Attending: Steve Bruner, David Crofton, Steve Dembitzer, Peter Levy, Katharine Mukherji, Matthew Pilkington, Cynthia Steele, Peter Burgess, and Jose Perez (for the discussion of maintenance issues)
I. Maintenance Report (with Jose)
Abilene changed 14 tubes in the boiler and installed some heavier tubing. Temperature checks in several units afterwards showed uniformity in temperature readings.
The Dean Street project, involving the back stairs and entry, has been started. The closet door has been repaired and painting started.
Mario is to look into pointing needed at134.
Peter Burgess is going to contact the Sanitation Department about the collection of garbage (and if possible recycling) near each building-as is standard in NYC–rather than all garbage on Bergen Street, and all recycling on Dean Street as is the current practice.
II. Finances
The 2008 budget with reorganized budget categories is in effect. Our financial status is generally good: we have over $44,000 in the bank, half of which will be put into a money market account. Several owners did not notice, or change their payment if automatic, the increase in common charges. The management company will be in touch with them directly.
The Board will be exploring how to save money as well as to be greener as a building, e.g. reducing our $32,000 annual water bill by eliminating drips from all faucets or toilets. We each can take such measures as turning off the heat (or air conditioning in summer) when leaving home. We welcome your suggestions and will be putting forth ideas in upcoming meetings.
III. New Business
Several packages to 120 Boerum Place have gone missing. Jose will put any packages delivered in the locked package room going forward, so see him if you are expecting a delivery.
The Board has asked our design consultant at Shoebox Interiors to produce a design scheme and costs for needed upgrades for the 2nd and 3rd floor of 120 and 15 Bergen. She will also suggest landscaping upgrades, notably planter replacements (including 134). These will be presented next month for prioritization and allocation of resources. Our expectation is that this refurbishment will be done this spring.
We now have a digitized version of the bylaws and will determine the best way to make these available to people, such as prospective buyers.
The next Board meeting is March 26.