Friday, March 11, 2011

Answers To The Petition Letter

A petition letter dated 14/2/2011 was typed and signed by 24 proprietors alleging awarding projects at higher prices, poor performance of the security company and improper use of the sinking fund. I would like to present here the answers to the petition letter by the 24.

Q. We heard the amount to build the entrance gate and guard house cost was around RM160, 000. We think it is exorbitant and expensive. The tender was rewarded to the particular company even they came late on the date the tender closed.

A. The Main Entrance Upgrade project was proposed and presented in the 2009 AGM with the proposed designed and an estimated budget. There being no objection from the parcel owners in the 2009 AGM, the 2010 council proceeded with this project.

The contractor of the main entrance upgrade project was selected accordingly  to a laid down selection criteria/process and definitely met all conditions of the RFP including submission before the closing date. The selection committee consist of the below council members
  1. Robert Teh
  2. Steven Lim
  3. Darshan 
The proposed contractor and the justification on the selection is then circulated for the rest of the council members endorsement/vote.

The details of the tender will be included in the hardcopy circulated to all the owners.

Q. As promised and notice given earlier, the renovation of the guard house should finish on 20/1/11 but it seem it is extended to another 1 month to fully complete. What is the reason and why isn't management taking action?

A. The project was delayed due to the below reasons.
  • Additional days spent to modify the drainage system across the driveway, and the roofing structure as requested by our architect. 
  • During the period, there were many days where the contractor have to suspend work due to heavy rain.
  • The long period of rest during the CNY that is normal for contractors
There is no necessity to take any action as the main construction have been completed and the residents are now benefiting from a dedicated resident lane as against previously and walk in access have also been enhanced.

Q. We don't understand why the proximity card system at the entrance gate doesn't work anymore. As we remembered it could be used at long range but it doesn't now. Why is it takes so long for the contractor or the company to fix it?

A. The proximity card system is still working but have deteriorated to a state where sometimes you have to touch the reader for it to work. Again its a conscious decision to delay the replacement or upgrade of the system pending the completion of the key construction work of the main entrance.

The due process have been carried out and the council have endorsed an upgrade approach in the Feb11 council meeting. We have to approach the principal in recommending a replacement distributor as the current distributor have not been very service inclined. Unfortunately, there is no stock for the replacement readers, and we have to bear with the inconvenience for approximately another 3 weeks for the replacement.  In the meantime, the manufacturer has carried out improvements to the control wiring and other components.

Q. The lift facelift is not user friendly and does not look exclusive. We would like the management and committee to consider changing the colour to other tone that look exclusive and modern.

A. The unhappiness on the colour selection of the refurbished lifts have been duly noted. We have proposed alternative colour for selection and planning for replacement ASAP. Do note that the colour selection was a collective decision and before installation it looks okay. That is the reason why we installed only 2 out of the 8 lift cars. Then again we also do have positive comments on the colour selection which is a very subjective.

Q. We would like to know why changing of the water meter cost RM95 whereas some other company is willing to charge at RM 35 per unit.

A. The initial agreed cost per unit for the water meter manifold change is RM90.00.  The job includes additional piping, valves & fittings, and there was no alternative quote received for RM35 which would not be able to cover even the material costs.. The water meters before had been installed upside down and JBA has reverted that they will not read the meters if it continues to be upside down. The conversion to individual water meter will also reclassify us to a lower water rate. As we were in the midst of the water pipe project, the cost was further negotiated down to RM60.00 per unit. 

Q. We would also suggest that the minute of the monthly council meeting to be extended to all owners to keep us updated preferably via email to ascertain transparency of the management and committee carrying out their duties and responsibilities since we feel that improper use of the sinking fund lately.

A. The council do not agree to the suggesting of providing the minutes in whatever form to the residents. If any parcel owners are sincerely interested to contribute their valuable time and constructive ideas, please volunteer yourself to any of the Conveners whose name have been duly posted on the main notice board after the 2010 AGM.

Q. We suggest the management and committee to consider and to take action more on how to make our premise safer just like the other modern condos e.g. glass door at lift lobbies.

A. The idea of installing the glass doors at the various lobbies have been deliberated many times in our council meeting. The council have collectively agreed to forward the security needs progressively. The CCTV installation & the main entrance upgrade are the 1st 2 steps. Installing the glass doors will be costly and will create other issue for some residents. 

Q. Management and committee should consider upgrading the lift lobbies as priorities because these areas look dirty and old with marks on the wall and dirty tiles.

A. Upgrading the lift lobbies are being considered. 

Q. Previously there is a poll with regards to the old showroom, most of us voted that the showroom be converted to a bigger gym or nursery but nothing is done up until today.

A. We have only recently gotten the clearance that the show house has a valid CF. The cost of renovation and purchase of gym equipment will be costly. If we confine the nursery to use for only resident, it may not be cost effective. If we open it to outsiders, there will be other challenges like security and higher operating cost. The council have also deliberated this in detail, and the committee in charge will provide detail costs for presenting to the community. 

Q. We heard that visitors who park the car from 12midnight to 10AM the next day will be charged RM15 per day. We object to this idea because it is part of the facilities we get purchasing the property here.

A. The proposed parking charges for overnight visitor parking was discussed but not implemented. Do note that there are residents who are abusing the facilities by parking at the visitor bay, thus depriving genuine visitors the opportunity to do so. 

Q. As for the security personal, they are the worst that we had hired.

A. The performance of all vendors are continuously monitored inclusive of the current security firm. Please be advised to report any non performance to the management office. In fact the council will be very glad if anyone can volunteer to support our Security Convener to monitor the performance of the security company and provide the necessary report/recommendation to the council.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Key to the Bomba Riser Room


With reference to the above subject matter, please be informed that the Management Office have changed the locks of the Bomba Riser for all Blocks and Floors due to “wear & tear” and security reasons.

We have placed the new key inside the Fire Break Glass housing, located next to the Bomba Riser Door. In the event of a fire, kindly proceed to break the glass and open the Bomba Riser Door with the key.

Breaking the Fire Break Glass will also trigger the Fire Alarm System in our premises.

Above is a photo of the key placed.

The Management 
9th March 2011