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Home My WebLink AboutMN-IURA-2019-07-25 108 E. Green St. Approved: 8/29/19 Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-6565 MINUTES ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Common Council Chambers, City Hall 8:30 A.M., Thursday, July 25, 2019 (following IURA Audit Committee Meeting) Members: Svante Myrick, Chair; Tracy Farrell, Vice‐Chair; Karl Graham; Chris Proulx; Eric Rosario; Laura Lewis (Common Council Liaison) Excused: None Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal; Charles Pyott Guests: Molly Chiang, Vecino Group of New York, LLC I. Call to Order Chair Myrick called the meeting to order at 8:47 A.M. II. Agenda Additions/Deletions Mendizabal noted a proposed contract modification for the Urban Bus Stop project should also have been included on the agenda. No objections were raised. III. Public Comments (3‐min. maximum per person) DUCSON NGUYEN, Common Council Member, spoke regarding the proposed Green Street Garage Redevelopment Project, noting he strongly supports VERSION 2.2, if the conference center is determined to be infeasible. The city needs to maximize its number of affordable housing units, especially if it is to succeed in its goal of becoming a more sustainable community. THERESA ALT spoke regarding the proposed Green Street Garage Redevelopment Project, noting she also supports maximizing the number of affordable housing units. MIKE E. MORITZ, Hub Coordinator, Sunrise Movement, spoke regarding the proposed Green Street Garage Redevelopment Project, noting the Sunrise Movement supports approving a version of the project that includes as much affordable housing as possible, like VERSION 2.2, which represents the most sustainable option for the city ― and would also be most consistent with the recently enacted Ithaca Green New Deal. IV. Agency Member Response to Public Comments None. V. Review of Meeting Minutes: June 27, 2019 Graham moved, seconded by Farrell, to approve the June 27, 2019 minutes with no modifications. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 2 of 18 VI. Economic Development Committee (EDC) A. Green Street Garage Redevelopment Project: Western Section  VERSION 1 ― ORIGINAL CONCEPT: 11 stories, 218 affordable units, 2‐story 49,000 SF conference center, 350 parking spaces (excludes east section of garage)  VERSION 2.1 ― EXCLUDES CONFERENCE CENTER: 8 stories, 173 affordable units, 1‐story 9,000 SF commercial (light‐gauge steel construction like City Centre)  VERSION 2.2 ― EXCLUDES CONFERENCE CENTER: 12 stories, 273 affordable units, 1‐story 9,000 SF commercial (structural steel construction like Harold’s Square) 1. Extension of Exclusive Negotiation Agreement Schedule Bohn explained he has been working with the developers on several significant, but as‐yet‐unresolved, issues associated with the project, so he recommends extending the ENA deadline. No objections were raised. Moved by Rosario, seconded by Farrell: Amendment #2 to Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA): Green Street Garage Redevelopment Urban Renewal Project WHEREAS, on December 13, 2018, the IURA designated Vecino Group of New York, LLC as the preferred developer for the urban renewal project to redevelop the Green Street Garage, and WHEREAS, on April 11, 2019, the IURA executed an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Vecino Group of New York, LLC (Vecino), and WHEREAS, the ENA is intended to translate Vecino’s conceptual mixed‐use development project to finalize a term sheet to define the project and developer’s responsibilities, define seller and buyer contingencies, resolve feasibility issues, and address pre‐identified negotiation issues, and WHEREAS, on May 23, 2019, the IURA approved an amendment to approve a 30‐day extension of the ENA schedule, and WHEREAS, pursuant to the current ENA, the IURA is scheduled to submit a proposed Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) to Vecino by July 30, 2019 for a 10‐day review period to accept or submit a counter‐offer, and WHEREAS, IURA staff is still developing preliminary draft terms for the DDA and a second extension would allow the draft DDA to consider responses by Vecino, the IURA, and IURA legal counsel to incorporate into proposed DDA, and WHEREAS, Vecino does not object to a second 30‐day extension of the ENA schedule, and WHEREAS, at its July 23, 2019 meeting, the IURA Economic Development Committee considered this matter and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 3 of 18 RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes a second 30‐day extension of the time schedule contained in the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement between the IURA and Vecino Group of NY, LLC, and be it further RESOLVED, that the revised schedule for IURA submission of the proposed Disposition and Development Agreement to Vecino is August 29, 2019, and be it further RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson is authorized, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, to execute Amendment #2 to the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 2. Draft Disposition & Development Agreement Discussion Bohn reported he has been actively working with Vecino Group New York, LLC (“Vecino”) on narrowing down the sets of remaining questions and issues raised in response to the most recent project submission. Considerable time was spent working out the conference center details and exploring various financing approaches for it. At least one funding application for the conference center will be submitted to New York State (Upstate Revitalization Initiative), which will serve a critical role in the conference center’s financial viability. The developers have been consulting with the State about its overall interest in the project, and its timelines and benchmarks. The State strongly recommends submitting the application in the first quarter of 2020, given the extraordinary funding demand. Bohn explained the conference center project is challenging to finance. For the preferred project to move forward, the developer needs to know if the conference center will be financially feasible. The decision on the conference center should be made in time for Vecino to apply to NYS for funding of a defined project in the first quarter of 2020. The conference center’s financing includes two major funding sources: (1) NYS grant funding; and (2) a hospitality sector self‐assessment, possibly through establishment of a Tourism Improvement District (TID). Various financing models are being explored including private sector financing and tax‐exempt, revenue bonds. It was agreed that a late January, 2020 deadline should be established for IURA and developer determination that a submitted conference center financing plan is feasible. Farrell asked if there had been any discussion with local hoteliers. Bohn replied, yes. Local hotels seem highly motivated to identify a working conference center financing model (e.g., higher bedroom tax rate for hotels closest to downtown). Proulx asked if a New York State enabling law would need to be enacted for the TBID. Bohn replied, no. Tompkins County could to adopt home rule legislation according to Civitas Advisors. Bohn noted the developers are waiting for the project’s residential market‐demand study to be completed, but the general understanding is that Ithaca possesses a strong market demand for affordable housing. IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 4 of 18 Bohn walked through several project components for which some open issues need to be resolved:  Assurances related to the property management company’s (CRM Rental Management, Inc.) organizational capacity, qualifications, and experience  Construction impact mitigation measures for Cinemapolis (and other adjacent property owners)  Definition of precise project site boundary in relation to City Hall  Architectural and pedestrian‐access improvements in open areas surrounding the site (e.g., Home Dairy Alley) Proulx noted the Committee asked the developers about the typical length of a property management contract for this kind of project, since the IURA would need to be consulted on any future changes. Proulx indicated it would be worth further discussing construction impact mitigation for Cinemapolis. Temporary closure of the theatre would most likely be required (~150 days). The theatre has stated the prospect of long‐term closure risks being catastrophic for its operations, since it would jeopardize its relationships with film distributors. Vecino and Cinemapolis are collaborating to identify alternative locations for at least two screens during the theatre’s closure. Further discussion is needed to resolve the issue, especially since it remains unclear when it would be safe to occupy that part of site. Chiang remarked, until Vecino knows exactly what the project specifications will entail, it cannot define those kinds of details with any degree of accuracy. She stressed there will most certainly be periods when that portion of the site is categorically unsafe (e.g., demolition). In terms of alternative locations, it may be possible to work with the Arthaus project and arrange screenings at the Cherry Artspace. Vecino has also investigated using the former Cinemapolis site in Center Ithaca, but that may no longer be suitable. Farrell suggested exploring the State Theatre as a possible alternative. Chiang replied she is not sure if that has been pursued, although it is a good idea. Vecino is also attempting to ensure peak construction hours conflict as little as possible with Cinemapolis’ operating hours. Proulx remarked the Committee discussed the comparative merits of VERSION 2.1 and VERSION 2.2. It ultimately voted 3‐to‐1 in favor of VERSION 2.2, for many of the reasons cited in the various letters and public comments that have been received, namely that VERSION 2.2 would maximize the amount of affordable housing. Some concerns were expressed that VERSION 2.2 would be too tall and dense for the location. Other questions were raised that existing data do not provide a clear understanding of the demand for the type and affordability‐level of the housing units. Farrell asked what information the market‐demand study would contain that the IURA does not already have. Bohn replied it would identify the project’s “capture rate.” Capture rate is the percentage of age, size, and income‐qualified renter households in the primary market area that a property must capture to fill its units. Capture rate is calculated by dividing the total number of units at the property by the total number of age, size, and income‐qualified renter households in the primary market area. The Arthaus project’s capture rate, for example, was 2.6%. NYS likes to see a capture rate lower than 10%. He believes the study’s geographic area would be ~20,000 households, representing almost the entire County. Bohn anticipated the Green Street Garage project would have about a 5% capture rate. IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 5 of 18 Myrick observed the project would be in an even better location than the Arthaus project. He continues to have a strong sense there is a great need for affordable housing in the city, which all available data also seem to support. He would personally prefer VERSION 2.2. Farrell asked if the project’s funding would be delayed if its housing units are not filled quickly enough. Bohn replied, yes. Receipt of the developer fee would be deferred. Chiang explained Vecino based its pro forma on a 95% occupancy rate. It has not encountered any problems achieving targeted occupancy rates in other communities. The financial risk is being borne by Vecino. She noted Vecino would not simply be able to infuse additional cash into project. The State does not permit injecting more funding into housing projects, since if a project does not achieve full occupancy, no reserves would be available to keep the project viable. Vecino is confident it will achieve the 95% occupancy rate. Graham asked if the project would be locked into renting to households within the 50%, 60%, and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) band. Chiang replied, yes. Vecino would be prohibited from renting to higher‐income households. Graham noted he periodically observes a certain amount of stigma associated with low‐income housing projects, so he wonders if the actual housing demand will necessarily be as high projected. He asked if Vecino has encountered any problems associated with that. Chiang replied, no. Vecino’s Utica project has been open for a year and it only took 3 days to lease up. Vecino’s Elmira project has already received 60% of the total number of housing applications, 45 days before its scheduled opening. She does not foresee any problems with the lease‐up process for this project. Lewis asked what size the Utica project is. Chiang replied, 59 units. Lewis noted the Green Street Garage project will be substantially larger, so she shares some of Graham’s concerns. She also has concerns working with a property management company the city has no experience with. She is concerned with the potential pressure to cut corners in vetting potential tenants. It is important affordable housing is viewed favorably in the community. Farrell remarked the community has had a good history with affordable housing projects, like Breckenridge Place, which people have a positive attitude towards. The aesthetics of the Green Street Garage project will be important in that respect. Myrick asked if CRM Rental Management, Inc. manages large numbers of housing units. Chiang replied, yes. It manages 5,000 units, including larger projects of up to 305 units. Lewis asked if the property management would be on‐site. Chiang replied, yes. There would be 1 FTE property manager and 1 FTE maintenance staff person. The supportive housing component, with 3‐7 FTE staff persons, would complement the property management team. Furthermore, the project’s staff would not be siloed, but would be working together. IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 6 of 18 Farrell asked if tenant incomes would be recertified annually. Chiang replied, yes. She believes recertifications take place at the expiration of each lease. Bohn added LIHTC projects are required to undergo an annual tenant income review. Tenants whose incomes increase over their AMI threshold would not be required to terminate their leases, but they would have to pay 30% of their income towards rent. Graham asked what the market‐demand study would include in its analysis. Bohn replied it would include both existing and imminent/future projects. Rosario expressed appreciation for all the due diligence being done in analyzing the various components of the project. He remains in favor of VERSION 2.2. Farrell indicated she was originally concerned about the project’s height, so leaned towards VERSION 2.1. She now leans towards VERSION 2.2. Graham remarked he is still not persuaded of the merits of VERSION 2.2, considering the number of other local affordable housing units coming online at same time. He is also concerned with the mass and height of the building. He would lean towards VERSION 2.1. Rosario noted one reason he voted for the Vecino proposal was that it committed to comply with the City’s Downtown Design Guidelines, so he is confident the end‐result will be aesthetically and architecturally compatible with its surroundings. Bohn noted there appears to be consensus to support VERSION 2.2. B. Modification to Loan Extension – State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. (PB‐LF #2) Proulx explained the IURA approved an extension of the loan for 10 years, several months ago. Some additional information has subsequently come to light, regarding Mack Travis’ retirement from the theatre’s board. As a result, the theatre now requests that Mr. Travis’ personal financial guarantee be released. The theatre has paid down the loan significantly. The IURA also has collateral on two other mortgages, so it should be well‐secured without the benefit of the personal financial guarantee. The theatre also recently enrolled in an automated payment plan. Moved by Proulx, seconded by Farrell: ModiﬁcaƟon to Loan Extension ― State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. (PB‐LF #2) WHEREAS, on February 28, 2019, the IURA approved a 10‐year extension of the $458,500 loan issued to the State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. (STI) in 2009 for acquisition of the historic State Theatre, and IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 7 of 18 WHEREAS, on June 26, 2019, STI requested the existing collection collateral and financial guarantees securing the loan be modified in recognition of 10 years of successful operations and loan repayments which reduce the need for the original amount of loan security, and WHEREAS, STI specifically requests release of the limited personal guarantee of M. and C. Travis, and WHEREAS, as of June 30, 2019, the outstanding principal balance of the loan is $340,775.80, and WHEREAS, the IURA loan is secured by the following collateral and financial guarantees:  1st mortgage lien on the State Theatre building property located at 117 W. State Street;  2nd mortgage lien on property located at 209‐17 W. State Street;  $200,000 limited personal guarantee of M. and C. Travis, and WHEREAS, the assessed value of the State Theatre property is $1,850,000, and WHEREAS, the assessed value of the property located at 209‐217 W. State is $700,000, and WHEREAS, the estimated collateral value of the mortgages is in excess of 150% of the outstanding loan balance, and WHEREAS, STI has established an automatic payment system to make timely loan payments and is current on IURA loan payments, and WHEREAS, the IURA Economic Development Committee reviewed this matter at its June 23, 2019 meeting, and recommends the following; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves the request from State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. to release all personal financial guarantees on the State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. loan originally issued on March 5, 2009 (PB‐LF #2), and be it further. RESOLVED, that IURA Chairperson, upon the advice of IURA legal counsel, is hereby authorized to execute all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this resolution. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 C. Appointment of Committee Chairperson Moved by Farrell, seconded by Myrick: Appointment of 2019 IURA Economic Development Committee (EDC) Chairperson WHEREAS, IURA by‐laws provide that the committee membership shall elect its own committee Vice‐Chairperson and nominate a candidate for committee Chairperson for consideration by the Agency, and IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 8 of 18 WHEREAS, per the by‐laws, an Agency member shall fill either the committee Chairperson or committee Vice‐Chairperson position, and WHEREAS, officers of each committee serve a one‐year term, but continue to hold office until their successor is selected or appointed, and WHEREAS, the current Committee Chairperson and Vice‐Chairpersons are Chris Proulx and Doug Dylla, respectively, and WHEREAS, at its meeting of July 23, 2019, the Committee elected Doug Dylla as Vice‐Chairperson; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby appoints Chris Proulx as Chairperson of the IURA Economic Development Committee. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 D. Committee Chairperson Report None. VII. Audit Committee A. Approval of 2018 Financial Audit Report Rosario explained the FY2018 Financial Audit Report raised no issues, findings, recommendations, or concerns of any kind. Since the IURA is considered a component of the City, the IURA’s audit only represents a small proportion of the overall City‐wide audit. The positive report also included a programmatic audit of IURA’s CDBG projects. Moved by Rosario, seconded by Farrell: Approve Audited 2018 IURA Financial Report WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) derives the majority of its finances from grants awarded to the City of Ithaca that are administered by the IURA, and WHEREAS, for financial reporting purposes the IURA is a blended component unit of the City of Ithaca whose financial activity is reported in the Special Grant Fund, a governmental fund of the City of Ithaca financial statements, and WHEREAS, the IURA contracts separate from the City to have its finances audited within 90 days of the end of its fiscal year to comply with the Public Authorities Accountability Act, and WHEREAS, the IURA received an audited 2018 IURA financial report on March 20, 2018, and IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 9 of 18 WHEREAS, at its July 2019 meeting, the IURA Governance Committee reviewed the financial report and attached correspondence, and WHEREAS, at its July 2019 meeting, the IURA Audit Committee reviewed the financial report and attached correspondence and recommends the following; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Financial Report of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, prepared by the accounting firm of Insero & Company, LLP, be approved. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 B. Appointment of Committee Chairperson Moved by Farrell, seconded by Proulx: Selection of 2019 IURA Audit Committee Chairperson WHEREAS, IURA by‐laws provide that the committee membership shall elect its own committee Vice‐Chairperson and nominate a candidate for committee Chairperson for consideration by the Agency, and WHEREAS, per the by‐laws, an Agency member shall fill either the committee Chairperson or committee Vice‐Chairperson position, and WHEREAS, officers of each committee serve a one‐year term, but continue to hold office until their successor is selected or appointed, and WHEREAS, the current Committee Chairperson and Vice‐Chairpersons are Eric Rosario and Karl Graham, respectively, and WHEREAS, at its July 25, 2019 meeting, the Committee elected Karl Graham as Vice‐Chairperson and nominated Eric Rosario as Chairperson of the IURA Governance Committee; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that Eric Rosario is appointed as Chairperson of the IURA Audit Committee. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 C. Committee Chairperson Report None. IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 10 of 18 VIII. Governance Committee (GC) A. Modification to Financing Terms for INHS Scattered Site Phase II Project (CD‐RLF #45/2018 #7) Rosario explained the IURA approved a total of $260,000 for the INHS Scattered Site Preservation Phase 2 project, since renamed “Cayuga Flats.” The project recently received its Low‐Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funding. Subsequent to the original project application, the 301 S. Geneva St. property was removed from the project scope, resulting in an INHS repayment to the IURA of $31,338 towards the CDBG loan. At this time, to maximize private investment and the State’s financial assistance, INHS is requesting slightly different terms for the loan assistance. The proposal would result in an equivalent dollar amount and would involve no substantive changes. Moved by Graham, seconded by Rosario: 2018 AcƟon Plan ― ModiﬁcaƟon of Financing Terms for INHS Scattered Site Phase 2 Project (2018 Project 7 & CD‐RLF #45) WHEREAS, the IURA approved a total of $260,000 to the INHS Scattered Site Preservation Phase 2 project reconstruct or rehabilitate 29 rental housing units at the following locations:  203‐209 Elm Street  111 W. Clinton Street  406 S. Plain Street  227 S. Geneva Street  502 W. State Street, (Project) and WHEREAS, the Project has been renamed as ‘Cayuga Flats’ by the sponsor, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. and WHEREAS, IURA committed the following loan assistance to the Project: EXISTING: Source Amount Term Interest rate Repayment Terms CDBG (CD‐RLF #45) $160,000 30 years 2% interest only Subject to cash flow HOME 2018 $100,000 TBD TBD TBD And, WHEREAS, the 301 S. Geneva St. property has been removed from the project scope resulting in INHS repayment of $31,338 of the CDBG loan, and WHEREAS, in May 2019, the Project was awarded an allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits and other assistance from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and WHEREAS, the Project is subject to a 50‐year affordability agreement, and IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 11 of 18 WHEREAS, to maximize private investment and NYS financial assistance, INHS requests the following terms for IURA loan assistance: PROPOSED: Source Amount Term Interest rate Repayment Terms CDBG (CD‐RLF #45) $128,662 30 years 0% annually 2% of loan amount due annually, cash flow contingent HOME 2018 $100,000 50 years 1% interest only Cash flow contingent WHEREAS, the outstanding loan balance and any accrued interest on IURA loan assistance is due and payable at the end of the loan term, and WHEREAS, at its July 19, 2019 meeting, the IURA Governance Committee considered this matter and recommends approval of the requested loan terms; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves the following loan terms for assistance to the Cayuga Flats project (formerly Scattered Site Preservation Project – Phase 2): Source Amount Term Interest rate Repayment Terms CDBG (CD‐RLF #45) $128,662 30 years 0% annually 2% of loan amount due annually, cash flow contingent HOME 2018 $100,000 50 years 1% interest only Cash flow contingent And be it further RESOLVED, that the Director of Community Development is authorized to issue a revised loan commitment letter to implement this resolution, and be it further RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to execute loan agreements to implement this resolution. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 12 of 18 B. Appointment of Committee Chairperson Moved by Proulx, seconded by Farrell: Selection of 2019 IURA Governance Committee Chairperson WHEREAS, IURA by‐laws provide that the committee membership shall elect its own committee Vice‐Chairperson and nominate a candidate for committee Chairperson for consideration by the Agency, and WHEREAS, per the by‐laws, an Agency member shall fill either the committee Chairperson or committee Vice‐Chairperson position, and WHEREAS, officers of each committee serve a one‐year term, but continue to hold office until their successor is selected or appointed, and WHEREAS, the current Committee Chairperson and Vice‐Chairpersons are Eric Rosario and Kathy Schlather, respectively, and WHEREAS, at its July 19, 2019 meeting, the Committee elected Kathy Schlather as Vice‐Chairperson and nominated Eric Rosario as Chairperson of the IURA Governance Committee; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that Eric Rosario is appointed as Chairperson of the IURA Governance Committee (GC). Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 C. Election of IURA Officers Moved by Rosario, seconded by Graham: 2019 Annual Election of IURA Officers WHEREAS, officers of the IURA consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary, and WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article III of the IURA by‐Laws call for election of the Chairperson and Vice‐ Chairperson of the IURA at each annual May meeting of the Agency, and WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article III of the IURA by‐Laws further states that the Agency shall appoint an Executive Director, who shall serve as secretary to the Agency, and WHEREAS, by resolution dated May 22, 2008, the IURA appointed the Director of Planning & Development for the City of Ithaca, ex‐officio, as the IURA Executive Director, and WHEREAS, per New York State enabling legislation creating the IURA, an IURA members serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and shall continue to hold office until their successor is appointed, and IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 13 of 18 WHEREAS, current IURA officers are: • Svante Myrick, Chairperson • Tracy Farrell, Vice‐Chairperson • JoAnn Cornish, Secretary (ex‐officio as Director of Planning & Development), and WHEREAS, the IURA Governance Committee discussed this matter at its July 19, 2019 meeting and forwarded this matter for IURA action; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby elects Svante Myrick as Chairperson and Tracy Farrell as Vice‐ Chairperson of the IURA. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 D. Committee Chairperson Report None. IX. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC) A. Appointment of Committee Chairperson Moved by Farrell, seconded by Rosario: Selection of 2019 IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC) Chairperson WHEREAS, IURA by‐laws provide that the committee membership shall elect its own committee Vice‐Chairperson and nominate a candidate for committee Chairperson for consideration by the Agency, and WHEREAS, per the by‐laws, an Agency member shall fill either the committee Chairperson or committee Vice‐Chairperson position, and WHEREAS, officers of each committee serve a one‐year term, but continue to hold office until their successor is selected or appointed, and WHEREAS, the current Committee Chairperson and Vice‐Chairpersons are Karl Graham and Tracy Farrell, respectively, and WHEREAS, at their July 12, 2019 meeting the Committee elected Fernando de Aragón as Vice‐ Chairperson and nominated Karl Graham as Chairperson of the IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that Karl Graham is appointed as Chairperson of the IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 14 of 18 B. HUD Entitlement Program: Urban Bus Stop Upgrades ― Contract ModiﬁcaƟon (2017 Project #12) Graham explained the Committee adopted a resolution, which was inadvertently omitted from today’s agenda. The IURA originally allocated $25,000 in CDBG funds for upgrades to three bus stops. Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT) has completed the work, but $5,120.67 in funding remains unspent and unobligated. TCAT requests IURA approval to use those remaining funds for additional work on the in‐bound bus stop on Elm Street at West Village Apartments. The existing bus shelter would be relocated and a pad installed. The Committee recommends approving the contract modification. Farrell remarked the City should also make sidewalk‐related improvements near the bus stop, including modifying the curb to make the sidewalk fully accessible. Myrick replied he actually discussed the issue with City Transportation Engineer Eric Hathaway at a recent Board of Public Works (BPW) meeting. Hathaway agreed to prioritize that work. Myrick will follow up with Hathaway about the issue. Mendizabal added that TCAT is performing some work on part of the sidewalk and curb. Alternatively, Farrell noted, the City could simply compensate TCAT to perform the rest of the work. Myrick replied that is certainly something that could be explored. Moved by Graham, seconded by Farrell: HUD EnƟtlement Program: Urban Bus Stop Upgrades ― Contract ModiﬁcaƟon (2017, Project #12) WHEREAS, the 2017 HUD Entitlement Program Action Plan allocated $25,000 in CDBG funds to Project #12, Urban Bus Stop Dynamic Displays and Amenities Upgrade, sponsored by Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) to upgrade three bus stops (Albany St. at Salvation Army, Third Street at Hancock, and Chestnut Hill Apartments), and WHEREAS, TCAT has completed upgrades at the three bus stops named in the 2017 Project #12, Urban Bus Stop Dynamic Displays and Amenities Upgrade, and $5,120.67 of CDBG funding remains unobligated, and WHEREAS, on July 3, 2019, TCAT requested IURA permission to use $5,120.67 in remaining funds from the 2017 Project #12 contract to make improvements at an additional bus stop, and WHEREAS, TCAT has identified the in‐bound bus stop at on Elm Street at West Village Apartments as needing improvements, including those to meet ADA‐compliance standards, and WHEREAS, West Village Apartments provide affordable housing to 229 low‐to‐moderate income households, and IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 15 of 18 WHEREAS, the bus stop at West Village Apartments is a high‐ridership stop, with 14,600 in‐bound boardings, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) is designated by the City of Ithaca as the Lead Agency to develop, administer, and implement the HUD Entitlement Grant Program, including funds received through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and WHEREAS, the original project included upgrades at multiple bus stops with a city‐wide service area, and the addition of a fourth bus stop does not change the number of low/moderate‐income beneficiaries and therefore does not require a Program Amendment to the Action Plan; and WHEREAS, this matter has been reviewed by the Neighborhood Investment Committee of the IURA, which recommends the following; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, the IURA approves a contract amendment with TCAT to expand the scope of services to include establishment of an improved in‐bound bus stop at the Elm Street/West Village Place intersection as a fourth site for improvement for the Urban Bus Stop Dynamic Displays and Amenities Upgrade Project (2017, Project #12), and be it further RESOLVED, that the contract amount shall remain at $25,000, and be it further RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, shall be authorized to execute a contract amendment to implement this resolution. Carried Unanimously: 5‐0 C. Committee Chairperson Report Graham reported the Committee reviewed an Affordable Housing Production Report (1990‐2011) spreadsheet, which listed all IURA‐ and City‐funded housing projects over that period, including homeowner, rental, and rehabilitation projects. It is a good illustration of the impact the IURA and the City have had on affordable housing in the community. At some point, the IURA Board may also like to review it. X. Other New/Old Business A. Review of IURA Financials: June 2019 Bohn reported virtually all HUD Entitlement Program projects are progressing well, including prior slow projects. Only the following two projects are experiencing delays at this time:  2018 Project 1: Neighbor to Neighbor Homeowner Rehab (CDBG)  2018 Project 18: Domestic Violence Center Renovation (CDBG) IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 16 of 18 Bohn noted the Neighbor to Neighbor project has been delayed, partially because of leadership and staffing changes. It is admittedly not a high‐capacity organization, since it relies so heavily on volunteers. The project should recommence in earnest this Summer. He knows INHS has referred some potential projects to Neighbor to Neighbor, which is also examining potential projects at Nate’s Floral Estates. Mendizabal added Neighbor to Neighbor has also begun collaborating with the Center for Transformative Action, which is a significant organizational transition. IURA staff will meet with Neighbor to Neighbor staff about the project. Bohn reported the Domestic Violence Center is waiting for funding from the State’s Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), which usually seems to take a long time, and which has delayed the project. Mendizabal will follow up with the center’s Executive Director. To a large extent, the delay is beyond its control, since it needs enough funding on‐hand to hire a contractor. Bohn reported all loan repayments are current, except the Finger Lakes School of Massage, which represents the first time it has been delinquent since the school’s recent much‐publicized management and accreditation crisis. Bohn has asked for an update on the situation from the school. Bohn reported all lease payments were current this month, except the Ithaca Farmers’ Market, which only just submitted its payment. Bohn walked through the following financial reports: IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 17 of 18 IURA Minutes July 25, 2019 Page 18 of 18 B. IURA Chairperson Report None. C. Common Council Liaison Report Lewis reported that the last Common Council meeting saw a large turn‐out of people concerned about the April 6th altercation on the Commons involving the Ithaca Police Department. Some progress has also been made on the City’s electric scooter policy. A working group has been developing a Memorandum of Understanding with a local provider. A pilot scooter program would most likely not be launched until Spring 2020. Myrick added that he conducted an internal investigation of the April 6th incident. He and the Chief of Police identified 7 strategies to address the issue (e.g., de‐escalation and implicit bias trainings). Lewis reported Common Council has been engaged in ongoing discussions about minimum height restrictions along State Street/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, but has not yet made any decision, given the complexity of the issues involved. D. Staff Report None. XI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:32 A.M. — END — Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.