Ambassador II Condominiums

Meeting was called to order at 7:02pm on Wednesday, August 10, 2016.
Board Members in attendance:
Brien Sherman (President)
Venus Chan (Vice President)
Jay Heath (treasurer)
Shaun Ross (Secretary)

Introduction and Signin:
● A quorum was met with the number of persons present and proxies acquired equaling 23.
● The proof of meeting notice was provided to all attendees.
● The IRS resolution 70 604 was read aloud by the Treasurer as per federal law.
● The membership approved the 2015 annual meeting minutes as written.

Financial Report:
● Budget: The Treasurer presented budget highlights from the previous fiscal year. He also presented the 2016 /2017 annual budget for approval by the membership. A dues increase of 1.6% over the previous year was suggested. 5 line items we reduced while 6 increased and 17 items are unchanged.
○ The 2016/2017 annual budget was approved by the membership as presented.
● Explanation: The Treasurer provided explanations for the continued increases to our reserves. We had unexpected reserve withdrawals because of uninsured losses caused primarily by water damage from failed appliances. In addition, the Reserve Study increased the amount of maintenance expected to occur in the next few years.

Old Business:
● Recycling: Recycling pickup has changed to twice a week (TUE & FRI). Residents need to pay attention to what can and cannot be recycled. Notices are posted near the dumpsters for reference. In addition, you may check the City of Seattle website for the latest updates. If we lose our recycling containers or fines are imposed, our garbage bill will rise considerably.
● Water heaters: The Board would like to remind all homeowners to please replace water heaters by the time the manufacturer’s warranty period ends. Equipment past its warranty period may fail without warning, causing significant water damage to your unit and neighboring units.
● Water Supply Valves & Hoses: If the water valves to your sinks, toilet(s), washing machine, and dishwasher are gray plastic, they are original equipment and should be replaced as soon as possible. These plastic valves have been known to fail without notice. We also urge everyone to check and change washing machine hoses every 5 years; braided hoses are more flexible.
● 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 likely original equipment. Please consider replacing your toilet(s) with newer more efficient models.
● Detectors: According to USFA/FEMA, smoke detectors are recommended to be replaced every 10years. If your smoke detector doesn’t have a battery backup, it is well past its expected service life. Also remember that carbon monoxide detectors are now required by State law. Rental units must be equipped immediately. Whereas, resident owners are required to install CO detectors as a condition of sale.
● Barking Dogs: Frustration with fellow residents is a continued issue. The first step to resolving a barking dog issue is contacting the owner of the dog and try to work at resolving the situation between each party. If this doesn’t work, please contact the Board with a log of times and dates of the continued barking along with the unit number. Unfortunately, the Ambassador 2 Board has no jurisdiction over Ambassador 1 residents.
● Lighting: The three courtyard lamps were replaced with bollard style light fixtures and the garage lights were replaced with brighter nod efficient LED lamps. Seattle City Light subsidized the cost of replacing high wattage fixtures with efficient LEDs.
● Remodeling: Please reference the Rules & Regulations regarding remodeling of units. The inside of each unit is the domain of each owner and each may pretty much do what they like to the space as long as it does not affect other units, common areas, or the building exterior.
● Lockers: Storage lockers are assigned and owned by each unit. They are not the responsibility of the Association and can be replaced within the same footprint at owners expense.

Nomination & Election of Directors:
● The incumbents, Shaun Ross and Venus Chan, were reelected to the Board for another 3year term each.

New Business:
● Janitorial: Friday Maids cleaning service was terminated for repeated nonperformance. The building’s new janitorial service is Twilight Cleaning.
● Security Upgrades: The Board continues to look into security options for the building and reviewed the previous years topics with a semi-timeline of implementation.
○ Rekeying: Maybe rekey the building in 2017.
○ Cameras: With the garage lights now replaced, we can look into video recording.
● Exterior Repair: In the coming weeks, scaffolding will be installed along the east wall of the x01 stack.

Homeowners Discussion:
● Garage Pathway: A member inquired what can be done about the dentist office patients not properly parking their vehicle within the lines of the space near the elevator entrance on the main level of the Summit Ave garage. The Board will look into options to more clearly mark the walkway.
● Roof Repairs: A member inquired about when the roof will be repaired. Roof repairs are still in the works. Unfortunately, the Board has not been able to locate a contractor to even bid on the repairs.
● Security: A member inquired about setting the new garage lights so they come on sooner as one approaches the fixture. The Board will look into adjusting the distance.
● Planter: A member inquired about receiving permission to cleanup and maintain the planter between units E105 & E106. The Board gave permission to E106 owner to clean and maintain the planter.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50pm. Next annual meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2017.