back to their original levels--no fee increase for 2009

- Q: Who pays for the water used by the laundry machines
A: The association does.

- Q: What kind of warranty (# of years) does Chicarelli provide on their work?
A: The information is in the spec--what kind of mortar was supposed to be used, etc.


- Bank Charges should be $0, because we switched banks
- Insurance was locked in for 3 years

- Q: When were the boilers replaced? Teddy thinks about 10 years ago. Doug thinks that information is noted on the boiler.

- Q: What is the breakup between water and sewer
A: Sewer is about twice as much as the water

- Q: What is the purpose of having a higher reserve
A: Emergency funds, guidelines for associations

- Q: What is the projected reserve total for the end of the project/temp. fee increase (end of March)? What is the projected reserve total for the end of 2009? What was the reserve prior to the temp. fee increase?



Masonry Project Review

- Engineer did a walk through, the board just received the report
- The report will go out to the owners with the minutes from this meeting
- From all the work that was done, we only had one add-on for $3600 (fire escapes)



Old Business

Window Grids on Garden Level Bedroom Windows have been fabricated and are ready for installation, weather permitting. Access to units will be required to ensure safety lock operates correctly. Cost is $3,150.00 installed.



New Business

- Heat
-- What happened with the heat in December?
-- Strange, that only one person complained

- 107 Laundry room floor
-- We are aware of the problem with the floor, and the laundry company is working with us to redo the floor
-- Q: Are dryer connections up to code?
-- The laundry company services the machines, but the management/association has to clean the dryer vents

- Drain in the courtyard in the wrong place, and the courtyard tends to flood

- Max noticed the 107 smell (107-11)

-- 107-7 owner also noticed the smell

- Max noticed an infestation of mice in his unit (107-11). He set out some traps, and the mice have gone away. If the problem reoccurs, Max will notify Modica for the unit to be treated.

- Need to add the TO DO list to the blog



Election of Trustees

Board Members Douglas McClennen, Helen Chigirinskaya, Bill Gentz, Kristen Lipstreuer and Dave Sherf have all volunteered to serve another one-year term. Modica did not receive any trustee nominations.

- Teddy volunteers to be a trustee

107 Laundry Room Floor

(06/24/08) The laundry room sub-floor in 107 Jersey Street has been rotting and is now uneven, causing the washing machines often to become unbalanced and fail to finish their cycle. MA to investigate if a board can be put under the machines to temporarily fix the problem.

(07/15/08) MA contacted the laundry machine company. Since our contract is up for renewal soon, MA will meet with the company in August to discuss terms of the contract renewal, including fixing the floor.

(08/19/08) Same.

(09/16/2008) Same.

(11/18/2008) Same.

(01/20/2009) Proposal by DM to motion at owners meeting that we consider reconfiguring entire space including storage locker area and boiler room to be more efficient. Including replacing current inefficient gas systems. Will ask owners for feed back on whether to hire engineer to make proposal.

(03/17/2009) ALS (Automatic Laudry Services) came and looked at the floor. ALS will give us $750 to fix the floor. When the floor is removed, we will need to investigate the drain pipes underneath to see if larger pipes have to be installed.Our contract with ALS does not expire until 2014. Laundry breakdown: 55% to ALS, 45% to QCT.

(05/19/2009) MA is continuing to negotiate with ALS (Automatic Laundry Services). $750 that ALS has agreed to give to the association to fix the floor is not enough. MA will ask ALS if ALS knows anyone who would do that kind of work for only $750, or try to negotiate a larger amount. When the floor is removed, the plumbing underneath needs to be investigated. It is possible that the smell in 107 is caused by drain water backing up. One suggested solution is to install a backflow preventor.

(06/16/2009) Modica to get bids for new floor and investigate installation of back flow valve.

(08/18/2009) Carpenter (Vogt & Company) did a proposal and submitted to MA, with the cost of $7600. The proposal includes carpentry, but does not include tiling, removing and reinstalling the washing machines. The laundry company will have to do the removal and reinstallation of the machines. The laundry company will not give the association more than $700-800. The estimate is approximately $52.77/sq. foot (based on 8x18 ft area).Doug proposes to just fix the floor, and put down rolled goods. Currently the floor is a potential tripping hazard.MA to ask the carpenter to price items 1-3 on the proposal, without preparing the floor for tiling (described in item 2), without new cabinets or counters, and without painting.When the floor is lifted, it is likely that they will find rot in the joices. Joices will have to be replaced. This work would not be included in the estimate.

(09/15/2009) Vogt & Company (the carpentor/vendor whose proposal the association is considering) warns that roll-out/linoleum type floor is pourous, and if there are leaks, the floor maybe severely damaged or destroyed. The carpenter discussed the issue with Dave Modica, and both recommend installing tiled floor. DM estimates that the price difference between tile and linoleum may be over $1000, and the linoleum floor should last for several years. MA to get an estimate on both tile floor and linoleum floor to see what the actual cost may be and what the actual difference in price is. Plumbing is to be inspected when the floor is removed. DM requests that the material to be used for the subfloor is specified in the proposal.

(2010, March update since 09/2009) The board and MA exchanged many emails about what the specs for the work should include, and what a reasonable price for the work might be relative to what a contractor is proposing. The latest info to be discussed during the next trustees' meeting.

(03/16/2010) We had bids from multiple places: Vogt & Company (wood floor), and Capuccio Construction (bid for mud floor after we provided the spec, recommended by Dave Modica).Capuccio Construction bid included adding a layer of concrete onto the foundation, tile on top of that (as opposed to laying tile on an elevated floor), as well as removing the wall behind the washing machine, and replacing it with a water resistant green dry wall. When the wall is removed, Dave Modica and the plumber will inspect the plumbing and electrical hook ups behind that wall.MA to request a reference for Capuccio before the next meeting.

(04/20/2010) On hold until the smoke test is done.

(05/18/2010) Same.

(06/15/2010) Same.

(07/20/2010) Same.

(08/17/2010) 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.]

Laundry

(8/27/02) New flooring in 111 laundry room installed. During installation the door frame had to be removed, when it was reinstalled some of the wood trim was left broken and the door no longer hangs on its hinges. MA to contact Automatic Laundry to rectify this situation.

(10/22/02) Same.