Galaxy Towers Condominium Association
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Of the Board of Directors
November 6, 2003
Directors in Attendance: Absent:
President: Martha Norget
Vice Pres.: Chad Gulrajaney
Secretary: Harlin Blank
Allan Ellinger
Directors
Michael Baruch
Mirna Benitez (arrived 8:00pm)
Kathy Moberly
Joel Price
Jim Stumpf
Also Present:
Susan Fitzpatrick, General Manager
Mary Ellen Saks, Comptroller
Donna Shahrabani, Esq.
Eugene Ferrara, JMA Engineering Consultants
Mrs. Norget introduced the Open Session, offering the Board’s condolences on the loss of Mr. Buckalew’s wife.
She then made a statement with regard to the prospective window project by informing the audience that no decision has been made with regard to replacing the windows at the property.
Resolution # 03-11-170
Approval of Prior Minutes – October 23, 2003
On a motion made by Joel Price and seconded by Harlin Blank, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors of October 23, 2003 after a minor revision to include Mary Ellen Saks name in the list of attendees is made.
Resolution # 03-11-171
Exterior Envelope Contractor
Mrs. Fitzpatrick explained the bidding process to the Board, stating that there had been two rounds of bidding for the project. She stated that for the second round of bidding, the field had been narrowed to six bidders. She added that the bids came back with “tighter” numbers after the contractors had gone through the second round.
She stated that after review of the numbers, the checking of references, and some research into the quality of the work performed by the contractors, she was comfortable in recommending that Quality Building Contractors Inc. be awarded the job.
Mr. Stumpf addressed the Board. He stated first that Gene Ferrara had done an outstanding job in developing the specifications and bid package, which were difficult, yet precise. He added that he had reviewed the bids, and had checked the numbers, adding that he felt that the numbers put forth by Quality had been extremely accurate. He concluded by stating that the work that had been done by Quality had been neat, clean and professional, and noted that the level of cooperation from the contractor had been outstanding.
On a motion made by Jim Stumpf and seconded by Kathy Moberly, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve Quality Building Contractors Inc. as the contractor for the Façade and Terrace Restoration project.
Resolution # 03-11-172
Recreational Activities Committee – New Member
Mrs. Norget advised the Board that she had received a letter from the Recreational Activities Committee Chairman putting forth a new club, Toastmasters, to be managed by Mr. Charles Ntamere. On a motion made by Mr. Gulrajaney and seconded by Mr. Price, the Board unanimously voted to approve the new club.
Resolution # 03-11-173
By-Law and Master Deed Amendments
Mrs. Norget introduced the issue and explained the process whereby the changes to the Master Deed and the By-Laws were made. She thanked Dr. Baruch, Mr. Blank, Mr. Gulrajaney and Mr. Price for working on the Committee and all of the Directors for the countless and untold hours that they spent in working sessions on the proposed changes.
The Board thanked Mrs. Norget for all of her hard work on spearheading this project.
Donna Shahrabani was also thanked for her efforts and for the time that she put into the project.
Mr. Blank made a motion to approve a package of the proposed Master Deed and By-Laws to go to all unit owners. The package is to include a cover letter, a notice of the Special Meeting to be held in December, a proxy ballot, a complete set of proposed amendments, along with a comparative copy of same, as well as a synopsis of the By-Law amendments and a set of explanations of the changes to the By-Laws and Master Deed. .
Discussion ensued during which Mrs. Norget explained that the synopsis to be enclosed will explain where the substantive and procedural changes to the By-Laws are located within the proposed amendments. Ms. Moberly pointed out that not all directors agree with all of the proposed changes, but all Directors do agree that the changes are in the best interests of the GTCA.
The vote was called. The motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick explained that Allan Ellinger and Martha Norget had suggested that a price for the excess Umbrella Liability insurance be procured, along with a letter from Ira Shapiro, the insurance consultant regarding the necessity of increasing the coverage. She stated that Mr. Shapiro had written to the Board advising them that additional coverage was not necessary, but added that she had procured a quote for an additional $25,000,000 worth of coverage at a cost of $25,000.
Although the Board generally agreed that such coverage was not necessary, Mr. Price made a motion to procure the insurance coverage so that discussion could continue. Ms. Benitez seconded the motion. A brief discussion ensued, whereby the Board generally agreed that the coverage was not worth the cost. The Board also agreed to abide by the independent insurance consultant’s recommendation not to procure the coverage.
The vote was called. The Board members voted unanimously not to purchase the coverage at this time. It was agreed, however, that the issue could be revisited at a later date, if warranted.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick reported:
That Mr. West has had three waste lines completely cleared and is planning to try to clear at least one line per week until all lines are cleared.
That the Management Office will be closed on November 14th for cleaning, filing and a staff meeting. She stated that all employees will be present and will certainly handle any unusual circumstances or emergencies, but will close to routine business.
That Mr. Ken Jaegge had resigned his position as Purchasing/Garage/Security Manager. She added that Jack Damotta had resigned, effective December 1, 2003 to move to Florida. She concluded by reporting that Inna Grigovich had been hired as a staff accountant in Mrs. Saks department.
The Meeting proceeded to the Executive Session at 10:35pm.