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

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

Initial Matters:

• A quorum was present: 70.25% of Condo ownership represented by person or by proxy.
• The proof of the notice of the Annual Meeting was presented.
• The reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived.

Financials:

• Accountant Mark Levitch presented the building financial statement.
• The building finances are in good order, but a reasonable common charge increase is likely in near term to account for upcoming maintenance projects.

Management/Board Report:

• Kathleen Malara introduced herself and summarized significant events of past year, including: new super, renovations to super apartment, sprinkler pipe break and repairs, lobby renovation, brick repointing.
• Additional items this year included: Dean St. entrance refurbishment, replaced tree guards, RAND engineering report, José’s retirement package, interviewing Super candidates, FDNY violation re propane tanks, Façade work of 122 Boerum, building-wide smoking ban, refurbishment and repainting of roof track and all exterior metalwork.
• Matthew Pilkington was acknowledged for his upkeep of plantings surrounding the buildings.
• The Board is again working with our attorney to challenge property tax assessments.
• The 120 Boerum lobby renovation project is on schedule and almost complete. The Board and design committee will work with other buildings for similar improvements.

Superintendent’s Report:

• Val introduced himself as the new Super, and explained his goal is to work to improve all of the buildings at Skytrack.
• Already completed significant clean-ups and reorganization in building basements, has touched up paint, and continues to identify and implement new projects in all buildings.

Board Elections:

• Due to resignations/early departures, 5 of 9 Board seats up for election this year (3 each year is preferable and called for in the Bylaws). To recalibrate, the two candidates with the most votes this year will be elected to serve 3-year terms, and the remaining 3 serve 2-year terms.
• 7 candidates ran: current members Peter Levy, Michael Tedesco, Andrew Kurland, Matthew Pilkington & Terra Chalberg, and potential new members Lori Littlejohn & Malik Ashiru.
• Voting took place, and Mark Levitch and Kathleen Malara counted ballots during the meeting.
• Matthew Pilkington and Andrew Kurland were elected to 3-year terms, and Terra Chalberg, Peter Levy, and Lori Littlejohn were elected to 2-year terms.
• We thank outgoing Board member Michael Tedesco for his years of service on the Board.

New Business:

• The report prepared by RAND engineering for future exterior and structural maintenance was described. Projects will be prioritized in order of importance (safety concerns to be addressed first).  The first projects will be refurbishment/repainting of the 134 Boerum fire escape and inspection and repair of masonry at 15 Bergen.
• Residents of 134 Boerum expressed frustration at perceived lack of attention from Management and the Board. The Board stressed that communication is crucial, and made clear that problems can only be addressed if they are known about.  It was agreed that part of the issue was likely the prior Superintendent.
• Residents of 134 Boerum expressed concern with old drain lines in walls. They were advised to set a time to discuss with the Super, as an initial matter, so this can be investigated further.
• An owner requested parabolic mirrors be installed by garage for pedestrian safety.
• An owner at 15 Bergen reported water ingress in brick wall during rains. This will be investigated and addressed.
• The garage door was reported as noisy, and will be inspected and addressed.
• The Skytrack website will be upgraded so it is more functional and easier to use.

Important Reminders:

• Please ensure you have a valid email address that you check regularly set up on the Skytrack website, so you receive timely communications from Management and the Board, and can communicate with Management and the Board most efficiently.

Attending Board Members: Peter Levy, Pres.; Katharine Flanders Mukherji, V.P.;

Levi McConnell, Sec.; Matthew Pilkington, Treas.; Terra Chalberg, Andrew Kurland, and
Michael Tedesco.

 

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

• A quorum was achieved with 52.75% of units represented.
• Proof of notice of the meeting was provided.
• The reading of last year’s meeting minutes was waived.

 

1. Financials: Mark Levitch’s Report

Mark Levitch gave the Skytrack Condo financial report, reporting that the financial situation of Skytrack Condo was reviewed and continues to be in order, with a small cash surplus.

• In April the Condo’s Insurance was renewed. The Board will explore pre-payment opportunities, in order to abate interest payments for these premiums, going forward.
• Levitch and the board will identify the interest rate for the condo’s unused line of credit. Lower interest options may be available, and will be explored.

 

2. Maintenance: Elia Malara’s Report

Elia Malara reported several improvements and repairs made throughout the Skytrack Condo complex, including:

• replacement and repairs of the two building heat circulation pumps.
• exterior pointing to bricks at 120 and 134 Boerum Place.
• 120 Boerum front stairwell exterior cladding repaired and a window was added.
• new pavers installed at all building exits, except for Dean St, which was replaced previously.
• parking garage building overhead door was replaced.
• Patrick returned to the Porter position, after Alex Perez resigned to take another job.

 

3. President’s Report

Peter Levy reported several items, including:

• The Condo has protested the real estate tax escalation, and will continue with the legal process as typical every few years.
• A motion was put forth to expand the board from 7 to 9 members. The motion was voted upon and passed.
• Reminder to residents that they must install water main shut-off valves during any renovation or major plumbing alteration. Please alert the management company about any requested water shut-offs at least a week prior so that proper notification for residents may be made.
• Reminder to please present the management company and board with requests to alter any common element (limited or non-limited), at least 45 days prior to planned alteration.
• Reminder that the Condominium Rules have been updated and the new version has been circulated and are available on the website. One of the updated rules concerns work hours when louder projects may be completed, and quiet hours when only quiet work may be completed. Also, please notify your surrounding neighbors prior to commencing any large, or noisy projects.
• Reminder to please be prepared to personally accept any large deliveries/packages, and if not able to be on-hand for acceptance, please collect them as soon as possible from the lobby or package room. The Condo cannot accept responsibility for any packages.
• Reminder to sign up for an account at SkytrackCondo.com.
• Please notify the Superintendent and management company about any leaks or other issues you experience in your unit, and be prepared to take initiative and follow up.

• Thank you to Matthew Pilkington for helping to beautify Skytrack with his gardening help.

 

4. Elections

• Hannah Berkin-Harper (#3M) volunteered to run, and was elected.
• Cameron Martin (#3I) volunteered to run, and was elected.
• Katharine Flanders Mukherji and Levi McConnell were re-elected.

 

5. New Business

• The 120 Boerum lobby rehab project history to-date was reviewed by Katharine. The board explained how a drop-ceiling option was found to be the best approach until a larger project can be fleshed out and budgeted.
• The Dean Street stairwell will be repaired and cleaned once all known large renovation projects accessing units via that entrance have completed.
• The board is considering ways to curb excessive water shut-offs going forward.
• A system for tracking maintenance work completed is being instituted. This will allow better tracking of maintenance such as replacement of roof fans, work to deck/roof areas, and water main shut-offs/valve installations. Owners may be asked to please provide any historical information they may have on their individual units so we can create the most complete picture possible of the building’s maintenance history, and allow us to plan better for maintenance work and other improvement projects going forward.
• The mailbox key situation at 15 Bergen Street will be investigated.
• Clearer, more attractive signage will be completed as part of the Dean Street stairwell project. This will more clearly guide residents on how to properly dispose of trash and recycling, including eWaste.
• The board is drafting a guide to ‘Living at Skytrack,” which should create better understanding of the building’s rules and operations, and a better environment for all.

6. Other Housekeeping Items

• Rigid plastic IS 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). Again, PLEASE rinse out your recyclables.
• Plastic bags are NOT recyclable.
• Styrofoam is NOT recyclable.
• Sunday evening is the night to place “bulk trash” non-recyclable items outside for pickup.
• Do not place non-trash items near the recycling bins.
• PLEASE tie up your trash bags securely before placing them in the chute.
• 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 RUNNING ON THE SKYTRACK. (Please instruct any young children about this.)
• No charcoal grills are allowed in rooftop common areas.
• Skytrack’s website is skytrackcondo.com. Register with the site to receive condo news updates, notices, information, and to contact the Super or the Board.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.

Thank you to all who attended.

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

RECYCLING:

 

PLASTIC BAGS:

 

Plastic bags are not recyclable, please do not place them in the blue bins.

INSTEAD: Take them to CV, where in the entrym, they have a convenient drop off.

 

ELECTRONIC WASTE:

 

There is a place not far from Skytrack, called the Gowanus E-Waste Warehouse. They accept all kinds of eWaste reclyclables.

 

“Gowanus E-Waste Warehouse is New York City’s only free, permanent e-waste drop-off facility. We accept all varieties of consumer electronics, which we reuse and recycle in an environmentally and socially responsible way. .53We are open 5 days/week for drop-offs, shopping at our ReUse Store, and by-appointment browsing of our one-of-a-kind Prop Library.”

 

LOCATION: 469 President Street, Brooklyn

http://www.lesecologycenter.org

 

You may also drop off any unwanted electronics at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at

436 Atlantic Ave. Phone:(718) 834-1562.

 

Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 9AM–6PM, Wednesday – Saturday: 9AM–7PM, closed Sunday.

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.

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