COUNTY OF SULLIVAN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
One Cablevision Center
Ferndale, New York 12734
(845) 295-2603 – telephone
(845) 295-2604 – fax
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, June 8, 2015
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Steingart called to order the regular meeting of the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency at approximately 11:05 am, in the Legislative Hearing Room at the Sullivan County Government Center, Monticello, New York.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present- Members Absent-
Ira Steingart Sean Rieber
Charlie Barbuti
Suzanne Loughlin (arrived 11:10 am)
Carol Roig
Howard Siegel
Edward Sykes
Paul Guenther
Staff Present- Staff Absent-
Jennifer C.S. Brylinski, Exec. Director None
Jen Flad, VP Business Development
Others Present-
Steve White, Agency CEO
Walter F. Garigliano, Esq., Agency Legal Counsel
Tara Lewis, Garigliano Law Offices
Dan Hust, Sullivan County Democrat
Ken Walter
Star Hesse
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Sykes made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2015 regular meeting and the May 26, 2015 special meeting. Mr. Guenther seconded the motion, the Board voted and the minutes of the meetings were unanimously approved.
IV. BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Barbuti made a motion to approve the revised schedule of payments. Mr. Siegel seconded the motion, the Board voted and the revised schedule of payments was unanimously approved.
V. DIRECTORS’ REPORTS
Jennifer C.S. Brylinski, Executive Director
Ms. Brylinski noted that last week the Department of Commerce approved the low bid for the red meat facility electrical work. The next step is to execute the electrical contract and submit it to the Department of Commerce for their approval, prior to issuing a Notice to Proceed.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Chairman Steingart asked for a motion to discuss the resolution authorizing the second quarter 2015 payment to the Partnership for Economic Development. Ms. Loughlin and Mr. Sykes both recused themselves from the discussion, as both serve on the Partnership’s Board of Directors. Mr. Siegel made a motion to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Guenther. The Board voted and approved the resolution with Ms. Loughlin and Mr. Sykes abstaining for the reason described above.
Attorney Garigliano reminded the Board that at their May 26 meeting, they approved an inducement resolution to authorize the issuance of a sales tax letter with respect to the Catskill Distilling Company Ltd. expansion project. The resolution before the Board today is a final approving resolution authorizing the Agency to amend and restate all project documents for this project. Mr. Barbuti made a motion to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Sykes. The Board voted and the resolution was unanimously approved.
Ms. Brylinski referred to the proposed resolution regarding Rock Meadow Partners LLC. She reminded the Board that a public hearing has been held and the public hearing comments have been distributed to the Board. This project is a Type II action under SEQR, so no environmental review is required. The resolution before the Board today appoints the company as agent of the Agency, authorizes the execution and delivery of a master developer and agent agreement, lease agreement, PILOT agreement and all related project documents. Attorney Garigliano noted one possible change to the project description. The resolution indicates that five parcels are to be part of this project. However, the company now seeks to purchase a sixth parcel at the County tax auction on June 10. The Board discussed this change and determined that the Agency’s project documents will be effective on July 1, 2015, once the company holds title to all five parcels described in the resolution. There will be time at a future meeting to amend the resolution and documents to add the sixth parcel, if the company successfully acquires it. On a motion made by Mr. Barbuti and seconded by Mr. Sykes, the Board voted and the resolution was unanimously approved. Ms. Brylinski and Attorney Garigliano noted that this resolution authorizes a master developer agreement only. Once identified, tenants that require substantial leasehold improvements will need to apply to the Agency for assistance with their projects.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT AND ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Steingart asked the Board and others present for public comment. Mr. Barbuti asked about the timing of the Ideal Snacks PILOT payment and noted that the Village of Liberty budget year runs from June 1 through May 31. Ms. Flad stated that Ideal’s PILOT payment is due on December 15, but that the project often pays as late as February. Attorney Garigliano noted that this is an Empire Zone project, and the company states that they pay their PILOT immediately upon receipt of their Empire Zone tax refund. The Agency distributes the PILOT payment to the taxing jurisdictions immediately upon receipt from the company.
Mr. White advised that Ms. Flad and Ms. Brylinski are developing a job description for a new Agency staff person, and once Mr. White and Attorney Garigliano review it, it will be forwarded to the personnel committee. The Board plans to advertise for the position, and the personnel committee will screen applicants and make a recommendation to the Board. Staff expects to have the job description ready for the personnel committee by June 12.
With respect to the operation of the red meat facility, Star Hesse urged the Board to include language in the request for proposals regarding animal welfare approved standards and practices. She noted the many benefits to the animals and staff of such standards and practices.
There being no other public comment, on a motion by Ms. Loughlin and seconded by Mr. Barbuti, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:25 am.
Respectfully submitted:
Jen Flad
IDA VP, Business Development
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