          | KALORAMA PLACE CONDOMINIUM
Present:
Kevin O’Regan, President
Frances Hardin
Judi Gold
Davis Castlebury, TBM
9 KP residents
Board President Kevin O’Reagan began the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Reminder: Emergency Needs
If there is an emergency after hours affecting common property it is essential to contact TMB (202 2) and press #4. This will insure the on-call person receives the message and will be able to respond. For health, safety and other personal emergencies continue to use 911.
- Reports from David Castleberry
Common Garage: The Security cameras in the two common garages are now operative. There are three cameras in the north garage and two in the south one. Kevin stressed that owners be diligent not only in locking their car, but also to not leave any valuables in sight. The car break-ins have not including stealing the car, just the materials in them.
The by-laws require all personal matters be kept in a cage, but the Board has been lenient has long as the area is kept clean and within boundaries. For those who want cages, contact David Castleberry. These run about $800.
There continues to be a leak in the north common garage near the pedestrian door leading into the building. The leak has not been identified but is apparently within the wall. This leak is also responsible for what looks like an oil slick near the Board/Maintenance Room. - Wood Rot: Work on replacing wood rot has been completed given weather conditions. This work will be completed as soon as possible. After completion, a committee will be formed to set priorities for fixing the remaining units. Kent Doan has agreed to serve in this committee.
- The current contractor, American Exteriors has been replaced with Titan Restoration. A.E.’s work was good, but they were non-responsive on questions. Titan has begun work.
- A number of gutters fell down during the heavy rains again, due to wood rot. All word work is being replaced with plastic that does not require maintenance.
- Landscaping: The landscaping contractor has never been cooperative in meeting the needs of the Condominium. New bids were given and (?) have been put under contract for one year.
- Delinquencies: There are still a number of condo fee delinquencies. The owners are sent notices along with fees owned including finance charges. There has been one incident that required going to court to resolve the issue.
Other business
Facade changes.
Kevin reminded homeowners that Kalorama Place is in a historic district so that any work on facades that can be seen from the street would have to have approval from the district. The condominium by-laws include this requirement, along with the requirement that any changes to the outside of buildings, whether the Board must approve common or private areas. There have been three recent incidences:
- One homeowner placed a satellite TV station on the balcony of his apartment. This is in violation of the Condominium by-laws and D.C. law. The Condo Board continues to work with the owner to find an area that will meet both requirements. Since many homeowners have inquired about satellite TV, this is a reminder to consult with the Board prior to entering into a contract.
- One homeowner installed a wood door and because of the requirements, will have to replace it.
- One homeowner installed black curtains facing the street again in violation of the by-laws and DC law. White curtains have now been put in front of the black ones and is now in compliance.
- Grills
Homeowners are reminded that based on our by-laws and D.C. law no grill with a flame (coal, gas or propane) may be used. In addition to these requirements, if a fire started based on the used of these grills, our insurance fees would be raised enormously, with the possibility of being rejected.
Questions/Comments from residents.
Q: Will there need to be a special assessment this year, based on the continuing need for improvements.
A:Probably not. The assessment from last year and funds in the Condominium account should cover repair and improvement needs.
Q: Trees were planted around Building I during original construction. They were needed for privacy, but now are beginning to lean. Will they be removed?
A: Yes.
Q: The Washington Examiner continues to throw newspapers outside of doors causing higher litter problems. Can we opt out of receiving the newspaper as a Condominium?
A: The Examiner will be contacted to stop delivery except where it has an explicit subscription. A similar complaint was raised about the flyers often put in outside door handles. The restaurants and other organizations that regularly leaflet the Condominium will also be contact to stop their work
A request was made to put signs "No dogs allowed" on our landscaped areas. Signs will be purchased and put in.
Q: A number of cars are often parked in the driveway area. Can these cars be ticketed before they are towed?
A: Since these cars are parked on private property it is difficult to get the police to respond. Without a DC ticket, the car cannot be towed. The condominium has large placards that can be placed on the driver’s side window. The placards not only are large, they are permanent, in that the car owner will have some difficulty removing them. They are legal and anyone who needs to get one should contact David Castleberry.
Water is collecting on the roof over Unite #65. TBM will look at the problem and take appropriate action.
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