18 North Shore Towers Courier n May 2015 Ask Me Another NST Open Board Meeting elicits resident questions and comments On Wednesday, April 4, 2015, the North Shore Towers Open Board Meeting was held (see coverage on pages 6-7). Following Board President Mort Gitter’s and the Members’ remarks, the floor was opened to questions from the residents. Gloria Lewis of Building 2 complained about Time Warner Cable cutting off her service without notification. President Gitter hopes the renewed relationship with the cable provider will result in improved service to all residents. A testimonial by resident Linda Gibbs of “Linda Tours” followed. She praised the Country Club’s new Reformer class, and explained that many co-ops don’t provide open meetings to its residents. Michael Zaran of Building 3 suggested the Board consider an outside engineering firm to examine the structural integrity of NST, starting with Building 1, the first tower built. Zaran feels NST should know of potential future problems to better financially prepare. Anita Goodstein of Building 3 wanted to know about the constant draining of water, which necessitates frequent turns offs. General Manager Kotowski explained that due to NST being at the far edge of New York City, it is susceptible to sediment build-up, so the lines need to be periodically flushed. He stressed that the water is NOT DANGEROUS, but may cause slight staining to laundry. A few months ago, the Board approved a new system, which is in the process of being installed. Helen Geisenberg of Building 3 wanted to know why Trainer Lori was dismissed. GM Kotowski explained that management doesn’t discuss employment issues with residents. Gail Rickles of Building 3 asked why cell phones don’t work in the garages. Board Member Carmaciano explained that the concrete prevents satellite signals from penetrating. An extensive, costly antenna system would need to be installed. He noted the emergency call buttons by the elevators. GM Kotowski stressed that security regularly patrols the garages. He reminded residents of the garage intercom system and that during the 40 years that NST has existed without cell phones residents have been okay in the garages. He reiterated the incredible expense and breadth of installing a new antenna service in the garages, which would require alternate resident parking areas Doris Rosenberg expressed concern over the huge portions at the restaurant under the new management. She said she complained to no avail. President Gitter reiterated his request for residents to be patient with the new owners. Adele Goldman of Building 2 expressed the need for window inspections, because of the amount of cold air that comes into her home. President Gitter acknowledged the problem. Replacing the 40-year-old windows in NST is an enormous undertaking, one which the Board is currently working on. Annette Goldstein wanted to know if there was a limit to overnight visitor parking. She was informed that there wasn’t a limit, but overnight parking can’t be used by anyone actually living at NST. Zenia Wand of Building 3 wanted to know what is being done about the disgusting conditions of the compactor room. People are leaving trash out and she’s worried about cockroaches. President Gitter asked residents to take responsibility and agreed that visitors are often the culprits. Diane Stromfeld of Building 1 asked why residents aren’t notified about public community meetings that impact NST, citing a recent meetings on renewing roof antenna permits and another on Queens public transportation. President Gitter noted that in the case of the former meeting, NST was not notified and the vote was subsequently tabled until a later date. He suggested residents check the NST website. GM Kotowski agreed and explained the information was on the website and in-house TV channel as well as posted in mailrooms. Ted Baron of Building 2 questioned the jump in his energy bill. Comptroller Ericstat explained that energy bills are determined by usage according to ConEdison’s rate, which is the governing rate. Jack Schwarz of Building 3 expressed his concern over the bike rack, which is overflowing. A plan is in place to clean out unused bikes. Barbara Leonardi of Building 1 asked about ensuring that there be no non-compete clauses with vendors controlling food made and sold at NST in the future, recent litigation of which was costly. The Board couldn’t make any promises going forward. Terry Fife of Building 3 suggested creating a safe outside walking path. Eva Kessler asked PAC Chairperson Hannah to ask local politicians to deal with garbage along the drive up to the NST entrance from Lakeville Road. Hannah acknowledged the problem, saying she was working on it as well as getting signal lights installed and trees trimmed along the route. Arnie Rabinowitz of Building 1 reported that he knew of a company that could remedy the garage cell-phone problem free in exchange for advertising . President Gitter advised Mr. Rabinowitz to get the details to the management office.
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