Present: Ray Gillen, Bob Wall, Brad Lewis, Neil Golub, Gary McCarthy, Patrick Saccocio, Bill Chapman, Janet Hutchison and Ed Capovani
Absent: Sharon Jordan and Bob Mantello
Others: Neil Levine (Counsel), Scott Cietek, Jim Callander and audience of 2
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Annual Meeting: Resolution 632-10 — Election of Officers
The By-Laws require appointing the Secretary and Treasurer at the annual meeting. Resolution 632-10 re-appoints Sharon Jordan as Treasurer and Bob Wall as Secretary. Mr. Golub moved Resolution 632-10; seconded by Mr. McCarthy. There was no discussion and Resolution 632-10 was unanimously approved.
2. Approval of Minutes: Mr. McCarthy moved adoption of the February 10, 2010 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Golub. The minutes were unanimously approved.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Robert L. Kristel, CPA, the Authority’s accountant, made an oral presentation reviewing the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2009, which were distributed to the Board in advance of the meeting. The financials are used by the Authority’s auditors, Bollam, Sheedy, & Torani, in compiling the annual audit that is nearing completion. Mr. Lewis moved accepting the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. McCarthy. After brief discussion and questions about the year-end statement, the motion was approved.
4. Upper Union Street Façade Program II: Resolution 633-10 — Amend the General Project Plan
The Upper Union Street BID requested a supplemental grant of $122,000 for four new façade projects because the current Metroplex grant of $395,000 is fully committed. Four (4) property owners are making meaningful investments in their buildings.
- 1602 Union Street (Holiday Liquor) plans extensive interior and exterior renovations, including taking down the 50’s style pole sign;
- 1601 Union Street (the former Riccardi’s Deli) adding awnings and new signage;
- 1613 Union Street (Salamack Building) new investment and revamped façade;
- 1729 Union Street (Passano Paint) storefront upgrade.
These projects constitute nearly $500,000 in new investment on Upper Union Street — interior and exterior — with about $160,000 for façade and other exterior improvements. This brings total investment in the Phase 2 program in excess of $1.3 million with Metroplex’s participation at $517,000. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 633-10; seconded by Mr. McCarthy. Following discussion about marketing the success of this program, Resolution 633-10 was approved.
4. Foster Building Project: Resolution 634-10 — Purchase 508, 510 512 State Street and 204 Lafayette Street
Mr. Gillen successfully negotiated with the owners, Dennis Todd and Craig Alsdorf, by offering $250,000, plus back taxes (about $20,000) and legal fees not to exceed $5,000. This would also resolve the EDPL proceeding against Providian Arms, LLC. Several housing developers have expressed interest in redeveloping this property. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 634-10; seconded by Mr. McCarthy. Following discussion about the purchase and redevelopment scenarios, Resolution 634-10 was unanimously approved.
5. Presentation: Public Authorities Reform Act of 2009
Neil Levine, Esq. summarized the requirements and compliance measures contained in the Public Authorities Reform Act of 2009. His office has been working with staff to ensure compliance with the new legislation. A few Board members must attend the Governance Training required of all public authority board members.
Board Comment: Mr. Gillen mentioned Metroplex’s success in scoring a $750,000 National Grid grant for the Urban Corridor Initiative covering the area from Center City to the Union Graduate College.
Public Comment: None
Adjournment: Mr. McCarthy moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 pm; seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Cietek
Staff