Our Annual Meeting was held January 16, 2013 where association members elected the 2013 Board of Directors. Joining me again on the board this year is Peter Baldi in a new role as vice president; Marie Williams, changing her position to treasurer; and director Bruce Bergen. New to the board are Karen Kanis as secretary and directors Stephen Landers and Wulf Stegelmann. Members voted in a great group and I know we will have another successful year accomplishing the goals set for 2013. On behalf of the entire association, I would like to thank previous board members Carol Flory, Moe Dinneen and Dan Kois for their dedication and many contributions these past years.
 
As noted at the annual meeting and posted to the GT website, association members voted for action on several key topics; however, the Articles of Incorporation did not receive the minimum 80% of votes required The purpose of the Articles of Incorporation is to establish the Association as an Incorporation including the legal name of the Association. Our legal name currently reads as Gulfstream Towers Association, Inc., a Condominium. With member approval of the Amended and Restated, the legal name could be Gulfstream Towers Association, Inc.
Our recent improvements seem to be paying off as real estate traffic has increased remarkably in the building and listing prices appear to be rising. We have received numerous compliments about interior and exterior changes. Just recently, a realtor who hadn’t been in the building in two years, commented, “Wow! What have you done? This place looks magnificent--like a totally different building.“ With all the positive changes in our neighborhood, it‘s great to realize that we have made an impact as well. Property values are so important and our homes are one of the best investments we can make.
 
Our five-year plan also is coming along quite nicely. As we complete projects each year, we review our reserves and the building to keep current with our replacement schedule and to consider where we need to devote priority attention. Being proactive--especially regarding maintenance--is the way to save money and operate this bayfront gem of a building efficiently. Refer to our reports and board meeting agendas on the website to keep current on which projects are upcoming.
 According to the strategic plan, we continue to replace the old, original cast iron pipes throughout the building with PVC piping. As a reminder, if you are planning a renovation that includes opening any walls that encase pipes, please contact the office so we can work with you on scheduling replacements for better, more efficient plumbing. If we work together, we can save everyone inconvenience, time and money in the long run.
 
Additionally, in 2012 the Board decided on the parameters regarding window and door replacements. Approximately 42 owners had new hurricane-rated impact windows installed and reportedly are extremely happy with the results. In addition to noise being diminished substantially, the heat from the afternoon sun has been reduced dramatically, which should translate into energy savings as well. The built-in screens also afford easy and safe access to that delightful bay breeze. For those of you who still desire to replace your windows, which have the added benefit of beautifying the building facade, email the office or visit gulfstreamtowers.org for instructions on how to contact Absolute Windows for a price and appointment. The doors are a different contact and that information also is available.
 
Speaking of the website, we continue to encourage all of you to make use of our ever-expanding resource. Information is posted routinely for your convenience and available at your fingertips anytime. Look for forms, procedures, meeting minutes, dates for future meetings, monthly manager’s reports, financial reports, insurance documents (such as a wind mitigation report for your homeowner insurance companies), photos, vendor contacts and more. The social committee also is working on a varied calendar of events. Please check the website from time to time to see what’s up and how to join in the fun.  We also invite anyone wanting to serve on that committee to contact the office or a board member by email.

 

Sincerely,
 

Susan Whitcomb
President