Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Sharon Jordan, Nancy Casso, Robert Dieterich, Todd Edwards, Neil Golub, Bob Mantello, Paul Webster, and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas.
Absent: John Mallozzi
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander, David Hogenkamp and audience of 4
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. after introducing three recently approved Board members
1. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Mantello moved adoption of the January 20, 2016 meeting minutes; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending January 31, 2016, which was distributed prior to the meeting. Cash on hand totaled $6.7 million. Mr. Lewis moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
3. ICPD Relocation Project: Resolution 1020-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
ICPD, a biotech company that works to improve the development and effectiveness of antibiotics, will be relocating its headquarters from Latham to downtown Schenectady. The company will lease and fit-up 16,800 square feet of commercial space for laboratories and office in the $8 million 242 Broadway mixed-use development project. Resolution 1020-16 authorized a $95,000 grant for leasehold improvements and tenant fit-up and a sales tax exemption. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1020-16; seconded by Mr. Golub. Following discussion about the company, Resolution 1020-16 was approved unanimously.
4. Broadway Garage Lighting Project: Resolution 1021-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
The project involved installation of LED lighting fixtures in the Broadway Garage stair towers, refurbished street signs and improved LED lighting along retaining wall near the entrance. The improvements make the facility easier to locate and more identifiable along the Broadway corridor. Metroplex will also replace obsolete emergency and directional signage within the facility. The $185,000 project will be funded using 2014 bond proceeds. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1021-16; seconded by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved after brief discussion.
5. DSIC Support Grant (Downtown Cleanup Program): Resolution 1022-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
The action involved making a $160,650 grant in support of DSIC’s cleaning and beautification activities to keep the downtown clean, neat and safe 7-days a week. Metroplex’s participation has remained unchanged for the last four years. DSIC has supplemented the program with additional funding from the increase in the assessments that they have experienced due to the revival of downtown. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1022-16; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Following discussion, Resolution 1022-16 was approved.
6. Mohawk Harbor Development Project (Strategic Economic Development): Resolution 1023-16 —Apply for Grant Funding
Resolution 1023-16 authorized Metroplex making application to National Grid’s Strategic Economic Development Program that funds certain construction-related expenses related to the Mohawk Harbor development project. Resolution 1023-16 was moved by Mr. Lewis; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion about the progress being made at Mohawk Harbor, Resolution 1023-16 was approved.
7. Mohawk Harbor Development Project (Urban Corridor): Resolution 1024-16 — Apply for Grant Funding
Resolution 1024-16 authorized making application to National Grid’s Urban Center and Commercial District Revitalization Program. National Grid awarded Metroplex similar grants in support of the lower Union Street and lower State Street projects last year. Metroplex acts as a conduit for the funding on behalf of Mohawk Harbor. The application is focused on energy efficient streetlighting along the main corridor of the site. Resolution 1024-16 was moved by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
8. 13 State Street/ YMCA Redevelopment Project: Resolution 1025-16 — Amend the General Project Plan
Resolution 1025-16 authorized allocating $54,000 to CHA Associates for survey and design work associated with the final phase of work for the lower State Street sidewalk and lighting project. In 2014, Metroplex and the City of Schenectady shared $2.5 million in reconstructing State Street from Erie Blvd. to S. Church Street. CHA designed the original project and has been tasked with preparing construction documents for the final block from S. Church to Washington Avenue. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1025-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
9. Project Reconciliation and Accounting: Resolution 1026-16 — Release Unexpended Obligations
As part of the annual audit, Resolution 1026-16 closed 5 projects with unexpended funds of $34,497 that will be returned to the general fund for investing in more projects. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1026-16; seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
10. Project Reconciliation and Accounting: Resolution 1027-16— Allocate Funds for Unbudgeted Project Expenditures
Resolution 1027-16 recognized budget variances totaling $28,751 on 3 closed projects due to higher than anticipated project oversight expenses and legal billings. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 1027-16; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
11. Public Comment — none
12. Board Comment: Mr. Gillen invited the Board to view his annual report to the County Legislature which is posted on the Metroplex website. Ms. Jordan reminded the board of the upcoming opening of the Phyllis Bornt Branch Library & Literacy Center located at 948 State Street.
13. Adjournment: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director