Proposed Security System Debate

An opinion from a resident. I'm glad to see people engaged in this discussion. (I don't publish names for privacy reasons.) I've posted my response below.

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"THE SYSTEM WILL CREATE MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT CURES. IT IS NOT MORE CONVENIENT! IT IS NOT A MORE SECURE SYSTEM!
THE SYSTEM WILL COST AROUND $10,000 + ON-GOING MAINTENANCE & OPERATING COSTS, AND
IF YOU MISPLACE OR LOOSE THE MAGIC CARD AND IT'S AFTER HOURS THERE WILL BE NO ONE
TO LET YOU IN. THEN YOU WILL BE CHARGED A FEE TO REPLACE THE LOST CARD.
THE MONEY IN OUR RESERVE FUND IS SUPPOSE TO BE EAR-MARKED FOR SPECIFIC REAL
PROPERTY REPLACEMENTS AS THEY WEAR OUT AND NOT ON UNBUDGETED, UNNECESSARY WHIMSICAL DESIRES OF THE BOD.
THE BOARD'S JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS EXPENDITURE IS MISLEADING BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS OR ADVANTAGES OVER THE EXISTING SET UP.
WE HAVE NO VANDALISM OR BREAK-INS HERE AND THE SYSTEM STILL DOESN'T PREVENT SOMEONE FROM ENTERING THROUGH THE OPEN GARAGE DOORS.
SO WHY SPEND RESERVE MONEY FOR A SYSTEM THAT HAS NO ADVANTAGE AND ONE THAT DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY MORE SECURITY?
THE BOD HAS BEEN DEVIOUS ABOUT THIS SYSTEM FROM THE BEGINNING AND ARE TRYING TO INTIMIDATE THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS BY SCARING THEM INTO THINKING WE HAVE A SECURITY PROBLEM HERE, WHICH WE DON'T!
WHY IS IT THAT THE BIGGEST PUSH FOR THIS SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM PART TIME RESIDENTS.
IF YOU WERE A FULL TIME RESIDENT HERE PERHAPS YOU'D SEE WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT...."
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My response:
I believe that the system will be more secure because it will include all ground level entrances including the two doors that lead to the stairwells. The current lobby entrance system will still be in place for visitors to call in. If you lose your FOB, you can call.
I feel that it is unfair to say that the board has "devious" motivations. The discussions have been out in the open. Nobody has hid the cost.
I agree that we have not had any serious incidents to date. I would just like to avoid the first.
Full time or part time , we all pay $335 per month. We all have one vote.

send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

Proposed Security System Debate

The following is a comment from a resident of 900 Marshy Cove.
(Just as a matter of privacy, I do not include any names. )
My response is posted below.

Thanks for writing. There is more than one side to this story.
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"Because you maybe in favor of the security system is no reason to persuade people to vote the way you want. The Blog should be unbiased! I personally do not appreciate this type of writing. Put in the Blog what it is going to cost the residence. And the fact that is you do not have you entry card during the middle of the night, Holidays, etc. you have no way of getting into the building. Also, it does not make the building totally safe. An unwelcome person can walk in behind any vehicle coming or going.

The best thing it does is keep out the Pizza delivery man and service people. Our reserve money is to protect us from unexpected cost. The condo's across from Snapper"s restaurant had to come up with thousands of dollars to do unexpected repairs. I have a friend at Ocean City that had a condo at the Avalon. Their building is only a couple of years older than ours and they had to come up with $20,000.00 plus dollars for an unexpected expense. So this system is not free to the condo owners! "
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The blog site is unofficial. I make no claim to represent any consensus of opinion nor to represent the board,
My intent is to report, post articles of interest, and occasionally express an opinion.

I've been to the last two board meetings and I just like the idea.
I am familiar with the proposed technology and feel that it will make things safer.
Yes, anybody can get into the garage; however, the two interior stairway doors
that would permit entry into the upper levels are included in the scope.

The current entry system would not be removed. As I understand, You still could ring yourself into the lobby. Find your name on the list. If the phone number is your cell phone, your in.
Anyway, Todd was talking about fobs not cards. If you lost your fob, your probably lost your key ring.

I hear your argument regarding the value of the system. Yes. $20,000 is a big ticket.
That's about $400+ per unit. In short, is it worth the money?
I guess the residents need to argue that.
Maybe more will come to the next board meeting.

See you at the next meeting.
More opinions are welcome. mc900@comcast.net

Security system

Just a reminder:

Be sure to return your response to the proposed security system.



I feel that it would be a wise investment considering the building is largely unoccupied during the week and much of the colder seasons.



Just my opinion:

I encourage you to vote "yes" for security system.



send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

Condo Board Meeting Notes

My unofficial notes from Saturday's Condo Board Meeting.

• Last year, the Condo Board replaced the common area thermostats with Honeywell Programmable set-back units. Significant electrical savings were realized due to cut-back in nighttime air conditioning.
• The condo board will capture more energy savings by participating in Delmarva Power's peak demand program called Energy Wise Rewards. https://energywiserewards.delmarva.com/ This will be applied to the common areas of the building which includes the lobby and hallways.
• The fire sprinkler system has been tested. Some minor leaks were detected and repaired. The repaired leaks would not have affected the readiness of the system to respond.
• State Farm Insurance on the facility has been renewed. $8.9 million replacement insurance.
• Security System: This is still a work in progress. A letter will be sent to all residents asking their opinion. The proposal is to apply access control "fob" readers five ground level entrances. Each resident would be given two fobs (electronic keys) and a remote garage opener. Extra fobs could be purchased. The existing phone acknowledgement system would still be in place for buzzing-in visitors. The cost of the system would not raise condo fees. Sufficient funding is available without affecting cash reserves.
• Pet Committee needs some volunteers. People seem to be doing a better job managing their pets waste around the grounds. Some concern has been voiced over unleashed dogs.
• Front doors of condo units will be painted in the near future. Doors must be left open for several hours for drying. Arrangements will need to be made for security purposes. More to come on this later.
• Bids for housekeeping will be upcoming. Any comments on the current housekeeper should be communicated to the board or Comanco.

Future Meeting 2011 schedule: 10:00 AM, Muse St.

• March 12;
• May 14;
• July 9;
• September 10;
• November 12........

Also see the Comanco site for more information. http://login.comancoinc.com/

Send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

Attention Boat Slip Owners

If you have a Deep Harbour Marina boat slip that has gone unused, send me a note.

I know a few boat owners that may want to rent your slip for 2011.

Send you slip number and contact information to mc900@comcast.net.

New look for a New Year!

We've changed our color scheme just because we felt like it.

Hope that you like it.