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, February 9, 2015
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Steingart called to order the special meeting of the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency at approximately 11:01 am, in the Legislative Committee Room at the Sullivan County Government Center, Monticello, New York.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present- Members Absent-
Ira Steingart Sandy Shaddock
Carol Roig Sean Rieber
Charlie Barbuti Howard Siegel
Edward Sykes
Suzanne Loughlin
Paul Guenther (via conference call for discussion only; did not vote)
Staff Present- Staff Absent-
Jennifer C.S. Brylinski, Exec. Director None
Jen Flad, VP Business Development
Others Present-
Walter F. Garigliano, Esq., Agency Legal Counsel
Stephen Stuart, SC Office of Sustainable Energy
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Sykes moved to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2015 meeting. Ms. Roig seconded the motion, the Board voted and the minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved.
IV. BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Sykes moved to approve the revised schedule of payments. The Board discussed Billman Ross’s invoice for red meat facility construction. Ms. Flad said that the construction of the shell is roughly 80 percent complete, and remaining work includes gutters and doors. Ms. Loughlin 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 reported that PILOT payments are being disbursed. Cooper Arias will perform their internal audit this week. Ms. Brylinski is working on 2014 PARIS (Public Authorities Reporting Information System) reporting. Finally, equipment for the red meat facility has been ordered and is being delivered.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Steingart began a discussion of the Agency’s Mission Statement, Performance Measurement Report, Disposition of Real Property Guidelines, Investment Policy, and Procurement Policy. Ms. Brylinski noted that the NYS Authorities Budget Office requires the Agency to review and approve these documents each year.
Mr. Barbuti said that the law regarding procurement limits has changed, and the new limits for procurement of items without a formal bid process are $20,000 for purchases and $35,000 for public works contracts. Mr. Barbuti made a motion to amend the Procurement Policy to increase any amounts identified in the Policy to the maximum amounts allowed under New York State law. Mr. Sykes seconded the motion, the Board voted and the motion was unanimously approved.
The Board discussed the Mission Statement and Performance Measurement Report. Ms. Brylinski noted that New York State statute sets the parameters of the Mission Statement, and the Agency’s Mission Statement paraphrases the statute. Mr. Barbuti made a motion to approve the Procurement Policy as amended, Mission Statement, Performance Measurement Report, Disposition of Real Property Guidelines, and Investment Policy. Ms. Loughlin seconded the motion, the Board voted and the motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Brylinski advised that the Board must also review its Annual Self-Evaluation Performance Report. Attorney Garigliano advised that the Agency may conduct this self-review in Executive Session.
On a motion made by Mr. Barbuti and seconded by Ms. Loughlin, the Board entered Executive Session at approximately 11:13 am.
On a motion made by Ms. Loughlin and seconded by Mr. Barbuti, the Board came out of Executive Session at approximately 11:27 am.
Chairman Steingart state that, with the increase in Agency activity, he will reach out to Board members seeking project liaisons.
He also said that several local economic development agencies have met to discuss taking a proactive approach to the 2015 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) round. These agencies hope to identify projects that have a strong chance of being funded, and to assist them in producing competitive applications. Attorney Garigliano noted that the Sullivan County Funding Corporation has funds available in the underutilized Millennium Revolving Loan Fund, and these funds could be used to offset a portion of the costs of hiring professional consultants to prepare application packages. The SCFC Board will need to meet to discuss this. He advised that the State seeks to fund large-scale projects that can transform an entire community, and that the local agencies have identified the development of a Riverwalk in Livingston Manor as one such transformative project. The Board discussed other project ideas as well. Ms. Roig noted that incorporation of energy efficiency and renewable energy components into grant applications will likely make them more competitive.
Ms. Loughlin asked whether grant funding can be directed toward workforce development. Attorney Garigliano replied that there is funding for workforce development, and that the Sullivan County Partnership is currently conducting a needs assessment of local employers. The findings of the needs assessment will inform any workforce development CFA applications. He noted that his contacts at Empire State Development have advised that a new not-for-profit entity should be created to apply for and administer such grant funds. The Partnership and the Center for Workforce Development are working together to spearhead this effort.
There was a brief discussion of possible infrastructure projects. Mr. Barbuti noted that funding for infrastructure is often more readily available through other agencies, including USDA.
Attorney Garigliano advised the Board that the prospective bond buyers for the EPR Concord II, LP and EPT Concord II, LC project will require the creation of a new single-purpose entity whose only business is this project. This is common as it protects lenders from any complications that could result from projects other than the specific projects they are financing. He continued that he, Chairman Steingart and Legislator Samuelson will approach County Manager Potosek to discuss the creation of this new entity. Similar to SCFC, it will be a local development corporation and a public authority set up under Section 1411 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.
There was a discussion of the additional staff workload that the new public authority and the general increase in Agency activity will create. Chairman Steingart asserted that the Board is receptive to staff’s needs, and Board members agreed to provide additional staff and enhanced technological resources as needed. Ms. Loughlin suggested that staff prepare a job description for part-time bookkeeping and related work. Chairman Steingart and Attorney Garigliano noted that the substantial revenue from the bond transaction will easily offset any costs incurred. At the same time, by working with the new entity, the project will save millions on the bond issuance. Thus, the bond transaction is fundamental to the financial success of the project.
VII. ADJOURNED
Chairman Steingart asked for public comment. There being none, on a motion by Ms. Loughlin and seconded by Mr. Sykes, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:02 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
Jen Flad
IDA VP, Business Development
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