Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello, Janet Hutchison, Bob Wall, Ed Capovani, John Mallozzi and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Sharon Jordan and Neil Golub
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander and audience of 1
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Mantello moved adoption of the December 14, 2011 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Wall and approved (Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas was absent).
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report ending December 31, 2011, which was distributed prior to the meeting, noting a surplus in sales tax revenues while operating expenses were below budget. Cash on hand totaled $1,042,460. Mr. Lewis moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Capovani and approved (Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas was absent).
3. Draper School Redevelopment / Disabled American Veteran’s Housing Project: Resolution 744-12 — Amend the General Project Plan
The Metroplex Board previously authorized a short-term PILOT exemption through March 1, 2013 and a $50,000 grant to DAV for tax arrearages. Resolution 744-12 increased the grant to $64,000, sufficient to cover the outstanding taxes, which were to be split evenly by Metroplex, DAV and the County. The total outstanding taxes amounted to about $190,000 making Metroplex’s share $64,000. Mr. Mallozzi moved Resolution 744-12; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 744-11 was approved (Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas was absent).
4. Hampton Inn Project: Resolution 745-12 — Amend the General Project Plan
In 2006 when the Board authorized a PILOT for the Hampton Inn, the Metroplex statute limited the exemption for lodging facilities to a 5-year term. In 2008, amendments to the statute extended the duration of the exemption to 10 years. Resolution 745-12 added two years to the PILOT term. Mr. Gillen noted that the Hampton project generated more than $1.5 million in bed taxes, sales taxes and real property taxes in the last four years. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 745-12; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Discussion followed regarding the PILOT and the Empire Zone program. Resolution 745-12 was approved. (Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas was absent).
5. Patriot Development Project (Phase I): Resolution 746-12 — SEQRA
Resolution 746-12 addressed the state-mandated environmental review by affirming the findings of the Town of Glenville Planning and Zoning Commission, which found the project to be a Type I Action with no significant impact on the environment following completion of a coordinated review of the project pursuant to SEQRA. Phase I of Patriot Square represented a mixed-use development project with 13 apartment buildings (156 units) plus a clubhouse. The project will extend Rudy Chase Drive by an additional 2,400 linear feet and add municipal water and sanitary sewer services. Site enhancements include attached parking and surface lots, sidewalks, green space, street trees and other amenities. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 746-12; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
6. Patriot Square Development Project (Phase I): Resolution 747-12 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The cost of Phase 1 is estimated at $8.3 million. Resolution 747-12 authorized Metroplex participation in the form of a 5-year partial exemption from real property taxes that sets aside $50,000 in annual property taxes to pay for road and related infrastructure costs. Annual taxes were estimated at $273,000 per annum. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 747-12; seconded by Mr. Wall. Following discussion about the project, Resolution 747-12 was approved.
7. Public Comment — None
8. Board Comment — Mr. Capovani spoke highly of the Stratton Air Force base and its positive effects on the community. He then made a motion to go into executive session; Mr. Gillen seconded and the Board convened in executive session at 6:30 p.m. At 7:10 Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to return to public session; seconded by Mr. Mantello and approved. Mr. Gillen noted that there were no votes taken during the private session.
9. Adjournment — Mr. Lewis moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Wall. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director