Committee Reports
E-mail Address: regencytower@yahoo.com
January 2012
Architectural Review 
Construction Committee
Eric Peter Berkowitz
Replacing Expensive Building Components
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| Eric - Big Ticket Items |
Since the key to maintaining a 42 year-old structure is preparation, the board must lay the groundwork for upgrading systems that are critical to association operations. Last year, Treasurer Cathie Lenz commissioned a study by Reserve Specialist John R. Frazer. Cathie believed that funding reserves to replace expensive building components is less financially painful than getting hammered by special assessments. Also, adequate reserves are required by Federally-backed mortgage lenders to approve prospective purchasers, which impacts unit values. Since Reserves are based on amortizing the replacement cost of an item over its projected useful life, the analyst identified structural and mechanical components that would soon need to be replaced. Among those were the heat pumps that warm our pool, the rusting fan that used to vent our garage and the rooftop cooling tower that enables our air conditioning system.
Since gas-fired pool heaters repeatedly burned out every few years, about eight years ago we replaced them with less expensive heat pump technology. The three heat pumps are more efficient and economical because they initiate serially. Depending on weather fluctuations, one, two or all three will fire up to maintain the proper water temperature. Given their direct exposure to ocean borne chemicals such as halides and PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), a vendor that recently inspected the heat pumps informed our manager that they were no longer worth repairing.
After ventilating the garage for more than 40 years, the sputtering garage fan was permanently shut down several months ago. Since Manager Dwight Lyons replaced Edd Helms as the building’s HVAC maintenance contractor with Sam Block of Custom Air Designs, a vendor that earned Dwight’s trust at an association he previously managed, he asked Block what he would charge the association to repair or replace the fan. When Block returned a proposal for $17,325 and Dwight called Edd Helms for a second bid, Helms sent a strange one-page offer to fix the fan for $32,830. Since neither offer was based on a written scope of work, there’s no telling what Edd Helms planned to provide for more than twice the cost of a replacement fan. Dwight recommended that we accept the offer by Custom Air Designs. In the next few days, when several board members questioned Block’s initial proposal and explored other construction options, Block lowered his estimate.
Uncomfortable with the casual process that enigmatically yielded such two widely differing bids, Board President Eileen Bendis agreed to elicit unconflicted professional input for all projects that substantially impact our budget or our home's habitability. As such, we met with John Evans of SPEC Engineering, a structural engineer who guided us through the deck rehabilitation, the installation of our lower driveway gravity well and recovery repairs after Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. Evans also developed the engineering basis for convincing negligent vendors to provide us with a new roof in 2002, electrostatically recoat of our balcony railings in 2006 and patch exterior wall building cracks in 2008 - all at their own expense.
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| AquaCal Heat Pump |
After inspecting the fan, the heat pumps, our water tower and several smaller sources of concern, Evans issued a written status assessment. His report confirmed that the existing AquaCal heat pumps should be replaced with newer models by the same manufacturer. Having selected one of several proposals from franchised vendors recommended by the manufacturer’s regional representative, new concrete footings were installed and the surrounding fence enlarged to adequately vent the slightly larger new machines. To prolong their lifespan and enhance their efficiency, other than regularly scheduled cleanings performed in-house, the heat pumps will be professionally serviced.
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| Upper Patio Deck Vent Housing |
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| Low Profile Fan |
At a subsequent meeting attended by Board President Eileen Bendis, Vice President Eric Berkowitz, Manager Dwight Lyons, Block and John Evans, Block and Lyons repeated their concerns. Evans first answered Block’s installation issues, after which Block agreed that prospective alterations to the vent housing could be reasonably achieved. Eileen, a dedicated devotee of our swimming pool, asked Evans and Block if the noise would disturb pool-goers. Although the new configuration moved the fan engine a few feet closer to the deck, its technical specifications are rated to run more quietly than its predecessor (33 sones vs. 38 sones). Since the fan’s hood is also fitted with sound insulation, noise levels would roughly approximate those of the old fan. Eileen was also pleased to learn that the fan’s exposed low profile hood could be ordered in any color, allowing it to better aesthetically blend with its surroundings. Lyons’ concern about rainwater infiltrating the garage proved unfounded since the fan’s ribbed construction deflects runoff.
A few minor issues must be addressed before finalizing this strategy. An added baffle will help diffuse air intake. Although a consulting mechanical engineer confirmed that it’s not required to evacuate the garage, we plan to investigate whether a plenum would make a reasonable contribution to the fan’s efficiency. We hope to tie up these loose ends within the next week or so.
If authorized, President Bendis can instruct John Evans to create a scope of work which can be sent to board-approved vendors for competitive bidding. When the bid packages are returned, Board members can make an “apples to apples” comparison of the proposals and question the engineer before voting to select the bid-winning contractor.
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| Rooftop Cooling Tower |
Disruption of our air conditioning should be minimal. When authorized, the components will be lifted to the roof and assembled while the existing water tower is still operating. The only expected air conditioning “down time” will occur while the connections are switched to the new water tower, a procedure that is ordinarily accomplished in one day. In an emergency, we can make arrangements for unit owners to rent individual AC units at reduced rates if they so choose.
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| Impact Glass Door |
Since every door must be measured individually and custom manufactured (even doors in the same stack are sized differently), the primary cost benefit of a bulk installation accrues to the installer, who will realize a substantial savings in consolidated labor costs. The fact that we are providing vendors with a reliable and significant source of business in a down market will also work to our advantage.
Since Committee Reports are accessible to anyone with a computer, it would be counterproductive to disclose information about price points included in the proposals thus far received by the Board President before negotiations are completed. Suffice to say that they already represent an impressive discount as compared to individually contracted installations. Thank you for your kind attention.
Beautification 
Committee
Margie Nagle
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| Margie Nagle |
Dear Regency Tower Neighbors:
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| Holiday Tree |
Eileen and I went in search of things that we needed. It was not that easy since I have expensive taste and a low budget. We went to the high end stores to get ideas, than shopped at discount stores for the same look.
We finally bought all our trimmings and worked on our pretty tree within budget. It was fun and looked beautiful.
Thank you to our building workers for all their help.
The holidays are over and all our decorations are put away safely for next year. Thank you to Heida for all her help.
I would like to say to some people that have something to say about what we do for the building, thank you for all your suggestions and we can use donations to replace the things that are not to your pleasing.
Happy New Year!
♥ We Care Committee ♥
♥ Ofelia Alleguez ♥
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| ♥ Ofelia Alleguez ♥ Regency Tower "Angel Squad" |
Members of the new formed “We Care” Committee are: Naomi Griner (2020), Margie Nagle (911), Joyce Ramey (501) and Joyce Woodward (307). July August 150 Westmoreland Court #10 Holy Cross Hospital October Joanne Barrett Get well cars may be placed in his Mailbox # 1702 November Get well cards may be placed in his Box #205. Get well cards may be placed in his Box #1406. January Get well cards may be placed in his Mailbox #504. Get well cards and/or expressions of love and support may be placed in her Mailbox #1009. Get well cards and/or expressions of love and friendship may be placed in her Mailbox #909. Get well cards and/or expressions of support and friendship me be placed in his MailBox #904.
Shirley Hopkins (1411) - had surgery, went to rehab, notice in bulletin board, cards sent; upon her return home flowers were sent.
Robert Derham (810) - passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, following a brief decline in health; Card of Perpetual Masses was sent in his memory. Condolences to his wife, Denise Whittle Derham, who can be reached at:
Danville, Va. 24541
Martha Sellas (803) - fell last Tuesday (August 30, 2011). She was taken to the Holy Cross Hospital and was admitted that evening. She suffered some fractures and will stay at Holy Cross until further notice. Get well cards may be sent to the Hospital or placed in her Mail Box #802. The address for the Holy Cross is:
4725 North Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33308
Joanne Barrett (511) - fell at home and spent a few days at the hospital. She is now back home. Get well cards and/or expressions of friendship and love may be sent to:
470 Mahogany Ct., #401
Palatine, Il. 60067
Howard Hirschman (1702) - fell at home and broke his ankle. He spent a few days at the Holy Cross Hospital and is now in a Rehabilitation Facility.
Barry Nesbitt (203) - passed away on October 8th at his home in Canada. May he rest in peace. His funeral is taking place in Toronto. Condolences and or sympathy cards may be sent to his family at one of the following addresses:
Andrew Tolson
15 Hialeah Cr.
Whitby, Ontario
L1N 6P9Glenn Tolson
P.O. Box 257
Norland, Ontario
K0M 2L0
Although Committee Reports are ordinarily submitted in conjunction with Board Meetings, we believe that our members should be expeditiously informed about the afflictions or passing of friends and neighbors. Going forward, We Care information will be posted as soon as it is made available by the We Care Committee. Our thanks to Ofelia! As such, the following notices were forwarded by Ofelia Alleguez subsequent to the October 17, 2011 Committee Report:
Phil Nadeau (205) - was taken to Holy Cross yesterday (November 29), early in the morning. He is undergoing tests.
Raymond Zabal (1406) - spent a few days in the Holy Cross Hospital, he was undergoing tests and cardiology procedures, he came home last night (November 29).
Kenneth Wolnowski (504) - was admitted at Holy Cross Hospital last December 31.
Linda Pines (1009) - was admitted to the Broward General Hospital. On January 12 she underwent heart surgery.
Adelina "Ad" Wilson (909) - fell at home Thursday, January 12. She was taken to the Holy Cross Hospital and was admitted. She had suffered a fracture. On January 14 she was transferred to a Rehabilitation facility.
Alton Hollis (904) - had been at Holy Cross for several days as of January 26. He is having tests.
Web Site 
Committee
Eric Peter Berkowitz
Eric Peter Berkowitz
Website Update
The Regency Tower web site had 101,037 hits and 3,029 unique site visits (first timers) in November and 89,463 hits and 2,962 unique site visits in December. Countries other than the United States from which the most December hits were sourced are the Canada, France, China, Malaysia, Brazil, India, Russian Federation, Uruguay, Germany, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Czech Republic, Poland, Mexico, Cayman Islands, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, New Zeeland (Aotearoa) and South Africa.
Since the last web site report in October, minutes of the November 8 and December 13, 2011 Board Meetings were devoted to our Association’s 2012 spending plan. At the November 8th board meeting, Treasurer Cathie Lenz told delighted attendees that the bottom line in next year’s budget would mirror its 2011 predecessor. Assisted by Manager Dwight Lyons, Cathie simplified the basic budget format when she listed line items by account number.
Despite our Treasurer’s admonition that association Reserves were underfunded, Board President Eileen Bends announced at the December 13th Budget Approval meeting that unit owners voted overwhelmingly to partially fund the Reserves. After listing our existing Reserve Accounts for the roof, the driveway, painting the building, the balconies and our elevators; Cathie revealed the creation of new Reserve Funds to address expenses for air conditioning, the pool, mechanical items and common area interiors. She also announced her intention to bulk up reserves via the transfer of equity funds. Fueled by scores of House Channel addicts, a post-meeting buffet organized by Social Committee Chair Nancy Seltzer evolved into a full-blown lobby party.
A November 8th article explained why unit owners observed that their early November tap water had recently acquired a strange taste. A City of Fort Lauderdale Public Works message exclaimed that the unusual taste and scent resulted from the City temporarily treating the drinking water with free chlorine. The periodic switch to free chlorine effectively reduces biological re-growth in the distribution system and helps maintain chlorine residual levels at the extremities of that system during the normal chloramine disinfection process. While largely unnoticeable to most people, the procedure could have harmed persons undergoing dialysis or suffering from a compromised immune system.
Ofelia Alleguez informs unit owners about the health and welfare of their neighbors by affixing current We Care notices to the Mail Room bulletin board. However, information included in her Committee Report grows stale within a month of posting on the website. Last year, the We Care content on the Committee Reports page was altered to reflect timely notices instead of the mostly dated information delivered during board meetings. As such, the current notices on the bulletin board are now also available on the website.
After posting mini-bios about new employees Dwight Lyons and Kande Lewandowski, I hoped to receive background info for other Regency Tower staffers. The website would also benefit from small bios about some of our neighbors. If anyone believes they have printer’s ink in their veins, we need your help. Writing skill is wholly irrelevant, and may even be an obstacle. If you can talk, you can do this.
About a year ago, an Art Walk along Las Olas Boulevard became a regular event in the monthly “Around Town” section on the Home Page. Since then, the former Galt Ocean Shoppes neighborhood was reborn as North Beach and morphed into one of South Florida’s hottest Arts districts. On the first Saturday of each month, the Broward Art Guild, a dozen acclaimed new or established Galleries and a half dozen design centers sponsor the North Beach Art Walk, which is now listed in our monthly offerings. Last month, Mayor Jack Seiler and Commissioner Bruce Roberts joined the Art Walk and cut the Grand Opening tape for a new venue called the North Beach Art Gallery. To learn more about the neighborhood’s remarkable transformation and an event that replaced the Sunset Blue street fairs, click the title in the event list and plan to join the next Art Walk on February 4th. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you for your kind attention.