Meeting minutes for May 2018 Board Meeting
Ambassador II Condominium Board Minutes
https://ambassador2.com
Monday, April 12, 2018
President: Brien Sherman Vice President: Kenny Long
Treasurer: Jay Heath Secretary: Vacant
Member At Large: Jeanne Perrin (absent) Association Manager: Jack Taylor
Homeowners Forum
● No homeowner was present at the meeting this month.
Meeting was called to order at 6:35pm. The April minutes were approved as written.
Things to Always Remember
● GARAGE SECURITY: Before proceeding away from the building or to your parking space, please wait for the Summit Ave garage gate to close completely (Rule 3.17). MULTIPLE REPORTS THIS MONTH OF LOITERERS IN THE GARAGE. THEY ONLY GET IN BECAUSE YOU OR YOUR TENANTS LET THEM IN!
● Do not leave garage remotes in vehicles (Rule 4.10). When a vehicle is broken into, thieves usually take the remote, as it’ll be much easier for them to re-enter the garage for additional burglarizing. We strongly advise residents to never leave anything in lockers or vehicles that one does not wish to lose. Leaving valuables or even non-valuables in plain sight is an invitation for thieves. It is our individual responsibility to secure the building.
● PARKING IN GARAGE: The Dentist office spaces are not to be used after hours for guest parking. There is no guest parking in the garages. All parking spaces are assigned. Unauthorized vehicles may be towed without warning at owner’s risk and expense. Non-resident owners, please advise tenants.
● WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE: Every unit has a water shut-off valve located above the water heater. This valve will shut water off to your whole unit only.
● REGULAR UNIT INSPECTIONS: Owners not residing in their unit are strongly encouraged to inspect their unit on a regular basis, as tenants tend to not report damage to the unit. Non-resident owners who live out of the area are required by statute RCW 59.18.060(15) to have a local representative to protect their interests.
Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending April 30, 2018
Checking: $6,754.32
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve: $249,640.69
Sound Credit Union Savings: $227,556.40
Umpqua Bank 17-month CD: $239,378.54
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $723,429.95
Committee Reports
● No update on the 600 E Howell project start time. The properties have been secured multiple times as a result of squatters breaking in. Some interior materials have been removed in advance of demolition.
Security
● Continued burglaries of residential garages. Non-resident owners, please discuss this continued security issue with tenants. No vehicle break ins reported last month.
● Several packages were stolen from the lobby in April.
Rules
● Recycling reminders : Our rules are identical to the City of Seattle’s recycling rules. An easy to read reminder is posted near the trash room door. Trash collection is every Monday and Friday. Recycling collection is Tuesday and Friday. Yard waste collection is on Sunday. Construction debris is prohibited due to lack of space and weight issues.
● With the beginning of warmer weather and open windows we remind tenants to control their dogs barking. Many residents of Ambassador I and II are disturbed by loud dogs, especially overnight.
Old Business
● The Ambassador I window project is ongoing. This project is well behind schedule due to the very wet spring and lack of workers. As a result our project to refurbish the -04 stack is postponed until the fall. Stucco does not cure properly in hot weather and we want to let residents keep their windows open without dealing with noise and dust.
● We have an opening on the Board. Any owner or resident is encouraged to stop by a meeting.
● All failing electrical outlets in the halls and walkways have been replaced.
● All residential electrical meters were replaced April 30. Commercial and common area meters will be replaced at a later date.
New Business
● The Board has approved a 6.5% increase in homeowner dues beginning July 1st. Details will be sent shortly. Significant utility, and insurance increases are the primary reasons the exceptional increase. Taxes are also rising at unpredictable rates. We must allocate more for repairs and reserves. There are also increased minimum wages that result in higher contracted services. Finally we have a Reserve account surcharge to repay borrowed money for leak repairs.
● Yet another roof deck has some structural problems that must be addressed. These decks have been an issue since the building was new and we must assume continuing high maintenance costs. We may need to add additional Reserve funding to maintain these decks on a regular basis. We will consult our Reserve Study professionals for advice.
● The Board will seek bids to replace the east building carpet which is severely worn in places. Paid from Reserve funds allocated for this project.
● The Board will also look at replacing our east building hall and west building walkway lights with LED upgrades. The east building ceiling lights especially are beginning to fail at a faster pace. Paid from Reserve funds allocated for this project.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25pm.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 11th, 2018 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.
Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association:
506 E Howell St, Seattle, WA 98122 (not our mailing address)