Board meeting updates

From Bonnie:

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday, the Condo Board met along with Jennifer Jones from Apollo Management. The focus of the meeting was obviously on the fire, both an update on where things stood and what was to happen moving forward. Here is a summary of that discussion:
· The city has sent out an Order that states that owners, residents and guests are not allowed to enter any of the Lyon St. Units. Only approved contractors by the city and insurance adjusters are currently allowed in.
· As of last night all units except 237 (where the fire started) have been released by the engineering company, however, we are still waiting for the city to release them completely so that all contents can be removed. My unit (231) was one of the ones in limbo but was released this afternoon.
· We hope that the majority of owners will have all contents removed by Friday this week.
· In order to prevent looters and homeless people trying to get into the homes while the city determines what has to happen to the condo, the board agreed to take a few security measures; the Fence around the Lyon St. Property will likely remain, all door looks will be changed, there will be lock boxes added to the doors and any potential entrance will be boarded up.
· The board approved having security on site until all contents were removed from the units. However, if any of the units are deemed condemned, there cannot be security there indefinitely and the board will make a decision about that when the time comes.
· The city has to determine along with the engineers and insurance company what happens next, whether it be demolition or rebuild from the inside. There is no real update on timing – they are still saying 6 months to a year.
· Parking has become an issue because there are 8-10 spots that are no longer useable because of the clean up and we expect that those dumpsters will remain until the rebuild is complete. In our by-laws, owners are not allowed to rent out spots to people who are not residents of Gramercy Place. There are a few owners who are currently doing that, and so we’re going to have to ask those owners to stop and hopefully use their spots for a displaced resident.
· Visitors parking will no longer be available to guests until reconstruction is complete. Jennifer is going to speak to the church and the school across the street to see if we can get parking for some residents and if not, they may have to get city permits.
· Even though we are not living in them, condo fees and parking fees will still have to be paid by all owners. The condo fees and parking fees pay for the management of the entire property, our property manager, and of course, our condo insurance. I hope everyone understands.
· While insurance covers a lot, it will not cover every single thing that will have to be done because of the fire. There is very little doubt that this disaster is going to cost our condo some money and that money will likely have to come in the form of a special assessment or an increase in condo fees. The board will communicate with all owners in advance of that being put in place.
· Jennifer and Apollo Management have been working double time on our condo and so the board agreed that we will be paying for the extra time spent.
That’s what we have for now. Security will be on-site on Canada Day. Enjoy the festivities if you can, and if you have to shop, the Rideau Centre is open!
Oh, and also, please note that the password I sent was wrong yesterday for the Apollo site:
www.apollomgt.com
username: occc588
password: gramercyplace
Let me know if you have any questions,
Bonnie