Ambassador II Condominiums

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm on Wednesday, July 12, 2017.
Board Members in attendance:
Brien Sherman (President),
Jay Heath (treasurer),
Shaun Ross (Secretary)

Introduction and Sign-in:
● A quorum was met with the number of persons present and proxies received equaling 22.
● 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 2016 annual meeting minutes as written.

Financial Report:
● Budget: Highlights of the previous fiscal year’s expenses we presented by the Treasurer. He also presented the 2017 /2018 annual budget for approval by the membership. A dues increase of 4.5% over the previous year was suggested. A total of 6 line items we reduced while 10 increased.
○ The present membership voted to approve the 2017/2018 annual budget as written.
● Explanation: For the continued increases to our reserves, the Treasurer provided explanations. We had more unexpected reserve withdrawals due of uninsured losses caused mainly by water damage from failed plumbing fixtures and appliances. The Reserve Study suggests we increase the amount of maintenance expected to occur in the next few years.

Old Business:
● 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 NEED to be replaced as soon as possible. These gray plastic valves have failed without notice, causing considerable damage. We also urge everyone to check and change washing machine hoses every 5 years; braided hoses are more flexible.
● Toilets: Please consider replacing your toilet(s) with newer more efficient models. This will save us all on our water bill. Also the Board strongly urges toilet replacement as several instances of spontaneous tank cracks over the years have been reported. If your toilet says “CRANE,” it’s likely original equipment.
● Water heaters: 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 as well as neighboring units.
● Recycling: Our recycling containers are picked up twice a week (TUE & FRI). Residents, please pay attention to what can and cannot be recycled. For a quick reference, notices are posted near the dumpsters. In addition, please 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.
● Smoke Detectors: If your smoke detector doesn’t have a battery backup, it is well past its expected service life. According to USFA/FEMA, smoke detectors are recommended to be replaced every 10-years. Also remember that carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are now required by State law. Rental units must be equipped immediately with CO detectors. Whereas, resident owners are required to install CO detectors as a condition of sale.
● Janitorial: Twilight Cleaning continues to service the property, and we’re very happy with their service.
● Barking Dogs: Frustration remains with fellow residents about this issue. The first step to resolving a barking dog issue is to please contact the owner of the dog to work on 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 II Board has no jurisdiction over Ambassador I residents.
● 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. It would also be nice to meet your neighbors to discuss the remodeling noise and to give them a heads-up. Please be a good, courteous and respectful neighbor.

Nomination & Election of Directors:
● We have two new Members of the Board; Jeanne Perrin and Kenneth Long. Welcome to the Board! The two open positions have a 3-year term, however. One of these positions will complete 2-years left by the departing board member. Board positions will be discussed at the next monthly meeting in August.

New Business:
● Garbage: Cleanscapes picks up or garbage twice a week (MON & FRI). Please be sure all garbage is completely in the dumpsters; no trash on the floor.
● Yard Waste: The yard waste container is picked up once a week (SUN).
● Lighting: The emergency lights in the east building and garages are being replaced as we receive the fixtures. These new units have a longer battery life and LED bulbs.
● Roof Repairs: Roof repairs (both buildings) are complete.

Homeowners Discussion:
● Exterior Repair: The stucco on both buildings has been inspected and repairs are suggested. The first section on the list will most likely be the east side of the x04 stack. At this time, we don’t have a timeline for when the repairs will begin.
● Security: A member inquired about a tent being set-up in the garage. Our security service notice the tent as well. It has since disappeared. Discussion about a local transient was brought to the memberships attention. This transient has been quietly residing on the Summit Ave steps outside Ambassador I.

Meeting adjourned at 7:43pm.
Next annual meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, 2018.