Washington’s Headquarters Homeowners Association
Board Meeting
June 22, 2010
Present
Gary Zimmerman, Mick Cartwright, Toni Schoen, Ann Tannenbaum, Sabin Meyer,
Apologies
Eli Cohn, Bernice Giscombe
Visitors
Cristina Bloise – Impact Management
All issues for the board or the management company can be emailed to board@washingtonshq.com, or telephone 914 512 8129.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 27th, 8.00pm and will be held at unit 7.
Previous Minutes:
The Board approved the minutes of the last meeting.
Financials
We remain in a good position financially, but need to remain conservative in order to build up reserves in anticipation of future projects.
Swimming Pool
Anyone still without the new key should contact Mick Cartwright (917 442 5366) to arrange to pick one up.
There are a number of drain covers around the pool surround which are rusted and need replacing.
ACTION:Â Sabe will check which ones need work and liaise with Cristina to have H2) replace these.
The removable windows will be replaced by screens as is usual at this time of year.
ACTION:Â Cristina will ask Sid to attend to this.
The thermostat controlled windows in the roof are not working.  Similarly the manually controlled side of the roof does not work.
ACTION: Mick will check when these controls were last repaired or replaced.  Cristina will then follow up with the appropriate companies if under warranty, or with Blue Horizon/Glass garden Builders to get quotes for repairs.
Sign In Book: All residents are reminded that they must sign in using the book in the changing area when using the pool. This is an important part of our permit to operate the pool without a lifeguard and may be checked on by Westchester County.
ACTION:Â Mick to obtain sign for pool changing rooms reinforcing this point.
Tennis Court
The tennis court is now open. As a reminder the combination lock is 18-20-6
Gardening
Furniture: The feedback from residents has been that the furniture donated by Eli Cohn is not suitable for the garden. We will now re investigate the possibility of two new benches.
ACTION:Â Mick to circulate suggestions previously researched.
Despite the recent meeting with Carlos, people remain unhappy about the level of service he is providing.
ACTION 1:Â Anne & Mick will meet with Carlos once again.
ACTION 2: We will investigate alternate service suppliers for next year. Suggested companies include Sleepy Hollow Landscaping, Frank Novello, Michael Labriola and Timan Landscaping.
The tree from behind unit 19 has been removed, and the tree in front of unit 2 has been trimmed. Before paying the invoice, we need to confirm that the trimming was done well enough.  Sabe mentioned that he may have details of a company based in Northern Westchester who may be a better alternative for future tree work.
ACTION:Â Sabe to get contact details.
Anne is still chasing the sprinklers company for a quote for additional sprinklers to cover the area behind the tennis courts.
If you have any issues to raise regarding the gardening, please contact Anne (674 1117)
Drains Repair
There has been a problem with the drains along the rear of units 9 to 12.  Investigation work by Rolande and a plumber have identified the cause of the problems. (Thankfully the broken and blocked sections of the pipe are under the lawn not under any patios.) We will now obtain quotes for the repair work and have this done as soon as possible.  In addition we will consider a pro active approach to check all the remaining drains for problems.
ACTION 1:Â Cristine/Mick to meet with plumber to spec repair
ACTION 2:Â Cristine/Mick to meet with Rolande to review his invoice.
ACTION 3:Â Cristine/Mick to investigate feasibility of full drains inspection with the plumber.
Outside Lighting
Gary reported back on the investigation to date. Firstly the lack of light at the circle in front of units 14 – 21:  Although it would be possible to run electricity to the center of the circle and put up a lamp post there, it would be an expensive option.  The recommended (cheaper) solution would be to add directional flood lighting to the two existing lamp posts focusing on the area of the circle. (This is similar to the additional lighting beside the parking spaces for units 6 – 17).
The lights around the first circle and the driveway to unit 1 need further investigation.
ACTION 1:Â Mick to look for plan with location of lights and supply to Gary.
ACTION 2:Â Gary to provide Christina with details of required work to Christina who will obtain additional quotes.
By Laws Review
All board members are requested to send additions, corrections and changes to the draft submission by Sunday 28th to Mick.  Mick will then compile and circulate for discussion at the next board meeting.
ACTION:Â All to send notes to Mick
Driveway
Having narrowed down the quotes from 5 to 3, we then sought references and additional details. The preferred vendor is Tri State and we intend to move forward with the repairs and re sealing as soon as possible.   The work is likely to require us to park off site for a 24 or 48 hour period.   We will give as much notice as possible of the dates affected.
ACTION 1:Â Mick to review written specification of work with Tri State and attempt to obtain improved price.
Front Wall
Gary met with a number of contractors to review the work needed on the wall. In all cases they stated that the size of the job, and the fact that in places it is a retaining wall, means that we should involve a structural engineer.  The wall repairs (or possible replacement of sections) may be a substantial cost.  With this in mind we will attempt to have the job specified in stages that can be carried out over the coming years, so spreading the cost.  We may need to get permits for the work as the wall is greater than 4 feet tall, and we may need permits to close a lane of Broadway adjacent to the work area.
ACTION:Â Toni and Gary to begin selection process of a structural engineer to specify the repairs needed.
ACTION:Â Christine to find out what permits may be needed.
Garbage
We once again have a problem with raccoons tipping garbage cans and spreading trash around in search of food. All homeowners are kindly reminded to ensure that any food waste is tied up inside plastic bags, and that garbage can lids are securely clipped on.
Annual General Meeting
Christine will book the library for the tentative date, Tuesday September 14th.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mick Cartwright