Composting to be Suspended

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will temporarily suspend curbside composting service beginning on Monday May 4 until further notice.  During this time, residents are asked to discard food scraps and yard waste with their trash.  Residents with questions about their collection schedules should contact 311.

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes: March 24, 2020

Meeting conducted via videoconference

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Malik Ashiru; Lori Littlejohn; Michael Tedesco

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

Superintendent’s Report:

  • In light of COVID-19, Super and Porter are regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, including doorknobs, railings, trash chute doors, recycling and garbage containers, etc.  These extra efforts will be continued until the crisis subsides.
  • A new electrical outlet was installed in the garage.
  • Stroller hooks have been installed in the 120 Boerum Package Room.  Please make sure to comply with rules regarding the stroller storage “trial” (2 at a time; labeled; folded; on hooks).
  • Painting touchups were performed on Dean Street staircase.
  • A boiler leak was repaired, as was a leaking radiator line in the basement of 134 Boerum.
  • Reports of rodent sightings have declined as a general matter, though there are a few isolated reports at 120 Boerum.  The Super will continue to be vigilant in working with our exterminator to continue to address these issues.

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order. 
  • The Board approved the renewal of all insurance policies.  Premiums increased by approximately 10% as a result of market conditions. According to our broker, this is a very reasonable increase when compared to increase being imposed on other condominiums.  
  • The Board has decided to permit Common Charge payments to be made by automatic deduction from owners’ bank accounts.  Those who desire to pay Common Charges in this fashion will be responsible for the nominal fees imposed by our bank, and will have to pay a one-time set up fee to offset charges.  This new method will be optional; traditional paper checks will continue to be permitted.  Additional information will be circulated to all owners.

New Business:

  • Once the heating season concludes we will undertake efforts to treat the boiler to address corrosion issues that have been identified.
  • The Board discussed preliminary bids received for refurbishing the “hot tub” room for Board meeting purposes, and additional, less expensive bids are being sought.
  • Preventative/restorative work to the roof at 120 Boerum will commence soon.  The initial phase of the project will address roofs above units A, B, C, and N, as well as all “penthouse” rooms at 120 Boerum.

Other Important Reminders and Updates:

  • Our Super, Val, has kindly offered his assistance to those residents who are most vulnerable during this COVID-19 crisis.  Please contact him should you need assistance.
  • Recently children have been observed acting in a dangerous manner on the Skytrack roof, and the police responded in at least one instance.  Please ensure your children comply with all rules (including track “open” hours).  Remember, these rules are to promote safety and peace and quiet for Skytrack residents.  We could face significant liability issue should anyone be injured.  The Board will not hesitate to impose fines on owners whose children or guests violate condominium rules.

EM Holdings (718) 625-4671 / Val Boleviq (646) 209-6979 / Patrick Knights: (347) 338-7762

Parking Space for Sale

Garage Space G13 is for sale. Please contact current owners Julie Hill (Juliehill@me.com) or Erica Lundberg (ericalundberg@gmail.com) for additional information.

(Please note that the Board has agreed to post listings for Skytrack units or parking spaces that are for sale or for lease, if requested by current owner of a unit or space. Owners who desire to have such a listing posted must field all inquiries regarding the property. Please reach out to EM Holding to provide contact information so that a post, such as this one, can be created.)

Board of Managers Meeting Minutes: January 28, 2020

Board Members Present:  Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Andrew Kurland, Secretary; Terra Chalberg; Michael Tedesco

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

Superintendent’s Report:

  • Painting in staircase of 15 Bergan and front entrance of 120 Boerum has taken place.
  • 2L terrace structural repairs have been completed and all inspections have passed.
  • Meshing installed in courtyard to prevent pigeons from nesting.
  • Fire Department inspected boiler and renewed operating permit.
  • National Grid inspected gas meters and found no issues.
  • 15 Bergen rear wall work is scheduled to take place over next four weeks (weather permitting).  Scaffolding will be installed in courtyard.
  • The garage door mechanism broke, and will be repaired as soon as practicable.

Financials:

  • The Condo’s finances were reviewed, and everything is in good order. 
  • The projected budget for 2019 was met.
  • Certain units are behind on common charges, and are being assessed automatic late fees per our policies.  Please pay your common charges on time.

New Business:

  • The Super will investigate an issue with the internal door intercom speaker at 15 Bergen.
  • The Board revisited the discussion of rehabilitating the former “hot tub room” for use for board meeting space and building storage for the Super and for records, and voted to proceed and obtain bids for the necessary minor improvements this will entail.
  • The Board discussed installing an additional electrical outlet in the garage.
  • The Board discussed the potential feasibility and cost-benefit of adding electronic payment options for Common Charges.

Other Important Reminders and Updates:

  • The Board will permit two strollers to be stored, on a “first-come, first-served” basis, in the Package Room at 120 Boerum.  Strollers must be a) labeled, and b) folded and arranged so as to not block the door or access to the package shelves.  Please note that the Condo takes no responsibility for any property in the Package Room, and note that this is a “trial” only.
  • Reminder that short-term rentals of units, such as through “Airbnb” are prohibited by Skytrack Bylaws and City law.  See Bylaw Art. VI § 11(a) and (e); Art. VII § 1, Rule Nos. 1, 26; See also https://www1.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/stay-in-the-know/about-illegal-short-term-rentals.page.  Multi-hundred dollar fines will be (and already have been) imposed against offenders.
  • Reminder that pursuant to our Bylaws, any damage caused to Common Areas or others’ units due to leaks from faulty plumbing are the responsibility of the owner of the faulty plumbing.  See Bylaws Art. VI §§ 3 and 10 and Rule 24 for more information.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

EM Holdings (718) 625-4671 / Val Boleviq (646) 209-6979 / Patrick Knights: (347) 338-7762

Minutes of Annual Meeting of Condominium: June 18, 2019

Annual Meeting of Condominium:   June 18, 2019

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

Also in Attendance:  Valdet Boleviq, Superintendent; Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings; Mark Levitch, independent CPA

  • The meeting commenced at 8:06 PM, once a quorum of Unit owners was achieved, and proof of Notice of Meeting was presented.
  • Reading of the minutes of last year’s annual meeting was waived by majority vote.

Reports of Board/Officers/Management

Mark Levitch, independent CPA

  • Mark Levitch presented the 2018 financial statement, which was distributed.  The Condo’s cash position decreased in 2018, primarily due to approximately $150,000 spent on building improvements and maintenance, including the lobby renovation at 120 Boerum, and one-off expenses related to the transition/retirement of Jose, our former superintendent.
  • Though Common Charges had not been raised in some time, they were recently raised, by 10%, in order to be prepared for future maintenance (e.g., new roofs)
  • There were no questions raised concerning the 2018 financials or Mark Levitch’s report.

Kathleen Malara, EM Holdings

  • Final payments received from insurance claim from sprinkler pipe break, and all units who were owed money have been reimbursed in full.
  • A new roof was installed at 134 Boerum Pl., as well as new recycling and trash center out front of that building.
  • The sewer one-way check valves were cleaned this year.
  • Work to masonry out front of 15 Bergen has been completed, and once permits are obtained work to back of building will commence.
  • Repairs to a terrace at 120 Boerum place are required and we are waiting for permits.
  • New name plates are being ordered for the intercoms at all buildings. Please confirm spelling is correct.
  • There were no questions for EM Holdings.

Peter Levy, President of Board

  • This year’s real estate tax protest resulted in a collective reduction of our property taxes by approximately $110,000.  The attorneys charged approximately 20% of this. 
  • On behalf of all residents, the Board thanks Matthew Pilkington and Val Boleviq for their landscaping work.

Board Election

  • Four Board terms expire this year.  Two Board members – Katharine Flanders Mukherjiand Cameron Martin – are running again.  The other two – Hannah Berkin-Harper and Levi McConnell – are not.
  • This year we will elect three persons to serve 3-year terms, and one person to serve a 2-year term, such that going forward we will have 3 Board seats up each year.
  • Though the Board has informed all Owners for the past two months of this, no one not currently on the Board expressed any interest in running for a position.
  • The Board encouraged owners in 15 Bergen and 134 Boerum to run, so that they can have comfort that their interests and concerns are met. However, no owners from those buildings expressed any desire to run.
  • On an open call, Malik Ashiru (Unit 3E) and Michael Tedesco (Unit 1E) volunteered to run for the Board.
  • A vote was held by written ballot, the results were tabulated, and Cameron Martin, Katharine Flanders Mukherji, and Malik Ashiru were elected to 3-year terms. Michael Tedesco was elected to a 2-year term.

New Business

  • A resident of 134 Boerum Place inquired about a concern of hot water issues at the building.  Val reported that the issue is actively being addressed, and a hot water recirculation pump will be installed at that building.
  • An open discussion regarding the proposed new jail took place. Those who have concerns were encouraged to reach out to elected officials and neighborhood groups.
  • With no other questions or comments raised, the meeting was adjourned at 8:53 PM.

Annual Meeting

Reminder that the 2019 Annual Meeting will take place at the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School at 8 PM tonight, June 18, 2019. Board elections will be held. If you are unable to attend the meeting please deliver your proxy to a trusted neighbor who will be there. Thank you, we look forward to seeing everyone tonight.

Board Meeting Minutes – May 22, 2019

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

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

Superintendent’s Report:

  • The building heat was turned off for the season.
  • No smoking signs were added by entrances to each building.
  • Additional corner protectors were installed near Unit 1C.
  • A leaking skylight was repaired at 120 Boerum.
  • Reports of hot water issues at 134 Boerum were investigated.
  • Repairs to the façade of 15 Bergen are scheduled to begin on or about June 3.
  • The rodent issue appears to be under control.

Financials:

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

New Business:

  • A roof leak affecting Units 3B and 3A was identified, and quotes will be obtained to make necessary repairs to the roof.
  • The Board approved the purchase and installation of a new trash/recycling center for use by 134 Boerum residents.
  • The Board discussed bids received for necessary structural repairs to the limited common element terrace of unit 2L.
  • New nameplates with a consistent appearance will be obtained for the entrances to all buildings.

Important Reminders and Updates:

  • The annual meeting will take place on June 18thPlease be advised that four Board seats are up for election this year, and all owners are encouraged to run for the available spots
  • Please be advised that EM Holdings and/or a Board member may reach out regarding the new name plates that will be installed.