Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Mantello, Bob Wall, Bill Chapman, and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: John Mallozzi, Sharon Jordan, Janet Hutchison, Ed Capovani and Neil Golub
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander, David Hogenkamp and audience of 2
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 January 2014 meeting minutes, seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending March 31, 2014, which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that the final figure for the quarterly sales tax receipts was not available yet, and operating expenses were under budget. Predevelopment expenses were tracking above budget year to date. Cash on hand was $13.2 million reflecting receipt of bond proceeds in January. Following brief discussion, Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis, and approved
3. 2013 Audit: Resolution 888-14 — Adopt FY-2013 Audit
The Fiscal Audit Committee met with the auditors on March 31, reviewed the FY-2013 audit and various supplemental schedules and recommended Board adoption. The Authority’s auditors, SaxBST, characterized the audit as unqualified and clean. Mr. Wall moved Resolution 888-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis. After brief discussion, Resolution 888-14 was approve
4. Alco Redevelopment Project: Resolution 889-14—SEQRA
Resolution 889-14 resumed the state-mandated environmental review process for the Alco project by designating Metroplex as lead agency. The resolution also declared a positive declaration, which meant the preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement by the project developer. The developer, Maxon Alco Holdings, LLC, an affiliated entity of the Galesi Group, proposed changes to the original project, so the SEQR process will update and revise the 2010 EIS and Statement of Findings adopted by the Board. These materials were distributed to the Board in advance of the meeting. Mr. Mantello moved Resolution 889-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 889-14 was approved.
5. Eastern Avenue Revitalization: Resolution 890-14— SEQRA
Metroplex initiated a coordinated environmental review with several local involved agencies regarding the activities proposed on Eastern Avenue. Resolution 890-14 characterized the project as an Unlisted Action with no significant effect on the environment. The action was a perquisite to entering into a joint agreement with the City of Schenectady, the Schenectady Land Bank, the City IDA and Schenectady Urban Renewal Agency for taking the lead in making improvements on Eastern Avenue. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 890-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
6. Eastern Avenue Revitalization: Resolution 891-14 — Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement
Resolution 891-14 authorized entering into a joint agreement with the City IDA, the Land Bank, the City of Schenectady and Schenectady Urban Renewal Agency for taking the lead in demolishing structures and conveying properties to the Land Bank. It also allowed Metroplex to accept up to $250,000 in City IDA funds for the related real estate preparation expenditures. The funding would be used for asbestos abatement, demolition, and related engineering expenses. Mr. Chapman moved Resolution 891-14; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. After discussion, Resolution 891-14 was approved.
7. Niskayuna Glass Expansion Project: Resolution 892-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 892-14 authorized a $25,000 grant, supporting a matching $50,000 grant from National Grid for electric upgrades derived from Metroplex bond proceeds via the County Business Park and Smart Growth Fund. The project involved a building retrofit to accommodate the installation of glass-tempering equipment and meaningful electric service upgrades at the company’s headquarters on Maxon Road Extension in Schenectady. The total project cost exceeded $700,000. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 892-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis. After discussion, Resolution 892-14 was approved.
8. Velocity Printing Expansion Project: Resolution 893-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Velocity Print Solutions recently consolidated printing operations in Building 705 at the Glenville Business and Technology Park requiring $182,000 in electrical upgrades, building improvements and related expenses. Resolution 893-14 authorized a $25,000 grant from Metroplex bond proceeds via the County Business Park and Smart Growth Initiative supporting a matching $50,000 grant from National Grid. Mr. Wall moved Resolution 893-14; seconded by Mr. Chapman. After discussion, Resolution 893-14 was approved.
9. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 894-14 — Purchase Equipment
Resolution 894-14 authorized purchasing a 51” snow blower with sidewalk chute and rear salt spreader for maintaining Metroplex’s parking facilities and sidewalks. The equipment would be owned by Metroplex and operated by Rich Pachucki Trucking. The purchase price is $124,555. Mr. Mantello moved Resolution 894-14; seconded by Mr. Chapman and approved.
10. Foster Building Complex: Resolution 895-14 — Commence Real Property Disposition Process
Resolution 895-14 initiated the ABO process for disposing of real property. Before the Metroplex Board can formally convey property, Public Authorities Law required disclosure of the transaction and notification of State officials for a 90-day period. Consideration of Metroplex’s participation in the transaction will occur at a subsequent Metroplex Board meeting. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 895-14; seconded by Mr. Wall. After discussion, Resolution 895-14 was approved.
Public Comment: Diane Hart, Niskayuna resident, spoke that she was recently appointed to serve as the representative for the Niskayuna Co-op with regard to any pedestrian improvement projects that are considered by Metroplex in the vicinity of the Co-op.
Board Comment: Mr. Gillen thanked National Grid for their support of economic development activities in Schenectady County including the two approvals tonight and other projects as well.
Executive Session: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to convene in executive session to discuss the prospective acquisition, sale or lease of real property; seconded by Mr. Wall. At 6:30 p.m., the board entered into a private session. At 6:45 p.m., Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved and Mr. Wall seconded to conclude the executive session. Mr. Gillen stated that no votes or other authorizations were undertaken during the session.
Adjournment: Mr. Lewis moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme Lahut
Executive Director