Author: Skytrack

Board Meeting Minutes

Board Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2009

Attending:  Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Matthew Pilkington, Sec., Rose Firestein, David Crofton, Terra Chalberg, Jose Perez (to present Super’s report), and Elia Malara (Managing Agent).

I.    Maintenance
The condo. is repairing cracks in the surrounding side-walks within the next few weeks in three separate places.  A member of the board reported the dead trees on Dean Street to the NYC Parks Department.  The Parks Department had already received notice and removed them on Tuesday June 2nd.  New trees were requested for the empty tree wells.  The city did not know why the trees between Dean and Bergen on Boerum Place were stressed.  Three extra plants have been purchased, one for 134 Boerum Place and 2 for the dying pine bushes outside 15 Bergen.  Two new planters were purchased, one for 134 Boerum Place, and one to replace the whiskey barrel on Dean Street.  The renovation of 15 Bergen Street is moving forward, including new carpets, paint, baseboards, a new trash and recycling receptacle and a hose bib connection.  The leaking heating water circulating pumps were mended.  The Stucco was repaired on the garage and 134 Boerum façades.

Fines will be levied against condo. owners who leave objects in the common areas such as shoes, umbrellas, strollers, and scooters.  This is against fire code and is in violation of condo. rules.

II.    Financials
The financials were reviewed and found in order.  NYC Water and Sewer charges will go up by 14% on July 1st.  Water charges will have risen by 77% over the last 5 years, once the next raise has come into effect.

III.    Board Positions
Four board positions are coming up for election at the next Annual Unit Owners Meeting.  Peter Levy (President), Steve Dembitzer, and Matthew Pilkington (Secretary) are running again.  Steve Bruner (Treasurer) has left the condo. and Terra Chalberg has been gracious enough to replace Steve Bruner on an interim basis.  She is standing for election.  Please put other nominations with a seconder in the Board of Managers box in the front lobby of your building.

IV.    Annual Unit Owners Meeting
Notices have been posted for the Annual Unit Owners Meeting, which will be held at 8pm on Tuesday June 9th, at the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, at 7-9 Bergen Street (and Court Street), immediately adjacent to 15 Bergen Street.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm

Board Meeting Minutes

Board Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2009

Attending: Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Matthew Pilkington, Sec., Rose Firestein, David Crofton, Terra Chalberg, Jose Perez (to present Super’s report), and Elia Malara (Managing Agent).

I. Maintenance
The condo. is repairing cracks in the surrounding side-walks within the next few weeks in three separate places. A member of the board reported the dead trees on Dean Street to the NYC Parks Department. The Parks Department had already received notice and removed them on Tuesday June 2nd. New trees were requested for the empty tree wells. The city did not know why the trees between Dean and Bergen on Boerum Place were stressed. Three extra plants have been purchased, one for 134 Boerum Place and 2 for the dying pine bushes outside 15 Bergen. Two new planters were purchased, one for 134 Boerum Place, and one to replace the whiskey barrel on Dean Street. The renovation of 15 Bergen Street is moving forward, including new carpets, paint, baseboards, a new trash and recycling receptacle and a hose bib connection. The leaking heating water circulating pumps were mended. The Stucco was repaired on the garage and 134 Boerum façades.

Fines will be levied against condo. owners who leave objects in the common areas such as shoes, umbrellas, strollers, and scooters. This is against fire code and is in violation of condo. rules.

II. Financials
The financials were reviewed and found in order. NYC Water and Sewer charges will go up by 14% on July 1st. Water charges will have risen by 77% over the last 5 years, once the next raise has come into effect.

III. Board Positions
Four board positions are coming up for election at the next Annual Unit Owners Meeting. Peter Levy (President), Steve Dembitzer, and Matthew Pilkington (Secretary) are running again. Steve Bruner (Treasurer) has left the condo. and Terra Chalberg has been gracious enough to replace Steve Bruner on an interim basis. She is standing for election. Please put other nominations with a seconder in the Board of Managers box in the front lobby of your building.

IV. Annual Unit Owners Meeting
Notices have been posted for the Annual Unit Owners Meeting, which will be held at 8pm on Tuesday June 9th, at the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, at 7-9 Bergen Street (and Court Street), immediately adjacent to 15 Bergen Street.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm

SkyTrack Annual Meeting

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 an election to the board of managers, a report on financial status, and other important business concerning the future of the condominium.

This meeting is to be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 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.

There are four Board terms expiring this year.  Anyone who wants to run should drop a note to that effect in any of the lobby boxes for the Board of Managers.

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.  A form of proxy is being distributed to each unit for this purpose.

Sincerely,

Matthew Pilkongton, Secretary
Skytrack Condominium Association

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 9, 2009 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. Election of individual(s) to the Board of Managers

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

Dated:    _________________________________, 2009

Signed:

_________________________________

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

Board Meeting Minutes

April 22, 2009

Attending:  Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Steve Bruner, Treas., Matthew Pilkington, Sec., Steve Dembitzer, Rose Firestein, David Crofton, Jose Perez (to present Super’s report), and Elia Malara (Managing Agent).

I.    Maintenance
There was a new leak found on the 3rd floor roof of 120 Boerum Place.  The source area had been found and a crew organized to mend it once a period of dry weather appeared.  The city has advised the condo. to mend the sidewalks in three places or otherwise receive fines.  The cracks are probably caused by tree root growth.  An estimate had been given for removing old concrete, increasing the size of some of the tree pits, and re-laying new concrete around the trees.  Two new planters will be ordered, one for 134 Boerum, and one to replace the wooden tub on Dean Street.   The stucco had come off in two places on outside walls at 134 Boerum Place and above the southern garbage area of the garage.  Repairs have been arranged.  The hot water pumps for the heating system are leaking.  The gaskets are damaged, but the pumps are so old that new gaskets have been difficult to find.  Jose is still looking for replacements.  An electrician replaced two of the fan motors on the roof on the K apartment line at 120  Boerum Place.  They were full of lint.

Owners are reminded that the outlet from their dryers must not be fed into the ventilation shafts.  It is a fire hazard and the individual owners maybe liable for lint removal, motor replacement and any other more serious consequences.
The board noted that lint traps should be checked on a regular basis, and that some machines recycle the hot air and have more efficient lint traps than the venting types.  A clogged lint trap can cause dryers to use 30% more energy.  In 1998 there were 15,600 clothes dryer fires (Consumer Product Safety Commission document # 5022).

Owners are reminded that permission has to be requested for any alterations to condo common property.  Carrying out alterations without consent from the condo board will usually result in fines and/or restoration to the previous state at the owners’ expense.

The renovation of 15 Bergen is going ahead, including a water source and a sink for Jose to use for both cleaning and watering plants.

Owners are reminded that it is against fire code to keep any objects in the communal hallways and lobbies, such as strollers, shoes, shoe racks, scooters, helmets and umbrellas.

II.    Financials
Financials were found to be in order.   The owner of 3C was served a summons with notice to foreclose.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm

Board Meeting Minutes: 2/25/2009

Present: Steve Bruner (Treas.), David Crofton (acting Sec’y), Steve Dembitzer, Rose Firestein, Peter Levy (Pres.), Elia Malara (Managing Agent), Katharine Mukherji (V. Pres.), and. José Perez (Super.).
Maintenance Items

Jose Perez was invited by the board to give a run-down of maintenance issues.

Skytracks’s boiler had a faulty circulation pump that caused low temperatures in the hot water. The pump was replaced by our plumber and is now functioning properly, and the water temperature has returned to normal.

On the second floor of 120 Boerum Place, there are a number of loose floor tiles. These are scheduled to be repaired as soon as possible.

The scheduled decommission of the old boiler has been put on hold until the Spring to avoid a disruption of the functioning boiler.

There was a water leak in one of the units on the first floor of 120 Boerum that caused damage in the basement. One of the walls on the first floor hallway was opened to find the source of the problem. The leak was repaired and the wall has been repaired. The Unit’s insurance will reimburse Skytrack for the cost.
120 Boerum Place, Unit 3C

The board met with our attorney, Michael Marino regarding the unpaid common charges from Unit 3C. After a lengthy and informative meeting, the board has decided to begin foreclosure proceedings. All previous attempts to contact the owner of 3C, as well as efforts to collect common charges, have failed. Skytrack can not allow this problem to continue. It was resolved, seconded, and unanimously affirmed that we retain Michael Marino to begin the foreclosure proceedings.
Finances

The financials for 2008 were reviewed. 2009 budgets, and current arrears were discussed. The Condo. Is currently within its 2009 budget. Lower oil, gas, electricity, and water costs have helped.

Energy Conservation

All Skytrack residents are encouraged to conserve energy as much as possible. By turning off unused lights and lowering available thermostats during the day, we can all help make a difference. Many small improvements can have a large impact.

Phone Conversations

Please be aware that loud conversations in the lobby and hallways in all the Skytrack buildings can be disruptive to other residents. Please be considerate to your neighbors by keeping your cell phone and other conversations at a respectful level.

The next board meeting will be on March 25th. With no other business to be discussed the meeting was adjourned.

Board Meeting Minutes: 1/22/2009

Present: Steve Bruner (Treas.), David Crofton, Steve Dembitzer, Rose Firestein, Peter Levy (Pres.), Elia Malara (Managing Agent), Katharine Mukherji (V. Pres.), Matthew Pilkington (Sec’y), and. José Perez (Super.).

Maintenance Items
Jose Perez was invited by the board to give a run down of maintenance issues.
The boiler was cleaned as part of its annual service by Abilene and Co. The activating motor for the heating water mixer valve was replaced. Water out of the faucets in 120 Boerum should now not be too hot, and the water in 134 Boerum and 15 Bergen should not be too cold. We will switch to oil to test the dual fuel ability of the boiler when the weather becomes warmer. The boiler has been running on natural gas for the winter. The state of the oil tank and the amount of oil in the tank will be checked before the switchover is attempted.

City Fines
Peter Burgess Management received fines for failing to renew the two boilers’ registration with the city in 2004 and 2007. The boiler registration needs to be renewed every 3 years. Peter Burgess Management is somewhat to blame, but our new Managing Agent, Elia Malara said that the city is looking through its files for any overlooked infringements in order to raise revenue. There are 3 outstanding fines that we are questioning for a total of $1250. We also have to decommission our secondary boiler that has been shut down for some time. The city has to sign off on the decommissioned boiler before stating that it does not need to be registered and therefore allowing its removal. Jose has found someone to remove the old boiler post-decommissioning inspection. The board was only recently aware of these issues. EM Holding Co. has registered the boilers so they are currently up to date. In this vein, the Condo. was recently notified that some of the cracks in the pavement have to be repaired around the buildings or we will face other fines.

120 Boerum Place also received a sprinkler violation in Jan 08. Peter Burgess had apparently received the violation and not paid the fine. The fine now has been paid, and Peter Burgess will be asked about the fine oversights. The sprinkler system is tested annually by the Fire Department and monthly by the sprinkler company. It is currently up to date in its tests.

Monthly Charges
Monthly Common Charges to Condo. owners were increased by 3% on Jan 1st 2009. The increase was discussed in previous minutes and at the AGM.

Annual Budget
The financials for 2008 were in order. 2009 budgets, and current arrears were discussed. The Condo. is currently within its 2009 budget. Lower oil, gas, electricity, and water bills have helped.

Amity Street/Court Street Traffic Arrow
Peter Levy has observed that traffic continues to flow illegally and dangerously from Amity Street to Dean Street by means of an illegal left turn. He suggested that a green right-pointing arrow replace the green light on the traffic signal at the end of Amity Street that abuts Court Street. Mr. Levy has pursued various local government officials and is optimistic regarding the outcome.

The next board meeting will be on February 25th. With no other business to be discussed, the meeting was adjourned.

Holiday Announcements

The Board extends holiday greetings to one and all.  We wish everyone at Skytrack a happy and healthy holiday and New Year.

Super and Porter: We would like to remind everyone that this is a good time to thank our super and weekend porter, José and José Jr. for their hard work and dedication to the Condo.

Trees: Please make sure all holiday trees are bagged while bringing them into and removing them from the buildings. José will have oversize plastic bags available for tree transportation. This will ensure that the Super and the Porter do not spend time removing pine needles from the hallways. Please be responsible and respectful. A fifty-dollar ($50) fine may be imposed upon offending units.

Common Charge Increase: Please remember that common charges will increase by 3% on January 1, 2009.

Board Meeting Minutes: 10/22/08

Attending: Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Steve Bruner, Treas., Matthew Pilkington, Sec., Steve Dembitzer, Rose Firestein, David Crofton, Jose Perez (to present Super’s report), and Elia Malara (Managing Agent).
I. Maintenance

There had been a few complaints about heat as it turned on for the season. The boiler is being turned up from 170º F to 180º F. A request was made to move a planter to the entrance of 134. Jose will rearrange the new plantings at 134 Boerum so that one planter would be nearer the door. The board is planning on additional planters and replacing the remaining wooden tubs next year as the budget allows.

The carpets on the first floor of 120 Boerum Pl., and in 134 Boerum Pl. will be shampooed soon.

An exterminator has been hired to visit on a monthly basis to set traps in common areas, for mice, which have been spotted in some of the buildings.

A company approached, asking if we would want to have cell phone transmitters on 120 Boerum Place rooftop. Safety aspects, positioning, and revenue were discussed. Since we have not received an official proposal, no decision was made.

II. Financials

A review of the Condo’s finances showed them to be in order. We have paid back the Line-Of-Credit loan that was used toward the recent renovations to the 2nd and 3rd floor hallways at 120 Boerum.

On January 1st there will be a 3 percent increase in common charges.

3. New Business

Strangers in the Building: Please do not allow any vendors/strangers in the building. If they are not visiting you, please do not allow them in, even if given a plausible excuse. Vendors have been found wandering the building knocking on doors, uninvited.

The next meeting will be on Nov. 19.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm

Board Meeting Minutes: 9/24/08

Attending: Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Steve Bruner, Treas., David Crofton, Rose Firestein, Elia Malara, Managing Agent, Jose Perez, Superintendent (for maintenance report)

I. Maintenance

Repairs were completed on the brick wall of 134 Boerum Place that had been damaged by heavy rains early in the summer. The bricks were pointed and the interior walls have been re-plastered.

The broken door on the roof of 120 Boerum Place has been replaced.

The intercom system was repaired at 120 Boerum Place to fix a faulty wiring problem.

A new Boiler Service Agreement has been approved to ensure our service throughout this coming winter.

Skytrack will be employing a new pest control company starting in October. All common areas will be treated for mice and roaches. The name and contact information for the new pest control company will be provided to all owners as soon as possible. Please note, all unit owners will be responsible for coordinating and paying for the services done to individual units.

Similarly, all owners of the first floor units are responsible for having the check valves attached to their waste lines cleaned and serviced. Skytrack condominium is not responsible for this service.
II. Financials

The transition of financial records from the old managing agency to E. M. Holding Corporation has been completed. All financials are in line with the current Skytrack budget.

Owners are reminded to send their common charges checks to the new management at E.M. Holding Corp., 80 Joralemon St., Brooklyn, NY 11201.

III. Refurbishment

The 120 Boerum Pl. 2nd and 3rd floor improvements have been completed. A regular scheduled carpet cleaning for these new carpets as well as for all carpets in the Skytrack buildings has been established.

New planters have been installed at the entrance doors of 15 Bergen and 120 Boerum Place as well as along the Dean street side of the building.

IV. Other Business

Per the Department of Buildings regulations, all door mats must be removed from the hallways. They are considered a fire hazard, and must be removed as soon as possible.

Owners are reminded of the new website, www.skytrackcondo.com. Please sign up on the site in order to receive email notifications.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted by David Crofton for Matthew Pilkington, Secretary