SPECIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
Via Zoom Meeting
May 13, 2022
12:00 p.m.
Dennis Rak Vice Chairman
Gary Henry Secretary
Steven Thorpe Member
Brad Walters Member
Kevin Muldowney Member
Jay Churchill Member
Rhonda Jonson Member
Also in attendance:
Mark Geise Administrative Director/CEO
Richard E. Dixon Chief Financial Officer
Milan K. Tyler, Esq. Counsel
Carol Rasmussen CCIDA Staff
Jeanette Lo Bello CCIDA Staff
Rosie Strandburg CCIDA Staff
Kayla Strandburg CCIDA Staff
Jason Toczydlowski CCIDA Staff
Absent Board Member(s):
Michael Metzger Chairman
Hans Auer Treasurer
Meeting was called to order by Dennis Rak, Vice Chairman, at 12:00 p.m.
Dennis Rak
I would like to call to order this Special Board of Directors Meeting of the Chautauqua County IDA. It is May 13, 2022 at noon. Attendance taken. Roll call. Let the record show that there are seven people in attendance. We have quorum. First order of Business – could I get a motion to approve the April 26, 2022 Board Minutes?
Brad Walters
So moved.
Gary Henry
Second.
Dennis Rak
All those in favor say I.
Board
Aye – Unanimous
Dennis Rak
All those opposed. Ok motion carried. Do we need an Executive Session?
Rich Dixon
To discuss the sale of property
Dennis Rak
I would like to have a motion to enter into Executive Session.
Jay Churchill
So moved.
Steven Thorpe
Second.
Dennis Rak
All those in favor?
Board
Aye – Unanimous
Dennis Rak
All those opposed. Ok motion carried.
Executive Session
Start Time: 12:02 p.m.
Executive Session
End Time: 12: 08 p.m.
Dennis Rak
Let the record show that no official actions were taken during Executive Session. So are we going to move this Resolution or there any discussion before we do?
Milan Tyler
Which one are we doing? Sustainable Energy?
Rich Dixon
Yes.
Milan Tyler
I am happy to summarize the resolution if you would like?
Dennis Rak
Yes. Why don’t you summarize it and we will move and second it.
Milan Tyler
This is an Authorizing Resolution for mortgage recording tax benefit only for Sustainable Energy who is acquiring a spec building for high tech manufacturing at some point. It is only mortgage recording tax. It will be under $100,000 in financial assistance and therefore no public hearing was required. This is the beginning and final resolution. There is no SEQRA because it is taking the existing building not doing anything with it. So it is a type two SEQRA that’s why there is not separate SEQRA Resolution. If this company does secure a tenant they may or may not choose to come back to the IDA and that would be a separate application and a separate process but that is not a consideration today.
Dennis Rak
Jay could I have you move Resolution A1 please?
Jay Churchill
Ok. Resolution 05-13-22-01 – Authorizing Resolution for Sustainable Energy Jamestown, LLC
Dennis Rak
Do I have a second?
Steven Thorpe
I’ll second it.
Dennis Rak
Motion made by Jay and seconded by Steven. Vice Chairman votes I. Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous
Dennis Rak
Let the record show the motion passed unanimously. Gary could you read Resolution B2?
Gary Henry
Resolution 05-13-22-02 Authorizing Resolution for Video Conference Meeting Procedures
Dennis Rak
Do I have a second?
Jay Churchill
Second.
Dennis Rak
Motion made by Gary and seconded by Jay. Any discussion?
Mark Geise
Milan, did you want to start out?
Milan Tyler
I will note that the Governance Committee of the IDA met a short time ago and recommended that the full Board adopt this resolution and approving the procedures for implementing this. The NYS budget for this year authorized a change to the Open Meetings Law to allow for video conferencing and there are a number of requirements that have to be done for that including the adoption of procedures which is part of this resolution and adoption of a resolution of the Board authorizing these procedures. There are very specific requirements for public input and the video conferencing at one or more locations. The most important criteria is that the public has to be allowed to attend at both or three or more places where the video conferencing is taking place and that there must be a quorum in person between the two or three or more locations. Mark, do you want to talk about why?
Mark Geise
This is a golden opportunity for us to actually improve access to the public by having in person meetings at two locations in the County – One at the Incubator and one here at the BWB. They will be in person meetings and they will be essentially linked through video conference so the public will have two locations to attend our IDA Board Meetings. Also, it’s convenient for the Board Members and also the staff. So we will have both staff and Board Members at both locations in person meetings and linked through video conference.
Dennis Rak
Any further questions or discussion? Roll call vote.
Board
Aye – Unanimous
Dennis Rak
Let the record show the motion passed unanimously. Other action?
Mark Geise
No. Anything else?
Milan Tyler
Nothing on my agenda.
Dennis Rak
The meeting is adjourned. This meeting is adjourned at 12:13 p.m.
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(Assistant) Secretary (Vice) Chairman
