July 14, 2010

Present:           Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Patrick Saccocio, Bill Chapman, Gary McCarthy and Janet Hutchison

Absent:            Sharon Jordan, Ed Capovani, Bob Mantello and Neil Golub

Others:          Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander and audience of 3

Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

1.      Approval of Minutes:  Mr. Lewis moved adoption of the June 9, 2010 meeting minutes; seconded by Mrs. Hutchison and approved.    

2.      Treasurer’s Report:  Jayme Lahut reviewed the Income and Operating Expense Report for the period ending June 30, 2010 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that income is about $200,000 below budget but a rebound is expected by the end of the year. Expenses for the year are running below budget and cash on hand totaled $3,323,969. Mr. Lewis moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Chapman. Discussion followed regarding a Comptroller’s report on incentive-based bonuses provided to staff by public authorities. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted.

3.      GEMx Technologies, LLC / GE Battery Plant Project: Resolution 658-10 — Hold a Public Hearing

After looking at many sites in the Capital District, GE selected Building 66, a 190,000 sq. ft. building on the Main Campus as home for its battery manufacturing operation. Building 66 will be renovated inside and out. The total project cost is $105 million bringing 350 new jobs initially with the potential for significantly more jobs.  Metroplex participation involves a $5,000,000 grant for production equipment. NYS DEC recently completed the SEQRA process. Resolution 658-10 called for a public hearing to be held in the next few weeks. Construction should start in August and start-up production in July 2011.  Mr. McCarthy moved Resolution 658-10; seconded by Mr. Wall. Following discussion, Resolution 658-10 was unanimously approved.

4.   2010 Parking Improvement Program: Resolution 659-10 — Award Paving Contract

Metroplex staff and CHA reviewed seven bids submitted for the reconstruction/improvement to the Center City parking lot and the reopening of Maxon Road at Erie Blvd. Empire Paving was the lowest bidder at $528,000. Mr. Wall moved Resolution 659-10 to award the contract to Empire Paving; seconded by Mr. McCarthy. After brief discussion, Resolution 659-10 was approved with 6 ayes and 1 abstention (Mr. Saccocio).

5.  2010 Parking Improvement Program: Resolution 660-10 — Award Lighting Contract

Metroplex staff reviewed two responses for the competitive purchase of 14 light poles and accompanying fixtures for the Center City parking lot. Thorpe Electric Supply Co. of Rensselaer was the lowest bidder at $75,631.50. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 660-10 awarding the light purchase to Thorpe Electric Supply Co.; seconded by Mr. Saccocio. Resolution 660-10 was unanimously approved.

6.  Alco Redevelopment Project: Resolution 661-10 — Amend the General Project Plan

Resolution 661-10 provides for a partial exemption from real property taxes until a longer term PILOT agreement can be reached with the City IDA. The two-step approach for dealing with property taxes has included City officials, who are on-board with using Metroplex as a transitional bridge to an IDA Pilot. The Metroplex agreement would be in effect for about 9 months while building demolition and site remediation proceed.  Mr. McCarthy moved Resolution 661-10; seconded by Mrs. Hutchison. After discussion regarding tax arrearages and Metroplex’s role in the project, Resolution 661-10 was unanimously approved.

7.  Public Comment — None

8.  Board Comment — Mr. Lewis moved to convene in executive session to discuss a pending legal matter; seconded by Mr. Saccocio. At 6:25 p.m. the board met privately and reconvened in public at 6:35. Mr. Gillen stated that no decisions or votes occurred.

9.  Adjournment — Mr. McCarthy moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Lewis.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director