SEPTEMBER 2008
BOARD MEETING
The regular meeting of The Regency Tower Board was called to order at 3:05 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 in the Meeting Room of The Regency Tower by the President.
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| Secretary Fern McBride |
Reading of Minutes -
The minutes of the regular meeting of The Regency Tower Board of Directors held on March 13, 2008 were read. Eric Berkowitz made a motion to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Dee Lanzillo, unanimously approved.Minutes of a special meeting of The Regency Tower Board of Directors held on June 23, 2008 were read. Iris Anastasi made a motion to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Bill Tennenbaum, unanimously approved.
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| Treasurer Bob Nagle |
A motion was made by Dee Lanzillo to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Iris Anastasi, unanimously approved.
The president commented that several buildings on the Mile have foreclosures – we do not. This can be attributed to the fact that we require a 10% down payment on purchases and under the direction of Bill Tennenbaum we follow up promptly on owners who are late with their quarterly maintenance payments.
Committee Reports -
President Nicholson-Brown then called for Committee Reports. Click Here to read each report in its entirety.New Business -
President Nicholson-Brown then called for New Business (Regarding Pet/Service Animal Policy and Rules). Click Here to read New Business.Announcements -
The President announced that the Mercantile Bank on Las Olas Boulevard is giving 3.8% interest on saving accounts with a minimum balance of $300 for those who may be interested.
Open Discussion -
Rafael Alleguez asked about the status of Apt. 1410.
Iris Anastasi responded: Our realtor stopped by last week while Eric and I were in the office. We discussed that 1401 was similar to 1701 last year in that we didn’t really expect much action during the summer months. She stated that residents and sellers will be returning in November. At that time, she’ll check how the market is doing and make recommendations to the Board whether to reduce the asking price.
Rafael Alleguez: Because of the economic situation, can we wait another year to paint our building?
Eric Berkowitz responded: The issue is not only the aesthetics of painting the building; when the building is painted it includes waterproofing and repairs, which need to be done periodically.
Adjournment -
A motion was made by Dee Lanzillo and seconded by Iris Anastasi to adjourn the meeting at 3:55 p.m.; unanimously approved.Fern McBride
PRESIDENTS REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2008
.: ♥ Aloha ♥ :.,
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| Robert Kennedy |
“Some people see the way things are and ask why,
others see the way things should be and ask why not?”
- Robert Kennedy
Summer has ended and fall has begun. Although we cannot see the changing colors here in Florida we can visualize them and welcome lower levels of heat and humidity. As I write this we are in the midst of the U. S. Presidential and local campaigns along with serious problems in the financial industry. The negative national and local campaigns have makes it difficult to watch. But then again, it reminds me of the campaigns we have here for the Board of Directors.
Galt Mile Presidents Council Meetings
Roving Beach Patrol - The patrol is performing effectively especially in the beach areas. And finally, 100% of the buildings on the Galt Mile have paid their $20 per unit per year fee – a small amount for our protection.
Employee Changes
Security - John Coleman has been promoted to Security Chief effective 10/03/08. Faye Givens and Joe Scocco came aboard in June and Latrina Thomas began 9/30/08.
Maintenance - Carl Conte began as Johnny’s assistant in May and Tony Laino replaced John as Pool/Beach Attendant on 10/02/08. Get to know our employees. Introduce yourself; say “hello”, “congratulations” or “welcome.”
The Round Table
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| Annie - Folks love Regency Tower |
The Round Table - Two meetings were held over the summer. Member attendees at one or both were: Shirley Appelman, Eileen Bendis, Betty Burns, Chris Feneck, Anne Griffin, Ron Forment, Mike O’Carroll, and Anne Petroe. Board members: Iris Anastasi, Fern McBride.
Various subjects were brought up by the members and suggestions made such as: Recycling, Painting, Floor mat in service elevator, Pool Resurfacing, Canopy Poles, Lobby Plants, and Cooking odors. Shirley stated that a friend of hers who is unhappy living at our sister building; praised our building and asked his Board to visit The Regency Tower and learn what we are doing. Annie stated that she has friends and relatives who visit from the North on extended visits and all rave about The Regency Tower each time they are here.
Silver Linings
Without comment I leave 
you with the following:
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In every field of human endeavor, he that is first must perpetually live in the white light of publicity. Whether the leadership be vested in a woman or a product, emulation and envy are ever at work. 
The Saturday Evening Post Aloha – I love you
COMMITTEE REPORTS
SEPTEMBER 2008
Architectural Review & Construction Committee
Eric Peter Berkowitz
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| ERIC - JUICE BACK ON LAMP & CABLE FIXED |
Those of you who were here when the area was hit by Faye’s outer storm bands probably remember the blackout. Lightning struck transformers throughout the city, resulting in random power fluctuations. One surge blacked out several buildings along Galt Ocean Drive. Although power automatically returned ten seconds later, when Regency Tower and Galt Ocean Club encountered a second debilitating surge, power was lost for several hours. We reported the blackout to FP&L, who sent a nearby unit to investigate the problem. After they rebooted the building’s electrical system from the dedicated FP&L room in the garage, power was restored.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our terrific security staff. While fielding dozens of calls by nervous residents, 2 security staffers manually controlled 5 building accesses. When notified by security about the power outage, Regency Tower Maintenance Chief John Sala drove through the storm to address the blackout. After FP&L restored the building’s power, John checked each individual system, insuring its capacity for uninterrupted operation. Once the juice was back on, we recalibrated the keyless entry system from the office, and rebooted the analog cable filters in the meter room.
Comcast received several calls from residents in the seven stack complaining about poor reception. After diagnosing the integrity of the servicing line, they decided that it required reinstallation. Without notifying building personnel or the office, technicians replaced the cable and the line connecting the meter room filters to the rooftop distributor box. Since that line penetrates the north parking deck to access the garage, they inadvertently molested the deck’s waterproofing, creating a leak into the garage. When notified, Comcast pointed out that their contract gives them full access rights to service their equipment. However, since they failed to notify us prior to penetrating our deck, they agreed to assume responsibility for the damage. After receiving emailed confirmation that they would reimburse us for fixing the leak, the damage was repaired and the deck area was rewaterproofed.
During the Spring and Summer, about a dozen units that applied for architectural review were approved for renovation. In addition to catching two planned installations of insufficient sound underlayment, the Committee prevented an inadequate drainage connection, saving the unit owner potentially expensive flooding damages. Two of the projects utilized the newer thin coat sound underlayment approved for use a few years ago, eliminating the tripping hazards occasionally posed by thicker products such as cork. While all projects were reviewed within 48 hours, three received immediate attention on an emergency basis. I would like to thank Construction Committee member Ron Forment, whose assistance with these reviews will insure continuity and quicken the Committee’s response time. Thank you for your kind attention.
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| IRIS ANASTASI |
Beautification CommitteeIris Anastasi
The Beautification Committee has had little to do this past year as much had been done in the past years. I would like to thank Margie Nagle for the two gorgeous plants in the lobby.
Insurance Committee
Bob Nagle
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| BOB NAGLE |
On Friday, September 19, 2008 we received a notice from FIU (Florida Intracoastal Underwriters), QBE’s Florida Insurance Agent indicating that our renewal premium effective 12/1/08 would be $224,989 compared to $238,148 for the prior year. On the same day we called our broker to determine exactly what the renewal premium is based on, why it wasn’t lower, etc. We are waiting to hear from them.
As is our custom, within the next couple of weeks we will be meeting with our broker to discuss in detail our renewal coverage and to determine where the windstorm insurance market is heading. Implicit in this discussion will be our continued interest and support for a national CAT fund.
QBE is an A+ company with $40 billion in assets, and is not affected by Lehman or AIG problems. Their profit last year was $1.925 billion.
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| BYE BYE TRI, HELLO BO |
Bob Nagle
We were using Tri-R Landscaping which was acquired by a large landscaping company, Vila & Sons, which is headquartered in Miami. After several meetings with Vila, we found they were not doing the job they promised.
Therefore, on July 31, 2008 Vila & Sons was advised that we no longer needed their services. We have since contracted with Bo Owens, who we know from his work with Tri-R and has started his own landscaping company, Owens Landscaping.
Maintenance & Housekeeping Committee
Dee Lanzillo
Maintenance:
Hurricane preparation work was done by our crew in order to secure our building from any damage. Thank God we were spared.
Replaced well pumps.
Repaired and replaced condenser pump.
Replaced both standpipes in front of our building and garage.
Power washed all parking lots and garage.
Repaired evacuation vent to pump room and new fan installed.
New air conditioner replaced in receiving room.
Laundry room has been painted and new boxes upgraded to cover the pipes. Work was done by Marc, Rocky and Carl.
Repaired pavers in North parking lot damaged by Comcast.
All posts in pool area have been painted and canopies re-installed. All the painting was done by John Coleman.
Housekeeping:
Our maintenance people do a fine job in maintaining and cleaning all floors from basement to the 20th floor. This also includes the Office, Lobby, Exercise and Rendezvous Rooms. Marc and Rocky we all appreciate your hard work in keeping our building in great condition.
Carl and Johnny have been organizing the maintenance room. New shelves have been built as well as cabinets to store supplies and a clip board where all tools are stored.
They also have been busy keeping all of our equipment in working order. Many thanks to both of you.
John Coleman does an excellent job in maintaining pool area deck and beach area as well as the game room and lavatory. Our people that use these facilities are very grateful as am I. Many thanks John.
In closing let me say we have a great team here at Regency Tower and once in awhile it would be appreciated if our owners acknowledge their efforts. Many thanks to all.
Security Report
Dott Nicholson-Brown
(Comments by the Secretary)
The President commented that we lost Carlos in June as our Security Chief and Vinnie has filled in since that time. Vinnie will now be taking over a top security position in another location. We are working on acquiring someone else who is able to deal with the paperwork, scheduling, etc. that is involved in this position.
We Care Committee
Ofelia Alleguez
Ofelia Alleguez’s report read by the Secretary:
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| Ofelia Alleguez - Regency Tower ♥ ANGEL SQUAD ♥ |
Lissi Devlin (1104) – had surgery at Holy Cross. Note on bulletin board, card sent, and a plant when she returned home. 
Adelina (Ad) Wilson (909) – had surgery. Card sent and a plant was sent upon her return home. 
Scott Lichtman (605) – passed away. Note on bulletin board, card sent. - Robert Durham (810) – had surgery at Holy Cross. Note on bulletin board, card sent and a basket of fruit was sent upon his return home.
- Heidi Boucher (906) – was in Holy Cross for tests. Note on bulletin board, card sent and a plant was sent when she returned home.
- Linda Pines (1009) – had surgery. Card and a plant was sent.
April
- Claudet Pelletier (2004) – had surgery at Imperial Point. Note on bulletin board, card sent and a plant was sent when she returned home.
June
- Jim Rigney (401) – was at Holy Cross for tests. Note on bulletin board, card sent and a basket of fruit was given when he returned home.
- Michael Brent (2006) – was taken to Holy Cross for tests. Card and calls. Basket of fruit was sent when he returned home.
Jean Nesbitt (203) – long time winter resident and a very active member of the Social Committee passed away at home in Canada. May she rest in peace. Note on bulletin board, card sent and trees were planted in her memory.
July
- Ethel Gianoulis (802) – fell at home and was taken to Holy Cross. She had surgery and went to a Rehabilitation facility. Note on bulletin board, calls, and card sent.
- Josie Greco (905) – was in Holy Cross Hospital. Note on bulletin board, card sent and a plant was given when she returned home.
JLaszlo Bandi (1706) – long time owner and permanent resident passed away. May he rest in peace. Note on bulletin board, card sent and a donation to the Cancer Society was sent in his memory.
August
- Jean Veitch (1402) – had surgery and then went to Rehab. Note on bulletin board, card sent and roses were sent when she returned home.
- Norma Miller (804) – passed away at home in Ohio. Note on bulletin board, card sent, and a card of perpetual masses was sent.
- Esad (Ed) Cavka (611) – passed away back home in Illinois. Note in on bulletin board, card sent and trees were planted in his memory.
September
- Gloria Reilly (109) – is at Holy Cross Hospital. Note on bulletin board, card sent.
Web Site Committee
Eric Peter Berkowitz
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| Eric Peter Berkowitz Check “Around Town” |
Meeting minutes from the March 13, 2008 Annual Meeting and the concomitant regular Board Meeting were posted, including discussion about a noisy elevator and recommendations to take a loss on the prospective sale of unit 1701 – which was subsequently sold at a profit as detailed in an article on the Special Updates page. Election results for both directors and officers were documented and results of the pet survey were included in the regular meeting minutes. Along with the financial report read at the regular meeting, volunteer activities were reflected in Committee Reports from Construction & Architectural Review, Insurance, Landscaping, Maintenance & Housekeeping, Recycling, Security, Social/Bingo, We Care and Web Site. Board President Dott Nicholson-Brown’s President’s Report enumerated some of our home’s distinguishing assets, crediting the voluntary contributions of dedicated residents for fueling Regency Tower’s community-wide reputation for operational excellence.
About 30% of the web site’s hits inure to the “Around Town” section on the Home Page. Updated bi-weekly, the section displays current local happenings, including Art Festivals, Craft Fairs, Music Festivals, eclipses and comets, Food Fairs and relevant political events - most of which cost nothing. The headline summaries are linked to expanded information on the Notices and Reminders page. In turn, these reviews are peppered with links to web sites containing the original source and contact data. The dozen events currently listed include the 21st Annual Las Olas Art Fair, the Riverwalk Sunday Jazz Brunch, Broward County’s Budget Hearings and the 7th Annual Hollywood Beach Clambake.
This summer, the Regency Tower web site carried an article addressing the planned Calypso gasworks. A corporate front for GDF-Suez, a $105 billion French conglomerate tied to the World Bank and the French Government, the project is a high value terrorist target according to the Department of Homeland Security and the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Reports from Sandia National Laboratories and the Government Accountability Office state that an ignitable vapor cloud resulting from a LNG (liquefied natural gas) breach would produce a 3000 degree fireball – beyond the suppression capabilities of any fire department. Opposition to construction of this 17-story industrial complex across from the Galt Mile beach is non-partisan and includes every Barrier Island public official.
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| City Commission Votes to Issue Resolution Opposing Calypso |
In July, two viewings of an award winning video entitled “The Risks and Dangers of LNG,” were aired in the Game Room. Residents who watched the presentation immediately signed a petition opposing the project. We will consider scheduling additional viewings in October or November. Additional information is available on the Galt Mile web site. Since only Governor Charlie Crist is empowered to veto the beachfront gasworks, you can express your opposition to or support for Calypso by sending him an email or signing the petition in the mail room.
I want to apologize for a hiatus in our efforts to implement a fully voluntary low-cost high-speed internet service in Regency Tower. I was recently distracted by personal issues requiring that I temporarily set aside work on this and other projects. I intend to resume our efforts to secure this service next month. Thank you for your kind attention.
NOTICES & REMINDERS
SEPTEMBER 2008
Unit Interior Construction
Permits must be obtained before ANY work can be accomplished in units or building inspector will shut down the ENTIRE project. The City of Fort Lauderdale Building Department has tightened their enforcement policy for permit requirements. Starting immediately, any construction and/or rehabilitation in units will require a permit from the City with the exception of:
- Resurfacing the floor
- Painting
- Wall Coverings
- Minor Repairs (non-structural, non-electrical, non-plumbing)
- Emergency Structural, Electrical and Plumbing Repairs (must be called in to the building department on next business day)
Inspectors are checking every building and if a resident is caught sponsoring an illegal project, they will be subject to mandatory fines PLUS demolition of any work done illegally PLUS a permit will still be required retroactively!!!
Cabana Space
Those wishing to move to an outside (seaside) cabana space must place their names on the waiting list. Spaces begin on the inside seawall, then middle and lastly seaside when it becomes available.
Countdown to Digital TV
If anyone still has an older analog television that receives signals by a rabbit ear antenna and is not hooked to comcast, by 2/17/09, you must convert to digital. You may request two $40.00 coupons towards purchase of converter boxes by calling 1-888-225-5322, 1-888-388-2009.
Energy Efficient Lighting
To save on your Florida Power and Light bill, purchase compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs can replace incandescents that are roughly 3-4 times their wattage, saving up to 75% of the initial lighting energy. The Association has placed CFLs throughout the building.
Storage Lockers
In addition to free storage lockers on each floor, the Association has lockers located in the basement at a yearly rental of $240.00. Should you be interested in future rentals, please place your name on the waiting list with Cindy.