Watergate garage collapses in Northwest D.C.; two persons injured W.Post

Watergate garage collapses in Northwest D.C.; two persons injured

Could it happen here?

Washington Post, May 1st. 2015

20150501watergateUpdated 4:36 p.m.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press conference Friday afternoon that all construction workers and employees of the surrounding buildings have been accounted for, but because it is a public parking garage, it is possible that people could be trapped.

One search-and-rescue dog on the scene had a possible “hit” on a cadaver, she said.

Bowser said that the operation at the Watergate has shifted from a search-and-rescue mission to a recovery.

Updated at 12:40 p.m. 

All people are now accounted for after a three-story parking garage collapsed at the Watergate complex, according to DC Fire and EMS Department spokesman Oscar Mendez.

One person was transported to the an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Originally posted at 12:00 p.m.

A three-story parking garage collapsed at the Watergate complex on the 2600 block of Virginia Avenue NW just after 10 a.m. Friday morning. As of 11:30 a.m., one person was still missing, according to DC Fire and EMS Department spokesman Oscar Mendez.

The structure has been under construction and suffered what officials are calling a “pancake collapse”—a collapse in which one floor falls on top of another. Fire department personnel and officials from the District’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs are currently at the scene.

“We are still working to rescue that one person,” says Mendez.

20150501_watergate 2Some Watergate complex buildings have been evacuated, including the iconic Watergate Hotel.

The hotel is undergoing a $125 million renovation that promises to restore glamour to the once high-end hotel inside the 10-acre Watergate complex made famous by the 1972 burglary that led to the resignation of President Richard M. Nixon.

Between 200 and 250 construction workers are on site each day, according to the developer.

Washington Post, May 1st., 2015.

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Aquarius Valet Area Project Schedule April 2015 to January 2016

aquarius51Aquarius Condominium                           Valet Area      

4/27/15 to 1/4/2016

CSI             Project Schedule

1.      General Requirements 4/27 – 5/20
2.   Submittals 4/27 – 5/1
3.    Permitting 4/27 – 5/15
4.        City Delay 4/27 –  5/15
5.   General Mobilization 5/18 – 5/20
6.    Demolition 5/21 – 6/25
7.     Concrete / EIFS / Masonry / Pavers / Sand 5/21 – 6/18
8.     Waterproofing Membrane 6/5 – 6/25
9.      Structural Repairs & Plumbing Upgrades 5/29 – 9/28
10.  Phase 1 5/29 – 6/25
11.  Phase 2 6/26 – 7/24
12.  Phase 3 7-27 – 8/21
13.  Phase 4 8/24 – 9/21
14.  Phase 5 9/22 – 9/28
15.  Replacement Garage Entrance Gate 6/19 – 6/25
16.                New Concrete/Stucco Work 9/29 –  10/19
17. Construction Fountain / Curbs 9/29 – 10/19
18.  Re-Construction South Perimeter Wall 9/29 – 10/19
19.  Re-Surfacing Exterior Perimeter Wall 9/29 – 10/19
20.  Re-Surfacing Stone Cladding 9/29 – 10/5
21.  Construction of New Valet Soffit 9/29 – 10/19
22. Waterproofing 10/20 – 12/16
23.  Cold Applied WP Membrane at Paver Area / Planters 10/20 – 12/9
24.  Cold Applied WP Membrane at Parking Area 12/3 – 12/16
25.  Exterior Painting 12/17 – 12/31
26.  Replacement Storefront 12/24 – 12/31
27.  Installation Sand / Pavers / Bumpers 12/10 – 12/31
28.  Re-Striping Parking Area 12/17 – 12/18
29.  Install New Glass Railing 12/21 – 12/23
30.  Demobilization 1/1/16 – 1/4/16

C.Berndsen 05/2015

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Dept. of Business DBPR versus Aquarius Condo. Ass. – April 24, 2015

Aquarius logoDept. of Business DBPR versus Aquarius Condo. Ass. – April 24, 2015

State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Condominiuns, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes   DBPR

versus

Aquarius Condominium Association, Inc

 

Background:

1. The Aquarius Condo. Ass. failed to provide access to documents to the unit owner Ira R. Bell on April 24, May 1 and May 18 of 2014.

2. DBPR conducted an investigation and found the Aquarius Condo. Ass. in violation of the law.

3. On April 13 of 2015 the President of the Board of Directors agreed with a consent order to pay a fine of $ 807.00, provide Mr. Bell with the access to the documents and post the agreement available in a link bellow.

4. With this the Aquarius Condo. Association avoids further litigation and costly fines.

 

The Consent Order can be examined HERE. A .pdf format file will open in a new tab.

DBPR Case Number 2014021345. Consent Order filed 4/24/2015

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Addendum to Change Order #20 CSI and Aquarius

aquarius_silhouetteCSI_logo

Addendum to Change Order No. 20 to Contract between Aquarius Condominium Association  Inc. and Contracting Specialists. Inc.- South East

For a printer friendly fac-simile of the document click here >  2015 04 24 Addendum to Change Order #20

The paragraphs of this Addendum to Change Order No. 20 to the Contract between Aquarius Condominium Association, Inc. (Association) and Contracting Specialists, Inc. – South East (Contractor) are intended to modify or supplement the Contract and prior change orders as and to the extent set forth herein, and the terms hereof shall control in the event of any conflict. Otherwise, the Contract and all prior change orders remain in full force and effect.

Association and Contractor agree as follows:

1.       The amount of liquidated damages shall be increased from Two Hundred and 00/100 ($200) per day to One Thousand and 00/100 ($1,000) per day as related solely to the scope of work connected with the valet area of the Association property and that may have been specifically identified within change order number 20. All other contract work or change order work shall continue to be governed by a Two Hundred and 00/100 ($200) per day liquidated damage provision as set forth within the Contract. All parties acknowledge that no liquidated damages are due at this time and this change is intended to cover the circumstances where liquidated damages may become due as related to the scope of work indicated specifically above, but is not intended to imply that such are currently due related to that scope of work or otherwise.

2.         There currently exists a claim that has been made by the Association against a subcontractor, Hollywood Stone Paving, related to flood or water damage from the west pool deck all the way to the lobby and meeting rooms of the Association’s property (the “Paving Flood Claim”). In connection with and consideration for the increase of potential liquidated damage amount set forth within paragraph 1 above, the Association hereby agrees that it will not sue Contractor, or assert or make any claim against Contractor, for damages, losses, or expenses in any way associated with the Paving Flood Claim.

The parties have set their hand and seal this     23rd.  day of April, 2015, signifying their agreement with all of the above.

 

Wallace L. Frigon Sr., CEO   (seal)   Contracting Specialists. Inc.-South East

Joel Cohen, VP (seal)                          Aquarius Condominium Association, Inc.

 

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Board of Diretors Meeting 21 April 2015

Aquarius_L_MedicAquarius Condominium Association

Meeting of the Board of Directors

April 21, 2015

Present: Joel Cohen, John Youssef, Linda Satz and Andy Surdovel, General Manager

Also Present: Owners

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:20 pm.

Certification of a Quorum and Proof of Notice was verified.

Aquarius Restaurant Lease:    Paul Finfer discussed the lease. He and Judge Ort worked on it together. The lease was originally developed in 2003 or 2004. They are using the same lease, but added additional items. They are happy with the lease. Mr. Sholmo Benlulu, an Israeli citizen came to the U.S. 25 years ago. He has a green card and previously had a restaurant in Queens. N.J. for 18 years and had food reviews. He later opened a ladies high-end retail store in Hallandale and has decided he wants to go back into the restaurant business. He will be open 6-7 days a week: 7 am – 11 am Breakfast, 12 pm – 3 pm, Lunch, and 5 pm – 8 pm Dinner. He will have a Deli Counter for Sandwiches and Smoothies and will provide his own insurance. The lease is for 36 months, with a cancellation clause after 30 days. After one year the lease will be renegotiated. The lease will be effective June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016 and we have a final draft. He will be allowed a two week vacation, but can take it only in the summer months. There will be no rent for the 1st. year to give him an opportunity to build the business and the lease is renegotiable after twelve months.

Joel Cohen moved to accept the lease, Linda Satz seconded and the vote was unanimous. The motion was approved to large applause.

Aquarius in-House Security:  A discussion was held about combining the security and valet into one unit and hiring a staff of security personnel. Comments were made about contractors corning in illegally, current security agents not knowing the building and residents.

Joel Cohen moved to approve, John Youssef seconded and the vote was unanimous. Motion was approved.

Line of Credit:  The reason for a line of credit was discussed. Some residents cannot afford to pay the special assessment as required and the Association having a line of credit would assist those residents  and would be used only if needed. A construction loan would be a lien against the building and a Line of credit would not and would benefit those who cannot pay. It doesn’t affect those that can pay in full.

Joel Cohen moved to approve a line of credit for $4 Million from Executive Bank, John Youssef  seconded, approve unanimously. Motion was approved.

Flood Damaged Lobby Furniture:   A motion was made to donate the flood damaged lobby furniture to Faith Farm. It was decided to instead to just destroy the furniture.

CSI contract for Valet Deck:     CSI would do entire job, valet deck and will be done in 5 phases. New garage doors will be put in place and should be complete by December 15, 2015. There will be a $1,000 a day penalty for not completing on time. Perimeter wall is too heavy and needs to be cut down. The new wall will be lighter.

Joel Cohen moved to approve the CSI Contract, John Youssef seconded, unanimous. The motion was approved.

Project Manager:  Joel made a motion to hire a project manager for the Valet Deck Project. John Youssef seconded, unanimous. The motion was approved.

Joel Cohen made a motion to adjourn seconded by John Youssef, unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 pm.

Joel Cohen,  Vice President

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Board of Directors Meeting – April 21, 2015 1:00 PM

aquarius-285x300Board of Directors Meeting – April 21, 2015 1:00 PM 

Cascade Room

Location: Cascade Room

 

Agenda

  1. Call the meeting to order
  2. Certification of a Quorum
  3. Proof of Notice
  4. Motion to approve Aquarius Restaurant Lease
  5. Motion to approve Aquarius in-house security
  6. Motion to approve Executive Bank for a line of credit
  7. Motion to donate the flood damaged Lobby furniture to Faith Farm cha
  8. Motion to approve the CSI contract for the Valet Deck project
  9. Motion for approval of a Project Manager for the Valet Deck project
  10. Miscellaneous
  11. Adjournment

 

Note: Any unit owner that wishes to speak on an agenda item will have 3  minutes.

 

 

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Contract with Accountant Firm – Sharma April 17, 2015

aquarius51Contract with Sharma Accountant Firm

April 17, 2015

 

 

Estimated  Cost of this Contract for Accounting Services

  • 269 Households   $6.00=          $1629.00
  •  Payroll                                           $ 300.00
  • Monthly Due:                              $ 1914.00
  • Annual Estimated Cost:   $22,628.00

Electives (per issue, if required by Aquarius):

  •  269  Assessments  $1.25=    $337.00
  • 269  Mailing       $ 2.00=       $538.00

20150417_Sharma_Accountant1

20150417_Sharma_Accountan2

 

 

 

 

20150417_Sharma_Accountant3

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New Renderings – Valet Deck – Main Entrance April 2015 Proposal

 

The-letter-ANew Renderings – Valet Deck – Main Entrance   April 2015    Proposal

 

Aquarius Condominium Proposed treatment for the Valet Main Entrance Deck

 

20150417_Valet_Deck_Arrival_Water

 

20150417_Valet_Deck_Lobby_to_West20150417_Valet_Deck_view from Southb_A1A 20150417_Valet_Deck_view_from_Top_West 20150417_Valet_Deck_view_South 20150417_Valet_Deck_view from Northb_A1A

 

 

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Do you want to revoke the recall of Board of Directors?

Aquarius_L_Medic
Dear Unit Owner:
Recently you may have received a mailing from ‘A Group of Concerned Unit Owners’ asking for your support in removal of John Youssef and Joel Cohen as members of the Board of Directors. Such mailing is not an official communication from the Board, nor does it reflect the opinion of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors.

The statements contained in the unsigned letter contain several misstatements and inaccuracies that the Board would like to address in this correspondence. Each Board member is aware of their fiduciary responsibility to maintain the common elements of this condominium, for the benefit of all owners.

As this condominium building has aged, prior Boards did not address the issue of maintaining and repairing the condominium, resulting in several projects that need to be accomplished prior to the building’s 40-year recertification with the City of Hollywood. The Association has engaged experienced engineers and general contractors to survey the property and determine the scope and severity of the damage. Unfortunately, the engineer has determined structural damage to the front entry ramp and both Valet and East pool decks, which requires immediate attention to prevent further deterioration of the condominium property.

The Board sought competitive bids from several experienced engineers and general contractors to ensure that the project was undertaken by experienced contractors and at a fair price to the Association. While there is never a good time to undertake costly repairs, the Association determined that it was best to address these issues in advance of the 40-year recertification to avoid costly penalties resulting from code enforcement penalties if not timely resolved.

The Board and Management have made themselves available to any members of the Association with specific questions on the scope of the project. Additionally, the Association will be hosting a meeting with the engineer, general contractor and association’s general counsel to address any lingering concerns of the unit owners.
Rest assured that the Board is acting in the best interest of all the unit owners and in a fully transparent process.

The Board is also consulting with several banking institutions to determine the feasibility of obtaining a personal loan for Unit owners to help them with the project, thereby lessening the financial impact and while taking advantage of attractively low-interest rates.
In the interim, if you were pressured into signing a written recall agreement/ballot by members of this group and wish to rescind your vote, please return the attached rescission notice to the management office.

On behalf of the Board we appreciate your patience during this process.

 

Revoke Recall  Form:

if you prefer click here for a .pdf printer friendly form to “Revoke Recall”

revoke_recall

To:                                            Aquarius Condominium Association, Inc.

2751 South Ocean Drive

Hollywood, Florida 33019-2721

I/we, the owner(s) of 2751 South Ocean Drive, Unit No. _______________

Hollywood, Florida 33019, does/do hereby revoke the recall ballot signed by me/us on   _____________ , 2015 (insert date, if known).

Dated this_______ day of______________ , 2015.

_____________________                                         ____________________

Unit Owner (Print Name)                                          Unit Owner (Print Name)

By signing this document, I affirm that I/we are authorized in the manner required by the Association’s governing documents to cast this vote on behalf of this unit.

______________________                                     ______________________

Unit Owner (Signature)                                            Unit Owner (Signature)

 

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Broward County 40 Year Building Safety I. Program

aquarius51Broward County 40 Year Building Safety Inspection Program

This is an excerpt of topics related to the Broward County 40 Year Building Safety Inspection Program.  The document in its entirety is available in .pdf file format in a link bellow. The document includes photos of buildings victim of structural failures.

“”The 40 year and older Building Safety Inspection Program was created in 2005 and has become effective throughout Broward County in January 2006. …  … Broward’s program calls for structural and electrical safety inspections for buildings 40 years old or older and every ten years thereafter.  …   …. Broward program excludes all buildings under 3,500
square feet. … … Counties have had instances of structural building failures.

By having such a program in effect we are minimalizing the possibilities of future building failure and will be better prepared for hurricane winds.
Enclosed are checklists and guidelines for buildings to be inspected for structural integrity and electrical safety.  State licensed architects and engineers will be hired by private building owners to do the safety inspection.

The local government has the authority to establish a fee to review the Safety Inspection Reports. The Building Department will review the reports submitted to verify that if the inspecting agency has deemed the structural and electrical systems as safe. If any deficiency is noted, the building department shall follow the guidelines of Policy #05-05 … …””

Click HERE  for the entire document of 18 pages with photos:  (all links open in new TABs)  Broward_40_Year_Safety_Inspection

County of Broward official website link   >  Click HERE

City of Hollywood   on the 40 year Recertification subject

Miami-Appraiser  on the issue of the 40 year re-certification program (Miami had the program before Broward)

Fort Lauderdale – Frequent Asked Questions FAQ on 40 Re-certification   (very instructive)

1974_FDC_Miami_Collapse

2006_LauderdalebytheSea_Collapse

 

2006_SunSentinel_Wilma

 

 

 

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