A final word on the use of the Aquarius Zoom license
Cecílio-Augusto Berndsen, 1005N
I have seen messages regarding the use of the ZOOM license. These messages try to justify what cannot be justified. This is my last statement on the subject, but I will not censor any comment on the matter provided it is written in an acceptable manner. An opposing view by Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta is presented after my observations.
The use of the ZOOM license belongs to the Aquarius Condo Association, not the Board not the Management Office.
To deny its use alleging a possibility of a security breach is a clear demonstration of lack of familiarity with information systems in general and ignorance of ZOOM operations in particular.
If, for reason of argumentation, there were a real concern with the possibility of breaching the ZOOM security, something impossible, the meeting could have been conducted by the Management Office hosting the meeting and preventing the absurd, not true, fallacious, flawed hypothesis of a security breach.
But, for a moment let consider, if the intentions were good, if there was a genuine will to support a fellow owner and this was impossible for whatever reason the minimum would be to respond on the approval of the rental/agreement that no support would be given. A justification given Friday Jan. 7 was that the Management Office does not help people that use the Green Room to play cards. Why was this not done on the approval of the rental/agreement executed January 3rd?
Do we consider playing cards and meeting the Candidates for the Association’s Board of Directors to be of the equal significance for our community? Why such event that actually defines the faith of our Association for the whole year has not been organized and hosted by the administration? Does the administration represent the interests of the Association or the limited group of individuals trying to cling to power and exclusively using all the resources paid for by all unit owners to their advantage?
Considering all this, it is impossible to believe that there was an expected positive inclination to be supportive. To the contrary. It seems that the intention was to sabotage, obstruct, make it difficult. Had I been informed of the total lack of support on January 3rd, I and a group of concerned and motivated owners could have made arrangements to better organize the meeting in a timely manner. The omission by Management under the false pretense with the Board supporting it caused me to scramble for solutions.
But let’s forget the ZOOM issue. After all the meeting was a success for all candidates except for Ella Fishman. The owners of Aquarius who had the chance to participate were very happy with the opportunity to know the candidates a little better. The Cascade Room was full in addition there were about 50 participants in the Zoom session!
But how can one justify that the information on the candidates that was properly filed in the office by early December was made public December 27? And how can one justify the delay in mailing the ballots? Is the last minute the right way to do this?
It does not look good. Not at all.
Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen, 1005N
Quick reminder from the Florida Statute:
Florida Statute 720.304 Right of owners to peaceably assemble;
(1) All common areas and recreational facilities serving any homeowners’ association shall be available to parcel owners in the homeowners’ association served thereby and their invited guests for the use intended for such common areas and recreational facilities. The entity or entities responsible for the operation of the common areas and recreational facilities may adopt reasonable rules and regulations pertaining to the use of such common areas and recreational facilities. No entity or entities shall unreasonably restrict any parcel owner’s right to peaceably assemble or right to invite public officers or candidates for public office to appear and speak in common areas and recreational facilities.
Opposing view by
Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta, 804S
Cecilio ! Thanks for sharing your new post along with your editorial comments. It is only fair that you could mention the long conversation you and I had relative to your request for assistance for the event scheduled for Jan. 11th at 6:30pm. I explained to you the reasons why the Association could not provide access to ZOOM account owned by Aquarius. Since than the property manager has further memorialized in an email to you and other unit owners.
The cascade room chairs were arranged to control the number of in person guests attending the meeting.
The email from Leo published on your blog makes no mention that each one of the issues raised in his email were addressed in detail by me prior to adoption of new Assessment. Similar types of details were presented at the budget adoption meeting. I am not able to rehash the same information multiple times because a unit owner finds time to write down in detail the request for same information provided to all unit owners in attendance at specially called meetings.
It would be nice to provide both sides of any issue on your blog. As a volunteer board member, I have tried to be as transparent as possible for providing explanation at each occasion. Sometimes I have been guilty for going overboard in providing details for any construction project presented at various meetings, but that is my problem.
Please feel free to post this communique on your blog.
Due to technical issues, I was not able to present my views during the “Meet the Candidates” event. I received multiple phone calls from Aquarius residents asking my opinion. Please continue reading.
Serious Look at Aquarius problems
I think we have space for improvements.
We have multiple issues which should be addressed immediately. For example:
Cracks on the balconies, problems with pool heater, uneven pavers next to the pools, rusted showers next to swimming pools, elevators constantly out of service, east ocean wall cracks, cracks in flower beds next to east pool, peeling paint from the outside walls. These issues will cost water intrusion inside the buildings.
Unfortunately we paid for these improvements already, but it looks like companies we choose have not provided quality work. It is very imperative and urgent to address these issues. We should have warranties and contractors should fix their poor job. If we don’t attend these problems, warranties will expire and we will have to pay again.
If I am going to be elected I will dedicate my time and experience to improve our home. I will use my engineering and organizational skills to work with maintenance crew to make sure we fix existing issues before they cost us more money and bigger problems. This will avoid more assessments in the future.
We should research contractors independently from Management Company. This will give us better position to negotiate and get more independent quotes. All current contracts should be reviewed. We need to see if we can renegotiate better terms to benefit Aquarius residents.
Budget should be created with better understanding. We need to look at our revenue and expenses. Every year we have an increase in maintenance but we don’t get better services. My expertise in negotiating deals with large chains of stores, creating and operating budgets will help to save money and negotiate best terms for our residents. Current Board did what they could, but there were many mistakes that cost Aquarius residents additional assessment.
In my understanding assessments are based on quotes. Board spent way more then they originally presented to residents. The Board claimed it was more work that they originally thought. It can happen but not to this extent. That means contractors they choose were not professional and not competent enough to see all problems we have. Unfortunately, no one on our Board is an engineer so did not have knowledge what to do and what questions to ask hired engineers and contractors. That is why Board needs help. Aquarius is our home and I want it to be in best shape possible. It needs to be done in fiscally responsible manner, contractors to be hold responsible for their job and residents should be informed before Board spends money.
In my understanding most important reasons to be elected are qualifications, experience and performance. Another important value is ability to communicate with people.
I think the Board should be transparent and open to communicate with residents. I believe unit owners deserve to be heard and their concerns to be answered.
I think Aquarius needs a fresh, professional, and experienced solution to challenges we are facing. I believe my expertise and organizational skills in running production and distribution & logistics centers, expertise in managing multiple commercial and residential properties, experience in successfully creating and operating large manufacturer and real estate budgets will benefit Aquarius residents and help to unite our community and make it better home for all of us.
I heard 2 questions from the public so I will try to answer them:
Reserves .
It is ideal situation for every business to have reserves. I think we need to look at our contracts and spending. My goal would be to find the ways to save money from our current budget. We need to look at opportunities to earn more money from properties we own and rent: restaurant, west parking lot, beauty salon, etc.
2.Committees
Yes, I am for committees. Obviously people on the Board cannot be best in everything. We have many residents with different experience and education. It would be reasonable to hear their opinion.
Elzbieta Jankowska Fishman, 1104S
Jankowska.ella@gmail.com
Ella’s additional material was posted January 4th., with the information provided by all candidates. These may be revisited by clicking here
The aquariusuno.com is available to any candidate that wants present his/hers views. You know the drill: the content must be not offensive, not illegal, not controversial. After all, we try to be an harmonious, transparent, solidary community.
It seems that a number owners doubt the elections and being conducted the way they should. What do you think?
Please, read carefully this proposal:
January 14, 2022
By Email, certified mail, Hand, and posting on Aquarius Blog
To: Aquarius Condominium Association Board Buck Gupta, Victor Rocha, Judith Ort, Linda Satz, Paul Finfer
Re: Demand to Postpone Election and Monitor Voting
Dear BOD Members:
We write because the upcoming election of a new Board of Directors (“BOD”) does not comply either with the Aquarius Condominium Association Amended Bylaws (“Bylaws”) or Florida law. Based on recent events, we have also lost confidence in the ability of the current BOD and Property Manager (Marie Goehl) to conduct a fair and impartial election. Accordingly, we make two demands: (i) the election must be briefly postponed; and (ii) an impartial committee must be established to collect and count ballots for the upcoming BOD election.
First, Section 2.4 of the Amended and Restated Bylaws provides that “Not less than thirty (30) days before the election, the Association shall . . . mail or deliver a second notice of the election to all unit owners entitled to vote,” which shall include a ballot, proxy, and other election materials. Here, the Second Notice of Annual Meeting/
Election of Directors and Notice of Organizational Meeting, which includes ballots and proxies, is dated December 22, 2021, which is only 27 days before the election. On its face, that breaches the Bylaws and makes the scheduled election invalid.
Moreover, this does not take into account that the election packages were likely mailed after December 22, the holiday season jam at the post office, or the logistical problems that Covid has created. The BOD has produced no affidavit of mailing. Therefore, the election must be postponed until it can be conducted in accordance with the Bylaws, leaving enough time to establish an impartial committee, as we discuss below. As a practical matter, we understand that some out-of-town owners have not even received their election packages.
Second, in light of the concerns that have been raised about the independence and fairness of the current property manager (such as the now-admitted failure to cooperate in staging a candidate forum or even respond to unit owners about that issue), under Rule 61B-23.0021(10) of the Florida Administrative Code, we request that an impartial committee be immediately established to collect and count ballots (“Committee”). Under Florida law, that Committee may not include any current BOD members or their designees. The Committee’s selection must of course be fully transparent to all unit owners.
* * *
Please confirm in writing by 9:00 a.m. ET on January 17, that you will comply with these valid and lawful requests. You should send your response to us and the entire Aquarius Association. We hope that we will not have to escalate this matter and that this can be handled cordially. Nevertheless, we reserve all rights.
Very truly yours,
/s/
Howard Jacobs and Yana Svirsky
Unit 1005 S
cc: Marie Goehl, Property Manager (by email)
Unit Owners (to the extent email addresses are available)
Some Clarification on the Aquarius ‘Meet and Greet’ Candidates event of January 11
I would like to thank all the Aquarius Board Candidates that participated in the event. Also, the level of interest of the owners in person and online was very good. At some point we had more than 50 on-line Zoom participants. The in-person numbers were also impressive despite Covid19.
It is important to mention the support from some owners that when they became aware that the Aquarius Condominium Association had denied access to the use of our ZOOM account, they came forward to purchase a license to be used exclusively for that meeting. They are: Arkady Chase, John Youssef, Leonid Blyumin and Gilbert Mellou. I am sure that if others had known about the denial to use the Zoom software that they would also come up to support.
I am impressed and very thankful with the amount of time Arkady Chase spent fine tuning the system so we could have good sound and a smooth use of ZOOM online. Last Monday January 10th we tested the system many times. All seemed well. Again, a couple of hours before, on Tuesday the 11th. Again, all seemed ship shape. During the meeting the participation of people online was hindered by sound problems. Very unfortunate. I am glad that they could at least listen to the candidates.
Misael Flores and Jibsel Aleman, our Management Office staff members deserve a special thanks. They came to help out of their generosity. They came independently from any superior order. Just out of a desire to be of assistance. No overtime pay. All voluntary work. I sincerely hope there will be no reprisal against these dedicated staff members for their work at the meet and greet night. Thank you Misael and Jibsel!
Some have asked me why the ZOOM session details have not been made public with the necessary advance notice.
We tried to get some support from Aquarius Management. Many in person visits (3 visits to be precise) to the Mgt. Office and phone calls (6 calls) found the Manager not available. Also, an email message received. Not an answer not from the Manager, but from a Board Member. More on this in the next paragraph. Finally last Friday January 7th, about 7 pm, the support offered would be just for ZOOM audio. No organizing the Cascade Room, no cleaning, just ZOOM. Some staff would give support to set the audio for the ZOOM call. The ZOOM license is owned by the Aquarius Condo Association and for its exclusive use. The justification for the denial of any support was that this was not an official Association meeting. After all, stated the Manager, people play cards in some common areas and receive no support from Management.
It is curious that when the Cascade Room was reserved, in January 3rd., it included a list of support needed that recorded in the form. Also, the Mgt. Office was very zealous in collecting a $250.00 deposit and $150.00 for rent.
A few hours later the use of the Cascade Room was approved, and the checks returned without any explanation. My assumption was that the projector, sound, microphones, WiFi and ZOOM would be provided, as ordered in the rental form, since no observation came in the approval form. To be on the safe side we wanted confirmation and details of logistics. The 6 phone calls and 3 visits to the office encountered a frustrating silence. The Manager was not available. Later on, I received an explanation. I should have specified the reason why I wanted to see the Manager and to set an appointment. All that to get a confirmation that eventually was declined.
One Board Member (name omitted to protect the guilty one) wrote me a couple of offensive messages because I was “ordering” the Manager. I am certain I did not express myself that way in the request form or in the email I sent Wednesday after the frustration with so much silence from someone that is on our payroll and could not make herself available to say “yes” or “no.” All I wanted was to assess the level of support I could get. The answer was given January 7th from a question presented January 3rd: NO. NADA, ZILCH, ZERO but the sound support to be given Monday January 10 from 4 to 5 pm.
Add to this very strange reaction from Management, the information on the candidates was made available online only on December 27 (the candidate’s information was in the office very early in the month of December) and the information that many out of town owners still did not get the voting material as of today (January 13) makes me wonder: What is going on?
Keep calm and Love Aquarius? Yes but love needs nurturing.
The author of this message asked it to be posted in our blog. Here it is:
This email requesting clarifications (with few deletions) was sent to the BOD President Mr. Gupta almost 3 months ago. We have not received not only response but even acknowledgement of this email from the BOD.
Special Assessment
Did you receive the latest engineering reports based on the Building Safety Inspection Program in accordance with the Hollywood letter dated 09/01/2021?
Are the assessment costs based on these reports?
Are the assessment costs based on guestimates or bids? I assume they are based on guestimates, please correct me if I am wrong. Do you have scope of work for all items?
What is included in the $50k beach access door & ramp, $50k steel doors (are they special watertight doors?) and how is $50k each calculated?
How many square feet are the (2) roofs (I assume it is for both buildings) and why the price is increased $155k from the previous price?
What is the scope of work for the column repair and how is $200k calculated?
Contingency in construction is a certain percentage of the total cost. How this contingency is calculated?
Please explain why people who will pay entire assessment lump sum by 12/01 have to pay for the $2.5 mil. loan interest (5%).
Please provide a breakdown of overages and how they are calculated.
If all pricing is based on guestimates why we have to finalize it by December? After we receive bids from bidders the special assessment total price could be completely different and some people have to get another loan? Does it make any sense?
Could you create a site where all current and future scope of work and bidding information will be posted and updated to keep it transparent? If not, could you provide this information to us?
2022 Budget
Utilities. Have other providers besides Comcast been contacted and can we get their quotes?
Contract services. Need more explanations and bids from different contractors rather than accept existing contractors increased contracts.
Insurance. Our current agent increased $83,323 pricing. Why don’t we get bids from other insurance providers?
Reserve income $675k. I understand it was rejected and we also would reject it.
Cable income. How we get this income and who provides it?
Valet services in the amount of $130k. Why is it such a huge amount? And our valet income is $6k only, we need explanation of this. This item is missed in the variance column and the contract services total is misleading credit of ($35,372) in lieu of additional amount of $94.628.
Shots Fired across the street from Aquarius Jan/04/22
It seems that the investigation is in progress. These news may be not the most accurate report of what is going on.
Suspect arrested, charged after man injured in Hollywood’s South Ocean Dr. shooting
BY OMAR RODRÍGUEZ ORTIZ, UPDATED JANUARY 06, 2022 3:16 PM
UPDATE: Hollywood police arrested Romaine Kelly, 20. He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony after a man was shot in the 2700 block of South Ocean Drive in Hollywood on Tuesday afternoon, Hollywood police spokeswoman Deanna Bettineschi said via email on Thursday.
ORIGINAL STORY: Hollywood police are investigating after a person was shot during an altercation in the 2700 block of South Ocean Drive on Tuesday afternoon. The individual shot was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Hollywood police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said via email. TOP VIDEOS
“There are no outstanding suspects,” Bettineschi said. At approximately 3 p.m., Hollywood cops responded to a possible shooting. A preliminary investigation revealed that the two individuals involved in the altercation knew each other.
Hollywood police did not immediately provide the names of the individuals involved.
Argument between 2 people leads to shooting in Hollywood
Police in Broward County responded to reports of a shooting on Tuesday afternoon.
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Police in Broward County responded to reports of a shooting on Tuesday afternoon.
The scene unfolded along South Ocean Drive near Magnolia Terrace in Hollywood.
Investigators said two people who knew each other got into an argument.
Somehow, it escalated to the point where one of them was shot.
The victim was rushed to a Memorial Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said they are not searching for any suspects but did not announce any arrests.
The investigation is ongoing.
Ivan Borowski would like to share his concern with the Aquarius Community. Here is his message:
I am not sure why a board member shared all our personal email addresses last weekend. That seems irresponsible and disconcerting. I would appreciate it if the board would address the allegations. The email we received says “the board would happily answer the false allegations and mistruths in the cowardly letter surreptitiously placed under our door, had it been signed”. So please put us at peace and respond.
What is even more scary than the board’s alleged fiduciary improprieties is that yesterday our valet guy shot our security guard on our property. Both valet and security had guns shooting at each other. For months there has been internal fighting between valet and security. This fighting has occurred under the current property management company watch. We should immediately review our contract and look to go out to bid for a new management company. Our safety should be their priority. Again, our valet guy shot our security guard on our property under the management companies watch. It is irresponsible to say there is “no ongoing threat”. What if a friend of the valet guy comes to our property to get more revenge? Why do people working on premise have guns? Have you ever seen how we let anyone on property if they are going to our restaurant? I recommend that in the next 90 days we hire a police officer to protect our property and our families and do a complete security/risk review. As residents we should take control of this situation for our safety. I personally do not have faith in our management companies abilities. This is serious stuff! Do not let anyone minimize that which is what is happening.
* These candidates intend to participate presenting their positions to the community.
The quality of some pictures are not good. Candidates are encouraged to send better pictures to be posted.
Leon Behar, 1404S
My wife Rita and I moved to Aquarius in December 2020, after living in North Miami Beach for 34 years. I am a medical doctor and formerly operated a network of clinics in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. I also served as medical director for insurance companies in Florida. I have been involved with a Condo Board in Israel for the past 15 years.
I would like to use my management skills for the benefit of the Aquarius Board of Directors.
I would appreciate the opportunity to become a board member and I pledge to represent the unit owners with honesty and integrity to promote the needs of Aquarius.
Leon Behar (1404S)
Zinaida (Zina) Bluband. 902N
My husband and I have been residents of the Aquarius since January of 2013. In December of 1974, my family immigrated to the USA, settling in Minneapolis Minnesota. My education is in Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I worked as a Design engineer for two privately held companies involved in the in the design and development of material and air handling equipment for special applications including but not limited to mines and nuclear plants for 10 years. During those years, I was the owner and the president of Sir Speedy Franchise printing operations, business that we sold in 1986 for me to dedicate my career to the Mechanical Engineering that I loved. From 1986 to the 20081 had the privilege of working as a Valuation Engineer for the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. My responsibility was to provide professional and accurate development of technical issues related to Fortune 500 companies’ corporate returns as well as efficient and effective resolutions to more complex engineering and valuation issues. I held a certified general appraiser license that is the highest level of licensing allowing licensee to appraise all types of property with no value limit for federally related transactions. I completed numerous continued professional education classes on valuation of special purpose properties, historical properties, manufacturing facilities, intangible properties such as software and patents, building inspection, financial accounting, etc…
As an appraiser I provided Valuation assistance, including appraisal of tangible property, valuation of a business interest, stocks, or intangible property to Appeals, Counsel, and the U. S. Department of Justice and prepared engineering expert reports for the Courts.
As engineering member of Issue Team, I was responsible for performing risk analysis, holding issue discussions with the corporate officers, corporate attorneys and accountants and to resolve issues if possible or support alternative issue resolution.
I was the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Bay hill Condominiums, Minnetonka, Minnesota until 2012, when we sold the property and moved permanently to Florida. In the capacity of Treasurer, I was fully responsible for reviewing financial reports of condo association and preparing annual budgets that were based on historical performances and future anticipated expenditures. The Aquarius is the only home my husband and I have. We are full time residents of the Aquarius and will remain as such for the foreseeable future. After moving to the Aquarius, In January 2013, I have been a member of the Budget committee, Social committee, Co-chair of beatification committee, Co-chair and the Chair of the Construction committee during the 40-Year certification project
I discovered a long time ago that running for the Board of Directors in the condo association is not a popularity contest I will not promise “no increases in the maintenance fees. Maintenance fees more than likely will need to be adjusted to accommodate the inflation that happens every year and to compensate for the increases in costs of material, labor and produce. I will not promise “no new special assessment’. After all, Aquarius has no reserves and any material replacement of the building component will require financing. I wish for the Aquarius owners to have the option to approve only partial funding of the reserves to cover deferred maintenance cost of the items with the replacement cost that exceeds $10,000. While the Aquarius property underwent extensive renovation during 40-year certification and is in much better shape today than it was 7 years ago, the fact remains that the Aquarius is 48-year-old property. In 2023 Aquarius will have to go through a 10-year 48-year-old. Although there was a tremendous amount of work done, the continued reoccurring maintenance could make 2023 recertification less financially painful. I have no personal agenda, and would like to assure all residents that I take fiduciary obligations of the Board very seriously and will do my best to make sure that the Aquarius is kept in proper operating conditions to ensure the safety and pleasure of the owners that invested significant amounts of money to keep their home up to date.
Paul Finfer, 702S
Education:
BS in Business Administration,1960, with honors, majoring in Accounting and Finance
JD degree in 1963; Admitted to the Bar in NY State that same year
Aquarius Experience:
My wife and I purchased our apartment in 1995 and became full-time residents in 2003.
Since 2004, I have had the honor of being elected to the Board eight times. I served as president for four years, VP one year, and for the last three years, as member at large.
During my first year as president, we were advised that the Trump Organization had purchased the land immediately North of us, land which had previously belonged to Aquarius. That land was sold years before to a company which then built a three-story motel. Upon reviewing the original sales documents, I noticed that the land was sold subject to a covenant that no building higher than three stories could be built upon it. We then filed a lawsuit against the Trump Organization and settled for 4.1 million dollars. Those funds were used to improve our buildings and to keep maintenance low.
The current board has successfully repaired, beautified and modernized our buildings through hard work and cohesiveness. It has been very rewarding to be a part of this winning team for the past three years. With your support, I hope to continue using my experience and expertise for the benefit of our association.
Sincerely,
Paul Finfer
Elzbieta Jankowska Fishman, 1104S
Married to Oleg Fishman
Purchased apartment and became fulltime resident in 2020
Qualifications
Full time resident of Aquarius Condominium
Expertise In organizational skills including 25+ years of managing a large Manufacturer and Production in Poland and running distribution & logistics centers in the broader US
Expertise in managing multiple commercial and residential properties
Extensive experience in successfully creating and operating large manufacturer and real estate budgets
Extensive skills in negotiating & managing contracts with large retailers and manufacturers, such as Costco
Wholesale Worldwide, Burlington Coat Factory, TJX Companies, Crate& Barrel, etc.
Extensive expertise In Engineering Design
Great Communication and interpersonal skills
Extensive Budget and Contract Negotiation skills
Multi-Tasking skills
Multilingual: English, Polish, Russian
BS in Engineering of Science & MBA In Management and Economics — 2002 – University of Science & Technology—Krakow, Poland
Being the owner of a large Manufacturer and Production corporation, I would like to dedicate years of my knowledge and expertise in Engineering Budget Management and Contract Negotiation— to benefit the future of Aquarius Condominium. I believe that my extensive opulence in managing a group of employees at different levels and dealing with various issues can successfully contribute to a bright and prosperous future of Aquarius Condominium, as well as bring our community together and make It a better home for all our residents.
Hobbies and Interests Business and Economics Product Design Reading Culture & Arts Cooking
BHAGWAN (BUCK) GUPTA, S-804
Born In India, I came to the United States in 1961 to pursue advanced study by attaining M.B.A. and a Ph.D.
Taught Business courses at college level. Served as Chief Facilities Officer at Miami-Dade Public Schools. I oversaw projects ranging from $200,000 for renovations, to building brand new High Schools, Middle Schools, & Elementary Schools under a Bond Issue passed by voters for 1.3 billion dollars. With Annual external Audits completed each year, there was not a single incident where any questions were raised relative to misappropriation and/or mismanagement under my jurisdiction.
My wife and I decided to downsize our home in Coral Gables and elected to purchase a unit at Aquarius with the belief that this property has lot of potential based on its location. However, we must pull it together to achieve common goal. If elected, I will take my role at the Board seriously to represent all unit
Owners and not be concerned with trying to please everyone.
The current Board has completed 40 years recertification for Aquarius. Most recent projects completed were total Hallway renovation, Elevator modernization and completion of many amenities. The current challenges we face is to finish outstanding projects listed as part of the newly approved Assessment in 2021.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at bgupta1@yahoo.corn. tel.: 786-402 4269
December 14, 2021
Kiet Ngo, 1801N
I am honored to run for a director role on the Aquarius Board of Directors.
My wife, Mindy, son, Mikal and I moved to Aquarius during the 40-year certification early 2018 and are year-round residents. We bought and fully renovated our home with the vision most Aquarius homeowners have…that is Aquarius is a hidden gem and now that gem is shining brightly. We love everything here, from the building to the people.
I am currently the Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture and Integration for the largest homebuilder in the nation. Formerly before that, I was an IT Executive for a Fortune 500 company and have worked in the information Technology space for over 20+ years mostly in the State of Florida. I’m responsible for millions of operational dollars a year and lead projects that range anywhere from thousands to multiple million-dollar budgets. I also have experience as a Director on a Homeowners Association Board of Directors in Orlando, FL. in the early 2000s. The reason I bring up my experience is not only to show my background as a leader and a contributor, but I take my responsibilities and my ability to lead delivery of projects very seriously.
The main platform I am running on is financial thoughtfulness as we provide enhancements and ongoing maintenance while ensuring that Aquarius continues to not only be our loved home but also our growing investment. I will provide a new perspective along with experience around collaboration, communication, and accountability. We need to know our numbers and work not only with our property managers but the many different trades to provide more accurate quotes and timelines. We need to hear what our fellow neighbors are concerned about and provide feedback. We also need to make sure we’re working together and being held accountable towards delivering the same shared vision and goals for Aquarius. I want to do this and with your support, I would love the opportunity to be on this Board of Directors to continue making Aquarius the GEM it really is.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kiet Ngo, 1801N
JUDITH ORT, 1605N
PERSONAL
U. S. Citizen, immigrated from Budapest, Hungary in 1956. Went to American University in Washington, D. C., where I met my husband of 53 years, Victor M. art_ I have two children and five grandchildren. We have owned our home and resided on Centre Island, Oyster Bay, New York since 1970. In addition, we owned a home on Prince Edward Island, Canada for over 35 years. Prior to moving to Aquarius, we owned in the Hallandale Beach/Hollywood Beach area since 1972.
COMMUNITY AND CIVIC SERVICE
I have been active in the Centre Island Association for many years and currently serve and have been a member of the Architectural Review Board and the Planning Board of the Village of Centre Island for the past 11 years. As a Board member, I am charged with reading blue prints, building plans, and site plans and approving and improving upon plans for subdivisions, additions and new construction in the Village. In addition, I work with the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, the Department of Environmental Control, Army Corps of Engineers and the State of New York. I have served on the Aquarius Board of Directors since 2016.
I was actively involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America for over fifteen years including serving as a Director and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Oyster Bay/East Norwich Chapter. In addition, I am involved with and support many worthwhile charities.
PROFESSIONAL
Upon graduation I became pamphlet editor for the Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai Frith both in New York City and in Boston, Mass.
In 1972 I began Stonlinpex, Inc. a constructor/ installer and import-exporter of stone, marble and tile. It became one of the first certified women owned business enterprises in the State of New York (MWBE). In 1984 I began Stonimpex Gallery as a wholly owned subsidiary. I closed both businesses in 2003 when I retired.
From 1981 to 1995 I worked in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York in Westbury, Long Island.
GOALS
I want to continue to keep our Aquarius Condominium the absolute best it can possibly be. I am thankful the 40-year certification is completed and I want to continue to augment the value of each and every Aquarius unit in the most economically viable way. I will utilize my many years of experience in negotiating contracts and in running a successful business to best accomplish this goal.
Victor Edward Rocha, 1404N
I have been a resident of South Florida since 1965 and I have seen it grow from a small town to a huge metropolis in one of the most beautiful, desirable areas in the world. I have practiced law here since 1983.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community through the 40-year Re-Certification Process and the follow up regarding the project. I hope and I trust that the vast majority of our Aquarius community is pleased with the outcome of the work that has been done so far and I look forward to working on the projects that still remain, such as the new root new stairway to the beach and others. The hallways were completed and they look fabulous. The value of our property here at Aquarius has gone up significantly. This Board has been successful not only in accomplishing what we set out to do but also in developing a great and open relationship between the Board and the residents of the Aquarius Condominium Association. We have been exceedingly transparent in everything that we do and we publish every new expense that we incur for repairs at every Board Meeting. I believe that Aquarius has returned to its place as a pleasing„ Luxury, Ocean-Front Property as it was always meant to be.
In my time on the Aquarius Board of Directors, it has indeed been a pleasure to work hard and to serve the people of the Aquarius to the best of my ability. This experience has helped this Board to make the very important decisions that have to be made on a daily basis here at Aquarius. Thank you for your prior support and I trust that I have lived up to your expectations. I am very proud of the work this Board has done, especially with respect to the 40-year re-certification project.
Finally, I would like to welcome all of our new owners and residents to Aquarius. We have worked hard to make Aquarius a pleasing destination and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed improving not only the property but the atmosphere here at Aquarius.
Thank you for the kind way in which you have treated me here at Aquarius. I cannot even believe how many wonderful, bright, happy and kind people I have met here. I look forward to your continued support.
Sincerely
Victor Rocha
Linda Satz, 1108N
Married to Robert Satz
Current Board of Director 2015 — 2021.
Full time resident of Aquarius;
Expertise in organizational skill; Including 20+ years volunteer manager in a hospital.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor of Arts
Master of Science in Education
President of ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation and
Training)
President of PTA.
Dear Unit Owners,
It has been an honor and privilege to be elected to the Aquarius Board of Directors. I have spent countless hours with the other board members assuring that our Contractors were diligently working on the jobs assigned to them. Our President, Mr. Bhagwan Gupta, has continuously gone outside every day at 5 AM to check on their progress and ensure the job is getting done. We can all appreciate the successful transformation this building has gone through. Although we have had to endure the endless noise, dust, and Inconvenience due to the construction, it has been worth it because we can see the beautiful results.
I am most happy about the coming together of unit owners as a community. There is peace and harmony, people are smiling and we talk to each other. That is a gift to be treasured.
I thank you for your confidence and faith in me that I can do the job. I am pleased to run again and ask for your vote.
Respectfully,
Linda Satz
Mark Zeitser, 203S & 301N
Hello fellow owners,
My name is Mark Zeitser and I am running this year for your board of directors here at Aquarius, where if I am voted in, I plan on being a proxy for you.
I have been an owner here at Aquarius since 2015, where I have split time between working here in Florida and back in my original home of Brooklyn, NY I finally made Florida my full-time home since 2020 and am looking forward to a bright future for our property.
I possess several bachelor degrees from Brooklyn College, both in Business and Psychology, which has served me well for my own companies, which entail and focus primarily on property management and development, as well as financial management. I am also a trained paralegal and was also trained as an EMT at one time back in New York. I believe my experience would be an asset to the Association and my neighbors.
If elected I plan on operating with full transparency and regard for my fellow owners, welcoming questions and meetings with any other fellow owner to discuss their concerns. I will have my personal number and email available to all owners. I will spend the time leading up to election in the lobby and meeting rooms for whoever would hie to meet with me. Come and say hello! I want to give Aquarius back to its owners. I can only do that with your vote
Eugenia Volchek, Third Note, Financial Matters of Aquarius
Dear Proud Owners,
Let me present myself. I have been living in Aquarius for 12 years. I am a retiree with the following background: accounting, computer programming, real-estate sales. I also served on two different condominium boards. I am expecting any our discussions and opinions.
I would like all of you to be aware of some financial facts:
Aquarius board and management deliberately misrepresented the amount of debt (5,3 million) they put the community in. Actually, today the condominium owes 10 million to Bank of Popular. This amount includes 7.5 million unpaid 2017 credit line and a newly opened 2019 credit line for 2.5 million.
Hopefully, 7.5 million will be paid off by the owners currently paying monthly for future 15 years. 2019 additional credit line was taken to cover 2017 assessment overspending. This credit line has not been billed to unit owners and now it is included in 2021 new Special Assessment (SA). In the meantime, interest payments required by the bank have been made from our annual budget.
This action does not seem to be legal according to Florida Statute 718 (Condominium Law). The Law does not allow commingling Special Assessment and Budget funds. Nevertheless, our authoritarian board and management do not care about Condominium Law compliance. Therefore, they originally wanted to include Reserves into 2021 new SA, ignoring the law of reserves. But they have been stopped by unit owners.
New Project estimation increased in every publication from 2,1million to 2.5 million.
There is an ‘Overages’ amount of 2.6 million in the new 2021 SA. Neither board nor management can explain this item. Is this amount covers waste of money in previous years, or this is a fund for future undefined spending?
It looks to me, the board again uses the failed approach: asking unit owners to pay the SA in-full (without interest). Instead of repaying the loan, they may use the pool of collected cash to produce a new debt.
I am honored and thrilled to announce that I have been selected among the top 5 applicants who participated in professional and the most-respected exam which evaluates the skills and ability to operate fuel-based vehicles. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds, and I cannot express my appreciation to the ministry of transportation, Wendy’s, Google, NASA, my neighbors who supported me during this difficult journey.
You are having a quiet and nice lunch at La Guerite, Cannes and then… …. surprise!
Cold Heart
Lyrics:
It’s a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation’s strong
Cold, cold heart
Hardened by you (oh)
Some things lookin’ better, baby
Just passin’ through (no, no, no, no, no)
And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time
‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no
And this is what I should have said
Well I thought it, but I kept it hid
Cold, cold heart
Hardened by you (oh)
Some things lookin’ better, baby
Just passin’ through (no, no, no, no, no)
And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time
‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no (no, no, no, no, no)
And this is what I should have said
Well I thought it, but I kept it hid
Cold, cold heart (oh)
Hardened by you
Some things lookin’ better, baby (oh)
Just passin’ through (no no, no, no, no)
And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time
‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no (no, no, no, no, no)
And this is what I should have said (and I think it’s gonna be a long, long time)
(‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find)
Well I thought it, but I kept it hid (I’m not the man they think I am at home)
(Oh no, no, no) (no, no, no, no, no)
Sugar (oh)
Sugar
Sugar (oh)
Sugar
(No, no, no, no, no)
A final word on the use of the Aquarius Zoom license
If, for reason of argumentation, there were a real concern with the possibility of breaching the ZOOM security, something impossible, the meeting could have been conducted by the Management Office hosting the meeting and preventing the absurd, not true, fallacious, flawed hypothesis of a security breach.
Elzbieta (Ella) Jankowska Fishman, 1104S
Cracks on the balconies, problems with pool heater, uneven pavers next to the pools, rusted showers next to swimming pools, elevators constantly out of service, east ocean wall cracks, cracks in flower beds next to east pool, peeling paint from the outside walls. These issues will cost water intrusion inside the buildings.
Postpone the Aquarius Elections? January 2022
Some Clarification on the Aquarius ‘Meet and Greet’ Candidates event of January 11
Information asked to the Board of Aquarius
Suspect arrested, charged after man injured in Hollywood’s South Ocean Dr. shooting 
Argument between 2 people leads to shooting in Hollywood
Daily Bulletin
Aquarius Board Elections 2022
On Tuesday January 11 there will be a ‘Meet and Greet’ with candidates. It will in the Cascade Room at 6:30. Zoom (online) participation available.
My husband and I have been residents of the Aquarius since January of 2013. In December of 1974, my family immigrated to the USA, settling in Minneapolis Minnesota. My education is in Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I worked as a Design engineer for two privately held companies involved in the in the design and development of material and air handling equipment for special applications including but not limited to mines and nuclear plants for 10 years. During those years, I was the owner and the president of Sir Speedy Franchise printing operations, business that we sold in 1986 for me to dedicate my career to the Mechanical Engineering that I loved. From 1986 to the 20081 had the privilege of working as a Valuation Engineer for the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. My responsibility was to provide professional and accurate development of technical issues related to Fortune 500 companies’ corporate returns as well as efficient and effective resolutions to more complex engineering and valuation issues. I held a certified general appraiser license that is the highest level of licensing allowing licensee to appraise all types of property with no value limit for federally related transactions. I completed numerous continued professional education classes on valuation of special purpose properties, historical properties, manufacturing facilities, intangible properties such as software and patents, building inspection, financial accounting, etc…
Education: 
Married to Oleg Fishman
Born In India, I came to the United States in 1961 to pursue advanced study by attaining M.B.A. and a Ph.D.
I am honored to run for a director role on the Aquarius Board of Directors.
U. S. Citizen, immigrated from Budapest, Hungary in 1956. Went to American University in Washington, D. C., where I met my husband of 53 years, Victor M. art_ I have two children and five grandchildren. We have owned our home and resided on Centre Island, Oyster Bay, New York since 1970. In addition, we owned a home on Prince Edward Island, Canada for over 35 years. Prior to moving to Aquarius, we owned in the Hallandale Beach/Hollywood Beach area since 1972.
I have been a resident of South Florida since 1965 and I have seen it grow from a small town to a huge metropolis in one of the most beautiful, desirable areas in the world. I have practiced law here since 1983.
Married to Robert Satz 
Eugenia Volchek, Third Note, Financial Matters of Aquarius
Let me present myself. I have been living in Aquarius for 12 years. I am a retiree with the following background: accounting, computer programming, real-estate sales. I also served on two different condominium boards. I am expecting any our discussions and opinions.
I am honored and thrilled to announce that I have been selected among the top 5 applicants who participated in professional and the most-respected exam which evaluates the skills and ability to operate fuel-based vehicles. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds, and I cannot express my appreciation to the ministry of transportation, Wendy’s, Google, NASA, my neighbors who supported me during this difficult journey.
Downtown Hollywood activities this Saturday October 16th
Aquarius Condominium, Hollywood Florida 