Author: Skytrack

Vermin

Please be advised that the Board and the Super are aware of sightings of rats in the vicinity of Skytrack, including on Dean Street and Boerum Place, and share the concerns expressed by many of you.  We have taken and will continue to take steps to address this problem including by working with our exterminator to ensure the building is as protected as possible.  We have installed poison stations at various locations, and as evidence by deceased rats that have been seen, we believe these measures are working.  Management also is in touch with neighboring buildings to ensure that they are taking appropriate measures.  We encourage Skytrack residents to contact 311 and file complaints to ensure the City is aware of the recent influx of vermin in our neighborhood, so that they can also take appropriate measures.

Board Meeting Minutes: June 22, 2021

Meeting conducted via videoconference

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Sec.; Matthew Pilkington, Treas.; Michael Tedesco; Cameron Martin; Malik Ashiru; Hannah Berkin-Harper

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holding Corp.

Superintendent’s Report:

  • There was a complaint of garbage by the deck of 134 Boerum; Val inspected with residents of that building and it was decided to keep the flower pots because the building is attempting to add water spigot to that area of the building, so the pots could be planted.
  • The Super and Management are coordinating with a plumber to see if it is feasible to install additional water spigots in Common Areas.
  • The Super and Management are coordinating with plumber to get check valve repaired/replaced at 134 Boerum.
  • The trash compactor was stuck and was repaired.

Financials:

  • The Condo met its budget for 2020.  The Board reviewed the draft projected 2021 budget prepared by our accountant and made some changes to account for expected capital improvements.
  • Insurance proceeds have been collected related to the repairs required from the leak from Unit 3K.

New Business:

  • The board discussed potential ways to address water ingress issues some basement Units experienced in past extremely heavy rain storms, which has been a continuing problem in many buildings.  The Board will continue to work with plumbers to investigate solutions.
  • The Board discussed the next phase of the 120 Boerum roof repair project.  Verrazano Roofing suggested an entire replacement of a section instead of the repairs.  The Board asked EM Holding to follow up regarding the warranty issue for the repairs, and for more information regarding whether the full replacement is in fact even necessary for that area of 120 Boerum.
  • The Board discussed potentially adding solar panels to building roofs to offset Condo electricity use (for, e.g., building ventilation, lighting, and heating), and will continue to explore this option.  
  • Hannah provided an update regarding the renovation project to the 134 Boerum lobby.  Currently the designer and engineer are looking into the stair railing and code compliance.  The Board also discussed the scope of the project, and whether or not it is feasible to replace carpeting, paint, and lighting all at once in addition to the other repairs which are part of the project.  Price estimates will be obtained, but such an enlarged scope would likely require majority approval from the entirety of the Condo ownership, and may require the imposition of a special assessment.  At this time the Board is more inclined to do the renovation in phases to avoid this.  The Board is continuing to weigh options and work with the designer and residents of 134 Boerum.

2021 Annual Meeting Minutes

Meeting conducted June 21, 2021 via videoconference

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Sec.; Hannah Berkin-Harper; Terra Chalberg; Cameron Martin

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holding Corp.

Preliminary Matters:

  • The meeting commenced at 8:13 PM.  Some attendees had experienced technical difficulties with joining, but a quorum was achieved.
  • In total 74.3% of the ownership was in attendance or appeared by proxy.
  • Notice of the Annual Meeting was presented, and reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived.

Financials:

  • The Annual Financial Statement was circulated and presented by our accountant, Mark Levitch.  The Condo financials are in good order.
  • For tax purposes, we expensed major capital expenditures.  In light of depreciation, we had a small loss for the year 2020, which is good from a tax perspective, despite having received a profit of approximately $51,000. 
  • All “profit” will be used for necessary maintenance, including the ongoing roof repair project.

Management/Superintendent’s Report:

  • Major projects include:
    • 120 Boerum roof repair project, which continues and is on schedule;
    • Repairs to the back wall at 15 Bergen St.;
    • Exterior lock replacement;
    • Back flow valve replacement (units who have backflow valves that have not been replaced will be);
    • Working with designer/architect/engineer/contractor on designs for renovations to 134 Boerum and 15 Bergen lobbies;
    • Mouse proofing.

President’s Report:

  • The Board and the Condo thank Val and Rose for their gardening efforts.
  • The heating system will be drained so that owners can make any necessary repairs to their radiators and valves.  Contact EM Holding or Val to coordinate.
  • For now the Board has decided to continue to impose mask restrictions, as posted on signs throughout the Buildings.
  • Electronic recycling is coming to the Condo, and additional details will be posted through the website and in building lobbies.  Textile recycling is on hold because we do not have a location for the required bin at this time.
  • Adding EV charging capability to the garage is still being investigated and a committee has been formed, led by Board member Matthew Pilkington.
  • We are working with a designer and in process of developing plans to renovate the lobbies of 134 Boerum and 15 Bergen.  The initial design phase of the project is being coordinated by Board member Hannah Berkin-Harper.

Board Elections:

  • Three board seats were up this year, Matthew Pilkington (existing Treasurer), Andrew Kurland (existing Secretary), and Michael Tedesco. 
  • The Board encouraged others to run, though no one expressed interest.
  • Matthew, Andrew, and Michael agreed to run for new terms, and all were unanimously elected for three-year terms.

New Business:

  • An owner made a motion to require the Board to respond to owners who reach out through the website within 72 hours.  The motion was withdrawn as moot after the Board acknowledged that it would endeavor to respond promptly to all communications from owners.
  • An owner inquired as to whether it might be possible to add grills to the Common Area decks.  The Board informed the owner that due to NYC fire regulations this would not be feasible (at least not without great expense to create FDNY-approved outdoor grilling areas, and doing so would be cost prohibitive).

Adjournment:

  • With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made, and seconded.  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.

Super on Vacation, July 5 – 11

Please note that the Val Boleviq, our super, will be on vacation from Monday July 5, 2021 until Sunday July 11, 2021. 

Val will be back to work on Monday July 12, 2021.

During this time Robert Aviles will be performing the super’s duties.  If you need to contact Robert call him at 

347-239-7434.

In an emergency contact Robert or  the management company, E. M. Holding Corp at 718-625-4671

Board Meeting Minutes: April 27, 2021

Meeting conducted via videoconference

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Sec.; Matthew Pilkington, Treas.; Hannah Berkin-Harper; Terra Chalberg; Cameron Martin; Malik Ashiru

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holding Corp.

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Re-roofing project on north side of 120 Boerum has been completed, and fortunately no additional leaks have been reported.  The 3F and Common Area decks were reinstalled.
  • The Super painted the scuffed wall at the main entrance of 120 Boerum.
  • The Super worked on gardening projects around the Condo with assistance from Rose at 134 Boerum (thank you!).
  • Reports of mice have once again increased – the Super installed door sweeps in common areas and met with exterminator team to assess other steps.  (See below for more on this.)

Financials:

  • The financials were reviewed and are in good order, though we had certain significant expenses last month, including a water bill and the cost of the unanticipated roof repair.
  • Additional owners have signed up for the optional automatic debit for Common Charges.  To sign up, fill out the form on the Website (https://skytrackcondo.com/private-documents) and provide to EM Holding.  There is a $5 signup fee and a 25-cent monthly fee for this optional service, which covers the associated bank charges.

New Business:

  • A committee has been formed to advance the plan of adding electric vehicle charging capability to the garage (note that if the project goes forward, the cost will not be borne by the Condo as a whole).  Board member Matthew Pilkington will lead the committee, and will be in touch with garage space owners directly with more details.
  • We have retained a designer to facilitate the renovations to lobbies of buildings other than 120 Boerum; she will work with the Design Committee and contractor going forward.
  • To address the continuing rodent problem, we have secured discounted pricing from a company to incentivize owners to have areas of potential access within their Units properly sealed.  Details will soon be provided to all owners, and posted on the Condo website.
  • The Board decided to hire Robert Aviles to continue on as Porter providing weekend service at the building now that Patrick has taken another opportunity.  On occasion Robert’s son (also named Robert, as it happens to be) will assist him.

Other Reminders and Notices:

  • The City intends to re-commence weekly compost collection in October.
  • Details regarding the Condo’s first e-waste collection day will be shared as soon as the City approves the plan.

Board Meeting Minutes: March 23, 2021

Meeting conducted via videoconference

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Sec.; Hannah Berkin-Harper; Terra Chalberg; Michael Tedesco; Cameron Martin

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holding Corp.

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Stained ceiling tiles were replaced in Common Areas
  • Flickering hallway lights were repaired in 1st floor of 120 Boerum; additional problematic fixtures to be repaired in the coming weeks.
  • Reports of mice by residents has decreased, although activity is present in the trash compactor room in basement.  The building exterminator will try a different treatment.
  • To address a recurring leak, the roofing company completed the re-roofing of an area at the north side of 120 Boerum, involving a total tear down and rebuild from the roof underlayment. 

Financials:

  • The financials were reviewed and are in good order.
  • Please be reminded that to make things easier, we now permit Common Charges to be debited automatically from your bank account each month.  There is a $5 signup fee and a 25-cent monthly fee for this optional service, which covers the associated bank charges.  Please reach out to EM Holding with questions.  To sign up, fill out the form on the Website (https://skytrackcondo.com/private-documents) and provide to EM Holding.

New Business:

  • The Super will repaint the scuffed wall at the entrance to 120 Boerum, and also areas of the Dean Street stairs once current unit renovation projects are completed.
  • The Board discussed the often overflowing City garbage can at the corner of Boerum and Bergen, and will attempt to get the City to address with more frequent pickups.
  • The design phase for renovations to lobbies of 15 Bergen and 134 Boerum is continuing; three designers have been identified and are providing quotes for their services.
  • ConEd has conducted a survey and determined it is possible to supply the garage with sufficient electricity to allow for electric vehicle charging.  This will be costly, however.  The Board decided that the Condo will not pay for this amenity, but is considering allowing garage space owners to fund the project directly.  We will be contacting garage owners about this.

Other Reminders and Notices: Our longtime Porter, Patrick Knights, has decided to take another position so will no longer be working at Skytrack.  We thank him for his service, especially during this difficult pandemic.  We are actively seeking a new Porter to assist at the Condo on weekends.  To the extent you have any recommendations, please reach out to EM Holding.

Board Meeting Minutes: February 23, 2021

Meeting conducted via videoconference

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Sec.; Matthew Pilkington, Treas.; Michael Tedesco; Cameron Martin; Malik Ashiru; Hannah Berkin-Harper; Terra Chalberg

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holding Corp.; Larry Deshati, Verrazano Roofing (for a portion of the meeting)

Superintendent’s Report:

  • The Super now has keys for all Units, as required. 
  • Leak in roof above unit 3F still not resolved.  The Super is working with management and the roofing company to address this (see also below).
  • ConEd is scheduled to come to the building during the first week of March to assess providing additional electricity supply to the garage to support electric car charging.
  • The Super is still working to repair a broken exhaust fan on the G line of 120 Boerum.
  • Some units at 120 Boerum are reporting increased mice activity, and the Super is working with the exterminators to target, in particular, Common Areas around those units.

Financials:

  • The financials were reviewed and are in good order.

New Business:

  • We expect to be able to take advantage of NYC programs and implement periodic e-waste and textiles collection at Skytrack, hopefully starting this Spring.  We will post additional information on this on the website as we know more details.
  • Due to the continuing leak in Unit 3F, the roofing contractor attended part of the meeting and presented a proposed solution to address the problem, involving more significant repairs to the roof around that part of the building.  The Board is continuing to assess and will move quickly on this so that the leak is remedied as expediently as possible.
  • The Board, and the “Design Committee,” is continuing to work towards developing plans to renovate the Common Areas of buildings other than 120 Boerum.

Other Reminders and Notices:

  • By and large, the Units which are reporting the most mice activity have not taken necessary steps to ensure potential areas of access within their apartments are properly sealed.  Please be reminded that it is the responsibility of Unit Owners to take these steps.  However, note that the Condo is working diligently to ensure all Common Areas are appropriately and adequately addressed in this regard.