Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Sharon Jordan, Neil Golub, Bill Chapman, Ed Capovani, Janet Hutchison, and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Bob Mantello and John Mallozzi
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander and audience of 4.
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved adoption of the May 8, 2013 meeting minutes, seconded by Janet Hutchison and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending May 31, 2013 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that expenses were below budget and cash on hand totaled $1,952,801. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
3. Auterra Relocation Project: Resolution 832-13 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 832-13 authorized a $75,000 grant for the relocation of business operations from Malta and establishment of new corporate headquarters in the former Cyclics facility located at 2135 Technology Drive in Schenectady. Auterra, Inc. employs 17 people who have developed clean energy technology focused on the decontamination and upgrading of crude oil and oil distillates. The project involves entering into a lease with JK, LLC and using 20,600 square feet of space, erecting a 1,200 square foot storage addition, leasehold improvements and ancillary relocation expenses. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 832-13; seconded by Mr. Wall. After brief discussion, Resolution 832-13 was approved.
4. Washington Avenue Median Project: Resolution 833-13 — Hold a Public Hearing
The project involved building a median and implementing a pedestrian crossing plan on Washington Avenue between State and Ferry Streets in Schenectady. When College Suites opened in 2012, temporary barriers were installed to discourage pedestrians from crossing mid-block on Washington Avenue to and from the SCCC campus. In consultation with NYS DOT Region One, the permanent median with decorative fence addresses pedestrian safety as well as enhances this gateway to downtown as another element in lower State Street revitalization. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 833-13 to hold a public hearing for purposes of issuing bonds; seconded by Mr. Lewis. A lengthy discussion followed about project design and safety concerns in this highly trafficked area. Resolution 833-13 was approved.
5. Proctors Marquee Project: Resolution 834-13 — Adopt the General Project Plan Actions
The $192,500 project involved repainting, reroofing, rewiring and installing energy-efficient LED lights for refurbishing Proctors marquees on State Street and Stratton Plaza. The marquees will be fixed up, not replaced, look identical to the ones in place now, and maintains the historic nature of the building, but replaces the plastic letters with programmable LED displays that can be changed remotely on a keyboard. Resolution 843-13 authorized a $97,000 grant. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 843-13; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 843-13 was approved.
6. Public Comment: None
7. Board Comment: There was a brief discussion about the Mayor’s North side neighborhood initiative.
8. Adjournment: Mr. Capovani moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Golub. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme Lahut
Executive Director