The first regular meeting of the new Board was on January 19. The Board approved funding for new flooring for the elevators. The Board regrets to begin the year with a delicate subject but the condition of the elevator floors due to pet stains and spills is uncontrollable. Even with daily vacuuming and bi-weekly carpet shampoo, the floors do not reflect the care and quality of the Towers. The Board requests that you monitor your pets in the elevators, if they have an accident, please get help immediately. The Board approved ceramic tile for the elevator flooring. In further action, the Board ratified the expense for a compressor for the walk-in refrigerator that failed over the holidays. The Board approved a community-wide policy for directional signs for Open Houses held on weekends. These signs will be used on major streets in the community to direct potential buyers to Open Houses that are in cul-de-sacs. The signs are the responsibility of the Realtor and must contain a directional arrow and the community logo.

The Board declined a request for a credit for five months of second occupancy charges. The Board did decide to continue to review the policy regarding Second Occupant fee. This fee is based on the CC&R's.

Ralph Shafer and Gary Anderson from the Transportation Department joined the Board meeting. They presented an opportunity for Laguna Woods Mutual Fifty to be an additional hub for the Village bus system. The Board is considering this option with GRF as there are both negatives and positive consequences to this decision. It is the responsibility of the Board to weigh the negatives against the positives to make the best decision in the Corporation's best interest. Making the Towers a bus route hub could save the community close to a half a million dollars. For the Towers residents, it would mean that there would be a bus outside of the front door every half hour to take them to the stops outside of the community. When finished at the designated stop, the first bus would take the rider back to the Towers. On the negative side, it would mean additional buses in front of the Towers and wear and tear to the asphalt in the parking loop directly in front of the Towers. GRF is still in the decision making phase of this project. A trial period may begin in April with the new system used only on Sundays.

Bryan English, Accounting Supervisor joined the meeting and explained Mutual Fifty's Lien and Collection Policy and the timing required by law for each phase.

The Board then discussed Board of Director assignments to the GRF committees. Ryna Rothberg will be Mutual Fifty's appointee to the Media and Communications Committee.

Information Wall - When Mutual Fifty first embarked on their Marketing Campaign over two years ago, one of the first experts recommended a "destination" board in the lobby for both resident information and for prospective buyers. This board would include the highlights of life at the Towers. This wall was designed and built by Staff to create an alcove for Realtors to use in discussion with prospective buyers. The outside of the wall contains three bulletin boards with pertinent information on life at the Towers. Most recently, the Board has requested a small area for resident "want ads". If you have something to buy or sell, or if you want to allow someone to park in your carport, stop at the Reception Desk for a card. Clearly print the information, sign and date the card. You will be allowed to post the card for thirty days. Residents only please! This board is not for advertising services.

Changes in the Law Regarding Open Board Meetings: Due to changes in the law from Sacramento for Home Owner's Associations, the Agenda Preparation meeting formerly held on the Tuesday prior to the third Thursday will now be held on the second Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room on the second floor of Tower I. In February the Agenda Preparation meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 9. The Regular meeting will be held on Thursday, February 16 in the Key Club at 2:00 p.m.

Carport Oil Spills - Some cars leak oil and can produce a large sticky black area under the car. Walking through this area can track dirt, grease and oil into the Towers and into your unit. Cleaning up this area is a chargeable service. You can contract someone to come in and clean it, or you can contact the Reception Desk and Towers Maintenance Technicians will clean it and you will be charged a fee based on the amount of time it takes to clean. If you notice the area where you park your car has an oil spot, please have it cleaned. The Board will give notices to those who do not comply.