A quorum was achieved (61.3% present & by proxy) and the meeting began at 8:00 pm. The board introduced themselves and the group voted to waive the reading of last year’s minutes.
The President’s Report: The first item of business was describing the change of managing agent from Peter Burgess, and introducing Elia Malara of E.M. Holding Corp., 80 Joralemon St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. Tel. (718) 625-4671.
The Financial Report: Mark Levitch, the condominium’s accountant, reviewed the financial records from 2007 and several major expenses, such as plumbing (due to all the repairs and check valve installments caused by sewer back-up) and some one-time expenses (paying Victoria Whitmore $34,214 in 9/2007). With the increase in Common Charges, we expect the 2008 budget to be in line with projected expenses, which have risen in recent years with the increase in fuel and other expenses. An update was provided regarding unit 3C and Common Charges owed. The Board indicated that it had a lien on her residence, which it updates periodically. Several owners expressed concerns over the state of the Unit (electricity turned off by Con Edison, litter, etc.) and the fact that someone is living there who claims that he is not paying rent, but has permission to occupy the apartment. The Board has no way of confirming this because Ms Whitmore is not contactable…even by her attorney.
Refurbishments: We reviewed the refurbishments undertaken, including the entryway on Dean Street, and soon-to-be-completed 2nd and 3rd floors of 120 Boerum Pl. The Board explained its decision to invest more in materials, such as heavy-duty, replaceable, carpet tiles, which cost more initially, but are expected to last longer. We reviewed the rationale for using a designer to have a more unified aesthetic, and for overseeing the work; her costs were reasonable and the budget was carefully reviewed by the Board. We have borrowed $15,000 against the line of credit for this work, having covered the rest of the costs from the operating budget.
The floor was opened for discussion to elicit views about investing in the remaining updates needed (primarily to the service hallways of 120, painting and carpeting 15 Bergen) through borrowing versus waiting to do these until we have more funding. A variety of opinions were expressed, and there was no consensus. Residents of 15 Bergen expressed the immediate need to have a solution to the garbage smell in their building, and this is a priority that is being addressed.
Matthew Pilkington also gave a gardening report, indicating that we have gotten a number of planters for 15 Bergen, 134 and 120 Boerum, which will be filled with evergreens and some annuals over the coming months.
Elections: Two Board member terms were expiring; Cynthia Steele’s, and that of David Crofton, who was appointed as a replacement for Mike Hansen when he left Skytrack. The Board accepted Cynthia Steele’s resignation after several terms of service, including the last as Secretary, and thanked her for her service.
In addition to David Crofton, two residents expressed interest in running for the two slots: Rose Firestein and Levi McConnell. Rose and David were elected, which means that the Board continues to have representation from all buildings. The Board encourages Levi to run in the future, or to get involved in other ways.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 pm.