Ambassador II Condominiums

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.

Introduction and Sign­ in:
● Counting the number of persons present and the number of proxies, a total 23 persons attended, such number constitutes a quorum.
● The proof of meeting notice was provided to all attendees.
● The IRS form 70­604 was read aloud by the Treasurer as per federal law.
● The 2013 annual meeting minutes were approved as written by the membership.

Financial Report
● The Treasurer presented budget highlights from the previous fiscal year. He also presented the 2014/2015 annual budget for approval by the membership. Dues were increased by 3% over the previous year due mainly to a 17% increase in property taxes. The 2014/2015 annual budget was approved by the membership as presented.
● There were no repairs or upgrades funded by Reserves in the past year. We performed a myriad of lesser repairs from our maintenance budget, including replacing door closers and lock sets, fire standpipe repairs, and routine roof maintenance.

Old Business
● Water heaters: The Board would like to remind all homeowners to please replace all original and older water heaters. As a general rule if your water heater says BradfordWhite on the side, it’s likely the original equipment. This equipment is at the end of its life and may fail without warning causing significant water damage to yours and surrounding units.
● Water Supply Valves & Hoses: If the water valves to your sinks, toilet(s), washing machine, and dishwasher are gray plastic, they are most original equipment. These plastic valves have been known to fail without notice. Please replace these valves as soon as possible. We also urge everyone to check and change washing machine hoses every 5 years; braided hoses can last a decade.
● Toilets: The Board strongly urges residents to pay close attention to toilets. 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 is also less efficient. Please consider replacing your toilet(s) with newer more efficient models.
● Another water damaged suspended ceiling tile will be replaced in the exercise/bike storage room.
● Homeowners and tenants need to pay better attention to what can be recycled. There are notices posted near the dumpsters for reference and on City of Seattle’s website. If we lose our recycling containers, our garbage bill will rise dramatically.

NewBusiness
● Nomination and election of Board members. One position was open due to term expiration. The membership placed one (1) name for nomination and elected Anand Singla to the board.
● Our annual Reserve Study is scheduled for completion around the end of August for the 2014­2015 fiscal year. We anticipate the study to increase our very good standing above 85% funding of our total reserve needs. This is well above the average for comparable associations.
● A member voiced their concern about the increase in HOA dues. The President and other members provided reasons for the increase and why we keep adding to our reserves.
● The Board is looking into security options for the building like re­keying the building every few years, installing cameras, replacing the common door locks with electronic versions, and creating a community watch program
● A member voiced their concerns over building maintenance by the cleaning crew. The cleaning crew appears to be missing areas of the building. The Board will review the service contract with Friday Maid and may make adjustments for better service.
● Please consider replacing smoke detectors, as these units are recommended to be replaced every 10­years according to USFA/FEMA. If your unit has a smoke detector without a battery backup it is well past it’s expected service life. Also remember that carbon monoxide detectors are now required by State law. Rental units must be equipped immediately. Resident owners are required to install CO detectors as a condition of
● Another member brought up their frustration with fellow residents and the barking dogs. Please contact the owner of the barking dog to try and resolve the situation between unit owners or residents. If this doesn’t work, please contact the Board with a log of times and dates of the continued barking.
● Another member brought up a suggestion that we as an association consider installing a new internet connection service provider.
● A member inquired about how we might install our own water main to disconnect our connection with the Ambassador 1 Association. A Board member will look into how one may calculate an estimated water usage per unit in our building.