COUNTY OF SULLIVAN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
One Cablevision Center
Ferndale, New York 12734
(845) 295-2603 – telephone
(845) 295-2604 – fax
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Steingart called to order the regular meeting of the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency at approximately 10:05 A.M., which was held in the Legislative Committee Room at the Sullivan County Government Center, Monticello, New York.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present- Members Absent-
Ira Steingart Harold Gold
Charles Barbuti Sean Rieber
Harris Alport Sandy Shaddock
Edward Sykes
Suzanne Loughlin
Steve White
Staff Present- Staff Absent-
Jennifer C.S. Brylinski, Exec. Director None
Others Present-
Allan C. Scott, ALSCO Management, Inc. /Consultant /IDA CEO
Walter F. Garigliano, Esq., Agency Legal Counsel
Tara Lewis, Garigliano Law Offices
Scott Samuelson, Chairman, Sullivan County Legislature
Gene Benson, Sullivan County Legislator
Jill Weyer, Acting County Planning Commissioner
Laurence Gottlieb, Pres., CEO Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp.
Josh Sommers, HVEDC Board Member
Andrew Arias, Cooper Arias, LLP
Ken Walters, County Resident
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Alport made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2013, regular meeting and the April 26, 2013, special meeting. Mr. Barbuti seconded the motion, the Board voted and the motion was unanimously carried.
IV. BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Sykes made a motion to approve the revised schedule of payments, the motion was seconded by Mr. Barbuti, the Board voted and the motion was unanimously carried.
V. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REPORTS
Jennifer Brylinski
Ms. Brylinski advised the Board of the status of the Office of the Comptroller audit. The State team has been auditing the Agency for five weeks and it is expected that today will be their last day.
Allan C. Scott
Mr. Scott updated the Board regarding his activities. These activities included assisting tourist destination projects, an airport project, Uniform Tax Assistance Program meetings, meetings regarding the County’s dairy industry, and the Sutphen East project. A short discussion initiated by Ms. Loughlin regarding Sutphen East ensued.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. White requested an update on the Red Meat Project. Mr. Garigliano stated that the status was the same as last month. The Agency was still waiting for the decision of the US Department of Agriculture to approve the transfer of the RBOG grant from the Sullivan County Ag LDC to the IDA.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Arias of Cooper Arias LLP gave his annual audit report to the Board. His summary included the Agency’s financials, its compliance with laws and regulations, and assessment of internal controls. He also summarized the audit for the Sullivan County Funding Corporation. Both agencies were given positive evaluations.
Mr. Garigliano passed out to the Board a resolution approving the execution and delivery of a mortgage in an amount not to exceed $125,000 relating to the Holiday Mountain Fun Park project. When a vote was asked for, both Mr. Steingart and Mr. Alport recused themselves from the vote because they are vendors to that project, and hence a quorum for voting on this resolution was not obtained and the resolution was not acted upon. Action was tabled until a meeting with a quorum could be assembled.
Mr. Garigliano asked the Board to approve a resolution similar to the one approved at the April 26, 2013, meeting regarding approval for the agency to execute and deliver all documents necessary for the Agency to apply to the United States Department of Agriculture for a Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) for the Sullivan County Food Hub project. The application is due by June 1st. On a motion by Mr. Sykes, seconded by Ms. Loughlin, the Board voted and the resolution was unanimously passed.
Mr. Sommers introduced the President / CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) Laurence Gottlieb. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Gottlieb explained the activities of the HVEDC. It is a seven county organization that includes the lower Hudson Valley counties and Sullivan County. It is an umbrella regional development organization that makes connections with government officials, the media, and non-profits. It is not a usual membership organization; Board members financially support the organization. There is low overhead and high productivity. They helped Prohibition Distillery in Sullivan County with venture capital. They distribute marketing data and work with economic development professionals, and market the region. Mr. Gottlieb stated that they would like the County of Sullivan IDA to be part of their organization. Ms. Loughlin talked about the problems with taxation in New York State and the need for more incentives. Mr. Gottlieb stated that they advocated the concept of pushing for incentives to groups that are wanted, not just raw employment numbers. These groups may be educated, young, and enthusiastic.
Mr. Barbuti asked what the HVEDC is looking for from the IDA. Mr. Gottlieb stated that they are looking for the IDA to become a member for $20,000 a year. All counties have to pay the same. Mr. Steingart asked what would Sullivan County get for its membership. Mr. Gottlieb stated that Sullivan County would be represented at the regional table in order to get project funds, and they would be able to push their positions better. Mr. Sommers said that Sullivan County cannot do it alone. The HVEDC will amplify the resources and maximize dollars. They are a powerful ally. Mr. Steingart thanked Mr. Gottlieb and said that the Board would consider all that was said.
The Board went into Executive Session at 11:30 AM to discuss a Personnel matter. On a motion by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Loughlin, the Board voted and went into Executive Session.
At 11:55, on a motion by Mr. Sykes, seconded by Mr. White, the Board voted and came out of Executive Session.
Chairman Steingart asked if there were any further questions or public comment.
Mr. Walter said that he liked what he heard from HVEDC and that the County has to stop “youth flight.”
VIII. ADJOURNMENT (Recessed)
There being no future discussion, on a motion by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Barbuti, the Board voted to recess the meeting until tomorrow, May 15, 2013, at 1:00 PM, in the same location. The meeting was recessed at approximately 12:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Jennifer CS Brylinski
Executive Director
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