The lamps were first installed by Fischer Electric while serving as a subcontractor for Structural Preservation Systems. Following their initial installation, we received a recall notice indicating that the attachments connecting the fixtures to the poles were suspect, recommending that they be reinstalled using an approved alternative attachment. Initially, the fixture was attached to a tenon which was then attached to the pole. The new system eliminated the defective tenon, instead fixing the lamp directly to a newly manufactured replacement pole. The fixtures were screwed into a steel plate embedded at the top of each fiberglass pole.

This direct attachment is the main reason that only three heads were lost. An inspection of the decapitated fixtures revealed that they were knocked off their poles by flying debris impacts. When torn from the pole, the fixtures pulled the internal steel attachment plates through the fiberglass, leaving visible holes at the top of each headless pole. Another pole on the south deck suffered large areas of missing fiberglass, scraped off by flying debris. If the damage to any pole compromised its integrity, making its continued use a threat, it will have to be replaced.

The dedicated concrete pedestals built to support the lamps functioned as expected, holding each pole securely in place despite being repeatedly impacted by flying debris and hurricane force winds. The pedestals also protected the lamps from vehicular impacts since first installed. While four poles were damaged, none were lost. Although nine fixtures withstood the storm, some were significantly twisted by the high winds. For the past year, we’ve been in discussions with the contractor, the distributor, the manufacturer and the engineer to formulate a reasonable scope of work. Following a litany of self-serving suggestions, we opted instead to elicit competitive bids.

To start, the three fixtures knocked off their poles must be replaced. Poles compromised by damage must be replaced. While some of the twisted lamps may only require tightening and adjustment, others will need additional repairs. One lamp on the south deck is missing its lens. Fortunately, Mr. Sala retained two of the three eviscerated fixtures. One has an intact lens, possibly useful as a replacement. The two lamps operating erratically may possibly be brought to full functionality by replacing their ballasts. As a result, SPEC Engineer John Evans recommended a variety of repairs last November, replacing only those components beyond rehabilitation.

Since late February, four electrical contractors have reviewed the project. Since some costs will depend upon the success or failure of various repair options, we requested that they provide a comprehensive list of repair alternatives and commensurate unit pricing. We’ve retained Mills Electric to immediately make remedial repairs such as tightening and adjustments to most of the lamps while performing a comprehensive analysis of the rest. After comparing their assessment to that of the engineer, we will solicit bids for the remaining work. The time necessary to complete the repairs will be primarily dependent upon manufacture and delivery schedules.

Singing South Deck Security Fence

Our neighbors on low floors overlooking the upper patio deck were being disturbed by an eerie noise. An investigation revealed its source as vibrating fence pickets. The security fence separating the Upper Patio Deck from the South Parking Deck, when exposed to high winds, sings Grand Opera. The pickets are secured by three horizontal bars. While firmly attached to the two upper bars, the lower bar serves as a separator, insuring that the pickets remain equidistant from one another. However, since the pickets aren’t attached to the separator, they make nearly imperceptible clicks when shifted by the wind. As other pickets join in, the clicking becomes more noticeable. When the wind that blows through the fence railing hits a certain frequency, it sets up a harmonic. When this harmonic is achieved, the entire fence resounds with a certain tone. To test our conclusion, we wedged toothpicks into the holes wherein the pickets were mobile, immobilizing them. Although the toothpicks disintegrated after a little while, it temporarily stopped the noise.

We contacted Fence and Railing Depot to permanently address the problem. They said that every one of the mobile pickets would be affixed into place using an appropriate adhesive. While they were here, we showed them an aesthetically inadequate balcony railing repair in unit 707. The unit owner would only agree to the repair if it could be done in a day or so. He objected to the installer removing the existing railing for use as a template in the manufacture of a replacement. Since the problem bothered the installer more than the unit owner, a compromise was arrived at. By replacing only the most egregious section instead of the entire corner, they could leave the balcony intact until the replacement section was ready for installation.

Four unit owners submitted unit interior construction plans for Architectural Review. Three were approved “as is” within 24 hours. Approval for the fourth was returned in 48 hours. Howard Hirschman asked whether the Air Conditioning units installed in our closets require permitting. His contention was that they are basically just plugged into the wall socket, like any appliance. I checked with the building department as he asked. Sorry Howard, both Air Conditioners and Water Heaters require permits. Air Conditioners undergo a mechanical review and Water Heaters require a plumbing review. Both are inspected following the installation to insure compliance. Evidence of this is also available on the City of Fort Lauderdale web site. Skeptical? Call the City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services Department at 954-828-6520. However – if you succeed in establishing a loophole, please share it with the rest of us.