Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC)
Grape Discovery Center
8305 West Main Road, Westfield, NY
August 28, 2018
10:00 a.m.
Mike Metzger Chairman
Kim Peterson Secretary
Hans Auer Treasurer
Mark Odell Member
Steve Thorpe Member
Dennis Rak Member
Also in attendance:
Mark Geise CCIDA CEO
Rich Dixon CCIDA CFO
Michelle Turner VP of Marketing
Matt Mazgaj Counsel
Greg Peterson Counsel
Carol Rasmussen CCIDA Staff
Kristine Morabito CCIDA Staff
Kayla Strandburg Finance Assistant
George Borrello County Executive
Jim McCarthy Dunkirk Observer
Karen Engstrom Mayville, NY
Absent Board Member(s): Gary Henry, Kelly Farrell-Dubois, and Brad Walters
Meeting was called to order by Mike Metzger, Chairman, at 10:02 a.m.
Mike Metzger
I will now call the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) Board of Director’s meeting to order. We are meeting at the Grape Discovery Center, 8305 West Main Road, Westfield, NY. Today is August 28, 2018, (10:02 a.m.)
I will now have roll call.
Mark Odell – Here, Dennis Rak – Here, Kim Peterson – Here, Steven Thorpe – Here, and Mike Metzger is here.
Let the record show that we have five members here, and we do have a quorum.
Mike Metzger
You have received, in advance the February 27, 2018 minutes. I will ask for a motion of approval.
Mark Odell
So moved.
Kim Peterson
Second.
Mike Metzger
Motion by Mark and seconded by Kim.
Any discussion or changes to the minutes?
Hearing none, all those in favor?
Board Members
Aye.
Mike Metzger
Opposed, or abstained? (None)
Motion carried unanimously.
We have one resolution to come before us today, Mark please read the resolution.
Mark Odell
Certainly Mr. Chairman, thank you.
Resolution 08-28-18-01
Resolution of the Members of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation related to the creation of Chautauqua Property Holding LLC, to enter into a contract to purchase property and enter into a lease with option to purchase.
Mike Metzger
Thank you, do I have a second?
Dennis Rak
Second.
Motion by Mark, and seconded by Dennis. Is there any discussion?
Mark Geise
This resolution stepped out of a conversation that we had with Regal Trucking, who owns a large operation on Jackson Street in Ellicott (off Fairmount). Jackson Street is a gateway to the Hart Hotel, and this property has been in very poor condition for ten years. It is unsafe. Regal is interested in acquiring that property and demolishing it. They would like to put it in a Holding Company, complete the demo, and transfer the property. This LLC has been established to enter into a contract with the County to purchase the property. Furthermore, CREDC will authorize Chautauqua Property Holdings LLC to enter into a lease with option to purchase the property with Regal Service for the purpose of demolition and the potential purchase of the property. This action was approved by Legislature.
Greg Peterson
Chautauqua County will transfer; in this case, a single asset LLC, which we have done in the past. We will take the title of the property, and enter into a contract with Regal Trucking for demolition of that building. The demolition contract will be for $1.00, and the option to purchase will be for $1.00. That’s the procedure, and the reason to authorize the LLC.
Mike Metzger
Let the record show that Hans Auer is now present.
Any further questions?
Dennis Rak
One, why are we doing the transfer and two, what is the eventual development?
Greg Peterson
Transfer: The County of Chautauqua wanted to have an intermediator, and we were willing to step in, as we have in the past as a seal of assets.
Rich Dixon
There are no environmental issues (we have done research), but the building has asbestos. We will treat it as dry wall, and tear it down. Regal will put a nice fence around it, clean it up, and make it a nice gateway to Celoron and the Hotel. This liability corporation insulates everyone from any happenings. Everyone would like to see that come down.
Mark Odell
Mr. Chairman, to answer Dennis’s question, from the county’s perspective, we are on board with properties that are a liability, and potentially peril.
Rich Dixon
They also agreed to take care of the property. So, this is a good partnership for the IDA and private business. This will work out really well.
Steve Thorpe
Was there an estimate on the demolition?
Rich Dixon
Up to $55,000. Again, they will make it look very nice.
Mike Metzger
Any other questions?
Hans Auer
I have one question: Is a Public Hearing required for anyone in the neighborhood to voice their concerns? I can’t imagine there would be a concern.
Greg Peterson
There is no requirement.
George Borrello
Mark, Rich and I drove by the property, and we pulled over to see what people will vision on the main thro-fare to Celoron. I have always been an advocate of getting rid of properties like this, and in particular, a liability owned by the county. This will be transforming Celoron, and I would like to thank the IDA; it’s the right thing to do.
Mark Geise
I would like to add that this may be a mechanism for us to assist with other properties.
Mike Metzger
If there are no more questions, I will have a roll call vote.
Mark Odell, Aye, – Dennis Rak, Aye, – Hans Auer, Aye – Kim Peterson, Aye, – Steven Thorpe, Aye – Mike Metzger votes Aye. Let the record show there are six votes in the affirmative, motion carried unanimously.
If there is no need to go into Executive Session, I will adjourn the meeting.
Rich Dixon
I would just like to say that in the past, we had some grants that require a resolution. One is for Castelli, with modifications of the past grant. The other grant is for Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, we will have a resolution next month for each.
Mike Metzger
Motion to adjourn?
Mark Odell
So moved.
Kim Peterson
Second.
Mike Metzger
All in favor?
Board Members
Aye.
Mike Metzger
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
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(Assistant) Secretary (Vice) Chairman