President's Message - March 2006

Norman Salisbury
President

Dear Fellow Owners:

"False Fire Alarms"
There have been some recent comments regarding some "false" alarms from our newly restored system that require some clarification. Our fire alarm system is now functioning perfectly and there are no "false alarms". When the alarm sounds, there actually is an event that sets off the alarm, whether it be burnt food in a condo or in some cases, a hot steamy shower. These alarms are not "false" and our system is functioning as it should. Secondly, we cannot, and will not turn off the alarms until our staff has verified the source of the alarm and that the situation is under control and not hazardous.
I wish to make this clear because now that our system is functioning properly, we may be getting more alarms than in the past. In addition, because of the number of alarms, many residents may become conditioned to ignore them, especially when they are not dangerous alarms. Many residents have asked me if we should ignore the alarms, or why can't we simply silence the false alarms. The answer is, again, there are no "false" alarms and we will not silence any until the source is verified.
The only appropriate and prudent course of action in the event of an alarm, any alarm, is to quickly evacuate the building in an orderly manner through the nearest fire escape stairwell. Do not attempt to use the elevators. After the alarm is silenced and the guards inform you to return to your condo, then you may return to your condo. Even though it is wintertime and it is inconvenient to evacuate, for your own safety, please do so.

Garage Spring Clean-up
During the month of April we will be conducting another garage cleanup effort. Do not store any items in or around your parking stall outside of the lockers. After April 15th, we will begin removing any items or material that is improperly stored. Please be forewarned, all items will be disposed of and we will no longer store items or material for you for later retrieval.

Bicycle Room
In an effort to clean up and free up space in the Bicycle room, we will also be taking inventory of the Bicycles stored there. Please check your Bicycle stored there to ensure you have the AT Bicycle storage tag, note the tag number, and either visit or call the office so that we can confirm the number and update our inventory list. Bicycles that are not tagged will be removed and stored for 60 days after which they will be donated to charity.

Cleaning People
All owners who hire cleaning people to clean their condos are responsible to provide access for them, or to provide access information in writing to Security with the names, weekdays and times when Security should allow these people to enter the premises, and whether they should be given a discretionary key to your condo.

High Pressure Washing Machine Hoses
All residents are reminded to check their washing machine water supply hoses to make sure that they are using the high pressure hoses from the Association. The regular black hoses that are usually provided with new washing machines are not permitted and must be replaced with the red and blue high pressure hoses that are available from the management office for $35 per pair. Please check. We have experienced thousands of dollars of water damage from rubber washing machine hoses that have previously failed.

Thanks again for your support in keeping American Towers the best place to live downtown.

Sincerely,