BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
Via Zoom Video Conference
June 23, 2020
10:02 a.m.
Dennis J. Rak Vice Chairman
Gary Henry Secretary
Steven Thorpe Member
Mark Odell Member
Brad Walters Member
Hans Auer Member
Kelly Farrell-DuBois Member
Jay Churchill Member
Also in attendance:
Mark Geise Administrative Director/CEO
Richard E. Dixon Chief Financial Officer
Paul Wendel County Executive
Milan K. Tyler, Esq. Counsel
Greg Peterson Counsel
Michael Borrello Counsel
Carol Rasmussen IDA Staff
Kristine Morabito IDA Staff
Linda Burns IDA Staff
Kayla Strandburg IDA Staff
Rosie Strandburg IDA Staff
Nathan Aldrich CREDC/PEG Staff
Rachel Clar Abundant Solar, Director of Business Development New York
Mike Aceto ECR Properties, Director of Administration
Anthony Habib Petri Baking Products, President
Absent Board Member(s):
Michael Metzger
Meeting was called to order by Dennis Rak, Vice Chairman, at 10:02 a.m.
Dennis Rak
I would like to call to order the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency’s Board of Directors Meeting. We are on Zoom Conference. It is June 23, 2020 and it is 10:02 a.m. Roll call. Let the record show there are 8 members present. I will entertain a motion to approve the April 28th, 2020 minutes.
Mark Odell
So moved.
Gary Henry
Second.
Dennis Rak
Motion made by Mark and seconded by Gary. Any discussion, changes or comments? All those in favor?
Board
Aye.
Dennis Rak
On to New Business “A”.
Linda Burns
Introduced the project and provided details on project.
Milan Tyler
Explained resolutions being presented to the Board.
Linda Burns
Provided more details on the project and thanked County Executive and local officials on their support. Introduced Rachel Clar, Director of Business Development with Abundant Solar.
Rachel Clar
Gave history on Abundant Solar, overview of operations, and locations.
County Executive
Residents want more information on if there is decommissioning plan and what that looks like?
Rachel Clar
Advised that they do have a decommissioning plan and that it was just recently submitted to the State for approval. Explained that these are lifetime investments and improvements/upgrades will be made throughout the years and this is not something that will be abandoned. Explained the complexities on a decommissioning plan and some of the requirements from the State.
County Executive
You’ve answered my question, thank you.
Mark Odell
Will these post be pile driven or cement?
Rachel Clar
We haven’t done the soil strength test yet. That will happen later in the process. Generally speaking, they are pile driven.
Mark Odell
Detailed his roles and his stance on projects like this: Projects like this need to have utility and benefit, which this does, and be a silent and resilient neighbor, which this does. The FAA paperwork has been done?
Rachel Clar
Those regulations were not triggered by any of the processes we have gone through.
Mark Odell
Just for situational awareness.
Rachel Clar
I would be happy to write a letter to the airport director and I can CC you on that.
Mark Odell
Thank you.
Dennis Rak
Anyone else have any questions? Steve can you read resolution A 2.
Steven Thorpe
06-23-20-01 Preliminary Agreement Resolution.
Dennis Rak
Alright, can I get a second?
Mark Odell
I will second that Mr. Chairman.
Dennis Rak
Ok, roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
That’s 8 Votes in the affirmative, the motion passes. On to ECR Properties.
Kristine Morabito
Introduced Mike Aceto, Director of Administration for ECR Properties. Explained the request for an extension of their current PILOT agreement, current investment plans, and projection on jobs, PILOT request, and resolutions being presented.
Mike Aceto
Provided brief summary of project, history of ECR and the current market.
Kristine Morabito
Advised that Transaction Committee Meeting minutes were previously shared, as well as the transcript for the Public Hearing.
Milan Tyler
Is there anyone listening in from the affected taxing jurisdictions that would like to make a comment? We have we received no written comments. Explained resolutions being presented.
Dennis Rak
Any other questions or discussion? Gary could you move resolution B 2?
Gary Henry
06-23-20-02 ECR Properties PILOT Deviation Approval Resolution
Dennis Rak
Can I get second?
Mark Odell
Second.
Dennis Rak
Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
8 votes in the affirmative, resolution passes. Mark would you pass resolution B3?
Mark Odell
06-23-20-03 ECR Properties SEQRA Resolution.
Dennis Rak
Can I get a second?
Gary Henry
Second.
Dennis Rak
Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
8 votes in the affirmative, resolution passes. Brad can you please motion resolution B4?
Brad Walters
06-23-20-04 ECR Properties Amendment Resolution
Dennis Rak
Can I get second?
Jay Churchill
Second.
Dennis Rak
Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
8 votes in the affirmative, resolution passes. Next on the agenda is Petri Baking Products.
Kristine Morabito
Introduced Anthony Habib, President of Petri Baking Products. Explained the resolutions being presented, plans for the project, investment and impact on jobs.
Anthony Habib
Provided history of company, plans moving forward and timeline.
Kristine Morabito
Any questions for Anthony? Transaction Committee Meeting minutes and Public Hearing minutes were previously shared. Reviewed resolutions to be presented.
Milan Tyler
SEQRA is a type II action. Straightforward with no environmental implications.
Dennis Rak
Hans can I have you read resolution C 2?
Hans Auer
06-23-20-05 Petri Baking SEQRA Resolution.
Dennis Rak
Can I get second?
Mark Odell
Second.
Dennis Rak
Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
8 votes in the affirmative, resolution passes. Jay can you read resolution C3?
Jay Churchill
06-23-20-06 Petri Baking Final Approving Resolution
Dennis Rak
Can I get second?
Gary Henry
Second.
Dennis Rak
Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
8 votes in the affirmative, resolution passes. On to New Business D.
Mark Geise
ACC awarded 3.56 million to 31 CDFI’s across the country and we were 1 of 3 in NY. Objective of funding is to strengthen and stabilize communities and their operations, during the COVID 19 emergency. Explained some steps that agencies are taking to reduce cost and how the grant will help us. Explained the purpose of the resolution.
Gary Henry
Can you clarify why the resolution lists two different amounts?
Greg Peterson
The larger amount is what we applied for and the other amount is what we actually received.
Dennis Rak
Any other questions or discuss? Good job guys. Mark can you read resolution D 1?
Mark Odell
06-23-20-07 Resolution of Members of County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency to Enter into Grant Agreement with Appalachian Community Capital.
Dennis Rak
Can I get second?
Brad Walters
Second.
Dennis Rak
Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
8 votes in the affirmative, resolution passes. Next up is the Executive Directors update.
Mark Geise
Provided updates on the PPE Grant Program and operations as staff returned to the office. Any questions?
Mark Odell
Gave positive comments on the IDA’s efforts.
Paul Wendel
Gave positive comments on the IDA’s efforts, successes, and the roll we have played.
Dennis Rak
On to the Treasurers Report.
Rich Dixon
Reviewed financials.
Dennis Rak
Can I get a motion to approve the Treasurers Report?
Steven Thorpe
So moved.
Dennis Rak
Can I get a second?
Mark Odell
Second.
Dennis Rak
All those in favor?
Board
Aye – Unanimous.
Dennis Rak
Treasurers Report is approved. Can I get a motion to enter in to Executive Session to discuss the financial position of certain companies?
Kelly Farrell-DuBois
So moved.
Brad Walters
Second.
Executive Session Begins
11:01 a.m.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Dennis Rak
Can I get a motion to exit in to Executive Session?
Mark Odell
So moved.
Steven Thorpe
Second.
Executive Sessions Ends
11:10 a.m.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Dennis Rak
Is here any old business to come before the Board? Can I get a motion to adjourn?
Kelly Farrell-DuBois
So moved.
Mark Odell
Second.
Meeting adjourned at 11:12 a.m.
__________________________________ _____________________________________
(Assistant) Secretary (Vice) Chairman
