ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ~ Meeting of March 28, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Staples called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM at the IDA office, Ernest J. LaBaff Industrial Building, Canton. ROLL CALL: Blevins... Present Hooper... Present Hall... Present LaBaff... Present McMahon... Present Staples... Present Weekes... Absent SLCIDA Chairman Mr. Staples announces there is a quorum. Others: SLCIDA Staff (Patrick Kelly, Thomas Plastino, Kimberly Gilbert, Richard Williams and Lori Sibley); SLCIDA Counsel (Andrew W. Silver, Esq.); and Tom Liberty (Tri Town Packing Winthrop) PUBLIC NOTICE: Public notifications sent March 22, 2017 to, at a minimum: newspapers designated for the publication of local laws and other matters required by law to be published; additional local media sources and websites. PUBLIC COMMENT: Tom Liberty of Tri Town Packing introduces himself and explains the current status of their business. Mr. Liberty reports the facility currently employs 15 full-time workers and there is virtually no turnover. The business does not lay off workers during the slower time of the year. The company experiences an extremely busy workload in the fall through winter months, reflecting a need to bring in additional work during the off-season. They would like to increase volume via the processing and distribution of hamburger. Mr. Liberty explains that if they are able to acquire this additional work, he would like to train any new employees himself. Mr. LaBaff asks how the IDA can assist the company with acquiring the additional work they need. Mr. Liberty isn t sure, but he explains that they are currently working with Clarkson University, the Akwesasne-Mohawk Casino, and SUNY Potsdam and looking to add to their customer base. Last year, the business put out summer sausage for Cabellas. However, when business goes out to bid, it is very difficult for the company to compete with the large, out of area processing firms. He explains that there isn t enough business in St. Lawrence County to have multiple operations in the same industry. He notes the company currently accepts work from outside the County to keep the staff busy. They have customers that book their product a year ahead of time - so the schedule fills up quickly certain times of the year (mainly the fall). During the discussion, Mr. Liberty also notes that Willards Meats in Heuvelton will soon close due to the owner s retirement and adds that there is just not enough experienced meat cutters left in this area. He explains that help in funding company training efforts for workers would be beneficial. Mr. LaBaff acknowledges the work of Tri Town Packing and adds that the business is highly respected in St. Lawrence County. Mr. Liberty explains that the recent USDA inspection was positive for the company in that a consultant helped educate them on issues that they and other operations likes theirs face. This was beneficial to the business in that Mr. Liberty s son is assuming an ownership role and the future of the business will depend on the ability to sustain the ever-changing culture of the meat packing business. Mr. Liberty offers a tour of the facility and thanks the board for listening to his concerns. Discussion ensues between the members regarding programs that could benefit the company s workforce training needs. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to accept the minutes of the February 16, 2017 meeting by Mr. LaBaff, seconded by Mr. Hall. Carried unanimously. FINANCIAL REPORTS: Motion to accept the December 2016 financial reports by Mr. Blevins, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. Carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chairman of the Audit & Finance Committee, Andrew McMahon, reports that the committee met with the Lead Auditor of Pinto, Mucenski, Hooper, VanHouse & Company this morning and reviewed the details of the FY2016 audit. In summary, the audit for the St. Lawrence County IDA was a clean report. Mr. McMahon notes that the IDA is in the financial condition that was expected, as reported by staff. Chairman of the Governance Committee, Lynn Blevins, reports the committee met earlier this month and among many items for review included the initial policy resolutions and board member evaluations. Many of the materials in today s meeting packet were brought forward for full board action by this Committee. STAFF REPORT: Mr. Kelly reports the following: St. Lawrence Soyway: The Company s original estimates for the Mechanical Crush Project, and the initial resolution approved by the St. Lawrence County IDA for Industrial Revenue Bonds, indicate total project expenditures will be around $16 million. However, as the process for project planning moves along, the company is indicating an interest in taxable bonds as the project s capital expenditures may surpass $40 million. Mr. Kelly adds that conversations concerning project estimates continue in an effort to make certain the project is still viable at this higher cost. Additionally, the company is working on a request for power allocation. St. Lawrence Zinc: An application for financing assistance was provided to Titan Mining U.S. Staff continue to work with officials from Titan Mining and the State regarding the company s financing plans. St. Lawrence Centre Mall: Staff is scheduled to meet with the new owners of the mall tomorrow and Tom Sullivan of the Massena BDC. Community Bank, N.A.: The bank is now leasing space on a short term basis in this building. Documents are being stored here as the merger process with Merchant s Bank in Vermont continues. Potsdam Commerce Park: With the opening of the new incubator space in Damon Hall, Clarkson University vacated the Potsdam Commerce Park Building space this month. From the Heart Cabinetry, National Coffee and Go Green Storage continue to lease space in the building. Damon Hall Incubator: A ribbon cutting and open house is scheduled for tomorrow at the newly remodeled facility. The St. Lawrence County IDA has invested $57,000 and the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency has invested $93,000 in the new incubator space with Clarkson. Newton Falls Rail Rehabilitation Project: By mid-april work is expected to restart on the rail project. A change order is expected for the ties. If the weather is favorable, the plan is to have the rail passable by summer and completed by fall. J&L Site Remediation Project: Moving forward with Phase 1. St. Lawrence County and Dan s Hauling have agreed to a change order regarding the building demolition work. A change order resolution with DANC will be discussed later in the meeting. Mr. Hall brought with him today a video that was taken of the J&L site for the members to view after the meeting.
Marketing: NYPA has released their RFP for the Global Search Recruitment to hire a firm to help attract more businesses and industry to St. Lawrence County. Proposals are due by April 4 th and selection is targeted for mid-june. NNY Newspapers: As part of our 2017 advertising campaign, we have advertisements and sponsored content to be distributed both out of the area and locally, in both print and digital format. The goal is to better inform local businesses of our resources, to attract outside businesses to St. Lawrence County, and seek-out alumni and former residents in the area who manage businesses outside the area to bring their business to the County. Business Resource Mixer: The event held on March 2 nd drew about 100 people, engaging both entrepreneurs and local resource developers. This platform helped promote the resources and programs available to local businesses and helped connect the businesses to each other. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy CEDS : A draft copy of the CEDS should be ready in April. Chairman Staples refers to a project at Utica College that is expected to bring 350 jobs to the area. He enquires into where the money is coming from to sponsor such a project. Mr. Kelly responds that the monies are part of a $100 million initiative from the State in support of the Nano Utica Initiative. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Resolution IDA-17-03-02: Annual Review of Compensation, Reimbursement and Attendance. Mr. Kelly notes that the Governance Committee has reviewed this policy and recommends no changes. Mr. Blevins motions to approve Resolution IDA-17-03-02, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Resolution IDA-17-03-03: Annual Review of Whistleblower Policy and Procedures. Mr. Blevins, Chairman of the Governance Committee, reports that the policy was reviewed by the committee and notes inadvertent inconsistency within the ABO s model policy guidance, particularly where terms used to reference the board of directors are used interchangeably, rather than consistently. Since the Authority is urged to follow the model ABO guidelines, there are no changes recommended. Mr. McMahon motions to approve Resolution IDA-17-03-03, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Resolution IDA-17-03-04: Annual Review of Defense and Indemnification Policy. Mr. Kelly notes the Governance Committee has reviewed this policy and recommends no changes. Mr. McMahon motions to approve Resolution IDA-17-03-04, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Resolution IDA-17-03-05: Annual Review of Code of Ethics: Mr. Blevins reports that the policy was reviewed by the committee and notes inadvertent inconsistency within the ABO s model policy guidance (as referenced above in the Whistleblower Policy and Procedures). There are no changes recommended at this time. Mr. McMahon motions to approve Resolution IDA-17-03-05, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. The motion is approved by unanimous vote.
Resolution IDA-17-03-06: Accepting FY2016 Audit: Mrs. Gilbert provides a brief overview of the audit. Mr. McMahon motions to approve Resolution IDA-17-03-06, seconded by Mr. Hooper. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. 2016 Mission and Performance Report: Mr. Kelly reviews the 2016 Mission and Performance Report, noting the report is sent annually to the Board of Legislators and is included in PARIS reporting to the Authorities Budget Office. Mr. LaBaff and Mr. Hooper motion to accept the report. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Mr. Kelly adds that the 2015 Annual Performance Report of the Industrial Development Agencies in New York State was released yesterday, noting the St. Lawrence County IDA job numbers are positive. 2016 Annual Report: Mr. Kelly reviews the Annual Report document, detailing the job numbers, incentive amounts and overall positive performance of the portfolio of projects. Mr. McMahon and Mr. Hall motion to accept the report. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Mr. Kelly adds that with this board approval, the Annual Report, Investment Report and Procurement Report will be certified with the Authorities Budget Office prior to the March 31 st deadline. Resolution IDA-17-03-07: Authorizing Modifications to the St. Lawrence County IDA FY 2016 Budget. Mrs. Gilbert reviews the required modifications, adding that amounts greater than $2,000 needed to be adjusted to make sure budgets match expenditures and revenues. Mr. LaBaff motions to accept Resolution IDA-17-03-07, seconded by Mr. Hall. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Resolution IDA-17-03-08: Authorizing Application to the USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program for the Benefit of LC Drives. Mr. Kelly reports that LC Drives is the anchor tenant at Clarkson University s Damon Hall Incubator facility. Mr. Marvin currently has 6 employees and is trying to obtain money from various sources to assist him with his business venture. SLC IDA staff will assist Mr. Marvin with preparing an application in order to request funding in the amount of $47,621 from the USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program. Mr. Hall motions to accept Resolution IDA-17-03-08, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Resolution IDA-17-03-09: Accepting Application submitted by New York Power Tools, Inc. Mr. Kelly reports that the building was acquired by the IDA when Media Accessories vacated the property. New York Power Tools has been leasing building space at this location and currently employs two (2) people. The resolution will authorize the scheduling and conduct of a public hearing and accept an application for financial assistance to the company in the form of a lease/purchase of the building and a PILOT. Mr. Blevins motions to accept Resolution IDA-17-03-09, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. Resolution IDA-17-03-10: Authorizing the CEO to Amend a Technical Services Agreement with DANC for Engineering and Redevelopment Planning Assistance for the J&L Facility. Mr. Hall requests to abstain from conversations relative to payment to DANC, adding he is paid for services he provides DANC. Mr. Kelly notes that the additional cost for the requested services is paid for within the grant. Mr. McMahon motions to accept Resolution IDA-17-03-10, seconded by Mr. LaBaff. The motion is approved by majority vote.
Resolution IDA-17-03-11: Authorizing the Undertaking of Financial Assistance to Canexsys Networks, Inc. Mr. Kelly reports that Canexsys Networks, Inc. is proposing to acquire the former Newell Manufacturing facility from the City of Ogdensburg. The building is currently assessed at $95,000. As a result of the project, the vacant building will be renovated and put back into productive use. The resolution is contingent upon the Agency accepting and adopting the findings of the Ogdensburg Planning board in respect to SEQRA. Mr. Hooper motions to accept Resolution IDA-17-03-11, seconded by Mr. Blevins. The motion is approved by unanimous vote. EXECUTIVE SESSION: LaBaff/Hall motion for Executive Session at 9:47 AM to discuss the financial history of a particular company and proposed, pending or current litigation. Blevins/LaBaff motion to return to Regular Session at 10:02 AM. ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn is made by Mr. Blevins, seconded by Mr. Hall. The meeting adjourns at 10:02 AM by unanimous vote. (Mr.) Lynn Blevins, Secretary