If someone else wants to do it, let me know.It seems that the sentiment is that this blog is the best place to organize a tenant group and subsequent meeting therefore, I will get the ball rolling in lieu of anyone else stepping forward. I won't attend the meeting, but I will help arrange the initial meeting.
Here are my suggestions:
Melanie has offered to set aside the the pub for a meeting. We could have an "all hands" meeting in the pub, in conjunction with those who have volunteered through this blog, to determine representatives for the building.
If we could put a group of 8-12 representatives together who meet once a month or so to talk about feedback they've received from tenants and to discus possible solutions. I suggest that those reps create a separate email account for this purpose. I also suggest that reps restrict their conversation to at least 80% of tabled (via other tenants) concerns. I suggest this so it doesn't evolve into just a few peoples concerns. A few informal bylaws might also be helpful too.
To make things simple, let me suggest that reps get a gmail account and use the naming syntax as: firstname.jefferson@gmail.com. A common syntax will make it easy for people to remember.
Let me also suggest that a Google group could be set up as a central place for additional tenant and/or rep interaction if needed.
From that group two people could be selected to present building concerns to Melanie.
What will be needed from management:
- The pub for an initial meeting.
- Reserved use of the business center (or other appropriate area) for a monthly tenant meeting of approximately 1 hour.
- A genuine willingness to consider the tenants suggestions and to put them into practice.
- Posting in a FEW accessible areas of the building the first name and emails of the representatives.
- A selfless, non-confrontational manner with no axe to grind. Haters are going to be counter-productive.
- The ability to commit to a monthly meeting.
- The willingness to collect tenant concerns through an email account.
- Two representatives chosen by the group for their level heads and rational demeanor to present tenant concerns to Melanie.
- Willingness to have their first name and email posted in the building.
Happy to serve as representatives. We'll send our contact information to you via email.
ReplyDeleteSolid and rational ground rules, TJ. As you know, I have already offered to represent.
ReplyDelete-5th Floor
Gotcha in my book 5th Floor. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteTJ, have you considered a Twitter account? I'm happy to assist with that if thats something the group would like to see.
ReplyDeleteThanks Concerned,
ReplyDeleteUmmmmmm, how shall I put this? I don't think I have time for anymore "involvent" in this situation. :)
I have twitter accounts for my other lives so I'm a little familiar with most social media marketing, though I do agree it would be an effective adjunct to this site.
But I think I'm using as much of my day that my boss doesn't know about as I can get away with, but thank you. That is very nice of you to offer. I'll give it some thought though.
An aside: I really only intended for this site to be for the building, but it appears that this site is beginning to go a little viral as it is. I've tracked where some of it is coming from. Witness the "Poll".
Tenants would a Wednesday evening at 7:00pm work for most people? Please let me know what would be a good time for a tenant meeting otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYes, 7pm most weeknights gives everyone a chance to get home, I think. Wed is fine with me.
ReplyDelete-5th Floor
7pm on Wednesday will work for us. Look forward to meeting some of you.
ReplyDeleteCan someone from the building's maintenance department please vacuum the 7th floor? Its a disaster and hasn't been done for at least 2 months.
ReplyDeleteThis Wednesday?
ReplyDeleteAgenda Item 1) The food at the cafeteria.
ReplyDeleteAgenda Item 2) What should the theme be for the fall dance?
Not this Wednesday. I will set it up well in advance so that people can make plans.
ReplyDeletePossible (REAL) Agenda Items
ReplyDelete1)Pets (size, mess, front entrance)
2)Sign in escorted guest policy
3)Unknown policies (guest, drinking, bikes)
4)Communication with management
5)Obtaining copies of leases
6)On-going community meetings
7)Suggestions for Michelle for community events
I would like to add cleaning the building (hallways, elevators) and timely notice of mailed packages, to the agenda.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to clarify what is going on with this meeting in terms of why management won't be attending and how we're supposed to follow up with the complaints/concerns. Management reads this blog, so I'm baffled as to why they just aren't addressing the issues, and further baffled that they're declining our request to have a meeting.
Also, how are we to spread the word about the meeting as some tenants don't read the blog?
Anony @3:29
ReplyDeleteI will ask the management to post a flier with the date and time of the meeting in appropriate places in the building once the date has been determined.
Why doesn't management promote events like this? I always find out AFTER the fact. I thought thats what our "resident relations" person is supposed to do. No one cares about a dog of the month, management! http://www.bisnow.com/washington_dc_the_scene_news_story.php?p=10701
ReplyDelete