Purchase Standards

Before creation of Sustainability Committee to try to rationally compare the value proposition of choices, we had resident concerns about off-gassing of stock piled cleaners beyond what was helpful, and a desire to reduce our expenses by bargain hunting, preference for reusable cleaning supplies, and only buying what we use. Treasury Committee audited costs, and eventually a Supply Clerk was granted $10/mo to hopefully automate for least cost delivery of what houses routinely need. Paper towels were deemed a waste of money, yet a significantly cheaper source of needed TP found.

After sitting through many heated BOD discussions of what disposable supplies are appropriate for all houses, Officers of MSC agreed to defer most decisions of what to Houses that can purchase using House Funds that are allotted from MSC revenue on a per rent paying-resident basis. Each house can rest assured that discretionary supply costs to MSC will be fair among the houses, and perhaps we will simply observe if some house choices deliver more for their money. Houses can reimburse residents for direct purchases to meet special needs and the Supply Clerk as ordered for least cost bulk purchases.

Maintenance Standards:

Carpets were observed to trap a lot of filth and cleaning costs did not seem well spent relative to the ease of cleaning hard wood floors. Carpets covering old asbestos were deemed unable to protect residents from potential dust if the tiles start to deteriorate. Thus MSC banned new wall to wall carpet installations, and approved floating floors to protect any asbestos tiles from wear. Nylon backed rugs wear into flooring, and rubber mats melt into protective coatings over wood or asbestos tiles, so less abrasive rug backing is specified. Our goal is washable rugs only, healthy wood finishes let residents see where there is no lead paint, all asbestos tiles sealed to isolate residents from that potential hazard.

Paints: Where possible 30 year paints are specified, yet exterior cladding is preferred if it lasts longer between maintenance events.

            Epoxy, polyeurethane may be warranted for extreme durability.