Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Neil Golub, Bob Wall, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello, Sharon Jordan and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Ed Capovani, John Mallozzi and Janet Hutchison
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander, David Hogenkamp and audience of 1
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 November meeting minutes, seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved. (Mr. Chapman was absent.)
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending November 30, 2013, which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that sales tax receipts were on-track with the same period to one year ago, and operating expenses were well under budget. Predevelopment expenses were tracking above budget due to the extensive queue of projects developing during the year. Cash on hand was $1.8 million. Following brief discussion, Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Golub, and approved (Mr. Chapman was absent.)
3. FY-2014 Budget: Resolution 865-13 — Adopt Fiscal Year 2014 Budget
The Fiscal Audit Committee recommended adoption of the 2014 budget, which reflected growth in sales tax revenue, slightly higher operating expenses, and a reduced predevelopment budget. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 865-13; seconded by Mr. Wall and approved following discussion. (Mr. Chapman was absent.)
4. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 866-13 — Adopt the FY-2014 Parking Budget
The Fiscal Audit Committee recommended approving the parking operating budget for 2014. Parking usage continued to rise in 2013 in visitor parking and monthly permits. The 2014 budget showed revenues and expenses increasing. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 866-13; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved (Mr. Chapman was absent.)
5. 515 State Street Renovation: Resolution 867-13 —Adopt the General Project PlanThe project involved the purchase and renovation of the 3-story 5,200 square foot property at 515 State Street, Schenectady. The building was largely vacant until purchased by Niskayuna resident Dan Hickey who intends to convert the ground floor to retail use and renovate five market-rate apartments. Hickey Properties LLC requested a $50,000 Metroplex grant as part of the $300,000 renovation project. Mr. Mantello moved Resolution 867-13; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, Resolution 867-13 was approved.
6. Purchase 167 Erie Blvd. (former Silver Diner): Resolution 868-13 — SEQRA
Resolution 868-13 characterized the acquisition of the former Silver Diner as an Unlisted Action pursuant to SEQRA with no significant effect on the environment. The project involved purchasing 167 Erie Boulevard from the City of Schenectady for the appraised fair market value of $28,000. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 868-13; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
7. Purchase 167 Erie Blvd.: Resolution 869-13 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The resolution authorized the purchase of the parcel from the City of Schenectady for $28,000 and set aside funds for closing costs, insurance, and other related expenses. Metroplex intends to divest itself of the property for redevelopment. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 869-13; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
8. Professional Services Contract: Resolution 870-13 — Contract with Pachucki Trucking Co.
Resolution 870-13 authorized a five-year agreement with Pachucki Trucking Co., Inc. for snowplowing, maintaining, cleaning and clearing Metroplex parking facilities. In November, Metroplex undertook a formal solicitation for the work and received only one proposal. The firm has provided quality and responsive snow and landscaping maintenance services since Metroplex purchased the parking facilities. The terms of the base contract are identical to the previous agreement. For each remaining year of the contract, compensation will require Metroplex Board consideration and consent. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 870-13; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved after brief discussion.
9. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 871-13 — Hold Public Hearing for DEC Environmental Restoration Program
NYS DEC has encouraged Metroplex and the City of Schenectady to undertake another phase of cleanup work using ERP funding. The site is north of the Broadway South parking on Van Guysling Avenue. The ERP offers 90 percent State reimbursement for environmental clean-up costs. Resolution 871-13 called for holding a public hearing in the event the outlays exceed Metroplex’s statutory requirement. Mrs. Jordan moved Resolution 871-13; seconded by Mr. Golub. Following discussion, Resolution 871-13 was approved.
10. Public Comment: None
11. Board Comment: Mr. Gillen updated the Board on the completion of the 245 Broadway apartments and recently announced Regional Economic Development Council grant awards for the Alco project and Proctors Theatre.
12. Executive Session: Ms. Jordan moved to convene in executive session to discuss legal issues associated with real property; seconded by Mr. Wall. The private session started at 6:20 p.m. and reconvened in public session at 6:35 p.m. Mr. Gillen stated that no votes or other authorizations were undertaken during the session.
13. Adjournment: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme Lahut
Executive Director