Ambassador II Condominiums

Meeting was called to order at 7:03pm.

Introduction and Sign-In:
● Total attendance was 29 persons present or by proxy, such number constituting a quorum. Proof of notice of meeting was provided to all attendees. The IRS form 70-604 was read aloud by the Treasurer as per federal law.
● The 2010 annual meeting minutes were approved by the membership as written.

Financial Reports:
● The Treasurer presented budget highlights from the previous fiscal year and presented the 2011-2012 annual budget for approval by the membership. Our operating budget will be a little higher than last year. However, we have decided not to raise dues in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, as
we received a large amount of funds from delinquent homeowners. Our predicted minimum 2% increase in dues over last year’s budget did not come to fruition.
● The annual budget was approved by the membership as presented by the Treasurer.
● Our most recent Reserve Study, completed in mid-June 2011 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, shows that we are still in very good standing with 81.8% funding of our total reserve needs. This is still well above average for comparable associations.
● Significant repairs and upgrades funded by Reserves for the 2010-2011 year include reconstruction of the x02 and x04 stack decks, the east building’s 5TH floor deck resurfacing/reconstruction, sidewalk repairs and replacement of the gate intercom.

Old Business:
● As requested by the membership, new door knobs were installed on the glass doors leading from the elevator lobbies to the west building’s breezeways.
● A water damaged suspended ceiling tile was replaced in the exercise/bike storage room.
● The membership once again discussed the possibility of increasing the carpet cleaning in the east building from once a year to twice a year. No official decision was made.
● Membership discussed the ongoing concerns with the Redwood Bar. The late night activity and noise from the bar and it’s patrons are an ongoing concern for many owners. Affected residents are urged to call 911 to report life threatening or other serious concerns. One may also call the Seattle Police Department’s non-emergency number (206-625-5011) to report all other nuisances. Please feel free to also contact the Redwood Bar directly at 206-329-1952.
● The gate directory box with resident listing at the main gate will stay posted above the call box, as more people complained when the directory was removed than compared to those who wanted it removed or replaced with a more elegant unit.
● Regarding a smoke free building, please refer to the Rules & Regulations rule 3.4 where it states in all cap, NO SMOKING IS PERMITTED IN COMMON AREAS OR GARAGE. No smoking signs will be installed in different locations around the building as a reminder to all residents.
● The Board would like to remind all homeowners to replace all original water heaters, water supply valves and toilets. As a general rule if your water heater says Bradford-White on the side, it’s likely the original equipment. If the water valves to your sinks, toilet(s), dishwasher and clothes washer are gray plastic, they are most likely original too. The Board strongly urges residents to pay close attention to toilets. Many of these units are at the end of their useful life. Several instances of spontaneous tank cracks over the years have been reported. If your toilet says “CRANE”, it’s also likely original equipment. Aged equipment may fail without warning causing significant water damage to your unit and to the units next to and below your unit.

New Business:
● Nomination and election of Board members. We had one position open due to term expiration. The membership placed one (1) name in nomination and re-elected Karen Henley to the Board.
● The east & west building walls and the courtyard floor were pressure washed last summer.
● For safety reasons, a restaurant style no-slip mat was installed on a landing at the base of the stairs leading to and from the north side of the east building.
● Two new rules will be added to our Rules & Regulations. The first is in regards to the roof. All building roofs are off limits to owners, residents or visitors. The second is in regards to outdoor cooking appliances. Grills that burn wood, charcoal or other combustibles or use large gas tanks larger than 1# are not allowed on decks or balconies of multi-family dwellings. This is according to the State of Washington fire code.
● Membership inquired about replacement of unit numbers locate on doors. One can replace their door number as long as it is an identical replacement. The Board will look into the availability and cost to replace all numbers.
● A member brought up her concern that the elevator car is not leveling out when the car reaches the garage level. The elevator car floor has not been even with the concrete garage level floor. The Board will look into having this issue repaired. On a side note, the Board will not be renewing the contract with our current elevator maintenance company when the contract expires in 2012.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:14pm.

Monday, August 8, 2011
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Brien Sherman – Vice President
Shaun Ross – Secretary
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Karen Henley – Member-At-Large

Homeowners Forum
A homeowner was present to discuss noise complaints against another unit. On multiple occasions, this resident created noise between 10pm and 8am, which also included shooting fireworks off their balcony. More details as well as the Board’s response is listed below.

Meeting was called to order at 6:31pm. July 2011 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending July 31, 2011
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: 63,187.29
Insurance Reserve: $4,769.68
Security Deposits: $972.75
Replacement/Special Assessment CD: $224,551.06
Watermark CU Savings: $126.61
Other Replacement Reserve CD: $153,894.58
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $ 447,602.21

Committee Reports
● The Redwood committee is working on preventing their patrons from loitering on our property. A sign was installed near the garbage area. We are looking into anti-loitering products to install on the concrete walls to help prevent people from sitting. Additional signage is being considered around the garage door. Checkout my blog at http://redwoodtavernseattle.blogspot.com/.

Old Business
● The construction projects on the 02 & 04 stacks have been completed; scaffolding has been removed.
● The annual homeowners meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 at 7:00pm in the exercise/bike storage room.
● Please wait for the garage gates to close before you drive away from the building or to your parking space. The building is only as secure as we all make it. Your car could be the next one broken into.

New Business
● Please park in your assigned parking space. In the past month, four vehicles were towed from the dentist and homeowner spaces.
● Another vehicle was broken into and its garage remote was stolen. An emergency garage recoding notice was sent to all unit owners. As a reminder, please do not leave your garage remote in your vehicle.
● We will be replacing the Summit Ave pedestrian door that is next to the garage gate. This door will be out of commission in the near future. Notices will be posted as the project is scheduled to begin.
● Two unit owners have contacted the Board in regards to multiple noise complaints towards residents in another unit. A warning notice has been sent to the unit owner. In addition, complaints have been received regarding these same residents shooting fireworks off their balcony. Fines have been assessed on this unit.
● As a reminder, no smoking is permitted in the common areas or in the garage (Rules & Regulations 3.4). We will be adding signage around the building as additional reminders
● This autumn, we have scheduled a company to come out and trim all of our trees.
● Police were called to the building in regards to a domestic abuse call. If you hear someone being brutally abused, please call 911. For that matter, if you see any suspicious behavior or persons loitering outside or in the building, please contact the police.

Meeting adjourned: 7:29pm. Next meeting will be on September 12, 2011 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.

Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association, 506 E Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98122