Holiday Events in Cambridge

Cambridge Main Street has multiple events for the entire family.

Check out their web site.

http://www.cambridgemainstreet.com/index.php?page=holiday-events-and-specials


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My notes from the Board meeting of November 13, 2010

These are my personal notes. Don't confuse them for minutes.

• There was some confusion on starting time of the meeting. It started at 10:00 AM as posted in the elevator. There was some correspondence that posted 11:30 AM for the start time. That didn't impact much since only two non-board member attended.
• A member of the Cambridge City Planning Commission discussed the Beazer plan for the remaining building sites. Townhouses will be built. They were very concerned about the aesthetics of the buildings, parking, and safety access.
• The Board approved the budget with minimal discussion. Most changes in the line items reflected actual expenditures from 2009. the net affect was no change in the totals for 2010. No change will be made to the current condo fees.
• The board will be soliciting opinions on a proposed improvement to the door entry security system. A electronic fob system is proposed. This will definitely bring discussion at the next meeting in January.
• Elevators, fire extinguishers, and HVAC have all been inspected and serviced.
• Fire alarms: annual testing on Tuesday, November 16.
• Master plan: Beazer will be buying covers for the pools. Marina water has been shut down and pipes winterized.
• A new landscaping company, Lasting Impressions, has been contracted for 2010.
• The Holiday Party has been set for December 11. The planning committee set to meet on Sunday, Nov. 14.
• Next Board Meeting is planned for January 8, 2011, at 10:00 AM.

Unofficially yours and Happy Thanksgiving, MCblogger

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Holiday Party, HOLD THE DATE! December 11

The Annual Holiday Party is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, December 11.

When I get more details, I will post them.

send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

What the heck is a fob?

What is a fob?

Someone asked me what a FOB was. Here's a photo. A fob is a key ring token that contains a electronic circuit and radio transponder. When the fob is within a short distance of a reader, it transmits a number which identifies the holder and unlocks the door.

Each fob issued has a unique number. If lost, the fob number is deactivated and the holder can receive a replacement fob with a different number.

In contrast, lost keys usually require replacement of the locks to maintain security.

go to http://www.cardimaging.com/hid/pdfs/proxkey.pdf for details.

My response to the 'letter to the editor.'

Dear Reader,

I don't publish everything that people send me for various reasons. (I'll post this comment for you.)

I never meant to imply that the card or fob access system is a done deal. I was only listing current issues.
Thus the title "current issues on the table".
At the last meeting on November 13, the board discussed it one more time.

As I understand it, the plan is to send a mailer and to invite opinions. Actually, I not sure if a vote or referendum from the residents is required. The board may be able to decide itself. My understanding is that the board must announce that it intends to vote on an issue but need not take a referendum on all motions. I'll have to pull out the bylaws to be sure of the protocol.
In any case, the next board meeting is the place to express our opinion on the issue.
I have confidence that the board will defer to the prevailing opinion.
January 8, 10:30 AM is the next planned meeting.

Regarding the security system, personally, I think that it would be money well spent.
I will try to publish some technical information on it so we can better understand how it works.

~~~~~
Regarding the gates, yes, Beazer has control. I don't know what to say about it.
Your comments about the gated community are well taken.

Anybody else want to express an opinion? mc900@comcast.net

A reader's comments

I THOUGHT THE 900 BLOG SITE WAS FOR ALL OF THE RESIDENTS INPUT.
SOME OF MY PREVIOUS COMMENTS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED!

IN RESPONSE TO YOUR WRITINGS I OFFER THE FOLLOWING:
YOU WROTE: "Security: card or fob access for front doors to replace the "MAGIC NUMBER" access system."

INSTALLATION OF THIS SYSTEM HAS TO BE VOTED ON BY ALL OF THE RESIDENTS....IT IS NOT A DONE DEAL YET...THIS IS A FALSE STATEMENT..WHY? ... FURTHER, THIS SYSTEM WILL ADD TO FUTURE OPERATING COSTS THAT ARE NOT DISCUSSED HERE EITHER ..... WITHOUT NOTICEABLE BENEFIT......I DO’T WANT IT.....

"(The front gate code was changed in June. Please don't give it to the pizza delivery man.)"
YES, AND WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED TWICE RECENTLY BY COMANCO OF ANOTHER CHANGE.......FEDEX AND UPS NOT ONLY
COME AND GO WITH EASE THROUGH THE GATES BUT ALSO THROUGH OUR BUILDING MAIN ENTRANCE....I GUESS THEY ARE BONDED AND ALL OF THOSE OTHER SECURITY PRECAUTIONS......

"As long as Beazer has control over the Master Plan and has a sales office on site, expect the gates to be open during the day: 10 AM-6PM....."
WHAT I EXPECT FROM BEAZER IS WHAT THEY SOLD ME, AND THAT IS A GATED COMMUNITY WITHOUT ANY QUALIFICATIONS. WHEN THE GATES ARE CLOSED MY GUESTS SIMPLY CALL ME & I BUZZ THEM IN....SINCE BEAZER SALES OFFICE EXPERIENCES FEWER THAN 10 PEOPLE WANTING TO SEE THE SALES MODEL EACH MONTH, THESE GUESTS CAN USE THE SYSTEM THAT IS IN PLACE AS OUR GUESTS DO.....OTHER DEVELOPMENTS DO IT....WHY NOT HERE?
I BOUGHT INTO A GATED COMMUNITY AND THIS IS NOT ONE. A NEW SECURITY SYSTM IS NOT NEEDED AT OUR MAIN ENTRANCE.
IF THERE IS A PROBLEM IT'S OUR PEOPLE WHO OPEN DOORS TO ANY ONE!
KIDS ARE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD NO BREAK-INS, ROBBERIES, OR ANY OTHER CRIMES HERE, EXCEPT THE ONE-TIME THEFT OF BIKES BY KIDS WHO CAME THROUGH THE GARAGE OPEN DOORS, NOT THROUGH THE FRONT LOBBY ENTRANCE...
THIS SECURITY ISSUE IS A HOAX....COME ON, FACE IT PEOPLE....


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Reminder, Fire Alarms to be tested on Tuesday, November 16, 2010

As part of an annual inspection, the Fire Alarm System will be tested on Tuesday, November 16. You should hear an audible alarm. There will be no need to evacuate; however, listen carefully so that you will recognize the signal in an emergency.

For part of the testing, the elevators will be out-of-service. Wait 15 minutes and try again.

Remember, in a real fire you will almost always hear the evacuation signal well before you see or smell smoke. In some cases there may be dangerous gases present.

Rule 1: Get out of the building.

This is also a good time to familiarize yourself with the exit paths from your unit. Mentally rehearse your egress or take a walk to your nearest exit.

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Reminder

Condo Residents & Board Meeting:
Budget Hearing
Time: 11:30 AM
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2010
Place: 411 Muse Street, Cambridge, MD 21613

Board Meeting to discuss 2011 Budget

Condo Residents & Board Meeting: Budget Hearing

Time: 11:30 AM

Date: Saturday, November 13, 2010

Place: 411 Muse Street, Cambridge, MD 21613

You should have received a letter from Comanco regarding this meeting.

It included a copy of the proposed budget.

See you there..

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