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Local Law 11 a major point of discussion at Annual Board Meeting Story and photo by Stephen Vrattos The first Annual Open Board Meeting of 2017 was held Wednesday evening, April 26, in Towers Cinema to a sizable turnout. Present on stage were the entire Board of Directors, General Manager Glen Kotowski, Legal Counsel Errol Brett and Comptroller Robert Serikstad, with other notable NST personnel, such as NST Chief Engineer Sal Castro, in attendance elsewhere in the house. The format followed the traditional path of individual Board Members taking the podium in turn to present an update on the Committee(s) they chair, after which residents were given the opportunity to ask questions. After a brief greeting and intro by Board President Mario Carmiciano, he brought Treasurer and Country Club Chair Steve Redlich to the podium. “We’re really in great shape,” he reassured, before presenting a detailed breakdown of the co-op’s expenditures via PowerPoint Presentation. Last year in nearly every category, expenditures proved less than the budgeted amount, resulting in a surplus of close to three million dollars. In the first three months of 2017, every category is running in the black and the co-op is already nearly half a million on the plus side. Given 2016’s surplus and the positive start to 2017, Redlich has shifted $2.5 million into this year’s Capital Improvements budget to help offset the tremendous expense involved in satisfying the stringent renovation costs to the balconies from Local Law 11, the costs of which could exceed five million dollars when completed. “We have a tremendous undertaking, which we are paying for,” Redlich said. As for the Country Club, it also had a good financial year with a positive “actual cost” to “budgeted” ratio in most categories, resulting in an actual operating surplus of almost $700,000. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of the Club’s expenses went toward the renovations to the outdoor pool. It seemed fitting when GAP (Gym/Aerobics/Pool) Chair Phyllis Goldstein spoke next. The gym is gearing up to replace two older treadmills. “When we purchase new equipment, we consider what’s current, what’s good and what’s easiest on the joints,” Goldstein explained. She and her committee are researching “similar, but different, up-to-date options,” always welcoming constructive suggestions from members. Fitness classes are continuously being examined for popularity and ideal scheduling to accommodate resident work schedules, with a belly-dancing class being added due to demand. Indoor pool renovations will resume in the summer, once its outdoor counterpart is open. Phase 2 will see further refurbishment of the dome and pool interior, including new lane markers, coping stones and dusting. Spa issues, above expectations, have cropped up, which also need to be addressed. In addition, an automatic door has been installed leading to the outdoor pool from the Ping-Pong room. The outdoor pool renovations of the winter are in the testing phase and Goldstein assured everyone, the pool would open on time. Phase 2 will begin in the fall, with the installation of a new handicap ramp, concrete work and moving back of the fence on the golf course side to accommodate another row of lounge chairs. Special Projects Shareholder Relations Chair Bob Ricken reviewed the many events his committee helped bring to fruition in the 2016, such as the 9-11 Memorial, return of the art show, “No Smoking” initiative, as well as new projects in the works for 2017, including a televised show and theater group (see North Shore Towers Courier May edition, page 10, for more details). One look at Cultural Events and Admissions Chair Fred Chernow’s green tie was all residents needed to know the value of their homes had increased. In fact, the sale of the eight apartments sold within the first three months of 2017 resulted in an average share price of $173. That is a 52% increase on investment from the same period in 2011, which turned out to be “better than investing in gold,” Chernow noted. The value of gold in recent years would “keep you up at night,” whereas “the value of your apartment is your best pillow.” The success of getting dedicated “go left” signals at the intersection Little Neck and Grand Central Parkways and admission to Community Board #13 were the highlights of PAC (Political Action Committee) Chair Felice Hannah. Steve Redlich returned to the podium with his Country Club Chair report, which included an update on the expansion of the VIP Room—an architect has been hired—schedule for walking on the golf course (Sunday, Monday and Thursday, sunrise to 9:30 a.m. unless closed for special events). Also, a tutorial video on the use of the new GPS units in the golf carts are scheduled for May 11 and 25. Local Law 11 was addressed by General Manager Glen Kotowski with a video, vividly showing the damage, which engineers are finding during their inspection of the balconies. Terribly cracked cement, gaping holes, missing chunks on concrete, loosened tile and railings showed clearly the need for the law and the reason it was enacted by the city, and why any type of covering will no longer be permitted on the balconies. The damage in the photos occurred only within the last 5 years, since the balconies were last inspected, and it was only in the last two that Management and the Board made the decision to have all materials on the balconies removed and forbade any further application of such. By the vociferous arguments of some residents at the meeting, adherence to Local Law 11 may seem Draconian, but it is the law and the co-op must abide by it. Residents are urged to watch the video, which is being shown on in-house Channel 995 or call NST's Local Law 11 Hotline at 718-971-1709 with any questions or concerns. BALCONY SCENE One of the many photos taken during the recent balcony inspection, showing the terrible state of the balconies, since the last inspection five years ago. It perfectly exemplifies how much damage can occur in only a few seasons of freeze-and-thaw weather 10  NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER  ¢  June 2017


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