Scaffolding was delivered and set up at the front of the building today, Wednesday, May 2, 2018. This began at 8AM for the front façade repair.  Please use extreme caution when entering and exiting the building.

Mandatory Inspection February 17th

Over the last 2 years, we have seen  a substantial increase in our building water usage,  reflected in a large increase to our city water bill, on the order of several thousand dollars. Although some of this has been due to an increase in water rates, the overwhelming majority of the increase is due to increased usage. Since the number of units and occupants has not changed dramatically, the increase is probably water leaks somewhere within the building. The most likely culprit being toilets or water tanks. A faulty toilet that has a slow leaks can literally waste hundreds of gallons of water a year. If you multiply that by several fixtures, you are looking at a substantial increase in our water bill. For this reason Markwood will be conducting a mandatory inspection.

Please be advised all units must be made available Saturday, February 17, 2018
between the hours of 8 AM – 11 AM. At this time maintenance will be knocking on
doors to conduct visual inspections for signs of leaks/plumbing issues within units.

(in fairness to all residents, specific time requests can not be accommodated).

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

-Markwood Management

Tree Trimming!

The trees in front of the building have been trimmed back away from the windows! This was difficult to do as the trees are owned by the city and can only be trimmed by their work crews.

Markwood was finally able to contact the Salem DPW department and secure a date for the trimming. After one aborted appointment (due to rain and wind) the crew was rescheduled and the work was completed last week. The branches are now well away from the front and side of the building. This should reassure owners and tenants in the front of the building who had branches blowing against their windows during the last storm.

The New Washing Machine is Finally Here!

After months of waiting, the replacement for the third washing machine, which has been out of commission since June, arrived this last Monday. The company that usually sells and services the washers, Mac-Gray, was slow in responding to our calls. When we finally did get through, the make and model we usually purchase was on back-order due to problems at the Maytag manufacturing facility. We ended up purchasing a Speed Queen Commercial Washer instead. 
Customer service sure isn't what it used to be.

Window Meeting Set for May

A meeting to discuss options for the much-needed window replacements for 24 Norman Street (see the March 31st post for details) is set for on May 23, 2017 @ 6:30PM at Heritage Plaza, 10 Norman Street, on the lower level conference room (same location as the Annual meeting of unit owners).  Contact Markwood Management if you have questions. Hopefully we will see you all then.

Window Replacement Update

As many of you already know, the windows in our building are 30+ years old (the building was converted to condos in the 1980's) and are well beyond their projected lifespan.

As a result, many residents at 24 Norman Street have windows that are no longer energy efficient ( as reflected in high heating and cooling bills). Many have cracked or broken seals and/or broken and cracked glass which make for drafts and even leaks when there is a combination of wind and rain.
There are also broken counterweights which make the windows difficult to open, and dangerous if they should fall shut. Add in missing screens and it looks like it is high time to replace the windows.

Our windows are exceptionally large (approximately 4 feet by 9 feet 6 inches ) and heavy (over 1,000 lbs). Most window manufacturers (especially vinyl window)  have an upward size limit of 85". That is 3" shorter than the two bottom panels of our windows. Our windows are really (2) windows joined together. (1) part comprised of two large panels of equal size, and an additional  1 foot-high transom at the top.

Markwood has been looking into window replacement since last year, but because of the size, weight and location of the windows,  have had difficulty in finding a combination of a vendor who can manufacture windows at the large size required, and an installer who was willing and able to install them.

I personally contacted (5) different window vendors, all referrals from business associates including an architect.
Out of those five, one never got back to me and another RiteWindow, said they could not help us after I sent them pictures and dimensions.
The three left were:
Coastal Windows & Exteriors of Beverly
Schernecker Property Services of Waltham
New Angle Glass of Lynn

Each of these three came and met with me at the building, looked at the windows inside and out, and took measurements.

Coastal Windows gave me an estimate the same day, but they were very expensive. 
$8,124.00 for replacing (2) windows.
They also only do vinyl windows which is a problem due to the size.

Schernecker Property Services
Is a property service company so they are used to dealing with large condo projects. They were very knowledgable and besides the sales rep, had a structural engineer along. They said that vinyl windows are not an option for our size windows as they do not add structural support and the weight would cause  the vinyl to deform over time, which would lead to problems. They recommended metal replacement windows. They have have not yet , as of today, provided me with an estimate.

New Angle Glass is a local company (based in Lynn) they also sent two people, a sales rep and an installation guy. They confirmed that for windows this size that vinyl is not an option. They also recommended metal replacement windows. They have recently completed several large window projects in the Lynn area.
Their pricing was much better, coming in at around $4,198.75 for two windows. They also gave us the option of two different window configurations, one where the (3) panels would be of equal size, thus reducing the weight of the individual panels and making them easier to open, and one with a “hopper”option for the top panel, so that you could actually open the top most window.

There are still some variables that might drive the price up bit. they would need to rent a boom lift which would cost them $2,450.00 a week, and Salem might require them to have a police detail as well (not sure what that would cost) so the more people do this at once, the cheaper it is for everyone. This definitely brings this into the realm of possibility.

Anyway, that’s where things stand. If you are interested, or know anyone in the building who is, please let the Markwood Management office  (Kim Lord) or myself know (leave a comment or e-mail me).

I will be posting about this on the blog again in the near future as I get updated information. There is also an e-mail chain making the rounds.
When I get the final estimate from Schernecker , I will pass that on to you. We will probably need to have a special meeting to discuss this further.

A Note About the Disposal of Large Items

Last week a resident of 24 Norman Street had their water heater replaced. Unfortunately, the plumbers who did the replacement, did not take the old unit with them and left it sitting outside
by the recycling bins.

Another resident disposed of a large couch by pushing it out a window and leaving it leaning against the west side of the building.

If you are planning on disposing of large items, you must make arrangements either with Markwood or with a qualified vendor.
Do not place large items in or next to the dumpster or leave them sitting outside.
Our regular trash service will not take these items. We cannot stress this enough.
This includes mattresses, tables, chairs, couches, refrigerators, air/heating units, cabinets, toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and last but not least, water heaters. Professional plumbers and carpenters will take their trash with them if you ask them to. If they will not or cannot take it, then you should look for one that will.

If you dispose of items improperly, Markwood is forced to call our maintenance service to come and remove the items from the property. We get charged for this every time it happens, and we will then pass on that charge to you.

 In the case of the water heater, the cost of removal is being billed back to the unit owner. If you have questions about disposing of large items or want to arrange to have something picked up, please call Markwood Management at (781) 639-4080. Thank you for your cooperation.

Fence Installation Completed

  The new fence between the Heritage Plaza Condominiums, 10 Norman Street from 24 Norman Street has been installed. The work was completed last Thursday by the Olsen Curtis Fence Company of Salem, MA. http://www.olsencurtisfence.com/. New trees to replace the three that were removed, should be planted soon.

Clothing and Household Swap and Drop

It's spring (believe it or not) and time to clean out all that unwanted stuff!
Instead of leaving it in the laundry room or throwing it in the dumpster, why not bring your clothing and household discards to the Salem Recycles Clothing and Household Swap 'N' Drop being held on Salem Common, Saturday, May 7th? The event is from 10:00 AM til 1:00 PM with swapping going on between 10 and 12. Swap or simply drop off: women's men's and children's clothing, accessories, and small household items (please all in working order) Textiles can be in any condition but must be Clean and Dry.
Items not swapped will be picked up by RECYCLE THAT.
In addition , you may bring your plastic bags for recycling.
The event is sponsored by SalemRecycles, the city's volunteer recycling committee.
For more information visit salem.com/recycling, or greensalem.com, or call 978-619-5679

IMPORTANT NOTICE about TRASH & RECYCLING

You may have noticed a packet of information under your door recently concerning the new trash and recycling program recently instituted by the City of Salem. Read it carefully.
The skinny is that the new program is mandatory, so we have no choice but to comply.
The city has established an 8-week "grace" period during the implementation of this program to allow people to adjust to the new requirements. After that 8 week period, fines will be levied for violations of the recycling rules . These fines can add up quickly. That is a bad thing because eventually those fines will come out of your pocket, so.... please help avoid additional and unnecessary costs by only recycling those materials allowed and by not putting items that are eligible for recycling in the dumpster. Take a look at the sheet. Familiarize yourself with the allowed and disallowed items. PAY ATTENTION to what you are throwing away.
We encourage you to visit www.salem.com for further information.

Some Trash Etiquette

With several new people having moved into the building recently, we thought it might be a good idea to go over some basic dumpster etiquette.
When disposing of cardboard boxes in the recycling bins, please take them apart and break them down as much as possible. Please don't do this:

Also, when throwing your bags of trash into the dumpster, please make sure that they go INSIDE the dumpster. Do not throw them on top, beside or in front of the dumpster. The dumpster looked like this recently, even though there was plenty of room in the back half of the dumpster.

 We ended up with trash all over the surrounding area.

This is always an issue, but especially during the summer months, when stray trash attracts all kinds of vermin such as flies, rats and even fat squirrels. (As well as smelling and looking bad).

Another issue is the disposal of large furniture or other trash items . We recently had this to contend with this discarded toilet.

The dumpster is not intended for construction debris, or large furniture items. If an item doesn't fit in the dumpster, you need to make your own arrangements to dispose of it.
If you are having work done on your unit, you must make sure your plumber or carpenter will dispose of these kinds of items off-site.
The new trash disposal service is not required to take these kinds of items, and if you leave them we run the risk of not having our regular trash picked up.
If you place an item of this kind out by the dumpster, it requires Markwood to hire someone other than our regular trash service to dispose of it, which costs extra money. The more money we take from the operating budget, (i.e. your condo fee) to haul this crap away, the less we have for other expenses and repairs.

Your cooperation is much appreciated.

Waste Management to Take Over Salem Trash and Recycling Collection June 1

Good news for anyone who was completely frustrated by Northside Carting's unresponsiveness to the trash pick-up situation this February. (They basically didn't make any pick-ups at our building for the entire month).

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll today announced that the City will be transitioning to a new curbside trash and recycling collection contractor effective June 1. As of that date the City’s trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will be conducted by Waste Management.
“Waste Management will be assigned the existing contract for a period of one month, as we work to negotiate and finalize a new multi-year contract with the company to officially commence July 1,” said Mayor Driscoll. “Over the last several months the existing contractor’s performance has significantly deteriorated and become a growing source of frustration for our residents and our City staff. Several weeks ago we began the process of legally separating ourselves from them and transitioning to a new vendor. I am pleased to announce that the new vendor, Waste Management, will be starting June 1.”
Between now and June 1st, residents who experience a missed trash or recycling pick-up should report it by calling 978-619-5673 or reporting it via www.seeclickfix.com/Salem_MA. The daily list of missed collections will be sent to Elite Waste Disposal, who is being contracted by the City to supplement the current contractor, Northside Carting, and help collect missed pick-ups. Elite will work to address the missed pick-up within 48 hours.

City officials are negotiating a new contract with Waste Management that will be submitted to the City Council before the end of the current fiscal year on June 30. That new contract will commence July 1 and additional details about it will be released once they are finalized. More information about the new collection contractor and any applicable changes to the City’s trash and recycling regulations will be posted at www.salem.com/recycling and sent via the City’s News & Announcements city-wide email list (http://salem.com/subscriber).

About Waste Management
Waste Management (www.wm.com) is the largest environmental solutions provider in North America, serving more than 20 million customers in the U.S. and Canada. As part of our strategy, we are committed to developing new waste solutions that can help communities and organizations achieve their green goals, including zero waste. With the largest network of recycling facilities, transfer stations and landfills in the industry, our entire business can adapt to meet the needs of every distinct customer group. In 2012, we worked with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and helped over 150 different communities become greener.

FAQs regarding Salem’s trash and recycling pick-up effective June 1, 2015

Why did the contractor change?
Northside Carting was unable to provide appropriate service for Salem residents; the City negotiated with Waste Management WM to take over the contract effective June 1, 2015. A new 10 year contract is currently being negotiated to start July 1.

How do I report a missed trash or recycling pick-up after June 1st?
You can still report these issues on SeeClickFix (www.seeclickfix.com/salem_ma) or call Waste
Management customer service at 800-972-4545.

Can I still bring my materials to the Transfer Station at 12 Swampscott Road?
Yes, Salem residents with a valid Salem driver's license and a non-commercial vehicle registered in Salem, are able to drop off up to 50 lbs. of non-hazardous materials free, over 50 lbs. of non-hazardous materials $0.06/lb, $5 minimum, white goods free), and yard waste in paper bags or loose (free). Please note: Contractors or non-residents - $150.00/ton, $50.00 minimum charge.

Will the dumpster at my building change?
If your dumpster is part of the City contract and not privately contracted Waste Management will work with Northside Carting to change out the dumpsters as quickly as possible. In the meantime, your dumpster should be picked up on schedule.

Is there any change in how Salem recycles after June 1?
Not initially. For the first few months recycling collection will remain as is with a dual stream process
(separate paper and plastic/glass). Any changes to recycling regulations will be posted at
www.salem.com/recycling and announced via City-wide email (sign up at www.salem.com/subscriber).

Are there any changes to how my trash and recycling should be placed curbside after June 1?
For the first few months, trash and recycling regulations will remain the same: unlimited dual stream
recycling and 3 barrel/bag trash limit up to 35 gallons and weighing up to 50 lbs. per container per
household. One bulk item is allowed weekly, per household. Any changes to trash and recycling regulations will be posted at www.salem.com/recycling and announced via City-wide email.

How will I know why my material is left behind?
Waste Management will leave a sticker explaining the problem; also if you call their customer service office at 800-972-4545, they should be able to address the problem.

Equipment Vault Update

If you live on the basement level of 24 Norman Street, or on the 7-11 side of the building, you may have noticed some activity in and around the electrical junction room (next to the laundry room), and the adjacent below-ground equipment "vault". 
Here is an official update dated April 23rd, from the Markwood office on the work being done at 24 Norman Street. 

 "As we have previously reported, Commtank is working in the building continuing the clean up.  All proper notifications and permits have been filed.  To date we have spent just under $6,000.

Today was the anticipated day to remove the transformers which have been evaluated and believe to be the source of the oil. Commtank has reported back today the transformers, which were thought to have been abandoned, do in fact have power to them.

With this information and information found by Carol Kenney (Markwood Management), of a possible easement with AT&T for access to this room, we felt it was necessary to immediately contact local Attorney Scott Grover.  We have asked Attorney Grover to interpret this recorded easement and advise the Board of further direction.

We will continue to update the Board as information is available."

-Kimberly Lord

It turns out that the easement has since passed from AT&T to National Grid. The condo trust attorney is on the case trying to sort out who is responsible for the clean-up.

Get a Key

The front entry access panel was replaced and re-programmed this week. It turns out that it was a nearby lightning strike that caused an electrical surge that overloaded and burned out part of the entry system. We were extremely lucky that the main part of the code entry system continued to work, but it underlines a potential issue. One of the things that was so surprising about the panel failure was how few tenants in the building actually have a key to the front door of the building. If the electronic entry panel fails for any reason (lightning strike, power failure, vandalism) you may not be able to gain access the building. For this reason, Markwood Management strongly advises that you have an entry key in your possession; obtain one from your landlord, or Markwood Management as soon as possible.
The front entry panel is meant as a convenience, but not as a total replacement for keyed entry, and in the case of a total power failure, it will not work. For security purposes we prefer that you have a key available to use in such emergencies. This may also reduce the incidence of people propping the door open because they do not have a key.  So again, if you do not have a key to the front and back door, get one as soon as possible.

Entry Panel Malfunction

There was an electrical surge in the entry panel this week, which shorted out some features. As a result the buzz-in function that allows guests to call you from the panel and for you to buzz them in from your phone is not currently working. Markwood Management is aware of the situation and has called a repair person, but it is unclear weather the current unit can be fixed, or if the entire assembly needs to be replaced. It might take several weeks to order and install a new unit.  In the meantime you can still use the panel with your access code to gain access to the building. Thank you for your patience while Markwood sorts this out.

New Washer and Dryer

A new Maytag washer and dryer were installed last week. This should help alleviate some of the laundry congestion.

Loading the Dumpster

 We had a bit of a problem with the dumpster this last week. It looked like this:

As it often is, the dumpster was loaded to overflowing with trash, some of which fell or was left on the ground, and with the high winds we had this weekend, blew trash all over the parking area and down the street. Not good for community relations.
The funny thing is, the back of the dumpster was pretty much empty. This tells me that people would rather stuff the front of the dumpster to the point of overflowing or worse yet, leave their trash bags on the ground in front of the dumpster, than walk an extra 10 feet to place their trash in the back of the dumpster.
Maybe you are too short to reach the back of the dumpster, maybe you are scared of what might be back there, maybe you like the look of garbage strewn all over the property, maybe you just don't give a crap, who knows? However, if you are tall enough, and have enough upper-body strength to lift a (maybe) 5-pound plastic dumpster lid, would you please consider placing your trash in the back of the dumpster? I think everyone might appreciate it. Thank you.

New Carpet Installation

Magarian Carpet is on site for the next few days installing the new carpets. The installers have noticed that the carpets run underneath the doors to each unit at varying lengths, so in some cases they will need those doors open to finish the job. We've asked them to proceed as far as they can for the time being, but we wanted to get the word out to tenants that they may need to make themselves available to open their doors at some point. We have scheduled the installers to be here after 8:30 this Saturday (12/7/13) in order to finish up any carpeting that they were not able to get to this last week on the top two floors.  We may need to schedule another Saturday for installation on the the remaining floors. We would request that tenants be aware of the installers and make every effort to be available during those times.  Magarian installers may be knocking on your door as they try to get this done. Your cooperation is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Markwood Management.

New Carpeting!

New carpet and molding is scheduled to be installed sometime in early November. The new carpet color is "Horizon" and will be installed by Magarian Carpet of Salem.
This may mean some noise and disruption during the day as there will be workmen going in and out of the building, removing old carpet and installing the new. Items such as welcome matts and shoes will need to be removed before the work starts.

Ladders Are Missing Again

Markwood Management maintains two large, yellow-and-black, fiberglass stepladders at the bottom of the back stairwell, and a smaller wooden one for the use of the residents.
They can be used to access the high windows and ceilings of the units for cleaning, curtain installation, etc.  

They are both missing again. 
 
They are heavy and a bit difficult to move, so sometimes people are reluctant to return them to their storage area after using them. They also sometimes "wander" off the property.

If you have seen them outside of 24 Norman Street, please let Markwood Management know immediately, or if you have borrowed them or have them in your unit please return them to their storage space at the bottom of the back stairs as soon as possible.
Your condo fee helps pays for them, and they are for everyone to use.
Please be courteous.