Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Sharon Jordan, Patrick Saccocio, Bill Chapman, Ed Capovani, Janet Hutchison, Neil Golub and Gary McCarthy
Absent: Bob Mantello and Bob Wall
Others: Neil Levine (Authority Counsel), Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander, Scott Cietek and audience of 4
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Golub moved adoption of the October 20, 2010 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved. (Mr. McCarthy was absent)
2. Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Jordan reviewed the Income and Operating Expense Report for the period ending October 31, 2010, which was distributed prior to the meeting. She noted that the sales tax revenue remains slightly below budget but higher than one year ago. Operating expenses remained below budget. Cash on hand totaled $2,644,598. Mr. Lewis moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mrs. Hutchison. After brief discussion, the Treasurer’s Report was accepted. (Mr. McCarthy was absent)
3. FY-2011 Budget: Resolution 675-10 — Adopt Fiscal Year 2011 Budget
The Fiscal Audit Committee recommended adoption of the 2011 budget, which shows growth again in sales tax receipts as well as slightly higher operating expenses due to increased pension costs, employee health insurance and rent. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 675-10; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 675-10 was approved. (Mr. McCarthy was absent)
4. Foster Building Stabilization Project: Resolution 676-10 — Award Asbestos Abatement Contract
Metroplex disseminated a bid package for asbestos removal in the former Foster Hotel at 508 State Street (basement, fifth and sixth floors and roof). Three firms bid the job with Rotterdam-based Environmental Remediation Services, Inc. submitting the lowest bid at $199,500. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 676-10; seconded by Mr. Capovani. Discussion followed regarding further costs associated with stabilization of the historic building, prospects for working with developers, and the current tight lending climate for residential and mixed use projects. Resolution 676-10 was unanimously approved. (Mr. McCarthy was absent)
5. YMCA Project: Resolution 677-10 — SEQRA Lead Agency Designation
In order to proceed with Metroplex’s proposed acquisition of the YMCA facility at 13 State Street, the Authority seeks lead agency designation for undertaking a coordinated environmental review pursuant to SEQRA. A condition of Metroplex’s purchase contract required reducing occupancy by 2013 so that the facility is vacant upon purchase. Among other issues, SEQRA will identify housing alternatives for residents as well as characterizing adaptive reuse for the facility. The project acts as a catalyst to the revitalization of lower State Street. Mr. Saccocio moved Resolution 677-10; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Discussion followed about the project and increased membership at the new YMCA. Resolution 677-10 was unanimously approved.
6. Bombers on State Street Project: Resolution 680-10 — Amend the General Project Plan
Bomber’s recently renovated the third floor of the building at 447 State St. and opened a banquet space known as La Playa. The company has secured $75,000 in additional bank financing from the Statewide Zone Capital Corporation that is conditioned on Metroplex consent to further subordinate its pre-existing mortgages on the real estate. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 680-10; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Following discussion about Bombers success and the rejuvenation of the property, Resolution 680-10 was unanimously approved.
7. Professional Services Contract: Resolution 681-10 — Parking Lot Maintenance Contract
Metroplex undertook a formal solicitation for qualifications with respect to maintaining and clearing Metroplex parking facilities from snow and debris. Only one proposal was received from Rich Pachucki Trucking. Resolution 681-10 awards a 3-year contract under the same rate structure as 2010 — $144,000 plus heavy snow removal stipend of $100 per truck load and refuse removal on a time and materials basis. Remuneration for 2012 and 2013 will require Board consent. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 681-10; seconded by Mrs. Hutchison and approved.
10. Public Comment — None
11. Board Comment — Ray Gillen updated the Board on the Alco demolition and $2.5 million NYS grant to Hometown Health that will be used to reduce its debt, including Metroplex’s note. Mr. Golub moved to convene in executive session to discuss a personnel matter; seconded by Ms. Jordan. At 6:25 p.m. the board met privately and reconvened in public at 6:45. Mr. Gillen stated that no decisions or votes occurred.
12. Adjournment — Mr. Lewis moved to adjourn; seconded by Ms. Jordan. The meeting adjourned at 6:50.
Respectfully submitted
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director