Page 11 - NJ Cooperator Fall 2020

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Another energy fix that is sure to worker on the night shift overrides the please any owner or shareholder in a controls because he doesn’t want to enter building heated by steam radiators (as a dark room in the middle of the night, much of the older housing stock in ma- jor U.S. cities is) is a new product called he says in a recent webinar on the sub- The Cozy. Designed in New York City ject. Both Farber and Plichta therefore and manufactured in the U.S., The Cozy maintain that optimizing controls build- is an energy solution that, if implemented ing-wide requires significant buy-in from building-wide, can reduce heating costs both staff and residents. up to 45%, based on a 2018 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) study. Using new on energy efficiency and emissions re- technology called the thermostatic radia- tor enclosure (TRE)—an insulating cover that may require access to individual that is installed over existing radiators units. (More on this topic in the next and includes a temperature-sensing sys- tem as well as a small fan—a desired tem- perature can be set either in a centralized a multifamily building or community can system controlled by management or by do to achieve energy efficiency is to be individual users via mobile app, comput- er, or on-board controls. If a room falls unit when management or its hired pro- below the set temperature, the fan turns fessionals are conducting assessments or on to circulate warm air until the desired implementing upgrades. While it may temperature is reached. While the fan is take a concerted communication and off, the insulating cover traps heat, allow- ing the room to stay comfortable. Adam Farber of MG Engineering in and compliance are key to the success of New York indicates that, like any func- tioning system, for these automated sys- tems to work, compliance is key. If you’re going to spend the time and money up- grading to automatic controls in your building, he says, they have to be used properly. “If the lights are set to stay off in the basement, but the maintenance then it’s not being used to its potential,” Let ‘Em In The retrofits with the biggest impact ductions involve building-wide upgrades installment.) Perhaps the simplest thing that every unit owner or shareholder in reasonable about granting access to the education effort on the part of the board and management, resident participation any energy initiative. n Darcey Gerstein is Associate Editor and Staff Writer for Th e New Jersey Cooperator. there is also a lot of overlap, even across of the building—what’s currently going on, regions. Th e New Jersey Cooperator spoke the nuances of diff erent matters, projects, with several multifamily management and staff issues. It gives them insight to begin- administrative pros across the country to ning their service.” However, along with fi nd out how their communities make sure the guidance, Wollman has some words new board members hit the ground run- ning. Management Training Michael Pesce is the president of As- socia, a large real estate management fi rm based in New Jersey that handles proper- ties up and down the East Coast. “I do the can do, just like in any new job, is to ob- training for our newly elected boards per- sonally, with the assistance of our commu- nity managers,” he says. “I use a template and priorities. To do that, the new board outline that’s then customized for each of member should read and be familiar with our managed communities.” Th e template the building’s board minutes—that will includes sections on fi duciary obligations, inform the new member on current mat- legal governing documents, board respon- sibilities, insurance, and transitions. “Th e laws. Before attending their fi rst meeting, goal is to do more than just a typical re- view of responsibilities—it’s to provide a a management report, supporting docu- roadmap for new board members to know ments, and the fi nancial statements. Th ese where their power comes from, and what should be reviewed before the meeting, so constrains it.” Daniel Wollman, CEO of Gumley Haft , a contribute ideas or perspectives based on management fi rm based in New York City, the facts.” has overseen the induction of new board members hundreds of times on hundreds ity is an important issue that needs to be of boards in his 30 years of managing coop- eratives and condominiums. He also makes himself available to new board members. “A new board member needs some orien- tation,” says Wollman. “Th ey can call me, or meet with me, and I explain the issues of caution for new board members as well: “Don’t come with a personal agenda. Come with a view that you are contributing to benefi t the whole building.” Wollman also advises new board mem- bers that “the best thing a new member serve. New members need to learn their board’s procedures, ongoing projects, ters in the building, house rules, and by- the new member will receive an agenda, they’re able to ask informed questions and Wollman also stresses that confi dential- WHAT NEW BOARDS... continued from page 1 continued on page 12