Present:            Ray Gillen, Sharon Jordan, Neil Golub, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello, Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas and John Mallozzi

Absent:              Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, and Robert Dieterich

Others:           Jayme Lahut, 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: Mr. Golub moved adoption of the November 18, 2015 meeting minutes; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.

2.        Treasurer’s Report: Jayme Lahut reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending November 30, 2015, which was distributed prior to the meeting. Revenues will likely exceed budget for the year. Operating and predevelopment expenses were tracking below budget. Cash on hand totaled $4.75 million. Following brief discussion about sales tax receipts, Mr. Golub moved to accept the Report; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.

3.        REVA, Inc. Air Ambulance: Resolution 1003-15 — Adopt the General Project Plan

Richmor Aviation is leasing space at the Schenectady County Airport to REVA, Inc., the largest air ambulance operator in North America, as its Northeast U.S. hub.  Metroplex participation involved a $35,000 grant for tenant improvements, relocation expenses and rent support. Pursuant to SEQRA, the action was classified as an exempt Type II Action. Mr. Golub moved Resolution 1003-15; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.

4.        DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Project: Resolution 1004-15 — Amend the General Project Plan

The DoubleTree opened for business in November. The resolution allocated an additional $15,000 supplemental grant to address exterior lighting requirements by the City Planning Commission above and beyond standard Hilton-property standards. The owner covered about $25,000. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1004-15; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved following brief discussion.

5.        Renew Office Space Lease at 433 State Street: Resolution 1005-15

Resolution 1005-15 authorized accepting the 5-year option for Metroplex office space at Center City. The base lease will hold at $18.50 per square foot for another three years, then to $18.75 for the remaining two years. Metroplex pays for utilities and insurance. The landlord pays all taxes. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1005-15; seconded by Mr. Mantello. Following discussion, Resolution 1005-15 was approved.

6.        FY-2016 Budget: Resolution 1006-15 — Adopt Fiscal Year 2016 Budget

The Fiscal Audit Committee reviewed and recommended adoption of the 2016 budget. Due to accelerating sales tax receipts and the benefits of lower interest rates on bond refinancings, discretionary cash for projects will rise to about $2.1 million for 2016. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1006-15; seconded by Mr. Chapman. Resolution 1006-15 was approved unanimously.

7.        Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 1007-15 — Parking Maintenance Contract

Resolution 1008-15 maintained the compensation for Rich Pachucki Trucking at $180,000 per year handling general maintenance at all Metroplex-owned properties and parking facilities. This represented the third year of a five year contract. Mr. Mallozzi moved Resolution 1007-15; seconded by Mr. Golub. After brief discussion, Resolution 1007-15 was approved.

8.        Accounting Services Contract: Resolution 1008-15 — Robert L. Kristel, CPA

Resolution 1008-15 extended the annual contract with Robert L. Kristel, CPA, P.C, for accounting services with compensation remaining last year’s $51,000. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1008-15; seconded by Mr. Chapman and approved.

9.        JMR Development Company Project: Resolution 1009-15 — Hold a Public Hearing

Resolution 1009-15 authorized holding a public hearing in support of major tenant looking to locate at 101 Lafayette Street in downtown Schenectady. With lease negotiations underway, the tenant cannot be identified but the project will involve $7 million in leasehold improvements, fit-up and equipment. The project would create 350 jobs. Metroplex may grant a sales tax exemption following a public hearing to be held in January. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1009-15; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved following discussion.

10.     Niskayuna Commerce Park: Resolution 1010-15 — Purchase a Monument Sign

Resolution 1010-15 allocated $8,950 to build and install a monument sign at the entrance to Niskayuna Commerce Park on Hillside Avenue in Niskayuna. Mr. Chapman moved Resolution 1010-15; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.

11.    Glenwyck Manor Housing Project: Resolution 1011-15 – Adopt the General Project Plan

The resolution provide for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with Glenwyck LLC in support of the $12.8 million 110-unit senior housing project. With an assessment of $8,660,700, the project will generate meaningful payments to the Town, County and school district. Mr. Golub moved Resolution 1011-15; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, Resolution 1011-15 was approved unanimously.

12.        Public Comment — None

13.        Board Comment: Mr. Golub initiated a dialogue about the revitalization of Schenectady and Metroplex’s successes resulting from community support and cooperation.

14.        Adjournment: Mr. Mantello moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Chapman.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director