President’s Message

 

 

by Sanford R. Simon

 

Each year at our March Annual Meeting, the President gives a "State of the Galaxy" message. This is a review of how we see the general financial, physical and community affairs condition of the Galaxy and what we foresee for the coming year. This article is a summary of some of the comments from the outline of my remarks prepared for that meeting.

The Galaxy is in good condition financially and physically. Financially we have reserves for emergencies and this year we implemented a 7.5% increase in our maintenance charges and also increased many of our user fees. These increases reflect the increased operating costs necessary to provide the quality we desire at the Galaxy, the services we expect and the day-to-day maintenance that is necessary. They also provide funds for the renovation of areas of the Galaxy.

In the last several months the Board has worked to assign priorities to a number of capital improvement projects. These projects have been described in several communications and in the Budget Forum held on December 6. By the time you read this, some work on these Budget 2001 projects will have been started and should be visible. Some of these are:

Of course, there are other items of maintenance and renovation that will be addressed as our facility maintenance program proceeds this year and beyond.

We recognize that the Galaxy is now over 20 years old and that we must spend serious money each year to take care of building and engineering items as they show wear and age. Our program is to provide aggressive maintenance and repair where needed to maintain the standards we have set.

A year ago one of our major concerns was the maintenance of our elevators and a deterioration of service that had occurred under the maintenance contractor at that time. In the last year we replaced that contractor, and elevator service has significantly improved. We are working to continue this improvement.

Our management adopted a new accounting system that became operational on January 1. This new system will give far more detail to management and the board and will allow for better tracking and control of costs of operation.

We have worked hard to open the communication process between our owners, residents and the Directors. In the last year we have had five Open Forums, including one with the participation of our Town Government and another presenting our Galaxy Budget. We have also initiated and will continue the "Bagels With the Board" informal discussions that add to keeping our residents informed and a means for residents to communicate with Directors. Further, with management we have expanded the detail and frequency of the "Updates" and have had extensive operational detail posted onto our GTCA Web site.

In the area of local politics, we have reached out to develop our relationship with our local government officials and our elected officers of the County and State. Indeed, our Congressman, Robert Menendez, appeared at the Galaxy and has become a friend with whom we can communicate should the need arise.

Living at the Galaxy, we expect services like a well-functioning lobby that includes a doorperson on duty during the day and a 24-hour concierge service. We expect and have a spa with a very well-equipped exercise room. This facility is kept open for extended hours so early risers can have their exercise and swim before going to work and so late owls can get their time in the spa before going to sleep. We are pleased to say that these amenities will continue to be features of our Galaxy lifestyle.

Our security is and will remain a feature of the Galaxy. The Galaxy security force is well trained and a visible factor in keeping our homes secure in a difficult modern world. In midyear we purchased four defibrillators and placed them in strategic locations throughout the complex. Our personnel have been trained in the use of these potentially life-saving devices; although we hope they are never used, they add to the security we wish to bring to Galaxy residents.

This past year we made strides in improving the appearance of the lower lawn (on Ferry Road) and added new signage at the Ferry and River Road junction. Steps have been taken to assure early planting in the spring, and attention is being directed to the grounds and mini park appearances.

We are working with the management at the "Mall at the Galaxy" to help make the mall attractive and a good place to shop. The owners of the Mall have started a renovation program that includes new lighting and additional signage to brighten the mall and keep this Galaxy feature in good condition.

A summary of the year would not be complete without mention of our committee system. We now have 14 committees and numerous clubs and activities with a record number of participants. The Galaxy is more than buildings with bricks and mortar. It is our community and culture. Each resident has a choice: to be active or inactive. The Galaxy is a marvelous complex, a building that we are working to maintain and a community that has its own great spirit. This will be another good Galaxy year of progress.



Thank you for the quick visit.

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