Vol. 56 No. 11
THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER
October 2020
SERVING OVER 25,000 SHAREHOLDERS IN THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE
MAKING EVERY VOTE COUNT EARLY VOTERS AT ROCHDALE VILLAGE
LONG LINES AND BAD WEATHER NOT ENOUGH TO MISS MOST IMPORTANT GENERAL ELECTION OF THE DECADE Pages 14-15
General Election sees residents of southeast Queens turn out in record numbers to use Rochdale Village as their Early Voting site. Photo credit: Doctor Bob Lee
RV Board Members hand out food donations from Greater Springfield Community Church to early voters - Pages 14 & 17
President’s - Pg. 2 Meeting | General - Pg.Manager’s 4 | Youth Gallery - Pgs. 14 & 17- Pg.| 9 In 2825-29 Annual Report Stockholders Notice -Manager’s Pg. 2 | Report General ReportPlanning’s - Pg. 4 |ArtOur New NCO Officers | RemembranceProjects Report Pg. - Pgs.
Page 2 ROCHDALE VILLAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020
The Rochdale Village Board of Directors serves 5,860 middle income families and more than 25,000 people in the world’s second largest housing cooperative, located at 169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434; Tel: 718-276-5700 ext. 336.
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD Chairman of the Board Clifton Stanley Diaz President Jean Randolph-Castro Vice Presidents Talib Bey Timothy Mercer Lisa Stark Ed Douglass Treasurer Barbara Staples Assistant Treasurer Glynis Urquhart Secretary Joyce Williams Assistant Secretary Janine Cross
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
MANAGEMENT Managing Agent Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc. General Manager Marion Scott Assistant Managers Lance Williams, MSI and Jay Williams, RVI Controller William Young Director of Maintenance Kelvin Pantaleon Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback Power Plant Director Corey Jones Human Resource Director Dolores Benner General Counsel Robert Bernstein
THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER
SPECIAL EDITION
Talib Bey Jean Randolph-Castro Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Ed Douglass Joe Evans Jean Hall Gary Hawkins Maryam Hubbard Tim Mercer Kamal Saleem Barbara Staples Lisa Stark Glynis Urquhart Joyce Williams Name Pending (State Representative) COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Budget & Finance Barbara Staples Commercial Services Timothy Mercer Community Center Jean Randolph-Castro/Ed Douglass Community Relations Lisa Stark Legal & Management Jean Randolph-Castro Maintenance Janine Cross Orientation Clifton Stanley Diaz Public Safety Talib Bey Senior Citizens Joyce Williams Youth Planning Gary Hawkins Environmental Conservation Kamal Saleem Parking Jean Randolph-Castro Information Technology Kamal Saleem
Rochdale Village BULLETIN
October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020
SERVING OVER 25,000 SHAREHOLDERS IN THE WORLD'S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE
The Rochdale Village BoaRd of diRecToRs' elecTion Wednesday, October 7, 2020 Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Scheduled for
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Sheila e. McKenzie
DerricK Shareef
Jean hall
Vacant
alfreD SMith
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eDDie DouglaSS
gary hawKinS KheDDa hayDen-ryan Sonya l. Miller JaMeS Boneparte 12 13
*NOTE: BIO CONTENT IS FORMATTED TO FIT ON PAGE BUT OTHERWISE UNEDITED SINCE THEY ARE WRITTEN IN THE HAND AND VOICE OF EACH CANDIDATE. CANDIDATE PHOTOS MAY NOT APPEAR DUE TO
TIMING OF SUBMISSION.
VOTING LOCATIONS Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5
Community Room Community Room Community Room Community Room Community Room
Building Building Building Building Building
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October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
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October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Monthly Report Monthly Report
-- by by Marion Marion Scott Scott
General Manager’s Monthly Report for September 2020 BOARD MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS/ A RETROSPECTIVE
I have been asked to comment on what I think is an ideal board member. Over the years serving on the Board of Directors has shown a marked change where the common good is being subordinated to private selfishness. This is a universal observation and a systemic problem affecting most board rooms. An ideal board member is the unique person who actually believes what they say and is the person to whom the common good is the greatest personal value. One who genuinely and completely believes in serving their community and is not diverted by superficial problems. A dedicated member who believes intensely in the future possibilities of Rochdale Village and will firmly promote the basic physical and material well-being of the community and his home. Good board members should be elected from reflection and choice, not from the stale bait for popularity at the expense of the public good. Being on the board is an active way to manage your life, your community and its finances. Board members are able to set standards and participate in final decisions of the corporation; and in turn protect their investment. Board members need to see themselves as overseers not implementers, because sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between governance and management. Monitoring activities in the corporation can be facilitated by clear reporting lines and deliberate clarification of the role of the board and staff. Boards are not meant to micromanage setting only strategic direction and not actively overseeing the implementation of the details. That is the principle change in the way boards have evolved over the years; mainly because their roles have not been clearly defined.
BOARD ORIENTATION
We have not held a Board orientation in over two years and due to the ongoing pandemic, it is unlikely that we will conduct one this year. Boards and their managing agent function best when they work together as a team. Ideally, the two parties collaborate to implement policy, carryout administrative duties, and make decisions
about the efficient operation of the buildings. Orientation is designed to eliminate the confusion that sometimes arises among board members regarding the extent of the manager’s duties versus the limits of the board’s duties. In the past we have held the session several weeks after the elections. We must always remember who the employers are. The board is the client and the managing agent is the agent, and there is a contractual relationship that defines the relationship. The day long orientation begins with breakfast and lunch and provides information so the board can make informed decisions regarding capital expenditures and get a feel for the operational function of each department. It is important for board members and property managers not to overstep their prescribed boundaries, but we know people are fallible and sometimes inclined to do what they should not do albeit well intended. Ideally, the board members develop the direction, policy and procedures for the community and the managing agent implements them. It is important for board members to remember that the purpose of the board is to make decisions, not run the operation. Hopefully, Board-Manager dynamics will be fully explained and will lead to greater understanding of what it takes to run an efficient housing company.
BETTER BOARD/MANAGEMENT RELATIONS
It has been stated in the past but it is worth reiterating, the relationship between managers and board members is built upon a foundation of trust. It should be understood that the betterment of the property is a common goal for both parties even if there are differences in opinion on how to get there. Ultimately, deference should be given to the professionals with issues that occur in day-to-day operations. That way there is some distance between the board and the employees. More collaborative efforts between board and management can be explored during projects that affect the residents. Board members providing management with insight from a resident’s perspective as well as their opinion based on their respective professional experience, is welcomed and effective. The board orientation is elementary
and fundamental for new members to both be informed and begin developing a working relationship with the management team. A well-informed board can better address questions or concerns raised by the community possibly quelling issues before they ever reach the manager. Coincidentally, the board has a unique perspective as both volunteer and resident that must be taken into consideration by their managing agent. After all, they have a vested interest in the place they call home and their opinions or ideas should not be readily dismissed. Board members have a stronger bond to the shareholders for which we are all here to serve. The ultimate conclusion is that both management and the board learn from each other. A team-based approach where the board and management work together but who have roles that are clearly defined make for a productive atmosphere.
BY-PRODUCT OF GOOD BOARD/ MANAGEMENT RELATIONS
One of the more recent occurrences which demonstrates a successful relationship between a board and management is the closing of the $195 million refinance last year. During this process, board members and management work together to identify improvements that can be made to enhance the community and quality of life for shareholders for decades to come. At the moment, we are moving full steam ahead with those projects despite delays due to Covid-19. The isolation valve replacement, which is a pre-cursor for the installation of the new convectors, should be complete before the end of October. We are finalizing and preparing to present to the board and community the new convectors which will go in every apartment. In addition, we will begin upgrades to the building community rooms, buildings electrical systems and replacing the electrical panels in each apartment within the next month. The interior compactors replacement is well underway and we anticipate the installation of the exterior compactors and new auger to be installed before year’s end. A more comprehensive list with updates is published in the monthly Bulletin. The point I want to make is that a cohesive board/management relationship is paramount to the progress of a community. We aspire to keep this momentum and continue to build on our past accomplishments. (Continued on Page 10)
October 2020
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Profit and Loss Financial Statement Narrative For the six months ended August 31, 2020
For the Five Months ended August 31, 2020, Controllable Income before Interest, Depreciation, Amortization, and Income taxes increased 2,017,000 to $6,853,000 as compared to $4,837,000 in the Budget. Below you will find an explanation of the significant changes in each category:
Controllable Income is defined
as income less variable expenses that can be managed by the Company. It is commonly known as EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization).
Administrative
Management and administrative expenses decreased $(203,000) to $2,158,000 as compared to $2,362,000 in the Budget. The decrease is due to collection expenses being stopped because the courts are closed during the COVID-19 crisis and more recently collection efforts began but are limited.
Janitorial & Grounds costs
Janitorial and Grounds expenses decreased $(253,000) or 8.5% to $2,746,000 as compared to $3,000,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to (1) the Operating income and ex- Budget reflecting a full staff and Janipense torial & Grounds actual salaries are Total revenue decreased $(673,000) not at full staff yet (2) a decrease of to $33,441,000 as compared to $(243,000) in Ground Maintenance $34,114,000 in the Budget. This de- expenses such as Landscape expenses crease is explained in the Revenue due to the impact of COVID-19 (3) analysis below: an increased focus on managing expenses; offset, in part, by an increase Apartment revenue was in-line in COVID 19 expenses for sanitizing, with the Budget at $29,487,000 as masks, garbage bags, etc. compared to $29,903,000.
Commercial rental revenue
decreased $(86,000) to $2,144,000 as compared to $2,230,000 in the Budget. The decrease is due to store vacancies due to impact of COVID-19.
Community Center revenue
decreased $(246,000) to $(1,250) as compared to $245,000 in the Budget. The decrease was principally due to the impact of the Community Center being closed during the COVID 19 virus and the negative $(1,250) is due to refunds because room rental deposits were returned.
Other
Income
increased $191,000 principally due to a National Grid rebate of $340,000 received in May.
pared to $6,073,000 in the Budget. The decrease in these costs was principally related to finalization of negotiations with National Grid to change Rochdale’s billing classification. The impact of this change will be approximately $200,000 a month in savings and will be approximately a savings of $2,000,000 per year!!!
2. Computer Software solution – Due to COVID 19, this project is on hold. We are also investigating certain software products to replace our current software. This will upgrade our current DOS based system to a windows-based system. We anticipate this project to resume in October 2020.
2. Other Power Plant Expenses Other Power Plant expenses were relatively in-line with the Budget.
3. Article 78 – During the Shelter Rent litigation, NYC did not agree to change the method they are using for Depreciation to GAAP. As a result, we have initiated litigation (called an Article 78) which should be filed in July. We anticipate that we will be successful with this litigation to have HCR change the method of Depreciation to GAAP which will save Rochdale approximately $100,000 per year in Shelter Rent Expense.
Insurance Expense Insurance expenses increased $382,000 to $1,956,000 as compared to $1,575,000 in the Budget. This increase is principally due to a 39% increase in General Liability insurance due to the market renewal rates increasing dramatically.
Real Estate Taxes (Shelter Rent) Real estate tax (Shelter rent) expenses decreased $(328,000) to $1,212,000 as compared to $1,540,000 in the Budget. The decrease is principally Maintenance and operating due to impact of change in the calculation of Shelter Rent to include allocosts Maintenance and Operating costs cable expenses to the calculation. See decreased $(1,569,000) or 30.7% to the Article 78 In the looking forward $3,530,000 as compared to 5,091,000 section of the report. in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to (1) the Budget reflect- Bad Debt Expense – Bad debt exing a full staff and Maintenance & pense increased $205,000 to $415,000 Operating actual salaries are not at as compared to $210,000 in the Budfull staff yet (2) less Repair Material, get. The increase is due to an increase Tools and Supplies and less Contract- in the accrual to $100,000 per month ed Service expenses due to most work for COVID-19 related expenses. halted during the COVID 19 quaranInterest Expense – There was no extine and a settlement with a vendor pense due to the Wells Fargo loan dewhich reduced expenses by $300,000. ferment program.
Security
Security costs decreased $(489,000) or 20.0% to $1,898,000 as compared to $2,388,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to the Budget reflecting a full staff and Total expenses decreased Security salaries are not at full staff $(2,690,000) to $26,587,000 as com- yet. pared to $29,277,000 in the Budget. The decrease is explained in the fol- Power Plant lowing expense categories, as well as, 1. Fuel and Utilities the impact of the COVID-19 limiting Fuel and utility expenses decreased the amount of contract work being $(185,000) to $5,888,000 as comdone during the quarantine:
All Other Expenses were relatively in-line with the Budget.
Looking forward
1. Paperless Solution – Due to COVID-19, this project is on hold. We are investing in certain software products that will allow Rochdale Village Inc. to work with our vendors to have invoices electronically transmitted to Rochdale and uploaded to our software.
Overall, Rochdale Village Inc.’s Controllable Income results For the Five Months ended August 31, 2020 show that Rochdale Village Inc.’s results have exceeded our Budget and is on track to exceed the Controllable Income Budget of $10,642,000 for the year.
Balance Sheet
Due to the COVID-19 impact, our Balance Sheet is impacted in August as follows: 1. Accounts Receivable – The Accounts Receivable balance increased $1,303,000 since the beginning of COVID. Of which, $733,000 relates to cooperators and $570,000 relates to commercial tenants. This increase is related to residents and commercial tenants not paying rent or the rents are being paid late 2.PPP (Payroll Protection Program) In April, we received a $6,029,300 PPP loan that was used to keep all employees employed. This loan was recorded in a separate cash account and set up as a liability until the loan is forgiven. We are now proceeding with the Loan forgiveness process which should be completed in October 2020.
SAVE TIME PAY ONLINE WITH PAY LEASE • 866-729-5327
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October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Rochdale Village Inc. PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FY & YTD 2020 and 2021
Rochdale Village, Inc. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AGING FY 2020
Rochdale Village, Inc. BALANCE SHEET FY 2019, 2020 and 2021
October 2020
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Controller’s Report
- by William Young
Rochdale Village Inc. Summary of Accounts Receivable Activity FY 2019 and 2020
Rochdale Village Inc. Summary of Accounts Receivable Carrying Charges (ONLY) >$100 in Aging FY 2020 and 2021
Rochdale Village Inc. Community Center Profit & Loss Statement FY 2019, 2020 and 2021 Actual vs. Budget
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October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Public Safety Report
- by Chief Adolph Osback
Public Safety Monthly Report September 2020
Enclosed is the statistical data relative to the performance of the Rochdale Village Public Safety Department during the month of September 2020. Public Safety maintains 24 hour /7 days a week coverage.
COMPLAINTS:
1. During the month of September 2020, the Public Safety Department has continued to focus attention on loitering, trespassing, noise complaints and all other quality of life violations. As a result, Public Safety Department officers responded to a total of (59) loitering and (189) noise complaints from Cooperators which were resolved as follows:
a) Founded-Compliant- (37) Loiterers complied with officers’ directives to leave and (61) of the noise complaint sources corrected the volume of the noise. b) Unfounded Calls-(21) unfounded loitering complaints and (120) unfounded noise complaints (officers responded but no loiterers were present or no noise could be heard). c) Founded/Non-Compliant Calls- Loitering individuals and noise complaints - Non-compliant of directives – (1) received violations for loitering and (8) received a violation for noise complaints.
For the month of August 2020 there was a grand total of (4) arrests made on Rochdale Village Grounds. The Public Safety Department will continue to organize in order to better serve the Rochdale Village community.
DVR UNIT ACTIVITY:
RISK MANAGEMENT INCIDENTS 11 INVESTIGATIVE INCIDENTS 30 VIOLATIONS ISSUED 00 RELATED ARREST INCIDENTS 04 FIRE INCIDENTS 01 TOTAL INCIDENTS 46
TASK FORCE UNIT ACTIVITIES: • • • •
Conducted (10) Directed & Routine Verticals. Made (0) arrests, issued (0) Trespass Notifications, issued (0) C-Summonses, issued (0) violations to include (0) for loitering and encountered (61) Loiterers during routine and directed patrols. Responded to assigned calls from Central Dispatch (1). Conducted (0) Tenant Verifications
*There was significant reduction in activity due to the Task Force being redeployed to assist with COVID-19 related activities. These included the following: Meal deliveries to home bound seniors 2 days a week, security coverage during mask giveaways, back filling post vacancies due to staff call outs, etc.
TOWING ACTIVITY
The Public Safety Department towed (14) vehicles and issued (118) warning stickers for the violation of various parking rules throughout the complex.
ROUTINE AND *DIRECTED VERTICAL PATROLS BY ROCHDALE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS:
Vertical patrols are conducted on a daily basis. Officers and Supervisors patrol the stairwells, hallways, rooftops and parking lots at different hours in an effort to curtail unlawful activities. *Directed verticals are additional post inspections performed in order to proactively reduce Quality of Life conditions in designated “Hot Spots” as determined by community complaints and the analysis of various patrol reports.
BUILDING VERTICALS, GROUND FLOOR INSPECTIONS AND PARKING LOT CHECKS: 4180 *DIRECTED VERTICALS: 120 TOTAL POST INSPECTIONS: 4300
PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONDED TO CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE REFERRED CALLS TO THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT TOTAL CALLS RECEIVED FOR ASSISTANCE:
987 633 1620
COOPERATOR ESCORTS 115 AIDED SICK/ INJURY AND ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENTS: 85 TOTAL INCIDENT REPORTS GENERATED: 154 MAIL VOLUME DELIVERED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER:
877
ARREST(S): IN HOUSE DETAINED: GRAND TOTAL OF ARRESTS:
04 01 04
VIOLATIONS ISSUED: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/AUTO: EVICTION(S):
44 11 00
VIOLATIONS Listed are the classifications of Notice of Violations issued:
October 2020
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Rochdale’s New Community Coordination Officers off to rousing start By Susan Van Brackle
P
ublic Safety Committee Chairman Talib Bey, committee Co-Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz and Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback held a meet-andgreet session in conjunction with officers from the 113th precinct on Wednesday October 7. The gathering was held in Group 1 just outside of Count Basie Middle School 72 where officers Renzulli and Easton introduced themselves to cooperators, provided information and distributed safety flyers about auto theft, mailbox phishing and more. Rochdale’s new Neighborhood Coordination Officers Renzulli and Easton are the official replacements for NCO’s Edwards and Bradley. Chairman Bey, Co-Chair Diaz and Public Safety Chief Osback also gave the NCO’s an introductory tour of
Rochdale’s command station and the cooperative’s grounds along with NCO Supervisor Sergeant Raymond Persaud and other NCO officers that are installed at the 113th Precinct. Here in their own words are greetings from Rochdale’s new NCO team: Michael Renzulli “I’m Officer Renzulli new to the NCO Unit, which is the Neighborhood Coordination Unit. I’ve been inside the precinct for four years now dealing with the community and helping everybody out so I look forward to working with just the Rochdale Village and helping with any necessary problems that we can both work towards.”
113th Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officer Michael Renzulli(left) and Officer Anthony Easton (right) join RV in place of Bradley and Edwards.
Before this I was the Youth Coordination Officer in the precinct. Before that I was also a Baisley Houses NCO so I’m familiar with all the things that come with being an Anthony Easton NCO. Looking forward to helping “Hello, how’s it going? I’m Officer out the Rochdale Village…It’s a Easton with the 113th Precinct. beautiful neighborhood; a beautiful
community. I like that you guys are a real strong…black community. I really appreciate that. Coming from Brooklyn New York and an area that’s just like this, it’s really nice to see that you guys all come together especially during times like this and COVID-19.
Attend Monthly Community Council Meetings held at 113th Precinct By Susan Van Brackle
W
ant first-hand information about what’s happening in and around your community? The 113th Precinct holds Community
Good Afternoon,
I
Council meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in New Jerusalem Baptist Church. The church is located at 12205 Smith Street, Jamaica, New York 11434 just off of Baisley Boulevard
opposite Rochdale Village Mall #1. Stop in, introduce yourself to council president Garfield Towler and contribute to the discussion with concerned neighbors like yourself. Get started by signing
up for council meetings. Below please find information from Police Officer Jermaine Washington of the 113th Precinct Community Affairs division that provides details about applying for membership.
6. Council activities are to be inclusive to all members of the community; 7. When serving in the capacity as Community Council Executive Board members at meetings/events, members are required to maintain non-partisan political positions and shall not endorse any political candidate or political party; the Community Council President and Sergeant-at-Arms shall ensure this restriction is enforced.
am writing you all today to discuss and distribute the Personal Data Sheet for the 113th Precinct Community Council as well as the membership requirements for the council. I know some of you have been attending the community council for many years and may not have completed one of these applications. But if you consider yourself a member of the community council then to be counted as a member it is required that a personal data sheet The 113th Precinct Community council meets every third Monmust be completed and retained by community affairs. day of the month September thru June at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom until Here are the membership requirements: further notice.
MEMBERSHIP
I have attached the cover letter and the personal data sheet. You 1. Community members 18 years of age residing or operating a can complete the Personal Data Sheet and email it back to me as business in the community, or serving as a member of a local soon as you can. civic organization or religious institution are eligible to become an official member of a Community Council; Any Questions you can contact me. 2. Executive Board and Council membership is an unpaid voluntary position; PO J. WASHINGTON 3. All members in good standing, except for the community COMMUNITY AFFAIRS youth representative, are eligible to vote on Council business 113 PRECINCT 4. Council members will complete a Personal Data Sheet. 167-02 BAISLEY BOULEVARD 5. Each member of the Council must sign an attendance log at JAMAICA, NEW YORK 11434 the beginning of each meeting; (we have an alternate means OFFICE (718) 712-1627 during virtual meetings) CELL (917) 940-8936
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October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Amazon’s ‘Key for Business’ service at RV helps account for package deliveries By Olayemi Okeniyi
I
n an effort to promote safe and efficient package delivery, Amazon started testing its ‘Key for Business’ service in Rochdale’s Group 4 on Monday, October 16, 2020. ‘Key for Business’ is a fob that essentially allows Amazon delivery drivers access into offices and apartment buildings without requiring building staff or patrons to do so. While the coronavirus pandemic has positively impacted online shopping and delivery services, the uptick in online shopping has led some buyers to be subjected to package theft in situations where no one is on hand to receive purchases. The first time Amazon worked with Rochdale Village management was to install the ‘Hub’ lockers that are situated by Chase Bank in Mall
#1. The install was designed to help address the mounting package theft issue. Now Amazon is introducing the ‘Key for Business’ service at Rochdale as another protective measure. According to Marques Blakes, a floating Group Manager at Rochdale Village, this service will allow Amazon to tap into Rochdale’s Keri system, granting their drivers access to buildings without waiting around for someone to buzz them in. He explained that the system would ensure that delivery drivers only gain access to buildings for the express purpose of delivering Amazon packages and creates a better system of accountability by tracking when and where each driver drops each box. “Let’s say one particular driver needs to deliver to building
13, Section C. When the driver gets out of his van and he walks up to the building, as soon as he gets within 6 feet of building 13, the door will automatically unlock allowing him to enter the building, he said. “They all know, the driver is supposed to drop it off at the front of the apartment. So if that person happens to have a package that was missed or wasn’t left at their door, like how the drivers like to say they do, then Amazon will know, who the driver was.” Blakes said that the service was only being tested in four buildings but if the test yields good results then management will give the go ahead to expand it in the remaining buildings. He added that the Big Mall Hub Lockers were not enough to service Rochdale Village and in the mean time reports about missing or stolen packages are still on the rise.
“I think, ‘Key for Business’ does add more accountability on Amazon’s side, to know, when their driver has arrived and where their driver claimed they left the package,” Blakes said. Cooperators should note that if enough people make use of the lockers more will be installed in this area. Other Amazon Hub Lockers close to Rochdale Village include: • Giles at Rite Aid, 165-02 Baisley Boulevard • Volte at Pay-O-Matic, 160-39 Rockaway Boulevard • Enver at Rite Aid 115-10 Merrick Boulevard • Primrose at Pay-O-Matic, 18834 Linden BoulevardTomas at Sprint, 134-40 Springfield Boulevard
Plans to Help with Parking
(Continued from General Managers Report Page 4)
Parking at Rochdale, or as it 1. Increased Parking Lot Patrols: has been described lately “the parkUsually parking lot turnover ocing problem at Rochdale”, is concurs when Shareholders are late tinuing to grow more problematic. with their carrying charges or Furthermore, the additional hi-rise when the car has become derelict. While the former reason buildings being constructed is exacerbating an already very inconis suspended due to COVID the venient quality of life issue. Sharelatter is going to be increased holders without assigned parking substantially. More lot patrols arrive home from a long day’s work will help open much needed to find no available street parkspace for residents with working. That leaves only 3 choices ing vehicles. for most, the 1st being to wait for 2. Expand Existing Lots: a comprehensive lot expansion plan the off chance that someone leaves, will be coming soon to the Rowhich can then have the experience chdale campus at proposed exof jostling with their neighbors for pansion areas. Some of these the open spot. The 2nd choice is to expansions and lot redesigns park half a mile away and take the yield 60 spaces! Please be on long walk home. The third option the lookout for signage and is to roll the dice and park a little postings on campus for protoo close to the hydrant and hope posed expansion areas. that little orange paper isn’t flapping underneath your windshield 3. Tiered Parking Structure: The wiper in the morning. What I’m Board has prioritized building a trying to say is that the Board and parking structure along Bedell. Management understand your frusThe preliminary additional tration. We are taking it very sespaces were cited at approxiriously and we have a plan. Here mately 270 spaces! Between are a few bullet points to describe this and the proposed lot 1 redesign we anticipate a systemic what is happening now and in the relief on parking for the entire near future. campus.
PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19.
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October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 11
Cooperators: Pay close attention to communications about RV’s new convector project
By Susan Van Brackle
T
he February 2019 edition of the Rochdale Village Bulletin newspaper specified that the corporation is moving towards one of the largest capital improvement projects ever undertaken: the convector conversion project. Since that publication, there have been reports from the Board President’s Message, General Manager and Project Manager about this important goal. Once the Rochdale Village convector conversion gets underway, a regular stream of important information will be sent out. Cooperators are urged to read board resolutions that will select vendors to do the job and maintenance schedules denoting how the work will flow. Rochdale’s Power Plant plays a critical role in how each of the work phases come together. Cooperators will be informed along the way via a combination of publications in the monthly paper, Weekly Sheet, door-to-door distributions, posts that appear on each building’s digital bulletin boards and social media. Project Management Report The Project Management
report that’s published in the Bulletin newspaper every month is an important read. The report is filled with planned assignments, including the convector conversion initiative. This report is designed to show shareholders how dollars from the Wells Fargo mortgage refinance are being spent against the goals that were put in place when the application for the mortgage was approved. Things like the project’s name, description, status, budget for the job, monies spent and more are detailed on the report. According to General Manager Herbert Freedman of MSI, “...It’s state of the art. It’s the most modern [equipment] you can get. It’s been designed especially Assistant General Manager Jay Williams, General Manager Herb Freedman, Board President Jean Castro, for us, for Rochdale Village. And it’s Assistant Maintenance Director David George, Maintenance Director Kelvin Pantaleon and Assistant General Manager Lance Williams with new convector. gonna’ be an exciting project. We still have a lot of questions to answer but speedy and effective way possible. complex continuing to navigate the at least we’ve picked the unit. Now Staying in tune with communications coronavirus pandemic, Rochdale from Rochdale Village keeps you Village communiqués remain a key we’re trying to pick the installer.” aware of happenings as they occur. source of information on everything Residents that are not already signed from social service events, how Cooperators Play a Huge Role up for emergency alerts should email to secure meals, office operations, As the convector conversion ookeniyi@rochdalevillage.com. maintenance happenings at the project progresses cooperators or Besides receiving cooperative and stay safe messaging. their designee, will be relied upon updates about the convector Prefer to go paperless? Read for their patience and to be at home project, cooperators should read the Bulletin online at issuu.com/ when installs start to take place. communications that get distributed rochdalebulletinonline or subscribe In a project this size the goal is to to their door and appear on the digital to view the digital bulletin board execute this undertaking in the most bulletin boards in general. With the from your personal device.
Paid Advertisement
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
October 2020
RV’s Senior Center maintains some consistency for members during COVID-19 outbreak by
Olayemi Okeniyi
S
ince the beginning of New York’s lock down due to the pandemic, Rochdale’s Senior Center has persisted in its directive to bring comfort to its members by helping to meet their needs. At the height of the quarantine, the center partnered with several committees and organizations, both inside and outside of the community, to ensure the elderly were getting the food and medical attention they needed while guaranteeing the safety of all involved. Senior Center Director Sheree Shivers explained that
the programs she’s engaged with have expressed a desire to show support and want to reach out to this community’s most vulnerable population. Some of the auspices the center has worked with are Kevin Livingston, Director of the 100 suits initiative delivers meals to homes; New York Common Pantry has a ‘Nourish for Seniors’ food program, and the Thursday food pop-up that is made possible by Council Member Adrienne Adams and AGAPE Bethel CDC, Royal and Evangel Temple. As the Jewel Café is currently closed for lunch, the senior center partnered with Kevin Livingston and 100
suits to have prepared meals delivered to seniors at their residence. Seniors must qualify for a free monthly food package from the New York Common Pantry. Eligibility is based on income. Shivers added that for seniors who prefer to prepare their own meals the Thursday food pop-up provides fresh produce including fruit, vegetable, eggs, milk and cheese to those who need it. She asked that any Rochdale resident who knows of a senior in need of assistance with meals or food or other services should please call the senior center for assistance. “We will be more than
happy to accommodate them with fresh produce or canned goods depending on their preference,” Shivers said. Ms. Shivers added the while the physical Community Center is currently closed, nothing could actually slow down the very active members of the Senior Center, who continue to engage in activities like Zoom Bingo and a Halloween parade online. Board President, Jean Randolph-Castro said helping one’s neighbors is a Rochdale tradition that predates the pandemic. She urged those involved to adhere to the governor’s safety mandates, so that such community outreach would not be forced to end.
October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 13
New public safety recruits perform exercise drills as part of training at Rochdale
(l. to r.) Rochdale Village Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback, Human Resources Director Dolores Benner, President of Rochdale’s Board of Directors Jean Castro with Public Safety recruits in training and Public Safety’s Lieutenant Ernest Gaither. (More photos on page 16).
By Olayemi Okeniyi
R
ochdale’s Public Safety division is in the process of turning its latest recruits into fullfledged officers. The cadets were put through rigorous training on Thursday, October 22, 2020 by Public Safety veteran Lieutenant Ernest Gaither and Sergeant Chinnery, Rochdale’s newest officer on the Public Safety team. According to Chief Adolph Osback, “They will become officers once they graduate.” The fast-paced training in-
volved making a delivery up five flights of stairs, a wheel chair rescue, a simulated citizen rescue from a burning car and a mad dash with a fire extinguisher, which every recruit had to perform from start to finish. Lieutenant Gaither kept records and made notes each time the drill was completed making sure that each recruit was able to run the full exercise. Sergeant Chinnery comes to Rochdale Village with 21 years of experience as a retired detective with the New York Police Depart-
ment as well as public relations acumen. He was equally involved with the training procedures as he captured the recruits progress on film and even ran with them up and down the flights and more. Sergeant Chinnery is very familiar with Rochdale Village having spent time over the years in and around the community in neighboring areas. Public Safety is tasked with preserving peace and safety on the Rochdale Village Campus, a task further complicated by the restrictions of COVID-19, but Chief Os-
back believes that the department, with the added help of Rochdale’s new recruits, is up to the task. “The purpose of this training is first and foremost to give them an awareness of their physical fitness at the level they are at. It’s also to develop a camaraderie between the recruits. It’s just to inspire them to get more physically fit, more physically active and to unify them as a team by developing relationships and friendships from the academy training and hopefully that will transfer over into when they get assigned to the Public Safety department,” he said.
Chairman of the Board and Public Safety Committee Co-Chair extends his thanks By Susan Van Brackle
W
Continuous early voting crowds form in the background behind Lieutenant Ernest Gaither and Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback.
hat an unbelievable month Rochdale’s Public Safety division has had. Not only did Lieutenant Ernest Gaither and Chief Adolph Osback manage the department’s day-to-day operations, they also conducted training of over 15 new recruits at the complex and were responsible for effectively managing security at Rochdale Village for the largest early voting crowd in this district’s history. Rochdale’s Board Chairman and Public Safety Committee Co-Chair, Clifton Stanley Diaz,
and the entire Board of Directors extends a heartfelt thank you to the entire Public Safety team for their tireless service. Mr. Diaz also extends his thanks to Board President Jean Castro for her community outreach and her efforts at the election polls; officers of the 113th Precinct for consistent coverage during that very active time, to Management, Rochdale’s Maintenance crew for managing health and safety protocols, Assemblymember Vivian E. Cook as well as all of the other local and state officials that extended their support.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
October 2020
Community Center and Community Center Committee treat lines of early voters to snacks and ‘Soul at the Polls’ event with WBLS’s Doctor Bob Lee
By Susan Van Brackle
either rain, nor cold, nor dark of night would keep Rochdale Village voters and those in neighboring communities from coming out to the polls at the Community Center. While this is not the first time early voting was conducted at the center, it is indeed the first major General Election the cooperative has held since the Board of Elections selected the campus in March 2019.
queue was formed for senior citizens and the disabled in order to expedite the process. There was even a separate line created for dropping off mail-in ballots. A range of participants made up the early voting pool. Elderly citizens, the disabled, young first-time voters and working families all graced the space. Children brought parents and grandparents brought their grand babies to the polls so that they could all experience this right of passage together.
Lines, Lines, Lines According to a Tweet published by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Queens came in second after Brooklyn for the highest number of early voters with 214,989. As per poll coordinator Tina Young, numbers specifically for the Rochdale Village site was said to be approximately 24,468. People could not believe their eyes when they saw the turn out that arrived to cast their ballots beginning 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24. Voters lined up at the center as early as 7:00 a.m.. By the end of the first day the line had stretched for hours and went as far as Bedell Street from the voting entrance. Some voters turned back vowing to return later in the week. Most notable about the supporters was their commitment and dedication to waiting their turn, sometimes in close proximity of each other in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and, in bad weather that was at times cold, teeming rain. Lines eased when a separate
Dr. Bob Lee does Pop Up ‘Soul at the Polls’ Event By Saturday October 31, 2020, lines to the ballot box moved swiftly and dwindled in size. To keep patrons motivated as they waited, Rochdale’s Community Center Director Julia Shaw and Community Center Committee Chairman Jean Castro teamed up to host a pop-up ‘Souls at the Polls’ event featuring celebrity DJ Doctor Bob Lee and Crew of 107.5 WBLS FM. Waiting voters were serenaded with stress-free tunes while interacting with Doctor Bob on the mic. People received refreshments like water, snacks and free hot mac and cheese bowls from Chrissa Schmerler, Owner of The Big Cheese. A clown molding balloon animals appeased children after their wait in line and the complex even received a visit from MSNBC Legal Analyst and mayoral hopeful, Maya Wiley. The ‘I Just Voted’ sticker was the most coveted accessory of election season. Let’s give a shout out to New York’s Board of Election
N
Doctor Bob Lee of 107.5 WBLS FM and Crew (left) with early voters in line at Rochdale Village. Photo credit: Doctor Bob Lee
Board President and poll coordinator Jean Castro did double duty during Election week.
Crew member Mitch kept the tunes pumping while people waited.
Board Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz and Vice President Ed Douglass hand out treats to satisfied voters.
Free, hot mac and cheese bowls from the team at ‘The Big Cheese’ fed the crowds.
poll workers including Rochdale’s own Board President Jean Castro and Tina Young who served as location coordinators. Clara Sheppeard,
Yvette Titus, Margaret Cummings, Margaret Cox and Mary Ingram also contributed their service. Well done.
1 Worldfest Global rides RV community to the polls in style with party bus By Susan Van Brackle
C
ooperator’s push to the polls did not end when the voting machines and crowds left Rochdale’s community center. Members of 1 Worldfest Global, in conjunction with New York City’s Playground Express and Lady Diamonds organized free transport to the voting booths for residents and others in the surrounding area on Tuesday, November 3. The 1 Worldfest Global organization partnered with Board President Jean Castro and Board Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz to
get this initiative promoted on social media and digital bulletin boards throughout the Rochdale Village community. Local elected officials from southeast Queens sponsored rides for voters on the 35-foot luxury entertainment mobile van from Playground Express. According to Mr. Kamell Ellis, CEO and cofounder of 1 Worldfest Global, “We want to thank Jean Castro, President of the Board of Directors here at Rochdale Village…, Mr. Clifton Stanley Diaz and all the Board members of Rochdale for supporting us…, supporting 1 Worldfest Global as we strive to Party to the
Polls and get the young folks off the couch and onto the party bus, New York City Playground Express, to go out and cast their vote and have their voices be heard. We just want to offer a service to our community to try and inspire young people to come out and go to the polls and let their voice be heard because we think it is important. It is a very critical election, decision 2020, so again, we want to thank Ms. Castro, Assemblymember Vivian Cook, Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, Councilwoman Adrienne Adams, District Leader Anthony Andrews and of course Clifton Stanley
Diaz and the whole Rochdale community for supporting 1 Worldfest Global and that’s why we’re here to support the community as they support us.” The party bus to the polls made stops beginning at 11 a.m. in the morning at Circle 1, 1:00 p.m. in Circle 2, 3:00 p.m. in Circle 3, 4:00 p.m. in Circle 4 and 5:00 p.m. in Circle 5. Face masks were required to gain access to the vehicle. Cooperators like Ms. Shontee of Circle 5 said, “The bus was great.” (See photos page 17). Photo credit: Larry Love Moore.
October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Page 15
Southeast Queens Community at large shares what voting means to them
My name is Esther Henegan. I’m a Rochdale Village person. I live in building 16. I am 99 years old and I am sitting here waiting to vote, because a change is gonna’ come and I’m here to make sure that change comes. Bye bye my former president.
Good Morning, My name is Burnetta Graves. I have been looking for this day, cause this vote depends on our lives and we have to get out here and vote to get that man out of Pennsylvania Avenue. So I’m here and I see so many other people here all ages. So just come on. You’ve got 8 more days to come out here and vote. Don’t wait til the afternoon, come early in the morning. I got here this morning about a quarter to 8 and polls don’t open up until 10 but it was worth it. So just come out and vote. Do the right thing!
Three Generations of Voters It means everything to me because my daughter will be doing it in a few years. Voting Mom-left. It means about the election that, who you want to vote for… what person you want to vote. (Future Voter: Daughter Seven Years Old- Center). It means that my child has a chance to live. Seven years old that’s her daughter but never the less she needs a life. You need a person in the seat who’s going to see to it that she gets a life. (Grand Mother-Right)
What the vote means to me today is that at least we have an understanding person and thank God for him. My name is Mary Broadnax.
RV’s Tina Young Election Poll Worker
“We had the biggest numbers in Rochdale in the last election. This turn out will be even larger. The numbers over at your college and Queens borough hall look like they’ll be historic. That tells me that our numbers will be even more historic than theirs because traditionally we vote higher than those other areas. I fully expect that these numbers will be probably the largest in the history of Rochdale Village.” Queens District Leader Anthony Andrews and RV poll worker Clara Sheppeard.
This is our squad. My name is Lauren Gettensbridges. I’m the chair of the social action committee for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority incorporated, 100 years old. This is our chapter Delta Beta Zeta here in Queens. This are my Soros Alysha. Introduce Yourself. My name is Alysha, I am Soro White, I’m here out just to make sure people come early vote. This is our other soro
Happy Early Voter
Beverly Jones King, again supporting and helping anyone to get out early and vote. LG: That’s it we are here to thank everybody for voting early, we have to vote because our life does depend on it. Our ancestors died for us to have this right and we are here to celebrate, encourage and enjoy the moment cause our life depends on it.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
October 2020
Public Safety is job one at Rochdale Village. Meet our new recruits.
Public Safety Chief Osback, NCO Officers of the 113th Precinct along with Board Chairman and Public Safety Co-Chair Clifton Stanley Diaz and 1st Vice President of the Board and Public Safety Chairman Talib Bey.
Public Safety recruits each had to engage in a sequence of agility and strength training tests to make the team.
New hire, Sergeant Chinnery (left), grabs the action shot as Public Safety recruit conducts training exercise.
113th Precinct Neighborhood Community Officer Michael Renzulli, Supervisor Sergeant Raymond Persaud and Officer Anthony Easton do a meet-and-greet in Group 1.
Public Safety’s Lieutenant Ernest Gaither conducts time trials on new recruits.
Recruits must be able to lift and maneuver a 70 lb. dummy with a weight that feels more like 140 lb.
October 2020
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Rochdale residents and others from Jamaica area escorted to the election polls in style (Photo credit: Larry Love Moore)
Party buses to the election polls were secured for residents of Jamaica to cast their votes on November 3rd. Buses left from each circle according to time slot.
1 Worldfest Global members set up in lobbies to introduce cooperators to their initiative and sponsors.
Members of 1 Worldfest Global, Lady Diamonds and NYC’s Playground Express broke bread with Rochdale’s Board Chairman Clifton Stanley Diaz and Assemblymember Vivian Cook, who sponsored a delicious spread.
Last call to board the Party Express bus to the election polls.
Youth involved in the democratic process form members NYC’s Playground Express.
1 Worldfest Global members board the party bus that provided a comfortable and exciting experience for voters young and old.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
October 2020
Youth Planning Committee brings Halloween to the Groups at RV By Olayemi Okeniyi
N
ot even the COVID-19 pandemic was able to stop children of Rochdale Village from tapping into Halloween fun. On Saturday, October 31, 2020, members of the cooperative’s Youth Planning Committee hosted a Halloween Grab-and-Go from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Participants were treated to candy and refreshments all distributed on a first come, first served basis. Buildings 3, 8, 10, 13 and 17 became candy wonderlands for residents in their circles. After months of isolation, this unique method of celebrating Halloween in each of the residence groups was devised by Rochdale’s
Youth Planning Committee and was well received by many cooperators especially since Mayor de Blasio discouraged traditional trick or treating. Coming to families in each circle provided a safe and convenient chance for children to come out and show off their costumes and have delicious snacks with out going door-to-door. This exclusive event was limited to Rochdale Village residents in order to promote safety amidst the pandemic. Children had to be accompanied by an adult and social distancing regulations were expected from all in attendance. (See photos page 19).
October 2020
Page 19
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Cartoon Characters add treat to Youth Planning Committee’s Halloween Photo credit: Larry Love Moore
Winnie the Pooh, Iron Man and Spiderman Representing in Building 10, Circle 3.
3rd Vice President of the Board Lisa Stark with Daisy Duck.
Director and Chair of the Youth Planning Committee Gary Hawkins with Donald Duck and Halloween crew.
Paw patrol: Building 8 (Circle 2) Director Gary Hawkins with Board President Jean Castro
Building 17 (Circle 5) Board Director and Youth Planning Co-Chair Janine Cross.
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October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - September 28, 2020 (Virtual Meeting)
R31-20. WHEREAS, the community rooms (public assembly rooms) within the twenty (20) buildings are being utilized extensively as multi-purpose rooms; WHEREAS, after many years of use the rooms now have substantial wear and tear and they require renovation; WHEREAS, proposals were sought from contractors to renovate the rooms sitewide producing the following results: Contractor MSS Golden Eagle Alexander Wolf & Son Genesys Construction Island Carpentry Corp SAGA Management Group Milcon Construction Group Zaman Construction Corp.
Bid Price $1,995,612 $2,236,842 $2,454,000 $2,866,815 $5,499,000 $6,005,800 $6,347,500
Moved by: Talib Bey Seconded by: Edward Douglass FOR
Joe Evans
Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
WHEREAS, MSS Golden Eagle provided the lowest responsible bid in the amount of $1,995,612. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves MSS Golden Eagle to renovate the community rooms for the amount of $1,995,612 to be funded from HCR Reserves, subject to approval from New York State Homes & Community Renewal.
Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
FOR
Joe Evans
Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Jean Hall Maryam Hubbard Kamal Saleem Glynis Urquhart
ABSENT Barbara Staples
Thirteen for, two absent; motion passes. R33-20: WHEREAS, there are two (2) Worthington back-up diesel generators (“diesel generators”) that have been in operation since the inception of Rochdale Village; WHEREAS, a contractor is needed to disassemble and rebuild the diesel generators; and WHEREAS, only one (1) electricalmechanical company, Longo Electrical- Mechanical, Inc. (“Longo”) submitted a unit price for each diesel generator at $2,450,448 and $2,044,224, respectively. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves Longo to be the electrical-mechanical contractors for the diesel generators, pending approval by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Moved by: Janine Cross Seconded by: Glynis Urquhart
Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Jean Hall Maryam Hubbard Kamal Saleem Glynis Urquhart
FOR Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Gary Hawkins Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
ABSENT Barbara Staples
Thirteen for, two absent; motion passes. R32-20: WHEREAS, there are two (2) Worthington back-up diesel generators (“diesel generators”) that have been in operation since the inception of Rochdale Village; WHEREAS, a consultant is needed to engineer, review, advise and sign off on plans, specifications and other documents commensurate with the rebuilding of the diesel generators; and WHEREAS, two (2) engineering firms were approached of which Goldman Copeland Consulting Engineering (“Goldman Copeland”) submitted the lowest responsible bid at $35,000. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves Goldman Copeland to be the consultant for the diesel generators. Moved by: Talib Bey Seconded by: Clifton Stanley Diaz
Janine Cross Edward Douglass Barbara Staples Glynis Urquhart
AGAINST Talib Bey Timothy Mercer
Jean Hall Kamal Saleem
ABSTAIN Maryam Hubbard ABSENT Joe Evans Nine for, four against, one abstention, one absent; motion passes. R34-20: WHEREAS, roof replacements were made on Buildings 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 under a contract initiated in 2015, and WHEREAS, the remaining 13 buildings, namely 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are scheduled to undergo replacements beginning the spring of 2021, and WHEREAS, proposals were sought from qualified Architectural Firms to prepare bid documents to undertake this project over the next
October 2020
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - September 28, 2020 (Virtual Meeting)
three (3) to five (5) years, resulting in the following responses: COMPANY
BASE BID
William Davis
$100,800
June Daniel Architect
INFRA-RED TOTAL SCAN BID PRICE Included in Base Bid
$75,280
$31,200
$100,800
$106,480
Robert J. Stahl Architect
$111,800
$ 9,750
$121,550
Joshua Architect
$154,000
$12,375
$166,375
O&S Architects
$147,000
No price
$147,000
WHEREAS, the feeders require testing to ensure proper electrical distribution to all buildings; WHEREAS, proposals were sought from electrical contractors to test the feeders producing the following results; CONTRACTOR RESA Powers Southern New England Electrical testing EJ Electric
BID PRICE $92,614 $99,260 $99,793
WHEREAS, RESA Powers provided the lowest responsible bid in the amount of $92,614. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors approves RESA Powers to test the underground feeders for the amount of $92,614 to be funded from Wells Fargo Repair Escrow, subject to approval from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Moved by: Barbara Staples Seconded by: Janine Cross
BBS Architects
$138,925
AEG Architects
$298,000
Indus Architects
$470,350
$32,500 $39,000
$171,425 $337,000
$15,000 $485,350
WHEREAS, the Firm of William E. Davis Jr. Architect, PC provided the lowest responsible bid in the amount of $100,800 to prepare bid documents and oversight for the replacement of 13 residential building roofs in Rochdale Village to be funded from the Reserves account. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors accepts proposal from William E. Davis Jr. Architect, PC in the amount of $100,800, subject to approval from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Moved by: Talib Bey Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro FOR Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Maryam Hubbard Kamal Saleem Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Barbara Staples Glynis Urquhart
ABSTAIN
Jean Hall ABSENT Joe Evans
FOR Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Barbara Staples Glynis Urquhart
ABSENT
Joe Evans Fourteen for, one absent; motion passes. R36-20: WHEREAS, Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (“Advantage Care”) currently rents 11,144 square feet adjacent to the Management Office; WHEREAS, Advantage Care has agreed to renew their space for two (2) years; and WHEREAS, the terms of the lease are attached. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Advantage Care renewal is approved by Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors. Moved by: Clifton Stanley Diaz Seconded by: Barbara Staples FOR Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Maryam Hubbard Barbara Staples Glynis Urquhart
Thirteen for, one abstention, one absent; motion passes.
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
Jean Hall R35-20: WHEREAS, Rochdale Village’s cogent Power Plant provides electricity to all buildings throughout the site;
Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Jean Hall Maryam Hubbard Kamal Saleem Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
Kamal Saleem
Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
October 2020
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting Resolutions - September 28, 2020 (Virtual Meeting)
Joe Evans Twelve for, one against, one abstention, one absent; motion passes. Twelve for, one against, one abstention, one absent; motion passes. R37-20: WHEREAS, Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (“Advantage Care”) currently rents 1,250 square feet in Mall 2; WHEREAS, Advantage Care has agreed to renew their space in Mall 2 for two years; and WHEREAS, the terms of the lease are attached. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED Advantage Care renewal is approved by Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors.
R39-20: WHEREAS, OB’S Bakery, Inc. (“OB’s”) currently rents 3,455 square feet in Mall 1; WHEREAS, OB’S has agreed to renew their space in Mall 1 for five (5) years; and WHEREAS, the terms of the lease is attached. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, OB’S renewal is approved by Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors.
Moved by: Clifton Stanley Diaz Seconded by: Barbara Staples
Moved by: Clifton Stanley Diaz Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro
FOR Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Maryam Hubbard Barbara Staples Glynis Urquhart
FOR Talib Bey Jean Randolph-Castro Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Maryam Hubbard Timothy Mercer Kamal Saleem Barbara Staples Lisa Stark Glynis Urquhart Joyce Williams AGAINST Jean Hall ABSENT Joe Evans
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
Jean Hall Kamal Saleem Joe Evans Twelve for, one against, one abstention, one absent; motion passes. R38-20: WHEREAS, Citibank, N.A. currently rents 3,750 square feet in Mall 2; WHEREAS, Citibank, N.A. has agreed to renew their space in Mall 2 for five years with two (2) five (5) year options totaling fifteen years; and WHEREAS, the four spaces located in Lot 9A will be relocated to the small mall; and WHEREAS, the terms of the lease are attached. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Citibank, N.A. Renewal is approved by Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors. Moved by: Jean Randolph-Castro Seconded by: Janine Cross FOR Talib Bey Janine Cross Edward Douglass Maryam Hubbard Barbara Staples Glynis Urquhart
Jean Randolph-Castro Clifton Stanley Diaz Gary Hawkins Timothy Mercer Lisa Stark Joyce Williams
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
Jean Hall Kamal Saleem Joe Evans
Thirteen for, one against, one absent; motion passes. R40-20: WHEREAS, Triangle Service Station, Inc. (“Triangle”) currently rents 13,616 square feet adjacent to Mall 1; WHEREAS, Triangle has agreed to take (13,616) square feet adjacent to Mall 1 for five years; and WHEREAS, the terms of the lease are attached. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Triangle renewal is approved by Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors. Moved by: Clifton Stanley Diaz Seconded by: Glynis Urquhart FOR Talib Bey Jean Randolph-Castro Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Maryam Hubbard Timothy Mercer Kamal Saleem Barbara Staples Lisa Stark Glynis Urquhart Joyce Williams AGAINST Jean Hall ABSENT Joe Evans Thirteen for, one against, one absent; motion passes.
October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
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Rochdale Village Board of Directors Meeting
Resolutions Requiring Board Action - September 28, 2020 (Virtual Meeting) Virtual Meeting began: 7:15 p.m. Board Members: Present Clifton Stanley Diaz - Chairperson Jean Randolph-Castro - President Talib Bey - 1st Vice President Tim Mercer - 2nd Vice President Lisa Stark - 3rd Vice President Edward Douglass - 4th Vice President Joyce Williams - Secretary Janine Cross - Assistant Secretary Barbara Staples - Treasurer (arrived late) Glynis Urquhart - Assistant Treasurer Jean Hall - Director Gary Hawkins - Director Maryam Hubbard - Director Kamal Saleem - Director
Also Present MSI Real Estate Herbert Freedman - General Manager Jay Williams - Assistant General Manager Lance Williams - Assistant General Manager Robert Bernstein, Esq., Corporate Counsel William Young - Controller Kelvin Pantaleon - Director of Maintenance David George - Assistant Director of Maintenance Corey Jones - Facilities Manager The agenda for the evening: 1. Motions 2. Adjournment The roll call was taken upon opening the meeting. Based on the attendance, a quorum was reached. There were (8) motions requiring board action (see the Board Resolutions). Motion to adjourn came at 9:40 p.m.
Not Present Joe Evans - Director
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Set up monthly carrying charge payments online. Subscribe to rochdalevillage.com. Contact Rochdale Village Bulletin office to register. Email: rochdalebulletin@gmail.com
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
October 2020
N.O.R.C. Social Workers are here for you
Rochdale Village N.O.R.C. Invites You to Join! Join us for Virtual Health Workshops with NORC Nurse Irvica Galla every Thursday at 10 AM in English and 12:30 PM in Creole. These workshops will be held on ZOOM and by telephone.
Topics include:
• The Importance of Flu Shots; • Staying Healthy this Winter; • Exercising at Home; • Home Remedies and Herbal Medicines, Do They Work? Let us know what other topics you’d like Irvica to cover. Call the NORC Program to register. 718-525-2800 Ext. 2
Rochdale N.O.R.C. lists Farmer’s Market Nutrition programs throughout the NYC The New York State Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program that annually distributes $20 coupon booklets to those 60 and older, is still underway in several Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau and Suffolk county locations. Coupons can be used to buy fresh vegetables and fruits. Here is a partial list of some of participating farmers’ markets and farm stands, as well as the days, hours and locations where they operate: Happy Eating! QUEENS NYC Health & Hospitals Farmers’ Market - Queens 82-68 164th St. Jamaica Side of Pavilion Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. July 30 - November 30 Cunningham Park Farmers’ Market - Queens 19600 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NE corner parking lot near 196th Place Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. May 10 - November 22 Jamaica Hospital Farm Stand - Queens 134-20 Jamaica Ave. Jamaica Wednesday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. June 17 - November 18 NASSAU COUNTY Valley Stream Farmers’ Market - Nassau County, Long Island Arthur J Hendrickson Park Pool, 123
W Merrick Rd Valley Stream Thursday 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. July 9 - November 19 Rockville Centre Farmers’ Market - Nassau County, Long Island Sunrise Highway & Long Beach Road, Village of Rockville Centre Sunday 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. June 7 - November 29 BROOKLYN Borough Park Greenmarket - Brooklyn 4910 14th Avenue, between 49th and 50th streets Thursdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 2 - November 19 Williamsburg Green Market 33 Lee Avenue, at Taylor Street Thursdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 2 - November 19 Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket Flatbush Avenue and Prospect Park West Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Year-round Brooklyn Borough Hall Tuesday Green Market 211 Montague Street Supreme Court Plaza Tuesdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
October 2020
The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Projects Report October 2020
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Projects
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Projects
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October 2020
Rochdale Village Senior Center - November 2020
Greater springfield Community Church
177-06 129th Avenue Jamaica, NY 11434 Pastor: Rev. Dr. Phil Craig greaterspringfieldchurch.org 718.527.0100/worship 11:00 a.m.
October 2020
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
Rochdale Village Board of Directors Calendar November 2020
See what’s going on in and around our community... There’s a little something for everyone! Share What’s Happening in Our Community If you are a part of a community organization or have a special event that you would like to be posted, email Rochdalebulletin@gmail.com with the date, time and the subject heading “Community Calendar.” Postings will be at the Editor’s discretion. KEY
CL = Club Lounge RM = Room Within the RV Community Center NOTE: This schedule is tentative. Committee Chairpersons, PLEASE CONTACT THE BOARD OFFICE TO CONFIRM OR ADVISE OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR SCHEDULED MEETING DATES.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING MATERIAL TO THE ROCHDALE VILLAGE BULLETIN IS THE 2nd WEEK OF THE MONTH.
ROCHDALE VILLAGE BULLETIN THE COOPERATORS’ NEWSPAPER
SERVING OVER 25,000 SHAREHOLDERS IN THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE
Susan Palmer -Van Brackle
MANAGING EDITOR
Olayemi Okeniyi MEDIA ASSISTANT
169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
Anthony Blake, Ed Miller 718-276-5700 X359 • rochdalebulletin@gmail.com The Rochdale Village Bulletin is published monthly. Articles submitted for consideration should not exceed three typed, double spaced pages. We reserve the right to edit all material submitted for publication. Please note that submission of articles does not guarantee publication. All material is subject to review for approval. All articles, advertising and photographs submitted for consideration must include the name, address and telephone number of the author or photographer. All materials submitted, as well as photographs, become the property of Rochdale Village, Inc.
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The Rochdale Village Bulletin
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October 2020