Eugenia Rosen writes about Units in Arrears at Aquarius

Posted on July 29, 2015 by ClubVino

aquarius_silhouette

Letter from Eugenia Rosen  (Apt. 1105S)
Date: 7/28/2015

Posted by General Manager

July 27, 2015

To the Aquarius General Manager, the Aquarius Board, and to those unit owners who are in arrears in payments:

I just received a much delayed email citing a deficiency in our Aquarius accounts to the tune of $470,601. 47. This was attributed to those unit owners who have not paid their maintenance, the 2013 special assessments, and the 2015 special assessments.

THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

If one lives in a condo, we must comply by the rules. If one does not pay their obligations, as stated in our bylaws, they should not be permitted to use our amenities, such as the pool, gym, and beach and should not be allowed to bring guests.

Further, unit owners who are delinquent are really invading the pockets of those who are up to date in payments (not the other way around… It is not that the board is invading the pockets of unit owners, as rumor has it).

DECISIONS HAVE TO BE MADE.

Our condominium has to be brought to its original quality of life on the beach. We must be neighborly and respectful to each other, but at the same time, we must adhere to our financial obligations to maintain our homes, our investment.

Status updates for full transparency, as originally promised by the Board, must be issued on a timelier basis.

I will ask for this letter to be posted in public areas.

Thank you,

Eugenia Rosen

P.S. The latest is that we have rats in the garage, and they even got into someone’s car. This is totally unacceptable in a building like this.

.o0o.o0o.

 

Posted in Finance, Management Office | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Recall of Board of Directors – Final Order July 21, 2015

Posted on July 21, 2015 by ClubVino

aquarius51Recall of Board of Directors – Final Order  July 21, 2015

John  Youssef and Joel Cohen, President and Vice President of the Board Have been recalled and will be replaced.

STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
DIVISION OF FLORIDA CONDOMINIUMS, TIMESHARES AND MOBILE HOMES

IN RE: PETITION FOR RECALL ARBITRATION

Filed with

AQUARIUS CONDOMINIUM

ASSOCIATION, INC.,   Petitioner,

V.

UNIT OWNERS VOTING FOR RECALL,    Respondent.

Filed with Arbitration Section    JUL 21 2015Div. of FL Condos, Timeshares & MRDept. of Business & Professional RegCase No. 2015-02-6963

SUMMARY FINAL ORDER

Relevant Procedural History

On June 11, 2015, Aquarius Condominium Association, Inc. (the Association) filed a petition for recall arbitration with the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes. The petition seeks to affirm the decision of the Association’s board of directors not to certify the recall of the following board members: John Youssef and Joel Cohen.

On June 18, 2015, the arbitrator entered an order requiring answer to petition for recall arbitration. On June 25, 2015, Respondent filed a motion for summary disposition. On July 6, 2015, the Association responded to Respondent’s motion for summary disposition. On July 9, 2015, a case management conference was held. On July 17, 2015, the Association complied with the order after case management conference.

Findings of Fact

  1. The total number of voting interests in the Association is 269. The board of directors consists of five members. To recall a board member, 135 valid ballots voting in favor of recall are needed.

2.   On June 1, 20’15 at 2:10 p.m., the Association received by personal service, a written recall agreement containing 145 written ballots. The directors sought to be recalled and the corresponding number of ballots as to each are:

John Youssef                          141

Joel Cohen                              143

  1. The written recall ballots served on the board utilized the standard form available from the Division.
  2. On June 9, 2015, the board of directors held a meeting at which the board voted not to certify the recall.
  3. June 1, 2015 was a Monday. June 9, 2015 was a Tuesday. Excluding Saturday and Sunday, the meeting was held six (6) days from the service of the recall.
  4. Section 683.01(l), Florida Statutes, designates June 3 to be a “legal holiday’ as recognition of the birthday of Jefferson Davis.
  5. The Association has filed affidavits from board members, Linda Satz, John Youssef and John Cohen, along with the affidavit of the Association’s community association manager (CAM), Anthony Surdove1.1 All the affidavits state in pertinent part the following identical testimony:

In the coordinating of the scheduling for the Board of Directors Meeting to consider the Written Recall Agreement, I reviewed §718.112(2)(j)(2), Florida Statutes. I was unaware of the existence of Chapter 61B-50,

___________________________

1  For the purposes of determining whether this case is appropriate for summary disposition, the statements in the affidavits are presumed to be true.

Page 2 of 7

__________________________

Florida Administrative Code and interpreted ‘business days to exclude legal holidays. was under the impression that legal holidays meant the plain meaning given to it pursuant to §683.01(l), Florida Statutes.

Conclusions of Law

The arbitrator has jurisdiction of the parties and the subject matter of this dispute pursuant to Sections 718.112(2)(j) and 718.1255, Florida Statutes_ A Summary Final Order is appropriate in this case pursuant to Rule 61B-50_119(3), Florida Administrative Code_

Section 718.112(2)0)2., Florida Statutes, states, ‘The board of administration shall duly notice and hold a meeting of the board within 5 full business days after receipt of the agreement in writing.” Furthermore, Section 718.112(2)0)4., Florida Statutes, provides.

If the board fails to duly notice and hold a board meeting within 5 full business days after service of an agreement in writing or within 5 full business days after the adjournment of the unit owner recall meeting, the recall shall be deemed effective and the board members so recalled shall immediately turn over to the board any and all records and property of the association.

Rule 61B-23.0028(8), Florida Administrative Code, states:

(8) Computation of Five Full Business Days. In computing the five full business days prescribed by Section 718.112(2)(j), Florida Statutes, and these rules, the day of the act from which the period of time begins to run shall not be included. Intervening days which are a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday as designated in Section 110.117, Florida Statutes, or as that section may subsequently be renumbered, shall not be included. The last day of the period which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday as designated in Section 110.117,Florida Statutes,shall be included_

(emphasis supplied). Additionally Rule 61B-50.106(1), Florida Administrative Code further states

(1) In computing the five full business days prescribed by Sections
718.112(2)(j) and 719.106(1)(0, Florida Statutes, and these rules, the day of
the act from which the period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday as prescribed by Section 110.117, Florida Statutes, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next business day.

(emphasis supplied).

Page  3 of 7

Section 110 117, Florida Statutes, does not designate June 3 (or any dates between June 1 and June 9) as a legal holiday. Therefore, under the statute and rules for written recalls, the last day the Association should have had its meeting regarding the recall was June 8, 2015. The Association’s meeting on June 9, 2015, was one day late_

However, Rule Section 61B-50.105(2) states:

(2) The time periods contained in Sections 718.112(2)0) and 719.106(1)(f), Florida Statutes, operate, for purposes of these arbitration rules and not for enforcement purposes under Section 718.501, Florida Statutes, in the manner of statutes of limitation and are therefore subject to equitable considerations. However, where the board fails to timely comply with these rules relating to the filing of the petition for recall arbitration, the board must provide legitimate justification and must demonstrate that its actions or inactions were taken or based in good faith. The board’s claims of excusable neglect or the inability to identify defects in the recall effort within the time provided, or other unremarkable excuses will not be considered as proper defenses. The failure of an association to timely file a petition for recall arbitration within the time limits imposed under these rules or Chapters 718 and 719, Florida Statutes, will result in the certification of the recall and the immediate removal of the board members subject to recall; however, the failure of the association to timely file a petition for recall arbitration will not validate a written recall that is otherwise void at the outset for failing to obtain a majority of the voting interests or is deemed fatally defective for failing to substantially comply with the provisions of Rule 61B-23.0028, Florida Administrative Code_

(emphasis supplied). The three board members and the Association’s CAM aver that they were unaware of the Florida Administrative Code, and they in good faith referred to Section 683.01(l) instead of Section 110.117 for the proper designation of legal holidays_ The Association alleges that this confusion entitles it to the equitable considerations provided for in Rule 61B-50.105(2).

Page 4 of 7

_______________________________

However, in Florida, condominium board members are required to comply with Section 718.112(2)(d)4.b., Florida Statutes, which states in pertinent part:

Within 90 clays after being elected or appointed to the board of an association of a residential condominium, each newly elected or appointed director shall certify in writing to the secretary of the association that he or she has read the association’s declaration of condominium, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and current written policies; that he or she will work to uphold such documents and policies to the best of his or her ability; and that he or she will faithfully discharge his or her fiduciary responsibility to the association’s members. In lieu of this written certification, within 90 days after being elected or appointed to the board, the newly elected or appointed director may submit a certificate of having satisfactorily completed the educational curriculum administered by a division-approved condominium education provider within 1 year before or 90 days after the date of election or appointment,

The educational curriculum instructs board members on the Florida Administrative Code.2 If the Association board members decided to educate themselves rather than complete the education curriculum, they did so at their own periI.3 The Board members’ ignorance of the Florida Administrative Code will not excuse them from complying with the meeting requirements of the recall statutes and administrative code.

In most cases, failure of the association to comply with the meeting requirements of Section 718.112(2)(j)2,, Florida Statutes, results in certification of the recall_ Sunrise Towne Preferred Condo. Ass’n, Inc. v. Unit Owners Voting for Recall, Arb. Case 01-2517, Final Order On Recall (April 12, 2001). The only exception is where the recall agreement is void at the outset because it is fatally flawed in the form of the agreement or where, on its face, it is clear that the agreement has not been approved by a majority of the voting

_________________________________

2 Information on how to locate a division-approved curriculum provider can be found at:  http:I/www.rnyfloridalicense.corn/dbprilscicondominiums/CondoOducation.html

3 Because the board members’ affidavits are assumed to be true, then the arbitrator concludes that the board members could not have successfully completed the educational curriculum.

Page 5 of 7

____________________________

interests. Id. In the instant case, the written recall includes enough facially valid ballots to recall both John Youssef and Joel Cohen.

Based on the foregoing, it is ORDERED:

  1. The recall of board members John Youssef and Joel Cohen is hereby CERTIFIED, and they are REMOVED as directors effective as of the date of the mailing of this Order.
  • As less than a majority has been recalled, pursuant to Rule 61B-23.0028(3)2., Florida Administrative Code, the vacancies on the board may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining board members, subject to the provisions of Section 301, Florida Statutes, and Rules 618-23.003 and 61B-23.0026, Florida Administrative Code, regardless of whether the authority to fill vacancies in this manner is provided in the condominium documents. A board member appointed pursuant to this rule shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term of the seat being filled. No recalled board member shall be appointed by the board to fill any vacancy on the board.
  • Within five full business days from the effective date of this recall, John Youssef and Joel Cohen shall deliver to the board any and all records of the Association in their

DONE AND ORDERED this 21st day of July, 2014, at Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.

Terri Leigh Jones Arbitrator

Department of Business and

Professional Regulation

Arbitration Section

1940 North Monroe Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1030

Phone: (850) 414-6867/ Fax: (850) 487-0870

page 6 of 7

____________________________

Certificate of Service

I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing summary final order has been sent by U.S. mail and facsimile to the following persons on this 21st day of July, 2015:

Russell M. Robbins, Esq.

Mirza Basulto & Robbins, LLP 14160 NW 77th Court

Suite 22

Miami Lakes, FL 33016-1506 Fax: 305-722-8901

Attorney for the Association

Eric M. Glazer, Esq.

Glazer & Associates, P.A. 3113 Stirling Road, Suite 201 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Fax: 954-333-3983

Attorney for Respondent

(signed) Terri Leigh Jones

 

TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION REPORT

TIME : 07/21/2015 09:52
NAME : DBPR ARBITRATION

FAX : 8504970970

TEL : 8504146867

SERA : 000H4V577050

DATE,TIME                              07/21 09;48FAX NO./NAME                          619543333983DURATION                              00:03:12PAGES)                                                                   07COVERPAGE OK

CHECKRESULT READABILITY OF TRANSMITTED PAGE(S) 01,02,03,04,05,06,07

COVERPASE

MODE                                  STANDARD

STATE OF FLORIDA

 

.o0o.o0o.o0o.

 

 

Posted in Board of Directors | 1 Comment

Aquarius Lobby Detailed Renovation Proposal and Contract July 2015

Posted on July 21, 2015 by ClubVino

aquarius-285x300Aquarius Lobby Detailed Renovation Proposal and Contract      

 July 20 2015

Contract in pdf format file, click here>        2015 07 20 Signed_lobby_contract

Other relevant  links :

Lobby Blue Print Proposal – Beautification Committee Meeting of May 15

Lobby and Adjoining Areas  INTERIOR RENOVATION – SCOPE OF WORK  June 11

 

 Contract Proposal:

OAK GROUP INC.
DBA IMAGINE REPAIR & RENOVATIONS INC.
2497 NW 64TH STREET, BOCA RATON, FL 33496
JEFF SNYDER 561-866-1436
CLISNYDER2497@AOLCOM

________________________________________________________

CONTRACT PROPOSAL
AQUARIUS CONDOMINIUM • 2751 S. OCEAN DRIVE, HOLLYWOOD, FL.
JUNE 15, 2015
EXHIBIT A

_______________________________________________________

LIBRARY — CONVERT TO PACKAGE/COMPUTER AREA:

1. S & I solid core door and jamb 3′-0″ x 8′-8″.
2. Remove window, stud out remaining wall and apply 5/8″ fire-rated drywall with insulation.
3. S & I keyed lock.
4. Install ‘/2 wall separating Package area from Computer area.
5. S & I suspended acoustic ceiling.
6. Skim walls to paint ready condition.
7. Apply 2 coats Ben. Moore/Sherwin Williams Premium paint to all interior walls (color to be selected)
8. S & I (3) duplex outlets in Computer area. Any additional receptacles for Computer area Including dedicated circuits (TBD) at additional cost.                                              $5,484.00

CONFERENCE ROOM:

1. install new 5/8″ drywall ceiling and repair existing ceiling as needed.
2. Skim ceiling areas as necessary to paint ready condition. Apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Or Sherwin Williams Premium paint to ceiling areas as per Designer’s specifications    (2 – 3 colors).
3. Remove existing wallcovering. Repair walls as needed for paint or wallcovering (by others). Prime And apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium paints to walls and soffits as Per Designer’s specifications.
4. Refinish wooden walls and door.
5. S & I new wood baseboard, finish to match adjacent wood walls/door.
6. Replace existing NC diffuser grills.
7. S & I recessed LED 4″ lighting fixtures (Qty: 10 type B )
8. S & I cove lighting on two side walls with LED light strips.
9. Install Client’s hanging lighting fixture.

$11,679.00
PAGE 1

LOBBY/MAIN HALL (to Cascade & Green Room):

1. Cover all marble flooring during construction phase with masonite.
2. Remove existing ceiling suspended metal stud framing in Lobby/Main
Hall including acoustic tile ceiling in hall outside Board Room.
3. S & I insulation and 5/81 drywall to all exposed metal stud walls. Tape & triple skim to smooth finish.
4. Prime all walls for vinyl microvented wallcovering,
5. S & I ceiling stud system on 16″ centers.
6. S & I 5/8″ fire-rated drywall on ceiling.
7. Create 3 coffered ceilings in main hall: 2 square with two step up, 1 rectangle with one step up
8. Triple skim ceiling and coffered ceilings to paint-ready condition and prime.
9. Apply 2 to 3 coats of ceiling paint to entire lobby ceiling including existing 4 circular and 3 new coffers. (Additional decorative finish to round coffers by others)
10. S & I recessed LED lighting fixtures (Qty: 90)
11. S & I (2) +1-13′-3″w x 7′-6″h wall mirror as per Designers elevations.
12. S &I new door and wood casing on valet area with wood veneer door to match reception desk. Door style and stain color by Designer. Remove secondary valet door & casing. Close opening with Drywall to create niche per design drawing. Niche fabrication with cabinetry by others.
13. Create drapery pocket in front of hall windows.
14. Create cove for concealed LED strip lighting along wall above Aquarius wall mural.

$83,457.00

CASCADE ROOM:

.
1. Remove popcorn ceilings and triple skim to paint ready condition.
2. Prime all walls and ceilings.
3. Paint all walls and ceilings with 2 coats of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium Paint, eggshell finish on walls, and flat finish for ceilings. Paint all wood trim work semi-gloss or pearl oil base. Paint selections as per Designers elevations/paint schedule.
4. Refinish wood finished doors and casing (2 pairs and 1 single). Stain color to be determined.
5. S & 1 (30) 6″ recessed LED fixtures (Type A) and new a/c grills to replace existing.

$19,312.00

LOBBY BATHROOMS (2):

 

1. Remove and dispose of all existing plumbing fixtures, stall partitions, cabinetry, lighting/soffits, floor tile and baseboard, bathroom accessories and wallpaper.
2. Remove door openings between Womens’ lounge and bathroom, enlarge opening to 36″Wx 80″H. Enlarge opening in Mens’ bathroom between vanity area and toilets to 36″ min as well.
3. Remove 30″W entry doors and casing in both bathrooms. S & I new solid core flush paint grade 36″W x 80″H x 1 3/4″th. doors, jambs and casing. Paint color to be determined.
4. Create one ADA toilet enclosure in each bathroom and one regular toilet stall in Womens WC with new laminate bathroom partitions (selections by Designer).

PAGE 2

LOBBY BATHROOMS (2) CONTINUED:

.
5. S &I per bathroom two ADA toilets and one ADA wall mt lavatory and 2 grab bars in each ADA stall.
6. S & I two wall mount urinals in Mens.
7. S & I granite or quartz countertops with 4″ high backsplashes (to be selected) up to $40 per sf Included in proposal for two undermount lavatories on ADA designed floating vanity (no drawers).
8. S & I granite or quartz countertop with floating cabinetry below for women’s makeup area (no drawers).
9. S & I porcelain tile floors in both bathrooms as selected: 20″ x 20″ Statuary porcelain and 12″ x 24″ Black “marble” look porcelain cut into borders and baseboard.
10. Patch and repair existing drywall ceilings or add new 5/8″ drywall on ceilings where necessary.
11. S & I recessed LED lighting fixtures (22 in total). Lighting plans to be furnished by Designer.
12. Triple skim walls and ceilings to paint ready condition and prime.
13. Prime Womens lounge area for vinyl wallcovering (by others). Apply 2 coats Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium Paint to all other walls and ceilings in both bathrooms.
14. S & I two sconce outlets in Womens’ Lounge makeup area.
15. All plumbing, labor, materials to code.

$35,211.00

GREEN ROOM:

.
1. Remove popcorn and repair ceilings.
2. Triple skim to paint ready condition and prime.
3. Apply 2 coats Benjamin Moore Premium or Sherwin Williams paint to walls and ceilings. Latex eggshell for walls, ceilings latex flat and all trim in semi-gloss/pearl oil. Paint colors by Designer.
4. S & I 5/8″ drywall ceiling to replace suspended acoustic tile ceiling.
5. S & I 30 recessed LED (4″ type B — insulated housing) lighting fixtures.
6. Optional wall prep for 2 main walls only if vinyl walicovering selected.

$21,546.00

LOUNGE, LIBRARY/MEDIA ROOM & HALL/WC TO BAR:

.
1. Conceal wood paneling and brick tile entrances with 5/8″ drywall in both rooms. Retain existing arched entryway motif.
2. Install only two sconces in Library niche area.

PAGE 3

LOUNGE, LIBRARY/MEDIA ROOM & HALL/WC TO BAR (CONTINUED):

.
3. S & I recessed 4″ LED light fixtures in Lounge and Library (Qty: 30). Designer to verify location Of fixtures. Add 3 fixtures in each of two niches in front of proposed new wall-to-wall book shelves.
4. Remove popcorn finish on ceilings, repair soffit ceilings as necessary, and triple skim to paint-ready condition on ceilings and soffits.
5. Apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Premium or Sherwin Williams Paint on Ceilings and walls.
Color(s) to be selected by Designer.
6. S & I two ceiling fans and new a/c grills.
7. S & I two bookcase units, one per niche, each 101W x 82″h (full height) divided in 3 sections.
8. S & I (3) duplex outlets in plinth of each bookcase unit for a total of 6 outlets.
9. Remove existing vinyl flooring in hallway to Bar and small bathroom (at end of hall). Install new 20″ x 20″ Statuary Porcelain Tile (same as Lobby bathrooms) in hallway with new painted
wood baseboard in hall and matching tile baseboard in bathroom.
10. Skim, prime and paint walls of hallway with 2 coats of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium paint.
11. S & I new 6″ LED recessed fixtures in hallway. Qty: 4 Ceiling to remain as is.

$36,253.00

PERMITS:

All applicable permits and sealed drawings to the City of Hollywood, Florida including: Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Structural.

$1 1,000.00

TRASH DISPOSAL:

Dumpster service for approx. 12 weeks.                                                                   $3,000.00

TOTAL:                                                                                                               $226,942.00

PAGE 4

determined.
5. S & 1 (30) 6″ recessed LED fixtures (Type A) and new a/c grills to replace existing.
LOBBY BATHROOMS (2): $19,312.00

1. Remove and dispose of all existing plumbing fixtures, stall partitions, cabinetry, lighting/soffits, floor tile and baseboard, bathroom accessories and wallpaper.
2. Remove door openings between Womens’ lounge and bathroom, enlarge opening to 36″Wx 80″H. Enlarge opening in Mens’ bathroom between vanity area and toilets to 36″ min as well.
3. Remove 30″W entry doors and casing in both bathrooms. S & I new solid core flush paint grade 36″W x 80″H x 1 3/4″th. doors, jambs and casing. Paint color to be determined.
4. Create one ADA toilet enclosure in each bathroom and one regular toilet stall in Womens WC with new laminate bathroom partitions (selections by Designer).

PAGE 2

LOBBY BATHROOMS (2) CONTINUED:

.
5. S &I per bathroom two ADA toilets and one ADA wall mt lavatory and 2 grab bars in each ADA stall.
6. S & I two wall mount urinals in Mens.
7. S & I granite or quartz countertops with 4″ high backsplashes (to be selected) up to $40 per sf Included in proposal for two undermount lavatories on ADA designed floating vanity (no drawers).
8. S & I granite or quartz countertop with floating cabinetry below for women’s makeup area (no drawers).
9. S & I porcelain tile floors in both bathrooms as selected: 20″ x 20″ Statuary porcelain and 12″ x 24″ Black “marble” look porcelain cut into borders and baseboard.
10. Patch and repair existing drywall ceilings or add new 5/8″ drywall on ceilings where necessary.
11. S & I recessed LED lighting fixtures (22 in total). Lighting plans to be furnished by Designer.
12. Triple skim walls and ceilings to paint ready condition and prime.
13. Prime Womens lounge area for vinyl wallcovering (by others). Apply 2 coats Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium Paint to all other walls and ceilings in both bathrooms.
14. S & I two sconce outlets in Womens’ Lounge makeup area.
15. All plumbing, labor, materials to code.

$35,211.00
GREEN ROOM:
1. Remove popcorn and repair ceilings.
2. Triple skim to paint ready condition and prime.
3. Apply 2 coats Benjamin Moore Premium or Sherwin Williams paint to walls and ceilings. Latex eggshell for walls, ceilings latex flat and all trim in semi-gloss/pearl oil. Paint colors by Designer.
4. S & I 5/8″ drywall ceiling to replace suspended acoustic tile ceiling.
5. S & I 30 recessed LED (4″ type B — insulated housing) lighting fixtures.
6. Optional wall prep for 2 main walls only if vinyl walicovering selected. $21,546.00

LOUNGE, LIBRARY/MEDIA ROOM & HALL/1111C TO BAR:
1. Conceal wood paneling and brick tile entrances with 5/8″ drywall in both rooms. Retain existing arched entryway motif.
2. Install only two sconces in Library niche area.

PAGE 3

LOUNGE, LIBRARY/MEDIA ROOM & HALLIWC TO BAR (CONTINUED):
3. S & I recessed 4″ LED light fixtures in Lounge and Library (Qty: 30). Designer to verify location Of fixtures. Add 3 fixtures in each of two niches in front of proposed new wall-to-wall book shelves.
4. Remove popcorn finish on ceilings, repair soffit ceilings as necessary, and triple skim to paint-ready condition on ceilings and soffits.
5. Apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Premium or Sherwin Williams Paint on Ceilings and walls.
Color(s) to be selected by Designer.
6. S & I two ceiling fans and new a/c grills.
7. S & I two bookcase units, one per niche, each 101W x 82″h (full height) divided in 3 sections.
8. S & I (3) duplex outlets in plinth of each bookcase unit for a total of 6 outlets.
9. Remove existing vinyl flooring in hallway to Bar and small bathroom (at end of hall). Install new 20″ x 20″ Statuary Porcelain Tile (same as Lobby bathrooms) in hallway with new painted
wood baseboard in hall and matching tile baseboard in bathroom.
10. Skim, prime and paint walls of hallway with 2 coats of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams
Premium paint.
11. S & I new 6″ LED recessed fixtures in hallway. Qty: 4 Ceiling to remain as is. $36,253.00
PERMITS:
All applicable permits and sealed drawings to the City of Hollywood Florida including: Electrical,
Plumbing, Mechanical and Structural. $1 1,000.00
TRASH DISPOSAL:
Dumpster service for approx. 12 weeks. $3,000.00
TOTAL: $226,942.00

PAGE 4

 

Posted in Construction & 50 & 40 Year Recertifications | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Contract for Lobby Reconstruction

Posted on July 20, 2015 by ClubVino

 

 

Contract for Lobby Reconstruction

 

OAK GROUP INC.

DBA IMAGINE REPAIR & RENOVATIONS INC.
2497 NW 64TH STREET, BOCA RATON, FL 33496
JEFF SNYDER 561-866-1436
CLISNYDER2497@AOLCOM

______________________________________________________________

CONTRACT PROPOSAL

AQUARIUS CONDOMINIUM • 2751 S. OCEAN DRIVE, HOLLYWOOD, FL.
JUNE 15, 2015

EXHIBIT A

_____________________________________________________________

LIBRARY — CONVERT TO PACKAGE/COMPUTER AREA:

  1. S & I solid core door and jamb 3′-0″ x 8′-8″.
  2. Remove window, stud out remaining wall and apply 5/8″ fire-rated drywall with insulation.
  3. S & I keyed lock.
  4. Install ‘/2 wall separating Package area from Computer area.
  5. S & I suspended acoustic ceiling.
  6. Skim walls to paint ready condition.
  7. Apply 2 coats Ben. Moore/Sherwin Williams Premium paint to all interior walls (color to be selected)
  8. S & I (3) duplex outlets in Computer area. Any additional receptacles for Computer area Including dedicated circuits (TBD) at additional cost.                                                                                                                                                                                  $5,484.00

CONFERENCE ROOM:
1.       Install new 5/8″ drywall ceiling and repair existing ceiling as needed.

2.       Skim ceiling areas as necessary to paint ready condition. Apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Or Sherwin Williams Premium paint to ceiling areas as per Designer’s specifications (2 – 3 colors).

3.       Remove existing wallcovering. Repair walls as needed for paint or wallcovering (by others). Prime And apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium paints to walls and soffits as Per Designer’s specifications.

4.       Refinish wooden walls and door.

5.       S & I new wood baseboard, finish to match adjacent wood walls/door.

6.       Replace existing NC diffuser grills.

7.       S & I recessed LED 4″ lighting fixtures (Qty: 10 type B )

8.       S & I cove lighting on two side walls with LED light strips.

9.       Install Client’s hanging lighting fixture.                                                           $11,679.00

PAGE 1

 

LOBBY/MAIN HALL (to Cascade & Green Room):

  1. Cover all marble flooring during construction phase with masonite.
  2. Remove existing ceiling suspended metal stud framing in Lobby/Main Hall including acoustic tile ceiling in hall outside Board Room.
  1. S & I insulation and 5/81 drywall to all exposed metal stud walls. Tape & triple skim to smooth finish.
  2. Prime all walls for vinyl microvented wallcovering,
  3. S & I ceiling stud system on 16″ centers.
  4. S & I 5/8″ fire-rated drywall on ceiling.
  5. Create 3 coffered ceilings in main hall: 2 square with two step up, 1 rectangle with one step up
  6. Triple skim ceiling and coffered ceilings to paint-ready condition and prime.
  7. Apply 2 to 3 coats of ceiling paint to entire lobby ceiling including existing 4 circular and 3 new coffers. (Additional decorative finish to round coffers by others)
  8. S & I recessed LED lighting fixtures (Qty: 90)
  9. S & I (2) +1-13′-3″w x 7′-6″h wall mirror as per Designers elevations.
  10. S &I new door and wood casing on valet area with wood veneer door to match reception desk. Door style and stain color by Designer. Remove secondary valet door & casing. Close opening with Drywall to create niche per design drawing. Niche fabrication with cabinetry by others.
  11. Create drapery pocket in front of hall windows.
  12. Create cove for concealed LED strip lighting along wall above Aquarius wall mural.                                                                                                                                          $83,457.00

 

CASCADE ROOM:

1.       Remove popcorn ceilings and triple skim to paint ready condition.
2.       Prime all walls and ceilings.

3.       Paint all walls and ceilings with 2 coats of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium Paint, eggshell finish on walls, and flat finish for ceilings. Paint all wood trim work semi-gloss or pearl oil base. Paint selections as per Designers elevations/paint schedule.

4.       Refinish wood finished doors and casing (2 pairs and 1 single). Stain color to be determined.

5.       S & 1 (30) 6″ recessed LED fixtures (Type A) and new a/c grills to replace existing.

$19,312.00

 

LOBBY BATHROOMS (2):

  1. Remove and dispose of all existing plumbing fixtures, stall partitions, cabinetry, lighting/soffits, floor tile and baseboard, bathroom accessories and wallpaper.
  2. Remove door openings between Womens’ lounge and bathroom, enlarge opening to 36″Wx 80″H. Enlarge opening in Mens’ bathroom between vanity area and toilets to 36″ min as well.
  3. Remove 30″W entry doors and casing in both bathrooms. S & I new solid core flush paint grade 36″W x 80″H x 1 3/4″th. doors, jambs and casing. Paint color to be determined.
  4. Create one ADA toilet enclosure in each bathroom and one regular toilet stall in Womens WC with new laminate bathroom partitions (selections by Designer).

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LOBBY BATHROOMS (2) CONTINUED:

  1. S &I per bathroom two ADA toilets and one ADA wall mt lavatory and 2 grab bars in each ADA stall.
  2. S & I two wall mount urinals in Mens.
  3. S & I granite or quartz countertops with 4″ high backsplashes (to be selected) up to $40 per sf Included in proposal for two undermount lavatories on ADA designed floating vanity (no drawers).
  4. S & I granite or quartz countertop with floating cabinetry below for women’s makeup area (no drawers).
  5. S & I porcelain tile floors in both bathrooms as selected: 20″ x 20″ Statuary porcelain and 12″ x 24″ Black “marble” look porcelain cut into borders and baseboard.
  6. Patch and repair existing drywall ceilings or add new 5/8″ drywall on ceilings where necessary.
  7. S & I recessed LED lighting fixtures (22 in total). Lighting plans to be furnished by Designer.
  8. Triple skim walls and ceilings to paint ready condition and prime.
  9. Prime Womens lounge area for vinyl wallcovering (by others). Apply 2 coats Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams Premium Paint to all other walls and ceilings in both bathrooms.
  10. S & I two sconce outlets in Womens’ Lounge makeup area.
  11. All plumbing, labor, materials to code.

$35,211.00

GREEN ROOM:


1.       Remove popcorn and repair ceilings.

2.       Triple skim to paint ready condition and prime.

3.       Apply 2 coats Benjamin Moore Premium or Sherwin Williams paint to walls and ceilings. Latex eggshell for walls, ceilings latex flat and all trim in semi-gloss/pearl oil. Paint colors by Designer.

4.       S & I 5/8″ drywall ceiling to replace suspended acoustic tile ceiling.

5.       S & I 30 recessed LED (4″ type B — insulated housing) lighting fixtures.

6.       Optional wall prep for 2 main walls only if vinyl walicovering selected.

$21,546.00

LOUNGE, LIBRARY/MEDIA ROOM & HALL/1111C TO BAR:

1.     Conceal wood paneling and brick tile entrances with 5/8″ drywall in both rooms. Retain existing arched entryway motif.

2.     Install only two sconces in Library niche area.

PAGE 3

LOUNGE, LIBRARY/MEDIA ROOM & HALL/WC TO BAR (CONTINUED):

  1. S & I recessed 4″ LED light fixtures in Lounge and Library (Qty: 30). Designer to verify location Of fixtures. Add 3 fixtures in each of two niches in front of proposed new wall-to-wall book shelves.
  2. Remove popcorn finish on ceilings, repair soffit ceilings as necessary, and triple skim to paint-ready condition on ceilings and soffits.
  3. Apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Premium or Sherwin Williams Paint on Ceilings and walls.  Color(s) to be selected by Designer.
  1. S & I two ceiling fans and new a/c grills.
  2. S & I two bookcase units, one per niche, each 101W x 82″h (full height) divided in 3 sections.
  3. S & I (3) duplex outlets in plinth of each bookcase unit for a total of 6 outlets.
  4. Remove existing vinyl flooring in hallway to Bar and small bathroom (at end of hall). Install new 20″ x 20″ Statuary Porcelain Tile (same as Lobby bathrooms) in hallway with new painted wood baseboard in hall and matching tile baseboard in bathroom.
  1. Skim, prime and paint walls of hallway with 2 coats of Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams  Premium paint.
  1. S & I new 6″ LED recessed fixtures in hallway. Qty: 4 Ceiling to remain as is.

$36,253.00

PERMITS:

All applicable permits and sealed drawings to the City of Hollywood, Florida including: Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Structural.    

$1 1,000.00

TRASH DISPOSAL:

Dumpster service for approx. 12 weeks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                $3,000.00

TOTAL:                                                                           $226,942.00

 

PAGE 4

 

 

Here for the Signed Contract  July 20, 2015

2015 07 20 Signed Lobby Contract

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Blame South Florida’s haze on Saharan dust July 7,2015 Sun Sentinel

Posted on July 7, 2015 by ClubVino

Blame South Florida’s haze on Saharan dust 

July 7, 2015    Sun Sentinel         by Ken Kaye

diplomat_website

A satellite image showing how Saharan dust has spread across the Atlantic. (NASA/Courtesy). The dust covered area is much larger than the entire Continental US territory.

All the haze shrouding South Florida this week may not be great for your health, but it has a major benefit: It helps stymie hurricanes and tropical storms.

The haze actually is Saharan dust that wafted more than 4,000 miles from Africa, and abnormally heavy concentrations currently are blanketing the main region of the Atlantic where storms develop. The dust, which peaks this month, denies the systems of their lifeblood – heat and moisture.
In South Florida, the dust is expected to remain thick, possibly for the rest of the week. It has lowered air quality from the good to moderate range, said Monica Pognon, natural resource specialist for Broward County.

Anyone who works outside for any length of time also should be careful because of the combination of dust and high heat, added Tim O’Connor, spokesman for the Palm Beach County Department of Health. “All of this kind of plays together,” he said.

Read More at the Sun Sentinel site click here

kkaye@tribpub.com or 561-243-6530.                                   Copyright © 2015, Sun Sentinel

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Aquarius Residents Celebrate 4th of July

Posted on July 5, 2015 by ClubVino

Aquarius Lady LogoUSA_flag_animated_Aquarius Residents Celebrate 4th of July

 

Lots of hamburgers, hot-dogs, chicken, delicious salads and desert. Just good neighborly community gathering.

Happy 239th birthday United States of America.

Click any picture to start the slide show.

patrotic_animated_4th-of-July-fireworks

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Phase 2 Ready for Concrete Restoration

Posted on July 2, 2015 by ClubVino

Aquarius logoPhase 2 of Concrete Restoration is almost ready for concrete pour

 

 

Phase 2 gets ready for concrete pour

July 2, 2015 – In a few days concrete will be poured to advance Phase 2 of the Concrete Restoration Project of the Valet Deck of Aquarius

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some news on the ongoing projects at Aquarius:

 

–  Gym expected to reopen mid July 2015, new dry walls, paint and heavy-duty carpet.

– West Deck Pool to be ready first week of August 2015. Pool tiles already chosen.

– Some parking spaces in the Garage to be returned to use. Phase 1 almost ready.

– Installation of West Deck railings to start. City of Hollywood permit was issued. Glass of the railings only later on.

– Marble of the floor next to the main entrance was removed so waterproofing encompasses all Valet Deck.

– Landscape details of Valet Deck in advanced stage. Final project to be disclosed soon. Will the new Valet Deck have a lighted fountain?

– Gym doors will be raised so athletic space is better protected from water flooding.

– Settlement with Hollywood Tiles in progress. It is likely to occur in a few weeks.

– Lobby reconstruction has the Request for Proposal out and some contractors already presented their proposals. A final selection should occur very soon.

Owners are welcome every Thursday 9:00 to the room adjacent to the Cascade Room. Construction Committee, some Board Members get together with vendors to follow-up progress of several ongoing projects.

In the Lobby are in display some drawings, renditions and materials samples of tiles. Check the projects out!

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July 1st. New Installment of 2015 Special Assessment Due

Posted on June 29, 2015 by ClubVino

aquarius_silhouetteJuly 1st. New Installment of 2015 Special Assessment Due

 

Click here to see the amount due

 

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Aquarius 4th of July Celebration 6 to 8 PM – NEW Schedule!

Posted on June 26, 2015 by ClubVino

USA_flag_animated_Aquarius 4th of July Celebration 

6 to 8 PM East Pool Deck*  NEW NEW SCHEDULE

→TRANSLATE

  • Hot Dog

  • Hamburger

  • Chicken

  • Baked Beans

  • Salad

  • Watermelon

  • Cake

  • Bring your own drink

$ 15.00 per person       $5 children under 12

Tickets sold on East Pool Deck*  from 10 am to 11 am

Reservations are required

Questions?  Please call

Sharon Smith        954-922-8209     or

Linda Satz             954-922-9923

 

* Sorry the West Pool is still under construction

→Translate this Post to you favorite language

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Sam Schmuter Responds to TV Channel 10 report June 24,2015

Posted on June 24, 2015 by ClubVino

aquarius-285x300Response to TV Local Channel 10

by Samson Schmuter, 1101N, Aquariuscondo.net Webmaster                    June 24, 2015

→TRANSLATE THIS

At the bottom of this post links to diverging and concurrent 
opinions on the issue of the on going projects of restoration of 
Aquarius. Also an open letter from Boris Goldberg.

In Aquarius Condo there are two frequently dropped accusations in the form of questions:

1. Where did “Trump” money go?
2. Millions spent on condo, but where did it go?

They are used by a small group of “professional dissidents” and somewhat larger group of their supporters. These rhetoric have even been used by amazingly one-sided Local Channel 10 broadcast.

I am writing here my brief high level answers to these Questions, not to argue with the professional dissidents (useless attempt) who fight for the sake of fight, equally against any Board starting the day it is elected, but in attempt to help the group of supporters instead of holding their hands to start using their brains.

Q1: Where did “Trump” money go?

By 2009 Aquarius Association received from the next to us “Trump” building $3.55M pay-off to be used for the capital improvements. A few years later they were forced to add another $0.35M, so all together we received $3.925M.

Four (4) years later, in the beginning of 2014, right before starting the Concrete Restoration complex of projects, the previous Board reportedly had $1.6M left. Thus, the question rather would be:

Where did $3.925M-$1.6M=$2.325M go?

It was and is the common knowledge that our maintenance is very low given our location, apartment sizes and buildings configuration. When I was buying in 2010, I saw it for myself and frequently heard the number at least 30% lower than similar others. It has been a significant attraction, unfortunately though artificial as no longer sufficient to maintain. Besides, more and more projects, even tough less ambitious than Concrete Restoration, yet still necessary and costly, were attended and completed (pipes replacement, roof repair, compressors, etc).  [Click for a comparative table of HOA maintenance costs of neighboring building – it opens in a new Tab]

We know only too well how much assessment we have to pay for raising 2 million dollars. A simple calculation shows that the above “Trump” money of $2.325M is equivalent of 28% increase of maintenance for each of the four consecutive years 2010 – 2013.

You can do this exercise with your numbers, and get exactly same result.

So, my answer is: By using $2.3M from Trump money, the previous Boards spared the owners from increasing their maintenance / assessment fees by about 28% for four (4) consecutive years. The moneys were used for maintenance and capital improvements without assessing it from the owners.

Nobody have stolen or mismanaged this money. We can consider it as a no-interest loan we received for 4 years.

But now it is time to give it back.  [Compare HOA Costs clicking here]

Q2: Millions spent on condo, but where did it go?

Concrete Restoration projects started in 2014. The first one was the West Pool Deck. This one will cost our Association $1.65M paid in 2014 plus $0.57M to be paid upon completion of this project in 2015, that is $2.22M. All these numbers have been published by the Board in Projects Update document of 3/23/2015. [Click here to read the Update – actual date is May 26 with Cash flow of 3/23/2015 at the end]

So, not “many millions,” just a little over two million!
We know now that in today’s prices a project of such a scope costs
around that number. For comparison, the three bids for the Valet Deck
restoration project of 2015 were all around $2.2 to $2.6M, and we ended up with the contract around $2.1M. And the square feet area involved in the West Pool Deck is significantly higher than at Valet Deck. So, again the $2.22M for the West Pool Deck is not that bad!  [On the post “Facts and Myths on Proposed Assessment 2015 of May 7th, 2015,” by Orlando Herrera the four bids are available – A fifth vendor did not respond to the invitation to bid. Answer #2]

Retrospectively, we could now argue that perhaps 10-15% of the cost could have been saved, had the previous Board hired one General Contractor instead of trying to manage the open scope of work and the numerous related contractors themselves. Besides, that would have shortened the otherwise so frustrated completion dates.

A General Contractor takes upfront more money but it becomes responsible for the signed scope of work and deadlines, and keeps in check all subcontractors. But, as the old saying goes “if I were as smart yesterday as my wife tomorrow…” (no offence to women!)
The current Board extracted good lessons from before, and hired Landscape Architect plus signed a General Contractor for the second Concrete Restoration project – the Valet Deck. The work will be completed by the year end, unless destructors will obstruct it.

Samson Schmuter,  Apartment 1101 North                   → TRANSLATE THIS

_________________________________________________

7/6/2015 11:54:22 AM

From:  Boris Goldberg, PH5S,  comfortravel@list.ru    Apt. PH5S       tel. 754 263 6003

To: Sam Schmuter

Re: Your “Open Letter” in Your Closed Website

 

Mr. Schmuter–

You are the minister of information—or, to be exact, disinformation of the Ruling Triumvirate.

Under what authority have you usurped the Aquarius website? Why are you publishing your own opinions, those of your wife, and those of the chorus of people in power, while suppressing the speech of those whose opinions differ from your own?

I spent over 20 years as a broadcaster at the Voice of America. It’s a radio station operated by the US Government, which at the time of my employment broadcast in 42 languages.  The Bylaws of the Voice of America state that the radio station is to represent all of America, as opposed to a select part of American society.

So, that’s the Voice of America. The Voice of Aquarius mimics the methodology of mass disinformation of all dictatorial regimes. You contend that we are a small group.

Had this been indeed the case, then more than half of the condominium owners would not have signed the petition to recall John Youssef and Joel Cohen.

Why have you—and those you serve—developed the habit of blaming all your troubles on us?

We have nothing to do with the fact that you are unable to obtain permits for moving the toilet and installation of panels on the West Pool deck.

Though you had no right to make those changes without obtaining approval of 75 percent of condo owners, we want to complete this job. We want you to complete any job—just one completed project would be a nice start!

For now, all we see is destruction.

Just like the previous board had failed to install waterproofing on the West Pool deck, thereby causing two floods in the lobby, the current board is refusing to install a temporary waterproofing on the ramp and the valet parking area.

In other words, our building will again be left without a roof—this time for over six months. Even now, after a few brief rainfalls, we are seeing puddles in the garage. A gift of prophecy isn’t needed to foresee that after the first serious rainstorm the garage will turn into a lake. After the builders-wreckers have
successfully blocked the main entrance to Aquarius, the only remaining entrance into the building—the garage—will be blocked by water.

And in the case of a hurricane, will the insurance company cover the damage, or will it say this is not an Act of God but an Act of the Board.

Every year, we pay $500,000 for insurance policies. We have seven policies. One of them—Liberty Mutual—covers mistakes made by the board. The limit of that coverage is $27.5 million.

Now, Mr. Schmuter, would you care to ask your friends from the current and former board why they have not submitted a claim? Why are they ignoring the  petition—signed by more than 20 percent of condo owners—with the demand that a claim be submitted? Why are they so mindful of the resources of insurance companies while saddling us with paying for their million-dollar mistakes?

And that’s not all. Joel Cohen—without having either legal or moral right to do so—gave CSI a generous gift. He agreed to hold the company harmless for the damage done to the lobby. And that is no small sum: $350,000.

If you are prepared for dialog, Mr. Schmuter, we would be able to discuss this and other problems. But please keep in mind that the Aquarius website should represent all of Aquarius and not a distinct part of our condominium owners.

Boris Goldberg      June 2015                                                      

→ TRANSLATE THIS

_____________________________________________________

Links to Posts revelant to the theme:

Facts and Myths on Proposed Assessment 2015 May 7th,2015

TV Channel 10 visits Aquarius Condo. Broadcasted June 17, 2015 |

Reply to TV Local Channel 10 Judith and Victor Ort, June 18, 2015

 

 

Posted in Construction & 50 & 40 Year Recertifications, Finance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment