Author: Skytrack

Annual Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2014

Attending Board Members: Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Levi McConnell, Sec., Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas., Madeleine Milan, Rose Firestein, Terra Chalberg. Also Present:  Elia Malara (Managing Agent), Mark Levitch (C.P.A.), Michael Marino, (Attorney)

– Proof of notice of the meeting was provided.

– The reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived.

– The quorum was 73.25%, with 50 units represented.

I. Financials: Mark Levitch’s Report

– Mark Levitch gave the Skytrack Condo financial report.

– Real estate tax protest-related refund monies will be disbursed to owners.

– The financial situation of Skytrack Condo was reviewed and continues to be in order, with a cash surplus and small amount of receivables.

– The board will investigate possible increases in the amount of insurance coverage we maintain for the the condominiums complex.

II. Maintenance: Elia Malara’s Report

– Several improvements and repairs have been made throughout the Skytrack Condo complex.

– Matthew Pilkington has continued his beautification of the various planters that surround 120 Boerum Place, and we thank and applaud him for his efforts.

– Jose urged all owners to consider replacing their windows and sliding-glass doors if they date back to the original conversion of the condo.  They are at or near the end of their suggested lifespan, and are prone to leaks. Owners are responsible for replacement of their own windows and doors.

III. Elections

– There were no terms expiring, and no current board members stepping down for any reason, so no election was necessary.

IV. Vote to Amend the Condominium By-Laws

– The recently proposed changes to the wording of the condo by-laws was explained, and several viewpoints were expressed by the members of the board, the condo’s legal representation, and several unit owners. Several questions were asked by owners, all of which were addressed by the board and by the condo’s legal representation.

– Voting to amend the by-laws took place as a Special Meeting within the Annual Meeting.

– Owners submitted their votes by paper ballot. The results were tallied by Peter Levy and Levi McConnell, on the evening of the next day (Tuesday, June 17th).

– The results are as follows:

– The vote was “No” 3 units, “Yes” 47 units.

– Of all unit owners present & represented at the meeting: 6% voted “No” and 94% voted “Yes”.

– By % of total ownership, 6.2% voted “No” and 65.1% voted “Yes”.

– Of all unit owners present & represented at the meeting: 8.46% voted “No” and 88.87% voted “Yes”.

– By both methods, well over a 66 2/3% majority voted “Yes” to amend the by-laws.

V. Other Housekeeping Items

– “Rigid plastic” is now recyclable, and should be placed in the blue recycling containers.  Items should be thoroughly rinsed out before placing into the bins (especially cat food containers).

– Plastic bags are still NOT recyclable. – Sunday evening is the night to place “bulk trash” non recyclable items outside for pickup.

– Personal items, such as umbrellas, shoes, and bicycles cannot be left in Common Areas.

– A reminder to please keep common areas clean and quiet, even when legitimately entertaining.

– No charcoal grills are allowed anywhere within the Skytrack Condominium complex.

– Skytrack’s website is www.skytrackcondo.com.  Register with the site to receive condo news updates, notices, information, and to contact the Super or the Board.

– No clothes dryers may be connected to any exhaust line due to fire hazards.  Condensation-type dryers are widely available, are permitted and do not present the same danger.

– The Skytrack Board of Managers suggests that all owners install shut-off valves for their water supply to their units. This is best done when a renovation is occurring, or when other plumbing work is being done.

– No items other than motor vehicles may be stored in the garage.

– Jose needs a current key for all units, in case an emergency arises. If Jose does not have a key, and emergency workers must gain entry to any particular unit, damage during entry may occur.  Unit owners are responsible for any damage that occurs in this event.

VI. Follow-Up Items for the Board

– The building is continuing to monitor when Verizon FIOS will be available in our area.

– The board will continue to examine options for utilizing the space on the roof of 120 Boerum Place that used to house the hot tub room several years ago.

– The board has begin discussions about ways to improve the appearance of the entry of 120 Boerum Place.

VII. Notice to Owners

– If any residents notice an issue or problem with any of the common elements, please alert the management company, Superintendent, and board members via the links provided on the Skytrack Condo website.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Exterminator

Elia Malara, our Managing Agent talked to Phil from Blazing Bug Busters about treating and sealing up holes in apartments with mice problems.  He said that the price would vary per apartment by size and if they have children or pets.
Phil said the best way to handle it would be for the owners who needed his service to call him directly to schedule.  He would them give them a price and they would pay him directly for it.
Phil of Blazing Bug Busters telephone number is 718-627-5831.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

AMENDBY-LAWS Rev1

Monday June 16, 2014, 8 PM, as part of the Annual Owners Meeting

 

Lately, insurance companies have been making it harder to collect for damages that were assumed to be covered.  Such was the case recently, when insurance companies interpreted our By-Laws in a way that negated, or limited, the coverage of the Condominium and individual owners in a casualty loss.  The Board recommends that we amend the By-Laws to try to close these “loopholes.”  We need 66 2/3% of the quorum of assembled owners, in person and by proxy, to amend the By-Laws as follows:

 

 

Article VI

OPERATION OF THE PROPERTY

 

Section 3. Repair or Reconstruction After Fire or Other Casualty.

 

In the event of damage to or destruction of the Buildings containing the Units, as a result of fire or other casualty, unless seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the Buildings containing the Units is destroyed or substantially damaged and Unit Owners whose percentage of Common Interest totals seventy-five (75%) in the aggregate of the total Common Interest do not duly and promptly resolve to proceed with repair or restoration, the Board of Managers shall arrange for the prompt repair and restoration of the Buildings containing the Units (including any damaged Units, and any kitchen or bathroom fixtures initially installed herein by the Sponsor, but not including any wall, ceiling or floor decorations or coverings or other furniture, furnishing, fixtures or equipment installed in the Units by the Unit Owners), and the Board of Managers of the Insurance Trustee, as the case may be, shall disburse the proceeds of all insurance policies in appropriate progress payments for distribution to the contractors engaged in such repairs and restoration. Any cost of such repair and restoration in excess of insurance proceeds shall constitute a Common Expense and the Board of Managers may assess all the Unit Owners for such deficit as part of the Common Charges. Damage to or destruction of the Buildings containing the Units, as a result of fire or other casualty does not include the following: 1) damage to or destruction occurring within a Unit; nor, 2) damages to or destruction of the Buildings containing the Units which, in the sole discretion of the Board of Managers, is caused by the negligence, misuse or neglect of a Unit Owner as defined in Article VI Section 10 herein. In the event of damages to or destruction of the Buildings containing the Units as set forth in this Article VI Section 3, is caused by the negligence, misuse or neglect of a Unit Owner as defined in Article VI Section 10, then the cost of repair therefore shall be charged to such Unit Owner and be due and payable by said Unit Owner as a Common Charge and Assessment.

 

Section 10. Maintenance and Repairs.

 

a.  All maintenance of and repairs to any Unit, ordinary or extraordinary, and to the doors (except painting the exterior of Residential Unit entrance door),windows, electrical (except Common Elements), plumbing (except Common Elements) and heating fixtures and air conditioning within the Unit, or belonging to the Unit or belonging to the Unit owner shall be at the Unit Owner’s expense, except as otherwise specifically provided in the By-Laws.

 

b.  All maintenance, repairs and replacements to the General Common Elements as defined in the Declaration, and painting and decorating of the exterior side of Unit entrance doors and windows shall be made by the Board of Managers and be charged to all the Unit Owners as a Common Expense, excepting to the extent that the same are necessitated by the negligence, misuse or neglect of a Unit Owner, in which case such expense shall be charged to such Unit Owner and be due and payable by said Unit Owner as a Common Charge and Assessment. Negligence, misuse or neglect of a Unit Owner shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Managers and shall include, but not be limited to, any and all malfunction within a Unit the repair and maintenance for which is the responsibility of the Unit Owner pursuant to Article VI, Section 10 (a).

 

Schedule A: (Rules and Regulations of Skytrack Condominium):

 

22.      Any damage to the Buildings or equipment or Units caused by Unit Owners, their guests, visitors, clients, patients, employees or property shall be repaired at the expense of the said Unit Owner. This Rule and Regulation is intended to supplement and enhance the terms and conditions set forth in By-Law Article VI Sections 3 and 10.

 

NOTICE OF MEETING

SKYTRACK CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION

 

Dear Unit Owner:

Pursuant to Article 111, Sections 1 and 4 of the By-Laws of Skytrack Condominium, the Board of Managers is providing notice of the annual meeting of Skytrack Condominium Association.  Business will include a report on financial status, and other important business concerning the future of the condominium.  There will be a “special meeting” within this meeting, to vote on a proposed amendment to the By-Laws.  Details will be sent to you prior to the meeting.

This meeting is to be held on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Montessori School located at 7-9 Bergen Street, immediately adjacent to 15 Bergen Street.  Please arrive and sign in between 7:45 and 8 pm so that the meeting can start on time.

If you are unable to attend in person, please delegate a representative to vote in your place by proxy.  A quorum of 50% of the ownership in person or by proxy is necessary for transaction of business, and a 66 2/3% majority is needed for an amendment to be approved.  A form of proxy is being distributed to each unit for this purpose.

 If there is any possibility that you cannot attend, please submit a proxy, it will be returned to you at the meeting if you do attend.

Sincerely,

Levi McConnell, Secretary

Skytrack Condominium Association

 

 

PROXY

 

TO:   Secretary, Skytrack Condominium Association

 

The undersigned appoints ______________________________________ as proxy of the undersigned with power of substitution, to attend the Annual Meeting of Unit Owners of Skytrack Condominium Association to be held at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2014 at the Montessori School and any adjournments thereof, and to cast all of his or her votes, as permitted by the By-Laws of Skytrack Condominium, in the name of the undersigned for the following purposes:

 

  1. For the transaction and voting upon of such business as may properly come before the meeting.

 

2. To vote on a proposed amendment to the By-Laws of the Condominium.

 

 

Dated: _________________________________, 2014

 

Signed:

_________________________________

_________________________________

Unit No. (Apt. and/or Garage spot)

 

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes: April 22nd, 2014

Board Members Present: Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas.; Terra Chalberg; Rose Firestein; Madeleine Milan; Levi McConnell, Sec. Also Present: José Perez, Superintendent.

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Superintendent’s Report:

• The hot tub room above the old elevator bulkhead on the roof of 120 Boerum Place has been cleaned out and stabilized. ** The board is asking owners and residents to suggest possible uses for this common-area space. Please bring your suggestions to the Block Party (see below) or make them via the email on the website BEFORE the Annual Meeting. Thank you. **

• A window at 120 Boerum Pl. near the sky bridge has been sealed.

• Radiant heat will cease once the temperature levels off above 55 degrees for a few consecutive days.

• The next board meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, 2014.

• The Skytrack Annual Owners Meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th, 2014 at the Montessori School.

Financials:

• The financial statement was reviewed and aside from a few units with small arrears, everything appears to be in good standing.

PLEASE NOTE:

• No items other than motor vehicles may be stored in the garage.

• No grills are permitted in common areas.

• No items may be left in hallways or common areas, including umbrellas and boots.

• Please, NO plastic bags in the recycling.

• PLEASE bundle your cardboard and tie or tape it together for removal.

• Please TIE garbage bags before depositing into trash chute.

• Residents must not place furniture, shelves, construction or other trash items outside our building, except on the eve of appropriate pickup days. When in doubt about this calendar, consult with Jose.

• Materials disposal guides: www.nyc.gov/html/dsny/html/faq/dispose.shtml and www.nyc.gov/html/dsny/html/collection/bulk.shtml

If any residents notice an issue or problem with any of the common elements, please alert the management company, Superintendent, and board members via the links provided on the Skytrack Condo website.

Skytrack Potluck Block Party: SUNDAY, JUNE 8th from 3pm – 6pm 

Please join us on the rooftop common area at 120 Boerum Pl., near the Hot Tub Room. (6/14 rain date)

The Board would like owners and residents to suggest potential uses for the old hot tub room. We will discuss any feasible options at the upcoming Annual Meeting, taking place at the Montessori School on Tuesday, June 10th, 2014. If you can’t attend the owner’s meeting, send suggestions for the hot tub room to the board using the form at: www.skytrackcondo.com/contact-board-of-managers

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes, February 25th, 2014

Board Members Present: Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Terra Chalberg, Madeleine Milan; Levi McConnell, Sec. Also Present: José Perez, Superintendent.

The meeting convened at 7:30 pm and was adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Superintendent’s Report:

• A few 120 Boerum Place bulkheads with leak issues were repaired over the weekend of 2/22.

• A new snow blower was purchased for Skytrack after the old one failed during the last large snow storm.

• A new buzzer installed on the recently refurbished basement door at 120 Boerum Place.

• Jose to investigate a few small water leaks affecting the window of a 3rd floor unit at 120 Boerum Place.

• The next board meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 25th, 2014.

Financials:

· The financial statement was reviewed and appears to be in good standing.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

• NO plastic bags in the recycling.

• PLEASE bundle your cardboard and tie or tape it together for removal.

Hoyt Street Garden

Dear Neighbors,
 
You are invited to come to a meeting on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM at our house at 124 Hoyt Street to help create a new Hoyt Street Garden Committee, (group of volunteers) to help keep the Hoyt Street Garden, located at Hoyt St. and Atlantic Avenue, alive and healthy for the future.


Boerum Hill Association President, Howard Kolins will attend and there will be light refreshments. 
 
Some background information: I am 68 years old and as you probably know, in 2013, after many years, I retired from being president of the Hoyt Street Association. However, as one of the last of the founders of the Hoyt Street Garden, I’d like to help organize a neighborhood group, whose members would take charge of the activities and the care of the Garden. Years ago, we had many activities and events (puppet shows, dance performances, small concerts, school group visits, etc.) at the Garden. It would be great to re-establish this concept with new energy and more neighborhood participants.
 
Some background:
Since 1974, we cleared out truckloads of garbage, ailanthus trees and broken cyclone fences…in order to create the Hoyt Street Garden. We have maintained it ALL these years. But we do not own the Garden. As you know, in Boerum Hill, there are NO parks. So, that makes the Garden a special oasis of green that we truly have to protect. The Garden is very important to our neighborhood. Over the years, we have given away a free garden key to anyone who requests it (available at GRDN at 103 Hoyt Street).  
 However, these days, many neighbors do not even know about the Garden. It’s important to keep the it active and beautiful, so that it will continue to have relevance for our neighborhood. Your new energy and volunteerism will help deter any plans to eliminate the Garden. 
Currently, we have a part-time gardener, James Stefanik (who trims the bushes and trees, establishes new plantings , etc.) We also have a paid worker, Rosanna Appleton, who regularly sweeps the Garden and shovels the snow. She also waters the Garden each day, as needed and also waters the nearby street trees. As you can imagine, the Garden needs regular attention. That’s why there is a need for neighborhood volunteers who can help maintain the Garden and create more events and activities there. 


It is important to arrange for the committee to create a system of doing minor repairs, sending out notices and posting signs on the bulletin boards, planning events (like planting bulbs, decorating the Garden for the Holidays, etc.) I have tools and holiday decorations, etc. and would be glad to either hand them over to the committee or store them here at our house. 
 
The Iglesia is part of a parcel of land (owned by the Presbytery of New York since 1964) that includes the Garden and we have a fragile contract with them —  that though we don’t own the Garden, we are allowed to maintain it–which we have for all these years at our own expense (even paying to repair the broken water system at the Iglesia on several occasions). Luckily, we have a good relationship with the Iglesia. However, you can imagine the financial value of the 25′ x 50′ piece of land that is the Garden. My hope is that at some point, the Garden’s future could be totally secured. (Calling Bette Midler….! …who financially helped save the David Foulke Garden on Bergen Street).


I look forward to seeing you at this important meeting. Please invite your neighbors. See the info below to RSVP. Thanks. 
 
Best wishes, Margaret
 
Margaret Cusack
124 Hoyt Street in Boerum Hill
Brooklyn, NY 11217-2215
 
phone: 718.237. 0145