PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT

FEBRUARY 12, 2008 By Marlene Reid

I was elected President on April 17, 2007. It has been a productive and harmonious year, and for that I must thank the rest of my cooperative team, Lynn Dopp, Gina Machado, Bill Wales, Stan Bryk, Jackie Dickinson, Tom Kelley, and Pat Ifft who generously volunteered to be our Recording Secretary as well as maintaining her commitment to editing the Starlight Express. All gave generously of their time and talents on behalf of Starlight, particularly those who were in residence year round while some us spent time “up north.”

In order to group the accomplishments, this report may not necessarily be in chronological order. Vice President Lynn Dopp was with me through all aspects of the changing scene regarding the restoration project, including many meetings with the engineer and attorney, telephone conference calls, interviews, etc., She handled many business matters in my absence, such as transitioning to new management, keeping on top of insurance developments, and preparing extensive updates on the restoration project, a comprehensive evacuation plan, and a trouble-shooting policy guide for owners and renters so that Board Members would not be called on for internal problems.

Stan Bryk oversaw the repair of the damaged sprinkler system and made sure no sections of grass were ignored. He saw to it that three diseased palm trees on Starlight's property were removed, the others trimmed including the one that reaches to the sky. Though Bill Wales and Coleen of Liberte did most of the groundwork in getting estimates etc., Stan followed through in supervising the installation of the handicap ramp to the courtyard, and the extensive rebuilding of the north wall, stabilizing the fence, and painting the wall. He also made the arrangements for moving the pool fence from the grass onto the concrete, thereby freeing up sprinklers, and solving the problem of a wobbly fence. Stan & Gina Machado have taken on the never-ending task of identifying areas of special cleaning “needs” and special attention “needs” on the premises.

The mail, the messages, and the bills would have stacked up unmercifully in the office, and gone unanswered and unattended if it hadn't been for Bill Wales giving them daily attention, after having put in a full day's work at his job. When there was a mix-up on an account due to a management error, or when it was discovered that Starlight was being penalized for delinquent filing of taxes Bill got to the bottom of the problem and followed through until all records were brought up to date. He has served, along with Lynn, as an effective liaison with our management teams.

There are many people to be recognized and thanked, and I apologize in advance for not remembering each of you in this report. Ric Garland and Jack Carlock installed our foot-rinsing shower which I think has saved bushels of sand from being tracked into the building and into the pool. Gigi Guthrie, with input from other Starlighters, had some new signs made up which are not only more pleasing to the eye, but keep us legally protected. Our Webmaster Louisa Simos provides us with Internet access to the Starlight Express and other info, as well as a method for filing a CORBOD electronically. Tom Kelley continues to research the issue of a generator - cost, placement, own or rent, requirement or reprieve, etc. Ed Ifft as our archivist is getting information from county records to make sure our lease certificates are up to date. Hugh McGuigan serves as our eyes and ears to the City, while Nancy McGuigan has faithfully served as keeper of the Sunshine fund. And a special thank you to all shareholders and residents who help police our premises, and send intruders packing!

Early in our term we voted to retain Attorney Ben Rabin because of his experience in co-op, condominium, and contract law, in addition to his civil litigation expertise. Soon thereafter, Mr. Rabin was successful in convincing Karins Engineering that we needed to be assigned a different engineer to represent us on the Restoration Project. Santiago Bartolome was given that assignment. I am convinced he has Starlight's interests at heart. With Mr. Rabin's input and counsel we worked through the summer getting answers to a myriad of questions and trying to close loopholes in the Wilson & Kehoe and Asbestos proposed contracts.
 

Liberte Management Group terminated our contract effective September 15, 2007. After diligently researching replacement possibilities, and after conducting interviews, we signed a contract with Resource Property Management Co. Carol Shier was the Manager assigned to our building. Carol is doing a great job! Shortly thereafter, on Sept. 26th, a Special Meeting was scheduled so the Board, and shareholders, could meet and hear a presentation by CEO Bob Reinhardt and Vice-President Vance Poland. They defined the role they were proposing for Resource during the Restoration Project, the possibility of seeking recovery from insurance for “hidden collapsed damages” and gave a brief synopsis of what they were working on in the way of insurance coverage for all their clients. After the guests were excused, and after much discussion, The Board passed a resolution engaging Resource Property management to act in a leadership capacity on behalf of Starlight during the project, with Vance Poland, who has a great deal of experience in restoration work, as our representative.

Resource Property Management made good on their enticement of lower insurance premiums. Although the transition was complicated and challenging Lynn and Carol steered us through. With this new program Starlight will be saving a significant sum of approximately $10,000 per year.

At the urging of Bob Reinhardt, the Board voted to reopen the bidding since only two companies had bid during the first round. This time seven contractors came, and six subsequently submitted bids. After reviewing the bids in November, the Board narrowed the selection to two. Further interviews were held, questions answered, and extensive discussion was held.

On December 10, 2007, we voted to select Complete Property Services (CPS) as our prime candidate as the General Contractor for Starlight's Restoration Project, and invited them to prepare a contract for our review. The contract was prepared and submitted to us. On January 17, 2008 the Board passed resolutions adopting an assessment, and authorizing the signing of the CPS contract upon acceptance of the addendum prepared by Attorney Rabin. The official notice, along with coupons, has been mailed out by Resource Property Management. As of this writing it is planned that work will begin about April 1st and last 8 to 9 months.
 

Other Developments at Starlight throughout the year:

• Some welcome hand-me-down pool furniture was obtained, compliments of Colleen McLachlan of Liberte.
   

• After much correspondence, a review of our present agreement, and a legal opinion, Sprint/Nextel added three more antennae to the roof of Starlight with no additional revenue for our building. However, at this time we are receiving over $21,000 per year from Nextel for the rental space.
   

• The Objective Standards Committee drafted and recommended 12 architectural standards for Starlight. These Standards were ratified by the Board on 9/5/07.
   

• Two new air conditioners were purchased for the lobby, and installed by Bill Wales and Tim Briggs, giving Starlight's budget a big break.
   

• We have a new office fax and printer, both joining the new computer which replaces the crashed one.
   

• The Budget Committee consisted of Lynn Dopp, Bill Wales, Gina Machado, and Dan Reid, working in conjunction with Manager Carol. They sharpened their pencils and kept the maintenance fees the same.
   

• Staff member Christy Hays is successfully handling the rental, as well as the cleaning, of apt. 106.
   

•  Security issues reached crisis proportions in Dec. and early Jan. We had locks installed on the parcel room door and on the outgoing mailbox. Residents must go to Christy to pick up their packages.

I wish to thank all of you for your cooperation during the past year, and I pray that 2008 will go as well!

~~ Marlene Reid