The Liaison Committee
Co-Chairman Matt Berg - Building 3
Co-Chairman Kay Witt - Building 3
Claudette Sylvester – Building 1
Ron Hudson - Building 1
Joe Martin – Building 2
Karen Lord - Building 3
Mike Hardeman - Building 3 (New Member)
Charles Holt - Building 4 (New Member)
Tom Szymczak - Building 5 and Clubhouse
Dick Moore - Building 5
Bruce Van Dusen – Clubhouse
Co-Chairman Kay Witt - Building 3
Claudette Sylvester – Building 1
Ron Hudson - Building 1
Joe Martin – Building 2
Karen Lord - Building 3
Mike Hardeman - Building 3 (New Member)
Charles Holt - Building 4 (New Member)
Tom Szymczak - Building 5 and Clubhouse
Dick Moore - Building 5
Bruce Van Dusen – Clubhouse
A Recent Gathering of the Liaison Committee
In the upper photo, starting at the end of the table, is Karen Lord dressed in black. Then going counter-clockwise around the table are: Charles Holt, Mike Hardeman, Matt Berg, Kay Witt, Tom Szymnczak, Dick Moore and Ron Hudson.
Lower left photo: Matt Berg welcomes Mike Hardeman to the Committee.
Lower right photo: Matt Berg explaining to Mike Haldeman and Dick Moore his ideas for improving the work of the Committee.
On April 17th, 2019 the Building Liaison Committee met in The Clubhouse. There were familiar faces in attendance as well a few new additions to this group which looks after the safety and comfort of the residents in each of the buildings which make up The Gatherings.
The highlight of the session was a detailed report from committee Co-Chair Matt Berg. He led a wide-ranging discussion on subjects such as emergency evacuation procedures, non-emergency alarms, use of the bulletin boards and various issues remaining from the transition study findings for buildings 1, 2 and 3 as well as pinpointing issues to be included in the coming transition study for buildings 4 and 5.
At the meeting the liaisons also considered methods of gaining entrance to the various equipment rooms in each building. There was a suggestion that the unused key boxes which were installed in the elevator rooms be moved to another location and that each of those boxes be equipped with emergency keys that will allow only the liaisons to have quick access to other locations in case there is a need for a fast response to investigate a building problem.
The work of the CMC handyman was also discussed and it was determined that the Committee find out exactly what the scope of his responsibilities are so he could be asked to perform minor repairs quickly and with reasonable or no additional costs.
There was a report that some of the Neighborhood Watch signs had been removed unexpectedly. This doesn't mean that the Neighborhood Watch has gone away. It was stressed that residents should phone the police at (703) 257-8000 to report suspicious activities or persons. Emergencies should still be reported by calling 911.
A major suggestion brought up by Co-Chairman Matt Berg was the establishment of a document that would list all of the problems that the liaison volunteers encounter. Each problem would indicate what action, if any, had been taken to resolve it. The listing would also include problems that had been reported and whose resolutions were still pending. He suggested that this list should periodically be presented to the Board of Directors so that they could track the possibility of upcoming expenses and could also track the efficiency or lack thereof in resolving issues which concern the residents. How well our management company response in areas of their concern could also be tracked in this document. Many issues, such as building leaks, have lingered for months and months without proper resolution.
The document Matt Berg suggested would help keep focus on the current and outstanding problems this community faces. An updated draft of the Liaison Committee’s objectives, duties and responsibilities is being prepared as a result of this meeting and a draft will be presented at the next Board meeting.
Below is the list of the current Building Liaison volunteers and the buildings in which they either reside, look after or both. Our volunteers do an important job in representing the unit owners and helping to get their problems solved.
On April 17th, 2019 the Building Liaison Committee met in The Clubhouse. There were familiar faces in attendance as well a few new additions to this group which looks after the safety and comfort of the residents in each of the buildings which make up The Gatherings.
The highlight of the session was a detailed report from committee Co-Chair Matt Berg. He led a wide-ranging discussion on subjects such as emergency evacuation procedures, non-emergency alarms, use of the bulletin boards and various issues remaining from the transition study findings for buildings 1, 2 and 3 as well as pinpointing issues to be included in the coming transition study for buildings 4 and 5.
At the meeting the liaisons also considered methods of gaining entrance to the various equipment rooms in each building. There was a suggestion that the unused key boxes which were installed in the elevator rooms be moved to another location and that each of those boxes be equipped with emergency keys that will allow only the liaisons to have quick access to other locations in case there is a need for a fast response to investigate a building problem.
The work of the CMC handyman was also discussed and it was determined that the Committee find out exactly what the scope of his responsibilities are so he could be asked to perform minor repairs quickly and with reasonable or no additional costs.
There was a report that some of the Neighborhood Watch signs had been removed unexpectedly. This doesn't mean that the Neighborhood Watch has gone away. It was stressed that residents should phone the police at (703) 257-8000 to report suspicious activities or persons. Emergencies should still be reported by calling 911.
A major suggestion brought up by Co-Chairman Matt Berg was the establishment of a document that would list all of the problems that the liaison volunteers encounter. Each problem would indicate what action, if any, had been taken to resolve it. The listing would also include problems that had been reported and whose resolutions were still pending. He suggested that this list should periodically be presented to the Board of Directors so that they could track the possibility of upcoming expenses and could also track the efficiency or lack thereof in resolving issues which concern the residents. How well our management company response in areas of their concern could also be tracked in this document. Many issues, such as building leaks, have lingered for months and months without proper resolution.
The document Matt Berg suggested would help keep focus on the current and outstanding problems this community faces. An updated draft of the Liaison Committee’s objectives, duties and responsibilities is being prepared as a result of this meeting and a draft will be presented at the next Board meeting.
Below is the list of the current Building Liaison volunteers and the buildings in which they either reside, look after or both. Our volunteers do an important job in representing the unit owners and helping to get their problems solved.
Liaison Committee Mission
Every one of our buildings would like to have at least two volunteer Liaisons to serve as a conduit between its residents and the Board of Director to help keep our condos safely and comfortably on course.
Here are some of the things they do:
Here are some of the things they do:
- Keep aware of handicapped or ill people in their building and where unit keys or pets are in case of emergency.
- Advise building occupants of pertinent information on such topics as trash, recycling, building regulations and pet rules.
- Notify property manager of any building problems such as power outages or water leaks requiring immediate attention.
- Provide information to the Board of Directors such as special budget needs in their buildings.
- Maintain lobby neatness and bulletin boards and post notices as necessary.
- Notify the Board of Directors of contractor failures in and around their assigned building.
- Help residents solve community related problems and promote positive Board of Directors/Resident relations.
The Liaison Committee meeting on June 4th, 2017 discussed a variety of subjects in addition to the coming roof restorations.
One major announcement was the surprising news that the Clubhouse's microwave has gone missing and has been assumed to have been stolen. This incident has been reported to the police. Access to the Clubhouse was obtained through an unlocked side door.
It was also noted that an unauthorized political meeting had taken place in the Clubhouse one Saturday. No permissions for the meeting had been obtained and no deposit had been placed. A reminder that anyone wanting to use the Clubhouse must contact Jennifer Jordan at CMC to make the proper reservation.
There were also reminders that garbage filled bags are to be placed only in the bins marked for Trash and that the Recycle material be put only in their designated bins. Leaky garbage should be double bagged.
Residents should not throw their cigarette butts or other bits of trash on the lawns around our buildings. Some residents have been observed throwing butts from their balconies to the ground below. Used cigarettes should be split open and the remaining tobacco dumped out. The cigarette paper and filters should be thrown into the proper receptacles or carried away in the pockets of the smokers. Those who served in the military are familiar with the term for this process - "field stripping."
There was also a discussion of various phone scams that bombard us every day. One of the latest involves calls from "Verizon" offering to provide computer protection for a price. Many phones are now showing the word "Spam?" on their screens when a questionable call comes through.
One major announcement was the surprising news that the Clubhouse's microwave has gone missing and has been assumed to have been stolen. This incident has been reported to the police. Access to the Clubhouse was obtained through an unlocked side door.
It was also noted that an unauthorized political meeting had taken place in the Clubhouse one Saturday. No permissions for the meeting had been obtained and no deposit had been placed. A reminder that anyone wanting to use the Clubhouse must contact Jennifer Jordan at CMC to make the proper reservation.
There were also reminders that garbage filled bags are to be placed only in the bins marked for Trash and that the Recycle material be put only in their designated bins. Leaky garbage should be double bagged.
Residents should not throw their cigarette butts or other bits of trash on the lawns around our buildings. Some residents have been observed throwing butts from their balconies to the ground below. Used cigarettes should be split open and the remaining tobacco dumped out. The cigarette paper and filters should be thrown into the proper receptacles or carried away in the pockets of the smokers. Those who served in the military are familiar with the term for this process - "field stripping."
There was also a discussion of various phone scams that bombard us every day. One of the latest involves calls from "Verizon" offering to provide computer protection for a price. Many phones are now showing the word "Spam?" on their screens when a questionable call comes through.
Ben Rodriguez Letter of Resignation as Building Captain's Chairperson
Dear Friends and Neighbors;
For the last two years I have worked hand-in-hand with Ms. Kay Witt as the Co-Chair of the Buildings Captain Committee. I accepted the position because I saw a need to establish safety and security to my neighbors, buildings, and community. I sincerely hope I was able to do that.
Yesterday, 1 September 2017, after deep consideration, I submitted my resignation as the Chairperson of the GAW Building Captain's Committee to the Board of Directors (BOD). My reason was because my present duties and responsibilities with my job has, to say the least, been overwhelming and taxing. I have been traveling a lot and it will continue for a time longer. Furthermore, I feel I have not been able to provide the proper assistance and dedication to Ms. Witt, who has been doing an outstanding job as my co-chair, and the GAW community as your voice and representative to the BOD and CMC.
In order to not have a void in this position, I have spoken with Mr. Matt Berg who has agreed to be the co-chair with Ms. Witt. I know Matt will be an excellent fit for this. I would also like to state that Ms. Witt has been a great asset to me as the co-chair for the Building Captain's Committee. I can and will truly state that the Building Captain's Committee would not have been as successful without her knowledge and assistance.
I want to thank you, my friends and neighbors, for your support and assistance and I hope I was able to provide you with a good sense of safety and security over the last two years.
v/r
Ben Rodriguez
Chairperson, Building Captains Committee
For the last two years I have worked hand-in-hand with Ms. Kay Witt as the Co-Chair of the Buildings Captain Committee. I accepted the position because I saw a need to establish safety and security to my neighbors, buildings, and community. I sincerely hope I was able to do that.
Yesterday, 1 September 2017, after deep consideration, I submitted my resignation as the Chairperson of the GAW Building Captain's Committee to the Board of Directors (BOD). My reason was because my present duties and responsibilities with my job has, to say the least, been overwhelming and taxing. I have been traveling a lot and it will continue for a time longer. Furthermore, I feel I have not been able to provide the proper assistance and dedication to Ms. Witt, who has been doing an outstanding job as my co-chair, and the GAW community as your voice and representative to the BOD and CMC.
In order to not have a void in this position, I have spoken with Mr. Matt Berg who has agreed to be the co-chair with Ms. Witt. I know Matt will be an excellent fit for this. I would also like to state that Ms. Witt has been a great asset to me as the co-chair for the Building Captain's Committee. I can and will truly state that the Building Captain's Committee would not have been as successful without her knowledge and assistance.
I want to thank you, my friends and neighbors, for your support and assistance and I hope I was able to provide you with a good sense of safety and security over the last two years.
v/r
Ben Rodriguez
Chairperson, Building Captains Committee
