Happy Thanksgiving! Hamzeh Roumani, Board of Directors President October 12, 2015

Just a few thoughts to share over this long weekend ...

What a Community!

When our auditor was here last, he came across a few notes on my tablet about a gardening contest and a barbecue event. I explained that these are community events that we have been holding for years, and that we have always had active participation and good turnout. He said it is amazing that such things still exist because in most condos these days, residents do not know each other and the only time they meet is in AGMs in which frustration and hostility are the norm. It is so heart-warming to hear comments like this about our Northtown community. To me, it is this neighbourly feeling that makes the whole condo concept work: it makes people want to work together toward the common good.

And speaking of these events, our Gardening Contest saw many winners this year. The prizes were distributed during our AGM and you can see their beautiful works in the Photo Library under the "Our Community" menu.

Our BBQ and Exchange event (shared with the 88 Tower) was held on the 27th of September under sunny skies and pleasant weather. With nice food and entertainment for kids, this event continues to be successful and well attended. Thanks to the many volunteers who helped make it happen.

Property Management

Our previous property manager, Michael Doherty, has sent me a note and asked that I share it with the community:

I would like to thank the owners for the great way that I was treated during my employment at Northtown. And although I am happy to be retired, I only wish that I could have said goodbye to them all personally. I will drop by from time to time once I am feeling better.

Michael's retirement has led the Shared Facilities Committee to conduct a review of property management companies and start a bid collection process (see my previous blog for details). In the end, First Service Residential was selected and it took charge some three months ago. It will take some time for the new company to fully understand our site and to adapt to our particular requirements. I am hoping that this transition period will be completed by year end.

Money Matters

Looking good! We continue to adapt our expenses to ensure we have enough reserve for all the future repairs identified in the engineering study, and we continue to update this study every three years. Our approach to keeping the $/SF assessment rates among the lowest in the city, while continuing to upgrade the community, relies on a magic formula that is explained in my earlier blog. And as you can see below, we continue to adhere to this formula.

Projects

During the past three months, we have completed the stair coating project, the front-door painting project, and the canopies. For the A/C project (see my earlier blog and its form for details), around 80% of the owners who had expressed interest in participating have already completed the installation. The remaining ones will do so either in the coming weeks or in March of next year. A few important updates about this project:

• Our request for a revised contract language (to do with clarity and privacy) was accepted by Reliance and a corresponding addendum was issued by their lawyer. Owners who have already installed will be sent the signed addendum so that the added protection will apply to them.
• Our request for a condensate line change was also accepted by Reliance. This plastic tube connects the air-handler to a floor drain and is intended to capture and drain any condensation accumulated inside the air-handler. Initially, Reliance did not plan on replacing this tube, but they now will. Owners who have already installed will be contacted to arrange for a ~15-min visit to have this tube replaced.
• Reliance will extend this deal to March 2016. We will circulate a reminder in early March to all units that have not installed by then.
• Reliance has responded to our request for a special deal for the Kenneth-facing units. Those units have a different setup than the rest of the casitas and they only require a custom air-handler from Reliance; i.e. no air-conditioning condensor. The deal they offer is $79.99 plus tax per month to rent the air-handler only. The deal is similar to the standard one (i.e. the first three months are free, buyout possible, and enhanced contract language). If interested, let the management office know.

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Note: Views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the official position of MTCC 1113. They were written by Hamzeh Roumani, the President of the Board, and reflect his personal take on things.