Meeting attendance (8 persons in attendance)

VKROC = Vista Kiara Residents Owners Committee

TVMS = Triomphe Vista Management Sdn Bhd

Item 1: Update from minutes of last meeting

·         No news from DBKL regarding proposed development between Vista Kiara and Lanai Kiara

·         Minutes of 2^nd VKROC quarterly meeting with TVS and AsiaQuest have been distributed. Mr Lee has submitted a formal letter requesting that these minutes be reviewed and amended at next meeting, since the minutes may be misleading

·         Mr Ong has prepared a log of how late the construction at Laman Suria continues. The hours are beyond the official hours but generally by 9:30pm. Since the noise is not that bad and we have gotten used to the lighting, VKROC decided not to lodge an official complaint

·         The water filter has been installed. For the first ten or so days, the water quality improved but since Friday 24 May, the water appears very brown again. Can TVMS look into this? Cleaning of the system is essential to ensure continuous qater quality- how regularly is TVMS planning to clean the water tanks and/or water filter e.g. once a month?

·         Visitor parking seems better with fewer offenders and more parking bays available – kudos to Ben Chua for doing an excellent job and keeping the guards on their toes.

·         The termite problem seems to be abated. However a resident did see a rat in a drain in the condominium premises. Also, we have also seen a number of ants in the common areas. Can TVMS highlight this to the pest control contractor? Also, can TVMS clarify what is covered in the monthly services covered by pest control e.g. control for ants, rats, cockroaches, etc?

·         The gas pipes in the refuse area of most floors as well as near the children’s play area appears to be rusty. Does this pose a potential hazard? If so, we suggest that the pipes on all floors be inspected and if necessary repainted/rewrapped?

·         Can TVMS update VKROC on the progress regarding the findings of the feasibility of linking the intercom system from each unit to enable the access doors at the ground floor to be opened?

·         Although we have not seen any big plastic bags next to the recycling bins this month, can TVMS ensure these bins are not locked so that larger bottles/bags can be deposited easily?

·         VKROC thanks TVMS for responding to our feedback, e.g. replenishing the new sand in the sand pit, relabelling the recycling can, fixing up the car park doors and removing obsolete notices, locking the doors for the auxiliary services such as electricity and telephone lines at each floor

Item 2: Proposed development by Bukit Kiara Properties behind Garden International School

·         A resident in block B highlighted the plans for developing lot number 2373 & 2374, Mont Kiara. The plans are as follows:

·         Seven apartment blocks (144 units) in total
-         One 22 storey (44 units)
-         One 19 storey (38 units)
-         One 17 storey (34 units)
-         Two 8 storey (16 units)
-         Two 6 storey (12 units)

·         The closing date for objections was 17 May 2002. Due to the short notice (we were informed on 16 May 2002), Mr Ong filed a notice on behalf of VKROC to request DBKL for a two week extension since VKROC would discuss this proposal at its monthly meeting on 25 May 2002 and depending on the outcome, VKROC may or may not object

·         Mr Lee had a telephone discussion with a DBKL officer and was told the following:

• The proposed site is on the hill behind Garden International School next to Kiaramas

• The developer is Bukit Kiara Properties (Alan Tong) who is also the developer of the luxury bungalows next to Garden International School

• The proposal was advertised in the New Straits Times on 17 April 2002

• The plans are available for public review at the DBKL office (project number DBKL JP & KB 2868/76/3)

·         After discussing, VKROC decided that there are insufficient grounds for objection and will submit a formal letter to this effect. VKROC feels that the  proposed development is a low density project with two units per floor. Furthermore, this developer has an excellent reputation and if anything, the development will likely enhance the asset value of Vista Kiara units. VKROC remind individuals that they are still free to voice any personal objections to DBKL

Item 3: Discussion on How to use the sinking fund to beautify Vista Kiara condominium

·         VKROC understands that TVMS will not utilize the sinking fund without first discussing with VKROC. Therefore VKROC thought it would be useful to start thinking about how we can prudently use the sinking fund to beautify Vista Kiara condominium

·         Based on the TVMS unaudited account as of 31 December 2001, the sinking fund account stood at RM 476,160. Can TVMS provide a set of updated audited accounts along with the relevant notes?

·         Probably the largest single expenditure will be to repaint the entire façade of the whole condominium. We understand that this should be done once every five years or so and that the condominium was last painted in 1999. Can TVMS confirm the date of the last repaint? Also, can TVMS provide an estimate of how much this repainting will cost?

·         There was some discussion as to whether or not the current rate for sinking fund of 2 cents per square foot was appropriate. To better discuss this, can TVMS and AsiaQuest recommend what is a suitable amount to put as contingency? This would allow us to create a five year plan factoring in sinking fund receivables, planned expenditures such as repainting, contingency fund and therefore remaining “surplus”

·         The following ideas sound particularly interesting:

-         The barbecue pit in front of the badminton/squash courts is rarely utilized. If we move the barbecue pit away from the center, then we can turn this area into a proper pretty garden, maybe with a pond in the middle. Some additional park benches, shades, bigger trees would then turn this into a place to relax..

-         The Block B fire exit staircases open up onto a patch of grass and mud. This area can be improved by installing lighting as well as emergency lighting (especially in the event of a fire at night) as well as solid paved foundation

-         The children indoor play area is often vandalized and rarely used. Maybe we can turn this area into a library and/or computer room. This room could serve as a place for children to do their homework or study. We have tenants who move out now and then so they could deposit their books and magazines. We would need to study this further to see if this is feasible since we do not want to incur too much additional expenses e.g. staffing, as well as the potential vandalism

-         If some of the parking areas are actually common areas, then it may be feasible to turn the bays adjacent to the car wash or besides the tennis court into a basketball area

·         If any resident has any comments or other ideas, please attend the next meeting or contact one of the members

Item 4:  Any Other Business

·         The lights in the common area are often still turned on as late as 9am. Can TVMS look into this since the light sensors may be wrongly positioned, located or set?

·         Many residents have been receiving solicitations from Dowell Realty Estate Agents who have labeled the letters with the apartment owners names. One resident was shocked to receive a telephone call. Can TVMS check their internal procedures to make sure that such information is not being given to outside parties?

·         The badminton courts are still leaking when there is heavy rain, especially near the middle of the courts around the net areas. VKROC does not believe that this is due to water coming under the exhaust fan – can TVMS check?

·         The plants do not seem very green and healthy. Can the gardener take a closer look and conduct a more thorough landscaping review?

Item 8: Next meeting (usually held on the last Saturday of the month)

·         Next months meeting will be on 29 June 2002.

·         Note that the 3^rd VKROC meeting with TVMS and AsiaQuest is scheduled for 6 July 2002, so if any resident wishes to forward any questions or feedback, please attend this meeting or contact one of the members.