[Ziggy]

Thanks John. Five years ago the whole of level one of the building was replaced because it was considered dangerous. Mine is seriously dangerous but was never replaced.

Any thoughts on how to approach the SC?

[Ziggy]

Thanks everyone, like all strata land, nothing black or white, just shades of grey.

As stated, I thought all floors (not the coverings eg the kitchen) were common property.

My car park has always been the first one where any rain, sewage, and overflow enters the lower floor. It is extremely filthy and unhealthy as it pools into the corners and is full of black dust.

Therefore, when I leave my spot, it carries all the dirt into the garage area that will be cleaned.

[Ziggy]

Yes Jimmy, people are using their garages for storage. But who knows if it’s been approved.

I thought all floors were common property and therefore should be cleaned for owners not by owners. My garage is black with dirt caused by cars, rain water and burst sewage pipes.

[Ziggy]

Thanks Jimmy. For some reason everyone, including me, thinks SMs can hold as many proxies as asked. Whereas owners follow the rules you’ve outlined above.

[Ziggy]

Thanks Jimmy. I’ve complained many times to the SM about deleting valid information that would help owners make informed decisions.

A lot of the succinct information I wrote on the Visitor Parking Bylaw was taken from reputable organisations, such as yours, and numerous others.

I have again requested a response from the SM re this annoying habit. Previous SMs did not do this.

[Ziggy]

Thanks very much Sir Humphrey but I did exactly as you suggested. I wrote a simple, clear, unambiguous Motion – That a Bylaw be drafted to prohibit illegal parking in Visitor Spaces at … – followed by a detailed explanation in an explanatory statement.

I’ve had enough experience now not to poorly draft a motion for an agenda.

[Ziggy]

Thanks Jimmy. Do I have to pay to get a copy of the financial statements? They have been sent to me for free on numerous occasions prior to this particular request.

An SC member now says I have to pay for them!

[Ziggy]

Another email from my Strata Manager refusing to send me a copy of the latest financial statements. Says it’s up to the Strata Committee!

[Ziggy]

I have asked the Strata Manager again to call a General Meeting. I have asked for the financial statements. I have heard or received nothing.

One person on the Strata Committee has told me they will not consider the lowering of Strata levies as they plan to spend all of the Capital Works funds + levies on repairs. There was no SC meeting to discuss this and no contact with the Owners Corporation.

What can I do to call the meeting? I have support from a number of other owners and I presume the SC who will need to explain this unilateral decision.

[Ziggy]

Can the SC alone decide not to reduce/defer Strata levies? Isn’t that up to the OC?

[Ziggy]

Sorry Jimmy I didn’t mention that. I didn’t think the SM would send it onto the SC! I was hoping for some advise from her. Will do so if the SC reject my suggestion or I don’t get an answer.

[Ziggy]

I thought owners entitled to vote, who together hold at least a quarter of the total unit entitlements, can ask for a meeting in writing.

[Ziggy]

Thanks everyone. I have written to our Strata Manager who responded by saying she’s forwarding my email to the Strata Committee for their approval to hold a General Meeting.

Eh? Is that the appropriate response? I thought she should be asking the Owners Corporation?

[Ziggy]

Thanks Scottie and Jimmy. I live in a block that has no garden, no pool, a new lift, and has a healthy Capital Works fund. Currently, there are no special levies being paid.

I pay $1700 a quarter in strata levies, which I think is already an exorbitant amount. Each day, I get emails from companies telling me they are taking the coronavirus into consideration and not charging me eg unlimited wifi, extended bundles on cable TV, no membership fees, no hikes in health fund fees etc etc.

We all need help in these troublesome financial times. And that includes Strata Land!

[Ziggy]

Like most people, I’ve lost one third of my savings due to the coronavirus. I would like to ask our Strata Manager if we could reduce our levies.
I know this is usually done at the AGM, but can a General Meeting be held (via email or online) to ask for this reduction?

[Author]

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