DECEMBER 2008
SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of The Regency Tower Board was called to order at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in the Rendezvous Room of The Regency Tower by the President.
Roll Call -
The roll call showed the following board members present: Eric Berkowitz, Dee Lanzillo, Dott Nicholson-Brown, Fern McBride, Bob Nagle and Bill Tennenbaum (via speakerphone). Iris Anastasi was out of town.Report of Secretary – Vote on Staggered Terms -
Proxies were received to approve staggered terms for Board members of up to two (2) years as set forth in Article 4, Section (b)(iv) of the By-Laws.| Responses | 113 |
| Invalid Responses | 2 |
| Valid Responses | 111 |
| “For” Responses | 110 |
| “Against” Responses | 1 |
Dee Lanzillo made a motion to accept the vote on staggered terms, seconded by Fern McBride, unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Fern McBride and seconded by Dee Lanzillo to adjourn the meeting at 3:05 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
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| Treasurer Bob Nagle |
Roll Call -
The roll call showed the following Board Members present: Eric Berkowitz, Dee Lanzillo, Fern McBride, Bob Nagle, Dott Nicholson-Brown and Bill Tennenbaum (via speakerphone). Iris Anastasi was out of town.Reading of Minutes -
The minutes of the meeting of The Regency Tower CY2009 Budget Presentation Meeting held on November 13, 2008 were read. Eric Berkowitz made a motion to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Dee Lanzillo, unanimously approved.Financial Report -
Treasurer Bob Nagle reported on the Association’s financial position as of December 5, 2008. (Reported financial details are available to Regency Tower owners in our newsletter, the “Regency Tower Times”. - editor)As of the same date we have two units with liens placed on them and two units which are more than 30 days late. Letters from our attorney have been sent to the latter two units.
On 11/19/2008, we received the final numbers for our 2009 insurance coverage. The total premium for 2009 (excluding worker’s compensation) is $292,822. This compares to our 2008 premium of $335,888 or about a 13% reduction. Our insurance broker Smith Watson Parker explained that the largest cost component is windstorm/hurricane risks and that this item in turn depends largely on the peculiarities of the 20 or so companies making up the condominium reinsurance market. In the meantime, QBE continues to be our principal carrier and they continue to enjoy A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that our windstorm deductible remains at 4% of the building’s 2007 appraised value (replacement cost) of $43,195,341. In other words, in the event of hurricane/windstorm damage to The Regency Tower, the Association (unit owners) would be responsible for the first $1,173,000 of any such losses.
Report on Reserves Vote -
The Secretary reported the Limited Proxy results as follows:| Limited Proxy forms returned: | 150 |
| Valid proxy forms: | 144 |
| Invalid proxy forms: | 6 |
| Number voting YES to Fully Fund Reserves: | 10 |
| Number voting NO to Fully Fund Reserves: | 134 |
Fifty-three (53) owners did not return proxy forms. The six invalid proxy forms were due to incorrect signatures. Please be sure that the designated voter on your voting certificate in the office is the person signing all proxies or ballots so your vote can be counted.
A motion was made by Bill Tennenbaum to accept the Treasurer’s report and the report on Reserves vote, seconded by Eric Berkowitz, unanimously accepted.
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| Secretary Fern McBride |
Committee Reports -
President Nicholson-Brown then called for Committee Reports. Click Here to read the Committee Reports.New Business -
President Nicholson-Brown then called for New Business. Click Here to read New Business.Announcements -
The President expressed thanks to all committee members, Board members, employees and most of all to the 95% of residents who gave their support, guidance, assistance and encouragement during the past years.
Open Discussion -
The President announced that parking space #81 has been sold through the auction process for $32,500.
- The President thanked Round Table members, Board members, Committee Chairs and Committee members, and Employees for their work and dedication Questions during open discussion were addressed regarding disposal of energy efficient bulbs, purchase of new exercise equipment, status of unit 1401, AT&T negotiations, pool painting and garage canopy.this past year.
- Questions during open discussion were addressed regarding budget, security, recycling, percentage of lessees, apartment 1701, and web site listings.
Adjournment -
A motion was made by Dee Lanzillo and seconded by Bob Nagle to adjourn the meeting at 4:00 p.m.; unanimously approved.Fern McBride
.: ♥ Aloha ♥ :.,
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| Helen Keller |
Aloha! Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas!
Employee’s Holiday Party
The employees enjoyed a festive holiday celebration on Friday December 19th. Many thanks to Cindy for the food and raffle gift shopping; Candace for the decorating, Anne Griffin, Dee and Cindy for the delicious home cooked dishes. It was hilarious to watch the employees continually swap for the more popular raffle gifts. Fun was had by all. Thanks to Fern, Carole and Jim Rigney for their efforts in collecting, counting and equitably distributing the funds donated by the residents. Finally, please accept heartfelt thanks from the employees to you for your generosity.
Employee Changes
Security - We are very fortunate to have secured Hank Gomez as our Security Chief. Hank, a former Marine, has world wide security and counter-intelligence experience. He has acted as consultant for some of our Galt Mile Associations and comes highly recommended.
Maintenance - Nesly Bora has returned as our Pool Attendant after a 9/10 month sojourn to Boston. Please say hello and introduce yourselves to Hank and Nesly and give them a warm welcome.
Silver Linings
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| 2001 Board of Directors |
Then in 2002, improvement and updating projects including new elevators, new toilets in units, phase I of hurricane windows, electrical and HVAC systems. Also, we built an Exercise Room, Meeting Room, installed lobby entrance and south fire doors and three pool heat pumps.
In 2003, we began replacement of our driveway/parking area, landscaping and new balcony doors.
2004 saw a new drainage well, completion of parking/driveway, remodeled men’s and ladies rooms on 1st floor and lower level and Rendezvous Room and new kitchen, Fob Key system, new outdoor lighting.
The Deck Rehabilitation In 2005 owners voted to amend our documents to require all owners to install hurricane windows; the first and only building on the Galt to accomplish this; new game room, bike storage area.
2005/6 saw the installation of new A/C riser piping in all units A/C rooms and common areas from 20th floor to the basement; completion of hurricane glass in common areas and lobby doors.
2006/7 - All hallways were renovated/decorated; Security camera/monitor systems were upgraded, exterior Fire Exit doors installed on N/S on all 20 floors. In 2008, we implemented an expansion of the Exercise Room, virtually doubling its size.
Lastly, will be the repainting of our building which should be performed every eight years. This has been assigned to Eric Berkowitz, Architecture Review/ Construction Chair and is expected to be completed in early 2009.
I think we have accomplished enough, don’t you? The structure and its components have been rebuilt so that, primarily, we have the equivalent of a new building. The Board of Directors has been outstanding in its accomplishments. However, we could not have completed our goals without your support and encouragement. Let us all make this holiday season one in which we show gratitude for our beautiful home, our families, friends and health.
Muchas Gracias for your approval and confidence.
We love you,
Aloha
Happy New Year!
Dott
COMMITTEE REPORTS DECEMBER 2008 Architectural Review & Construction Committee
Eric Peter Berkowitz
When Tropical Storm Hanna blew through the atmospheric vortex separating Regency Tower from Galt Ocean Club, we sustained some minor damage to the Turtle-safe lighting shield on the South Parking deck’s easternmost deck lamp. Designed to block the lamp’s visibility from the beach, the shield was an inexpensive code-compliant alternative to purchasing a new fully recessed lamp for $3500. The shield was damaged when impacted by an unidentified piece of wind-driven debris. The shield was originally contributed by Fischer Electric as a token of “Good Will” after rehabilitating several fixtures damaged in earlier storms. Last month, Fischer installed a replacement shield. 
ERIC - JUICE BACK ON
LAMP & CABLE FIXED
The Construction Committee is meeting with painting contractors interested in bidding on the impending painting and waterproofing project. This week, we will also meet with an engineer to ascertain the extent of guidance required to insure that the scope of work fully addresses the association’s needs. I’ve been told that several painting contractors and some association members believe that such guidance is superfluous. However, when contractors are asked to submit a scope of work along with a bid, the engineer’s input will insulate the association from the potential conflict of interest.
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| Building Services Valerie Bohlander |
As such, Building officials that usually inspect premises at the request of a permit holder are cruising the block in search of non-compliant unit-owner projects. Inspectors are randomly visiting multi-unit buildings, asking employees and office personnel about renovations by unit owners. When they notice vehicles belonging to electricians, plumbers or HVAC installers parked on an Association’s deck, they enter and inquire about the vendor’s job.
If the work involves wiring, breakers, pipes, faucets, drains, ducts, air conditioning, water heaters or other electrical, plumbing or drainage fixtures - despite the project’s size or scope - it needs a permit. With few exceptions, electrical work requires a licensed electrician and plumbing necessitates a licensed plumber. Jobs with any structural impact, such as installing cabinets, counters, doors, windows and walls also need a permit.
There are a few instances where a permit is not required. Painting or papering walls as well as the installation of most floor coverings are exempt. When faced with an electrical, plumbing or drainage emergency, a permit is not required prior to performing a repair. Nevertheless, to protect oneself from an expensive “after the fact” violation, Inspector Masula said that either the vendor or the unit owner should call the Building Department the next business day and report the emergency repair. If the phone call is made, those cases will be officially exempted from a permit requirement. However, if additional post-emergency work is indicated, a permit will be required for that work.
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| City Commissioner Christine Teel |
To help protect members from any expensive delays stemming from the new policy, when an Architectural Review is performed, the Committee indicates whether or not a permit is required. Certain members have expressed concern about construction delays attendant to waiting for a permit. To address these concerns, we met with City Commissioner Christine Teel. As a result, when a Regency Tower permit applicant perceives a lack of progress by the Building Department, if they contact the Architectural Review Committee with the case number, we will attempt to expedite the process. However, prior to calling the Committee, the applicant should ask the contractor if the Building Department has requested additional information. The Architectural Review Committee cannot assist when delays are attributable to a non-responsive contractor. The Architectural Review Committee will also check the online status of the permit within 24 hours. Thank you for your kind attention.
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| FERN MCBRIDE |
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| Pool Deck Furniture |
Fern McBride
Seven new umbrellas have been ordered for the tables on the upper deck area and the barbecue area. Four new canopies have been ordered for the pool deck tables. You will soon be seeing two lounges and two chairs for the pool deck table that are different. We are experimenting with the sling style lounges and chairs to determine whether we like them. Let us know what you think after using them – they should be arriving soon.
Exercise Room
Iris Anastasi
Report read by Secretary:
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| Iris: Bigger and Better |
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| Exercise Room Gets Re-equipped |
The windows will be frosted so that you will not be able to see in from the outside even with the lights on. Treadmills and such have been moved to the west wall and extra plugs have been installed for future treadmill purchases. The TV has been moved and installed to this area. The beautiful blinds we had in the meeting room have found a new home in the Rendezvous room and look beautiful in their new location.
Many have asked if we are getting new equipment. We have decided at this time to keep all the equipment we have now as the Kaiser and the Free Motion equipments constitute a complete upper body work-out. The most inquired question asked, "Are we going to have any abdominal equipment?" Abs equipment seems to be very important to many of you. We are now in the process of investigating the purchase of abdominal and lower body equipment. My many, many thanks and gratitude go to our maintenance crew Johnny and Carl for the "AMAZING" transition to a professional type gym and to Mark and Rocky for the demolition and clean-up. I also express my thanks to Dee Lanzillo for her supervision during the project. Hope to see many of you in the remodeled exercise room getting fit and healthy.
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| BOB: GETTING GREENER |
Landscaping CommitteeBob Nagle
As indicated in our October newsletter, on 7/31/2008 we dismissed Vila & Sons and on 8/11/2008 signed a contract with Bo Owen of Owens Landscaping. Since that time several improvements have been made to the grounds. In October, new plantings (Impatiens in the front and Green Island Ficus on the upper patio) were made and steps were taken to provide for proper irrigation of all plantings. Other improvements are planned for 2009 but will be delayed pending completion of the painting of the building. I want to thank the Landscaping Committee (Ron, Iris, Fern and Rafael) for their diligence and input during this transition period and look forward to their help in the future.
Maintenance & Housekeeping Committee
Dee Lanzillo
Maintenance:
Turtle season is over. All outdoor lighting is back to normal;
Dee - Extremely Busy! We had to rewire electric in Barbeque area and install a new fixture;
For the past two weeks our maintenance crew along with their other duties have worked in the exercise room. They removed the wall to extend the size of the room to include the former Directors room. Five new plugs were installed on the west wall so that the equipment could be set up. Installed four fans and replaced ceiling tiles as needed. Added waterline for cooler and installed new water cooler, moved TV, painted all walls, patched and leveled floor; then painted the floor before rubber floor is installed;
Telephone lines were installed and projector screen was set up in Rendezvous Room;
All outside Christmas decorations have been completed, thanks to all our guys. They truly do a great job.
At this time I wanted to thank all of the Maintenance crew for their hard work and dedication for making my job much easier.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
Housekeeping:
All stairwells have been swept and washed from 2nd floor thru 20th.
Carpets on all floors have been spot checked and cleaned.
Trash chutes have been washed down and sanitized.
All the storage rooms have been cleaned.
Lights on all floors checked and replaced where needed.
We have had many compliments from people entering our building to see apt. 1401. Comments were how clean and well maintained our building is.
Many thanks to Marc and Rocky.
Security Report
Hank Gomez, Chief of Security
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| NEW SECURITY CHIEF HENRY GOMEZ |
Invariably, I have had to start from scratch by writing a new Security manual, Post orders, Manuals, etc. I am very happy to find and to report that that is NOT the case here at Regency Tower. Madam President wrote a very comprehensive, thorough manual thus I am able to focus on bringing the security department to the next level for the protection of the owners and the property. It is no secret that manpower will be my biggest challenge. I have already started to address recruitment.
My predecessor, Carlos, established efficiency in the department and I am enjoying the challenge of raising the bar even further.
Today we can no longer depend on government and local authorities to do it for us. We, you and I, must take responsibility for the safety of ourselves and our families. With this in mind I will attempt to keep the board informed of any new situations with tips, if you will, on how you can take steps to protect yourself. Many of these situations and tips I will be able to obtain from my resources with different government agencies.
Thank you for your kind attention. I stand ready to serve and protect.
We Care Committee
Ofelia Alleguez
Ofelia Alleguez’s report read by the Secretary:
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| Ofelia Alleguez - Regency Tower ♥ ANGEL SQUAD ♥ |
Gloria Reilly (109) – passed away at Holy Cross Hospital. May she rest in peace. Note on bulletin board, card was sent.
October
Diane Ramku (703) – passed away. May she rest in peace. Note on bulletin board, card sent, and trees were planted in her memory. 
Josie Greco (905) – passed away. May she rest in peace. Josie was a very long time resident and owner. Funeral services were held at Waterbury, Ct. Note on bulletin board, card sent and trees were planted in her memory.
Web Site Committee
Eric Peter Berkowitz
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| Eric Peter Berkowitz Check Around Town |
Shortly after the 3 PM September 23rd Board Meeting, the meeting minutes were posted on the web site. It was noted that Regency Tower enjoyed a marked lack of foreclosures, unlike virtually every one of our neighbors. As usual, following the Financial Report, committee chairs or alternates read comprehensive reviews reflecting their committees’ activities. Reports were given updating the efforts of Construction & Architectural Review, Beautification, Insurance, Landscaping, Maintenance & Housekeeping, Security, We Care and Web Site. Dott Nicholson-Brown’s President’s Report distinguished the virtues from the penalties of leadership.
The New Business Page explained the Association’s Pets and Service Animals Policy in view of Federal Regulations. Since the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act allows people with disabilities to keep service support animals despite pet prohibitions in the condo documents, we published documentation compiled by the association attorney enumerating the rules governing anyone who may apply for a relevant exemption. An explanation of the Association’s response to the recent toughening of the City’s code enforcement policy was posted in the Notices and Reminders section. Also posted was information about the upcoming digital television changes, cabana space, storage lockers and Energy Efficient Lighting.
The “AroundTown” section is now eliciting 35% of the web site’s hits. The December section offers details about the Sunday Jazz Brunch, the Winterfest Boat Parade, the Fort Lauderdale Home Design And Remodeling Show, the Geminid meteor shower, Part I of the 21st Annual Las Olas Art Fair, the Friday Night “Jazz On The Square” event at Commercial and A1A, Christmas on Las Olas and the annual Menorah Lighting at Galleria. The Holiday Happenings include Santa on the Beach on December 22nd, the Bass Park Kwanzaa Celebration on December 31st and the overnight Downtown Countdown that starts with the ball dropping and ends in 2009.
The web site promoted participation in Broward County’s Annual International Coastal Cleanup on September 20th. The two Coastal Cleanup sites were at Anglin’s Pier at Commercial Boulevard to the north and Northeast 27th Street and North Atlantic Boulevard at Vista Park to the South. The web site also follows municipal and county emergency events such as the September 23rd City of Fort Lauderdale precautionary water advisory. Relevant information was posted before it was published in the media. Important neighborhood events were also pre-released such as the October 22nd “Meet the Candidates” forum at the Beach Community Center. Thank you for your kind attention.
NEW BUSINESS DECEMBER 2008 Possibility of Hiring a Manager
December 9, 2008 - Bill Tennenbaum commented that Dott Nicholson-Brown has announced that although she is willing to serve on the Board, as of April 2009 she no longer is willing to serve as the manager. We have no other professionally trained Board member nor a Board member who is able or willing to give the amount of time necessary, that Dott has so graciously given us for the past eight years. We owe her a great debt of gratitude for all her efforts, for getting the building into the condition that it is in and ramroding committees so that things kept going and going to get us to the tremendous position that we are in now both aesthetically and financially. We Are Family!
We have to do something to make sure our building continues to operate in the professional manner that we are all used to. We’ve decided that the best way to pursue that is through professional management. We are one of the only buildings that does not have a professional manager on the Galt.
At this time, I would like to move that the Regency Tower Board adopt a committee for the purpose of searching and hiring of a manager to commence serving approximately April 1, 2009. Eric Berkowitz seconded the motion; unanimously approved.
The President will appoint a committee to select a slate of managers to recommend to the Board of Directors.
NOTICES & REMINDERS DECEMBER 2008 Telephone Access Remote Garage Gate Openers 
It is suggested that all Seasonal owners and other residents obtain a land line or the Magic Jack computer phone line when in residence. The Security Department does not have access to long distance phone service. Consequently, owners without a local number cannot be contacted by Security to advise of guests, packages, Express Mail, etc. 
Special Notice - Remote Garage Openers: It is of utmost importance that residents do not leave their remote garage gate openers lying face down OR with anything on top of it. This causes the gate to malfunction. (When anything continuously depresses the button on the remote, an uninterrupted signal to open is transmitted to the garage door, thus preventing it from closing) On a recent night while Johnny worked with the mechanical parts; Dee, Hank and Dott spent two hours searching for the cause of the gate malfunction until it was discovered in a specific car. This necessitated the search of every car in the garage and summoning the maintenance and security chiefs in during their off hours. If possible, remotes should be clipped to the sun visor.
EMPLOYEE PROFILE DECEMBER 2008 Henry Gomez (Hank)
(Chief of Security)
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| Security Chief Henry Gomez |
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| SSC Radisson Diamond |
Mr. Gomez has received both U.S. and Israeli training in intelligence operations, airport security, advanced investigations, and interrogation, and is considered an expert in these fields by his clients. He has lectured extensively on security matters throughout Latin America and Europe.
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| PANAM 103 COCKPIT AFTER BOMBING |
In 1990 he worked closely with the U.S. Air Force during the invasion of Panama. As a result of his efforts, two associates of General Noriega wanted by the United States were apprehended by Air Force Security Police. When the airport in Panama was shut down, Mr. Gomez took personal charge of the security X-Ray machine at the Pan Am terminal. This allowed Pan Am to be the only airline allowed to fly in and out of Panama. He also initiated aggressive motivational training for civilian security personnel in compliance of Federal Aviation Administration regulations as a prelude to turning airport security back over to civilian control. Mr. Gomez received a letter of appreciation from the commanding officer of U.S. Air Force Security Police.
In 1994 at the request of the National Football League, Mr. Gomez developed, authored, and coordinated with the FBI Anti-Terrorist task force, “The Anti-Terrorist Emergency Plan for Joe Robbie Stadium” in Miami, Florida USA. In 1995 he was contracted by the owner of the Baltimore Ravens Football Franchise he served on the personal staff of the owner for 14 months. His duties consisted of executive protection of the owner and his family. He coordinated with local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities in this duty. He recruited and trained a driver and bodyguard in defensive and offensive driving as well as the finer points of executive protection. Mr. Gomez currently serves as senior security consultant to the franchise.
Mr. Gomez is a member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council and the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. He is also a licensed Private Investigator in the State of Florida. He is fluent in English and Spanish and has a working knowledge of Portuguese and Tagalog (Filipino).
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| Former Marine Hank |
The Holiday Season is upon us and, as is our custom, we are asking everyone to contribute to the Regency Tower Employees’ Holiday Fund for 2008. This fund shows our appreciation to all members of our staff for everything they have done during the past year to make living at the Regency Tower comfortable and pleasant.
The total amount received will be divided among all members of our staff. Although many residents give more, a minimum of $50.00 is suggested. We thank you for your generous response to this request.
Please make your check payable to “R. T. Employees’ Holiday Fund” and deposit it into the HOLIDAY FUND box on the Security Desk. If you are not in residence, please mail your contribution addressed to: Regency Tower Employees’ Holiday Fund by 
Please keep in mind that many of our employees extended themselves far beyond their respective “job descriptions” before, during and after every emergency. Their actions contributed heavily to moderating the inconvenience and damage costs faced by our Association during and after each hurricane and tropical storm, when the garage door was on the fritz, during every flood, and during dozens of other instances that pass unnoticed because THEY DO THEIR JOB SO WELL. This is an opportunity for each of us to show our gratitude and reward their dedication. Please DON’T ALLOW IT TO PASS without having been heard from 
- editor