Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Sharon Jordan, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello and John Mallozzi
Absent: Neil Golub and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Others: Jayme Lahut, David Hogenkamp and an audience of 2
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Jordan moved adoption of the October 22, 2014 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Chapman and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2014, which was distributed prior to the meeting. Revenues ended ahead of budget for the year because of strong countywide sales tax receipts. Operating expenses ended within budget while the predevelopment expenses stabilized through the end of the calendar year. Cash on hand totaled $8.7 million. Following brief discussion, Mr. Mantello moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
3. Curry Road Shopping Plaza Project: Resolution 930-15 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 930-15 authorized making a $350,000 grant for site improvements, demolition and related costs to redevelop the blighted Curry Road Plaza in the Town of Rotterdam. Plans call for a large scale senior housing project, retail and green space with walking paths. Metroplex’s environmental review followed Town Board’s determination of no significant effect on the environment. Mr. Mallozzi moved Resolution 930-15; seconded by Mr. Mantello. Following discussion, Resolution 930-15 was approved.
4. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 931-15 — Replace and Upgrade Security Cameras
Resolution 931-15 allocated $105,000 to replace most security cameras in the Metroplex parking system with high definition digital cameras. About 34 cameras are expected to be replaced or those that are more than 6 years old, which have exceeded the useful life of the equipment. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 931-15; seconded by Mr. Chapman. After brief discussion, Resolution 931-15 was approved.
5. Downtown Parking Project / Weigh Station Façade Project: Resolution 932-15 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The Weigh Station, located in the southwest corner of the 312 Broadway parking lot, has been repaired and maintained since Metroplex acquired City parking facilities. Resolution 932-15 authorized $305,000 to renovated the structure, primarily exterior masonry and stucco renovation, landscaping and exterior lighting. The project follows the environmental cleanup and lot resurfacing project in 2013. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 932-15; seconded by Mr. Chapman. After discussion, Resolution 932-15 was approved.
6. FY-2015 Parking Budget: Resolution 933-15 — Adopt Fiscal Year 2015 Budget
The Fiscal Audit Committee recommended approving the parking operating budget at its November 20 meeting. Parking revenues are expected to remain steady and the budget proposed a slight decline in expenses. Visitor parking has increased by over 30,000 since 2011. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 933-15; seconded by Mr. Wall and approved.
7. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 934-15 — Parking Lot Maintenance Contract
Rich Pachucki Trucking completed the first year of a five-year contract with Metroplex for maintaining downtown parking facilities. Resolution 934-15 increased the base contract for 2015 to $15,000 per month compared with $13,000 for the past three years. The increase in compensation is due to Metroplex adding additional properties and more focused efforts to maintain sidewalks keeping downtown pedestrian-friendly. Following brief discussion, Mr. Wall moved Resolution 934-15; seconded by Mr. Chapman and approved.
8. Schenectady County Public Library Project: Resolution 935-15 — Amend General Project Plan
Resolution 935-15 allocated an additional $68,500 to cover project change orders related to new granite curbing along the street and other necessary project modifications. It was noted that the City donated much of the granite curb and Werner Feibes, the library’s original architect, contributed $16,000 to refurbish and relocate a sculpture that was previously not too visible to the general public. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 935-15; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
9. Public Comment: Diane Hart, Town of Niskayuna, commented on the safe and accessible parking in downtown.
10. Board Comment: Mr. Gillen summarized the many successes in 2014 including the selection of Rivers Casino at Mohawk Harbor, New York State support for the Robinson Block project and the $3 million grant from the New York State Attorney General for the Capital Region Land Bank, which is part of a $10 million neighborhood effort.
Adjournment: Ms. Jordan moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Chapman. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director