Aquarius Condominium President’s Progress Report

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

LOGO LADYAquarius Condominium President’s Progress Report

Hollywood, Florida, February 6, 2015

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

As a follow up to my previous commitment, this is the first of many updates relative to our construction projects.

After receiving the approval for framing, the contractor has started closing the ceiling in the lobby. The insulation in the wall cavity is the next step. Once insulation has been completed, the walls will be closed with sheet rock and an inspection will be requested for rough installation. Once approved, the taping, floating, and necessary finishes will be applied.

The plumbing in the bathrooms, located in the lobby area, has been modified to meet code requirements and is awaiting re-inspection which has been scheduled for Monday. At this time, I can safely report that we are finally bringing our projects on track to be finished in a timely manner.

Yesterday, the A/C ductwork was inspected and approved. Now, we can start closing and getting it ready for installation of finished products.

By the end of next week, you should be able to observe a marked improvement in closing out the long lingering projects.

The bids for landscaping and electrical work in the Valet Deck will be awarded this week to complete the work towards meeting the permit requirement. The contractor is currently working on correcting the slope in installation of the pavers as required by our drawings approved by the City of Hollywood. The famous expansion joint material will be arriving next week along with a representative to supervise proper installation. Hopefully, we can look forward to finally making a punch list for the final close out of this project.

Looking forward to bringing these projects to a close ASAP.

Your neighbor, Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta
 President of the Board of Directors of the Aquarius Condominium Association

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Four-tower Golf Course Project Wins Approval – Hallandale

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

LOGO SILHOUETTEFour-tower golf course project wins approval

By Susannah Bryan Staff writer                  from Sun Sentinel February 5, 2016

   HALLANDALE BEACH   — Four high-rise towers — two standing 30 stories — would bring the Diplomat golf resort back to its former glory, the project’s developer told commissioners late Wednesday.  

City officials agreed, unanimously approving the sprawling $450 million project and granting the developer permission to exceed the neighborhood’s 10-story height limit. Ambitious plans call for a redesigned golf course and marina, renovation of the existing 60-room hotel and an updated tennis center.  

The developer plans to return to City Hall on March 2 for a second and final hearing. The project does not require county or state approval, so city officials have the final say.  

Hollywood’s Louis Bird-man and Mike Meyers, along with Nate Sirang of California-based Concord Wilshire Companies, bought the 104-acre resort for $20 million in 2014.   Their project calls for one 30-story condo tower; three hotel-condo towers that would stand 30, 24 and 20 stories; and four two-story homes.  

The condo tower would have 250 units and be built on 5 acres on the southeastern edge of the 18-hole golf course at 501 Diplomat Parkway. The three condo-hotels would have 938 Diplomat maprooms altogether: 374 rooms in Tower 200, 312 rooms in Tower 300 and 252 rooms in Tower 400.   Each high-rise would have its own five-story parking garage.  

Construction would start this fall.  

All four towers would be completed by 2022 and generate an estimated $10 million in annual property taxes, with $2 million a year going to Hallandale Beach.  

Fans say the project will bring new life to the underused golf course, boost property values and add 600 permanent jobs to the region.  

Critics have griped the project would overburden already-crowded streets.  

Resident James Theckston told commissioners during the five hour debate that he doesn’t care “if the place turns into Manhattan,” but urged them to address the city’s traffic problem.  

2016 02 05 DiplomatTraffic consultants say the development will generate an estimated 7,600 daily trips, but won’t make traffic significantly worse than it is now.   Still, the size of the project has attracted the attention of Hollywood officials.  

Hollywood City Manager Wazir Ishmael told his commission bosses earlier Wednesday that he plans to ask Hallandale Beach to review the project’s compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.  

Ishmael said he plans to meet with the developers and their attorneys to make sure Hollywood residents are not negatively affected as the development moves forward.   “We are not looking to block [the project],” Ishmael said. “We just want to make sure residents’ needs are taken care of.”

sbryan@sunsentinel.com   or 954-356-4554

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Kuroshio Sea – 2nd Largest Aquarium Tank in the World

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

LOGO BLUE

Kuroshio Sea – 2nd Largest Aquarium Tank in the World

It is so pleasant… It is so peaceful… You must see it        4 minutes,  for more enjoyment go full screen

Video by Jon Rawlinson (2009)  at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the Kuroshio Sea.

Music ‘Please don’t go’ by Barcelona

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Some News from Aquarius – February 2016

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

LOGO LOVESome News from Aquarius – February 2016

 

This week of Feb 1st.  BOD members had a few meetings and or received documents with the purpose to advance projects under way:

– Preliminary Calendar (January and February) from VMECH on the Air Conditioning project. Documentation has been submitted to the City of Hollywood to obtains work permits. Check the Calendar HERE

– Maurices Gray Associates and United Architects building tour with the purpose to obtain an Aquarius general assessment for 40 year Recertification.

– OAK Group (Jeff) discussing details of Lobby reconstruction project. Work on ceiling, bathrooms. Most of the work to be completed in a few weeks.

– Santa Barbara Nursery: Plants in the Valet Deck. This landscape treatment is required by City of Hollywood.

– Tau Beta Pi: discussing details of Valet and West side of Garage electrical installation.

– Friday regular construction meeting. Also in the planed meeting with Interior Designer Nadine to establish a  work schedule for final stages of Lobby and adjacent areas.

– Efforts to hire a second staff for Management Office underway relieving Pam I. and Linda S. of heroic effort being performed for so many months.

– Temporary installation of old  microphones and receiver with the invaluable help to Arkady Chase at the Cascade Room – done

– Organization of Commitees underway. Many slots available on Finance, Legal, Grievance, Maintenance, Information Technology  Committees. Construction and Social Committees have already got all members needed.

  • Next week, Tuesday Feb 9, 10 am, discussion with Tau Beta Pi looking for improving the Sound Systems proposal for Cascade Room and Lobby.

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Jan. and February Schedule for Aquarius Central HVAC Project Renewal 2016

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

LOGO AJan. and February Schedule for Aquarius Central HVAC Project Renewal    2016.

This is a short-term calendar for the roof HVAC.  Bill Colleman (A & P) asked VMECH to add projection date for delivery and all other projected dates.
As soon this information is available it will be shared.

January  2016
7   Th Contract signature with Board members.
PO sent to Air Source Corp requesting submittals.
8   F Contract support documents sent to William Colleman. (Contract, Plans, initial quote).
14 Th Submittals where received.
15 F Kick-off meeting with building, engineer and contractor.
18 M Submittals revision by Engineer with comments received.
19 T Mechanicals Plans submitted to city of Hollywood.
20 W Meeting between VMECH and Air Source to discuss engineer submittals comments.
City of Hollywood comments to plans.
25 M Meeting in AHÍ Expo with Engineer, Air Source and VMECH to conclude control sequence and functioning of unit.
29 F Meeting with City of Hollywood inspector Peter Micale.

February  2016
1st. M After city of Hollywood approval, units release for production will be sent.
Invoice for 50% initial payment as on contract.
3    W Evaluation wth VMECH for installation of Shut-off valves on condenser water pipes prior to main installation.
4   Th After release for production, as on build submittals and specifications will be made by factory.  Lead time will be informed.
8   M Meeting with Air Source to determine capability to disassemble units for parts lifting without crane to roof top.
10  W Permit fee payment and permit picking up in city of Hollywood.
24   W Installation of shut-off valves if possible on condenser water pipes.

Luis Vesga, ME,   Project Manager

VMECH Inc. | Mechanical Contractors CMC # 1250199
16841 SW 49th Ct. Miramar, FL. 33027 | Website: www.vmechac.com
Off + 1 954 639 7991 + I  Cel + 1 305 922 5663 | fax + 1 305 357 6985
luis.vesga@vmechac.com

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Aquarius Board of Directors Meeting of January 29, 2016

Posted on January 30, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

AQUARIUS-3D logoAquarius Board of Directors Meeting

January 29, 2016, 2:05 pm Cascade Room

Present: President – Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta, Vice President Cecilio Augusto Berndsen,  Secretary – Linda Satz, Treasurer – Victor Rocha,  Director – Sofia Ferenberg, also present  David Slavin,  A & P Management Aquarius Manager,  Bill Coleman, Regional Manager, A & P Management. A large group of unit owners.

Meeting called to order 2:05 p.m. by Bhagwan Gupta. All board members were present. Notices timely posted,. Quorum met.

Bill Coleman reviewed the financial overview (see attached). Cannot make up a 2015 deficit because the year has ended, there are variances in 2016, hopefully. The plan for 2016 will level things out.

Anything that changes in reference to increased maintenance charges are for the Board to decide. The board does not intend for a deficit to be continued for new expenses in 2016.

CSI, Construction firm for West Deck and Valet Deck,  had a completion date in Dec., 2015. Every change signed by previous Board extended the completion date, CDT has 345 days left for completion. The Valet Deck will be open in approximately 30-45 days.

Cecilio Berndsen wants a list of what is to be completed which he would like Bill Coleman to have by the end of this week. Forensic audit bill will be reported on by Feb. 8,

Bhagwan Gupta advised committee reports will be given to the Board for their consideration.

We will walk  through with CSI at Valet deck for items to be considered in construction projects.

The mechanical and the cameras low voltage wires have been approved.

Once the plumbing is passed for bathrooms sheetrock will be started.

Bhagwan Gupta will start making a list of the days that the lobby work is not being worked on, and hold Oak Group (Jeff) responsible. Cecilio advised there is still the decorating to do after that.

Project Updates from David Slavin: expansion joints, bumpers, landscaping. Bill Coleman added Santa Barbara Nursery will provide plants and was recommended by Landscape Architect.

West pool plantings have to be addressed, liability is shared between the board and landscaper.

Bill advised the Valet Deck to be opened by the end of February, and the sound system to be resolved.

The air conditioning isolation valve will be installed within 2 weeks, they are doing it now so it won’t have to be done when the weather is hot in May.

On Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. there will be a walk around of the building to overview the scope of work that has to be done for the 40 year certification. We will have a report within 30-60 days.

Bill Coleman advised the Board to pick a contractor that they like, see the price quote and then negotiate.

The pedestrian gate to be completed next week.

The bathrooms in the gym are to be renovated within 30-60 days because they are leaking into the Green Room also, the showers and sauna must be done, that would be a separate project.

Bill stated the 40 yr. certification includes; structural, electrical, illumination and safety. This does not mean that everything has to be brought up to code: THERE WILL BE NO NEW ASSESSMENTS UNTIL 2017 AFTER ALL OTHER ASSESSMENTS HAVE BEEN PAID.

Victor Rocha is handling the security camera project. Wires have already been run for 45 cameras, we need them for safety reasons. The cameras are not a material alteration they are a safety issue.

Motion: Bhagwan Gupta wants the cameras installed: Victor Rocha seconded the motion: Vote was 4 I, Sophia Ferenberg voted against.

Bathrooms Men’s bathrooms going from 3 to 2 stalls, in agreement, can get bids.

Motion: Bhagwan Gupta, Santa Barbara Nursery for landscaping, Linda Satz, seconded, all agreed.

Motion: Cecilio Berndsen, irrigation should be handled by Santa Barbara Nursery for landscaping, Linda Satz, seconded, all agreed.

Motion: Bhagwan Gupta, Lighting, Cecilio Berndsen, seconded, all agreed.

Motion: Bhagwan Gupta, additional office staff, 30 hours per week (9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, Linda Satz, seconded, all agreed.

Motion: Cecilio Berndsen, The Procurement Process should be as follows:  All competitive procurement procedures are to be announced to the owners before the bidding takes place so that a competitive bidding process can be established with a time limitation. This will be shared with the owners (see attached); Linda Satz seconded, all agreed.

Adjournment of Meeting: 3:30 p.m.

Signed: Linda Satz, Board Director Secretary

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Aquarius Board of Directors Meeting of January 22, 2016 –

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Logo black no lineAquarius Condominium Board of Directors Organizational Meeting

January 22, 2016 at 2 p.m. Cascade Room

 

Present: Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta — President,  Cecilio Bemdsen — Vice President, Victor Rocha — Treasurer, Linda Satz — Secretary, Sofia Ferenberg — Director, David Slavin  A&P Mgt., Bill Coleman A&P Mgt.,  a large group of owners.

Meeting called to order by Bill Coleman at 2:04 pm. Notice posted 48 hours prior. Quorum met.

Bill Coleman 1) outlined responsibilities of the Board Members; and 2) various methods of answering questions from the membership.

Cecilio Berndsen — motion for Buck Gupta for President, second Linda. Satz, Victor Rocha — motion for Cecilio Berndsen for Vice President, second by Buck Gupta Linda Satz — nominated Victor Rocha for Treasurer, second by Buck GuptaVictor Rocha — nominated Linda Satz for Secretary, second by Cecilio Berndsen.

Buck Gupta proposed every third Thursday of the month for Board Meeting between 6 & 7 p.m.

Bill Coleman stated that we need a Board Meeting next week for the irrigation, landscaping and electrical for the valet deck. Packet will be prepared by management prior to meeting. Management wants a proposed agenda one week before the Board Meeting.

Financial for the year will be completed by the end of the month. An audit must be completed by April 30.

Cecilio Berndsen and Sofia Ferenburg will approve invoices. Two signatures required to sign checks. Cecilio wants Victor Rocha to review checks signed by Cecilio and Sofia.

Next Board Meeting scheduled for January 28, 2016

Vice-President Berndsen wants to have a list of committees for people to sign up. Management and Victor Rocha will handle legal affairs.

Lawsuit alleging practicing law without a license, filed by Sofia F., Ilya G, Boris E. and Eugenia V. against Andrew Surdoval should be rescinded. Victor Rocha stated that signing an affidavit prepared by an attorney is not practicing law and the new Board will rescind it.

No Board members (except 2) may get together to discuss condominium business — only at formal Board Meeting.

Any new amendments to our condominium documents must be recorded with the City. Current problems: parking spaces.

Cecilio Berndsen wants a list of how much money was spent, for what, and how much money remains. He wants unit owners to know.

Question — how are financials managed and/or are they lumped together? Special assessments must be spent for that specific item.

Bill Coleman — documentation — charged — receivable, collected, projected, variance; Cecilio wants funded and actual.

Victor Rocha spoke of security concerns about the unlocked door next to the main gate in the garage. Marty Irwin — 1204N — volunteered to help with whatever is needed.

Customer service of AP Management will deal with coupon books and other payment issues. Meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Signed:

Linda Satz, Secretary of Board of Directors

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Message from the new President of the Board of Directors of the Aquarius Condo. Association

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

LOGO WATERMessage from the new President of the Board of Directors of the Aquarius Condo. Association

January 23, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen !  

Now that the Organizational meeting is behind us, it is time to start concentrating on achieving tasks on hand. Through your votes, you have made it very clear that you are keenly interested in seeing results.

As one of your Directors, I can assure you that I will concentrate all my energy on bringing about an order for managing current lingering construction projects. I look forward to receiving your input through your participation in various committees. I am aware that some of you, who have resided here for a long period of time, would like to keep pursuing what happened in the past. While that is good for having background information, it does not help with completing tasks on hand or accomplishing goals for the future.

Besides completing long over-due open projects, our community is facing a real challenge of meeting 40 years certification requirements. Please do not be misled in believing that we can do that by simply making cosmetic changes to get around addressing the real needs of our facility. W e have some serious structural, electrical, and safety-to-life issues that we must address in a logical manner. Our goal must be to have a safe and secure facility for all of us to enjoy and also to protect our investment for the future.

In order to address these concerns, we must have full accounting of funds available and earmarked in the past into various line items. This information will assist us in re-prioritizing and matching funds with need for funding current projects. Please keep in mind that a logical approach to fund projects adequately keeps personal preferences and biases out of discussion.

Again, thank you for your support and willingness to participate in meeting the challenges together.

Bhagawn (Buck) Gupta

 

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New Board of Directors Officers at the Aquarius Condominium

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Logo black no lineNew Board of Directors Officers at the Aquarius Condominium

 

In a Board of Directors Meeting, on January 22, 2016, the recently elected board appointed, in complete consensus,  the officers :

  • President: Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta
  • Vice-President: Cecílio-Augusto F. Berndsen
  • Secretary: Linda Satz
  • Treasurer: Victor Rocha
  • Director: Sofia Ferenburg

It was also decided:

  • Signing payments: Cecilio B. and Sofia F.
  • Single point of contact with Legal Counsel: Victor Rocha
  • Single point of contact with A & P Management: Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta
  • Regular Board of Directors meetings that are open to the owners:
    Every Third Thursday of the Month at 6:30 on the Cascade Room
  • Next Board of the Directors meeting: exceptionally this month: January 29th., 2016,2:00 pm

 

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aquarius51Results of the Elections for the  Aquarius Board of Directors Candidates – January 19, 2016

 

On January 19th, 2016 the owners of the units at the Aquarius Condominium Association casted their votes to elect a new Board of Directors for 2016/2017.

The elected candidates and the suffrage they received  are:

Linda Staz                            97          votes

Victor Rocha                        86

Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen    81

Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta        72

Sofia Ferenburg                     69

The positions of President and other will be announced in the organization meeting scheduled for January 22th., 2016 2 PM, at the Cascade Room. All owners are invited.

Here is the complete list of candidates with the votes received in black.   Click the name of the candidate for information.  Not all candidates sent their information sheet to be posted. Those which names are underlined have sent their information sheet.

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Posted on January 20, 2016 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen | Leave a comment