September 12, 2012

Present:          Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Sharon Jordan, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello,  Janet Hutchison, Ed Capovani and John Mallozzi

Absent:           Neil Golub and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas

Others:           Jim Callander and an audience of 1

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 July 12, 2012 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.

2.      Treasurer’s Report — Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending July 31, 2012 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted a positive variance of $157,000 in revenue and operating expenses remained below budget. Cash on hand was $2,754,994.  Mr. Mantello moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.

3.      Benchemark Printing Expansion Project: Resolution 786-12 — Amend the General Project Plan

The Board previously authorized a $150,000 grant for Benchemark’s affiliate, American Hospital Patient Guide’s expansion project at 2010 Maxon Road. Resolution 786-12 allowed a sales tax exemption on materials, supplies, services and FF&E associated with the building renovation project that was inadvertently excluded from the prior approval. Mr. Wall moved Resolution 786-12; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.

4.      Downtown Fix-up Program: Resolution 787-12 — Amend the General Project Plan

Resolution 787-12 added $96,000 to the project by extending sidewalk replacement to the east side of N. Broadway at Union Street, replacing 9 streetlights on N. Broadway between Liberty and Union Streets, and upgrading crosswalks as more handicapped accessible near Proctors. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 787-12; seconded by Mrs. Hutchison.  Following discussion, Resolution 787-12 was approved.

5.      Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 788-12 — Amend State Assistance Contract for Broadway South Lot (NYS DEC)

Resolution 788-12 authorized undertaking additional environmental cleanup work involving an above-ground vault and adjoining parcel west of the Weigh Station near the rail tracks. DEC’s Environmental Restoration Program would provide 90 percent reimbursement for cleanup costs leaving Metroplex with covering only $35,000. Mr. Chapman moved Resolution 788-12; seconded by Mr. Lewis.  Following brief discussion, Resolution 788-12 was approved.

6.      Downtown Parking Project/Broadway Garage Energy Savings Lighting Project: Resolution 789-12 — Make Application to National Grid

The project involves retrofitting the interior lights in the Broadway Garage with LED energy efficient bulbs by applying to and using a National Grid energy conservation program that is expected to reduce these utility costs by about 50 percent. The total project cost to replace all lamps and related disposal is $151,465.  National Grid Small Business Services Program will cover $107,465 while Metroplex’s share will be $44,000.  Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 789-12; seconded by Mrs. Hutchison and approved.

7.     Public Comment — Roy Neville, Schenectady United Neighborhoods, expressed interest in ways that the SUN group could work with Metroplex in improving the City’s neighborhoods.

8.      Board Comment — General discussion followed regarding the grand opening of SCCC’s College Suites, Target in Glenville, and the opening of SCCC’s new music building.

  9.     Adjournment — Ms. Jordan moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Lewis.  The meeting   adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Callander
Finance Director