Compiled by Patrick Comiskey
Forty-seven people attended a long and action-packed Board meeting on January 28, 2025, including all Directors, Management, and representatives from the new security vendor, Treston Security Services, who provided a brief introduction at the start of the meeting.
Other topics discussed include: the 2025 HOA Budget, potential Fractional CFO, roof inspections, water intrusions, replanting plans after building painting, planning for emergencies, and tree priorities.
Forty-seven people attended a long and action-packed Board meeting on January 28, 2025, including all Directors, Management, and representatives from the new security vendor, Treston Security Services, who provided a brief introduction at the start of the meeting.
Other topics discussed include: the 2025 HOA Budget, potential Fractional CFO, roof inspections, water intrusions, replanting plans after building painting, planning for emergencies, and tree priorities.
BUDGETS ADJUSTED
Funds saved in 2025 due to a lower-than-expected insurance premium will be allocated toward tree pruning, roof cleaning, the new security contract, a project manager consultant to assist with onboarding the new HOA portal, and salary adjustments to align with California's minimum salary requirements. The remaining funds will be added to reserves.
MAINTAINING FINANCIAL COVERAGE
This was Claire Knowlton’s final Board meeting as a director and the property’s astute financial analyst. In light of her departure, Board President Laura Civiello proposed hiring a Fractional CFO to consult with the new Treasurer and Board on financial strategy for several hours per month. The Board will review potential consultants at a future meeting.
ROOF INSPECTIONS IMMINENT
Seven roofing companies were invited to submit RFPs to assess the condition of the Association’s 97 roofs. The Board approved a bid from Lane Consulting, at a cost not to exceed $92,000, based on their experience with historic properties, attention to detail, and the thoroughness of their RFP response.
WATER INTRUSIONS EXAMINED
The Board approved a resolution requesting the Office to present an analysis of spending on water intrusion repairs, which have been costly and varied in 2023 and 2024. Facilities Engineer Linda Pollari will lead this project.
REPLANTING PLANS POST-PAINTING AND REHAB
The Board discussed replanting efforts following building and garage painting and repair work. It was determined that TLC would assist with replanting until the Manager of Landscape & Horticulture is hired.
PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES
In response to recent events, several residents asked the Board to consider implementing a disaster preparedness plan. Some preliminary work on this had been done before the pandemic by Safety Committee members John and Karen Howell. Director Ashley Fondrevay will spearhead the new effort with assistance from the Safety Committee. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to attend committee meetings on the second Wednesday of each month.
TREE PRIORITIES SORTED OUT
The Board addressed the backlog of outstanding work orders related to tree maintenance. A discussion ensued about the feasibility of year-round pruning while
minimizing disruptions to nesting season. It was decided that Bartlett Tree Services would continue non-invasive pruning to clear the backlog by the end of the year.
NEW RULES FOR OVERSIZED VEHICLES
Management and security officers have documented multiple instances of oversized vehicles obstructing visibility, particularly near Obama Place. As a result, the Board has revised the VG Handbook to prohibit vehicles over 19 feet in length, as well as recreational vehicles, from parking on the property. Clarifying language regarding loading and unloading periods is pending.
NO LEFT TURN
City Council District 10 representative Heather Hutt reached out to the Board requesting a letter of support for installing a no-left-turn sign at the corner of Sycamore Ave. and Obama Blvd. to alleviate congestion and improve safety at the northeast corner of the property. While Board precedent dictates neutrality on matters unrelated to property operation and maintenance, residents are encouraged to express their support by contacting Jonathan Mitchell at
[email protected].
Funds saved in 2025 due to a lower-than-expected insurance premium will be allocated toward tree pruning, roof cleaning, the new security contract, a project manager consultant to assist with onboarding the new HOA portal, and salary adjustments to align with California's minimum salary requirements. The remaining funds will be added to reserves.
MAINTAINING FINANCIAL COVERAGE
This was Claire Knowlton’s final Board meeting as a director and the property’s astute financial analyst. In light of her departure, Board President Laura Civiello proposed hiring a Fractional CFO to consult with the new Treasurer and Board on financial strategy for several hours per month. The Board will review potential consultants at a future meeting.
ROOF INSPECTIONS IMMINENT
Seven roofing companies were invited to submit RFPs to assess the condition of the Association’s 97 roofs. The Board approved a bid from Lane Consulting, at a cost not to exceed $92,000, based on their experience with historic properties, attention to detail, and the thoroughness of their RFP response.
WATER INTRUSIONS EXAMINED
The Board approved a resolution requesting the Office to present an analysis of spending on water intrusion repairs, which have been costly and varied in 2023 and 2024. Facilities Engineer Linda Pollari will lead this project.
REPLANTING PLANS POST-PAINTING AND REHAB
The Board discussed replanting efforts following building and garage painting and repair work. It was determined that TLC would assist with replanting until the Manager of Landscape & Horticulture is hired.
PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES
In response to recent events, several residents asked the Board to consider implementing a disaster preparedness plan. Some preliminary work on this had been done before the pandemic by Safety Committee members John and Karen Howell. Director Ashley Fondrevay will spearhead the new effort with assistance from the Safety Committee. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to attend committee meetings on the second Wednesday of each month.
TREE PRIORITIES SORTED OUT
The Board addressed the backlog of outstanding work orders related to tree maintenance. A discussion ensued about the feasibility of year-round pruning while
minimizing disruptions to nesting season. It was decided that Bartlett Tree Services would continue non-invasive pruning to clear the backlog by the end of the year.
NEW RULES FOR OVERSIZED VEHICLES
Management and security officers have documented multiple instances of oversized vehicles obstructing visibility, particularly near Obama Place. As a result, the Board has revised the VG Handbook to prohibit vehicles over 19 feet in length, as well as recreational vehicles, from parking on the property. Clarifying language regarding loading and unloading periods is pending.
NO LEFT TURN
City Council District 10 representative Heather Hutt reached out to the Board requesting a letter of support for installing a no-left-turn sign at the corner of Sycamore Ave. and Obama Blvd. to alleviate congestion and improve safety at the northeast corner of the property. While Board precedent dictates neutrality on matters unrelated to property operation and maintenance, residents are encouraged to express their support by contacting Jonathan Mitchell at
[email protected].
Categories: Board of Directors, Building maintenance, Budget & Finance, Trees & Landscape, New parking rules, Community News
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