September 2017 Paddington Green Newsletter |
Hello to you all from your board of directors. It has certainly been an eventful year so far. Unfortunately, we had two insurance claims for water damage in two units. The first was in an empty rental unit and by the time the water leak was detected (by an observant owner who noticed water in the hallway) extensive damage was caused ($12,308 dollars’ worth). Had this been caught earlier on, it would have been a repair in the $ 500 range. The second, totally beyond our control was a faulty toilet in another rental unit that caused $ 8,150 dollars in damage. Between the two incidents the condo corporation had to pay $10,000 for the insurance deductible claims. We still hope to recoup some of these dollars. Please note: The phone number to call for Emergencies is 204-987-9000 and if you are a tenant with a faulty toilet, you need to report it to your landlord, as soon as possible. In the spring, we needed to replace one of the washer / dryer units at a cost of $ 3,800, which we got at a deal. The replacement was required due to the main shaft and bearings on the drum wore down prematurely due to overloading. We kept the old machines to cannibalize for parts. Wow, was that a great idea. Within weeks another washer was damaged due to overloading and we were able to use the door and rubber gasket saving us almost $ 500. Twice this summer a washing machine was so overloaded that the water was leaking out of the door and it took a strong person to open the door – what were you thinking. As you can see, these machines are costly to replace and repair. We do not want to be like the police but if you see someone overloading the machines please say something to them or report it to Sunrex via email paddingtongreen@sunrex.ca. These abuses have to stop. Just a reminder regarding the laundry rooms - Nobody wants to use dirty washers and dryers. There have been complaints of traps being left full of lint and hair. Please, always empty the lint traps, leave the dryer doors closed at all times and the washing machine door and soap dispenser open when done. In June, as part of our annual preventative maintenance we had the sewer pipes cleaned out at a cost of $ 1,621. Low and behold around midnight on July 27th, we had a sewer backup and needed to call the crew back. We are sure many of you were awoken by the noise of the pump truck. That bill will likely be in the $ 3,000 range. The reason for both of these sewer clean outs is that one or more people are putting things down the drain that don’t belong. The worst of the culprits being: feminine products, Baby wipes and similar, dental floss, grease, etc. If it’s not bodily waste, toilet tissue or a liquid at room temperature “DON’T FLUSH IT DOWN THE DRAIN OR POUR IT DOWN IN THE SINK” Grease needs to be poured into a disposable container and disposed of in the garbage. Then, just to make things even more interesting someone decided they didn’t like the panel door on the fire monitoring panel in building #132 and bashed it in which cost $168. Senseless. This spring, we had three more spruce trees removed that were starting to look shabby due to disease. Last fall, we planted 4 new trees. We will need to remove at least 2 trees each year as they are at the end of their life cycle. Thus far, we have stuck with smaller trees that cost about $ 415 each to remove. Some of these larger trees will cost $2,500 - $3,000 each. Our roof is in need of replacement and the attic duct work needs to be upgraded – these costs will be addressed in our updated Reserve Fund Study. In the meantime, we also need to increase our insulation levels in the attic which we are going forward with this fall. We have applied for the Manitoba Hydro Grant to help offset some of these costs. Water rates went up this year, Hydro went up August first and probably will again in December and again next April. We’re sure that we will need to replace some hot water tanks in the next year and they cost $ 6,000 each. These for the most part are expenses we have or will be budgeting for and are somewhat expected. These other expenses that are due to abuse or negligence are not and need to stop NOW. Take this personally because both as unit owners or renters we will be paying for this thru increased condo fees or increased rents. In the end, there is only one pocket for these costs to come out of. YOURS! Paddington Green strives to maintain a visually appealing property for all of our residents to enjoy. In order to achieve this, we need every resident to contribute by keeping their balconies/patios neat and tidy, as well as being in compliance with the established Rules & Regulations. Ex. It is not permitted to hang rugs from the railings, umbrellas need to be closed when not in use and pet waste is not allowed on balconies, patios or patio area. This is our/your home, please take better care of it and help us eliminate unnecessary expenses. We hope you all have a great finish to summer and soon to arrive fall. Your Board of Directors |