Ambassador II Condominiums

(no official meeting commenced as no quorum was met)
Monday, November 9, 2015

President: Brien Sherman (absent)
Vice President: Venus Chan (absent)
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla (absent)
Association Manager: Jack Taylor

Homeowners Forum
● No homeowner was present this month.

Informal discussion began at 6:33pm. The October 2015 minutes were not approved as written.

Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending October 31, 2015.
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $81,982.73
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $408,314.87
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,339.02
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $701,736.62

Committee Reports
● Security Committee: The lighting upgrades (garage & courtyard) are complete. After evaluation and adjustments we will consider our next steps.

Security
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the Summit Ave garage gate to close completely before proceeding to your parking space or away from the building (Rule 3.17). The gate closes in less than a minute. SPD reported again this month that residential garage burglaries are up 60% citywide since last year. The most common method of entry into the garage is for one to walk through an open garage gate/door after a vehicle has passed through.
● Because of the continued rise in residential garage burglaries, we strongly advise residents to not leave anything in lockers that one does not wish to lose. Leaving valuables in plain sight (lockers or vehicles) is an invitation for thieves. Bicycles are a favorite target, as well as items stored in vehicle trunks. For owners who rent their units, please discuss this security issue with your tenants, as it’s their security too.
● The holiday season is fast approaching and we advise that everyone pick up your packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other address. Holidays are the busiest times for thieves. UPS has a secure drop off location at the King of the Hill Grocery. Please check www.ups.com for more information. Amazon also has lockers at Pacific Place.

Rules
● Please continue to pickup after your dog (Rule 10.5), consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking (Rule 10.3), keep dogs off balconies and decks when you’re not home (Rule 10.6), and please control their behavior on the deck when you’re home. While in the common areas, dogs must be leashed at all times. Your neighbors will be appreciative. Fines will be and have been imposed for continued violations.
● Recycling reminders for this month:
○ Shredded paper now should be dumped, loose, in the food and yard waste bin.
○ Pizza boxes go in the compost container, once all plastic, seasoning packets, and metal pieces have been removed. No pizza boxes in recycling bins.
○ Cardboard boxes must be flattened!
○ Styrofoam, random bits of plastic, and other non recyclable materials go in the trash bins. These items are not recyclable.
○ Food can’t go in the recycling bins. They have their own bin called the compost bin.
○ Unwashed food containers, also can’t go in the recycling bins. They need to be dumped in the trash containers.
● The Board members are no longer willing to police the disposal bins for free as the hours involved are becoming excessive. If the unit residents of both Ambassador I and Ambassador II will not police their own discarded materials then dues will be increased to pay for a service to manage the containers. This is a totally unnecessary dues increase that can be avoided. Offsite
owners please discuss this with your tenants.

Old Business
● Please contact Jack Taylor at Property Concepts (his contact information is at the bottom of these minutes) to make sure he has current phone number(s), mailing address, and email address for you and/or your tenant. There are still several units in which Property Concepts does not have current emergency contact information.

New Business
● Davey Tree Service will be out on Friday, December 18th to remove the three remaining Sumac trees from the alley. Once the trees are gone, the ivy on the east wall will be removed.
● The courtyard and garage lighting upgrades were installed 11/10 and 11/11.
● The door at the bottom of the north stairwell will be replaced in the coming weeks, as the existing one is rusted beyond repair.
● The Reserve Study is still in the works and should be completed before Thanksgiving.
● Two securement arms on the bike racks are in need of replacement. They’re on order and should be replaced before the end of the year.

Informal discussion adjourned at 6:53pm.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2016 at 6:30pm in Unit E108. There will be no Board meeting in December.

Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association:
506 E Howell St, Seattle, WA 98122
Property Concepts/Jack Taylor: 2069357951

Monday, October 12, 2015
President: Brien Sherman
Vice President: Venus Chan (absent)
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla (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 September 2015 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending September 30, 2015.
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $77,720.22
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $402,784.24
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,312.40
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $691,916.86

Committee Reports
● Security Committee: The Board will proceed with a slow and deliberate upgrade of our most vulnerable areas. The lighting upgrades will begin shortly as outlined below.

Security
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the Summit Ave garage gate to close completely before proceeding to your parking space or away from the building (Rule 3.17). The gate closes in less than a minute. SPD reported again this month that residential garage burglaries are up 60% citywide since last year. The most common method of entry into the garage is for one to walk through an open garage gate/door after a vehicle has passed through.
● Because of the continued rise in residential garage burglaries, we strongly advise residents to not leave anything in lockers that one does not wish to lose. Leaving valuables in plain sight (lockers or vehicles) is an invitation for thieves. Bicycles are a favorite target, as well as items stored in vehicle trunks. For owners who rent their units, please discuss this security issue with your tenants, as it’s their security too.
● There was a report last month of a package being opened in the lobby. Other packages may still be rifled through or stolen from the lobby and hallways. The holiday season is fast approaching and we advise that everyone pick up your packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other
address. Holidays are the busiest times for thieves.

Rules
● Please continue to pickup after your dog (Rule 10.5), consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking (Rule 10.3), keep dogs off balconies and decks when you’re not home (Rule 10.6), and please control their behavior on the deck when you’re home. While in the common areas, dogs must be leashed at all times. Your neighbors will be appreciative. Fines will be and have been imposed for continued violations.
● All vehicles on the property must be owned by residents of the condominium or guest thereof. The owner of a parking space may rent his/her parking space only to an owner or tenant of Ambassador I or II (Rule 4.7). No subleasing of spaces by tenants. Fines will be assigned.
● Please refer to the recycling instructions regularly sent by the City to your mailbox. There is a copy of this flyer posted by the recycling bins as well. The Board is considering increasing staff hours to regularly sort through our garbage and recycling. This would entail an increase in dues to pay for someone to sort the bins, which can be avoided by self policing one’s disposables. It is time once again to remind all residents that no food goes into recycling containers. This includes pizza boxes, paper plates, cups, cans, or jars unless these are so clean that one cannot tell what was on or in the containers. Also, please remove caps from plastic jugs and glass jars. The recyclers don’t want them and they don’t allow the containers to be flattened.

Old Business
● Please contact Jack Taylor at Property Concepts (his contact information is at the bottom of these minutes) to make sure he has current phone number(s), mailing address, and email address for you and/or your tenant. There are still several units in which Property Concepts does not have current emergency contact information.

New Business
● Davey Tree Service was out to inspect and schedule the Sumac tree removal. Since our project is small, they’ll fit it into their schedule when they’re in the area. Unfortunately, the alley Sumac trees have come to the end of their life and need to be removed.
● The courtyard and garage lighting upgrades approval by the City of Seattle is in process. The contractor was out to inspect the garage and finalize his specifications on the smaller parts needed. If all the permits and approvals are on track, we should have the lights installed before the end of the year.
● Window & vent cleaning was completed a week after previously scheduled upon the contractor’s request; Thursday and Friday, October 8th and 9th.
● After the heavy rain on 10/10, a leak developed at the north end of the west building. Thankfully, the leak doesn’t look to have been much. There was no obvious sign of where the leak occurred. Part of the roof was repaired around a drain and vent stack which is the most logical location. We’ll have to wait for another downpour to verify the repair was in the right location.
● The Reserve Study people were out to do an onsite survey prior to completing the official 2015 Reserve Study.
● Ivy on the east side of the east building has been climbing on the stucco. A notice has been sent to the unit owner(s) to ask for its removal.
● Two securement arms on the bike racks are in need of replacement. They’ll be ordered shortly and replaced before the end of the year as long as they’re in stock.

Meeting adjourned: 7:05pm.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2015 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.
Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association:
506 E Howell St, Seattle, WA 98122

Monday, September 14, 2015
President: Brien Sherman
Vice President: Venus Chan
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla
Association Manager: Jack Taylor

Homeowners Forum
● No homeowner was present at the meeting this month.
Meeting was called to order at 6:38pm. The August 2015 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending August 31, 2015.
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $71,855.28
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $397,252.73
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,312.40
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $680,520.41

Committee Reports
● Security Committee: The Board discussed the homeowners comments from the annual meeting held last month. We will proceed with a slow and deliberate upgrade of our most vulnerable areas. There will be no need for a special assessment. We will begin with lighting upgrades as outlined below.

Security
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the Summit Ave garage gate to close completely before proceeding to your parking space or away from the building (Rule 3.17). The gate closes in less than a minute. SPD reported again in September that car thefts and prowls continue to be above average in condo garages. The most common method of entry is to walk through an open gate/door after a vehicle has passed through.
● We strongly advise that residents not leave anything in lockers that one does not wish to lose. Leaving valuables in plain sight (lockers or vehicles) is an invitation for thieves. For owners who rent their units, please discuss this security issue with your tenants, as it’s their security too.
● Packages may still be rifled through or stolen from the lobby and hallways even though reported incidences have fallen. The holiday season is fast approaching and we advise that everyone pick up your packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other address. Holidays are the busiest times for thieves.

Rules
● Please pickup after your dog (Rule 10.5), consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking (Rule 10.3), keep dogs off of balconies and decks when you are not home (Rule 10.6), and please control their behavior on the deck when you are home. While in the common areas, dogs must be leashed at all times. Your neighbors will be appreciative. Fines will be and have been imposed for continued violations.
● All vehicles on the property must be owned by residents of the condominium or guest thereof. The owner of a parking space may rent his/her parking space only to an owner or tenant of Ambassador I or II (Rule 4.7). No subleasing of spaces by tenants. Fines will be assigned.
● Recycling containers continue to be misused (Rule 3.10). Boxes must be empty of Nonrecyclable materials and flattened so as to make room for your neighbors material. Please refer to the recycling instructions regularly sent by the City to your mailbox. There is a copy of this flyer posted by the recycling bins. The Board is still considering increasing staff hours to regularly sort through our garbage and recycling. This would entail an increase in dues to pay for someone to sort the bins, which can be avoided by self policing your disposable items.

Old Business
● The annual HOA meeting was held on Wednesday, August 12, 2015. The minutes were sent to all owners at their address listed with Property Concepts; minutes may be viewed on website too.
● Please contact Jack Taylor at Property Concepts (contact information is at the bottom of these minutes) to make sure he has current phone number(s), mailing address, and email address for you and/or your tenant. There are still several units in which Property Concepts does not have current emergency contact information.
● The Board continues to look into transferring some reserve money into a couple new accounts so the money is safely under $250K in each account and FDIC insured.

New Business
● Board officer positions were discussed and the positions remain as previously assigned.
● The sample garage light fixture was received in late August and installed near the recycle bins. We have decided to select this fixture for both garages. The Board has also selected the courtyard lamp post replacements. We’ve authorized Pacific Lamp to move forward with the bid and with getting the paperwork in for the City of Seattle rebate. The light fixtures should, hopefully, be installed before the end of the year depending on approvals by the various agencies.
● Window & vent cleaning have been scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 1st and 2nd. Please remove your screens from your windows or ask your tenants to perform this task for nice clean windows.
● The Board has voted to remove the remaining Sumac trees from the alley, as they’ve all shown root rot and drought stress. Unfortunately, they’ve come to the end of their life. Since the big windstorm in August, our request to have the trees removed is currently a low priority for Davey Tree Service. They’ll contact us to coordinate a removal date once there is room in their schedule.
● The people who do our Reserve Study have been contacted and will coordinate an onsite visit with a board member or the association manager.

Meeting adjourned: 7:23pm.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2015 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.
Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association:
506 E Howell St, Seattle, WA 98122

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.
Board Members in attendance:
Brien Sherman (President)
Jay Heath (Treasurer)
Shaun Ross (Secretary)

Introduction and Signin:
● Counting the number of persons present and proxies acquired, 30 persons attended and a quorum was met.
● The proof of meeting notice was provided to all attendees.
● The IRS form 70 604
was read aloud by the Treasurer as per federal law.
● The 2014 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 2015 /2016 annual budget for approval by the membership. A dues increase of 2.5% over the previous year was suggested. Four line items we reduced while ten were increased.
○ The 2015/2016 annual budget was approved by the membership as presented.
● The replacement of the alley vehicle garage door was funded with Reserves. We also replaced a compressor for our dry fire sprinkler system.

Old Business:
● Water heaters: The Board would like to remind all homeowners to please replace water heaters by the time the manufacturer’s warranty period ends. As a general rule if your water heater says Bradford White on the side, it’s likely the original equipment. This equipment is well past 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 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 and 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 less efficient. Please consider replacing your toilet(s) with newer more efficient models.
● Homeowners and tenants need to pay better attention to what can be recycled. There are notices posted near the dumpsters for reference and on the City of Seattle website. If we lose our recycling containers or fines are imposed, our garbage bill could rise dramatically.
● 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.
● UPDATE: The CondoInternet and CenturyLink high speed internet services are not available due to high costs of rewiring the buildings.
● UPDATE: The Board has looked into the cost of separating the water main so each association has their own meter. The price of this project is cost prohibitive with little or no cost savings.
● Frustration with fellow residents and their barking dogs was addressed at the meeting just as a dog from Ambassador 1 started barking. 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.
● UPDATE: Building maintenance by Friday Maids’ cleaning crew has improved dramatically. We have new personnel cleaning the building.

New Business:
● Nomination and election of two Board members. The incumbents, Jay Heath and Brien Sherman, were reelected to the Board for another 3year term each.
● The annual Reserve Study for the 2015 / 2016 fiscal year is scheduled for completion later this Summer. 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.
● In anticipation of an inquiry to reasons for another year with a dues increase, the Treasurer provided explanations for the continued increases to our reserves.
● The Board will be replacing the three courtyard lamp posts with bollard style light fixtures later this year along with the 25 garage lights. Seattle City Light has a program that subsidizes the cost of replacing high wattage fixtures with efficient LEDs. We will take advantage of this program.
● The Board continues to look into security options for the building and presented a few options with a semi-timeline
of implementation periods.
○ Rekeying the building: Probably next year.
○ Installing cameras: Will review once garage lights have been replaced.
○ Replacing the common door locks with electronic versions: Will review at a later date.
○ Creating a community watch program online: Has been implemented through ‘Nextdoor Capitol Hill Southwest’ (www.nextdoor.com).
● A member inquired about rules & regulations regarding the remodeling of their unit. The inside of each unit is the domain of each owner and each can pretty much do what they like to the space as long as it does not affect other units, common areas, or the building exterior.
● A member inquired about replacing the storage lockers, as some are in a sad state of disrepair: The 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. As has been mentioned before, the Board recommends not storing anything in your locker that you do not wish to lose. Thieves still target these units.

Meeting adjourned at 8:02pm.
Next annual meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

Monday, August 10, 2015
President: Brien Sherman
Vice President: Venus Chan (absent)
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla (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 July 2015 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending July 31, 2015.
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $67,023.60
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $391,721.88
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,312.40
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $670,157.88

Committee Reports
● Security Committee: The Board continues to examine a variety of security proposals. The new budget has additional funds to begin upgrading security. The comment period has ended. Thanks to those who gave input. For additional information or a refresher as to what the Board is considering, please checkout the Ambassador II Security Proposal Outline on the association’s website. Options discussed at the annual meeting.

Security
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the Summit Ave garage gate to close completely before proceeding to your parking space or away from the building. The gate closes in less than a minute. SPD reported earlier this summer that car thefts and breakins are rising in condo garages, and the most common method of entry is to walk through an open gate/door after or once a car passes through. This is also the easiest way for locker thieves to enter. Do not leave anything in your locker you do not wish to lose. Leaving valuables in plain sight is an invitation for thieves. For owners who rent their units, please discuss this security issue with your tenants, as it’s their security too.
● Packages may still be rifled through or stolen from the lobby and hallways even though reported incidences have diminished. We advise that everyone pick up your packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other address.

Rules
● Please pickup after your dog, consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking, keep dogs off of balconies and decks when you are not home, and please control their behavior on the deck when you are home. While in the common areas, dogs must be leashed at all times. Your neighbors will be appreciative. Fines will be imposed for continued violations.
● Once again recycling containers are being misused. There is absolutely no clothing or shoes allowed in recycling. Just because it’s plastic does not mean it is automatically recyclable. Please refer to the recycling instructions regularly sent by the City. There is a copy of this flyer by the recycling containers. The Board is considering increasing staff hours to regularly sort through our garbage and recycling. This would entail an increase in dues to pay for this, which can be avoided by proper sorting of disposable items.

Old Business
● At your earliest convenience, please contact Property Concepts to make sure they have current phone number(s), mailing address, and email address for you and/or your tenant. There are several units in which Property Concepts does not have current emergency contact information.
● The Board is still waiting for a sample garage light fixture. Once received, it’ll be installed in the alley garage near the recycling dumpsters so everyone can see the light output. We hope to do this soon.
New Business
● The annual HOA meeting was Wednesday, August 12, 2015. Minutes will be sent to all owners current addresses.
● One of the alley Sumac trees was hit by a passing truck and fell on Friday, July 31st, taking out a section of fence. The tree was removed and the fence was replaced the following day. This is the third tree to fail and fortunately there have been no injuries. The Board has voted to remove the remaining Sumac trees from the alley in the coming months, as they’ve all shown root rot and drought stress. Unfortunately, they’ve come to the end of their life. One tree will take out power lines if it falls, and the other remaining tree would likely damage the Redwood tavern. This creates significant liability issues for the Association.
● The Board has been looking into transferring some of our reserve money into a couple new accounts so the money is safely under the $250K FDIC insured amount.

Meeting adjourned: 7:22pm.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2015 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.
Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association:
506 E Howell St, Seattle, WA 98122

Monday, July 13, 2015
President: Brien Sherman
Vice President: Venus Chan (absent)
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla (absent)
Association Manager: Jack Taylor

H​omeowners Forum
● No ​homeowner was present at the meeting this month.
Meeting was called to order at 6:33pm. The June 2015 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending June 30, 2015.

Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $55,525.65
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $386,193.25
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,286.07
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $653,104.97

Committee Reports

● Security Committee: The Board continues to examine a variety of security proposals. The new budget has additional funds to begin upgrading security. The comment period has ended. Thanks to those who gave input. For additional information or a refresher as to what the Board is considering, please check­out the Ambassador II Security Proposal Outline on the association’s website. We’ll also discuss our options at the annual meeting next month.
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the Summit Ave garage gate to close completely before proceeding to your parking space or away from the building. The gate closes in less than a minute. SPD reported this month that the car thefts and break­ins are rising in condo garages, and the most common method of entry is to walk through an open gate after or when a car passes through. This is also the easiest way for locker thieves to enter. Do not leave anything in your locker you do not wish to lose. Leaving valuables in plain sight is an invitation for thieves. For owners who rent their units, please discuss this security issue with your tenants, as it’s their security too.
● Although reported incidences have diminished, packages may still be rifled through or stolen from the lobby and hallways. We advise that everyone pick up their packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other address.
● While in the common areas, dogs must be leashed at all times. Please also pick­up after your dog, consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking, keep dogs off of balconies and decks when you are not home, and please control their behavior on the deck when you are home. Your neighbors will be appreciative. Notices for barking dogs were sent to a couple owners. Fines will be imposed for continued violations.
● A reminder that no food of any kind is allowed in the recycling containers. Bottles, cans, and jars must be thoroughly rinsed. Boxes should be flat, as they take up much less space when flattened. In addition, flattening boxes ensures that all contents have been removed. Remember that styrofoam and bubble wrap is not accepted in any form. They are to be placed in the trash bin.
● Please contact Property Concepts to make sure they have your current phone number(s), mailing address, and email address for you and/or your tenant. There are several units in which Property Concepts does not have current emergency contact information.
● The Board has received quotes Pacific Lamp and Seattle City Light for options to replace the courtyard lamps and the garage light fixtures. Replacement of these fixtures probably won’t occur until autumn of this year. Details will be discussed at the annual meeting.
● Carpet cleaning of the east building’s hallways was completed on 06/18/2015.
● Pressure washing of the courtyard and walkways was completed on 06/11/2015.
● The dead Sumac tree in the alley was removed.
● The annual HOA meeting will be on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 7pm in the fitness center/bike storage room. This is a BYOC (bring your own chair) event. We plan to discuss security options, new lighting, and the 2015­2016 budget.
● The Board will be looking into transferring some of our reserve money into a couple new accounts so the money is safely under the $250K FDIC insured amount.

Meeting adjourned: 7:08pm.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2015 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.

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

Monday, June 8, 2015
President: Brien Sherman
Vice President: Venus Chan (absent)
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla (absent)
Association Manager: Jack Taylor

H​omeowners Forum
● One ​homeowner was present at the meeting this month.

Meeting was called to order at 6:36pm. The May 2015 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending May 31, 2015.
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $41,451.07
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $380,697.57
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,286.07
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $633,534.71

Committee Reports
● Security Committee: The Board continues to examine a variety of security proposals. The new budget has additional funds to begin upgrading security. The comment period has ended. Thanks to those who gave input.
● CONTINUED REMINDER: Although reported problems have diminished, packages may still be rifled through or stolen from the lobby and hallways. We advise that everyone pick up their packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other address.
● We still have unauthorized people gaining access onto the property, into the east building, and into both garages. Please do not allow anyone you don’t know gain entry as you enter or exit the property. If someone is squeezing in behind you, introduce yourself and see if they truly live in the building or in the Ambassador I building. Ask them to show you their key. This will help build community. It’s always good to know one’s neighbors. We are all in this together.
● When thieves gain access to the garages, they continue to target the storage lockers. No reports of locker break­ins were submitted in May. As we’ve mentioned before, please don’t store any item in the lockers that you are unwilling to lose. SPD reports car prowls and property crimes are on the rise. Leaving valuables in sight in your vehicle is an invitation for someone to break ­in.
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the garage gate to close completely before proceeding away from the building or to your parking space. It takes less than a minute for the gate to close. Homeowners with renters, please discuss this security issue with your tenants. It’s their security too.
● While in the common areas, dogs should be leashed at all times. Please also pick­up after your dog and please consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking. Please keep dogs off of balconies and decks when you are not home. Also please control their behavior on the deck when you are. Your neighbors will be appreciative.
● A reminder that the City of Seattle requires we recycle our food and yard waste. The city has now given us 2 green compost bins, which are located between the Ambassador I & II buildings just inside the alley fence on the east building’s north stairwell landing. Food waste, pizza boxes, napkins, paper plates, shredded paper and plant material must be composted. NO PLASTIC OR GLASS IS ALLOWED IN THE FOOD WASTE COMPOST BIN. Pickup date has changed from Thursday to Sunday, so you may find the container(s) outside the garbage room on weekends.

Old Business​.
● Please make sure Property Concepts has valid phone numbers and email addresses for you and/or your tenant. There are still several units in which Property Concepts does not have current emergency contact information.
● The Board continues to receive quotes and ideas from Pacific Lamp and Seattle City Light for options to replace the courtyard lamps and the garage light fixtures. Replacement of these fixtures probably won’t occur until autumn of this year. Details will be discussed at the annual meeting.
● The new alley garage door was installed last month.

New Business
● The annual HOA meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 7pm in the exercise/bike storage room. This is a BYOC (bring your own chair) event. We plan to discuss security options, new lighting, and the 2015/­2016 budget.
● The Board has become aware of an attempt to fraudulently rent a vacant unit in our building. This has become common around the country. Scammers will look for units for rent or for sale and place their own ads. They collect first, last, and a deposit and disappear. Off­site owners with vacant units for rent or for sale are recommended to peruse Craigslist and similar sites looking for false listings for your units.
● Carpet cleaning of the east building’s hallways has been scheduled for 06/18/2015.
● Pressure washing of the courtyard and walkways was completed on 06/11/2015.
● The Board has contacted Davey Tree Service to ask them to come out and remove a dead alley tree, as well as trim a couple of the Howell Street trees.

Meeting adjourned: 7:18pm.

Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2015 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.

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

Monday, May 11, 2015
President: Brien Sherman
Vice President: Venus Chan (absent)
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla
Association Manager: Jack Taylor

Homeowners Forum
● One homeowner was present at the meeting this month.
Meeting was called to order at 6:31pm. The April 2015 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Reports
For period ending April 30, 2015.
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $41,815.77
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $375,204.03
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,286.07
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $628,405.87

Committee Reports
● Security Committee: The Board has examined a variety of security proposals including new keys, electronic access control, video surveillance and other enhancements to our building security. We will explore ways to implement upgrades over time so as to pay for any work with only modest long term dues increases. A broad outline of these proposals was included with the March minutes. The Board is still interested in any comments the membership may have. We continue to discuss this further. Please contact the Board through a temporary email address (ambassador2 at outlook dot com) with any comments.

Security
● CONTINUED REMINDER: Although reported problems have diminished, packages may still be rifled through or stolen from the lobby and hallways. We advise that everyone pick up their packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other address. By the way, Amazon has lockers throughout the city for secure package delivery. One is at Pacific Place.
● We are seeing increased levels of unauthorized people attempting or succeeding in gaining access onto the property, into the east building, and in both garages. Please do not allow anyone you don’t know gain entry as you enter or exit the property. If someone is squeezing in behind you, introduce yourself and see if they truly live in the building. This will build community. It’s always good to know one’s neighbors.
● Thieves continue to target the storage lockers when they gain access to the garage. No reports of actual locker breakins were reported in April. Please don’t store any item in the lockers that you are unwilling to lose. SPD reports car prowls are on the increase. Leaving valuables in sight is an invitation for vehicle breakins.
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the garage gate to close completely before proceeding away from the building or to your parking space. It takes less than a minute for the gate to close. Homeowners with renters, please discuss this security issue with your tenants. It’s their security too. It has been reported that a few people have snuck into the garage. A couple residents have confronted the trespassers and asked them to leave.

Rules
● While in the common areas, dogs should be leashed at all times. Please also pickup after your dog and consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking.
● A reminder that the City of Seattle requires we recycle our food and yard waste. The green compost bins (there are now two) are located between Ambassador I & II inside the alley fence on the north stairwell landing of the east building. Food waste, pizza boxes, napkins, paper plates, shredded paper and plant material must be composted. NO PLASTIC OR GLASS IS ALLOWED IN THE FOOD WASTE COMPOST BIN. Our pickup date has changed from Thursday to Sunday, so you may find the container(s) outside the garbage room on weekends. Ambassador I is attempting to get the date changed back to a weekday.

Old Business
● Please make sure Property Concepts has a valid phone number and email address for you and/or your tenant. This contact information is necessary for emergencies.
● The Board has received two quotes from Pacific Lamp with options to replace the courtyard lamps. The Board will review and discuss two of the three options. Option 1 below was not quoted. Here are the three options we’re considering: 1) use current poles with new downward directional lighting tops, 2) replace poles with contemporary versions, also with down lights, 3) replace poles with 2’ to 4’ bollards with down lighting. The goal is to eliminate as much light pollution as possible in the courtyard with the light aimed downward. Pacific Lamp has included a proposal to replace the 25 garage light fixtures.

New Business
● The new alley garage door has been installed and is working wonderfully.
● The Board approved our 2015-2016 Operating Budget. The final vote to implement this new budget will be at the Association’s annual meeting of homeowners in August. A 2.5% increase over last year covers increased utilities, maintenance costs and an increase in security funds to help pay for upgrades.
● Pressure washing of the courtyard and walkways is scheduled for Thursday, June 11th.
● Dave Tree Service will be coming out in the coming weeks to inspect and possibly remove an alley tree as well as trim some of the Howell St trees.

Meeting adjourned: 6:52pm.
Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2015 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.
Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association:
506 E Howell St, Seattle, WA 98122

Monday, April 13, 2015

President: Brien Sherman
Vice President: Venus Chan (absent)
Treasurer: Jay Heath
Secretary: Shaun Ross
Member At Large: Anand Singla (absent)
Association Manager: Jack Taylor

H​omeowners Forum
● No ​homeowners were present at the meeting this month.

Meeting was called to order at 6:38pm. The March 2015 minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report
For period ending March 31, 2015
Bank, Savings and Investment Accounts
Checking: $51,169.05
Washington Federal Replacement / Special Assessment Reserve CD: $369,709.87
Sound Credit Union Savings: $211,260.03
Petty Cash: $100.00
Total Assets: $632,238.95

Committee Reports
● Security Committee: The Board has examined a variety of security proposals including new keys, electronic access control, video surveillance and other enhancements to our building security. We will explore ways to implement upgrades over time so as to pay for any work with only modest long term dues increases. A broad outline of these proposals was included with last months minutes. The Board is still interested in any comments the membership may have. We will certainly discuss this further. Please contact the Board through a temporary email address (ambassador2 at outlook dot com).

Security
● Our security company found a prowler in the Summit garage and ejected him. Also, a resident called SPD when they observed someone prowling the lockers in the Summit garage. He was arrested for criminal trespass. There were two other instances of trespassing in both garages as well as an unauthorized vehicle in the Summit garage that left before it could be towed.
● CONTINUED REMINDER: Packages may still be rifled through or stolen from the lobby and hallways. We advise that everyone pick up their packages as soon as they arrive or have them delivered to your workplace or other address. By the way, Amazon has lockers throughout the city for secure package delivery. One is at Pacific Place.
● Unauthorized people continue to gain access onto the property, into the east building, and in both garages. Please do not allow anyone you don’t know gain entry as you enter onto the property. If someone is squeezing in behind you, introduce yourself and see if they truly live in the building. This will build community within the association. It’s always good to know one’s neighbors.
● The storage lockers continue to be a favored target for thieves. No reports of actual locker break­ins in March, but as noted above one person was arrested for trying. Please don’t store any item in the lockers that you are unwilling to lose.
● CONTINUED REMINDER TO ALL RESIDENTS: Please wait for the garage gate to close completely before proceeding away from the building or to your parking space. It takes less than a minute for the gate to close.Homeowners with renters, please discuss this security issue with your tenants. It’s their security too. This is the most logical way that transients gain access to the property.

Rules
● While in the common areas, dogs should be leashed at all times. Please also pick­up after your dog and consider using a Citronella collar to curb barking.
● A reminder that the City of Seattle now requires food and yard waste recycling, which includes houseplant trimmings. The green compost bin in located inside the alley fence at the north stairwell landing of the east building. Food waste, pizza boxes, napkins, paper plates, shredded paper and plant material must be composted. NO PLASTIC OR GLASS IS ALLOWED IN THE FOOD WASTE COMPOST BIN. We are happy to see significantly increased use of the compost container. Shredded paper should now be dumped, loose, in the food and yard waste container rather than in recycling.

Old Business
● Please make sure Property Concepts has a valid phone number and email address for you and/or your tenant. This contact information is necessary for emergencies.
● A minor leak from a water heater happened in March that caused damage to the unit below. All water damage of this type is the responsibility of the unit with leaking/damaged water heater and/or plastic valve failure. Equipment past the warranty expiration is strongly suggested to be replaced. It’s less expensive to replace old equipment preemptively than pay damage reparations. Most water heaters have 6 year warranties.
● A second noise complaint was sent to one unit for excessive exercise type activity. Please take your gymnastics or aerobics outside or to the exercise room. These kinds of activities transfer noises to surrounding units. Please be a considerate neighbor. We’re all living here together in close proximity of one another.
● Update:​The new alley garage gate will be installed in late April or early May. Notices will be posted when we have a firm date.
● Spring window and dryer vent cleaning was completed on April 2nd & 3rd.

New Business
● The Board and our painting contractor are considering repainting the hallways of the east building with a lighter, but similar color. Some of the floors are looking increasingly mottled despite frequent touch ups.
● The Board is researching options to replace the courtyard lamps. A member met onsite with a representative from Pacific Lamp. An estimate will be sent to the Board for review with three options: 1) use current poles with new downward lighting tops, 2) replace poles with contemporary versions with down lights, 3) replace poles with 2’ to 4’ bollards with down lighting. The goal is to eliminate as much light pollution as possible in the courtyard and put the light at ground level where it is needed.
● We’re experimenting with an LED bulb replacement for the garage light fixtures. We’re disappointed with the light output with the one bulb we’re testing. Pacific Lamp is also providing options for garage fixture replacements and is looking into grants from the city to help with paying for replacements. We may be able to combine the garage light fixture replacement with the courtyard upgrades to save the association money. These upgrades would be covered by current Replacement Reserve funds.
● Pressure washing of the courtyard and walkways has been scheduled for June 11th.

Meeting adjourned: 7:14pm.

Next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2015 at 6:30pm in Unit E108.
Ambassador II Condominium Homeowners Association:
506 E Howell St, Seattle, WA 98122

As a followup to the annual meeting of owners (August 2014), the Board has engaged a local security/access control company to advise us on various ways to improve our building safety infrastructure. The original discussions at the annual meeting surrounded a rash of thefts in our building, primarily in the garage, lobbymailbox area and exercise room. Subsequent to our annual meeting there have been additional (reported) incidences as detailed below:

● Continued infiltration of nonresidents onto the property.
● Disappearance of many packages from the lobby and hallways.
● A number of bicycles being stolen off the bike racks this past summer.
● Continued storage locker breakins in garages as well as vehicle breakins.
● Transients found multiple times throughout the building, especially at top of the east building’s N and S stairwells and sleeping in garages.

Below is a budgetary estimate, by distinct project, for installation services (prices do not include sales tax or incidental costs). The vendor is one that we have previously used and has demonstrated to the Board and building management a clear expertise to secure the property.

A. BUILDING VIDEO RECORDING
This includes installation of up to 16 vandal resistant dome color day & night cameras with digital video recording, UPS battery backup, monitor, locking security enclosure, and Wifi router for wireless connection. Estimated capital improvement cost is $15,000. Camera surveillance primarily in lobby, courtyard, garages, and possible partial exterior coverage. Garage cameras would be partially paid for by Ambassador I as these are shared areas.

B. BUILDING ACCESS CONTROL
Installation of card readers on building entry doors including power supplies with battery backup, door locking hardware with electronic proximity card or fob readers. Ability to delete lost security cards. Auditing access to compare to video monitoring. Estimated capital cost is $36,000. Card or key fob access devices range from $5ea to $35ea ($1500$ 10,500 for 300. Ambassador I would pay for their share). The most expensive device would operate remote garage gates as well as person doors. Note that this proposal does not include the east building hallway stairwell doors, only the doors accessible from the outside or from the garage. Unit doors are not included and will always remain under the control of unit owners. GARAGE GATE OPENERS: Network type receivers including door controllers, integration with card access system. Estimated cost is $5,000 for both garage gates/doors. Access control would be partially paid for by Ambassador I for shared access doors and gates. In line with current key policy, each unit would be assigned two access devices and unit owners could purchase additional devices as needed.

C. VISITOR/DELIVERY ENTRY GATE ACCESS CONTROL:
New visitor access panel (call box) integrated with card readers and capable of auditing all access. Estimated cost is $4,400.

D. IMPROVED PHYSICAL LOCKING HARDWARE:
Medeco Generation 3 high security key cylinders, includes installation, and Medeco Generation 3 keys. Estimated cost is $7,300. This would rekey all existing common area doors. Ambassador I would pay their share of common door costs.

E. EXTERIOR TRASH GATE:
Installation includes an electronic gate lock, power supply, and heavy duty keypad. Estimated cost is $2,200. Currently this gate is opened all day twice weekly for garbage bin emptying and is occasionally accessed by outsiders. This is a safety issue for residents.

F. DENTIST OFFICE PATIENT ACCESS SYSTEM (Summit garage):
Integrates with proposed new access control proposals. Includes door intercom stations, auto dialer, relay activation units. Estimated cost is $2,500.

The Board is providing this information to all owners for comment and suggestions. It is very important for you to provide your feedback as the Board needs to have a strong understanding of what security capital improvements are preferred by the general ownership. We hope to have all comments back to us by mid April 2015. Once we have received the general ownership response, the Board will prepare a formal recommendation and funding plan. There are various ways that these capital improvements could be funded and the ongoing upkeep expense be addressed, but it is important that we first establish a final budget so we can make sure the expenditure meets the HOA ByLaws and state guidelines. We hope that you will review this information carefully as the Board considers this a very important capital project, not only from a community safety point of view, but also from an insurance premium and property resale perspective. Please send all responses to “AMBASSADOR2 AT OUTLOOK DOT COM”

We look forward to your feed back!