7:00pm
President Slater opened the meeting with a warm greeting to the attending member-owners and a roll call of the Board of Directors. Louise Bacon, Mel Ervin, Turtel Onli and Jack Cowen were each in attendance. The Building Manager, Ms. LaDell Pearson and the Area Manager, Ms. Robin Lay were also present.
There was a brief delay in the proceedings due to technical issues related to the tape recording device. Approximately 25 Member-owners were in attendance.
OPEN SESSION
Area Manger Ms. Lay thanked the members for the feedback she had received related to measure taken to repairs and other projects that had unexpected consequences and obstacles. She went on to explain that the operating budget did have a measure of cushion to accommodate a variety of events that may happen and require immediate address. Her point was that severe weather related issues or undo wear and tear to the buildings and grounds were always considered in each annual budget. Noting that this year’s Board of Directors decision to not apply the typical 3% increase on the monthly carrying charges was a skilled and well-debated decision given the history and needs of Harper Square Co Op.
There was a conversation about fire safety, fire extinguishers, escape methods and the like. Members were reminded to be mindful of safe practices, proper insurance policies, the need to own a quality well rated fire extinguisher, to maintain a backpack with items needed in transition, and know the stairwells are the appropriate safe escape route in case of a fire. Along with the fact that the Fire Department strongly suggests that in a high-rise fire often the best policy is stay indoors, inside of your unit, with the doors closed until the fire is brought under control.
President Slater added that Harper Square Co Op along with many high-rises in Chicago are being reconsidered for retro fitting of fire prevention sprinkler systems. This is due to a review of the City of Chicago Ordinance that covers these matters. The target years are projected to be 2015 to 2017. He also explained that all of our fire safety apparatus and equipment would be rigorously tested and repaired or replaced as needed.
There will be a plan on the part of the Building and Grounds Committee to have a Fire & Disaster seminar in the near future.
Manager’s Report:
Ms. Pearson warmly addressed the member-owners with a hello and opened her details about the Parking Garage. She noted that 30 Members might be losing their parking places in the cycle due to not notifying and reapplying for Parking Place. While they were given a one-month-one-time extension to apply their key cards are not functioning. She stressed that members not share key cards to the garage or the Health Club. The members who are caught doing this will lose their privileges and maybe more. Plus it creates a security risk when non Harper Square folks are granted access to Harper Square property in such an improper manner. The Health Club has 25 new and 25 renewed members. Non-registered people, fitness trainers, or guests are not allowed. Nor can the Fitness Center be used for physical therapy. Ms Pearson was very passionate and firm in stressing that our Security Guards were professional doing a job to keep Harper Square secure and should never be insulted, cursed out or threatened by our fellow members and guests. There has been evidence of this and those documented insults will be addressed in a Board of Directors hearing in the near future. There should be no smoking in the stairwells or halls. Drugs and marijuana is prohibited and the police will be notified if this is indicated. Every unit member must maintain a key fob. Not having one and insulting the security guards is ground for serious action. Member owners are directed to reread the Handbook in order to understand the consequences of these actions. Plus she reminded us that security is a serious function. They are not to be perceived as hospitality workers or doormen.
President Slater opened a conversation about the need to tow any cars that are in the parking garage without proper paperwork. This towing will be at the expense of the member/owner or guests. The same policy will be extended to people parking in our members’ spaces.
During this exchange a motion was made and passed to accept all of the reports at the end of the Open Session.
Treasure’s report:
Ms. Bacon distributed written forms that detailed our current status and referred member-owners to the Management Office should they want more financial information.
Membership Committee:
Ms. Whaley detailed the interviews and direct sells that were approved and thanked Board Member Mel Ervin for his participation in the process. This keeps the Board closer to this process.
Building And Grounds:
The chairperson of this committee was not present. The Board of Directors liaison Mr. Onli explained that he had established a Green Technology file and growing date resource in the Management Office with the plans of exploring retro modifications that may be useful in quality of life and financial concerns related to the future of Harper Square Co op.
President Slater stated the plan to review to current wiring in out units and the need to upgrading it to the copper standard that is currently practiced. This process will be on a unit-by-unit basis once it starts.
Security Committee:
Board of Directors liaison stated the need to reorganize the committee to better meet our needs.
Program report: No report was offered.
Motion was made to accept all of the reports. The motion was passed.
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