1. Update on New Policies
The FSHA Board recently notified Owners about two new policies and their associated fees: one for renters and one for contractors. We appreciate the questions and feedback from some Owners, and based on that feedback we have agreed to revise these policies to address Owner concerns.
The purpose of these policies is to protect the building and recoup FSH Association expenses that are incurred due to usage of building/resources by contractors and those persons moving in and out of the building. It may not be readily apparent, but there are many costs associated with moving and with projects:
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Staff time scheduling and dealing with moving trucks, contractors, and subcontractors
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Staff time operating the freight elevator
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Staff time issuing fobs for building access, parking passes, reviewing lease agreements & tenant information forms, and providing FSH Rules & Regulations and other information
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Staff time to cleanup after move-in / move-out, and during and after a building project
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Costs to repair any damage to Common areas resulting from these activities
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Usage of parking spaces in the South Battery parking lot by contractors and subcontractors
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Usage of the building resources – this includes wear and tear on carpets, wall/trim paint, electricity to run freight elevator and to air condition/heat the back hall and lobby while doors remain open during a move or building project
Previously the Owners of the FSHA paid for the expenses associated with moving and contractor activities in the building. This disproportionate use of resources is not covered by the monthly Regime fee. Rather than have the Owners pay for this use of FSHA resources, the Board believes these expenses should be paid for by those who use them.
Our lawyer, Capers Barr, asserts that the FSHA Bylaws give the Board the authority to implement these policies based on the Master Deed Bylaws Sections below:
- Section IV 5 authorizes the Board to “make and amend regulations with respect of the use of the Regime property;”
- Section VI 2(b) specifically authorizes the Association to “establish reasonable charges to be paid to the Association for the use of the common elements…”
2. Move-In / Move-Out Policy
In order to address questions and concerns expressed by some Owners, the Board has agreed to revise the Rental Policy that was posted on the FSHA web site and is currently in effect as of March 15, 2014. We agreed to the following changes, effective immediately:
- The policy name will be changed from Rental Policy to Move-In / Move-Out Policy. It will apply to everybody, both Owners and renters.
- No deposit is required.
- The Move-In / Move-Out fee for floors 2 through 7 is $300, non-refundable, and payable before the actual move-in date. Since moving in and out of the building on the ground floor requires fewer resources, the Move-In / Move-Out fee for the 1st floor is $150, non-refundable, and payable before the actual move-in date.
The revised Move-In / Move-Out Policy is posted here: https://fortsumterhouse.org/?page_id=1031. Please review and let us know if you have any questions.
3. Regulations Governing Building Projects
The Board agreed to revise the Contractor Policy that was posted on the web and is currently in effect as of March 15, 2014. We agreed to the following changes effective immediately:
- The policy name will be changed from Contractor Policy to Regulations Governing Building Projects.
- No deposit is required.
- A non-refundable fee of $75 a week will be charged for all units regardless of how many days of the week are required for the project work to be completed. This takes into account the relationship between the usage of FSHA resources (size of the project) and the amount of the fee.
The revised Regulations Governing Building Projects are posted here: https://fortsumterhouse.org/?page_id=208. Please review and let us know if you have any questions.
4. Update on Hallway Renovations
The Board has selected the paint color Early Morning Mist by Benjamin Moore for all the hallways. The second floor has already been painted with this paint color so you can go to the 2nd floor if you want to see it. The staff will start painting the 3rd floor next.
The group evaluating replacement carpets for the hallways has been working on this project since January. Because there are so many different carpet designs and so many different opinions, they decided to seek professional advice from Michael Mitchell Interiors. Two interior designers visited on site and eliminated most of the carpet samples that had been collected. They narrowed down the carpet choices considerably and will be assisting in the final selection of the new hallway carpet. We hope to have a sample of the final carpet design available for viewing in the lobby shortly.
The Board is investigating installation of wood moldings around the door frames of all apartment units. This would enhance the appearance of all hallways.
Our Building Manager, Joe Yetsko, reports that the ceiling tiles on the 7th floor have been installed along with new vent diffusers to cut down on condensation above the ceiling. The ceiling tiles on the 2nd floor have been installed, also with new vent diffusers.
We believe the next steps in this project are to: (1) complete the door molding for each apartment on the 2nd floor, (2) install the selected carpet on the 2nd floor, and (3) then install the baseboards.
The current plan is to complete one floor at a time, but this plan may be altered depending on when we order the new carpet, and the availability of our staff. Our Building Manager is working on a schedule to target a completion date for each floor.
5. New Carts
The new rolling cart has arrived and is being used. Eventually we would like to replace the other three plastic carts with these carts. After using it, please remember to return the cart to its location in the back lobby.
6. Elevator Work to Commence in April
Otis will begin work on the 4 recommended safety items for the 2 passenger elevators before the end of April. This will be a 2-day project. One passenger elevator will be available at all times.