Galaxy Towers Condominium Association
MINUTES OF THE
MEETING
Of the Board of
Directors
April 24, 2003
Directors in Attendance: Absent:
President: Martha Norget
Vice Pres.: Chad Gulrajaney
Secretary: Harlin Blank
Treasurer: Allan Ellinger
Directors
Michael Baruch (arrived
8:50pm)
Mirna Benitez
Bob Johnston (arrived 9:20pm)
Joel Price
Jim Stumpf
Also Present:
Susan Fitzpatrick, General Manager
Robert Buckalew, Esq. General Counsel
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on April 24,
2003 in accordance with the By-laws of the Association. The following business was conducted as
indicated:
Call to Order
Martha Norget called the meeting to order at 7:11pm. The meeting proceeded to Executive Session:
Open Session 9:35pm:
Mrs. Norget introduced the meeting, and delineated the
changes to the agenda. She
reminded residents of the Tower II and Tower III upcoming informational
meetings and thanked Mr. Gulrajaney, Mr. Stumpf and Mr. Sagy for their work on
the Unit Owner Alteration Guidelines.
She proceeded to read the Agenda.
Resolution 03-04-75
On a motion made by Allan Ellinger and seconded by Harlin Blank, the Board unanimously approved the Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors held on April 3, 2003.
Mrs. Norget introduced the issue and stated that the Board had not finished its review of Administrative Resolution #6, and would continue to review and finalize it for a future vote.
Resolution 03-04-76
In an effort to better utilize Channel 26 for enhanced programming, the Board considered the Board considered the disbanding of the committee, as the responsibilities of the committee could now be handled by Eric Duprey (Management, Communications Administrator) and Hank Dunleavy, the videographer. It was agreed that informational slides for Channel 26 will now be handled by the Management Office.
The Board acknowledged that there is discordance among the committee Co-Chairs, but hesitated to disband the committee without consulting both Co-Chairs. Mr. Baruch made a motion to meet and consult with the Co-Chairs for the purpose of salvaging the committee. Ms. Benitez seconded the motion, which also called for Ms. Norget and/or Mrs. Fitzpatrick to have a meeting with the Co-Chairs within the next two weeks for the purpose of attempting to resolve the differences so that the Committee can continue. Mr. Ellinger stated that the committee, if it is to continue, must do so in a non-political way.
The vote was called and the motion passed:
(Baruch, Benitez, Blank, Ellinger, Johnston, Norget, Price, Stumpf, for; Gulrajaney, against).
Resolution 03-04-77
Mrs. Norget explained that each year, departing directors are given $500.00 as a token of appreciation for three years of volunteer service, so that the departing director can purchase a token or sponsor a gift to the Association that will remind him/her of their years of service. On a motion made by Joel Price and seconded by Allan Ellinger, the Board voted unanimously to give departing gifts in the amount of $500.00 to the two former directors, Squitieri and Eastmond.
Resolution 03-04-78
Ms. Norget asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick to speak to the issue. She introduced the topic and stated that she had consulted with five landscapers but had only received three bids, as two of the companies declined to bid. She stated that while not the least expensive, she was strongly recommending Spring Lake Designs and showed the directors a book of photos of the companies work. She stated that this company would provide a comprehensive design of the Annuals for the entire property, complete with a chart and book of what was planted, so that the design could be followed in future years. She also stated that representatives from Spring Lake would also train the building staff in the care and maintenance of the designs. All relevant areas of the property are to be included, except the berm areas which are due to be waterproofed in the near future. Spring Lake will also supervise the current maintenance contractor, Shields Landscaping, who will do the actual planting of the designs. The total cost will be billed on an hourly basis, with the cost not to exceed $11,000.
On a motion made by Allan Ellinger and seconded by Joel Price, the Board unanimously voted to hire Spring Lake Garden Design in accordance with the proposal submitted.
Mrs. Norget stated that the Board had previously reviewed the Spa Rules (as proposed by the Spa Committee) in a working session. On a motion made by Allan Ellinger and seconded by Chad Gulrajaney, the Board voted unanimously to approve the rules with one change: Guest passes will be available for $10.00 each, or a book of 10 passes can be purchased for $75.00. The book will be good for one season only, and no refunds will be given. The Board asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick to distribute the rules to the residents as soon as possible.
Resolution 03-04-80
Mrs. Norget stated that the Board had previously reviewed the proposed Tennis Court Rules in a working session. On a motion made by Chad Gulrajaney and seconded by Allan Ellinger, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed tennis court rules, as submitted by the Spa Committee, pending a minor change to make the working of one rule a bit clearer. Again, the Board asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick to distribute the rules to the residents as soon as possible.
Resolution 03-04-81
Mrs. Norget asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick to speak to the issue. Mrs. Fitzpatrick stated that three bids for the sandblasting and re-surfacing of the pool had been procured, and explained the bids. She also explained that she was not satisfied with the pool company that the Spa Manager had been using, citing a poor reputation within the industry. She stated that at a monthly gathering of real estate managers, she had found out that most of the pools on the Gold Coast are serviced by North Jersey Pools. She added that she had found out that NJP had previously serviced the pools “behind the scenes” at the Galaxy, when the Spa had been managed by a different manager.
In response to an inquiry about the timing of the work, Mrs. Fitzpatrick stated that since the work was necessary, she had already asked the contractor to put the pool on the calendar for the refinishing work which could begin in the next two weeks.
On a motion made by Joel Price and seconded by Allan Ellinger, the Board voted unanimously to accept the proposal from North Jersey Pools for the sandblasting, refinishing and repairing of the pool lights.
At the request of Mrs. Norget, Mrs. Fitzpatrick reported on the status of the indoor pool. She stated that she had consulted with North Jersey Pools about the current problems in the pool, with regard to green and cloudy water and had had the water professionally tested. She advised the Board that the reports indicated a high content of dissolved solids and minerals, and that steps under the advice of NJP were being taken to fix the problem.
Resolution 03-04-82
Mrs. Norget explained that the Transportation and Garage Security Committee had researched vehicle sizes and widths and had put forth a recommendation regarding height and length restrictions as well as recommendations regarding the placement of speed bumps. On a motion made by Allan Ellinger and seconded by Joel Price, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the recommended changes to the Galaxy Rules and Regulations. Dr. Baruch asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick to confirm that the permitted heights, coupled with the speed bumps will not adversely affect the sprinkler systems.
The Board reviewed the spread sheet prepared by the firm of Walter T. Gorman and Associates for the waterproofing of the Berm area. A lengthy discussion ensued during which numerous questions were asked by the Board and answered by Mr. Stumpf and/or Mrs. Fitzpatrick. It was clarified that all contractors were qualified and certified Siplast installers.
On a motion made by Allan Ellinger and seconded by Jim Stumpf, the Board voted to hire Quality Restoration, Inc., authorized Counsel to draw up the appropriate contract, and authorized the President of the Association to sign the contract when ready, after a draft is sent to all Board members for comment.
(Baruch, Benitez, Blank, Ellinger, Gulrajaney, Norget, Price, Stumpf, for; Johnston, against).
Resolution 03-04-84
Mrs. Norget introduced the issue by stating that the Board had previously conducted a working session on general matters of the Recreational Activities Committee concerning policies and protocol so that Resolution #6 could be considered and approved at a future meeting. She reminded the Board members that it is the responsibility of the Board to approved proposed club chairpersons, and that once approved, said chairpersons then join the Recreational Activities Committee. She stated that two votes would be before the Board for consideration as follows:
a. Friends Network – proposed Co-Chairs
Ms. Norget stated that she had been properly advised by the Recreational Activities Committee that Gita Srinivasan was getting married and would be resigning from the committee. She added that the club had nominated Pooja Dhawan and Rosemary Saurer as Co-Chairpersons. Ms. Benitez made a motion to approve the aforementioned candidates as Co-Chairpersons. Mr. Johnston seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion did not pass.
(Baruch, Johnston, for; Benitez, Ellinger, Gulrajaney, Norget, Price, Stumpf, against; Blank, abstained)
Resolution 03-04-85
A lengthy discussion ensued about the formation of this club, relative to policies that prohibit the formation of religious clubs at the Galaxy. Members of the Board agreed that provided religion is not promoted, the club should be approved. Concern was evidenced, however, by the fact that Steve and Sandy Braitman, the promoters of the Israeli-American Culture Club are currently teaching a conversational Hebrew class, and the textbook that is being used appears to be promoting prayer.
Mr. Ellinger motioned to deny the authorization of the Hebrew Language Club until a change in the text book that is used is made. Ms. Benitez seconded the motion. The vote was called by the President. Dr. Baruch was out of the room, but upon his return, he voted affirmatively, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick will notify the Recreational Activities Co-Chairpersons of the decisions made.
Resolution 03-04-86
Approval of Amendment to Administrative Resolution #16
(in written form)
Ms. Norget informed the Board that they had previously approved the implementation of a cubby for information from the town, and proposed that the written form of the resolution be adopted. All Board members acknowledged that they had the resolution in possession for one week. On a motion made by Allan Ellinger and seconded by Mirna Benitez, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Amendment to Administrative Resolution #16 pertaining to the implementation of a Guttenberg Community Affairs Cubby.
Resolution 03-04-87
After a very brief discussion, and on a motion made by Joel Price and seconded by Allan Ellinger, the Board voted unanimously to approve a change in the number of committee members from 9 to 11, as requested by the Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Committee.
Resolution 03-04-88
After a very brief discussion and on a motion made by Joel Price and seconded by Allan Ellinger, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposal set forth by the Social and Cultural Committee to elect Elsa Schwarz to the position of Co-Chair of the Committee to fill the vacancy left by Ms. Benitez’s election to the Board.
Resolution 03-04-89
Approval of change in membership in the Galaxy News
Committee
At the previous request of Kathy Moberly, Chairperson of the Galaxy News Committee, and on a motion made by Joel Price and seconded by Allan Ellinger, the Board unanimously voted to remove Kris Wells from the committee, due to the fact that she moved away from the Galaxy, and appointed Anna Bella, as recommended by Ms. Moberly.
Resolution 03-04-90
Approval of name change for Seniors Committee
Mrs. Fitzpatrick reported on the status of the indoor pool. She stated that she had consulted with North Jersey Pools owner, Bill Smith and had asked him to professionally test the water. She advised the Board that the tests indicated a large amount of dissolved solids that were interacting with the chlorine in the water. She stated that the way in which the water is treated will be changed in accordance with professional recommendations. She also stated that once the outdoor pool is operational, the indoor pool will be closed and drained, cleaned, and serviced. She concluded by stating that although unsightly, the pool is clean, and that there is absolutely no indication of bacteria or disease in the pool.
With regard to the cooling tower, Mrs. Fitzpatrick reported that she had hired an additional engineer as recommended by Mr. Sagy, as an owners’ consultant in the cooling tower replacement. She stated that the engineer was extremely knowledgeable in the cooling tower field and would work closely with the engineers who are specifying the cooling tower for the GTCA. She stated that repairs to the cooling tower will be made to get the tower through the summer, adding that the replacement will most likely occur in September, weather permitting.
In connection with the Fire Safety Notification System replacement, Mrs. Fitzpatrick reminded the Board that there are still 3 presentations to attend.
With regard to the men’s locker room renovation, Mrs. Fitzpatrick reported that despite several obstacles, such as the change in the address and the name of the firm, she had located the architect who had completed the drawings of the locker room and would consult with him before moving forward with the renovation.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick reported that she is looking into the possibility of changing the doors in the elevators from panel doors to an intercom plate panel, and will provide prices and details at a future meeting. She added that she will use one elevator as a test for a prototype
There being no further business to come before the Open Meeting, the meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 11:10pm