We hope you have enjoyed the summer here in Matthews Glen. The weather has been quite variable, ranging from hot humid days to what someone referred to recently as ‘Augtober’! However, one outcome of more rain than we usually get is that our grassy areas have remained green throughout.
Change of Management Companies
On August 1st, we changed management companies, and now Shabri Properties is our property manager. In a letter sent to all of you, we explained the reasons for the change, and the process that was used to select the management company. We appreciate that the change was unsettling to some of the owners and residents, and we are monitoring Shabri closely to ensure that issues are handled in a professional and timely manner. |
While financials were certainly not the only factor involved with the decision to change management companies, we have already saved $7,351.22 through a combination of reductions in management fee, insurance renewal premium and administration costs (a yearly savings of just over $245 per unit). Although these savings may create an expectation of a lower monthly fee, we have just been working through the budget for the coming year (for which you will be receiving a letter soon). Unfortunately the winter was harsh, and according to the engineer’s report, some repairs to concrete elements (e.g. foundations) need to be done sooner than was previously expected. The savings will end up meaning that the monthly fee will be in the same ballpark as the last couple of years, as opposed to a fairly substantial increase which would have been the case without the change in management companies.
Outdoor Lights
New lights were installed in the first part of June in both the front and back of the units. While we have received positive feedback from owners on the look of the lights, the installation did not go smoothly. Unfortunately, the contractor that was sent by our previous management company did a poor job, using inexperienced installers who while they did an adequate job on the actual installation of the lights, left installation refuse behind, and failed to put deck furniture etc. back in place. In addition, the new lights are not the same size as those which were replaced, and this has meant on a couple of units there is a substantial gap around the lights, and on quite a few units there are smaller gaps.
New lights were installed in the first part of June in both the front and back of the units. While we have received positive feedback from owners on the look of the lights, the installation did not go smoothly. Unfortunately, the contractor that was sent by our previous management company did a poor job, using inexperienced installers who while they did an adequate job on the actual installation of the lights, left installation refuse behind, and failed to put deck furniture etc. back in place. In addition, the new lights are not the same size as those which were replaced, and this has meant on a couple of units there is a substantial gap around the lights, and on quite a few units there are smaller gaps.
Please rest assured that there will be no electrical short circuit because of these gaps. There is no place for water to pool in the lights, which is what would lead to a short circuit. Nevertheless, we realize these gaps need to be addressed, and in fact we have been attempting to do so since they were installed. We have received contradictory advice on the need to caulk around the lights – many electricians say this should definitely not be done, while others say it is OK.
The follow up of our previous management company was non-existent, so we are now working with Shabri to get this addressed once and for all. We recognize that this could and should have gone smoother, but also hope you appreciate the intent to upgrade the old, shabby-looking lights.
The follow up of our previous management company was non-existent, so we are now working with Shabri to get this addressed once and for all. We recognize that this could and should have gone smoother, but also hope you appreciate the intent to upgrade the old, shabby-looking lights.
Door number refurbishment
The door numbers were removed, cleaned, painted in white and replaced (kudos to Viki, who did all this work personally). The new lights throw light down a lot more effectively than the old ones, so now your visitors (both day and night) should have no trouble locating your unit.
The door numbers were removed, cleaned, painted in white and replaced (kudos to Viki, who did all this work personally). The new lights throw light down a lot more effectively than the old ones, so now your visitors (both day and night) should have no trouble locating your unit.
Decks
We obtained quotes for power washing and cleaning the back decks, but decided to put this off until next year. As a result of reviewing the reserve fund study, it turns out that decks are due to be replaced in the next few years. Because of this, we are suggesting that a Study Team be assembled to look at options for decks for which we are looking for two volunteers from our condo owners. We will be discussing this at the AGM later this year, but please consider if you can be involved in this team. |
Email and Website
As a reminder, you can email the Board at [email protected]. The website is at www.443nassau.weebly.com. There hasn’t been a lot of activity on the web site recently, but we are hoping it will gradually be used more and more. There is an area for discussion on the site where owners can make suggestions and talk about them with others.
As a reminder, you can email the Board at [email protected]. The website is at www.443nassau.weebly.com. There hasn’t been a lot of activity on the web site recently, but we are hoping it will gradually be used more and more. There is an area for discussion on the site where owners can make suggestions and talk about them with others.