President's Message - September 2010
Mike Gravitz
President
My Fellow Owners and Residents:
We have recently completed our Annual Meeting in which so many of you graciously re-elected me to serve another term as a Trustee on the American Towers Board. My associates on the Board also elected me to serve as the President, an assignment which I dutifully accept. Brett Marshall was elected as Residential Vice President, Ted Roper was elected as Treasurer, Steve Campbell was elected as Secretary and Donna Boes was elected as Commercial Trustee and Commercial Vice President.
I would like to take a minute to thank Janet Fisher for her recent excellent service as President and acknowledge the many things she accomplished. We have received so many compliments on the re-decorating that she spearheaded. Unfortunately for us however, she received a major promotion at her work which required more of her time. Therefore, she was unable to continue her great work for us here on the Board. On behalf of all of us, Thank You Janet.
At the Annual Meeting, our Decorating Committee presented the continuation of Janets efforts with plans to remodel the North Lobby in the same manner as the South Lobby but with some variation. In addition, plans are in place to do a complete a remodel of the Community Room kitchen and have it completed in time for Thanksgiving. It looks to be a wonderful continuation of the successful first phase which we now see in place.
Many of you have suffered greatly and, I might add, have been extremely patient, while we had to endure lukewarm water as our hot water boilers were being replaced. Now our new boilers are in place and are performing well with only one boiler at a time effortlessly producing an endless stream of 136 degree hot water. Please be forewarned that as soon as testing is complete, we will be conducting one of our "cook & flush" operations to both test the capabilities of our new boilers at 155 degrees and also to "decimate" once again the legionella bacteria that resides in our system. FYI, the legionella bacteria is provided to us courtesy of the Salt Lake City Water Department. Further details as to the timing will be forthcoming.
Last year we had a single vanity supply line burst and that one event resulted in thousands of dollars of damage to several condos. Since then we have been searching for parts, and a way to replace these vulnerable supply hoses in a manner that will minimize further risk. We have now located a solution at reasonable cost. We have located a manufacturer in California that produces corrugated flexible stainless steel supply lines with the lengths and correct fittings that we can use. They have been tested here and the cost is reasonable. We will shortly roll out a program whereby owners may replace their existing water supply lines on their own or by hiring a plumber. Replacing these lines will not require a building water shut off if your own in-condo water shut off valves are functioning properly. Further information will be forthcoming.
In recent meetings, many have asked for clarification as to what in a Unit the Association is responsible for, and what the owner is responsible for. In our last newsletter we sent out a letter describing insurance responsibilities. We have modified and expanded that letter to describe many other areas and issues that many of us have been unsure about. This expanded version of the letter is also included in this newsletter under the heading, "Why get Insurance and Who is Responsible for What?" I encourage you to read it carefully. I, together with all of the Trustees, wish to re-emphasize to all Owners and renters the importance of obtaining personal property, contents and liability insurance as described in that letter.
I wish to thank you all again for your support as we work through the issues and projects in our relatively large and complex facility. As your Trustees, we all try hard to do our best. Recently with the redecorating, we can finally see and experience the fruits of our labors, and with our new found hot water, feel it too. Thank you all again for your support and patience.
Sincerely,
Mike Gravitz
President, Board of Trustees
American Towers Owners Association