[Imogen Bannister]

Thank you – very much appreciated!

[Imogen Bannister]

I’m just seeking opinions as to whether we should rightly be able to receive reimbursement for the full cost of the report . 

The EC very clearly instructed SM to engage an Engineer at rogue renovator’s expense. 

Apparently the rogue renovator didn’t want to pay so without our knowledge SM negotiated they pay half.

The SM should have made it clear to the renovator in the first instance that the report would be at their expense due to the extent of the unauthorized works.

We feel they should be responsible for the full amount even though we engaged the Engineer.

(Our Strata Manager is very ineffectual)

[Imogen Bannister]

Thank you both for your comments. I realise we can call SC meetings whenever we like but we have another minor renovation which we would like to follow through ASAP following due process but because the By-Law is not registered the SM is saying we have to pay for a general meeting (that nobody needs to attend). Without a doubt our SM is trying to coerce us into paying for all meetings.  It was his extremely rude and unusually quick response to my Minutes that made me question what was he so upset about. A few days earlier in an email he eluded to a minor renovation requiring a paid meeting. A number of emails from him since have contained scaremongering terminology.  Certainly not the guidance and support you would expect from a Strata Manager. Our SC is aware there is a difference between Strata Rules and Regulations and the revenue raising policies of our Strata Managers. I hope other OCs quickly work that out too!

For now I guess the best we can do is instruct him to get organised and register the By-Law. Then of course, look for another SM when his contract is due for renewal. 

[Imogen Bannister]

Further to this subject at our AGM on 20 September we agreed to delegate Minor Renovations to the Strata Committee. Several weeks after I, the Secretary, called a Strata Committee meeting in relation to a minor renovation. A notice and agenda were sent to all owners as well as the Strata Manager within the relevant legal time frame. Days after the meeting I sent out the Minutes.  The Strata Committee was very careful to follow due process. However, the Strata Manager got most irrate.  We were shocked at his reaction and decided it must be because we had inadvertently avoided having to pay for a meeting. We pointed out that we followed due process and were entitled to call a Strata Committee Meeting as a result of the special resolution at the AGM. He is now saying the By-Law has not been registered yet.

Do we have to wait for him to register the By-Law despite the matter being resolved weeks ago at the AGM?

[Imogen Bannister]

Thank you for all the advice above which we will certainly take on board.

After discussing the matter with the Fire Monitoring company who verified the isolation of the fire alarm, they subsequently notified the Strata Manager who in turn has contacted the owner and advised she will be liable for any damage to common property as a result of any fire in her property.

With regards to the unauthorised work, as we are due to go to mediation in a few days we will wait for that outcome. Failing that we will go to Tribunal and if necessary get Council involved.

[Imogen Bannister]

She was issued with a stop work order which was initially complied with but then then builders were back a few weeks ago. Has also signed a written undertaking to stop work but still the builders kept working supposedly cleaning up and minor plaster repairs.  We have a date set for Mediation but fully expect to end up at the Tribunal. She knocked down the bedroom walls to create a very large living space which is now 3 rooms into one and plans to put the kitchen over my lounge room. This active living space will also be over one of my bedrooms, and of course, with hardwood floors, which is in breach of our by-laws. She has been told on numerous occasions that she cannot do this but is simply not listening. She believes that providing Grade 5 accoustic flooring will entitle her to do what she likes.

[Author]

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