Present:             Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Sharon Jordan, Neil Golub, Bill Chapman, Ed Capovani, Bob Mantello, and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas

Absent:            Bob Wall, Janet Hutchison, and John Mallozzi

Others:            Jayme Lahut, Peggy Chesebrough and audience of 2.

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

1.     Approval of Minutes: Neil Golub moved adoption of the June 26, 2013 meeting minutes, seconded by Sharon Jordan and approved. 

2.    Treasurer’s Report: Jayme Lahut reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending July 31, 2013 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that the unadjusted sales tax receipts were under budget, operating expenses were substantially under budget and cash on hand was $2,890,622. Mr. Lewis moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by and approved.

3.      2013 Parking Infrastructure Improvements: Resolution 835-13 — Adopt the General Project Plan

A public hearing was held on June 12 and no written or oral comments were received. Resolution 835-13 authorized using $985,000 in bond proceeds for the second phase of reconstructing the Broadway South parking lot and undertaking repairs to the Broadway Garage. Work would begin in late summer. The project represented a Type II action pursuant to SEQRA. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 835-13; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, Resolution 835-13 was approved.

4.      2013 Parking Infrastructure Improvements: Resolution 836-13 — Award Broadway Garage Repair Contract

Five firms responded to the RFP for repairing and patching the Broadway garage roof membrane. The low bid was submitted by Lupini Construction of Utica, NY for $141,607.80, which was under the budget prepared by Metroplex’s engineer, MJ Engineering and Land Surveying. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 836-13; seconded by Mr. Mantello. After brief discussion, Resolution 836-13 was approved.

5.     2013 Parking Infrastructure Improvements: Resolution 837-13 — Award Paving Contract at Broadway South Lot

Eight firms responded to the RFP for reconstructing and paving the western portion of the Broadway South parking lot. The other half of the lot was completed last year. Carver Construction of Princetown submitted the low bid of $357,921. Mr. Lewis made a motion to award the paving contract to Carver Construction via Resolution 837-13; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.

6.       Broadway South Remediation: Resolution 838-13 – Award Remediation and Earthwork Contract

Three firms responded to the RFP for sub-surface cleanup in conjunction with DEC’s Environmental Restoration Program and earthwork associated with the paving program in the lot. Schenectady-based Precision Industrial Maintenance submitted the low bid addressing the components of the bid at $377,030. Ms. Jordan moved to accept Resolution 838-13; seconded by Mr. Lewis. After brief discussion, Resolution 838-13 was approved unanimously.

7.       Washington Avenue Median Project: Resolution 839-13 —Adopt the General Project Plan

A public hearing on the project was held on July 17 and no written or oral comments were received. Resolution 839-13 authorized using $320,000 in bond proceeds for the installation of the masonry median on Washington Avenue. The project was characterized as a Type II action under SEQRA. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 839-13; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.

8.        Washington Avenue Median Project: Resolution 840-13 — Award Median Construction Contract

Four firms responded to the RFP for constructing the median on Washington Avenue. The low bid was submitted by Rifenburg Construction of Troy, NY for $285,965. The pricing was very close and highly competitive. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 840-13; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.

9.         813 Eastern Avenue Façade Project: Resolution 841-13 — Adopt the General Project Plan

Resolution 841-13 awarded a $22,000 grant on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis to the owner of 813-815 Eastern Avenue in Schenectady. The scope of work involves a renovation of the two-story building — first floor commercial and second floor apartment. Metroplex funding would be used for new siding, landscaping and sidewalks. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 841-13; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Discussion followed about the project, general condition of the neighborhood, and plans for the Land Bank to bolster the neighborhood. Resolution 841-13 was approved.

10.        202 State Street Mixed-use Project: Resolution 842-13 — Amend the General Project Plan

The project developer established two separate corporate entities for purposes of undertaking the conversion of the former Spencer Business Institute to market rate apartments and the demolishing of the former WGY Stamp building for use as a parking lot. The project’s lead lender requested that Metroplex financial assistance apply to both entities, so Resolution 842-13 provided the authorization to the two entities involved in the redevelopment project. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 841-13; seconded by Mr. Mantello and approved.

11.        Public Comment:  None

12.        Executive Session:  Mr. Lewis made a motion that the board convene in executive session to discuss the prospective acquisition, sale or lease of real property; seconded by Ms. Jordan. At 6:30 p.m., the board entered into a private session. At 6:45 p.m., Mr. Lewis moved and Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas seconded a conclusion to the executive session. Mr. Gillen stated that no votes or other authorizations were undertaken during the session.

13.        Adjournment: Mr. Golub moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jayme Lahut
Executive Director