HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURAGOV-2013-12-16Approved: 4/4/12
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 274-6559
(607) 274-6558 (fax)
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Governance Committee (GC)
3:30 PM, Monday, December 16, 2013
Third Floor Conference Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, Ithaca, NY
Present: Eric Rosario, Susan Cummings, David Whitmore, Kathy Schlather
IURA Board: Tracy Farrell (IURA Board)
Excused: None.
Vacancy: 1
Staff: Nels Bohn, JoAnn Cornish, Charles Pyott
Guests: None.
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Rosario called the meeting to order at 3:36 P.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions ― None.
III. Public Comments (3‐minute maximum per person) ― None.
IV. Review of Meeting Minutes: November 15, 2013
Whitmore moved, seconded by Cummings, to approve the November 15, 2013 minutes,
with no modifications. Carried Unanimously 3‐0
V. Old Business
A. IURA Response to Upcoming Staff Vacancy & Authorize Job Search for Full‐Time
Permanent Employment Position
Rosario noted the proposed resolution (with accompanying draft job description) would
authorize a job search to address the recently‐vacated Deputy Director position. A draft
job description for the Contracts Monitor position would also need to be reviewed.
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 2 of 10
Cummings asked why the Community Development Planner resolution refers to the
Contracts Monitor job description. The two would seem better kept separate. Bohn
replied the proposed Community Development Planner position would replace the
former Deputy Director position and that person would be working closely with the
Contracts Monitor, so it seemed logical to refer to the Contracts Monitor in the
resolution.
(Schlather arrived at 3:47 p.m.)
Farrell agreed with Cummings that the two should be kept separate. Bohn replied he
would do that. He added he also changed the title from “Contracts Monitor I” to simply
“Contracts Monitor,” since there is no current reason to distinguish between the two.
As the incumbent Contracts Monitor, René Funke is also specifically mentioned in the
job description, to make it clear the Contracts Monitor position is not vacant; however,
no changes in responsibilities or compensation are associated with the title change.
Whitmore indicated he would be willing to move the resolution, with the second
“Resolved” removed.
Cummings indicated she would second the resolution, but suggested incorporating
language that stresses the housing focus of the position, as a priority, so it is clear the
IURA is seeking someone with a focus in that field.
Farrell responded it may make more sense to include that housing‐related language in
the job description itself, rather than the resolution. Observing that the salary range is
included in the resolution, she asked if/how that would be handled in the
advertisement. Bohn replied the salary range was intended to be more of an internal
guide. Separately, he added, the City Human Resources Director was concerned the
position may be slightly undercompensated for the responsibilities it holds.
Farrell suggested simply stating the salary would be “commensurate with experience.”
Cummings noted it would depend on the kind of person applying. She agreed with
excluding the salary range in the advertisement.
Bohn noted the decision about the salary range could be deferred, if need be. Farrell
observed it is public information, in any respect.
Bohn indicated the IURA could increase the compensation, if necessary. Rosario replied,
in that case, there is no need for salary to be mentioned in the advertisement.
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 3 of 10
Whitmore moved to remove the salary range. Cummings seconded the motion. The
motion was unanimously carried.
Whitmore asked about the Search Committee composition. Farrell indicated time
constraints would be an issue for her (although she could perhaps serve as an
alternate).
Bohn noted the advertisement would be published for one month in January 2014, with
interviews likely held in late February 2014.
Schlather suggested identifying a specific interview day, in advance. She is concerned
with losing any potential applicants. Bohn responded he would see what could be
arranged.
Bohn announced that IURA Board member Karl Graham indicated he would also have
time constraints.
Cornish suggested the resolution could simply include a reference to “[…] at least two
IURA Board members on the Search Committee.”
Whitmore moved, seconded by Cummings:
Authorize Job Search to Hire Community Development Planner
WHEREAS, the Deputy Director of Community Development resigned effective
December 13, 2013 to take another job, and
WHEREAS, the Deputy Director of Community Development performs critical work
functions for the IURA to achieve its mission and meet its obligations to administer
the HUD Entitlement Grant program, and
WHEREAS, IURA management recommends hiring a full‐time staff person to respond
to the staff vacancy and meet the work load, and
WHEREAS, the IURA desires to retain internal personnel capacity to perform critical
work functions, and
WHEREAS, the IURA Governance Committee discussed this matter at their November
22nd and December 16th meetings and recommend the following; now, therefore, be
it
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 4 of 10
RESOLVED, that the IURA adopts the attached job description for the Community
Development Planner position dated 12/16/13, and be it further
RESOLVED, the IURA hereby authorizes the Executive Director, or her designee, to
advertise, form a search committee, conduct interviews, and recommend a preferred
candidate to fill a full‐time, permanent Community Development Planner position,
with the salary to be determined depending on qualifications, and be it further
RESOLVED, that IURA member ______________, shall serve on the search
committee, and
RESOLVED, any employment offer shall be subject to approval of the IURA.
Carried Unanimously 4‐0
Whitmore moved, seconded by Cummings:
Amendment to Contracts Monitor I Job Description
WHEREAS, the IURA Governance Committee discussed at its December 16th meeting
and recommends the following; now, and
RESOLVED, that the IURA agrees to rename the “Contracts Monitor I” title and job
description to “Contracts Monitor” for the Community Development Planner position
dated 12/16/13, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA agrees to amend Contracts Monitor I job description to
state: “The Contracts Monitor works under the supervision of the Community
Development Planner, while exercising considerable independent judgement on both
routine and non‐routine matters
Carried Unanimously 4‐0
Rosario noted the housing component of the job duties should be included in the job
description. Cumming agreed, suggesting: “[…] IURA has historically allocated x% of its
resources to housing […],” including a qualitative statement about the IURA’s record of
success and its ability to serve as a model to others. Bohn responded the advertisement
could also include some of that language.
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 5 of 10
Whitmore asked how it would be advertized. Bohn replied: through a variety of
listservs, Cornell University, the www.planetizen.com web site, American Planning
Association (APA), the Ithaca Times, Lynette Chappell‐Williams (Cornell University), the
Talking Circles listserv, etc. He would welcome additional suggestions.
Cummings asked if there were anyone in particular, with whom the IURA works
regularly, who would be worth asking. Bohn replied he did consult Harry Sicherman.
Farrell suggested consulting Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) Executive
Director Paul Mazzarella. Bohn agreed that is a good idea. He would also see about
advertizing through NeighborWorks. Rosario suggested Better Housing for Tompkins
County.
Farrell suggested other urban renewal agencies. Bohn replied he would explore that.
Cummings remarked that Bohn should make the probation and termination process as
clear as possible, as well. Bohn replied the IURA human resources manual clearly
describes that.
Some minor modifications were made to the job description.
(Farrell departed at 4:37 p.m.)
VI. New Business
A. HUD Entitlement Program: Program Amendment #2 to 2013 Action Plan to Award
$25,000 of CDBG Funds for Ithaca Falls Overlook Site Cleanup (Project #23)
Bohn recapitulated that the IURA received $200,000 from the Environmental Protection
Agency’s Brownfield Clean‐Up Program and $500,000 additional funding from the NYS
Environmental Restoration Program (ERP), which comes with a 10% match requirement
for on‐site work and a 0% match for off‐site work. IURA’s consultants believe the match
requirement would represent up to $40,000, for that $500,000 grant award. For the
City/IURA to accept the award, it needs to know where the local match will come from.
Frost Travis, Travis Hyde Properties, has agreed to provide a $15,000 match. IURA has
unallocated 2013 funds of $48,000. Bohn is therefore recommending the IURA use
$25,000 of those funds to create a combined match of $40,000 to be eligible for the ERP
funding. He added that ERP funding may also end up covering some staff salary costs.
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 6 of 10
Cummings observed the results of the project would not result in any direct benefit to
low‐ to moderate‐income residents, which is unfortunate, especially given that the
project will generate significant profits. She understands it is HUD‐eligible, but this is
the first time the IURA has separated the blight issue entirely from the need to benefit
low‐ to moderate‐income earners.
Whitmore responded the benefits of the project extend beyond the immediate project
area.
Bohn agreed, noting that it eliminates a significant long‐term health and safety issue;
and there are low‐ to moderate‐income earners living in the vicinity who could be seen
as beneficiaries.
Whitmore moved, seconded by Schlather:
2013 HUD Entitlement Program ― Program Amendment #2:
Ithaca Falls Overlook Site Clean‐Up (New 2013 Project #23)
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2013, the City of Ithaca’s application for $500,000 in
additional Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grant funding for the Ithaca Falls
Overlook site was approved by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, and
WHEREAS, the 0.95 acre City‐owned Ithaca Falls Overlook site adjoins the former
Ithaca Gun factory building site and extends from Lake Street north over the raceway
to an overlook of Ithaca Falls in the approximate area of 121‐125 Falls Street, and
WHEREAS, ERP funding has been used to conduct an investigation to determine the
nature and define the limits of contamination both on‐site and off‐site and devise
alternative strategies to remediate environmental contamination for a future public
park use and facilitate private‐sector redevelopment of the adjoining former Ithaca
Gun factory site, and
WHEREAS, the remediation of subsurface lead contamination is anticipated to be
undertaken through cleanups at three locations, of which the first cleanup on the
western acccessway of the site has been completed, and
WHEREAS, ERP funding provides 90% reimbursement for eligible on‐site expenses
and 100% reimbursement for eligible off‐site expenses, and
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 7 of 10
WHEREAS, the owner of the former Ithaca Gun factory site, IFR LLC, has pledged to
pay up to $15,000 of the local match on the ERP Amendment, and
WHEREAS, the 2013 Action Plan summary table identifies unallocated CDBG funds in
the amount of $43,682 as of 12/9/13, and
WHEREAS, if funded, the project will provide required local match funding for a
$1,518,000 project to investigate and remediate the environmentally contaminated
Ithaca Falls Overlook site, and
WHEREAS, the project is classified as an eligible public facility use that meets the
CDBG national objective of eliminating slum/blight on a spot basis and is consistent
with the City’s Consolidated Plan objective to remove or rehabilitate infrastructure or
public facilities which create a blighting influence, and
WHEREAS, a program amendment of $25,000 or less to fund a new activity does not
constitute a “substantial amendment” under the Citizen Participation Plan of the City
of Ithaca, therefore the IURA may take final action on this proposed program
amendment, and
WHEREAS, the investigation and engineering work on the ERP project qualifies as a
type II action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance at §176‐
5(CC)(17), and an exempt activity at 24 CFR 58.34 under the National Environmental
Protection Act, no environmental review is required at this time for this project, and
WHEREAS, any future construction contract utilizing CDBG funds to remove
environmental contamination shall undergo a separate environmental review, and
WHEREAS, the IURA Governance Committee reviewed this matter at their December
16, 2013 meeting and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby amends the 2013 Action Plan to create the Ithaca
Falls Overlook Site Cleanup as project #23 at a funding level of $25,000 to provide the
mandatory local match funding for the additional $500,000 NYS Environmental
Restoration grant awarded to the City, and
RESOLVED, that these funds shall derive from unallocated CDBG funds from the City
of Ithaca 2013 HUD Entitlement Grant, and
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 8 of 10
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson, upon advice of IURA legal counsel, is hereby
authorized to execute any necessary and appropriate documents to implement this
resolution.
Carried 3‐0
Cummings opposed
(Whitmore departed at 4:53 p.m.)
B. Procurement of Architectural Services ― Claudia Brenner Design
Bohn explained in the former Deputy Director’s absence IURA staff will need some
additional assistance, in terms of the construction‐management aspect of that position
(e.g., 701 Cliff Street demolition project).
Cummings moved, seconded by Schlather:
2013 Procurement of Independent Architectural Services ― Claudia Brenner Design
WHEREAS, from time‐to‐time the IURA requires architectural/engineering and
construction management services to implement projects involving construction and
demolition activities, and
WHEREAS, several projects included in the 2013 Action Plan will be implemented by
the IURA and require architectural/engineering and construction management
services, such as the demolition and clearance of the abandoned structure at 701 Cliff
St., and
WHEREAS, Brenner has agreed to provide services at her 2010 rate of $90 per hour
for architectural services and $60 per hour for construction administration services
and engineering subcontractors at cost, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has procured architectural/engineering and construction
management services from Claudia Brenner Design (Brenner) in the past and been
highly satisfied with her performance, and
WHEREAS, Claudia Brenner is a New York State licensed architect, and
WHEREAS, with the vacancy in the Deputy Director of Community Development
position, budgeted personnel costs will be available to procure independent
consultant services, and
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 9 of 10
WHEREAS, at their December 16, 2013 meeting the Governance Committee
considered this issue and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson is hereby authorized, upon review of IURA
legal counsel, to execute an agreement for independent consulting agreement with
Claudia Brenner Design for architectural/engineering and construction administration
services at a rate of $90 per hour for architectural services, $60 per hour for
construction administration services and engineering subcontractors at cost, with the
total not to exceed $5,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the source of such funds for professional consulting services shall be
derived from a variety of funding sources, including, but not limited to, CDBG and
HOME Entitlement funds, and expenses shall be billed to the appropriate source of
funds for which the consulting work is performed.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
VII. Other Business
A. Review of IURA Financials ― November 2013
Bohn reported the IURA has been performing well in terms of its spend‐down ratio.
There are no project delays. He noted a considerable amount of money has been
committed to the INHS Stone Quarry Apartments project, for which INHS has applied for
state funding.
B. IURA & Common Council Actions of Interest to Committee
None.
C. Staff Report
Neighborhood Pride Grocery Store
Bohn reported the IURA technical assistance consultant finished her work and
completed her recommendations, which involve seeking management changes, as well
as infusing additional equity and other resources into the project. Bohn noted the
store’s request for additional funds from its lender was denied.
― EXECUTIVE SESSION ―
Rosario moved, seconded by Cummings, to open the Executive Session at 5:02 p.m.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
IURA GC Minutes
December 16, 2013
Page 10 of 10
Rosario moved, seconded by Cummings, to close the Executive Session at 5:15 p.m.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
No action was taken during the Executive Session.
Loan Repayments
Bohn noted that the Argos Inn continues to lag on its loan repayments, but it has
corrected its other loan default situations: there was no insurance on the collateral
property, the Brookton Market, and no tax payment on that property; and the owner
was not providing job reporting information. The owner is waiting for the final closing
on the tax credit equity due to the project, which is expected by the end of the year.
The business is open and operating (with a partially‐functioning web page), and also
expects to have a temporary liquor license within a week.
Bohn reported that the State has made its annual Regional Economic Development
awards, including the following:
• Cornell University high‐tech incubator project, within a block of the Commons
(~4,000 SF)
• Hotspot project was awarded, which would be a virtual incubator between Cornell
University, Corning Community College, and Binghamton University, providing
operating subsidies for an incubator and entrepreneurial.
• Tompkins Cortland Community College farm‐to‐bistro project, located in former
Finger Lakes Wine Center and remainder of vacant space on the ground floor of the
Cayuga garage.
D. Next Meeting: January 17, 2014
VIII. Adjournment (Next Meeting Date: 8:30 AM, Friday, January 20, 2014)
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 5:20 P.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.