Category: Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting Minutes – June 15, 2015

Attending Board Members: Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.; Levi McConnell, Sec.; Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas.; Madeleine Milan; Terra Chalberg; Matthew Pilkington.

Also Present: Elia Malara (Managing Agent), Mark Levitch (C.P.A.), Jose Perez (Superintendent)

  • The meeting convened at 8:00pm.
  • Sitting board members introduced themselves.
  • Proof of notice of the meeting was provided.
  • The reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived.
  • A quorum was achieved with 60.55% representation.

I. Financials: Mark Levitch’s Report

  • Mark Levitch presented the Skytrack Condo annual financial report.
  • Real estate tax protest process has been initiated.
  • The financial situation of Skytrack Condo was reviewed and continues to be in order, with a small cash surplus. The board will review the surplus, reserves, and common charges in monthly meetings to come.
  • Mr. Levitch recommended a possible increase in common charges, which the board will review in future meetings.

II. Maintenance: Elia Malara’s Report

  • Elia Malara shared some of the building improvements for the past year.
  • Several improvements and repairs have been made throughout the Skytrack Condo complex, including roof repair, new pavers at entries, boiler and pump repair/replacement, new steel doors, carpet cleanings, and more.
  • Matthew Pilkington has continued his beautification of the various planters that surround the Skytrack complex, and we thank and applaud him for his efforts.

III. Elections

  • Five places were up for election. Of these, two were vacated by members stepping down, one by a member having stepped down a few months earlier and having been replaced by the board’s temporarily selected replacement, and two were for members whose terms were expiring and who were willing to run for new three year terms. The board requested at least 2 owners volunteer for a term. Andrew Kurland and Michael Tedesco offered to put themselves up for election, to join the board for the new term. The new board was elected unanimously.
  • Matthew Pilkington was officially elected to the board for a full term, after serving as a temporary board member.

IV.Vote to Amend the Condominium By-Laws

Board member Matthew Pilkington brought forth a ballot initiative to investigate allowing owners of garage parking spaces to add approved bicycle racks to accommodate 2 non-motorized bikes. Ballots were tendered to Matthew Pilkington.

V. Other Housekeeping Items

  • Electronics recycling regulations have changed recently. Now, at least 12 items must be collected in a multi-family building before a pickup can be scheduled. Please see Jose for details on how best to dispose of electronics. Residents may also drop off electronics at any area facility. A list of these facilities will be posted on the bulletin board.
  • Sunday evening is the night to place “bulk trash” non-recyclable items outside for pickup. – Personal items, such as umbrellas, shoes, and bicycles cannot be left in Common Areas. – A reminder to please keep common areas clean and quiet, even when legitimately entertaining.
  • Skytrack’s website is www.skytrackcondo.com. Please register to use the Skytrack Website. It features many useful documents related to Skytrack, and important contact info for the management and super.
  • No clothes dryers may be connected to any exhaust line due to fire hazards. Condensation-type dryers are widely available, are permitted and do not present the same danger.
  • The Skytrack Board of Managers suggests that all owners install shut-off valves for their water supply to their units. This is best done when a renovation is occurring, or when other  plumbing work is being done.
  • No items other than motor vehicles may be stored in the garage.

VI. Follow-Up Items for the Board

  • The building is continuing to monitor when Verizon FIOS will be available in our area.
  • The board will continue to examine options for utilizing the space on the roof of 120 Boerum Place that used to house the hot tub room several years ago.
  • The board has begin discussions about ways to improve the appearance of the entry of 120 Boerum Place.

VII. Notice to Owners

  • If any residents notice an issue or problem with any of the common elements, please alert the management company, Superintendent, and board members via the links provided on the Skytrack Condo website. In an emergency, please alert Jose directly.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Annual Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2014

Attending Board Members: Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Levi McConnell, Sec., Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas., Madeleine Milan, Rose Firestein, Terra Chalberg. Also Present:  Elia Malara (Managing Agent), Mark Levitch (C.P.A.), Michael Marino, (Attorney)

– Proof of notice of the meeting was provided.

– The reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived.

– The quorum was 73.25%, with 50 units represented.

I. Financials: Mark Levitch’s Report

– Mark Levitch gave the Skytrack Condo financial report.

– Real estate tax protest-related refund monies will be disbursed to owners.

– The financial situation of Skytrack Condo was reviewed and continues to be in order, with a cash surplus and small amount of receivables.

– The board will investigate possible increases in the amount of insurance coverage we maintain for the the condominiums complex.

II. Maintenance: Elia Malara’s Report

– Several improvements and repairs have been made throughout the Skytrack Condo complex.

– Matthew Pilkington has continued his beautification of the various planters that surround 120 Boerum Place, and we thank and applaud him for his efforts.

– Jose urged all owners to consider replacing their windows and sliding-glass doors if they date back to the original conversion of the condo.  They are at or near the end of their suggested lifespan, and are prone to leaks. Owners are responsible for replacement of their own windows and doors.

III. Elections

– There were no terms expiring, and no current board members stepping down for any reason, so no election was necessary.

IV. Vote to Amend the Condominium By-Laws

– The recently proposed changes to the wording of the condo by-laws was explained, and several viewpoints were expressed by the members of the board, the condo’s legal representation, and several unit owners. Several questions were asked by owners, all of which were addressed by the board and by the condo’s legal representation.

– Voting to amend the by-laws took place as a Special Meeting within the Annual Meeting.

– Owners submitted their votes by paper ballot. The results were tallied by Peter Levy and Levi McConnell, on the evening of the next day (Tuesday, June 17th).

– The results are as follows:

– The vote was “No” 3 units, “Yes” 47 units.

– Of all unit owners present & represented at the meeting: 6% voted “No” and 94% voted “Yes”.

– By % of total ownership, 6.2% voted “No” and 65.1% voted “Yes”.

– Of all unit owners present & represented at the meeting: 8.46% voted “No” and 88.87% voted “Yes”.

– By both methods, well over a 66 2/3% majority voted “Yes” to amend the by-laws.

V. Other Housekeeping Items

– “Rigid plastic” is now recyclable, and should be placed in the blue recycling containers.  Items should be thoroughly rinsed out before placing into the bins (especially cat food containers).

– Plastic bags are still NOT recyclable. – Sunday evening is the night to place “bulk trash” non recyclable items outside for pickup.

– Personal items, such as umbrellas, shoes, and bicycles cannot be left in Common Areas.

– A reminder to please keep common areas clean and quiet, even when legitimately entertaining.

– No charcoal grills are allowed anywhere within the Skytrack Condominium complex.

– Skytrack’s website is www.skytrackcondo.com.  Register with the site to receive condo news updates, notices, information, and to contact the Super or the Board.

– No clothes dryers may be connected to any exhaust line due to fire hazards.  Condensation-type dryers are widely available, are permitted and do not present the same danger.

– The Skytrack Board of Managers suggests that all owners install shut-off valves for their water supply to their units. This is best done when a renovation is occurring, or when other plumbing work is being done.

– No items other than motor vehicles may be stored in the garage.

– Jose needs a current key for all units, in case an emergency arises. If Jose does not have a key, and emergency workers must gain entry to any particular unit, damage during entry may occur.  Unit owners are responsible for any damage that occurs in this event.

VI. Follow-Up Items for the Board

– The building is continuing to monitor when Verizon FIOS will be available in our area.

– The board will continue to examine options for utilizing the space on the roof of 120 Boerum Place that used to house the hot tub room several years ago.

– The board has begin discussions about ways to improve the appearance of the entry of 120 Boerum Place.

VII. Notice to Owners

– If any residents notice an issue or problem with any of the common elements, please alert the management company, Superintendent, and board members via the links provided on the Skytrack Condo website.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Annual Meeting Minutes – June 11, 2013

Attending:  Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Levi McConnell, Sec., Hannah Berkin-Harper, Treas., Madeleine Milan, Rose Firestein, Elia Malara (Managing Agent), Mark Levitch (C.P.A.)

 

–  Proof of notice of the meeting was provided.

–  The reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived.

–  The quorum was 57%.

 

I.    Maintenance: Elia Malara’s Report

–  The inside of garage has been repainted, and a new system of ladder storage installed.

– Dean Street and Boerum Place stairways were painted.

–  134 Boerum entrance and hallways were renovated with new paint and carpeting.

– Matthew Pilkington has continued his beautification of the various planters that surround 120 Boerum Place.

 

II.  Financials: Mark Levitch’s Report

– Mark Levitch gave the Skytrack Condo financial report.

– Real estate tax protest-related refund monies were disbursed to owners.

– The financial situation of Skytrack Condo. was reviewed and continues to be in order.

 

III. Elections

– Two Board Members were up for re-election, and were both re-elected to the Board of Managers (Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Levi McConnell, Sec.).

 

V.  New Business

–  The NYC Recycling Guidelines gave been revised. “Rigid Plastic” is now recyclable, and should be placed in the blue recycling containers. Items should be thoroughly rinsed out before placing into the bins (especially cat food containers).

–  Plastic bags are still NOT recyclable.

–  Sunday evening is the night to place “bulk trash” non-recyclable items outside for pickup.

–  Personal items, such as umbrellas, shoes, and bicycles cannot be left in Common Areas.

– A reminder to please keep common areas clean and quiet, even when legitimately entertaining.

– Skytrack’s website is www.skytrackcondo.com.  Register with the site to receive Condo.

notices, information, and to contact the Super or the Board.

 

VI. Follow-Up Items for the Board

The building is looking into when Verizon FIOS will be available in our area.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm

Annual Meeting Minutes – June 12, 2012

Attending:  Peter Levy, Pres., Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P., Levi McConnell, Sec., Matthew Pilkington, Treas., Rose Firestein, Elia Malara (Managing Agent), Mark Levitch (C.P.A.)

 

Proof of notice of the meeting was provided.

The reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived. The quorum was 67.7%

 

I.   Maintenance Elia Malara’s Report

– $140,000 has been spent on building improvements since last year’s annual meeting, with $112,000 of that amount being allocated to deck replacement (120 Boerum: 1P, 2L, 2M, 3A, 3C, 3E, 3N, 3R; 134 Boerum: Common Deck, 5, 6), and $27,000 spent on carpet and paint. Remaining decks to be replaced: 3I, 3J, 3S

– New roofs on were installed on 122 Boerum Place and the garage.  The inside of garage will

be repainted in early August.

– Emergency lighting was installed in the common areas, hallways and stairway of 134 Boerum and 15 Bergen.

– New lighting was installed in the garage with motion sensors.

– Dean Street stairway was painted and tiled. Garbage/recycling areas were carpeted.

– Sprinkler pipes were painted red to meet new code.

– New heat timer computer was installed on boiler for better heat control.

– 134 Boerum entrance and hallways were renovated. Carpeting is to be installed shortly.

– 120 Boerum main lobby and first floor were painted and new carpeting has been installed.

– Dean Street entry sidewalk bricks were replaced with pavers.

– Matthew Pilkington has done quite a bit of work to maintain the beauty of the various planters that surround 120 Boerum Place.

 

II.   Financials

– Mark Levitch gave the Condo. financial report.

– Real estate tax protest-related refund monies were disbursed to owners.

– The financial situation of Skytrack Condo. was reviewed and continues to be in order.

 

III.   Elections

– John Carluccio decided not to run again for the Board.

– Matthew Pilkington encouraged new people to run “against” him.

The Board thanks them for their service.  Matthew will continue to tend to our plants.

– Both new nominees (Madeleine Milan and Hannah Berkin-Harper) were elected to the board.

 

 

IV.   New Business

– Alex Perez is our new porter.

– Personal items, such as umbrellas, shoes, and bicycles cannot be left in Common Areas.

– A reminder to keep common areas clean and quiet, even when legitimately entertaining.

– Skytrack’s website is www.skytrackcondo.com.  Register with the site to receive Condo.

notices, information, and to contact the Super or the Board.

V.   Follow-Up Items for the Board

Intercom repair, pointing the planters, review ideas for pigeon mitigation in the courtyard, setting a date for cars to be out of garage, feasibility of bike racks in garage, door lock change in relation to unauthorized access to roof by non-residents.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm

Skytrack Condominium Annual Owners’ Meeting Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The Board introduced themselves: Peter Levy, President; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, Vice President, Matthew Pilkington, Treasurer; Rose Firestein; Terra Chalberg, John Carluccio

Also Present: Elia Malara, Managing Agent; Mark Levitch, CPA; Jose Perez, Superintendent

 

At 8:10 there was not yet a quorum after all owners present, and by proxy, had signed in.  The meeting was begun at that time, with the intention of holding votes at such time as a quorum was reached. THE PERCENT OF OWNERSHIP PRESENT NEVER ROSE ABOVE 48.35%.  THIS HAS NEVER OCCURRED IN THE HISTORY OF THE CONDOMINIUM’S ANNUAL MEETINGS.

So, this was an ordinary meeting of owners, and no elections could take place.  At the next meeting of the Board, two persons will be elected to fill the expired seats until the next Annual Meeting.  In the future, non-attending owners should show community responsibility by giving their proxy to someone who is attending the Annual Meeting.  This meeting is required by the By-Laws, and incurs the expense of renting a facility and presenting reports.

By show of hands, a move to waive the reading of last year’s minutes was approved.

 

Accounting: Mark Levitch’s report:

The building’s finances are in excellent shape.  The only items on the budget that weren’t quite on target were repairs, which were more extensive than planned because the payment of the debt owed to us by 3C permitted the long-delayed renovation of the front and back stairs and stairwells in 120 Boerum Place.  Other repairs needed were somewhat more than predicted but easily paid for, still leaving an ample balance.  Common charge increases did not go into effect in January and can continue to be deferred.

 

Managing Agent : Elia Malara’s report:

In addition to the front and back stair renovation in 120, there has been work on the parapet coping.  Pigeon spikes were installed in the courtyard, and appears to have eliminated the pigeon droppings problem.  A number of roof decks have been replaced and several more are slated to be done this season.  There are plans for continued work on the light sensor set-up in the garage.  The nylon netting planned for the roof bridge has not yet been installed, but it should be as soon as the options can be researched fully.  Water has entered the brickwork where 15 Bergen’s walls meet the neighbors on both sides, Montessori School and 17 Bergen St.

Skytrack is working with these neighbors to seal and repair interior damage.

 

Maintenance: Jose Perez’s report:

Please consider that what is dropped down the refuse chute needs to be carried out.  Do not drop heavy bags of soil down the chute.  Cat litter should be double bagged and well closed, as well as not being in too heavy quantities, because when poorly packed it splits the bag upon impact at the bottom of the chute, and causes a smelly and filthy mess.  If you are getting rid of potting soil, it can be added judiciously to the building’s planters.  Please do not put furniture in recycling halls or on the street.  Pick-up is Friday, so arrange with Jose in advance, so that it can be placed on the street on Thursday night.  Abide by the recycling rules.  Styrofoam is not recyclable. Many packaging stores are happy to take it off of your hands and reuse it.  Or put it in a regular garbage bag, down the chute.

 

President’s Report: Peter Levy:

As we have reported, apartment 3C was sold.  We received all outstanding common charges, interest and late fees as well as reimbursement for legal fees incurred in our effort to collect the same.

Real Estate Tax protests for the 2005/6 through 2008/9 tax year assessments have been accepted by NYC.  The Department of Finance mailed a refund to our lawyers who, after deducting their fees, sent us a check for $75,178.41.  This money will be distributed according to the schedule provided by the City, to the owners during those tax years, even though some of them no longer live here.  There are apparently a few more refunds pending. When those that are pending arrive, they too will be distributed.  The subsequent years are still under protest but haven’t yet been addressed.  However the garage 2010/11 through 2011/12 assessment protested by our lawyers has been successfully accepted by the city and a reduced assessment has been recalculated by the city.  Rebates to garage owners can be expected, as well as reductions in future payments.

 

Three different apartments and one common area have reported bed bugs and residents should be vigilant in looking out for them.  If anyone else has spotted them, or is aware of bites, or has attempted to solve their problem alone, the board requires that they let us know about it, so that we can consider warning nearby apartment residents for preventive purposes, and check the nearby common areas.  You can find the Board’s policy on bed bugs on www.skytrackcondo.com, under Announcements, or contact the Managing Agent for a copy.

 

Two Board terms expire today.  Matthew Pilkington, who had been appointed to fill the remainder of David Crofton’s year after he resigned, has agreed to run for a full term.  Rose Firestein’s term has also expired and she, too, has agreed to run again.  There were no additional volunteers or nominees.  Since there was not a quorum, their election by the owners present was not legitimate.

New Business:

Miscellaneous requests were made by owners.  Among them: to have the buildings wired for FIOS, installing emergency lighting at 15 Bergen St., modification of the Skybridge, adjustment of the motion sensors in the garage, and to have the brick dust cleaned off garage floors and walls.

 

Please remember that the hallways and stairwells are not telephone booths or gymnasiums, but are next to neighbors’ apartments.  Sound carries through the walls and floors, so consideration is requested.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M..

Respectfully Submitted by Katharine Flanders Mukherji, substituting for the secretary, Levi McConnell.

 

NOTICE OF MEETING OF 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 Wednesday, June 1, 2011 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 two 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,

 

 

Levi McConnell, Secretary

Skytrack Condominium Association

 

 

Skytrack Condominium Annual Owners’ Meeting Minutes – June 9, 2009

A quorum was achieved (52.75% present & by proxy) and the meeting began at 8:10 pm.  The Board introduced themselves [Terra Chalberg, David Crofton, Rose Firestein, Peter Levy, Levi McConnell, Katharine Mukherji, Matthew Pilkington], and the owners voted to waive the reading of last year’s minutes.

I.     Accounting

The Condominium’s accountant, Mark Levitch, presented the Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The Condominium’s financials were found to be in order.  There was a large surplus for the year, even with renovation costs and building improvements in 2009 of about $16,000. The improvements included painting, carpeting, and replacing light fixtures.  The Condominium had raised approximately $75,000 in surplus during 2009, which explains the ability to pay for renovation costs and still increase the Condominium’s cash position.

The Condominium has retained its $250,000 line of credit, at 1.5% over the prime rate, which is an inexpensive means of borrowing money in times of necessity, due to current low prime rates.

The receivable common charge and legal fees increased from 2008, mostly attributable to Apartment 3C. The legal fee was a one-time fee to foreclose on the owner of 3C.  Foreclosure has been initiated.

We are getting a new water meter installed, required by the city.  They noticed the meter wasn’t functioning properly.

II.   Managing Agent

Elia Malara went through a list of the activities that occurred in 2009.  The sidewalk in front of 15 Bergen was fully repaired.  The roof deck over 3F was replaced.  In 120 Boerum, the stairs, lobby, and window were painted and repaired.  In 15 Bergen, the skylight and some damaged roofing over 3S was repaired.

The old boiler was dismantled and removed according to the appropriate procedures and regulations.

The roof fans are being replaced, as they fail, with quieter ones.

The 2009 Assessment Protest has been filed.  We are still awaiting word on our Assessment Protests from 2004 through 2008.  The Star abatement is still in effect but may only continue until 2012.

III.         Maintenance

For any maintenance issues, please contact Jose first, and if need arises, Elia second, and the Board third.

IV. Elections and Re-elections

John Carluccio was elected to replace Matthew Pilkington, who has resigned. Levi McConnell was elected to replace Steve Dembitzer, whose term was up and who has moved out of Skytrack. Katharine Mukherji was re-elected, unopposed.

V.   New Business

An owner requested that emergency lights be put in 15 Bergen, to which the Board has agreed.

An owner in 120 Boerum Place (John Carluccio) brought up the issue of the heating gauges on the thermostats in units where they have not been replaced and thinks that a referendum to have them all replaced would solve the issue of unwanted heat in the apartments.

An owner brought up the issue of the walkway connecting 15 Bergen to the rest of the buildings being unsafe and not up to code.  She will look into what should be done to make improvements and bring it to the Board.

It was discussed that children should not be on the Skytrack, especially unsupervised.

At Audrey Weinberger’s suggestion, we discussed asking that as owners renovate their apartments, they install shut-off valves for the unit’s water, so that eventually, every unit will have their own shut-off valve, lessening the need for all-building water shut-offs.

As a reminder, if you register on the Condo’s website, you’ll receive notices and updates in a convenient manner.  The registration button is in the lower right corner of the page.  Registered users can access notices, minutes, announcements, and documents like the By-Laws and Rules.  Contact information for the Managing Company, Super, and Porter are also included.  The website URL is https://skytrackcondo.com.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.

Annual Meeting Notice

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 Wednesday, June 9, 2010 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 two 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,

Terra Chalberg, Secretary

Skytrack Condominium Association

2009 Annual Owners’ Meeting Minutes

Skytrack Condominium Annual Owners’ Meeting Minutes – June 9, 2009

A quorum was achieved (60.75% present & by proxy) and the meeting began at 8:10 pm.  The Board introduced themselves [Terra Chalberg, David Crofton, Steve Dembitzer (absent), Rose Firestein, Peter Levy, Katharine Mukherji, Matthew Pilkington], and the owners voted to waive the reading of last year’s minutes.

I.      Accounting

The Condominium’s accountant, Mark Levitch, presented the Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The Condominium’s financials were found to be in order.  The cash position had increased by about $10,000 from 2007, even with renovation costs in 2008 of about $50,000.  The Condominium had raised approximately $75,000 in surplus during 2008, which explains the ability to pay for renovation costs and still increase the Condominium’s cash position.

The Condominium still has a $250,000 line of credit, at 1.5% over the prime rate, which is an inexpensive means of borrowing money in times of necessity, due to current low prime rates.

While the City’s water rates keep rising, the accountant noted that the water bill had dropped from $27,400 in 2007 to $14,600 for 2008.  We are concerned the city has made a mistake and are aware that they may come back and charge more if they have discovered an error.

II.    Managing Agent

Elia Malara went through a list of the activities that had occurred in 2008.  The Condominium is currently re-laying parts of the concrete sidewalk as demanded by the City.  Even though the sidewalks are relatively free of cracks and are scooter smooth compared to the trip fest of the concrete pavement on Dean Street between Smith and Boerum Place, the city has decided to demand repairs by threatening fines.  During this work, the minute tree well outside 15 Bergen Street was increased in size and the tree roots shaved by City arborists.

The old boiler is being decommissioned, which requires an inspection from the city.  After passing inspection the boiler will be removed for scrap steel.  The boiler is beyond repair and the building is levied a fee for having a boiler even if it is defunct.

Some heating valves will be replaced this summer, and the heating system will be drained.  Draining and refilling the system is an expense.  The Condominium recommends Unit owners coordinate heating system repairs with the planned Condominium repairs.  Please check with José for the draining dates.  The Condominium Board also recommends (following recent leaks from broken pipes) that each unit install easily accessible shut off valves for the hot and cold water coming into that unit.  Boerum Hill Neighborhood Organization has a site where local plumbers are recommended. To join the Boerum Hill Yahoo Group, and get access to archived lists of contractors and individual recommendation postings, go to Yahoo Groups, online, to find out how to join.

III.  Maintenance

The entrance doors at 15 Bergen do not close smoothly.  Two new door checks were ordered.  Occasionally, the courtyards fill with water during heavy downpours.  Ideas, such as adding water absorbing material, or a water catchment basin were discussed.  An engineer will be hired to assess the possibilities in the near future.  Michael Tedesco lobbied for the Condominium to pay for cleaning/checking each year of the storm water check valves that were installed in each basement apartment.  The recent sewer work on Boerum Place revealed that the city’s pipes were 10” in diameter – not the claimed 18”.  Another reason for storm water build up.

IV.  Elections and Re-elections

Terra Chalberg was elected to replace Steve Bruner.  Matt Pilkington, Peter Levy and Steve Dembitzer were re-elected, un-apposed.

V.    Condominium Website

All residents are urged to register on the Condo’s website so that notices can be delivered in a convenience manner.  Because of recent upgrades, re-registration may be required by previously registered residents.  The registration button is in the lower right corner of the page.  The website URL is https://skytrackcondo.com

Registered users can access notices, minutes, announcements, and  documents like the By-Laws and Rules.  Contact Info. for the Managing Company, Super, and Porter are also included.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.

2009 Annual Owners' Meeting Minutes

Skytrack Condominium Annual Owners’ Meeting Minutes – June 9, 2009

A quorum was achieved (60.75% present & by proxy) and the meeting began at 8:10 pm.  The Board introduced themselves [Terra Chalberg, David Crofton, Steve Dembitzer (absent), Rose Firestein, Peter Levy, Katharine Mukherji, Matthew Pilkington], and the owners voted to waive the reading of last year’s minutes.

I.      Accounting

The Condominium’s accountant, Mark Levitch, presented the Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The Condominium’s financials were found to be in order.  The cash position had increased by about $10,000 from 2007, even with renovation costs in 2008 of about $50,000.  The Condominium had raised approximately $75,000 in surplus during 2008, which explains the ability to pay for renovation costs and still increase the Condominium’s cash position.

The Condominium still has a $250,000 line of credit, at 1.5% over the prime rate, which is an inexpensive means of borrowing money in times of necessity, due to current low prime rates.

While the City’s water rates keep rising, the accountant noted that the water bill had dropped from $27,400 in 2007 to $14,600 for 2008.  We are concerned the city has made a mistake and are aware that they may come back and charge more if they have discovered an error.

II.    Managing Agent

Elia Malara went through a list of the activities that had occurred in 2008.  The Condominium is currently re-laying parts of the concrete sidewalk as demanded by the City.  Even though the sidewalks are relatively free of cracks and are scooter smooth compared to the trip fest of the concrete pavement on Dean Street between Smith and Boerum Place, the city has decided to demand repairs by threatening fines.  During this work, the minute tree well outside 15 Bergen Street was increased in size and the tree roots shaved by City arborists.

The old boiler is being decommissioned, which requires an inspection from the city.  After passing inspection the boiler will be removed for scrap steel.  The boiler is beyond repair and the building is levied a fee for having a boiler even if it is defunct.

Some heating valves will be replaced this summer, and the heating system will be drained.  Draining and refilling the system is an expense.  The Condominium recommends Unit owners coordinate heating system repairs with the planned Condominium repairs.  Please check with José for the draining dates.  The Condominium Board also recommends (following recent leaks from broken pipes) that each unit install easily accessible shut off valves for the hot and cold water coming into that unit.  Boerum Hill Neighborhood Organization has a site where local plumbers are recommended. To join the Boerum Hill Yahoo Group, and get access to archived lists of contractors and individual recommendation postings, go to Yahoo Groups, online, to find out how to join.

III.  Maintenance

The entrance doors at 15 Bergen do not close smoothly.  Two new door checks were ordered.  Occasionally, the courtyards fill with water during heavy downpours.  Ideas, such as adding water absorbing material, or a water catchment basin were discussed.  An engineer will be hired to assess the possibilities in the near future.  Michael Tedesco lobbied for the Condominium to pay for cleaning/checking each year of the storm water check valves that were installed in each basement apartment.  The recent sewer work on Boerum Place revealed that the city’s pipes were 10” in diameter – not the claimed 18”.  Another reason for storm water build up.

IV.  Elections and Re-elections

Terra Chalberg was elected to replace Steve Bruner.  Matt Pilkington, Peter Levy and Steve Dembitzer were re-elected, un-apposed.

V.    Condominium Website

All residents are urged to register on the Condo’s website so that notices can be delivered in a convenience manner.  Because of recent upgrades, re-registration may be required by previously registered residents.  The registration button is in the lower right corner of the page.  The website URL is https://skytrackcondo.com

Registered users can access notices, minutes, announcements, and  documents like the By-Laws and Rules.  Contact Info. for the Managing Company, Super, and Porter are also included.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.