2025 President's Report
President's Report - 2025
Don Stanley
Welcome to the 44th Annual Meeting of the Council of Unit Owners of Parkside Condominium. The Board, with the assistance of our committees and the management team, are committed to working together to preserve and enhance property values while remaining fiscally sound.
The Association is in a favorable position regarding the funds necessary for the designated capital reserve repair and replacement program. We have 53.5% of the amount necessary to fully fund this most important program as of March 31, 2025, and with this year's budget, will be replenishing funds further.
Major capital reserve projects that were completed:
Completion of Section III Chiller Overhaul
Underground Piping Repaired or Replaced
Deck Sealing Section III
Portico Roofs Replaced
Entrance Sign Replaced
Hallway Painting Sections II & III
Interior Storage Room Doors Replaced
Tennis Courts Refurbished to include Pickleball
New Tables for Swimming Pool Enclosure
Swimming Pool Cover Replaced
Management Office Landscape Redesigned and Installed
New Retaining Walls Installed at Management Office
Phase I Nandina Removal Project Completed
Monitoring Based Commissioning
This winter the Washington region has seen colder-than-average temperatures. With the cold weather there was measurable snow totaling approx. 13.50 inches: 6.00 inches between January 5th and January 6th, 3.00 inches on January 19th, and 5.00 inches between February 11th and February 12th. Parkside also experienced a sleet and freezing rain event on December 24th that brought a dusting of ice to the property.
We would like to thank the staff for their teamwork in the clearing of snow and ice throughout our property.
Now we would like to recognize our Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential part of every organization. Our success is attributed to our working together as a community. We encourage you to take an active part in the operation of the community. The standing committees provide valuable feedback and recommendations to the Board and Management.
We encourage you to volunteer to serve on committees, share your individual expertise, utilize your creativity, and meet new people. Together, we can make a difference.
Recognition of Volunteers and Presentation of Awards
In March, as we neared the end of our fiscal year, Parkside hosted an evening in the South Clubhouse with food and fun to thank all committee members, and residents who have contributed in significant ways toward Parkside's initiatives.
Now, I would like to provide a description of our committees and give special thanks to the committee chairs for their time and energy in taking the lead for their committees.
As I recognize each chairperson, would you please come forward. Orchid given to each chairperson.
The Architectural Control Committee reviews requests from residents and owners for approval to make modifications to their units and also advises on architectural aspects of our property. This past year, the committee was instrumental in getting the entrance sign completed, advising on soundproof panels for the north clubhouse, recommending like-kind LED light fixtures for balconies. The Architectural Control Committee has been chaired by David Nazarian. If you have architectural or design experience and would like to join the Architectural Control Committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Budget & Finance Committee monitors Parkside's financial management and works with the Board and Management during the budget process. The committee has actively pursued details and recommendations on Parkside's outstanding audits, collections and tax filings. The committee has been chaired by Gyan Kanal. If you have financial experience and would like to join the Budget Committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Communications Committee produces the monthly newsletter alongside the Management Staff, this is the most important tool for residents and non-resident owners to keep up to date on what is happening in and around the community. The committee has consistently made sure that articles that are informative and interesting are put out to the community. The committee has been chaired by Ina Schwartz. We would also like to recognize Jane Lewin for her extraordinary contributions toward writing the monthly board meeting synopsis. If you have article writing experience or newsletter layout experience and would like to join the Communications Committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Landscape & Grounds Committee gives recommendations regarding the lawn and landscapes. The committee has overseen the garden box program that is in Section I and the sidewalk garden program. The committee also implemented Phase I of the Nandina removal project, worked with Management in redesigning the front office landscape and established a Woodland Restoration Project on Montrose Avenue between Kenilworth and Short Weymouth. The committee has been chaired by Laura McIntosh. If you have experience in horticulture and would like to join the Landscape & Grounds Committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Parkside Green Committee works toward educating and promoting environmentally sustainable practices for the benefit of Parkside and its residents. The committee has numerous ongoing activities and initiatives including the community garden, litter walks and stream cleanups, recycling awareness and building rep program, stormwater management initiatives to include RainScapes, and Earth Day celebrations. The committee is chaired by Peggy Weston. If you are interested in GREEN initiatives and would like to join the committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Safety & Security Committee advises and assists the Board in developing and administering safety and security programs. A key component is the building rep. program which encourages residents to participate in not only improving security but also promoting awareness and communication amongst neighbors. To monitor crime statistics in our neighborhood and the surrounding communities, the committee maintains a close relationship with the Bethesda District Police Department. The committee currently does not have a chairperson. If you are interested in security and would like to join the Safety & Security Committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Rules & Regulations Committee's role is to evaluate existing rules and consider proposed rules, making recommendations to the Board. The committee has not had a chairperson; however, the Board would like to recognize Lawrence Heller as a committee member who was instrumental in solidifying the No-Smoke initiative of the Rules and Regulations committee. If you are interested in rules and would like to join the Rules & Regulations Committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Social & Recreation Committee works toward providing events that bring people together to build community spirit. Events have included a yard sale, community day, game nights, pool parties, international night, a New Year's Eve and Superbowl and NCAA Final Four parties. There have also been food drives and toy drives for those in need. The committee is co-chaired by Mike Zeigler and Bill Ruane. If you like to plan events and would like to join the Social & Recreation Committee, please contact the Management Office.
The Inspector of Elections oversees the voting procedures for the election of members of the Board. The Inspector is Bill Ruane.
The Ad-hoc Energy & Utilities Committee supports Parkside in its efforts to cut waste and make improvements and reduce costs, helping our community meet the county's upcoming Building Energy Performance Standards. A key component is researching and analyzing energy saving programs within Montgomery County and the State of Maryland. The ad-hoc committee has been co-chaired by Ananya Bhattacharyya and Lynn Parsons.
Conclusion
In closing, the Board of Directors is proud to serve the community and appreciates the input of every individual to strengthen our community. We encourage all of you to attend committee meetings, volunteer and consider running for the board in the future, an experience that can add benefits not only to our vibrant community but also to you in your own life.
