Author: Skytrack

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes: December 9, 2009

In attendance: Peter Levy (President), Katharine Mukherji (Vice President) Terra Chalberg (Secretary), Matthew Pilkington (Treasurer), Steve Dembitzer, Jose Perez (Superintendent), Elia Malara (Management)

MAINTENANCE ITEMS

The old boiler has been decommissioned by an inspector and now needs to be removed.  Jose will arrange for someone to take care of this immediately.

No update on replacing/repairing the second floor window of 120 Boerum at this time.  Elia will provide an estimate.

Motors in three of the roof ventilation fans at 120 Boerum that have been replaced are working well and quietly. More replacements are to occur as needed.

The hose is not yet installed for use in 15 Bergen but will be very shortly.  Jose will report at next meeting.

Roof leaks have been reported in the top floor of 15 Bergen.  Jose will keep us updated.

We haven’t reached a conclusion about permanent signs in the lobby of 120 Boerum to direct guests, but do agree that the signs above the recycling in this building are ineffective.  We discussed whether they need improvement.

As David is not in attendance, we will ask for a report from him at the next meeting about being in contact with Con Ed about special programs for putting the garage lights on motion detectors, and we are looking into the possibility of installing glass into former windows.

There is still a need for a sign on the basement door reading, “please keep this door closed at all times” and Jose was not at the last meeting.  Jose will post one.

Reminder to Owners, carried over from the last minutes: the flex water connectors on your toilet and sinks, if original, are 25 years old.  To avoid water damage to your apartment and others, please replace old flex connectors and hoses in the kitchen and bathroom.

FINANCIAL ITEMS

Because we are in good shape financially and inflation has not occurred because of the recession, we have agreed that we can forgo the annual 3% increase in maintenance fees for 2010.

Jose and Patrick will receive year-end bonuses from Skytrack and amounts have been discussed.

Matthew reviewed the budget categories in question, concerning building and renovation improvements, with Elia and concluded that they need to be revised or clarified, which Elia has agreed to do.

NEW BUSINESS

Residents, information on the proper way to dispose of your Christmas Tree will be posted in each building’s lobby.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.  The next Board meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2010.

Happy Holidays

The Board extends holiday greetings for a happy and healthy holiday and New Year to one and all.

We would like to remind everyone that this is a good time to thank José and Patrick for their hard work and dedication to the building.

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.

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes: October 28, 2009

In attendance: Peter Levy (President), Katharine Mukherji (Vice President) Terra Chalberg (Secretary), Matthew Pilkington (Treasurer), David Crofton, Rose Firestein

MAINTENANCE ITEMS

The 15 Bergen renovation is complete and in great general shape.  It looks like the hose still needs to be put in, and Elia will ask Jose to routinely wash the smudges off the white walls.  A sign has to be put up warning owners about confiscating their items if left in the common areas, which will result in a $50 fine to retrieve the items.

Owners, the flex connectors on your toilet and sinks, if original, are 25 years old.  To avoid water damage to your apartment and others, please replace old flex connectors and hoses in kitchen and bathroom.

The old boiler has been disconnected, and needs to be removed and decommissioned by an inspector.  We’re not sure yet when that is going to happen.  Some of the motors in the roof ventilation fans at 120 Boerum have been replaced, and it’s possible more will follow.  David will contact Con Ed about special programs for putting the garage lights on motion detectors, and we will look into the possibility of installing glass into former windows.  The main stairwell at 120 Boerum has been repaired and painted.

FINANCIAL ITEMS

It seems that Mr. Levitch, our accountant, has not been paid for the previous periods he’s specified.  The Board authorized payment immediately.  Matthew will email Elia about getting electronic copies of the financials going forward, so Skytrack can keep an ongoing electronic record.

We reviewed the categories in the management’s budget and feel that some clarification is needed about how to classify items like new electrical fixtures, plumbing improvements, painting (whether as part of routine maintenance, plumbing, or refurbishment, etc.)  Matthew is going to ask Elia about it.

NEW BUSINESS

We discussed the need for a sign telling guests going to the 2nd or 3rd floors of 120 Boerum to turn left at the mailboxes in the lobby.  We further discussed the need for a sign on the basement door reading, “please keep this door closed at all times.”  There is a roof leak in the ceiling of a unit at 134 Boerum.  It could be that a drain has gotten clogged.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.  The next Board meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2009


Board Meeting Minutes: September 23, 2009

In attendance: Peter Levy (President), Katharine Mukherji (Vice President) Terra Chalberg (Secretary), Matthew Pilkington (Treasurer), Steve Dembitzer, David Crofton, Rose Firestein, José Perez, and Elia Malara (Managing Agent)

MAINTENANCE ITEMS

In 15 Bergen: The spigot for water is being put in 9/24 between 10 and 2; José will get a separate hose to be housed securely in the building.  The Board voted yes on stairs being painted.  The remaining yellow painted area  will be addressed.  The crooked and odd spacing has been fixed on door numbers; Terra will check.  The sconces are in. The garbage and recycling can container has been installed.  The stained carpet tiles have been replaced.

In 120 Boerum: There was discussion about putting up a sign on the basement door about closing it after use. We discussed the need for the walls of the front stairwell to be repaired, primed, and painted, which is estimated to be around $2,500.

General: The gaskets on the heating system circulating pumps have been replaced.

Garbage must be placed in its proper place immediately upon removal from apartment. It should neither be placed outside of apartment doors nor outside of the garbage container when garbage container is not full.  There should be nothing in the common areas including garbage and floor mats.  José is working on decommissioning the old boiler.

The heating system was refilled.  In the spring, after the heating season, whoever wants to have their valves or thermostats changed, at their own expense, must notify José so he can drain the system.

The question arose as to whether we should turn off the roof-top ventilating fans from midnight to 5 AM to save electricity, and/or replace old with new as they go bad.  This will be ongoing business.

Pertaining to the garage, the question arose as to whether we need to replace some or all of the lights we have with lights with motion sensors.  For eight fixtures and three motion detectors, the estimate is $2320 plus tax; Elia will get more information;  David will contact Con Ed and we will discuss at next meeting.  It was agreed that, if this were to pass, we would need some sort of emergency bypass or some fixtures on 24/7.  The question arose as to whether it’s possible that the remotely-controlled garage door is being opened/triggered by an outside remote.

FINANCIAL ITEMS

Skytrack is doing well financially and is ahead for the year. We discussed the fact that the roof is going to need to be replaced in the next couple of years, as will the stairs surfaces in at 120 Boerum. Elia will get an estimate on the front stairwell window/frame in 120 Boerum, and specifically assess what needs to be done/repaired.

There will be a water meter reading in November, which will give us our usage and how much we owe.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.  The next Board meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2009.

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