One of the biggest gripes managers have today is attending eight or more evening board meetings every year. The fact is many buildings simply do not require thirteen meetings (including the annual) each year. While monthly meetings may be required for larger 200 + unit buildings, smaller buildings should consider one of the following alternatives.

Instead of a meeting every month (i.e. every third Tuesday) set a meeting schedule every 5-6 weeks (i.e. every 5th or 6th Tuesday) from a given date. An example is as follows: May 1, June 5, July 10, August 21, September 25, October 30, December 11, January 15, February 26 and April 2. As the above example shows the building continues to meet every month (except for November and March). This schedule reduces the number of meetings per year yet keeps the board meeting on a regular basis.

Smaller buildings are now meeting quarterly or bi-monthly. Managers have reported that these less frequent meetings are more productive than monthly meetings. The million dollar question is "How do I persuade my boards to meet less frequently?" While there is no easy answer, try it slowly. Summer is an ideal time to schedule a late June meeting, no July meeting and an early August meeting.
END OF HEATING SEASON

Heating season officially (thankfully) ends May 31st. Managers are no longer required to provide heat until October 1st. Hot water must be provided every day of the year. May is an excellent time to service and vacuum clean your boilers. Many contractors offer reduced rates (early bird specials) during this otherwise slow time of year.

Stephen Elbaz, nyarm is Secretary of NYARM and President of Esquire Management Corporation - a full service management company in New York and New Jersey. Readers are encouraged to contact Stephen at (718) 623-2300 or fax (718) 623-2322 with real estate management questions, concerns, and helpful hints. Questions will be thoroughly researched and answered in this column.

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