Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Sharon Jordan, Nancy Casso, Neil Golub, Bob Mantello, and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas.
Absent: John Mallozzi, Todd Edwards, Robert Dieterich, and Paul Webster
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander, David Hogenkamp and audience of 3
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 February 10, 2016 meeting minutes; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas stated that the Fiscal Audit Committee received a presentation on the Authority’s 2015 financial statements by Robert L. Kristel, CPA. Mr. Kristel’s report was distributed to the members in advance of the meeting. Following discussion, Ms. Jordan moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
3. Annual Meeting: Resolution 1028-16 — Election of Officers
Resolution 1028-16 elected Ms. Jordan as Secretary and Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas as Treasurer. Mr. Mantello moved Resolution 1028-16; seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
4. Schenectady County Visitors Agency: Resolution 1029-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
Resolution 1029-16 authorized an additional $60,000 in grant funding to be utilized for the continued promotion of Schenectady as a conference destination. In May, the Board approved initial funding for the Schenectady County Visitors Agency. The initial results have been very promising in attracting conferences to Schenectady, which generates additional sales tax and bed tax. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1029-16; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
5. Electric City Innovation Center Project: Resolution 1030-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
Resolution 1030-16 awarded a $60,000 grant and sales tax exemption to the Electric City Innovation Center (ECIC) for fit-up of the fourth floor of Center City as flexible, creative space for startups and entrepreneurs. ECIC was started in 2014 by retired GE executives and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wise Labs. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1030-16; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
6. Policy Compliance: The Authority is required annually to consider and readopt its mission statement and performance measures as well as many of its written policies. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved the resolutions related to policy compliance as one approval; seconded by Mr. Lewis. The following resolutions and policies were approved:
Resolution 1031-16: Adopt Mission Statement and 2015 Report
Resolution 1032-16: Reauthorize Investment Policy and Adopt 2015 Report
Resolution 1033-16: Reauthorize Real Property Disposition Policy and Adopt 2015 Report
Resolution 1034-16: Reauthorize Procurement Guidelines
Resolution 1035-16: Authorize Master Goal Plan for Minority / Women-owned Business Enterprises
Resolution 1036-16: Reauthorize Guidelines for the Sale and Reporting of Bonds and Notes
7. Public Comment — Bob Harvey of the Eastern Avenue Neighborhood Association in Schenectady thanked Neil Golub for his support of the litter cleanup program on Eastern Avenue and commented on the Authority’s Minority and Women-owned Goal Plan.
Elmer Bertsch of Niskayuna commented on Metroplex reporting and other statute-related issues.
8. Board Comment: Mr. Gillen reported on the sales tax distribution to the towns and villages, which was the highest ever in 2015. There was also discussion about the recent opening of the Phyllis Bornt Library Branch and Literacy Center on State Street.
Adjournment: Mr. Lewis moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director