Author: Matthew Pilkington

Board Meeting Minutes: April 23, 2019

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Terra Chalberg; Lori Littlejohn; Cameron Martin; Hannah Berkin-Harper; Levi McConnell

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

Superintendent’s Report:

  • A new roof was put on 134 Boerum.
  • New plantings were placed around the buildings.
  • Interior doors at 15 Bergen were repainted, and wood in common area at 134 Boerum was re-stained.
  • New door stops/wall protectors were installed in common areas throughout buildings.
  • Drywall repairs were completed to 3rd floor hallway of 120 Boerum.
  • We are still awaiting final trim work for the new arched window at 122 Boerum, and it will be installed when contractor receives it.
  • An unknown intoxicated individual (not believed to be a resident) shattered the glass to the door of 120 Boerum earlier this month; temporary plywood was installed and the contractor has ordered the required custom glass, which will be re-installed in the door once it arrives.

Financials:

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

New Business:

  • The sheetrock tape on the ceiling of the garage is becoming unstuck and will be removed.  The interior front wall of the garage is flaking and patchy.  A disused and blocked off air duct was damaged by a builder’s van on the interior north wall of the garage.  The duct will be removed when the garage interior is repainted.
  • The Board continues to investigate affordable options for rebuilding the trash shed used by 134 Boerum residents.
  • The Board discussed ways to address additional unused telephone and cable wires hanging from the building in various places.

Important Reminders and Updates:

  • Please remember to follow rules regarding recycling – no plastic bags may be included in recycling.

The annual meeting is being scheduled for end of May or June.  Formal notice to follow.  Please be advised that four Board seats are up for election this year, and all owners are encouraged to run for the available spots.  Additional information concerning elections will be circulated in advance of the meeting.

Board Meeting Minutes: Feb. 26, 2019

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Terra Chalberg; Lori Littlejohn; Cameron Martin

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

Superintendent’s Report:

  • New locked key box installed to ensure Condo’s copy of Unit keys are organized and secured.
  • Locks on exterior doors were maintained and adjusted.
  • A door sweep was installed on the exterior door to 120 Boerum.
  • Additional measures were taken to seal gaps where mice could enter common areas.  In general there have been fewer reports of sightings of vermin, so we are optimistic that the measures that have been taken to date are working.

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order.
  • The Board reviewed bids from multiple accountants to ensure the fees of our current accountant are reasonable, and determined that they are.  We accordingly will renew our contract with the accountant for another year.

New Business:

  • 134 trash/recycling center discussed further, and Super will inspect and provide a proposal for potential improvements.

Important Reminders and Updates:

  • Skytrack Rule No. 17 requires all Unit owners to provide a copy of keys to the Board of Managers so Units can be entered in event of an emergency.  Please ensure Val has the current keys for your Unit, and please check with him if there are any questions about this.  All keys are kept secured at all times.
  • Skytrack Rule No. 29 prohibits running on the roof track.  It is dangerous and disturbs residents with Units around and under the track.  Please remember to be courteous to your neighbors.

Meeting Minutes: January 22, 2019

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Terra Chalberg; Cameron Martin; Hannah Berkin-Harper
Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Stair treads at 120 Boerum main stairs repainted; additional paint touchups on walls will take place
  • Leaking drain pipe in garage repaired
  • Boiler room vents cleaned and FDNY performed routine inspection
  • Intercom at 120 Boerum repaired
  • New fire extinguishers installed at 134 Boerum
  • Roof repairs to address minor leaks from recent rain storm were completed

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order, including after large end of year expenses were paid
  • Common Charges increase by 10% effective Feb. 1, 2019. Please pay extra attention to your February Common Charge statement to ensure you pay the correct amount, and make sure any automatic payment settings are updated with your bank

New Business:

  • In response to complaints about mice, we are having the Condo’s exterminator and Super redouble their efforts to address any problematic spots in Common Areas. It is suspected that recent cold temperatures as well as the construction occurring in two units on the second floor of 120 Boerum may be contributing to the increase in reports of mice sightings.  However, as always, unit owners (and not the Super) are responsible for addressing problems within units, including sealing all areas of potential access such as holes around pipes.  Please consider setting humane traps
  • Broken tile in 120 Boerum lobby will be repaired soon
  • 3S deck supports will be repaired as weather permits
  • Intercom name plates will be replaced in all buildings so names appear consistent
  • Heating cables are being installed around exposed sprinkler pipes in 120 Boerum main staircase to prevent pipes from freezing in extreme cold.

Important Reminders and Updates:
Bylaw Article VIII § 1 requires all owners who lease units/garage spaces to provide a copy of lease terms to potential tenant, or in advance of offering lease renewal to current tenant, so that Board can review and waive right of first refusal.  Units/garage spaces may only be leased pursuant to a written lease agreement for a set term, according to the bylaws.

Reminder: Common Charge Increase

Reminder that the Common Charge increase goes into effect on February 1, as reflected in the statements that will be distributed this week.  Please ensure you pay the correct amount (and update any automatic payment settings through your bank) to avoid interest and fees.  Thank you!

Board Meeting Minutes: November 27, 2018

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Lori Littlejohn; Cameron Martin; Terra Chalberg

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

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Hallway doors in 120 Boerum repainted.
  • New emergency exit signs and lights installed at 15 Bergen; walls will be patched and painted around the new signs; 134 Boerum signs will be replaced or repaired.
  • Five-year fire sprinkler test took place; a repair was required at 15 Bergen, which was accomplished. The system will be retested next month.
  • Leak in garage roof drain line identified, and Super will work to repair.
  • Academy has still not come to address the intercom at 120 Boerum, but will schedule the work soon.

Financials:

  • A few units are in arrears of between 1 and 2 months, and a few units are paying the incorrect charge each month. To avoid late fees, please pay the proper amount on time each month.
  • Remember that Unit owners are responsible to cover charges of repairs in their own units (such as bills from plumbers called by Management on behalf of a unit owner at the owner’s request).
  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order. However, to ensure we remain financially sound, and to cover upcoming necessary maintenance and repairs, pursuant to Article VI Section 1 of the Bylaws, the Board voted to increase Common Charges by 10%, effective Feb. 1, 2019.  A formal notice will be circulated.  Please pay extra attention to your February Common Charge statement to ensure you pay the correct amount, and make sure any automatic payment settings are updated with your bank.

New Business:

  • Sidewalk crack violation cannot be challenged, unfortunately; board reviewing contractors’ bids to perform the required repairs.
  • New window for 122 Boerum is being manufactured and should arrive in January.
  • Adelphi construction will commence work to the masonry block at the rear of 15 Bergen on or about Dec. 10, and then will address caulking to front of the building.

 Important Reminders and Updates:

  • Please ensure the package room at 120 Boerum is closed and locked behind you. Recently there have been reports of missing packages.  Please be reminded that the Condo is not responsible for any packages; it is therefore highly recommended that anyone expecting a valuable item to be present to personally accept delivery.
  • The Board wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. Please be careful with candles and decorations!

Board Meeting Minutes: October 30, 2018

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Hannah Berkin-Harper; Lori Littlejohn; Levi McConnell; Cameron Martin.
Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Common Area doors not closing properly have been adjusted, and Super will continue to monitor.
  • Stained ceiling tiles have been replaced, and Super is in process of obtaining new matching tiles to have additional replacements.
  • The heating system has been activated for the season. Additionally, the temperature of domestic hot water has been raised to address concerns of certain residents.  The hot water circulation pumps have been checked to ensure they are operating properly.
  • Additional extermination services were obtained and possible access points at 134 Boerum were sealed.
  • Additional scrap materials have been removed from basement of 134 Boerum.

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order.
  • The attorney’s invoice for services related to reducing property tax assessments for all Units will be paid in installments.

New Business:

  • Super will continue to touch up paint in Common Areas.
  • Emergency Exit Signs/Lights will be upgraded in 15 Bergen and 134 Boerum.
  • Bids are being obtained to address settling issue to Unit 1E.
  • Bids are being obtained to address support issue for terrace at Unit 2L.
  • Bids are being obtained to repair water-damaged ceiling at Unit 1.
  • Contractor selected to perform repairs to 15 Bergen masonry as identified in RAND report.
  • We are challenging many of the purported defects in the sidewalks surrounding the Condo as identified by the City.
  • Rule No. 20, re move-in/move-out procedures, was revised. The new Rules are enclosed herewith, and are posted on the website.

 Important Reminders and Updates:

  • Please ensure the package room at 120 Boerum is closed and locked behind you. Recently there have been reports of missing packages.  Please be reminded that the Condo is not responsible for any packages; it is therefore highly recommended that anyone expecting a valuable item to be present to personally accept delivery.
  • Dirty pizza boxes cannot be recycled. They should be broken down and saved for deposit in the compost bins (on Sunday) or broken down and thrown away.  Do not leave them by recycling bins.
  • The current version of the Rules is now on the website. The only modification is to No. 20.