900 Marshy Cove Board Meeting Notes; May 10, 2014

Yesterday, two of the incumbent board members were re-elected to their positions.
There were no challengers. There were no changes in the officers. A quorum of 12 was barely achieved.  6 unit owners were present and 6 proxies.  4 of the proxies were gathered by knocking on doors.    We must do better! 

Issues:

Delinquent Accounts: Mainly because of one unit owner, who has since vacated, 900 Marshy Cove is in arrears for approximately $6000 to the Master Association. 

• The question: who should pay this?  The board has decided not to pay the amount to the DHMA as it is the unit owner's debt not 900 MC's responsibility.  There are conflicting legal opinions on this matter.  The same individual owes much more than $16000 to our 900 MC association. This debt is most likely non-collectible.
• On May 2, 2014, Sentry is now under contract to manage the entire Deep Harbour Site. TPW elected to abandon their contract giving notice 90 days prior. Todd will be our principle contact.
• Last year's swimming pool passes will be be honored. If you need passes contact Sentry at 410-221-0398.
• Refreshing the decor in the front lobby. 
• A committee was established to investigate restoration and replacement of the furnishings. After estimates and designs are considered, a budget will be determined.
• Lawn Sprinkler systems: Two areas are under consideration for sprinklers. The flag pole area which in the domain of the Master Association and the garden immediately around the 900 MC building.  To do both areas would cost approximately $7000.
• The Master Board will be approached for funding of the flag poll areas.
• A new fire system maintenance company will be under contract. 
• The previous service company failed to maintain a dry sprinkler valve which costs Cattail Cove approx. $7000 to replace.  The failed valve could have potentially caused sprinkler pipe freezing and extensive water damage.
• Building Maintenance:Various work requirements were identified.  
• A new Air Conditioning unit will be installed to replace a failed unit that serves the 3rd and 4th floor hallways.
• You may contact Blackwater AC to have your unit's AC serviced. 
• If you wish to report a problem in the building, contact Sentry Management directly.
• Todd and Michele can be reached at 410-221-0398. 

Any other comments?  send an email to mc900@comcast.net

High Street: Not so High!

Ever wonder why High Street is in such bad shape?

WBOC reports on High St., Cambridge

Tyler Butler local reporter for WBOC, visits the street and the issues.

Many thanks to DJ for this article.  Good Stuff!

Send your news stories to mc900@comacast.net.
We will gladly post all relevant stories.

Annual Meeting Tomorrow, Proxies and attendees needed.

The Annual 900 Marshy Cove Condo Association Meeting 

is Saturday, May 10, 2014, 10:00 AM, 

at the Sentry Office in Cambridge, MD.

601 Locust St., Third floor.

A quorum is required to elect officers to open positions on the Board of Directors.
Please attend the meeting to vote or submit a proxy.
If a quorum is not achieved,  another meeting may be required to elect board members.

send your comments to mc900@comcast.net   

Cannery Park:

On Tuesday, at the City Council building, seven teams of students from University of Maryland competed.  Each team was challenged to develop a design to convert idle industrial property located behind the Original Phillips Packing Plant on Dorchester Avenue between Cedar Street and Washington Street.  This idle piece of land has a smoke stack, a piece of abandoned industrial equipment, and an original building.  It also is the source of the Cambridge Creek.

The students were judged on several criteria including environmental restoration, recreational value, historic preservation, community linkage, and feasibility.  All of the proposed concepts were first class.  Presentation graphics and supporting data included water run-off studies, habitat surveys, public opinion surveys, and historic research on the land.

The designs included landscape plant selections, pathways, dog parks, play areas, children museums, skate board parks, quiet areas, observation decks, cafes, fountains, foot bridges, and even an ice skating rink.  The wow factor was high, but all designs were feasible.  Students also submitted budgetary estimates for their proposals ranging from 3 million to 6 million dollars.

The winners received a free weekend in Cambridge which included lodging, meals and free passes to town attractions.
The panel of judges included the City Mayor, Director of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, City Engineer, an Architectural Consultant, an Eastern Shore Land Conservancy representative, and a representative from the Cambridge Planning and Zoning Commission.

The city and county have committed a combined $100,000 to acquire the land and to develop a plan for the park. The students proposals provide an opening to the discussion on the use of this land.  This project will be several years in the making.

See posting on April 29, 2014 for more information. 

Send your comments to mc900@comcast.net  

Cambridge Creek Bridge: No change in its operation

Currently, the Cambridge Creek Bridge opens on demand of marine vessels with fixed structure that cannot clear the bridge. An operator is on duty to service marine traffic 24 hours per day on all days of the year.  The only exception is weekdays from 12:00 PM -1:00 PM to service land vehicle traffic during lunch hour.

There was an effort to alter this protocol to relive land traffic. the proposal was to limit opening to periodic openings. Here is an article from the Dorchester Star that reports on the results of the hearing.

Please note the comment directed at our gated community.
(You may need to use the zoom function to read the text.)