HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-1995 MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, February 7, 1995, 1 : 00 pm
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, Doug Dylla, Pam Mackesey, Bill Myers,
Denise Balkas, Mathys Van Cort, Herman Sieverding,
Wies Van Leuken
I. CALL TO ORDER: 1 : 05 pm by Mayor Nichols
II. STAFF REPORTS
In response to Mayor Nichols '. question, Sieverding reported
the CAC public meeting was well attended with good
disucssion. Participants seemed to like the mix of proposed
projects .
III. REVIEW OF CAC RECOMMENDATIONS for 1995 CDBG APPLICATION
There was discussion of the CAC recommendations.
a Architect ' s estimate for renovation of the
Southside Community Center has not yet been
received: figures may change slightly.
b The Family Preservation Program is being
amended to reflect reality.
c Figures for the INHS homebuyers program will be
adjusted to $150, 000 per year with a targeting
of funds to the northside and southside
neighborhoods .
d Evaporated Metal Films, Inc.
d. l Dollar amount for project has been
reduced. Index is fixed at 7 . 5% .
d. 2 Employee on-the-job-training wages will
be subsidized: potential $5 . 55 to $5 . 75
per hour during the employee probation
period for northside and southside
residents .
d. 3 Many neighborhood residents fail the
eighth grade level basic occupational
aptitude test .
d. 4 EMF will accept those with prior arrest
from the target neighborhoods .
e INHS has a 10% down payment requirement .
Nichols referred to potential M&T Bank programs
with a less than 10% down payment requirement .
fi
IURA MINUTES 02/07/95
page 2
f Cleveland Avenue improvements will require
neighborhood consensus prior to implementing
the final plan.
g Dylla questioned funding for public safety. It
is hoped the Southside Community center board
will have a police office with computer at SCC.
h Community involvement is the key to success for
projects . There should be an effort to involve/
train/hire members of the neighborhood in the
various projects . The Family Preservation
Program could be behind this.
Myers moved and Dylla seconded a resolution to approve 1995
CDBG application and recommend it to Common Council .
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) recognizes the
need to support efforts which promote affordable
housing, job creation, and increased public servcies
to Ithaca ' s low and moderate income population, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has reviewed the attached proposed projects
and budget for the 1995 three-year Comprehensive
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application,
and
WHEREAS, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has
recommended to the IURA that these projects be
included in the 1995 CDBG appliation, and
WHEREAS, the IURA recommend that these rpojects be included in
the 1995 CDBG appliation with the unerstanding that
given the tight schedule imposed by HUD some minor
modification of the specifics of each proposal and
budget may be necessary before the application is
submitted to HUD, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends that the projects and budget
on the attached schedule be included in the
application and that staff is authorized to make
minor modifications to those projects and budgets
that may be necessary to insure that each project
meets HUD eligibility, feasibility, and impact
guidelines . [#761]
Approved unanimously.
IURA MINUTES 02/07/95
page 3
There are two assumptions regarding the grant application.
Mayor Nichols assumes there is time before the applicaiton
deadline to discuss details . IURA assumes the grant
application should be written with the maximum of
flexibility given there are only ten days remaining.
Mayor Nichols noted that Governor Pataki would like the
state to take over the CDBG program.
Non-competitive applications will be filed in the second
and third years of cycle.
IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT [Fall Creek Associates] : No reports.
V. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION:
Financial Statements : The Small Cities Grants Summary
dated December 1994 was entered into the minutes.
VI. HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS
VI . 1 . Abbreviated CHAS 1995
Myers moved and Dylla seconded resolution regarding
the abbreviated CHAS for 1995 .
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approves
the 1995 Abbreviated CHAS and directs staff to submit
this document to HUD for approval . [#762]
VI . 2 . Annex Update: Newell ' s deadline to purchase the
Annex has been extended to February 14 . Tompkins
County trust Company has shown interest in financing
the project and Newell has firm cost estimates on the
renovation. IURA and staff must be flexible. Staff
asks to talk with the Trust Company with Newell ' s
permission. There is no meeting on the 14th; next
meeting is March 14 . As of the 14th IURA will be free
to discuss purchase by others . If Newell needs a
further extension he will be required to provide a
$1000 non-refundable down payment .
VII. OTHER BUSINESS : No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT: 2 : 05 pm. END 05/13/97 I WVL/mfh
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MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, January 10, 1995, 1 : 00 pm
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, Herman Sieverding, Doug Dylla, Pam
Mackesey, Wies Van Leuken
I. CALL TO ORDER: 1 : 05 pm by Mayor Nichols
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of October 11, 1994 approved
as distributed.
III. STAFF REPORTS
Sieverding provided the Agency with an update on the
projects under consideration for the 1995 CDBG application.
Proposed Budget for the 1995 CDBG application was entered
into the minutes. There was discussion of the individual
budget items. The Agency approved the projects.
IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fall Creek Associates
Sieverding reported that Tsvi Bokaer from Fall Creek
Associates, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. There is
an April 10, 1995 deadline for creditors to file claims.
Bokaer has an outstanding $16, 750 balance on a loan from
IURA.
Dylla encouraged the IURA to offer assistance to the
business ' tenants when legally possible.
Nichols will check with City Attorney, Chuck Gutman,
regarding possible conflicts and legal assistance to the
IURA.
V. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
V. 1 Cost of Living Adjustment
a Dylla moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution
to approve the 3% COLA to the present (1994)
salary scale for IURA staff .
RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to
approve at 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for IURA
staff pending review by the City Attorney and the
Executive Director of the IURA. [#758]
Approved unanimously.
IURA MINUTES 01/10/95
page 2
V.2 CD Administrator Position
a Two candidates are finalists . One withdrew from
consideration.
b A second interview was conducted with remaining
finalist .
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action Taken
c Dylla moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution
to hire Paul Stevenson as new Administrator.
Stevenson will assume position in mid-March.
RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to
sign contract with Paul Stevenson as IURA
Administrator at step three of the 1995 salary scale
pending review by the City Attorney and the Executive
Director of the IURA. [#759]
Approved unanimously.
V.3 Distribution
a Community Advisory Committee membership list
was distributed.
b 1995 CDBG Application Schedule of Public
Meetings was distributed.
VI . HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS
VI . 1 Landmark Square: A full appraisal will be necessary
for any action.
a Arnold Rabnor has stated he is not bound by
appraisal .
b Mackesey moved and Dylla seconded a resolution
to seek appraisal .
RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to
sign contract with Midland Appraisal Associates, Inc.
for appraisal of Landmark Square property pending
review by the City Attorney and the Executive
Director of the IURA. The total remuneration for
full appraisal of property is not to exceed $2, 000 .
[#760]
•
IURA MINUTES 01/10/95
page 3
VI .2 The Annex: Newell has changed from M&T bank to the
Tompkins County Trust Company for his financing
agreement . It was agreed to extend the financing
deadline to February 14, 1995 .
VI .3 Southside Community Center Renovation: Three
architects will be considered by Southside Board. A
decision is expected by the end of the week. The
Agency recommends holding a community meeting with
Southside residents.
VII . OTHER BUSINESS: No reports.
VIII . ADJOURNMENT: 3 :00 pm.
END 05/13/97 ' WVL/mfh
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•
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Tuesday, March 13, 1995, 12 Noon
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present :
Benjamin Nichols, Bill Myers, Susan Cummings, Pam Mackesey, Matthys
Van Cort, Wies van Leuken
Please Note: the items are listed in the order in which they were
discussed.
I . Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols at
12 noon.
V. Economic Development - Carpenter Business Park/Route 96 Storage
Van Cort explained that DPW Superintendent Bill Gray had been
approached by NYSEG for permission to use Carpenter Business Park
as temporary storage for their materials while they are working on
the Route 96 project. Cummings expressed concern because in the
past NYSEG had failed to do a final clean-up under similar
situations .
The Agency appointed the Mayor and Cummings to review NYSEG' s
request and work out an agreement with advise from the
Superintendent of Public Works, the City Attorney and the IURA's
Executive Director. If enough time was available, the sub-
committee was asked to bring the draft contract to the next IURA
meeting for a final vote.
Myers moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to authorize the
formation of a subcommittee consisting of the Mayor and Cummings,
to review NYSEG's request and enter into a contract with NYSEG,
pending the advise of the IURA, the director of Public Works, the
City Attorney and the Executive Director.
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves and authorizes the formation of a
subcommittee with the power to act, consisting of the Mayor
and Susan Cummings to review NYSEG' s request and enter into a
contract with NYSEG, the Superintendent of Public Works, the
City Attorney and the IURA's Executive Director, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if time permits, the contract should
be brought back to the next IURA meeting for final approval .
Approved unanimously.
VI . Budget and Administration - Financial Statements
The financial statements dated January, 1995 were entered into the
minutes .
VII . Housing and Neighborhoods - The Annex/Authorization to Re-Bid
Van Cort reported that negotiations with Peter Newell for the sale
of the City Hall Annex had been terminated because Newell had been
unable to obtain the necessary financing commitments . The Agency
discussed the City's options and agreed to open the sale for
rebidding.
Myers moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
rebidding process for the City Hall Annex.
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves and authorizes the rebidding
process of the City Hall Annex.
Approved unanimously.
Van Cort left to attend another meeting.
II . Staff Reports/ III. 1995 CDBG Application
Two copies of the 1995 CDBG application were brought to the
meeting. Agency members commented on the high quality of the three
inch thick application.
IV. Approval Contracts 1994 CDBG Application - Resolution
The Agency reviewed Appendix A (activity description as submitted
to HUD as part of the 1994 CDBG application) of the contracts being
drawn up for the 1994 CDBG projects .
IV- 1 . INHS - Mutual Housing Association, Phase II
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services for MHA
Phase II.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved the 1994
Community Development Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG)
application on April 13 , 1994 (IURA Resolution #737) , and
WHEREAS, such application was approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) on November 2, 1994, and
WHEREAS, certain activities were a part of that application, and
Minutes IURA
March 13 , 1995
WHEREAS, the provision of partial construction financing for
Phase II of the Mutual Housing Project on First Street was one
of these activities, and
WHEREAS, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) will be
providing these services, it is necessary to enter into a
contract with INHS, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the
Mayor to sign such contract pending approval by the City
Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved unanimously.
IV-2 . INHS - Northside Housing Rehabilitation
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services for the
Northside Triangle Housing Improvement Program
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved the 1994
Community Development Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG)
application on April 13 , 1994 (IURA Resolution #737) , and
WHEREAS, such application was approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) on November 2, 1994, and
WHEREAS, certain activities were a part of that application, and
WHEREAS, the implementation of deferred loans to owner occupants in
the Northside Triangle for a housing rehabilitation program
was one of these activities, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) will be
implementing such a program, it is necessary to enter into a
contract with INHS, now
THEREFORE HE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the
Mayor to sign such contract pending approval by the City
Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved unanimously.
IV- 3 . Drop-In Children's Center, Inc .
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with the Drop-In Children' s Center, Inc .
3
Minutes IURA
March 13 , 1995
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved the 1994
Community Development Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG)
application on April 13 , 1994 (IURA Resolution #737) , and
WHEREAS, such application was approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) on November 2, 1994, and
WHEREAS, certain activities were a part of that application, and
WHEREAS, partial funding for the construction of the day care
facilities on First Street was one of these activities, and
WHEREAS, the Drop-In Children's Center, Inc . (DIC) will be
constructing and operating the new facility, it is necessary
to enter into a contract with DIC, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the
Mayor to sign such contract pending approval by the City
Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved unanimously.
IV- 4 . CEO - Contract Tompkins County Community College
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with Tompkins Cortland Community College for the CEO
Program.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved the 1994
Community Development Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG)
application on April 13 , 1994 (IURA Resolution #737) , and
WHEREAS, such application was approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) on November 2, 1994, and
WHEREAS, certain activities were a part of that application, and
WHEREAS, the commercial microenterprise business training for
participants in the Community Enterprise Opportunities (CEO)
program was one of these activities, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC-3 ) will be
providing a portion of this training, it is necessary to enter
into a contract with TC-3 , now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the
Mayor to sign such contract pending approval by the City
Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
4
Minutes IURA
March 13 , 1995
Approved unanimously.
IV-5 . CEO - Contract with Jeff Furman
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with Jeff Furman for CEO Program
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved the 1994
Community Development Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG)
application on April 13 , 1994 (IURA Resolution #737) , and
WHEREAS, such application was approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) on November 2, 1994, and
WHEREAS, certain activities were a part of that application, and
WHEREAS, the commercial microenterprise business training for
participants in the Community Enterprise Opportunities (CEO)
program was one of these activities, and
WHEREAS, Jeff Furman will be providing a portion of this training,
it is necessary to enter into a contract him, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the
Mayor to sign such contract pending approval by the City
Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved unanimously.
IV-6 . CEO - Contract Program Coordinator (Developer)
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with Community Enterprise Opportunities (CEO) Program
Coordinator (Developer)
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved the 1994
Community Development Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG)
application on April 13 , 1994 (IURA Resolution #737) , and
WHEREAS, such application was approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) on November 2, 1994, and
WHEREAS, the hiring of a Program Coordinator (Developer) for the
Community Enterprise Opportunities (CEO) Program was one of
the activities of the 1994 CDBG application, and
WHEREAS, the position of said Program Coordinator (Developer) has
been advertised and a Search Committee has been formed to
review the applicants, now,
5
Minutes IURA
March 13 , 1995
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes its
staff to hire the CEO Program Coordinator (Developer) with
input from the Search Committee, for a period not to exceed 18
months and a salary not to exceed $27 , 000, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the
Mayor to sign the CEO Program Coordinator' s (Developer's)
contract pending approval by the City Attorney and the
Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved unanimously.
IV-7 . Sciencenter
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with the Science Discovery Center of Tompkins County, Inc .
(Sciencenter)
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved the 1994
Community Development Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG)
application on April 13 , 1994 (IURA Resolution #737) , and
WHEREAS, such application was approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) on November 2, 1994, and
WHEREAS, certain activities were a part of that application, and
WHEREAS, the developing and implementing of science education and
programming for low income city youth was one of these
activities, and
WHEREAS, the Science Discovery Center of Tompkins County, Inc .
(Sciencenter) will be running such a program at their
facilities at 601 First Street, it is necessary to enter into
a contract with the Sciencenter, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the
Mayor to sign such contract pending approval by the City
Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved unanimously.
VIII . Other Business
No reports . pe(ou e A
IX. Adjournment 1\`1 0>
V
The meeting was adjourned at 12 :45 pm. (C\W\Mi \Minute95 .MAR)
6
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Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Tuesday, October 10, 1995, 12 noon
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Benjamin Nichols, Bill Myers, Susan Cummings, Doug Dylla, Pam
Mackesey, Rick Gray, Alan Cohen for Items III - VIII, Thys Van
Cort, Herman Sieverding for items I and II, Paul Stevenson, Shari
Woodard for Items I - III, Theresa Alt, Laurie Todd/Farmers Market,
Paul Mazzarella/INHS, Wies van Leuken
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols at
12 :05 pm.
II. City Hall Annex Bid Process
Sieverding reported that it was the City Attorney's opinion that
once the Agency rejects a bid during a certain bidding process, it
has terminated that process.
f‘..kerS
The Agency appointed Cummings, Della and Sieverding to the City
Hall Annex Committee. The Committee was asked to develop
guidelines for the sale of the Annex. The guidelines should
facilitate a quick process and reflect the Agency's wish that the
sale serves the interest of the community and that a sponsor's
economic record in the community will be taken into consideration.
The Committee was asked to report back to the Agency.
Cummings moved and Dylla seconded a resolution to reject all bids
of the present bidding round for the sale of the City Hall Annex
and to initiate a new bidding process using guidelines developed by
the City Hall Annex Committee.
RESOLVED, that the IURA has rejected all bids of the present
bidding round for the City Hall Annex and has directed staff to
renew the bidding process, using guidelines developed by the City
Hall Annex Committee, and subject to the advice of the City
Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved by four votes with one opposed. (Bill Myers)
The Youth Bureau, which uses the Annex as temporary offices pending
renovation of their own building, will be in the Annex until at
least April 1996 .
Minutes IURA
October 10, 1995
IIIA-i. CDBG Reprogramming
Update
Stevenson reported on the visit by HUD Buffalo representatives
Homer Platt and Michael Merrill last September 26 . Stevenson gave
them a tour of CDBG project sites. Stevenson asked their input on
the 1995 CDBG Reprogramming. He was advised not to submit
individual project requests but rather forward one comprehensive
package of project proposals.
Stevenson summarized the projects approved by the Agency for
funding by the 1995 Reprogramming Funds at the last meeting.
Approved was the proposal submitted by Glyph Technologies for
$100, 000 .00 . The Agency had agreed to fund the Ithaca Farmers
Market's proposal for a total of $20, 000 . 00, to fund half the
project proposed by Ithaca Millworks to a total of $75, 000 .00 and
to fund one of the two proposals submitted by INHS for upto
$360, 000 .00, pending further information. The HOURTown sponsor
will be given technical assistance to fine-tune the proposal, but
no funding for the project.
Stevenson's summary was reviewed by the Agency members . It was
discussed whether HOURTown's project proposal should be funded as
submitted or approved in the limited version as described in
Stevenson's summary. Some members expected to fund HOURTown during
the next round of reprogramming pending the fine tuning of the
proposal. Some members expected to see INHS's second proposal to
be funded a that time as well. In the end, the Agency concurred
with Stevenson's summary.
Providing that the above projects will be carried out, there is
$105, 000 of funds remaining to be reprogrammed.
IIIA-2 . CDBG Reprogramming
INHS
Paul Mazzarella from INHS reported that the INHS Board assigned a
priority rating to their project proposals. The Southside Project
got first priority, followed by the Seneca Street Proposal and
closing with the West Hill Proposal. Mazzarella distributed a map
of the Southside Neighborhood. He stated that the housing
situation in the neighborhood is fragile. INHS's proposal is
designed to strengthen the neighborhood's housing and homeownership
through a House Recycling Program.
The Agency discussed the issues of site control, time restraints
and eligibility for this project. Consensus was reached to study
the project further. Mazzarella was asked to submit a detailed
proposal to the Agency for discussion at the next meeting. The
2
Minutes IURA
October 10, 1995
issue of submitting a proposal after the deadline of the
Reprogramming RFP will be addressed at the next meeting also.
IIIA-3 . CDBG Reprogramming
Ithaca Farmer's Market Cooperative
Laurie Todd from the Ithaca's Farmer's Market Cooperative
distributed a one page outline of the Market' s proposal. She asked
the IURA whether it intended to issue a Grant or a Loan to the
Market. It was explained that the IURA awards loans rather than
grants to businesses, but that a loan with favorable terms was a
possibility. Todd explained that the Market has a policy against
taking on debt. She regretfully withdrew the Market's application.
IIIB CD Revolving Loan Fund
The October 10, 1995 draft of the CD Revolving Loan Fund was
distributed for the Agency members' review. Approval of the draft
will take place a the next meeting pending receipt of the
recommendations by the Economic Development Committee.
IV. Fair Housing
This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
V. CDBG - Update
This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
VI. Budget and Administration - Financial Statements
The financial statements dated August, 1995 and September, 1995
were entered into the minutes .
VII. Other Business
No Reports.
VIII .Adjournment
The Agency members agreed to meet again at 12 noon, October 24,
1995 . The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.
(C\M\Min95oct.DOC)
3 - r c\ 1'.4 q(
L
MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, April 11, 1995, 11 : 00 am
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, Bill Myers, Pam Mackesey, Doug Dylla,
Charles Johns of Rental Housing Committee,
Mathys Van Cort, Herman Sieverding, Paul Stevenson,
Wies van Leuken
I. CALL TO ORDER: 11 : 10 by Nichols .
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Minutes of March 11 approved as
distributed.
III. STAFF REPORTS : Staff reports are included in reports made
under other items .
IV. 1994 CDBG APPLICATION
Contracts for the 1994 CDBG projects have been finalized
except for two: the Drop-In Children' s Center [DIC] , which
will require more detailed attention due to the complexity
of the project; and the contract with Jeff Furman for the
Community Enterprise Opportunities [CEO] Project .
a Contract with Jeff Furman
Stevenson and Nichols both met with Jeff
Furman regarding his pending contract . There
are still differences in interpretation of
the specifics regarding # months/# hours/#
clients and reporting on the project . Need
to balance the actual operation of the
program with the HUD' s requirements. Furman
is reluctant to commit to the administrative
requirements necessary for CD' s reports to
HUD. He also wants to focus his work on
younger people. A second meeting has been
scheduled.
b Mutual Housing, Phase II [MHA]
Process continues, with amelioration of
State DHCR objections to room sizes . Local
approval process is moving along.
Van Cort explained configuration
possibilities for MHA II and that Northside
planning group has been activated.
In view of problems with Landmark Square,
concerns were raised regarding the long-term
maintenance and administration of MHA.
Consensus was to look into alternate
strategies .
IURA MINUTES 04/11/95
page 2
c Conway Park
Community meeting with public works and IURA
will be scheduled to get community involved.
Lighting is a concern. Mackesey noted it
would be desirable to get neighborhood
involved with park maintenance.
V. 1995 CDBG APPLICATION
HUD is reviewing applications . We should hear soon.
VI. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VI . 1 Dylla moved and Myers seconded a resolution to
revise IURA Economic Development Financing Policy
Guidelines and Operating Plan.
Whereas, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has
requested changes in the IURA' s "Economic
Development Financing Policy and Operating Plan" to
include micro-enterprise development in the list of
eligible activities and in other relevant section
of the "Guidelines" , be it
Resolved, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby
approves the proposed wording changes in the
document to include micro-enterprise development,
specifically in Sections 1 . 2 , 2 . 1 (b) , 2 . 3 , 3 . 3 ,
4 . 4 , 5 .2 , and 5 .4 . [# ]77/
Approved unanimously
VI . 2 Community Health and Home Care, Inc .
The EDC reviewed the non-compliance by CHHC to
their agreements with the Agency at their last
meeting. Stevenson reported CHHC is not meeting
their obligation to pay principal on the CDBG loan.
Economic Development Committee will meet with Anne
Bookhout, Executive Director of CHHC, to review job
creation, loan repayment and grant requirements .
IURA MINUTES 04/11/95
page 3
VII. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VII . 1 Job Description Revisions
The revised job descriptions for Deputy Director
(former Administrator) and Administrator (formerly
Coordinator) were submitted to the Agency for the
review.
VII . 2 Financial Statements
The Small Cities Grant Summaries dated February
1995 and March 1995 were entered into the minutes .
VII . 3 CEO Coordinator
Angela Jaromin has been hired as CEO Coordinator
for an 18-month half-time position.
VIII. HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS
VIII . l Landmark Square Project Status Report
Sieverding reported on negotiations with the
Landmark Square Project Participants . Arnold
Rabnor, the owner of the apartments, INHS ' Paul
Mazzarella, and Sieverding are continuing their
discussions aimed at coming to a financial
agreement required before the project can be
carried out . Sieverding and Mazzarella will confer
and meet again with Rabnor.
The sites fronting Route 13 were zoned commercial
and not included in the original CDBG proposal .
Question of taking property by imminent domain was
raised again.
Concerns were noted that Landmark Square may be too
large a project for IURA and INHS to handle . If MHA
had been completed, INHS would have staff and time
available to devote to Landmark Square project .
There was discussion of providing a program of
master craftsmen mentors and youth workers to do
the work. The possibility of converting units to
condominiums drew support from the Agency.
Consensus was that stepping up code enforcement is
critical .
IURA MINUTES 04/11/95
page 4
VIII . 2 City Hall Annex
The EDC committee gave a report to the Agency on
the EDC' s recommendations for reuse of the Annex.
Dylla moved and Myers seconded motion regarding
status of Annex.
Whereas, the proposed buyer of City Hall Annex has informed
the City he will not purchase the building, and
Whereas, construction is scheduled for the Youth Bureau' s
building which will cause the Youth Bureau to need
a temporary home, and
Whereas, the Youth Bureau has agreed to make improvements to
the building, and
Whereas, an occupied structure may be more attractive to
prospective buyers, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Youth Bureau be allowed to occupy the
Annex rent-free during construction in their own
building and that sale of the Annex be postponed
until Youth Bureau staff has returned to the Youth
Bureau building or December 1, 1995, whichever is
earlier. [# 177Z
Approved unanimously.
IX. OTHER BUSINESS: No reports
IX. 1 Montessori School
Myers reports school has complaints with city and
may move out of city. Handout distributed. Van Cort
will contact school .
X. ADJOURNMENT: 12 :30 pm
END 05/27/97 WVL/mfh
MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, May 9, 1995, 1 : 00 pm
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, chair, Susan Cummings, Pam Mackesey,
Herman Sieverding, Paul Stevenson, Rick Gray, Wies
van Leuken
I. CALL TO ORDER: 1 :20 by Nichols .
The Agency agreed to meet at noon rather than 1 : 00 pm on
the second Tuesday of the month.
II. STAFF REPORTS
Stevenson noted the special contract conditions listed in
the 1994 CDBG Grant Agreement with HUD regarding the CEO
program had been cleared.
The Agency discussed the Section 108 Program. Stevenson
stated that he had requested an information package . He
will review the information and follow it up with a mass
mailing to industrial firms . Cummings suggested including
a brief memo of explanation to the package.
III. COMPUTER PURCHASE
Stevenson explained that the administrative assistant ' s
vextrec computer in the CD office no longer has enough
capacity to be brought on line . The agency discussed the
policies for disposal of equipment . The mayor will check
the City' s policy.
Mackesey moved and Cummings seconded a resolution to
purchase a new computer.
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency approves the
purchase of a new computer for the Community
Development office at a maximum expenditure of
$2, 000 . was, 773
Approved unanimously.
IV. 1995 CDBG APPLICATION
Stevenson gave timeline for next actions . HUD will mail a
Grant Agreement together with a commitment letter listing
the special grant contract conditions . Environmental
review must follow. No monies may be drawn during
environmental review period, but projects may move with
preliminary actions . Earliest implementation of projects
could be July. Sub-grantees are advised not to expend
funds before Grant Agreement is received.
Evaporated Metal Films, Inc . : May begin hiring employees .
IURA MINUTES 05/09/97
page 2
Southside Community Center: Architect has done
preliminary assessment . A conference with director and
formation of a client committee were recommended.
Cleveland Avenue Street Improvements : May be delayed
until next spring.
V. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
V. 1 Financing Policy Guidelines and Operating Plan
IURA Economic Development Financing Policy
Guidelines and Operating Plan dated 05/09/95, was
entered into minutes .
Prime plus 3/4% rate is included as a benchmark,
but actual rate for each loan will depend on
specific business conditions .
Changes to document are in boldface. Mackesey moved
and Cummings seconded resolution to adopt the
amendments .
WHEREAS, The Department of Housing and Urban Development has
requested changes in the IURA' s "Economic
Development Financing Policy Guidelines and
Operating Plan" to include micro-enterprise
development in the list of eligible activities and
other relevant sections of the "Guidelines" and to
alter the Agency' s lending policies to reflect HUD
regulations, specifically in regard to the
elimination of a set interest rate for loans; and
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee of the IURA has
been encouraged to use a rate equal to 3/4 of the
prime rate as a benchmark, henceforth each loan
shall be underwritten on the basis of it specific
merits, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves the proposed wording
changes in the document to include micro-enterprise
development and reflect changes in underwriting
policy. [#4166]77y
Approved unanimously.
r ,
IURA MINUTES 05/09/97
page 3
V. 2 Community Health and Home Care, Inc .
EDC met with CHHC representatives at April 18, 1995
meeting. IURA made a $100, 000 loan to CHHC. $90, 000
is to be repaid with interest over the term of the
loan. The remaining $10 , 000 may become a deferred
loan if conditions described in the contract have
been met .
Per contract, CHHC was to begin making payments on
principal as of January 1 . To date no payments have
been made toward principal and the loan is in
default . The ED Committee is concerned about
whether CHHC can meet CD loan and other
obligations .
CHHC requested deferral of principal payments until
September 1995 .
EDC decided
a to defer principal payments until next EDC
meeting;
b to have CHHC prepare a full financial report
and financial prospect to show how
obligations will be met;
c to require CHHC to adhere to HUD reporting
guidelines per agreement;
d and to require CHHC to provide regular
financial reports, and historical employment
listing to Stevenson for EDC distribution.
Agency agreed with EDC recommendations and wishes
to see CHHC' s financial plan. Staff will send
letter to CHHC to remind them of EDC decisions [a
through d] .
V. 3 COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES Program
Angela Jaromin is under contract as CEO
Coordinator. She is assembling materials and a
marketing plan.
Office space open to entire community is being
sought : TC3 and downtown sites are under
consideration.
. r
IURA MINUTES 05/09/97
page 4
Jeff Furman is not yet under contract . Furman and
TC3 have concerns regarding age of participants .
Furman would like to remove the minimum age
requirement . TC3 preferred a minimum age
requirement of 16 years . The Agency agrees there
should be neither a lower nor an upper age
requirement .
The project will be reviewed through regular
reporting by Jaromin and supervised by Stevenson.
VI. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VI . 1 Job Description Revisions
The revised job description, dated April 1995, for
Community Development Administrator and CD Deputy
Director were entered into the minutes .
As of this date the title of CD Coordinator has
been changed to CD Administrator and the title of
CD Administrator has been changed to CD Deputy
Director. There was no previous description for the
latter title.
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution
to approve the amendments to job descriptions for
Community Development Administrator and Community
Development Deputy Director Positions .
WHEREAS, certain text changes have been recommended in the
above job descriptions in order that they better
reflect the responsibilities of the positions,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency approves the
amendments to the job descriptions for the
Community Development Coordinator and Community
Development Deputy Director Positions . [#1777,
Approved unanimously.
The Agency discussed whether the CD office was
adequately staffed for the present work load.
VI . 2 Financial Statements
Small Cities Grants Summary dated April 1995 was
entered into the minutes .
IURA MINUTES 05/09/97
page 5
VI . 3 Financial Management Issues
The Agency discussed the signature register of the
CD Bank Accounts. It: was agreed that all accounts,
including the short-term CDs, should have the same
signatories .
IURA should responsibly maximize investment of CD-
RLF funds. Federal Deposit Insurance will guarantee
up to $100, 000 in any one bank. Funds over the
$100, 000 limit are not insured. There is question
as to whether agency should diversify, purchase
extra insurance, or split up funds into <$100, 000
accounts . Staff will check with HUD regarding the
concerns .
VI .4 Training
Mackesey moved and Cummings seconded a resolution
to authorize funds for Stevenson to attend the NDC
training program in the fall .
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency approves the
request for NDC training by Paul Stevenson. [#W1 7y
VII. HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS �b
VII . 1 Landmark Square Project
The negotiations between the Agency and Landmark
Square owner Arnold Rabnor have come to a stand
still .
VII .2 INHS decisions are pending for Polygon and
Towerview projects .
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS : No reports
IX. ADJOURNMENT: 2 :45 pm
END 06/09/97 WVL/mfh
44-Al
MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, June 13, 1995, 12 : 00 noon
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, Susan Cummings, Pam Mackesey,
Bill Myers, Alan Cohen, Mathys Van Cort,
Herman Sieverding, Paul Stevenson, Rick Gray,
Wies van Leuken
Chuck Gutman and Pat Kennedy for Item VI
I. CALL TO ORDER: 12 : 05 by Nichols.
II. STAFF REPORTS
II . 1 Carpenter Business Park [CBP]
Stevenson and Van Cort met to discuss CBP. It is
apparently more suited to retail than to light
manufacturing or other uses. It has been suggested
that the site be sold to purchase the Weiner site
at Cherry Street Industrial Park. Mackesey
suggested the transfer be viewed in the larger
context of retail and downtown Ithaca. Cummings
asked that basic figures be presented.
II .2 Community Development Block Grant [CDBG]
a Conway Park There are tensions in the
neighborhood and concerns for safety. Bushes
blocking sightlines will be removed, the
deteriorated play structure demolished, and
police presence increased. The summer will
be used to meet with neighborhood residents
to finalize plans for the park. There is no
definite decision on including basketball
equipment .
b Representatives of Evaporated Metal Films
and Family Resource Center have met to
discuss the hiring of Southside residents at
EMF.
c The location of the Family Preservation
Program is under reconsideration.
d The Mutual Housing street construction might
be started this summer.
e All of the Drop-In Children' s Center [DICC]
funding is falling into place.
1
IURA MINUTES 06/13/95
page 2
f Cleveland Avenue sitework will likely be
delayed as least until autumn as Department
of Public Works cannot take on the work any
sooner, but practical start of work will
more likely be in spring. Discussions
continue with the neighborhood.
g Southside Community Center Renovations are
under discussion with the client committee
HUD has expressed concerns that code issues
are delayed until the second and third years
of the CDBG program. Melton-Scott has asked
that the gymnasium be extended into the back
lot of the building: the CDBG application
requested flooring and a new roof. Extension
would be ±$80, 000 . Sutton is architect for
the project.
h Community Enterprise Opportunities is
underway: Jaromin is signing on
participants. Question has arisen regarding
a Trumansburg participant who wishes to
start a Trumansburg business: Agency
consensus is that program should support
Ithaca people and/or Ithaca businesses only.
III. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
III . 1 Local Development Corporation [LDC] No reports.
III .2 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund [CD-RLF]
No reports.
IV. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
IV. 1 Staff Contracts No reports .
IV. 2 Accountant
Stevenson spoke of need for a managerial audit of
IURA financial policies. He has estimated cost at
$1, 000 to $1, 500 for consultant . Consensus was
these figures are low. Agency may issue a request
for proposal for the work. The issue should be
discussed at the next Budget and Administration
meeting.
IURA MINUTES 06/13/95
page 3
IV. 3 Investment of CD-RLF
Funds deposited in bank accounts over $100, 000 are
not insured. To ensure protection of deposits over
this limit, the Agency agreed to enter into a
repurchase agreement with Tompkins County Trust
Company and First National Bank of Chicago.
Cummings moved and Nichols seconded a resolution to
enter into a repurchase agreement with TCTC.
Whereas : the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency has a revolving
loan fund capitalized by repayments of Economic
Development and other loans, and
Whereas : The Revolving Loan Fund is currently deposited in
the Tompkins County Trust Company in excess of the
amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, and
Whereas: by entering into a repurchase agreement with
Tompkins County Trust Company it is possible for
the Agency to maintain the liquidity of its funds
and achieve a higher interest rate, therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby
authorizes staff to make arrangement for the Agency
to enter into a repurchase agreement and for the
Chairman and Executive Director to sign agreements
necessary to implement these policies. [#77]
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
IV.4 Job Descriptions
Updated job descriptions for Deputy Director and
Administrator were distributed and entered into
Resource Manual .
IV. 5 Financial Statements
Small Cities Grants Summary dated May 1995 was
entered into the minutes .
IV. 6 Records Management Officer Appointment No reports .
•
t'
IURA MINUTES 06/13/95
page 4
V. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
V. 1 Landmark Square Project No reports .
V.2 Reprogramming of 1992 CDBG Funds
The Agency discussed reprogramming of part of the
funds assigned to the West Inlet Housing Project,
part of the 1992 CDBG grant .
a The funds could be used to assist an
economic development project planned for the
Triangle Steel building. The building sale
collapsed due to lead contamination at site.
A new buyer is interested in site depending
on outcome of an environmental audit .
a. l Funding of the proposed enterprise
will likely require a mix of CDBG
Economic Development funds,
conventional funding, and Section 108
gap funding.
a.2 Minority ownership and strong
affirmative action program would be
positive impact for CDBG programming.
a.3 By telcon Harry Sicherman advised
that use of Section 108 funds could
set up possibility that city would
end up owning parcel if deals do not
go as planned.
a.4 It is believed the deal could not
proceed without Section 108 funds .
a. 5 The potential owner' s finances should
be reviewed.
a. 6 An environmental review of the site
will be necessary.
a. 7 Concerns were expressed about the
impact of dust and noise pollution.
b Stevenson noted 1992 CDBG funds must be
reprogrammed or IURA jeopardizes future CDBG
funding. The Agency discussed options for a
Floral Avenue site for Mutual Housing
Authority or enticement of other
manufacturing opportunities .
IURA MINUTES 06/13/95
page 5
VI. DISPOSITION OF LAND UNDER GREEN STREET GARAGE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action taken: The letter and note by Stan
Goldberg' s attorney, Shapiro, will be
distributed. IURA will set a date
within a month to meet on the matter.
Goldberg will be informed.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS: Myers reported on the proposed merger
involving M&T Bank. Agency authorizes Stevenson to draft
a letter for the Mayor' s signature to express the City' s
position on this issue.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT: 2 :45 pm
END 06/16/97 WVL/mfh
1
MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, June 27, 1995, 12 : 00 noon
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, Susan Cummings, Pam Mackesey, Bill
Myers, Alan Cohen, Doug Dylla, Herman Sieverding,
Paul Stevenson, Wies van Leuken, Stan Goldberg,
Debra Ketchum, George Gesslein, Martin Shapiro,
Shari Woodard
I. CALL TO ORDER: 12 : 00 by Nichols .
II. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
II . 1 Landmark Square
Sieverding discussed two memoranda sent to Rabnor,
owner of the property and Rabnor' s response . Rabnor
states he is replacing roofs where necessary,
painting siding, and installing new carpeting as
apartments are vacated. Consensus of Economic
Development Committee is that it will be impossible
to bridge the differences of opinion between Rabnor
and IURA. Sieverding sees no reason to use CDBG
funds at Landmark Square. He has asked City
Building Department to enforce applicable codes .
Mackesey moved and Dylla seconded a resolution to
drop Landmark Square from CDBG funding.
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency remove the
line item for renovation of the Landmark Square
property from the 1993 CDBG budget and reprogram
the funds to other purposes. [#770]
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
II .2 Reprogramming of 1992 CDBG
The Agency is considering changing the use of funds
assigned to the West Inlet Housing portion of the
1992 CDBG grant to an economic development purpose.
1992 CDBG funds must be reprogrammed or IURA
jeopardizes future CDBG funds, especially the
second and third years of the current cycle. It is
proposed that a Request for Proposals be issued for
potential Economic Development and Housing programs
to replace the West Inset Housing portion of the
1992 CDBG. There was discussion of whether to issue
RFP for $350, 000, $650, 000 or some figure in
between.
IURA MINUTES 06/27/95
page 2
There was discussion whether there should be a
request for agencies to submit proposals or whether
the IURA should decide on projects and find
agencies to implement them. Possible sites are
scattered and must be identified prior to deciding
on potential programs .
Possible projects include West State Street
corridor development, increased INHS budgets for
ownership and rental housing, IURA homeownership
maintenance assistance, a potential purchase of the
Triangle Steel site or a Limited Equity Cooperative
[LEC] .
Woodard noted a perception that the only people who
received assistance are those on the verge of
entering the middle class : target group for LEC
should be persons below 50% of median income.
There was no consensus : it was agreed that one hour
of the next IURA meeting will be devoted to the
issue . Stevenson will draft the RFP for further
consideration.
III. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
III . 1 Local Development Corporation [LDC]
No reports.
III .2 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund [CD-RLF]
Stevenson' s list of questions included in his memo
of 06/26/95 regarding CD-RLF policy was
distributed.
IV. DISPOSITION OF LAND UNDER GREEN STREET GARAGE
AGENCY MET IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
V. OTHER BUSINESS
V. 1 Contract Stevenson noted Timothy McHarg has been
hired to assist in writing contract .
IURA MINUTES 06/27/95
page 3
V.2 Community Home Health Care Stevenson discussed
progress with CHHC. IURA offered a six-month
deferral [not a forgiveness] of principal payments
to start in June or July on two conditions 1) that
CHHC provide quarterly statements and 2) that CHHC
seek technical assistance in developing financial
plan [SCORE suggested] .
CHHC did not accept the conditions .
Recommendations by the EDC are that CHHC will be
provided with a new amortization schedule with
additional payments at end of term as result of
payment postponements. In addition twelve
consecutive months of principal and interest
payments will be required before releasing the
deferred loan. Should this twelve month period
extend beyond the three year term of the deferred
loan, a contract amendment will be necessary. If
CHHC has not cleared its default by that third
anniversary, the organization is liable to repay
the $10, 000 deferred loan with interest .
V.3 Next Meeting The July 11 IURA meeting will be a
long session, perhaps three hours. The agenda
distributed will include proposed time for each
item. One hour will be reserved for general
planning discussion.
VI. ADJOURNMENT: 2 : 00 pm
END 06/18/97 WVL/mfh
MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, July 11, 1995, 12 : 00 noon
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, Susan Cummings [except Item IV] ,
Pam Mackesey, Bill Myers, Doug Dylla, Rick Gray,
John Johnson [for Items I-V] , Shari Woodard [except
Item IV] , Mathys Van Cort, Herman Sieverding, Paul
Stevenson, Wies van Leuken, Chuck Gutman [for IV/V]
I . CALL TO ORDER: 12 : 05 by Nichols.
II. COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING SESSION
Nichols stated that to meet HUD' s threshold requirements
it is urgent to reprogram the funds available from the
canceled project of previous grant years . Today' s
discussion should lead to recommendations to be included
in the Request for Proposals to be issued by staff within
the next few weeks.
Stevenson was asked to moderate the discussion.
II . 1 West State Street Corridor
a CONCERNS
a. l Deterioration of Corridor
b PLANNING STRATEGIES
b. l Improve facades in the corridor.
b.2 Assist in siting County Office
Building in Corridor.
b.3 Focus on catalysts for the corridor
revitalization: restaurants, movie
theaters .
II .2 Housing
a CONCERNS
a. l Loss of housing stock in absolute
numbers.
a.2 Lack of long-term affordable housing.
a. 3 Difficulty of mixed use in existing
buildings .
a.4 Lack of affordable rental housing.
b PLANNING STRATEGIES
b. l Create long-term affordable housing.
b.2 Increase city home ownership to 50% .
b. 3 Make housing available to municipal
employees to live in the city.
IURA MINUTES 07/11/95
page 2
b.4 Create Limited Equity Cooperatives
[LEC] in existing sites .
b. 5 Construct mixed use buildings .
b. 6 Create stable rental
properties/quality rental housing.
b. 7 Use West Inlet Island and Southwest
Park for housing.
b. 8 Continue support of INNS.
b. 9 Continue INHS homeownership programs .
b. 10 Create a land trust for housing.
b. 11 Create coops in scattered sites in
existing buildings .
b. 12 Create "second story" housing.
II .3 Economic Development
a CONCERNS
a. 1 Shortage of Jobs
• a.2 Too few spin-off activities from
Cornell University.
a. 3 Lack of regional approach to economic
development .
b PLANNING STRATEGIES
b. l Need for non-traditional view on
economic development .
b.2 Job creation.
b. 3 Create a regional ED approach.
b.4 Stimulate businesses in areas without
business.
b. 5 Focus on large empty sites as
potential sites for job creation.
b. 6 Create space for an ED incubator
center.
b. 7 Use CDBG funds as extra tools for
development .
b. 8 Promote Ithaca as a safe place for
gays/lesbians to start businesses .
b. 9 Use empty store fronts as advertising
space or display space.
The agency requested that the following be included in the
RFP to be issued for reprogrammed funds : " . . . that
preference will be given to proposals which include long
term affordable housing, mixed use of residential and
commercial uses, reuse of vacant buildings, job creation
for low and moderate income people, removal of slums and
blights, revitalization of the West State Street
corridor. . . "
1 '
IURA MINUTES 07/11/95
page 3
III. REPROGRAMMING OF 1992 CDBG FUNDS
Stevenson described the Request for Proposals drafted for
the reprogramming of 1992 CDBG funds. The RFP' s deadline
is September 1, 1995 . The RFP is for activities requiring
funding of $50, 000 or more.
RFP will be distributed via newspaper and small magazine
publication, mass mailing, commercial loan officers,
Tompkins County Area Development, property developers
[including Joe Cassaniti] , West State Street Newsletter,
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Chamber-grams, and
house-to-house delivery on West State Street .
HUD will do a pre-review/conditional approval of projects .
A projected schedule of application/reprogramming was
distributed.
RFP approved by consensus.
IV. CHERRY STREET INDUSTRIAL PARK LEASE PROPOSAL
Charles Gutman arrives for discussion. Susan Cummings
leaves meeting to avoid conflict of interest .
Sieverding explained that Gould wishes to locate his T-
shirt printing facility, Perfect Screen Printers, at the
CSIP. The light manufacturing plant is planned as an
upgrade from current capacity in the Village of Lansing.
This one acre site is the last in Phase I of the CSIP.
Gould' s facility would not include retail use and is
consistent with other CSIP businesses. He is requesting a
lease for a portion of the acre site. Joe Moro has
requested a lease for the remaining portion of the site.
Economic Development Committee of IURA passed a resolution
recommending proposed use to the Agency.
The Agency approved of the requests and asked the staff to
finalize the land leases for the two parties .
Cummings returns after discussion is closed.
V. DISPOSITION OF LAND UNDER GREEN STREET GARAGE
City Attorney Gutman explained the background of the
property disposition. Proceedings of Executive Session of
the IURA meeting of June 27, 1995 were reviewed.
IURA MINUTES 07/11/95
page 4
Matter revolves around the requirement in the lease to
develop the site under the elevated garage. Goldberg has
developed a portion of the site; the Dollar Store
building.
Goldberg hopes to retain the property. Gutman considers
Goldberg' s legal arguments unimpressive .
Property is assessed at $1, 000, 000, including the Dollar
Store. Excluding the Dollar Store property is worth
$550, 000 to $600, 000 .
Nichols noted that the IURA has turned over a valuable
property while getting nothing in turn, not even a
guarantee of development .
Cummings stated that only when the IURA waives its option
can the owner develop the site.
Dylla moved and Cummings seconded a resolution to waive
IURA option on property.
RESOLVED that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency waive its
option on the property under Green Street garage ��
without further conditions attached.
Resolution approved by 4-1 vote, with Mayor Nichols
dissenting.
VI . 1995 CDBG UPDATE
VI . 1 Family Resource Center Staffing and locating the
FRC is being re-evaluated due to difficulties which
have occurred at its present site. Staff from the
Southside Center, IURA, and EOC are trying to work
out a solution.
VI .2 Southside Community Center Rehabilitation
Melton-Scott and Southside Board are working with
City, Agency, and HUD to expand the gymnasium in
lieu of the original proposal to re-roof and repair
gym floor. HUD has already objected to the
priorities of SCC rehab: code compliance is put off
until the second year. HUD is not likely to look
favorably on reprogramming substantial funds to
non-code related issues before code compliance
work.
IURA MINUTES 07/11/95
page 5
VI .3 Community Enterprise Opportunities [CEO] program is
underway, clients are drawn from Greater Ithaca
Activities Center.
VI .4 Drop-In children' s Center ground breaking was held
today.
VI . 5 Southside Community Center Design Committee Mayor
Nichols has appointed a committee of Jacqueline
Melton-Scott, Diane Samms, Cal Walker, Sara Shenk,
and Tom West . One more person is necessary: Ted
Brosnick will be asked.
VII. LDC/CD-RLF UPDATE: Tabled
VIII. ADMINISTRATION
VIII . 1 Staff Contracts
Pat Kennedy' s memo regarding the staff contract for
Paul Stevenson was entered into the minutes. She
was unable to attend this meeting.
Dylla moved and Mackesey seconded resolution
RESOLVED: that the IURA approves the staff contract for
Community Development Administrator Paul Stevenson 7 „
as amended by the City Attorney.
Approved unanimously.
VIII .2 Records Officer The Agency is required by law to
appoint a records officer.
Dylla moved and Mackesey seconded resolution
RESOLVED: that the IURA appoints CD Administrator Paul
Stevenson as Records Officer.
Approved unanimously.
VIII . 3 Financial Statements
Funds for Drop-In Children' s Center, Mutual
Housing, and Sciencenter are expected to be
expended soon. The 1995 CDBG funds for the MHA
street will be disbursed with Autumn construction,
and the funds for the adjoining park in the Spring
of 1996 .
IURA MINUTES 07/11/95
page 6
Small Cities Grants Summary dated June 1995 was
entered into the minutes with corrections to the
1994 funds balance.
VIII .4 Computer Purchase
Dylla moved and Mackesey seconded resolution for
purchase of computer.
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency approves the
purchase of a computer for the Community
Development Office for an amount not to exceed
$2, 500 and be it further
RESOLVED: that this resolution supersedes any previous 1995
resolutions authorizing the purchase of computer �'/
equipment .
Approved unanimously.
VIII . 5 Budget and Administration Committee Meeting/Auditor
A city-wide audit is currently being conducted.
Administrative Assistant will schedule meeting of
the Budget and Administration Committee [Nichols
and Mackesey] for August 1995 .
VIII . 6 Training CD Administrator
Dylla moved and Mackesey seconded resolution for CD
Administrator to attend National Development
Council training session.
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency approves
necessary and appropriate funds for the Community
Development Administrator to attend a one-week
training program this September by the National
Development Council on economic development
finance. [0 11100]
Approved unanimously.
IX. OTHER BUSINESS : No reports
X. ADJOURNMENT: 2 : 05 pm
END 06/18/97 WVL/mfh
MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, August 8, 1995, 12 : 00 noon
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols, Pam Mackesey, Doug Dylla,
Bill Myers, Herman Sieverding [Items
Paul Stevenson, Wies van Leuken, Shari Woodard.
I. CALL TO ORDER: 12 : 10 by Nichols
II. REPROGRAMMING OF 1992 CDBG FUNDS
II . 1 Update
Stevenson' s August 6 memo was distributed detailing
nine current responses to the reprogramming RFP.
Stevenson further explained the responses : see memo
for details .
a Ithaca Mill Works
b INHS West Hill Subdivision
c INHS Apartment Building
d EOC Building Renovations
e Glyph Technologies
f Ithaca Housing Authority
g HOUR Town
h Ithaca Performing Arts Center
i CEO Small Business Incubator
All will be requested to submit an outline proposal
for the September IURA meeting. All are currently
under consideration, but a selection will
eventually be made. Goal is to show reprogramming
progress in September report to HUD and to submit a
pre-proposal to HUD for suitability for funding.
HUD will compare new proposal to Landmark Square
and West Inlet projects originally funded and will
compare new projects with the most marginal, but
approved, comparable project submitted in those
grant years .
II .2 Process for Project Selection
Community Advisory Committee will be given a
summary list of proposals and will meet before
September 12 , 1995 .
Criteria for selection
a Loan amount-to-number of jobs ratio.
b Does proposal include leveraged funds?
c Does proposal provide permanent housing?
d Is project self-sustainable once CDBG funds
are gone?
e Impact on the community.
IURA MINUTES 08/08/95
page 2
Staff will prepare a letter to proposal sponsors
with specific questions to be answered prior to the
September selection process .
III. CHERRY STREET INDUSTRIAL PARK LEASE PROPOSAL
Jonathan Gould, of Perfect Screen Printers is out of town
and has not responded to Agency.
IV. 1995 CDBG UPDATE
IV. 1 Drop-In Children' s Center Final portion of funding
is in place.
IV. 2 Mutual Housing II State funding is not yet in
place. Subdivision approval required for the
street : previous approval was for a previous
design.
IV. 3 Family Resource Center Contracts are ready for
signing. This is a complex program with a three-
party agreement .
IV.4 Southside Community Center
a The Mayor has appointed a design team.
b Melton-Scott proposes to request additional
funds to include other work - extending the
gym into the backyard - from Common Council
B&A Committee. Estimates are ±$100, 000 to
extend gym. This will take time and will
postpone the CDBG funded project : There
could be a problem in May when the City must
explain to HUD why no work has been done .
c It was reiterated that HUD is concerned that
work to bring the building up to code was
not included in the first-year grant
application. The Southside Board wanted
other things done first . Roof and wall
repairs are to be postponed.
d Code work could be requested in the second
and third year grants .
e As second-year CDBG funding is uncertain
Stevenson recommends that work which can be
completed now is done first .
IV. 5 Community Enterprise Opportunities
Angela Jaromin' s memo of July 24 , 1995, outlining
CEO Workshops, was distributed.
t
IURA MINUTES 08/08/95
page 3
V. LDC/CD-RLF UPDATE No reports.
VI. ADMINISTRATION
VI . 1 Financial Statements
Small Cities Grants Summary dated July 1995 was
entered into the minutes.
VI .2 Budget & Administration Committee No reports .
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
Economic Development Committee meeting for August is
canceled for lack of agenda items .
Stevenson stated that CD contracts are not user-friendly
and need to be revised. Dylla expressed concern at the
backlog of minutes. Staff is aware of this finds that
present work load requires overtime and work is being
prioritized.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT: 1 :05 pm
\ft./
END 06/24/97 WVL/mfh
MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, September 12, 1995, Noon and
continued Thursday, September 14, 1995, 11 : 00 am
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Benjamin Nichols, Pam Mackesey, Bill Myers, Susan
Cummings [except Item III] , Matthys Van Cort, Herman
Sieverding, Paul Stevenson
I. CALL TO ORDER: Noon by Nichols.
II. REPROGRAMMING OF CDBG FUNDS
II . 1 CLEVELAND AVENUE
a The Agency discussed its concerns regarding the
number of recently boarded up houses on
Cleveland Avenue. There have been tax
delinquencies and deterioration of housing.
Resources are necessary beyond what INHS can
provide.
b Neighborhood problems also include drug
trafficking and general social deterioration.
Nichols suggested the Family Resource Center at
Southside Community Center could help.
Sieverding noted that a community policing
function is being established.
c INHS did not propose work in Cleveland Avenue
because of costs : prices were above market and
both buyers and sellers were scarce.
d Consensus was that it may make more sense for
INHS to put energies into Cleveland Avenue than
into other projects.
e Nichols suggests other projects be rated and
that work in Cleveland Avenue be considered.
II . 2 DISCUSSION OF PROPOSALS
There was discussion of various proposals
a EOC SRO/Youthbuild Creation of jobs is very
important, but administrative cost of
Youthbuild is high. There was general agreement
regarding involvement of youth. It was
suggested that Youthbuild could work at
Cleveland Avenue.
b Neighborhood Legal Services Consensus is to
deal with needs in some other way.
IURA MINUTES
page 2
After some discussion it was decided to recess the
meeting until 11 : 00 am, Thursday, September 14, 1995 .
Stevenson will develop a matrix for rating and
ranking the various proposals . Criteria to include:
Impact on Housing
Economic Development Impact
Impact on West State Street Development
Project Feasibility
Leveraging
After meeting on September 14 and proceeding with the
ranking process, five proposals were considered
feasible and worth follow-through:
Glyph Technologies : request for $100, 000 loan
for working capital to create 6-7 FTE
positions.
Ithaca Millwork Company: request for $150, 000
loan to leverage an additional $250, 000 for
expansion of operations, creating 5-10 FTE
positions.
Ithaca Farmers ' Market : request for $67, 250 to
weatherize a portion of the Steamboat Landing
facility.
INHS: One or the other of the West Seneca
Street or West Hill/Floral Avenue proposal,
pending further information.
HOUR-Town: Pending a more refined proposal .
Stevenson will forward proposals to Sicherman of
EastWest Planning for consultation.
II . 3 RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMON COUNCIL
No action taken as yet, due to lack of firm status
for the proposals.
IURA MINUTES
page 3
III. CHERRY STREET INDUSTRIAL PARK
Cummings recused herself and left meeting due to conflict
of interest .
Sieverding explained there is one remaining lot available
in CSIP: J. Gould and J. Moro have applied for a portion of
this site. Jobs will be created as a result of both
relocations. Sieverding explained layout for the site if
shared by two businesses .
Myers moved and Nichols seconded resolution to approve
leases
RESOLVED: That the IURA approved the requests for a lease on
the last one-acre parcel on Cherry Street Industrial
Park by J. Gould of Perfect Screen Printers and J.
Moro of Moro Design.
Resolution approved. Matter will be discussed at the next
Economic Development Committee meeting.
Cummings returned after conclusion of discussion.
IV. CITY HALL ANNEX BIDS No action.
V. FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES No action.
VI. CDBG UPDATE No action.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS No action.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT: various
END 06/24/97 PS/mfh
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MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Tuesday, November 21, 1995, 11 : 00 am
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present : Ben Nichols [Items I-III only] , Susan Cummings, Bill
Myers, Pam Mackesey, Doug Dylla, Allen Cohen [Item
III . 3 only] , Paul Glover [Item III . 3 only] , Matthys
Van Cort, Herman Sieverding [Item III . 1 only] , Paul
Stevenson, Wies Van Leuken
I. CALL TO ORDER: 11 : 10 am by Nichols
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes. of October 10 were approved.
Minutes of October 24 were distributed and will be approved
a next meeting.
III. STAFF REPORTS
III . 1 Executive Session: Action taken: Agency accepted
report from Sieverding regarding withdrawal of
proposal by Ithaca Millwork Company.
III .2 CDBG Reprogramming Update
a EastWest Planning representative has presented
credit analysis of various proposals.
b Paul Mazzarella of INHS met via telcon with
EastWest ' s Sicherman, Sieverding and Stevenson
to discuss and clarify proposals by INHS .
c Discussion revealed consensus preference for
house rehabilitation. Perceptions of INHS
projects are often not factual . Fifteen low
income households were assisted by the 1993
CDBG Homeownership Program.
d INHS and Glyph Technologies proposals will be
taken through approval process ahead of other
proposals still being considered.
e Proposals must now go before Planning Committee
of Common Council, Common Council, and
forwarded to HUD for final approval .
f Stevenson will conduct small sessions leading
up to a large public neighborhood meeting to
explain restraints of the reprogramming
process . These public meetings may be held
before the Common Council meeting.
IURA MINUTES 11/21/95
page 2
g After discussion, consensus was to go to Common
Council for concept approval in December, then
go to public to meet on details, with final
approval by Common Council in January 1996 .
Mackesey moved and Myers seconded a resolution to
approve proposals .
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency approves the
$100, 000 proposal from Glyph Technologies for
business expansion and the $1, 350, 000 proposal by
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services for housing
rehabilitation in Southside Neighborhood and
recommends the projects to the Common Council for
reprogramming of funds from the 1992 Community
Development Block Grant award.
Approved unanimously.
III . 3 CDBG Projects Update No reports
III .4 Import Replacement Project
[first introduced as "Hour Town"]
Paul Glover explained his proposal to reduce part and
product outsourcing for manufacturing done in the
Ithaca economy by establishing a database of product
and service suppliers. He described an Oregon model
for the project .
Agency noted problems with proposal :
a One-page proposal lacks specificity.
b No breakdown of how the proposal would work or
what the financial details are .
c Concerns over trying to accommodate a state-
sized model to a small city market .
d Is proposal sustainable beyond the funding
provided by a grant?
e Absence of a business plan.
Agency asked Glover to develop a more specific
proposal to present to the IURA staff .
IV. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND
Stevenson explained progress of CD-RLF. CD-RLF Application
Kit was discussed.
Myers moved and Mackesey seconded resolution to authorize
IURA MINUTES 11/21/95
page 3
implementation of CD-RLF.
WHEREAS: the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency [IURA] is concerned
with economic development and the creation of jobs
and business opportunities in Ithaca, and
IURA MINUTES 11/21/95
page 4
WHEREAS : the IURA has authorized the creation and
capitalization of a "Community Development Revolving
Loan Fund" [CD-RLF] to be used for direct lending to
expanding businesses and to entrepreneurs starting
businesses, including microenterprises, and
WHEREAS : the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
allows the reuse of CDBG funds and funds from other
programs to be used to capitalize the CD-RLF, and
WHEREAS : the IURA has adopted "Economic Development Financing
Policy Guidelines" and supporting documents and
policies to oversee the operation of the CD-RLF,
therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the IURA staff is authorized to begin
implementation of the CD-RLF in order to assist
business development within the City of Ithaca.
HOMO] ?,2
Approved unanimously.
V. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
Small Cities Grants Summary dated October 1995 was entered
into minutes.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS No reports.
VII. ADJOURNMENT: Noon.
END 06/24/97 WVL/mfh