Ambassador II Condominiums

Monday, June 14. 2010
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large
Brien Shermen– Secretary (absent)

Homeowners Forum
No homeowners were present at the June meeting.

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm. May’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending May 31st, 2010
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $6,865.29
Insurance Reserve $4,765.18
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $210,599.10
Watermark CU Savings $126.32
Other Replacement Reserve CD $ 152,000.00
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 375,427.72

The Board has approved a withdrawal from Reserve funds to pay for the scheduled repairs outlined below.

Committee Reports

Security: No violations reported
Rules:No violations reported

Old Business

• We are now an FHA Approved building. Buyers may apply for FHA backed home loans.
• The Board will meet with our contractor this month to finalize details for the bridge and walkway resurfacing. Please look for notices in the lobby with details. This project is scheduled to begin on July 12th.
• The replacement of the north flat roof of the east building is in progress and should be completed within the next few days.
• The noise issues at the Redwood bar continue. Please call 911 if you have issues with the noise or other activities, especially in the alley.

New Business

• The annual homeowners meeting will be Wednesday, August 11th, 2010. More details will be mailed to all owners in July.
• Our annual Reserve Study has been completed. Once again we are in the highest percentile of all associations with adequate funds for repairs and replacements of high priced items.
• The East Building carpets will be cleaned after the walkways and bridges are resurfaced in July.

Meeting adjourned: 7:30PM. Next meeting is July 12th, 2010 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.

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

The Ambassador II Condominiums are now eligible for FHA backed loans. Please contact your real estate agent for details.

Monday, May 10. 2010
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large
Brien Shermen– Secretary

Homeowners Forum
No homeowners were present at the May meeting.

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm. April’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending April 30th, 2010
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $6,979.54
Insurance Reserve $4,764.79
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $205,816.18
Watermark CU Savings $126.32
Other CD $ 152,000.00
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 370,758.58

The Board has approved a homeowners dues increase of 4.25% for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The increase is primarily due to increases in property taxes, water, electricity, and garbage collection. Property Concepts will send all owners information in the coming weeks. The dues will increase starting July 1, 2010.

Committee Reports

Security: There was a vehicle break-in this month. Please wait for the garage gate to close as you enter or leave the building and please call 911 if you see someone loitering in the garages.

Rules: A noise violation was reported. A resident was playing a musical instrument late into the evening.

Old Business

• Our FHA status remains unchanged. This is a long and frustrating process.
• The Board awarded a contract to re-seal the West building walkways and bridges. This is a necessary procedure that will be inconvenient for all residents, especially those living in the West Building. Access will be restricted for a few hours, but we will maintain the ability of all residents to enter and exit their units on evenings and weekends. More information will be forthcoming. This is a weather dependent project that will be scheduled in July. Reserve funds will pay for this project.

New Business

The south lobby door closer failed and a new one was installed after an almost 4 week back-order. The door frame is in need of additional repairs, which will be done shortly.

Homeowners Alert:

The Board would like to remind all residents to report any building issues to the Property Manager, a Board member, your unit owner, or by sending a message to our email address listed below. We rely on residents to report issues since we do not have an on-site manager. Most reports can be handled quickly once we learn of the need.

Meeting adjourned: 7:30PM. Next meeting is June 14th, 2010 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.
Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association, 506 E Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98122

Monday, April 12. 2010
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large
Brien Shermen– Secretary

Homeowners Forum
No homeowners were present at the April meeting.

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. March’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending March 31st, 2010
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $12,496.49
Insurance Reserve $4,764.38
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $205,646.43
Watermark CU Savings $126.32
Other CD $ 152,000
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 376,105.29

A replacement reserve CD matured. The renewal interest rate was considerably below our expiring rate. The Board investigated other options and opened a new 12 month CD at another institution.

Committee Reports

Security: An act of internal vandalism occurred in early April: four overhead light fixtures were broken on the 3rd floor of the East Building. Glass was kicked into the elevator which jammed the elevator door open on the 2nd floor and forced it out of service. Sunflower seed shells were scattered from the Howell street entrance into the lobby, in the elevator and on the 2nd and 3rd floors. A resident witnessed the sunflower seed incident. The Board has contacted the unit owner.

Rules: A noise violation was reported. A resident was playing a video loudly after midnight.

Old Business
• Redwood noise continues to be an issue for residents living along the alley and facing Howell. Once again all affected residents are urged to call the Seattle Police Department non-emergency number to file a complaint. (206) 625-5011. A Board member is in contact with Redwood’s management.
• The FHA has finally completed tweaking the rules for HUD housing loans. We have begun the process of approval. We believe the building will be FHA approved this month. Stay tuned.
• The exit signs have been replaced with high-efficiency LED signs.

New Business
• The building exterior is quite dirty. The Board has elected to have the interior (courtyard) walls washed in June. We will wash all windows and clean dryer vents immediately thereafter.
• The flat roof on the north side of the East Building is nearing the end of it’s useful life. The roof will be replaced this summer. Replacement Reserve funds will cover the cost.

Homeowners Alert:
We have observed that some of the original toilets in the units are nearing the end of their useful life. Original toilets can be identified by the word “Crane” and a graphic of a crane on the top of the bowl. The tank may contain an old style float as well. These toilets may need to be replaced if they are no longer flushing properly and/or need to be “plunged” on a regular basis. Fixtures are the responsibility of the unit owner. Consult a professional if you need further assistance.

Meeting adjourned: 7:30PM. Next meeting is May 10th, 2010 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.

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

Monday, March 8. 2010
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large
Brien Shermen– Secretary

Homeowners Forum
No homeowners were present at the March meeting.

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm. February’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending February 28th, 2010
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $12,802.53
Insurance Reserve $4,764.02
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $200,881.54
Other CD $ 151,978.78
Other Assets
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 371,498.30

Committee Reports
Security: No security violations were reported.
Rules: No rule violations were reported.

Old Business
• Trash collection has been reduced to 2 days per week, Monday and Friday. The Board will monitor trash levels to make sure this is a cost savings. Extra charges for overflow are significant. Thus far we are well within limits.
• Fire Safety Systems completed replacing batteries on all hallway emergency lights. We also passed our sprinkler system testing.
• Our elevator has been repaired. The problem was narrowed down to elevator rails that were out of alignment. Repair costs were significant, but the results are smoother, quieter operations. Our Reserve funds will cover the costs.
• Once again the rules for FHA/HUD loans are being updated. We are continuing to monitor this situation.

New Business
• A homeowner requested a waiver of the move-in fees. Board policy is to collect a move-in fee whenever there is a change in tenancy. The Board rejected the request.
• The Association will be changing the signature cards for our Reserve accounts to allow for Board changes. Per the Association Documents, 2 Board Member signatures are required for any withdrawal.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:25PM. Next Meeting is April 12th, 2010 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.

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

The Seattle Department of Transportation has just released the 2010 Capitol Hill Parking Plan. Our streets, Howell and Summit, are scheduled to be part of Residential Parking Zone Area 21. If you live here and park on the street you will need an RPZ permit to park more than 2 hours. Presently, RPZ stickers are $45 for a two-year permit. Guest permits are also available, We will undoubtedly receive mail from the City outlining the new RPZ. This is expected to go into effect in March. The good news is that parking for residents should be easier to find and the SCCC students and downtown workers will need to find another place to park.

Ambassador II Condominium Board Minutes
Monday, February 8. 2010
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large (not present)
Brien Shermen– Secretary

Homeowners Forum
No homeowners were present at the February meeting.
Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm. December’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending January 31st, 2010
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $12,143.60
Insurance Reserve $4,763.61
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $196,106.13
Other CD $ 151,978.78
Other Assets
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 358,619.43

We have renewed our insurance policy for 2010 and raised our insurance deductible to $10,000. Total coverage for the building has increased slightly to compensate for higher building and materials costs.

Committee Reports

Security
No security violations were reported

Rules
No rule violation were reported.

Old Business
• Ambassador I Board has agreed to stop Wednesday trash collection. At this time, there is no date for discontinuation of service.
• New LED exit signs will be ordered this month. Installation of these signs will reduce electrical use (for the signs) by more than 90% over the current incandescent bulbs.
• Fire Safety Systems has started replacing batteries for the emergency hall lights. More batteries are on order and will be installed when they arrive.
• The alley garage door was repaired in December. Repairs included new springs, guide wires, emergency release as well as general maintenance and lubrication.

New Business
• Our elevator has been emitting loud noises from time to time. Our service company has made several repair attempts but the problem continues to re-occur. We will continue to pursue this issue to a resolution.
• West building exterior lights failed last month when a wire shorted. Permanent repairs were made.
• The Board has received inquiries about gas fireplaces. Maintenance of the fireplaces are the responsibility of the unit owner. In most cases the fireplaces need cleaning if they fail to light or if the pilot light will not stay lit. Our property manager recommends Gas Fireplace Repair Specialist at 206-799-0454.
• Reminder to all tenants to please break down boxes before recycling. The City of Seattle does not recycle Styrofoam in any form. Styrofoam must go in the trash.
• Please check your bathroom fan for excessive noise. Fans can often be quieted by cleaning off built-up dirt and making sure the fan is not hitting the housing. Please do not leave fan running for excessive periods. Timers are available to turn off the fan up to an hour after the fan is turned on.
• We are in the process of replacing some of the ceiling lights in the east building.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:25PM

Next Meeting is March 8th, 2010 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.

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

Monday, December 14, 2009
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large (not present)
Brien Shermen– Secretary
Homeowners Forum
No homeowners were present at the December meeting.
Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm. November’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending November 30th, 2009:
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $15,024.25
Insurance Reserve $4,762.62
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $186,565.33
Other CD $ 151,978.78
Other Assets
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 358,619.43

Committee Reports
Security
No security violations were reported

Rules
No rule violation were reported.

Old Business
The HUD has changed the rules regarding condominium eligibility for FHA guaranteed loans that we believe will make it easier to get our Association on the approval list.

New Business
The alley garage gate needs repairs. This will involve restricting access to the garage for a few hours. This affects only residents of Ambassador I.
The Redwood bar noise situation continues to deteriorate. We also have had reports of people from the bar blocking the alley garage gate. The Board can’t do anything to prevent the noise, but you can.
If you are disturbed by the noise you can call the SPD non-emergency number 206-625-5011. All residents are urged to call this number for noise complaints from the surrounding neighbors.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:15PM

Next Meeting is February 9th, 2010 at 6:30pm in Unit E108. The Board will not meet in January.

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

Ambassador II Condominium Board Minutes

Monday, November 9, 2009
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large
Brien Shermen– Secretary

Homeowners Forum
No homeowners were present at the November meeting.

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. October’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending October 31st, 2009:
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $6,731.64
Insurance Reserve $4761.81
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $186,407.58
Other CD $ 150,000
Other Assets
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 348.972.17

Committee Reports

Security
No security violations were reported

Rules
No rule violation were reported.

Old Business
The Gas Lighting is scheduled with Puget Sound Energy for November 12th at 9am. If there is not 100 percent participation, the gas will not be turned back on. We will have to start over again.
(Update — November 12th. The Board would like to thank the residents of all 4 units with gas fireplaces. We did in fact have complete cooperation and the gas has been turned back on.)

New Business
None
Meeting Adjourned: 7:00 PM

Next Meeting is December 14th, 2009 at 6:30pm in Unit E108. The Board will not meet in January.

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

Ambassador II Condominium Board Minutes

Monday, October 12, 2009
Jack Taylor – Association Manager
Dale Hitsman – President
Shaun Ross – Vice President
Jay Heath – Treasurer
Greg Mitchell – Member-At-Large (not present)
Brien Shermen– Secretary

Homeowners Forum

No homeowners were present at the October meeting.

Meeting was called to order at 6:34pm. September’s minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending September 30th, 2009:

Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking $2442.33
Insurance Reserve $4761.02
Replacement/Special Assessment CD $182,258.82
Other CD $ 150,000
Other Assets
Petty Cash $100.00
Total Assets $ 344,533.15

We are still attempting to locate a real estate attorney who can assist with removing the Ambassador II association off the FHA blacklist. If any resident knows of such an attorney, please notify the Board.

Committee Reports

Security
No security violations were reported

Rules
No rule violation were reported.

Old Business
3rd amendment to the association declaration passed. Every resident should maintain at least $10,000 of home owners liability insurance.

New Business
A unit in the east building has a failing window, upon inspection by the association a repair was scheduled and was completed.

The garbage on the main level of the Summit garage will be hauled away soon. A reminder to residents that all garbage must be properly disposed of by the resident.

The fireplace relighting will be scheduled and affected residents will be notified by the association.

Homeowner reminder: Parking spaces are only for owners or residents of the Ambassador I and Ambassador II Condominiums. Renting spaces to non-residents is strictly prohibited. It is OK to rent spaces to people who live in the buildings.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:23 PM

Next Meeting is November 9th, 2009 at 6:30pm in Unit E108

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