Present:             Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Sharon Jordan, Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, Nancy Casso, Neil Golub, Todd Edwards, John Mallozzi, and Paul Webster

Absent:              Robert Dieterich and Bob Mantello

Others:           Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander and David Hogenkamp

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 November 9, 2016 meeting minutes; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved unanimously.

2.       Treasurer’s Report: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas summarized the financial report that was distributed in advance of the meeting. Income was ahead of budget by about $155,000 and operating expenses were within budget. Cash on hand stood at $3.07 million. Mr. Lewis moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.

3.       Town of Duanesburg Wastewater Project: Resolution 1087-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan

Resolution 1087-16 awarded a $156,000 grant to the town of Duanesburg in support of an expansion of its sanitary sewer district in the hamlet of Duanesburg. Metroplex’s participation would extend the service to commercially-zoned areas near I-88. The Town already secured funding for the $3 million project. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1087-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved following discussion.

4.       Harbor Center Office Building / Courtyard by Marriott Projects: Resolution 1088-16— Amend the General Project Plan

The resolution structures the payment-in-lieu-of-tax structure for two projects in Mohawk Harbor in support of tax payments and infrastructure costs. Resolution 1088-16 was moved by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 1088-16 was unanimously approved.

5.            839 Eastern Avenue: Resolution 1089-16 — Hold a Public Hearing

Resolution 1089-16 commenced an eminent domain proceeding pursuant to the Metroplex statute on 839 Eastern Avenue. After two years of negotiations with the owner, lender, bankruptcy trustee, and prior Metroplex commitment to purchase the property, there has been insufficient progress securing site control on this prototypical “zombie” property. The resolution afforded another approach to site control. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1089-16; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Discussion followed. Resolution 1089-16 was approved.

6.       General Electric Company Project: 1090-16 — Hold a Public Hearing

The project calls for renovation and upgrades at Buildings 43, 40 and 5 along with Building 273. The $26 million project will start in 2017. Resolution 1090-16 called for holding a public hearing on the sales tax exemption request. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1090-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.

7.       Community Builders Housing Project: Resolution 1091-16 — Amend the General Project Plan

Resolution 1091-16 authorized an interim two-month payment-in-lieu-of-tax agreement until March 1, 2017.  Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1091-16; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, Resolution 1091-16 was approved.

8.       FY-2017 Budget: Resolution 1092-16 — Adopt Fiscal Year 2017 Budge

The Fiscal Audit Committee reviewed and recommended adoption of the 2017 budget. Due to accelerating sales tax receipts, discretionary cash for projects will rise to about $2 million for 2017. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1092-16; seconded by Mr. Webster and approved.

9.       Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 1093-16 — Adopt FY-2017 Parking Budget

The Fiscal Audit Committee recommended approving the parking operating budget at its October 27 meeting. Parking revenues have seen a steady increase and the budget proposed a slight decline in expenses.  Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1093-16; seconded by Mr. Edwards and approved.

10.        Downtown Parking Project:  Resolution 1094-16 — Parking Facilities Contract

Resolution 1094-16 awarded a one-year contract to Bargstedt Enterprises LLC, the successor to Rich Pachucki Trucking. With Mr. Pachucki’s passing in October, this firm will maintain the parking facilities during the winter. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1094-16; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.

Public Comment: None

Board Comment: Mr. Gillen summarized the recent State CFA economic development awards.

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