Greetings, everyone!
 
We’ve heard some concerns about the manual appointment system at the fitness center and paper sign-ups will be as of Thursday morning. Appointments from now until Thursday will still use the paper system; appointments from Thursday morning forward have been integrated into the scheduling system.
 
You may now make appointments to use the fitness center (from Thursday morning forward) on your electronic devices.  This should make the process more convenient and prevent having to utilize pens and paper others have touched.
 
Just go to https://www.canalstation.net/fitness-center-schedule.html .   Since the website is not exclusive to resident use, we have password protected this feature. Contact the office for the password,

We hope this is more convenient and allays some concerns. Please be sure to let me know how this is working and if you run across any glitches.

Limited Opening of Fitness Center
On Thursday, March 4, 2021, the fitness center will reopen for limited use.  The sauna and all other amenities will remain closed.
While the fitness center will remain open on a 24 hour basis, there are some restrictions in place to adhere with the Governor’s recommended best practices:

• Use is by appointment only.  Sign-up sheets are located at the fitness center door.
• To ensure residents have equal opportunity to sign up, appointments may NOT be made in bulk.  For example, you may not make an appointment until your previous time has been used.
• One person, or up to four people from the same household, may use the fitness center at one time.
• There is a 15 minute period between appointments to allow any micro aerosols to dissipate.
• Please clean the equipment before and after use.  Sanitizing products are provided in the fitness center.
• Masks are required. Anyone who has a fever, feels ill or has had a recent COVID19 exposure should not use the facility
• The sauna remains closed.
• USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

We have had several significant maintenance emergenices in the past few months.  In an effort to be proactive, we've assembled some of the most frequently asked questions and attached our insurance broker's recommended insurance coverages.  Please see the attached document.

Canal Station Unit Dryer Vent Cleaning
Tuesday, September 21st through Friday, September 24th
Vent Master and Building Staff will be going unit to unit to clean out the dryer vents in order to mitigate the potential fire hazard of lint build up in the vent tubes.
Because this is a safety issue the Board requires 100% compliance from all unit owners and tenants.
Please make sure that we have access by either being home or supplying a unit key if we don’t already have one. Any unit wanting to reschedule beyond the 4 days scheduled for the vent cleaning will be subject to a $50 charge for a return trip by Vent Master.
There will be 2 to 3 individuals in two teams. One tech will be at the dryer the other tech will be on the unit balcony or patio. The third person will either be the Facility Manager or his assistant (Danny). Vent Masters will also repair or replace as needed, the secondary box lint fans located behind the dryer
This process happens every 2 years for Canal Station. If you have any questions call 206-706-4517 or email csmanager@canalstation.org.
Thank you,
Brian Houdyshell
Facility Manager
 
 

Electric Infrastructure Upgrade Update
January 2021
 
The measure to upgrade the electric infrastructure to support outlets in one garage space per unit has passed with an approval by 54.65% of the Association owners. 12.20% rejected the upgrade measure.  The actual count was 94 in favor, 21 opposed.

This said, Zorko Electric has begun the planning work and will start installation as soon as permits are approved by the city.  All first phase outlet installations should be complete by July 1, 2021.  Outlet covers will be included in the installation process.

Each outlet will have a meter to allow accurate accounting of each owner’s electricity use. Owner’s will be charged a per kWh fee set by Seattle City Light as well as a $2.50 per month administrative fee. Reading of meters and assessing accounts will take place semi-annually at the beginning of each January and July.

Unfortunately, with the re-boot of this project, we lost the ability to offer the discount incentive to the first owners who originally expressed interest.  Those owners will need to resubmit a commitment.

Your response is your commitment.  We anticipate total install to be around $1550.  At the time the work is done your unit will be assessed the final install amount.  You will receive an invoice.  We expect work to be complete before July 1st.

To ensure all parts are available, we must have commitments from interested owners before February 24, 2021.  Please return this form to the office, OR copy and paste the section in RED into an email to officemgr@canalstation.org, before February 24, 2021

I am interested in the installation of a 120v/20amp outlet for Electric Vehicle Charging.  I understand there is an upfront cost of approximately $1550.00 and nominal semi-annual administrative fees.
Name:
Unit:
ONE SPACE #:

January 2021
 
 “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. ”
~Jennifer Lee
 
Electric Infrastructure Upgrade Update
The voting concluded on 1/1/21 for the Electric Infrastructure Upgrade.  We have results, however are waiting on the attorney to certify them.  As soon as we have an official announcement, we’ll let everyone know.  Thank you to those owners who participated within such tight timelines, especially during the holiday season!
 
Boxes In, Boxes Out
Our maintenance team has been working extra hard to keep up with recycling and trash out-put.  Please be sure to break down your boxes and take them (especially the large ones) to the first floor trash room.  Recycling Styrofoam? There is a special bin inside the trash room door on the right.
 
Generosity Abounds!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Annual Food Drive.  We sent several barrels of food and hygiene items to the Ballard Food Bank, which supports our neighbors who are struggling.  The generosity of our residents is a wonderful reminder that we have a terrific community within Canal Station. 
 
The New Normal…  Masks please.
  Please, please, please be sure you, your guests and vendors are wearing masks in the common areas.  Not only is it a state mandate, but we care and want you and your loved ones healthy!
 

This is an electrical infrastructure improvement which will enable a multi-use 20a/120v outlet at parking spaces of owners who opt in.  We see this as a building enhancement which will increase unit values. The board urges owners to vote “yes” on this measure. It will improve the value of all our condominiums. A majority vote of owners is required. 

1. Is this JUST for electric vehicle charging? 

No.  The outlets are 20a/120v and are capable of powering a vacuum, battery tender, light or other small tools.  It is an upgrade which will allow for multiple applications, not just charging of electric vehicles.

1. How many owners can have an outlet installed?  I don’t want an outlet installed now, but am concerned  if I wait there won’t be any availability.

There is room in the infrastructure to allow most owners to have one outlet installed in a parking space.  To ensure every owner has the opportunity for an outlet, there is a limit to one per unit.  If you have multiple spaces, you’ll need to choose the space for the outlet to be installed.

1. What are the additional costs outside of the initial capital expense?  Do we have to pay for the outlet installation or electricity?

Electrical outlets can be added electively at owner's expense. We estimate the cost to be approximately $1500 per installation. The outlets will be metered and owners will be assessed the actual electricity usage cost plus a nominal flat monthly administrative fee.

1. How is this project being funded?  Will my assessments go up if I opt in?

The cost of the project will be funded by reserves which will be repaid by owners who elect to install an outlet.  The installation costs plus the monthly electric use fees will replenish the reserves. Owner’s normal assessments will not be affected, only owners who opt in will be assessed the installation costs and monthly electricity usage fees.
Ballots must be returned by January 1, 2021.  Additional ballots for this measure are in the office.  Please stop by and complete one if you do not have a printer.  
​

Tuesday, Nov 24th, between 8:30 am and 1 pm, the residential garage (P2)  door is scheduled for repair. 
 
The repair requires the garage door to be immobile; you will not be able to enter or exit the residential garage during this time.  Please plan accordingly to ensure you are able to make appointments, etc.
 
Thank you for your patience as we make this crucial repair.

As part of the on-going maintenance to prevent fire and safety hazards, the Board has scheduled Brimstone Fire and Safety to conduct the Annual Fire Alarm Testing on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
 
There is no need to access your unit or for you to leave your home during this process. However, alarms will sound periodically during the 3 to 4 hour test.  If there was a need to exit the building, the bells would ring consistently instead of intermittently.
 
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brian at 206-706-4517.  Thank you in advance for your participation in helping to maintain our community.

September 2020
 
 “Don’t give up. I believe in you all. ”
~Dr. Seuss
 
    
     Office Closed on Labor Day
The office will be closed on Monday, September 7th.  We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, when the office reopens.  If you have a maintenance emergency, call the office 206.706.4517 and select extension 3.  It will ring the emergency maintenance manager.
 
Autumn Window Washing
     It’s that time again!  Autumn window washing is scheduled for 9/8 & 9/9.  Due to the pandemic, interior cleaning is not being offered.
Bike Thefts and Vandalism
Car prowls and bike thefts are on the rise in Ballard.  Please lock your bikes in your units or balconies; if you must leave them in the garage, please use the heaviest gauge locks possible.  Remember that just because the garage is controlled access, doesn’t mean it is “secure.” Remove everything valuable from your vehicle, including the garage remotes! 
 
     It’s becoming the norm.  Masks please.
     Please, please, please be sure you, your guests and vendors are wearing masks in the common areas.  Not only is it a state mandate, but we care and want you and your loved ones healthy!