Board Meeting Minutes: Nov 26, 2019

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Malik Ashiru; Cameron Martin; Michael Tedesco

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Winterization has taken place throughout the condo, including activation of pipe heating tape and disabling of the ventilation fan in 120 Boerum staircase, and draining of hose bibs.
  • Reports of mouse sightings continue to decline, though the issue remains under careful review.
  • 2L terrace structural work has been completed, and final revisions to repairs will be completed to comply with City inspection.
  • Super is preparing to paint and install moldings in 15 Bergen common areas, and touch up paint in 120 Boerum staircase.

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order; we expect to meet our projected budget for 2019.
  • To avoid late fees, please pay all common charges on time, and ensure you are paying the correct amount – many units have “autopay” set up through their banks with incorrect amounts being paid each month.  Late fees will be assessed for insufficient payments.

New Business:

  • Roofers have begun to provide estimates for “Phase A” of 120 Boerum roof project, to commence in 2020.
  • Additional estimates are being received for repairs to rear façade of 15 Bergen.
  • The trash chute will be professionally cleaned in the coming weeks.
  • The Board discussed the issue of certain owners who may be offering their units for rent on a short-term basis, such as through “Airbnb.”  Such rentals are prohibited by Skytrack Bylaws and City regulations.  See Bylaw Art. VI § 11(a) and (e); Art. VII § 1, Rule Nos. 1, 26; See also https://www1.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/stay-in-the-know/about-illegal-short-term-rentals.page.

Other Important Reminders and Updates:

  • The Board would like to wish you happy and healthy holidays.  Please remember that this is the time of year to reward the Val and Patrick for their hard work.
  • Makes sure to clean up any holiday tree needles from in common areas. The Super will have oversized bags available for proper disposal of trees. 
  • Please remember to be careful when using open flames/candles. 
  • The most recent water bill was abnormally high; ensure you do not have any leaky faucets or running toilets.  Remember, we all pay for the water we use through common charges.
  • Reminder that the Super’s working hours are M-F, 8 AM to 4 PM.  Unless it is an emergency, please be respectful of the Super’s time and do not contact him outside of these hours.

Board Meeting Minutes: October 29, 2019

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Lori Littlejohn; Terra Chalberg; Malik Ashiru; Michael Tedesco

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Building heat has been turned on for the season.
  • Floors in basement were cleaned and painted.
  • New intercom name plates have been installed at all buildings.
  • Structural repairs to unit 1E have been completed.
  • Hot Water Circulation Pump has been installed at 134 Boerum.
  • Reports of sightings of rodents continue to decrease for most (please continue to be vigilant; see reminder below)

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order.

New Business:

  • Board discussed a plan to replace 120 Boerum roof in phases, starting on the Boerum Place side of the building and moving counterclockwise.
  • Attorneys for building successfully protested the property tax increase for the next tax period.  All units will benefit from the reductions.
  • The Board discussed a new trial policy to permit temporary storage of a limited number of strollers in the 120 Boerum package room.  The trial period will begin in January 2020 (after the holiday package crush).  Details will be shared in advance.
  • A new contractor has been retained to complete the structural repairs to the terrace at unit 2L.  This contractor is also providing a proposal on repairs to 15 Bergen masonry.

Important Reminders and Updates:

  • All unit owners are responsible for ensuring there are no points of access for rodents in their units (for example, around pipes, under mouldings).  We recommend calling a reputable extermination contractor if there are any questions about this.  Call EM Holdings for recommendations.

Board Meeting Minutes: September 24, 2019

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Cameron Martin; Michael Tedesco; Malik Ashiru

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Super repaired garbage storage sheds on Boerum Place, including staining and weatherproofing.
  • Super trimmed hedges.
  • Super identified additional hanging wires that are out of service, and removed them.
  • Reports of mouse sightings have decreased in most locations, except 3rd floor apartments at 120 Boerum.  See reminder below.
  • Skylight in 134 Boerum re-caulked to prevent leaks in heavy rain.
  • Brick wall near Unit 1R was repaired.

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order.

New Business:

  • Board discussed birds in tree near garage/134 Boerum entrance; the only way to get branches trimmed is to call 311 and request the City address.  Residents should consider doing this.  Currently, Super is hosing sidewalk multiple times per week to attempt to address the droppings situation.
  • Plumbers attempted to find source of water ingress in basement after torrential rains, but failed to confirm any issue with certainty.  Additional investigation will take place in window well drains, which are a suspect.
  • Damage to Unit 3B ceiling cannot be repaired until roof is repaired or replaced; additional bids are being obtained.
  • We are awaiting a permit from the City for necessary repairs to the rear wall of 15 Bergen, which will require scaffolding.
  • The contractor who was supposed to repair the Unit 2L deck structure has been unable to start the project in a timely manner, so we have asked other contractors to see if they can start more expeditiously.

Important Reminders and Updates:

  • All unit owners are responsible for ensuring there are no points of access for rodents in their units (for example, around pipes, under moldings).  We recommend calling a reputable extermination contractor if there are any questions about this.  Call EM Holdings for recommendations.
  • Building was fined by the City for a mattress left on street improperly.  Reminder to follow procedures for bulk waste disposal (e.g., covered in plastic and put out Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday nights).  Contact Super with questions.

ConEd Smart Meter Install July 23-24

As indicated on the notices posted by ConEd at the entrances of each building (and which you may have received from ConEd by mail), ConEd is scheduled to replace our current electric meters with “smart meters” on July 23 and 24. The installation does not cost anything, but will result in a short, 5-10 minute power outage to each unit on July 23 or 24.

Additional information regarding the new meters is available on ConEd’s website, at: https://www.coned.com/en/our-energy-future/technology-innovation/smart-meters/faq

Please note that according to the above website, while individual unit owners can opt out of the smart meter program, it appears that those who do will be charged an additional $9.50 per month by ConEd.

This is a ConEd initiative, so please reach out directly to ConEd if you have any questions. Contact information is on the FAQ linked above. Thank you.

Board Meeting Minutes – June 24, 2019

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Lori Littlejohn; Michael Tedesco

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Work to front of 15 Bergen was completed.
  • New trash bins were installed outside of 134 Boerum.
  • Loose cables were removed from 15 Bergen, and others will be addressed.
  • Plaster repairs completed at entrance of 120 Boerum.
  • Boerum Pl. storage sheds were power washed.
  • Eco-safe mosquito repellent was placed where water collects on roofs of buildings.
  • Hanging tape removed from garage ceiling.

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order.
  • Reminder to pay condo fees on time to avoid late fees and interest charges.

New Business:

  • Malik Ashiru and Michael Tedesco, our new/returning Board members who were elected at the Annual Meeting, were welcomed to the Board, and the Board recognized Hannah Berkin-Harper and Levi McConnell for their service as Board members.
  • The floor in the garage will be cleaned on July 4, when we expect many to be out of town.
  • We continue to await the city to provide permits for work required to 2L deck and 15 Bergen masonry repair.  A professional “expediter” is handling this process.
  • The Board discussed complaints about rodents.  Though reports have decreased markedly, some units continue to be affected.  See “important reminder” below.
  • The Board re-elected Peter Levy to continue to serve as President, Katharine Flanders Mukherji to continue to serve as Vice President, Matthew Pilkington to continue to serve as Treasurer, and Andrew Kurland to continue to serve as Secretary.

Important Reminders and Updates:

  • All unit owners are responsible for ensuring there are no points of access for rodents in their units (for example, around pipes, under moldings).  We recommend calling a reputable extermination contractor if there are any questions about this.  We have received positive feedback on these two services (though feel free to use one of your choosing):
    • 1) On Guard Pest (212-228-4186)
    • 2) Eliminate All Pest Control (718-304-6199)

Hot Water Shutdown on June 28

So that a hot water re-circulation pump can be installed to address hot water issues at 134 Boerum Place, the hot water for all of the buildings will need to be turned off on Friday, June 28, 2019, from approximately 10 AM to 3 PM. Cold water is not expected to be affected. Thank you for your understanding.

Garage Floor Cleaning

The Super will power-wash the floor of the garage on July 4, 2019, when we expect many to be out of town. For those who own/rent garage spaces, please move your cars (and inform any tenants to move their cars) out of the garage from 9 AM through 2 PM on Thursday, July 4 so that the necessary cleaning can take place. Cars left in the garage will likely be sprayed with mud as the Super washes the rest of the garage. Please contact EM Holdings for additional information or questions.