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Home My WebLink AboutMN-IURACDC-1983 _ I HILDA HUTSON IURA/CDA MINUTES January 10, 1983 7:30 PM - Council Chambers x310 1983 CITY CLERK'S OFFIr Ithaca, N.Y. PRESENT: Bill Shaw, Chairpe on H. M. a'• Cort, Executive Director, CDA James Dennis, IURA/ ■ ',, Glenn Goldwyn, CD Administrator ` Clarence Reed, IURA/CL: I (a . . - Evans, CD Planner. Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA 'onna Murison, CD Bookkeeper Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Press 1. Call to Order The Mayor convened the meeting at 7:35. 2. Minutes Jones MOVED and Stein SECONDED the motion to approve the Minutes of'the December 13, 1982 meeting. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Jones MOVED to approve the Minutes of the December 30, 1982 Special Meeting. Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Report The Mayor asked for recommendations from the agency for new CAC members. P Goldwyn said he would get an updated status report to him on that committee. 4. Staff Reports None. 5. Public Infrastructure and Services a) Community Arts Reed reported on the problems regarding the Southside Community Arts program. A complaint from the center that changes in- the program did not reflect either the needs or wants of the community has resulted in a series of meetings and correspondence to resolve the situation. Reed said that the Arts Council has changed its focus on the kind of arts workshops they are sponsoring and past successful projects have been drastically cut back. The Southside Center wants a continuation of these programs and asked the CD staff to work towards reinstating them. 366 workshops are planned for this fiscal year to include Northside/Southside neighborhoods. The Arts Council has received a New York Foundation Grant for puppetry workshops and, while GIAC and the school programs welcome this, Southside would prefer to continue the projects that they had the year before. Southside Center Director Beverly Ishrinik feels that the community is not being consulted and Reed's concern is that the City should not spend CD funds in ways that are incompatible with the community's needs. Stein agreed and said that the Agency should give the subcommittee power to act as URA agents to explain again to Sorrel Fisher that CD funds- must be used in a manner compatible with neighborhood wants. Jones said that - IURA/CDA - Minutes January 10, 1983 page 2 • the new programs would begin this week so that they would have to act fast. In a meeting earlie that day, attended by Fisher, Ishrinik, workshop coordinator Mooney a , Goldwyn, it was still evident the parties were speaking at cross purposes. The subcommittee had written to the TCAC noting that the 80 or so workshops held during the 2nd trimester of 198.2 had been dropped to 45 workshops in the first trimester of 1983. Fisher said that the numbers were not relevant to what actually was happening but didn't have the records on file for the next trimester. She sees even more workshops being held than last year but Ishrinik disagrees and says that there has been a rapid deterioration of program variety and of workshops reflecting neighborhood-based activities. Fisher said that the programs had been accelerated in the last trimester to compensate for the Southside Director's absence. Now, in comparison, it only appears that there are fewer community activities, The main problem is with the New York Foundation grant which CD is partially matching. That grant focuses on puppets and Southside is not interested in puppets. After further discussion, Stein MOVED that it be RESOLVED, that the IURA direct the Public Infrastructure and Services Subcommittee to resolve, as quickly as possible, Southside Center concerns regarding Community Arts workshops, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such workshops continue to reflect the wants and needs of the community. Jones SECONDED. Shaw said that he did not see the reason for such a resolution as the subcommittee was already dealing well with the problem. The resolution only stated what was already being done. Jones, however, said it was helpful to have formal agency support. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. b) Strand Theatre Jones MOVED that the Agency go into executive session at the conclusion of the regular meeting to discuss matters of possible litigation. Reed SECONDED. Stein said that unless something of real confidential content . were to be discussed, he'd rather have the meeting open, The Mayor said confidential matters were going to be discussed. MOTION PASSED UNANI- MOUSLY. IURA/CDA - Minutes January 10, 1983 page 3 6. Economic Development Van Cort discussed a proposal made by Mr. Wiggins to the Planning and Development Board concerning a time sharing housing development project for the West End Cayuga Inlet. The housing project would be built on city-owned land. Common Council had directed the URA to implement the West End Development Plan and therefore the P&D Board has referred this matter to the agency. Van Cort said that this proposal was the most substantial to date for inlet use but he suggested that a process to review proposals be devised for URA and City use before individual proposals were discussed. The P&D Board could work on such a review process and refer it back to the agency. Although the space is different as used by the Wiggins plan and chances the basic look of the Towbridge Inlet plan, the use is similar. The project would be modeled on the condominium buildings whereby individuals buy rights of occupancy. In this case, summer vacation housing would be rented in the winter to students. Reed said he would like to see what has been proposed and how it compromises the original plan, which he liked. Shaw said it was more important to help staff look for a process of review. Dennis said that people are concerned the City will take the first thing that comes along and that the Wiggins proposal has put the rush on other potential developers. Van Cort said that the City will have to be fair and careful . He added that the required land alienation process will probably take at least six months. He said that staff was writing a briefing memo for the agency on the proposal . Shaw referred the matter to the Agency subcommittee on Economic Development. 7. Business and Administration No report. 8. Neighborhoods and Housing a) Lump Sum Draw Dennis said the subcommittee had met with staff to discuss the lump sum drawdowns and that they would be back in February with a definite proposal concerning the joint effort with INHS to use rehabilitation funds to leverage bank participation. b) Land. Use Policies One of the projects in the 2nd and 3rd years of the recent Small Cities grant application is a low/moderate income housing development program of $17,000 over the next eighteen months. Rather than hiring someone right off the bat • for an eighteen month period, the Neighborhood and Housing Committee met to discuss the possibility of doing a preliminary study. Stein said that the study would survey the impediments- to providinij low/mod income, housing in the could' be accomplished in a month, and chart the course for implementation of this program component. IURA/CDA - Minutes January 10, 1983 page 4 Shaw said that Herman Sieverding had written a long memo addressing Ithaca's housing problems and had listed a number of problems such as zoning. Van Cort said that this memo regarded the Collegetown area only and did not consider the rest of the city. He said that this information could complement a new study but could not substitute for one. Evans said that she had been given a list of consultants to do the study and has already approached them to find out how much this kind of survey would cost. Anne Clavel and Tom Niederkorn will be getting back to her about this next week. Shaw asked if HUD should be contacted for a list of consultants familiar with this aspect of housing. Evans said that the expertise was just developing and that the first conference on the subject was held two months ago. Stein said it was important to focus particularly on Ithaca. 9. Old Business Stein asked for an update on West State Street. He said that a pylon'on the corner of Meadow and State was crooked and that it should be corrected before the work is paid for. Evans added her concern that signage at that intersection did not make clear where the Downtown Business District was located. $4,000 is still owned to McLane Construction. Evans said that otherwise the program is moving along and that several property owners are continuing rehabilitation of their properties but that most work has stopped for the season. Altogether, six loans have been approved and more outreach is planned for the next months when design people are available and when contractor costs may be more favorable. Stein agreed that the project was successful and said it had gone better than he had anticipated. Shaw said he was concerned that so much door-to-door solici- tation was necessary. He did not think that one third progress in a one to two year span was that outstanding. Stein then asked if the Collegetown program was progressing. Van Cort said yes, it was definite and was discussed in the latest memo sent out by Sieverding. 10. New Business Van Cort referred to the notification from STERPDB that EDA has funds available for new projects., Staff suggests that both Collegetown and the Cayuga Inlet project be proposed for possible funding. Shaw said he felt it might be inappropriate to send just these two proposals and that he would prefer to hear first from Superintendent Kinsella and County Planning Director Liguori as well as reviewing past lists potential city capital projects. Dennis asked which projects the Mayor had in mind. Shaw said he had just seen the OEDP the week before but that Rothschilds or Cherry Street might be appropriate. After further discussion, Stein MOVED that it be RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA support whichever projects are proposed for EDA funds, including Collegetown, Cayuga Inlet and whatever else staff , felt was appropriate. 1 IURA/CDA - Minutes January 10, 1983 page 5 Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED, 3 AYES, 1 NAPE from the Mayor who said that he thought the proposals should be screened before asking for federal monies. The Agency took a short break and reassemled at 9:05 to go into Executive Session to discuss the Strand. No action was taken. The meeting adjourned at 9:45. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, i Natalie de Combray f Glenn M. Goldwyn IURA/CDA MINUTES HILDA HUTSON February 14, 1983 9 7:30 P.M. - Council Chambers ffTI MAR 1 a LCIA, 2.; _ PRESENT: Mayor Bill Shaw, Chair James Dennis,, IUD I�FRY cur 198,3 , Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Glenn M. Goldwyn, £D Admflp4t5iWar Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Press 1 . The Mayor convened the meeting at 7:40 and suggested a special order of business to note the passing of Armand Adams. He commented on all that Mr. Adams had contributed to the city and noted that his passing was a loss to the community. The Agency observed a moment of silence. 2. Minutes Referring to the Minutes of January 10, 1983, the Mayor said he preferred the use of the word "Chair" in place of "Chairperson". He also noted that the IURA/CDA committees are not "subcommittees" and corrected two spelling's of names: Trow- bridge and Ish-Renick. Stein questioned the meaning on page 4 of the last sentence under "Old Business". After discussion, it was decided to amend the sentence to read as follows: "Stein then asked if the Collegetown UDAG was postponed and Van Cort said yes, it was postponed." Jones then MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that the January 10, 1983 Minutes be accepted as corrected and amended above. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Jones asked again that notices of the URA meetings be advertised in the Journal . De Combray said she would see this was done. 3. Chair Report The Mayor announced two CAC appointments: Arden Bremer, 414 West Seneca Street, as a target area representative; and Lee Naegely, also a target area resident, as a representative from a public agency. Mr. Naegely works in the City's Building Department. 4. Staff Reports None. Kathe Evans was absent due to illness. Thys Van Cort is on vacation. 5. Public Infrastructure and Services a) Strand Shaw said he would be asking for an Executive Session to discuss the Strand and said that City Attorney Paul Tavelli might be joining them. Anne Jones updated the agency on the committee's work of the last couple of tionths and noted that during earlier efforts the objective of securing the fiscal safety of the building had been a prime concern. However, assisted by the Tompkins ►: County Council of the Arts, the committee has since met with representatives from STERPDB, building owners and staff towards the establishment of a non-profit successor organization. At the moment progress is held up because the principal owner is in Florida and the potential new Board Chair is in California. e ►-v IURA/CDA Minutes February 14? 1983 page 2 Jones added that both she and Reed agree that if the matter is not finally resolved by the 1st of March her committee will recommend that the Agency cease negotiations and begin the legal process to recoup funds. Reed said the owners need to meet their responsibilities toward putting together a successor group. Otherwise, he added, someone owes someone some money. He said that this was the time that interested people in the community should make themselves known if a successor group is to be successful . The end of April will mark the end of the 6th month period stipulated in the tripartite agreement for the owners to come up with a new management package and Jones noted that the ARC has indicated that once something is in place, they will tolerate the situation for up to a year. She said there must be a time limit to the current discussions. Reed said that potentially five people on the new Board could get the project off the ground but they must include someone with financial management expertise and support from the community by some persons of influence so that others will be inspired to join. If this cannot be done within the current six month period, there is no reason for the Agency to prolong the process. He said that the community, in effect, will have said it is not interested and the matter then would be turned over to the City Attorney. Reed added that the City should be willing to state openly what it is willing to contribute and that the owners should be on the line. He said the issue must no longer be discussed in private as the public should know that the City is acting responsibly. Jones said that if another group that's willing to take over the project dr doesn't know what's going on, they will be out on a limb. At present, she. added, they have no absolute commitments from either the owners or the City. Shaw said that he and Tavelli have discussed the Strand and that Tavelli has met with the other attorneys concerned. He said he would report on these discussions in Executive Session as a new document just received needs a legal interpretation. If the agency agrees that litigation is a real possibility, then this document should be discussed in private. Dennis suggested that, as no action was foreseen, the Mayor could send agency members a memo. Shaw said he would like the agency to discuss this document and added that it was a very significant one which had altered his thinking more than anything else in the last six months. After further discussion, it was decided to wait and see if the City Attorney would arrive, and hold the Executive Session at the end of the regular meeting. b) Community Arts Reed said that the committee had tried to find some way to increase the work- shops which the Southside Center had wanted to maintain without jeopardizing the Arts Council 's leveraging of CD funds for other grants. He presented two draft resolutions addressing this problem, one which would transfer $2,000 from the administration line and the other which would transfer $2,000 from Housing Prosecution, The Agency could then choose whether or not to reduce the 3rd year grant budget for Community Arts, Goldwyn said the Arts Council was willing to increase its current budget by this amount and to reduce its 3rd year funding. Reed said he preferred not to encumber 3rd year funds but instead to re-evaluate the program at the end of the year to determine whether to continue it at its current level or not. Goldwyn said that Ralph Nash had no problems with reduced funding for Housing Prosecution. At a recent meeting with Hoard, Nash, and attormey-JinIMiller, Goldwyn said the approach to dealing with housing prosecution . i IURA/CDA Minutes February 14, 1983 Page 3 was discussed and it was ascertained that the program could function at its current level in spite of reduced funding. The $2,000 reduction would leave enough to cover 1982 costs_ and would not have to be reimbursed from 3rd year funds. After further discussion, Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED that WHEREAS, the Community Arts Program funded by the IURA/CDA and administered by the Tompkins County Arts Council has experienced difficulties in continuing arts workshops for neighborhood centers in areas which are a priority for the IURA/CDA and the centers, and WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA and the TCAC have reviewed the Community Arts Program and the allied New York Foundation funded program with the objective of increasing the level of Community Arts workshops available for the neighborhood sites, and WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the TCAC has requested that the Agency augment the current year program level in the amount of $2,000, an amount necessary to bring the CAP workshops up to a satisfactory level , and that these funds be transferred from the FY 1983 CAP budget, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes :' the transfer of $2,000 - from S403.2 Housing Prosecution into S506 Community Arts, AF- Stein said he was concerned that something be entered into the record about what has happened and to stress that this increase does not mean that there will an increase to the next year's budget but that the entire 3rd year funding for Community Arts will be under review. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. c) Community Gardens Goldwyn reported that the garden group has been now formally incorporated under the name Project Growing Hope and has resolved to accept the NYSEG lease for the Meadow Street/Third Street property. They are presently ironing out some insurance problems associated with the site and studying how to handle the site's lack of water. In terms of CD funds, Goldwyn added, it will cost nothing. CD funds cannot be used to improve this site because the lease is less than 10 years. Goldwyn added that he and Kristina Elmstrom have reviewed 15 or so properties listed by the group as potential garden sites. Most owners turned down these alternative sites last year but one or two owners were equivocal about whether their properties were available for sale or lease. He said that he has contacted HUD regarding the double vacant-lot parcel that is a block out of the target area and will report back on their response. Although the gardeners are beginning to accept the fact that they cannot buy the Watt property they are planning to approach Mr. Watt to ask if they could at least lease the property one more year in order to have time to prepare the NYSEG site. Regarding the Floral Avenue site, Goldwyn said that BPW work along that stretch may make it impossible for use in this year but that it could be readied this summer for 1984 use by planting a cover crop. Stein asked if the project line funds didn't have to be spent soon. Goldwyn said HUD is aware of the turn of events and has no problem with the situation. IURA/CDA Minutes February 14, 1983 page 4 IC- 6. Economic Development a) West State Street A draft resolution regarding the disencumbering of unspent funds in the West State Street McLane contractor line resulted in a discussion of the Meadow Street signage. Shaw asked if the signs were constructed as specified and said he was concerned as it was not a matter of minor moment. The objective of the project was to make major improvements and designate the Central Business District. He said he has difficulty seeing the signs and doesn't find that they are clear. Stein agreed and said the signs are disappointing. Jones asked what could be done to improve the situation and the agency decided to turn it over to committee before reallocation of remaining funds. Goldwyn said that the resolution was a bookkeeping move and could easily wait. Shaw said that the committee should take a hard look at the problem and that it might be a blessing that there is still some unspent money from this line. The Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Women's Association, among others, have voiced their displeasure at the signs. Shaw MOVED to TABLE the West State Street Resolution, Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. b) Commercial/Industrial Improvements Stein said that $80,000 was budgeted for commercial/industrial property improvements within the target area. The committee recommended that a loan/grant program similar to the present West State Street program be adopted I:: and that this new program use the same guidelines which control the West State Street project. Shaw questioned this proposal and said that much of the target area is zoned industrial or commercial so that the larger businesses along Rte. 13 would be able to apply for these 5% grants. He did not agree that the " West State Street project has been overly successful and was worried that there would be a race to spend the funds without giving thought to the original purpose of the proposal . Stein said that although anyone could apply it didn't mean they would be approved. The program is aimed at overcoming the visual problems of commercial establishments in a residential neighborhood and also to soften the effect of their presence. Dennis said the committee has to determine which applications are the most favorable for the neighborhood. He said the conditions on West State Street have definitely improved through rehabilitation of key areas on the street. He added that the agency has to have faith in the committee. There are many places on the south side of West State Street that could use assistance. Jones noted that in West State Street committee meetings with George Gesslein, all applicants have been carefully scrutinized and there has not been any pressure to spend the money. She MOVED that WHEREAS, the AURA/CDA has budgeted for a Commercial and Industrial Property Improvement program to be implemented during FY 1982 within the Target Neighborhoods, and WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has had significant experience with the adopted format for similar program objectives within the West State Street Development Program, involving a combination of low interest loan and grant pachages, now IURA/CDA Minutes February 14? 1983 page 5 - lc THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA adopts the program guidelines of the ongoing West State Street Development program as the guidelines for the Neighborhood Commercial and Industrial'Property`Improvement project (S505), and directs CD staff to commence with the program's implementation. Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED 4-1 , the Mayor against. c) DSS- Support of Council Resolution Stein persented a draft resolution in support of Council 's stand regarding the DDS move to the old hospital . Jones asked that the term 'potential move' be used and that an indication of the Agency's willingness to help be added. It is extremely important to take this kind of action, she said, as a considerable amount of money has been spent upgrading the city for the elderly and for low/moderate income people. Such a move by the DSS would undermine a good deal of the work that has been done. Stein agreed and said that it was important the Mayor be heard on this issue. Community development stands not only for economic development but also social development in the city. Shaw said the city is sending representatives to attend John Ray's meetings. He noted that the County had been very helpful with the Rothschild's negotiations and said it was important to show support, especially when the basis is to disagree. The problem is not just a DSS question but also a problem of building re-use. Stein MOVED and Jones SECONDED that WHEREAS, the Ithaca Community Development Commission/Urban Renewal Agency has been instrumental in and strongly supportive of a large number of initia- tives geared to strengthen the economic base of Ithaca's Central Business District as a commercial and service center with the County, and WHEREAS, the principal focus of the CDC/IURA`s programs has been to assist the low-to-moderate income and elderly people within the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives is considering the potential County use of the former County Hospital as a location for the County Department of Social Services and other direct service agencies, and WHEREAS, the CDC/IURA feels that the potential move now under consideration would not effectively serve the City residents dependent upon those services involved, while weakening the proven capacity of Ithaca's Central Business District to serve those functions, and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of both the City and County to maintain a strong Central Business District within the City of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, the CDC/IURA indicates a willingness to help the County in their perusal of the matter, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the CDC/IURA strongly opposes the potential move by the County Deparment of Social Services and/or other County direct-service agencies which serve low-to-moderate income populations to the old hospital site out of the downtown Ithaca locations, and IURA/CDA Minutes February 14, 1983 page 6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be conveyed directly to the County Board of Representatives. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. d) West End Development Dennis reported on the Planning and Development Committee meeting and said they are in the process of development RFP processing. Staff has done work on the alienation aspect of the project and has approached Congressman McHugh who will put them in contact with the correct federal channels. Shaw said there had been discussion on alienation over. the last months and asked when the information would be available. He asked if there was not an official flow chart available so that these processes could be explained. Dennis stated that a totally different agency has replaced B.O.R. , the agency that originally granted the funds. . He said that any flow chart of 8-9 years ago would be useless. Stein said that once the right contact is made, the city will know what to do. While this contact is being made, the P&D Committee can concurrently set up guideline documents for the proposals. Staff has been told different time frames but the entire porcess should be completed in less than a year. Jones asked what the designated role of the Agency was. Dennis said he would get a Council Resolution asking the agency to develop the process. 7. Neighborhoods and Housing a) Land Use/Housing Policy Development $17,000 of CD monies are budgetted for an analysis of low/moderate income housing development obstacles within thecitty. Instead of immediately hiring one person to work on the project, the committee proposed that a preliminary study be done to survey the impediments to providing low/mod housing. Staff approached various consultants to ask for proposals and three people made proposals. The proposals varied in content and cost but were all valuable and the Neighborhoods and Housing Committee recommended that an arrangement be made involving all three in a team effort to prepare a report. Stein said the agency would gain by this process as together the three could produce an overview which would tap their individual local knowledge and experience. . All are deeply interested in the problem. The three consultants are Anne Clavel , Tom Niederkorn and Susan Blumenthal , The report would be ready within a six-week period and the toal cost would be $2,240. An individual contract with each would be drawn up. The cost split would be $1 ,000/$740/$500. Shaw said that although sometimes three people working together can do a superb job, he questioned whether this study could be done for such a small sum. Stein said that CD would in part be paying for their community expertise and he added that there would be no travelling expenses involved. Although it is a somewhat non-traditional arrangement, Stein said he was confident it would yield good results and he MOVED that WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has reviewed the land use/housing policies proposal as presented by the Neighborhoods and Housing Committee and finds it acceptable, now 4: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves the proposal , directs staff to write contracts for a total amount not to exceed $2240 to be taken from line S502.2 Land Use, and authorizes and directs the Chair to sign the contract, once approved by the City Attorney. Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. IURA/CDA Minutes February 14, 1983 t 7- -page ., b) Sidewalk Repair. Goldwyn discussed the sidewalk repairoprogram and said that staff recommends transferring the program to INNS. Only 7 grants were awarded the 1st year ' and funds were moved to other lines during the second year when the application was delayed. NHS offered to run the program as they are already working directly with the same qualified clientele. They have the organizational efficiency and the construction and inspection services on staff to help the program succeed. He proposed a resolution amending the INNS contract to include the Sidewalks Program. Shaw asked what percent of the money would go to NHS administration and whether it was over 10%. Goldwyn said he was unable to recall the percentage. Dennis said that the sidewalks grant program was an important component of the overall program but that to date it had received low priority. Shaw said he had confidence in NHS's ability but would like to know the details regarding the use of the funds. After further discussion, Jones suggested that a clause be put into the resolution regarding reasonable administrative percentage costs and MOVED that WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has budgeted funds for Homeowner Sidewalk Repair grants in fiscal years 1981 , 1982 and 1983, and WHEREAS, the Community Development administered Sidewalk Repair Grant program had modest success during 1981 , but was postponed. during 1982 in order to dr- IL_' facilitate higher priority program components when the second fiscal year application was delayed from July of 1982 to October 1982, and WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA is desirous of increasing its efforts towards implementing this program during the 1983 and 1984 construction seasons, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that upon recommendation of the Neighborhoods and Housing Committee, the IURA/CDA authorizes the amendment of the contract for services with the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INNS) to include the funding and administration of the Sidewalk Repair Grant Program (5406-$538.90 and S504n$27,500) , and authorizes the Mayor as Chair of the IURA/CDA to execute said amendment on review of the percentage cost of its administration. Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Shaw asked what the income eligibility guidelines were for INNS services and Goldwyn said they were the same as for the Ithaca Housing Authority,. Shaw asked about the Lump Sum Draw and Goldwyn said it would be prepared in time for the March meeting. 8. Business and Administration a) Final Audit Report ` Dennis reported on the final audit report and response saying the process had been completed. Deviller's and Allen finished the audit last December and made certain recommendations to the agency which staff corrected in its response. The report and response was then sent to HUD and accepted. IURA/CDA Minutes February 14, 1983 page 8 b) Personnel Dennis summed up CD staff requests for 1983 and 1984 contracts and said costs would be increased approximately $1500 per year above the present level , excluding salary increases. He added that city employees receive comparable coverage and noted the change of costs in health benefits to include life insurance. The Mayor was concerned about the impact the new contracts would have on negotiations within the city and asked that the matter be discussed in Executive Session at the end of the regular meeting. c) Proposed NYSAC CD Takeover Goldwyn reported on the STERPDB Technical Advisory Committee meeting he had attended on February 10th in Binghamton. The meeting was called to discuss County takeover of CD administration. No decision was made at the meeting. Shaw asked for the rationale of this proposal and about who attended the meeting. Goldwyn said that 15 or so professionals, almost all of whom were County Planners, took part in the meeting. A number represented counties with Entitlement Grants or a positive experience with receiving Small Cities Comprehensive: or .single purpose grants. The concept of adding dollars to every county in New York State was attractive but questions of what the revenue-sharing footing would be were raised. Fewer dollars for more municipalities would be available and there were those who spoke strongly against the plan. At the end of the discussions the committee chose not to frame a resolution although noting that legislation will go ahead without their endorsement. Stein asked what the impact would be on the whole program and Goldwyn said no one knows for certain. During the last fiscal year of the national program all states, were given the option to pick up the management of the funds; all but 13 accepted. At present, New York has until April to decide. Should they choose not to go with the state takeover, the program would continue to be administered through HUD Buffalo. Goldwyn added that in terms of the future, the city's preference would be for the continued HUD administration. After further discussion, Dennis MOVED that WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has been a participant in the Small Cities Program for over four years and has had an opportunity to fully experience the administration of the program through the HUD Buffalo office, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is strongly in support of the goals of the Cymnunity Development Program and Small Cities program to predominantly assist low and moderate income people especially in the area of housing, and WHEREAS, the selection criteria of HUD for a participating community assure that communities are chosen on the basis of number of lower income people through the Small Cities Program and those selection criteria should not be changed, and WHEREAS, the Federal Government allows states to take over administration of the CD Block Grant and it has been suggested that eligible, participant counties receive funds on an "entitlement" basis, and IURA/CDA r1tnutes: February :14, 1983. Page 9 WHEREAS, the County and the State are two levels of government in New York State which have had no experience in the administration of the Small Cities program thus far, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA, upon recommendation of the Budget and Administration Committee, opposes both State takeover and County distribution of the Small Cities funds, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Director of the Community Development Agency is hereby directed to convey this resolution to the County Board of Representatives, Southern Tier East Regional. Planning and Development Board, Governor Cuomo, State Assemblyman MacNeil , State Senator Riford, Senator D'Amato, Senator Moynihan, and Representative McHugh. Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Dennis MOVED that the Agency go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel and pending litigation on the Strand. Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNA- NIMOUSLY. The regular meeting reconvened at 11 :20. Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has reviewed the personnel plan as presented by the Business and Administration Committee and finds it acceptable, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves the plan and authorizes and directs the Chair and any other member necessary to sign the relevant forms to institute the proposal , and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes and directs the Chairman to sign the new staff contracts with salary increases retroactive to January 1 , 1983. MOTION PASSED 4-1 , the Mayor against. The meeting adjourned at 11 :25. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn IURA/CDA MINUTES , March 22 , 1983 "[j��[ 1983 4 :00 P.M. - Council Chambers [than.: PRESENT: Mayor Bill Shaw, Chair H. M. Van Co t%,;'Di cUUr, P&D Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Glenn M. Goldw "I/ ministrator Jim Dennis , IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Herman Sieverding, City Planning Stuart Stein , IURA/CDA Mack Travis , Developer Press 1. Call to Order The Mayor convened the meeting at 4 :10. 2. Minutes Stein asked that the Minutes of February 14, 1983 be approved with the following changes : on page 5, c) DSS-Support of Council Resolution, the name John Ray should be changed to read - Jim-Ray; in the next-to-last sentence of the same paragraph , the last clause ( "especially when the basis is to disagree") should be deleted. Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Report • None. 4 . Staff Reports None. 5. Economic Development a) Collegetown Development Planner Sieverding asked that the Agency extend the preferred conditional developer status of Travis and Travis for the College- town project . This status was conferred for a six month period lastSeptember . Since that time much- progress has been made : the parking and traffic studies have been completed, a number of parking alternatives have been investigated and Travis has made a significant change in the development program. The new program includes a hotel , restaurant and 15,000 sq. ft . of retail . This new concept has been favorably received by both Cornell officials and city planning staff . Before involving the services of market and feasibility analysists, Travis and Travis would like assurances that they will have the right to purchase land from the city. Sieverding suggested that the IURA extend conditional preferred developer status to Travis for an additional 1-2 months during which time negotiations with the city can take place to discuss the future terms and conditions of developer status including an option on the land. Mack Travis said that some agreement • MINUTES March. 22, 1983 page 2 must be reached before he hires the services of Leventhol and Horwath to do the feasibility study for the hotel. He said that if the project is deemed feasible he will want to purchse the land and, given the developemnt costs required to determine that , he did not want to ' risk changes in city administration or policy which might jeopardize his option to buy the city land. He asked that a memo of understanding be negotiated allowing him to obtain an option on the site . Also of major concern is the design of the project . As it was difficult to go ahead withonce-a-month meetings with Wilford, Lew Roscoe and Cornell have agreed to give Travis the design initiative. He added that if things go smoothly, they will be breaking ground within a year. Sieverding said that a hotel would make the UDAG application more competitive as it would provide at least 80 to 100 jobs in addi- tion to the retail related jobs and would generate substantial tax revenue to the city. Stein said that a way must be found to proceed while an agreement is made. Once all the terms are worked out , the plan will go to Common Council. After further discussion, Dennis MOVED that WHEREAS , Travis and Travis was designated the conditional preferred developer for the Collegetown redevelopment project by the IURA and Common Council in September 1982 , and WHEREAS, that designation period expires March 27, 1983 , and WHEREAS , Travis and Travis has demonstrated considerable progress in defining the development potential of the site and as a result has made a preliminary change in its development program, and WHEREAS, Travis and Travis desires further assurance of a City commitment to the project before engaging the necessary professional services to determine a final development program and financial feasibility, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Travis and Travis ' conditional preferred designation be extended until June 1 , 1983 during which period staff will negotiate the necessary commitments and conditions to a new conditional developemnt designation, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the commitments, conditions and designation are subject to Agency and Common Council approval . Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Stein asked how the negotiations should be handled. Sieverding said that committee persons Jones and Stein should continue to meet with Travis and staff and come back to the URA when an agreement had been reached. Van Cort said it would be necessary to involve the Common Council and it was decided that aldermen MINUTES March 22, 1983 page 3 Schlater and Dennis would also take part in the discussions. Sieverding said city attorney Paul Tavelli would also be needed at some point . He added that the city's preapplication for ARC funding had been ranked in a Group II priority rating and that the city has been asked to send iii a full application on the Collegetown project by April 1 , 1983. He will be meeting with the Planning and Development Committee to go over this but basically the format will be same as the preapplication submitted in September 1982: $250,000 for public improvements connected with the Collegetown project ; the majority of the funds to go toward parking and the balance towards streets and sidewalks to reduce the city's share of the expense. b) Commercial Industrial Property Improvements Stein said his committee had a meeting to review several applications for West State Street property improvements and had approved onefor the Joe the Tailor building, one for the Boykins Body Shop, and denied a third application. His committee had also met to discuss additional guidelines for the Commercial Industrial Property Improvements program and he MOVED that WHEREAS,the .E Conomic Development C'o'mmittee of the Agency has reviewed - the adopted guidelines for the implementation of the Commercial Industrial Property Improvements project and has determined that the following additions to the West State Street Facade program are appropriate and necessary to effective implementation : 1) Properties with mixed uses including housing shall have a priority among the eligible applicants . 2) Applications for funding improvements to properties which are nonconforming to the zoning of that district may be funded at the discretion of the Committee. 3) Applications for funding which have an impact on surrounding residential properties shall have a priority within the program. . NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves and adopts the above guidelines as recommended by the Economic Development Committee. Jones SECONDED. - Shaw said that he had been opposed last time but that these guidelines helped to clear things up. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion followed regarding the design services offered along with the loans and grants . Goldwyn said that the current contract for design services was limited to West State Street . Evans said • MINUTES March 22 , 1983 page 4 that HUD requires that designers be chosen in the fairest way possible. Shaw asked how much money was alloted to the designers . Evans said the designers worked an hourly rate, each designer having a maximum of $7,800 per contract . - The total amount available for , the West State Street project was $180,000 soAhat the design services came in under 10% of the entire line. Ten to twelve projects per designer had been the initial understanding. Not all of the consultant fee funds have been spent . • Shaw asked if the designers were offered along with the loans and grants. Evans said yes , it was part of the agreements signed by the owner. To date, of the total $15,000 set aside for the designer services on West State Street , only $7,400 has been spent . In the new RFP' s, Evans said she would ask for an idea of the costs for an average job. Stein then MOVED and Jones SECONDED that WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee of the Agency has recommended the solicitation of proposals for professional services associated with designand restoration processes of the Commercial Industrial Property Improvements Program, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Community Development staff is directed to prepare and disseminate a request for proposals for these needed services. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Jones asked who was doing the structural..work on the Joe the Tailor building. Evans said it was Raymond DePasquale, paid by INHS. City conservator Andrea Lazarski is in charge of the building's historical conservation. No direct CD funds are being used for structural wor-k. • 6. Public Infrastructure and Services a) Community Arts Jones said that it was nearly time to look at the 3rd Year Small Cities proposal in relation to how the Community Arts program will be handled. Two considerations must be taken into account : 1) review of their past performance and results of the current year and 2) the use of Small Cities funds as a match for a New York Foundation grant . A request for a program update by March 23rd was made but the material may not be ready until after April 10th (after the NYF match is required) . Goldwyn is trying to get the information to the committee for review. He said that no full demographic breakdown has been received. Goldwyn also asked that the URA pass a budget revision regarding the resolution to amend the TCAC contract for an additional $2 ,000. At the February meeting, this sum was transferred from the Housing Prosecution line; subsequent conversations with HUD reps indicated that any transfer of surplus funds from that line should be expended MINUTES March 22, 1983 page 5 on projects with a housing related purpose. Goldwyn therefore suggested that the February 14th action be rescinded and that the Resolution be changed to make the funds available from the CD Admin- istrative line, to be adjusted in the next year 's grant . Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED that WHEREAS , the IURA/CDA was desirous of increasing the level of programming within the Community Arts Program, administered by the Tompkins County Arts Council , and WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA passed unanimously a resolution at' the Agency's regular February 14 , 1983 meeting facilitating the transfer of $2,000 from S403 .2 Housing Prosecution into S506 Community Arts in order to meet that objective, and WHEREAS , Community Development staff has been notified by Department of Housing and Urban Development staff that technical consi-!. a.;; derations lead them to recommend against the adopted transfer, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA rescinds the subject resolution dated February 14 , 1983, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes the transfer of $2,000 from 5.508 .1 Community Development Administration into S506 Community Arts, with the expressed intent to modify the City 's FY 1983 CD Application in order to reflect a $2,000 increase in that year 's CD Administration and a corresponding reduction within the Community Arts program. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Goldwyn said he would be bringing a request for a continuation of the INNS Junk Removal fund with funds from the Housing Prose- (cution line. b) Strand Theater Jones MOVED and Stein SECONDED that WHEREAS , the engineering firm of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Krouner, P.C. expended more time on the Strand project to review plans for consistency with state codes, now THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that they be paid the additional sum of $268. 00 from ARC line Construction Contingency . During discussion, Evans said the original contract had been for $2, 300. At that time she had been unaware of the National Fire Code regulations but upon being informed of them decided it was better to assure the theater was in compliance rather than wait until after the theatre opened. The additional cost includes this inspection. . MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. MINUTES March 22, 1983 page 6 Jones said she and Reed had met two weeks before with Paul Tavelli to discuss the legal ramifications of the present Strand situation and to find out what kind of conversations Tavelli had with Strand lawyers . At that time, the committee was advised that the agency must abide with the six month period as stated in the tripartate agreement . The six month period comes to an end on the 1st of May . She added that she has heard of no activity on the part of the Strand owners or successor group. Shaw said he has spoken with Willy Pierce and urged him to stay in touch with the building owners. He has heard nothing since then. Paul Tavelli was asked to write a letter to the ARC attorneys and to the NY Department of State to clarify recent correspondence. Jones said it was the most ridiculous situation she has ever been mixed up in. Reed said the agency should be ready to move once the six month deadline is reached. He said he hoped the embryonic successor group hatches or the agency will have to take decisive action in May. Stein asked if the agency should do anything in anticipation of that date. He suggested they ask Paul Tavelli to advise them on what action they should take and to prepare for this action. Shaw said that the city attorney has everything well in hand and that he is working in anticipation of any number of events . Both owners are on notice. Reed said ..there, was still time for things to happen that might turn the project around and all agency members agreed they hoped this would occur . Evans asked permission from the Agency to continue carpet storage at the carpet company until the six month period is up. The carpet is paid for and has been held free of charge. This period ends on March 25th and she asked for authorization to continue storing the carpet there providing the cost was reasonable. Jones MOVED that CD staff investigate costs of carpet storage to the first of May and to continue storage if the costs are deemed reasonable. Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 7. Business and Administration a) Citizens Participation Plan Dennis discussed the draft CP plan and said it spells out CAC responsibility through the application and grant cycle. Goldwyn drew the Agency 's attention to the issue of minimum attendance requirements, and recommended that the bracketed section dealing with attendance be supplemented to include CAC Draft Budget meetings , as well as pre-application, final application, annual application. In response to the Mayor's questioning, Goldwyn noted that the actual removal of a CAC member under the terms of this requirement should be judged a low probability . Staff 's intent in recommending this section was to encourage higher attendance, rather than limiting citizen involvement . MINUTES March 22 , 1983 page 7 Discussion also followed over City Clerk Rundle 's memo concerning the terms of recent CAC appointments. It was agreed that the term of these appointments should be three years. Shaw also notes that the A-95 process was defunct , or soon to be eliminated, and it was agreed to delete A-95 responsibilities from the Plan. Shaw said he had not been aware that the CAC met to discuss UDAG projects . Evans said that the CAC held public hearings on all federal grant applications . HUD regulations require citizen input for all grants and if a CAC exists, it is then part of the process . The CAC group also reviewed the OEDP and at that time membership had been expanded to include business representatives. Shaw asked if there had been a CAC meeting on Rothschild's and Evans said that a public hearing had been called and all CAC members invited. Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED, that the IURA accept the Citizen Participation Plan as presented and amended above. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. c) Lump Sum Deposit Dennis suggested that the Economic Development Committee and the Budget and Administration Committee meet together to discuss this matter. He said that it should be reviewed thoroughly before a recommendation is made and he asked that this item be tabled until a future meeting. d) Personnel Dennis presented a resolution asking for a step raise for Natalie de Combray. Shaw said he would like to discuss this along with other personnel matters in executive session. Dennis MOVED that the agency go into Executive Session at the end of the meeting, Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED 4-1 , Anne Jones against . 8. Old Business Goldwyn reported on the Community Gardens. He said the new group has met with NYSEG and is ironing out the final details of that site' s use. They have laid out the plot plan and a large copy of this plan was delivered to staff for review. He said he had received inquiries regarding the Floral Avenue property and that questions were raised on the effect on memorial trees planted there. Site preparation for the Floral Avenue gardens had been scheduled to begin this year . Shaw asked Goldwyn to continue working with the Baord of Public Works on this issue. 9. New Business None. MINUTES March 22 , 1983 page 8 • The Agency moved into Executive Session at 5 :45 and returned to regular session at 6 :30. Dennis MOVED that WHEREAS , The Personnel Committee has reviewed the work record for 1982-1983 of Natalie de Combray and has determined that her performance consistently exceeds the work requirement, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorize a step raise increase to Natalie de Combray 's salary from Step 4 to Step 5, retroactive to February 1, 1983 . Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED 4-1, the Mayor abstaining. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6 :40. Respectively Submitted, Approved, /AL-- Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn ,C�O�ITsi 't :;• '-fls 4 4:¢4 ''; 5 lIat , 4s, .A: !ORTED_= .° A _ CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CODE 607 April 8, 1983 IURA/CDA MEETING April 11, 1983 - 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Minutes - Approval of March 22, 1983 Meeting 3. Chair Report 4. Staff Reports . 5. Budget & Administration A) Lump Sum Deposit Discussion (See attached Memo) 6. Public Services & Infrastruct e A) Cbmunity Gardens Update i 7. Neighborhoods & Housing A) INNS Request for Junk Removal Funding (Memo to Be Presented at Meeting) 8. Old Business 9. New Business 10. Adjournment I An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" IURA/ DA MINUTES April 11, 1983 7:30 P.M. Council Chambers PRESENT: Mayor Bill Shaw, Chair H. M. Van Cort, Executive Director, CAA Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator Jim Dennis, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Press Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA 1. Call to Order The Mayor convened the meeting at 7:45. 2. Minutes Jones MOVED and Stein SEOONDED to approve the Minutes of March 22, 1983. NUITO V PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Report None. 4. Staff Report ' • Goldwyn presented a memo from Nat Parish, the legislative liaison for New York State Housing and Redevelopment officials, regarding the State takeover of Community Development funds. Governor Cuomo has indicated that NY State will excercise its option to take over the program N aw asked if this was binding or if the decision was a legis- lativef:- ►gative. Staff said they would check on this. . Jones asked why the . said it was good news that the counties would not be dis- tributing the funds. Dennis said he thought it would be better to deal directly with the State through Gail Shaeffer's office rather than with the 'Ibmpkins County office. The Mayor said he will coincidentally be meeting with a group of Mayors of Small Cities within the Conference of Mayors. Evans said that the Conference of Mayors has formally come out against both State and County takeover of the program. At this time, she added, Mayors of cities Ithaca's size who have had CD funds in the past support a clean funnelling of these funds from the State to the cities and will work towards removing any obstacles standing in the way of the continued functioning of present CD programs. Shaw asked if Ithaca was a member of the joint committee of NYSHARO and the Mayor's Conference. Goldwyn said he would check with Parish and also ask him who other members are. Stein suggested that the agency look into the advisory council that will be set up and said it might be useful to see if it were possible to have himself nominated as a council member. His nominal position in the upstate cabinet for Governor Chomo might help in this endeavor and as a council member he could help look out for the interests of the City of Ithaca. Shaw asked Goldwyn to get some information on this and the three of them could meet to review the possibilities. Jones asked that the Mayors of Lockport and Hudson and the Supervisor of Greenburgh be thanked for their support and that con- tact be maintained with them and others that are concerned about the effectiveness of this new way of running CD. IURA/CDA MIN[TIE.S April 11 , 1983 Shaw said that by dealing directly with the Department of State, a lot of the Agency's concerns might be avoided. Goldwyn said that the City's position had been one of being against any adjustments to the ongoing HUD formula allocation of funds. Van Cort said staff was concerned about the efficiency of State machinery. The State must now start from scratch to set up a bureaucracy to distribute the money. Jones wondered if the takeover would now require trips to Albany to argue in favor of the City's positions. Evans said that past CD dealings with the State regarding fast drawdown of funds relating to housing had been pretty abysmal compared to staff's dealings with the Treasury where funds arrive 7-10 days after requests. She said this could be a major problem in dealing with various subgrantees who will need to borrow money in order to keep staff and fund programs. Shaw said he would like to meet with Stein and Goldwyn before he goes to the Conference of Mayors so he can carry their collective knowledge there on the above questions. Regarding the Strand, Evans reported that she was able to contact the carpeting manufacturers and they will charge $12 a month to continue storage. The Agency deemed this reasonable and authorized continuation of the storage until the end of June. 5. Budget.and Administration Lump Sum Deposit Discussion revolved around Goldwyn's memo of April 8. Goldwyn compared the kinds of experience staff expects to have by either continuing the revolving loan fund process, or taking up the bank on their concept of the interest reduction program. The primary advantage of going with this interest reduction program is that it would enable CD to get more loans out into the economy in a shorter period of time. A primary disadvantage is that under this program, CD would utilize its funds to reduce the interest rate from a commercial level down to the 5% offered, without seeing the money again. CD would gain some modest interest on the deposited funds but the dollars would not revolve. Using the two examples as presented on page 3 of the memo, CD would manage to put out, in two years, $452,000 worth of loans and grants, including the match from the owners. It takes until 1987 to put out $387,000 under the revolving loan program but there is a relatively stable return so that the program can operate on pay back which need not necessarily continue for the West State Street or Commercial Industrial Program but can be used for any other CD activity as program income for the City. In describing the loan committee process to the bank (whereby 3 agency members and a banking representative review applications), the bank said they would want the last word on whether or not the loan would be given. Because the bank would be accepting full risk for the loans under the interest reduction system, they would not be willing to have the loan committee be the ultimate arbitrator. Goldwyn suggested that, should an applicant be approved by all save the banking representative, the loan could still be made but would be made out of the principal. It would become a revolving loan and the bank's risk would not be involved. First Bank officials said this would be acceptable to them. IURA/CAA MINUTES -3- April 11, 1983 Reed asked if there was an INKS recommendation on this. Goldwyn said there were relatively few NHS dollars involved in this year's program ($60,000 for House Recycling). In FY 1984 nearly all the funds are from INHS and would require a separate negotiation. Van Cbrt asked what other banks were charging for commercial loans. Goldwyn said he didn't know. He added that First Bank was not making a commitment. for the full year but that they would always remain 1 point below whatever their given commercial rate was. If it goes down, the loans will be made a point lower; if it goes up, the amount will increase to one point below this higher rate. Evans said that one of the Loan Committee's functions on the West State Street program has been design control. This has been a crucial aspect of the program and she asked if this control might be lost under the new loan system. . Goldwyn said he did not see this as a problem. The banks had no problems with the Loan Committee's design control powers. Van Cort asked how the Loan Cbnmittee determines the length of the payback period. Evans said it was a straight formula depending on the amount borrowed. Up to $4,000 it is four years, up to ': ,000 it's six years, , and more than that is eight years. _ Stein asked why First Bank was the only bank the agency is dealing with. He said that he knew this was the only bank that responded to the offer but he asked why the other banks weren't interested. Goldwyn said two banks had offered explanations. One said it could not comply with the terms of the offering and the other said it couldn't respond at this time but would like to be asked again. The way the lump sum deposit program is structured, there are a couple of ways that HUD will approve the arrangements. The most attractive way is for the banks to set aside a sum of funds substantially in excess of the deposit for similar activities at a reduced interest. If CD put in $100,000 of loan/grant funds for the housing program, as an example the banks would set aside $150,000 at something below their market rate for similar residential loans. After some further discussion Shaw said that this work should be done in committee rather than on the floor. He said the questions were good but that the data already provided sums up the basic issues and he suggested the information be passed on to the Economic Development and the Budget and Administration Committees for review. Shaw asked who would be earning interest on the money if this new system were not pursued. Goldwyn explained that there is not much interest earned because the Treasury keeps the money until CD requests.. what is needed. , Once the money arrives, CD is obligated to spend it within 3 days. He added that once the funds are lent here locally, and the repayments start to be made, the funds begin revolving. This operation is outlined on the 2nd page of Goldwyn's memo. In this way, the money that CD has lent thus far is earning over $3,000 a month back in interest. With time, as more money is loaned out, more funds will be revolved back. At the end of the West State Street program this interest can be used for new projects. This would not be possible if CD were putting the money into the bank to reduce interest as proposed by First Bank. - Shaw asked that the Agency be informed when the B&A Committee meets and he said that the full membership will discuss this topic when a recommendation from that committee is at hand. IURA/CDA MINUTES -4- April 11, 1983 6. Public Services and Infrastructure Community (' rdens Update Goldwyn referred to charts indicating site plans for the NYSEG property. 167 plots are projected. The first registration period for this year's planting occurred last week and a follow up registration is slated for April 29th. The gardeners have been pursuing portions of city parkland on Floral Avenue. In light of discussions between the Board of Public • Works and other interested parties, the question came up as to whether or not a variance was required for the gardeners to go in on city-owned land. The staff raised the question with the Building Commissioner, who is responsible for interpreting the City's Zoning Ordinance, and his response was that the gardeners could go into the public park land without a variance; however, they would need a variance in all the residentially zoned areas. CD's position, in terms of looking at future gardening sites, questions whether the agency would feel it were appropriate to have the BZA make a final interpretation as to whether or not a zoning variance will be required. All the sites being investigated in the target area are within residentially zoned areas. Hoard's memo suggests this option. Another possibility would be to amend the zoning ordinance specifying community gardens as a "use by right" or special permit in some residential classifications. During this process, standards could be made saying these gardens must be non-profit, that there would be no more than x number of plots, parking regulations, and so forth. Goldwyn asked the agency what CD's role at this point should be as it intends to purchase land for the gardeners. Ttvo public hearings will be held when a purchase offer is made because it will revise the original application that discussed the First Street property. These two public hearings are HUED mandated. Van Cbrt said only the BZA can interpret the zoning ordinance. Reed asked what the difference would be between a group of people gardening in a lot and having a garden in one's own backyard. Van Cort said the difference lay in the primary use of the property in question and added that the BZA could consider a variance for one piece of property at a time. Whether they turned it down or approved it, it would only apply to the property in question. • Three actions were considered: to ask the BZA for a general interpretation; to ask for individual variances as potential sites came up; to ask the legis- lative body of the Common council to consider an amendment. Shaw said that Project Growing Hope might want to make the decision on whet er they want to pursue BZA variance or the legislative clarification. Another option would be the special permit approach, setting conditions such as non-for-profit organizations. Goldwyn said that the gardener's did not expect to use the residential plot until 1984. 167 plots at the NYSEG site will be in use in the 1983 growing season. The gardeners have indi- cated to the BPW their desire to continue to talk and discuss about other potential sites. Goldwyn is also pursuing several other sites, both in the Floral Avenue vicinity and in residential zones. Shaw said he would refer the subject to the City Attorney. He noted that more questions had been raised than resolved and said the agency would be doing the wise thing in not deciding at this meeting. He said they could continue to look at the matter and he directed staff to consult with Paul • Tavelli, and, if Tavelli is unwilling to rule as a governmental function, that the matter be taken to the BZA in May. Reed so MOVED; Stein SECONDED. IURA/CDA MINUTES • -5- April 11, 1983 Shaw did not feel there was any rush to go to the BZA and suggested they wait to hear from Tavelli, talk to Hoard and keep communications open with Project Growing Hope. After discussion, it was decided to rephrase the Motion to read that it be RESOLVED, that the Agency directs staff to ask the City Attorney- City must comply with its Own Zoning-Ordinance With regards to the Cbnmunity Gardens and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that/staff keep Project Growing Hope up to date with..progress of the present issues. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY., Reed asked that the Minutes show congratulations to the Project Growing Hope people for the tastefully done material relative to the gardens. He said that the agency was dealing with a group showing great seriousness of purpose. Goldwyn said he would convey this message to the gardeners. Jones asked if the agency should discuss the memorial tree issue of Floral Avenue. Shaw said that no further action can be taken on this site at this time because of the widening of the avenue. In a letter to the Superintendent of Public Works from the coordinator and consultant of the project, the gardeners said they would like to know the maintenance standards being developed and continue discussion in the future. A public meeting will be held some time later on but they will be busy getting under way with the NYSEG site preparation and did not want to pursue this at the moment. Jones said she heard that the Garden Club is upset over the potential danger to the memorial trees. Van Cort said there is a lot to be said for changing the pattern in which the trees were originally planted. The gardeners are sensitive to this position and he said that he was sure that progress could be made without damage to the trees. 7. Neighborhoods and Housing INHS Request for Junk Removal Funding Dennis presented a resolution asking that $4,000 be transferred from the Housing Prosecution line to the INHS Junk Removal line. Stein said that he had been against junk removal since it had been put into the budget and he asked how much had been spent on this project. Evans said $5,000 had been spent last year. Stein said he could understand the necessity of this program when the initial clean up of the target area began but he asked where, - after seven years, was the junk still coming from. Shaw said he had the same questions last year but that INHS Director Elizabeth Prentice had explained the need for the funds at that time. Shaw had spoken with Prentice before the meeting and she said she was unable to attend because of illness. The' Mayor had told her that if the Agency responded negatively to this request for new funds, he would table the subject until she or another' INHS representative could be present. He agreed that the need for another $4,000 was questionable and he asked when the requests would stop. He added that IURA/CDA MINUTES -6- April 11; '1983 CD should not take on the role of a private DPW. Dennis said that, as he understands it, NHS does not return to a house once it has been rehabilitated. The junk removal process goes on only when a new house is being worked on. Each new property generates its own need for junk removal. This is part of the total clean up program for an individual. building. Agency members had other questions and it was decided to defer any decision until INHS was present to answer concerns and to explain their need for continuation of this program. Shaw asked that it be referred to committee for review. 8. Old Business None. 9. New Business Ithaca Center Dennis discussed the letter that came from the Center Ithaca Business Association to George Gesslein concerning the atrium. Some merchants feel the City has the responsibility for managing this area. In_ discussions with Planning staff, Dennis said that it seems that the contracts do not specify this. He suggested that Halcyon be asked to act as mediator between merchants and owners to work this out.. The issues in question are coverage, management and public events. Shaw said this too should be referred to committee and noted that too many subjects are brought up at meetings when there are not enough facts or figures to help the members take action. West End Project Dennis said that Cbnmon Council had passed a resolution making the URA lead agency for the West End. Staff can now develop a RIP's sheet so that interest shown in this project can formally be brought to the Agency. Other Council action was to pass on the resolution extending the Travis and Travis conditional preferred developer status until June 1. Strand Jones asked if anyone had heard anything about the Strand. Shaw said nothing had happended to his knowledge since the last URA meeting. Jones asked if there would be a response from the State of New York on the authenticity of the ARC lawyer's statements to the agency in relation to the Strand in time for the next agency meeting. Shaw said that Tavelli had written asking for this information but no guarantee could be made that there would be a response. Community Arts Jones told the agency that the Arts Council will not apply for the NY lbundation Grant so will not be using the CAP funds as a match. Stein said this will simplify matters. The meeting adjourned at 10:00. Respectfully Submitted: 4 Approved: MINUTES IURA/CDA May 9, 1983 7:30 P.M. - Common Council Chambers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • PRESENT: Mayor Bill Shaw, Chair H. M. Van Cort, CD Director Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Glenn Goldwyn, CD Administrator Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans , CD Planner James Dennis , IURA/CDA Alice Reid, Ithaca Ballet Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Press Paul Tavelli , City Attorney 1 . Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:35. 2. Minutes Jones MOVED and Stein SECONDED that the Minutes of April 11, 1983 be approved. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Report Shaw made mention of recently stated concerns by the business community concerning the pace of redevelopment plans for the Rothschilds ' building. He said that the Banks , not the City, were in charge of the building and that the Banks were not . telling him what they were doing because they were afraid that premature release' to' the press might harm their negotiations . Discuss ions concerning the Ithaca Center, a project more directly under the city 's control , can be and are reviewed in more public forums on a regular basis . With regard to the Rothschilds project , a press release by the six banks is anticipated shortly . 4. Staff Report Goldwyn said that a CAC meeting was scheduled for Wednesday , May 11 , at 7:30 at GIAC. The meeting will be to introduce new members and to update the CAC on basic funding changes . Both Reed and Dennis said they would be unable to attend. 5 . Public Services and Infrastructure Strand Ithaca Ballet Guild Director Alice Reid spoke first and said that her company had sent a letter on April 20th to Strand owner Bill Wilcox offering to take over the theatre. A response on May 2nd resulted in Mr. Wilcox's offer to deed the theatre over to -the Ballet Guild, debt free . A meeting between the two groups and their attorneys is scheduled for May 10th . Reid briefly outlined the Ballet Ouild 's history and said locally it is one of the few tax exempt , non-profit organizations, with IURA/CDA Minutes May 9 1983 page 2 a yearly budget of over $50,000 and no debts . The Guild also owns property at 506 N. Plain Street on which Reid holds the mortgage (to be forgiven at her death) . Attorney Charles Currey, also treasurei. of the Guild 's Board of Directors, will be meeting with Wilcox and attorney James Miller to discuss the cost of repairs necessary before the theatre could open. The sum of $100,000 was estimated as the cost for reopening and Reid said that two "angels" might come up with the money . Major re- pairs to the roof, the sprinkler system and ceiling plaster are needed as well as inspection of the elctric and heat system . and general cleaning of the building. She said volunteers were available for the clean-up and that Wilcox had also promised to pay back-taxes . Wilcox would also pay for a structural analysis of the building. Reid said that both the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and the Ithaca Opera want to work in the Strand and cited parking problems at Cornell as one of the reasons for this preference. The opera stopped playing at the Strand because of the cold backstage area but now the doors and windows have. been weather-stripped and ARC funds have also helped to insulate the loading doors etc. Reid said the ultimate intention of the Guild would be to form a group that would assist the theatre to become a community affair . Reid said that ideally it should be owned by the City or the County as it was the last performing theatre in downtown Ithaca. She said that the upstairs portion of the building could be rented for offices and the dance studio in the foyer could be rented out for dancing classes . Her own ballet group would continue classes at their studio on N. Plain Street and would only use the Strand for performances . Reid added there is already someone interested in the position of general manager of the theatre and that this job would generate its own salary . After further discussion, Jones said that the agency 's first concern was with the administration of the ARC funds . Although the city would be more than happy to see the theatre in operatlion, she said that the URA was now committed 'to protecting the investment already made in the Strand. With this in mind, she! and Clarence Reed had met on Friday to discuss the ARC attorney 's letter and the findings enclosed . Following this meeting the committee drafted a resolution which she now MOVED: WHEREAS, according to the Tripartite Lease Agreement between the Strand Theatre Owners, TC3PA and the City of Ithaca, which stated in part , that should TC3PA become defunct and no longer able to develop and manage programming in the theatre, the owners are responsible for funding another group within six months which could carry out IURA/CDA Minutes May .9, 1983 page 3 • • • the intent of the ARC grant , and WHEREAS, the owners have been afforded over six months to find another responsible not-for-profit group which can care for the building and manage community program- • ming therein, and • WHEREAS, no such group has been found and presented to the IURA/ CDA, now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA directs the City. Attorney to formally notify the owners that time has expired for the search, and directs him to work with the• owners and their representatives to facilitate an expeditious sale of the property to settle debts to the mortgagee , taxing jurisdictions and the Appalachia Regional Com- mission, and to report back to the Strand Committee no later than June 1 , 1983 with a firm sale date. Reed SECONDED the motion and discussion followed on the floor. City attorney Tavelli said that the ARC letter was clear and concise and answered most of his questions . Of major importance is the statement that the city does not have an obligation with respect to repayment of the funds . However, the city , as an administrator, has obligations and he presented two options : 1) giving another time extension to the owners or 2) to direct the owners to sell the building and settle their debts . The latter could be accomplished by sealed bidding at a public auction . Tavelli said he thought it was in the interest of the agency to try and sell the building as the only other alternative would be for the city to begin a lawsuit against the owners based on the tripartate agreement . In order to discuss building sale strategy , Tavelli suggested that the agency move into executive session . Discussion followed about whether to go into executive session before voting on the resolution or after . Both the Mayor and Van Cort pressed for executive session before the vote and Dennis MOVED that the agency go into executive session . There was no SECOND to his motion and a vote was taken on the original resolution presented above. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Shaw stated that this action should not be viewed negatively by the Ballet Guild and Reid said they would continue their negotiations IURA/CDA Minutes May 9, 1983 page 4 with Strand owners as planned . The agency thanked her for her participation and interest . Reed said he thought that her group might be able to pull the project off and added he would be ' delighted if her plan worked. Alice Reid said that she was aware of the time aspect and that she and her group would move as quickly as possible. Shaw said the city would continue to do. everything they could to facilitate the reopening of the Strand. Reed then MOVED that the agency go into EXECUTIVE SESSION. Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED 4-1 , Jones against . Regular session resumed at 9:30 with nb action resulting from the executive session. 6. Neighborhoods and Housing INHS Junk Removal Stein-said his committee had met with Doug Dylla of INHS and that his concerns about the junk removal project had been . satisfied. He was now ready to support the program. Jones asked him what information had changed his mind and Stein said that he originally had questions about the continuing need for this program in the target area. He now understood that under $100 was apportioned per household for this clean-up and that 70% of this money goes toward low/mod income use . He MOVED that WHEREAS, the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. has requested Four Thousand Dollars for a continuation of their Junk Removal Program, and WHEREAS, this request has been reviewed and recommended by the Neighborhoods and Housing Committee of the IURA/CDA, and WHEREAS, it is evident that Housing Prosecution (S403.2 and 5503 .2) have developed a surplus in funds sufficient to meet this request , now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA, subject to approval by the Department of Housing and Urban Development , authorizes the transfer of Four Thousand Dollars ($4 ,000) from Housing Prosecution (S403.2 and 5503.2) to INHS Junk Removal (5403 . 3 and 5503 . 3) and authorizes IURA/CDA Minutes May 9, 1983 page 5 the Mayor, as Chair for the IURA/CDA, to sign an amendment to the Basic Rehabilitation contract with INHS to facilitate that transfer. Jones •SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Housing Policies • Evans said that the report will be finished within 10 days or so and that the agency will receive copies of the study for review before the next regular meeting. , • 7. Economic Development • Commercial/Industrial Improvements Stein said that the committee was recommending two names -for the design and construction services of the Commercial/Industrial Property Improvement Program. Public notices had been published in the Journal and Requests for Proposals sent to all archi- tects in the Ithaca yellow pages . He MOVED WHEREAS, Community Development Staff has advertized a Request , for Proposal for design and construction services relative to the Neighborhood Commercial/Industrial Property Improvement Program, and WHEREAS, the proposals received have been reviewed by the Economic Development Committee of the IURA/CDA, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA, upon recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, authorizes the preparation of contracts for such services with : Robert Boehlecke , Ithaca NY and Romanoff and Associates , Ithaca, NY. Jones SECONDED but said she would like to have a clause added which would keep open the possibility of having new proposals accepted if others were submitted . She said she was concerned that the Agency continued to employ the same people. Goldwyn noted that only 4 responses were received and that those with the best credentials and experience had been selected. Larger firms had declined because of the small size of the jobs IURA/CDA Minutes May 9, 1983 page 6 or becau§e of other commitments . Evans added that the URA has hired many other architects and designers in the past and men- tioned O'Brien wind Taube, Seminario Dillon , Egner, Duryea and Wilhelmi and Robert Leathers as some examples . She said all of the former had been invited to respond to this project as well . Jones said was still uncomfortable with the resolution and the MOTION PASSED 4-1, Jones abstaining. Lump Sum Deposit Dennis MOVED and Stein SECONDED that WHEREAS , in order to maximize the effectiveness of the City of Ithaca 's expenditure of Community Development Block Grant funds , the IURA/CDA advertized a Request for Proposals (RFP) to local financial institutions soliciting proposals for a Lump Sum Deposit agreement , and WHEREAS, only one such proposal was received, and upon review by the Economic Development Committee of the IURA/CDA that proposal was found to be deficient in the best interests of the Agency, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that upon recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, the IURA/CDA rejects the proposal . received, and directs the Community Development staff to offer a Request For Proposals for Lump Sum Deposit Agreements for Fiscal Year 1983- 1984 , subject to availability of the format under the New York State Department of State guidelines . MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 9. Old Business Jones asked if-the Agency had ever thanked the Arts Council for their help with the Strand situation . Shaw said he had spoken with the director but that he had not formally sent a letter IURA/CDA Minutes May 9, 1983 page 7 of thanks . He said that this might be premature as the city may still need their help. 10. New Business Jones asked if the Agency would pass a resolution of support for the funding of the County Housing Task Force by FEMA for an emergency shelter . She MOVED that it be RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency supports the efforts of the Tompkins County Housing Task Force, Inc. seeking funding for an emergency shelter through the New York State FEMA and would urge their full consi- deration of this noble effort to provide emergency shelter for this community . Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY . The meeting adjourned at 10:30. Respectfully Submitted, - Approved, 444,44 Natalie de Combray enn M. Goldwyn MINUTES IURA/CDA SPECIAL MEETING May 23, 1983- 4 : 30 P .M. 3rd Floor Conference Room PRESENT: Mayor Shaw , Chair Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator Clarence Reed, URA/CDA 'Kathe Evans , CD Planner James Dennis , IURA/CDA Elizabeth Prentice, INNS Director Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Steve Brouwer, INHS Anne Jones , IURA/CDA George Gesslein, Citizens Savings Herman Sieverding, P&1) Mack Travis , Collegetown Developer The Mayor called the meeting to order at 4 :40 and asked that the agenda sequence be reversed. 1 . INHS UDAG Proposal Sieverding referred to his memo of May 22 in which he listed the reasons staff has suggested going for a UDAG grant to supplement CD and local funding of the Henry St . John Project . Cut backs in the 3rd Year Small Cities contract and the uncertainty of the Ithaca Center payback time frame were additional reasons for staff 's interest in the UDAG. A tentative commitment from Citizens Savings Bank has been made and Sieverding said that the bank and INHS are working with the State of New York Mort- gage Association for a 50% loan guarantee on the banks 's mort- gage . In the past , UDAGs were used for projects that created long-term employment opportunities and HUD prohibited their use for housing . However, because of the low number of small cities applying, HUD hired Halcyon Ltd, development consultants , to help these cities put together UDAG applications , and HUD has become willing to now fund housing projects . Sieverding added that the initial reactions from the UDAG regional director in Washington and from Halcyon have been favorable to the Henry St . John project . Although staff originally proposed an annual percentage interest payback system, UDAG staff said that the nature of the project (a non-profit providing Section 8 level rental units) would make this unnecessary . Staff now recommends a 28% payback of the residual upon sale of the building. INHS Executive Director Prentice said that INHS intends to keep the building for at least 15-20 years . The space will be divided into 12, 000 sq ft of rental housing, 8,000 sq ft of office space and the two-story gym which will be available for public use . The YMCA is a tentative tenant for the latter and the office space will be rented at $5 .00 a square foot to community service organizations . Rental units will be used for Section 8 low/mod income families and the playground will be left intact except for the removal of older equipment . Prentice said that most traffic will remain on the Clinton Street side with separate entrances to the various building parts . She added that NHS will pay full real estate taxes on the property . MINUTES URA/CDA SPECIAL MEETING May 23 , 1983 page 2 One of NHS 's concerns at the time they bought the building was the possibility of using it entirely for offices Prentice said the present proposal helps to maintain the residential character of the building and also acts as a buffer between the neighborhood and the downtown business district . At a recent retreat weekend, NHS discussed their future in "worst case" terms which included the prospect of not more federal funding. Beginning in 1985, NHS would become self-sustaining and would maintain a small staff to assure continuation of the rental management in the target area as well as a tenant manager for the Henry St . John building. If , at the end of 15 years or so, NHS sold the building, they would begin repayment of the UDAG loan. Shaw said he was concerned aobu the non-traditional UDAG repay- ment plan . He said that the money was a loan , not a grant , and the funds would be used to staff and maintain the building versus being recycled . Dennis noted that a percentage payback on $125, 000 over 20 years was negligible . Evans said that the city 's concern should be to provide housing for low/mod income people and not to bleed the project for its own profit . Prentice said she had no objection to a payback schedule if the URA required it but asked if the payback schedule would have to be pinned down before the Council meeing on May 25th . Sieverding said no, the payback terms could be worked out during the application period. The important thing would be to pass the resolution asking staff to begin the application process in order to meet the UDAG deadline of May 31 . Additionally , there is a congressional intent to spend the UDAG Jobs Bill funds before the end of FY 1983 , improving the prospects of funding in this round. Reed asked if the building should be given over to IHA once it is developed. Evans said that IHA Director Battisti is not interested in running buildings with less that 30/40 units . Jones said she was less concerned about the payback than she was about the project . Residents of Geneva Street would not be happy with an unfinished project or one that was badly maintained . Shaw asked if more funding might make a better building. Prentice said that NHS was firm with their project development costs and that $450, 000 would amply cover them. George Gesslein said the bank thinks the project is feasible and that NHS has proven they can do this kind of project . He said he would be leery of adding more money as the numbers already seem to work. Shaw said he was still dissatisfied with the repayment terms . Sieverding noted that the resolution did not specify anything about repayment and that those terms could be worked out later. MINUTES URA/CDA SPECIAL MEETING May 23 , 1983 page 3 After further discussion , Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that WHEREAS, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services ( INHS) has been selected by the Ithaca City School Board to renovate the Henry St . John School , and WHEREAS, the INHS re-use proposal is consistent with the City 's goal of encouraging the development of low and moderate income housing, protects the surrounding residential neighborhood and addresses the objectives of the Housing Assistance Plan, and WHEREAS, $125,000 in UDAG funds combined with $25, 000 in CD funds will leverage the private loan commitment of $300,000 necessary to complete the financing for this project , now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA recommends that Common Council authorize and direct the Mayor to sign and submit a UDAG application to HUD with the assistance of the Director of Planning and Development and the City Attorney . MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY . 2. Collegetown Travis Option Proposal Jones said she would like to discuss the Travis option in private before the Wednesday Council meeting. Because of the late hour , Reed MOVED that the meeting temporarily adjourn and then reconvene on May 24 at 4 :00 PM to discuss the Travis option in Executive Session . Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY . This portion of the meeting adjourned at 5 : 30 . -4- May 24 , 1983 Continuation of special IURA/CDA meeting . Executive Session The IURA/CDA Executive Session convened at 4 :00 P .M. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room and adjourned at 6 : 10 P.M. No action was taken at this time . Regular session resumed and the following changes to the option proposal dated May 20 , 1983 were made : 1 . The name Mack Travis will be changed to Travis and Travis in the first paragraph . 2 . 4d --The section that begins "The parking facility . . . " will be omitted to the end of section 4d. 3. 4e --"The total number of spaces shall be equal to the amount of UDAG and/or funds from other sources including any capital funds obtained by the City from Cornell University and allocated to parking divided by the total project cost of building a parking space" shall be substituted for the 3rd sentence in section 4e . The rest of the section will remain as is . 4 . 7 -- "The consent of the City . . . . " is no longer a principle in each component of the project . The word 'component ' was added. Planner Sieverding agreed to convey these changes to Travis and Travis for incorporation into a new option proposal to be distri- buted to Agency members for review. Dennis next MOVED and Reed SECONDED that WHEREAS, the IURA and Common Council have directed the Developer Negotiation Committee and staff to negotiate with Travis and Travis the conditions and commitments necessary to continue the designation of Travis and Travis as the conditional preferred developer for the Collegetown redevelopment , and WHEREAS, the Negotiation Committee has negotiated with Travis and Travis an option agreement that defines the responsibili- ties each party will assume in the development of a hotel , retail and parking project and the conditions precedent to a land conveyance between the City, IURA and Travis and Travis , now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends that the Common Council hold a public hearing on June 16 to discuss the proposed option agreement and to transfer title to the property to the IURA so that it can execute the option agreement with Travis and Travis . MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY . The meeting adjourned at 7: 00 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, _ � /1145-C'' HILDA HUTSON IURA/CDA MINUTES June 13, 1983 7:30 P.M. - Council Chambers PRESENT: Mayor Shaw, Chair Glenn Goldwyn, CD Administrator Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Donna Murison, CD Bookkeeper Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Susan Blumenthal , Consultant Jim Dennis, IURA/CDA Anne Clavel , Consultant Paul Tavelli , City Attorney Tom Niederkorn, Consultant Herman Sieverding, P&D Press 1 . Call to Order The Mayor convened the meeting at 7:40 and asked that some revision to the Agenda be made to accommodate those present to hear the Land Use Study report. 2. Minutes As two URA members had not received copies of the previous Minutes, this item was postponed to the next meeting. 3. Chair Report The Mayor asked agency members for their thoughts and comments regarding the various changes in the by-laws of the Tompkins County Area Development Corpor- ation (TCADC). He said that the City was an active member of this group and that he, David Banfield and Thys Van Cort were city representatives to that body. At a meeting on Friday, June 17, the corporation will be discussing the possibility of expanding the composition of the board to reduce Cornell repre- sentatives. Input of other concerns or ideas would be welcome and he asked that the membership convey their thoughts by phone or by note before the Friday meeting. He added that the TCADC had been helpful during the early stages of the Rothschilds ' debates. 4. Economic Development Committee Travis Option Proposal Sieverding presented the changes to the option proposal that were made at the Planning and Developemnt Committee meeting. He said that these changes had been discussed and reviewed with Travis and his attorney. This new option proposal , received late in the afternoon, is their response. Siverding said that no action is expected from the IURA at this evening's meeting but he suggested the Negotiating Committee meet before the public hearing to look at the new language. He added that he would reserve comment on the new proposal until it had been looked over by the City Attorney. The public hearing will be held on June 16th and will be a joint Council and IURA meeting to discuss the new option and possibly to extend the conditional preferred developer status of Travis and Travis. Jones said she had not been notified of this Public Hearing and that if it is an official meeting, it should have been announced. Shaw noted that the meeting IURA/CDA MINUTES June 13, 1983 page 3 Reed MOVED that WHEREAS, the housing policies consultants , Susan Blumenthal , Ann Clavel and Tom Niederkorn have satisfactorily completed a preliminary study of affordable housing in which they have reviewed data and made recommendations for future analysis and policy development, now, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA accepts their report and directs staff to make payment to the consultants. Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Jones next MOVED and Reed SECONDED that WHEREAS, the housing policies consultants will be asked to meet with and present information on their report to IURA staff and committees and other city agencies and committees beyond this presentation (June 13, 1983) , now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, -that the IURA/CDA authorizes the Neighborhoods and Housing Committee to call upon the consultants to meet with them or their designees and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the consultants shall be paid at the rate of $25.00 per hour each, not to exceed a total of $100.00 per consultant. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 8. Public Infrastructure and Services Committee Strand Update Reed reported that negotiations between present owners and the Ballet Guild were still in progress and that there was still some promise that an agreement may be worked out. A meeting for Tuesday, June 14 is scheduled but attorney Chuck Currey said he anticipates no final decision. Currey is also acting treasurer for the Ballet Guild Board. Evans said that the Guild will be asking CD staff what information will be needed by the URA in order IURA/CDA MINUTES June 13, 1983 page 4 for the agency to make an informed decision. Questions such as the Guild's financial status, Board membership, etc. are the kind of questions that will need firm answers. Shaw said he was pleased the Guild was addressing itself to these questions and he asked Tavelli what impressions he had regarding the negotiations. Tavelli said that the three attorneys (Perkins, Thaler and Miller) representing the three owners appeared to be in accord and all those involved wanted some more time to continue discussions. Agency members agreed not to press for action at this time. Travis Option Proposal The agency returned to the subject of the Travis Option Proposal . Tavelli said that under the new option proposal the city may end up owning the public parking lot. He said that by dividing the parking facility into two deeds, the developers could then decide to run only the portion pertaining to the hotel . Tavelli added that there is no money to be made in a parking garage. Sieverding said this part of the proposal might not be favorably reviewed by HUD. Awards are made on the basis of total project need, thus the entire project may have to secure the UDAG. Shaw asked why the city would be obliged to buy the parking lot if it didn't want to. Tavelli said the city could come by the land by the failure of the developer's to pay their taxes. Sieverding added that the UDAG on the garage could be in a first position. If there was a default in that portion of the project the city could conceivably take that portion over (assuming HUD approved separate UDAG transactions). He said that probably the split was a way around the developer's not using their cash flow from the hotel to subsidize the public portion of the parking garage. However, UDAG represent- atives are likely to say that since UDAG is based on total demand, severing any component from the UDAG may not be possible. If it is split, the proposal might not be accepted because the security on the UDAG would be reduced. Discussion followed regarding the extension to February 1984 of the developer's conditional preffered status. Sieverding said the August deadline appears impossible to meet but that November might be possible. Cornell is talking about breaking ground in March so that the February deadline is pushing it very close in terms of using the value of the Performing Arts Center for UDAG leverage. However, Sieverding said, Travis feels an extension to February would be the kind of insurance he would like. Stein said he had no problem with the proposal and added that the agreement satisfied his general concerns. Specific terms such as 'severability' were difficult and were the problem of lawyers. Shaw agreed and said that changes had been anticipated. Tavelli noted that no option agreements were being proposed for signature. 9. Staff Reports Section 8 NOFA Evans reported that the city had received notification of available certificates for Section 8 Existing Housing units. Ithaca Housing Authority Director Mary • IURA/CDA MINUTES • June 13, 1983 page 2 had been discussed at the last URA meeting and was mentioned in the Minutes of May 23/24. Technically, he said, the URA need not pass a resolution spe- cifically on the option. The final language could be discussed but would, in any case, come back to the agency after action by Council . Jones asked how much leeway the agency would have to change the option after the public hearing. Sieverding said the major change has to do with assignability and the agreement regarding the public parking. Jones asked why the devel- oper status should be extended. By extending the date to February 1984, Travis will had had preferred developer status for a year and a half. She said that it did not seem fair to other developers who have shown interest in the project. Dennis said that the August 31st date was not reachable. Sieverding said this is one of the items that could be discussed by the Negotiating Committee. Shaw said that Tavelli was expected at the meeting later on and suggested the discussion continue at that time. 5. Neighborhoods and Housing Committee Land Use Study Stein said his committee had met and reviewed the Land Use Study on Housing Affordability for low/mod income people. He noted that the report contained a number of suggestions and that the full agency would hear a report from the consultants who had preapred the study. He added that no action would be expected at this time but that the study would be reviewed by the committee over the next months to discuss implementation. He added that the committee had also invited the CAC and P&D Committee members to hear the report as it was felt that their input and involvement was also important. Evans said that the agency will be asked to pass a resolution accepting the report and authorizing payment. She said the funds will come from 5th and 6th year Small Cities. $17,000 has been reserved for the study. $2,240 was contracted for the report done by the consultants and an additional $300 will be asked for to cover costs of the consultant's time at meetings. The remainder of the funds will be available for further studies outlined in the report !or resulting from meetings based on the report. This money comes from the CD Administration line for studies and the implementation of the conclusions derived from these studies in order to establish policies to expand the affordability of housing for low and moderate income people within the City of Ithaca. Consultants Blumenthal , Clavel and Niederkorn summed up their findings and suggestions as reported in the study (attached to the Minutes filed in the CD office) . Discussion of the presentation followed. Stein noted that the suggestions for improvement of the situation varied in scope from the small to the large. He suggested that the committee set up priorities based on criteria presented in order to decide where the city should go from here. He said that he was not enthusiastic about changing the zoning ordinance as this action would not yield in unit time and costs. He also asked that the political feasibility of some of the suggestions should be determined by the IURA, not the consultants. Shaw noted that the presentation had been very interesting and the agency thanked the consultants for their report. IURA/CDA MINUTES June 13, 1983 page 5 Louise Battisti has been informed by mail and asked to let the city know her plans regarding the units. Evans said that Battisti has to date been unavail- able but that the secretary assured Evans that an application had been made. Evans asked the agency to pass a resolution encouraging and supporting this application and noted that in the past, IHA's decision not to apply for Section 8 Rehab certificates caused the CD office some trouble with regards to their HAP. She added that the City cannot apply because the IHA is the designated authority for these certificates. After further discussion, Jones suggested that the Neighborhoods and Housing committee sit down with IHA staff and board members to discuss ways to improve communication between the two bodies. Stein next MOVED that WHEREAS, it is a priority of the IURA/CDA to assist in the provision of safe and decent housing for low and moderate income households, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has a long waiting list of eligible households for Section 8 Existing certificates, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA supports the IHA application for Section 8 existing housing in response to the June 1 , 1983 invitation (NOFA) from HUD, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA encourages the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to favorably consider awarding these certificates to the City of Ithaca. Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. HUD Visit Evans said that the Affirmative Action monitoring visit took place two weeks ago. She said that the city's performance looked excellent however HUD rep- resentative Lorraine Ballou asked that the agency prepare a brochure listing Affirmative Action policies in the City of Ithaca and including the Fair Housing Ordinances passed in recent years. She had suggested getting a copy of the brochure published in Syracuse to use as an example. After discussion, Shaw said that it might be more appropriate to include a number of different kinds of information, such as leash laws , sign ordinances, etc. . The agency agreed that this was a good idea and Evans said staff would see to completing the project, possibly with the help of a student intern, over the summer. HUD Audit Report Godlwyn reported on the HUD audit of the UDAG grant and noted that one of the findings involved an accounting discrepancy involving a contractor who declared bankruptcy. This issue was satisfactorily resolved. IURA/CDA MINUTES June 13, 1983 page 6 Small Cities Activities Update Goldwyn referred to the enclosed Small Cities report and asked if there were any questions from the agency. Hearing none, Goldwyn reported on the Depart- ment of State meeting that took place in Owego on June 10. The meeting was chaired by Gail Shaffer, Program Administrator of the NY State Small Cities CDBG, and Shep Drogin, State Director of Small Cities Community Development. Notes from this meeting are attached. Shaw said that Shaffer and Drogin had been at the Conference of Mayors where the concensus of concern regarding the State takeover was that request for funds be handled promptly. 10. Budget and Administrative Committee Personnel Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that it be RESOLVED, that the Chair of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed to sign an amendment to Donna Murison's CD staff contract. Such amendment shall grant a step raise from Step 3 to Step 4 of the 1983 CD Bookkeeper salary range, effective her anniversary date. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Shaw asked if City Personnel Director Collins and CD Executive Director Van Cort had met yet to discuss CD staff salaries and benefits. Evans said they had. 11 . New Business Shaw announced that the Ithaca Journal was sponsoring a public hearing on June 23 at the Ramada Inn to hear comments on the Gannett Foundation grants to communi- ties regarding Ithaca's priority needs . The meeting adjourned at 10:50. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Natalie de Combray Kathe Evans • s • June 10, 1983 7 • Notes on Department of State CD Public Meeting Owego , N .Y . 6/10/83 The meeting was chaired by Gail Shaffer and Shepard Drogin. The Department of State hopes to accomplish several objectives through their administration of the CDBG program: 1 . They want the program to be "closer to the people , more in keeping with local priorities . " 2. They desire "more uniform rules and regulations , not different rules for different regions . " 3. They want greater coordination with other State run programs . DOS is not adopting an advocacy role per se , but they want greater recognition of the needs of smaller , CD eligible communities . Of the 1 ,300 eligible communities within the state , 50% have 2 ,500 or fewer population , accounting for 22% of the eligible population . In order to increase the chances for these smallest communities , they are recommending that 15% of the available funds are set aside for places with 2,500 or less . They are also reserving 5% of the funds for discretionary , Urgent Needs applications . 2% of the funds will go to the state for administration . $39.3-million of CDBG funds are available , as well as $5. 7-million ' in Job Bill funds . Ithaca may not make a new application for CDBG until the elapse of our current comprehensive grant. DOS will honor multi-year commitments , so our third year ( 1983-84) is solid . Probable application time, as indicated in - my last memo will be September, with funding comming on line in Nwvember. To date , no fiscal system has been decided. For future applications , they plan to use "basically the same ranking system as HUD ' s " , and suggested that preapplications would be " 1 page" . Nobody laughed , but some of us smiled. Single Purpose applications will have a $400 ,000 maximum, $700 ,000 for comprehensive , and they definitely plan to contirwe comprehensive grants. Coffee , ginger ale and doughnuts were served. IURA/CDA MINUTES July 11 , 1983 7:30 P.M. - Council Chambers PRESENT: Bill Shaw, Chair H. M. Van Cort , Director, P&D James Dennis, IURA/CDA Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Anne Jones, IURA/CDA M. Helen Jones, City Planner Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Press 1 . Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:45. 2. Minutes Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED to approve the Minutes of May 9, 1983. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 23/24. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED to approve the Minutes of the June 13, 1983 meeting. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Reporti The Mayor congratulated staff on the day 's press coverage regarding the West State Street project and mentioned the current Grapevine article about the Community Gardens . He said that he was impressed with the progress made by Growing Hope. The Gazebo is in place and in full operation and there is an impressive solar operated pump. Although NYSEG cannot sell this land, they do seem to have some long-term intentions and the gardeners are making commitments to permanence by planting fruit trees, etc. He commended the project 's success and noted that many people worked hard to make it happen. Jones said she had noticed that a Southside site under discussion behind the old Co-op was being prepared for gardening with trees having been cleared and the earth turned over. Glenn said he didn 't know about this and would check into it . Shaw noted that the $42,000 was still being held for purchase of one or more sites and that the committee and staff are still investigating alternative possibilities . 3. Staff Reports Ballet Guild/Strand Update Evans reported that the Ballet Guild has asked for an extension on their decision deadline and have indicated that they will be ready with this decision by July 25. In the meantime, Evans said that they have no conflict in providing the information • requested by the Agency and will welcome more questions should the Agency have any . She said that at the June 22 meeting she IURA/CDA MINUTES July 11 , 1983 page 2 met with seven Board members and three dancers and was impressed with the questions that the Guild group was dealing with. The combination of technical and administrative people at the meeting assisted in the discussions ' focus regarding the roof, drainage, what materials remained in storage, etc . They have identified the sum of $125,000 to open the building by October 1 , have already secured $45,000 of this amount and are investigating a loan for the remaining sum. An estimated $75,000 a year will be needed to run the theatre to inclde 1 full time and 3 part time staff persons, utilities, etc. The Guild is focusing mainly on the latter with the intention of solicitng local art groups to participate and to commit themselves to some portion of this amount yearly. Their job over the next two weeks is to contact these groups and gain some sense of their interest in the theatre. At this time, the Guild has very little intention to go_ outside of the communityand want to know that they could make it with a backbone of local art groups . Evans said that the Guild will be ready by the 25th to present a report for IURA committee review. Without the local support , Evans said, the Guild will -not_ attempt to purchase the building and the city will have to con- tinue with its plans to sell the building. Toward that end, Evans has spoken with the city attorney and asked him to remain in contact with the Strand owners so that they may later faci- litate an open public sale of the Strand. Discussion followed regarding the vacation dates of agency members in case a special meeting might have to be called between the 25th of July and the regular meeting date in August , the 8th . Stein will be out of town the 27/28/29 of July; Jones was not sure of her schedule; Dennis, Reed and Shaw would be available. Shaw said that after receiving the information from the Guild, he would decide whether or not a special meeting was necessary. He said he was anxious to have the situation resolved soon . Reed said that if this group had been dealing with the Strand some years ago, the city would would have an operating theatre. Evans added that STERPDB was being kept informed of events . West State Street/Commercial Industrial Improvements Evans said that she would be scheduling a meeting on the West State Street/Commercial Industrial Improvements with committee members Jones and Stein to get together on some loan packets . Update on NY State Takeover Goldwyn commented on the changes in the most recent draft "final statement" of the new State CD program. It differs from the statement passed out at the Auburn presentation and Goldwyn said that the program is evolving based on the feedback from interested communities . Only two staff persons, Drogin and an associate, are in place and the administration of the $45,000 ,000 program is still on hold pending legislative approval , At least IURA/CDA MINUTES July 11 , 1983 page. 3 15% of program funds will be allocated to cities with under 2,500 population, 25%-35% of the funds will be reserved for the Single Purpose grants , the remainder reserved for the Compre- hensive programs. One change in Ithaca's favor is that it will be possible to apply for projects through the "Jobs Bill" program even during implementation of the present grant . In the meantime, 3rd year funds are held hostage until some process for releasing • them is in place . . Gail Shaffer said that she is working on having these funds released as soon as possible. Goldwyn said that HUD may turn down state plans if an adequate fiscal process is not presented. At the moment it is not clear when the appli- cation deadline will be. For new applicants, there is talk that the preapplication will be only one page with subsequent invitations for full- applications based on them. The one page pre-aps will give smaller communities the chance to express their needs and assistance will be available to those lacking the skills to put together the applications . Reed questioned the draft components which state that projects outside of an applicant 's jurisdiction are eligible. Goldwyn said he saw this function more in terms of watershed improvements or the like where projects are out of the jurisdictional boundaries of the city receiving the grant The takeover is to be discussed this week by the State Legislature as they must draft an act in order for the Governor to take over and disburse the funds. The question of disbursement is still unclear. It may be by State voucher, a process that could take up to six months , or by the Letter of Credit system now in place requiring only 10 days . Jones noted that nothing in the statement indicates a monitoring system. Glenn said moni- toring might be tied in with the fiscal arrangements, still in process of development . Jones asked if there was anything stated about the role of the County Planning Department and Goldwyn said no. • Counties have always been eligible to apply for the grants in the past but many communities have had communi- cation problems with the County and are not enthusiastic about their involvement . This is not the case with Ithaca, he added. He said that serious programmatic ramifications will occur the longer beyond the December 1983 arrival of Ithaca's 3rd Year funding. He noted that the FY year was to begin in July '82 and that the city was into its 15th month before FY'83 was established. INHS is already making contingency plans for extended further delays . Discussion followed on the possible Jobs Bill opening up for cities already administering CDBG funds . Previously, these cities were excluded from applying for these funds . $400,000 maximum for each community will be available and ranking will be based on a point system which will be difficult for Ithaca to rate in . Factors such as poverty percentage in population _ and absolute number of poverty persons within the city may gain the city 100 points ; points awarded on unemployment percent- ages will not be gained. The city will have to zero in on Project IURA/CDA MINUTES July 11, 1983 page 4 Effectiveness and, if possible, Minority Business Enterprise. Van Cort said that the INNS High Risk Loan Fund could be included but questioned the effectiveness of its potential rating. Jones said that the Red Cross received $17,000 for shelter, mort - gage and food costs . Shaw said this was encouraging news and _ asked staff to begin working on recommendations for a Jobs Bill - application. Update on West End Planner Helen Jones said she had been working over the past couple of months with the NY State Parks office, Congressman McHugh's office and other various Washington contacts towards clarifying the necessity of going through the alienation process towards development of the city 's west end. Recently, the State Parks office affirmed that the process must be completed and that the city must submit a formal proposal identifying the substitute parcels being proposed. The land may not be currently city- owned or existing park land but must be the equivalent recreational vale of that being substituted..She said%that some possibilities exist but asked that the agency go into executive session to discuss property negotiation. Shaw asked if the substitute property had to be within/city limits . Jones said yes , but beyond that some of the regulations were unclear. Van Cort said that the agency could act in executive session without reporting the action until the nego- tiations are complete. Stein said he was not familiar with this regulation. Van Cort said he would check this with the city attorney before following this concept but said it had been done in the past to protect confidentiality during property purchase. Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED to go into Executive Session. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The Agency went into executive session at 8 :45 and resumed open session at 9:15. 5. Economic Development Committee - Jones and Stein Jones reminded the agency of the public informational hearing being hosted by the URA and Common Council to hear and discuss Halcyon's proposal to redesign Center Ithaca. She MOVED that it be RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA hold a public informational meeting on July 13, 1983 at 7:45 in Center Ithaca's Atrium to hear the proposal of Halcyon Limited to redesign Center Ithaca. Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Shaw said this would be a significant hearing at which time the public will have the opportunity to hear and discuss this issue . IURA/CDA MINUTES July 11 , 1983 page 5 As there were no other committee reports, the agency moved on to Old Business . Jones asked if it was the city 's intention to begin the alienation process for the West End in August,. Helen Jones said yes and that she would like to schedule a committee meeting for the first week of that month to discuss the proposal . The meeting adjourned at 9:25. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, -4( r-e—}Natalie de Combray Glenn M. o dwyn IURA/CDA MINUTES August 8, 1983 7: 30 P.M. - Council Chambers PRESENT: Mayor Bill Shaw, Chair Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator Jim Dennis, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Donna Murison, CD Bookkeeper Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Paul Tavelli, City Attorney Press 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. 2 . Minutes Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED to approve the Minutes of the July 11, 1983 meeting. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Reports None. 4. Staff Reports Goldwyn said he would report on the State takeover at the end of the meeting so as not to. keep the Ballet Guild representatives waiting. 5. Public Infrastructure and Services Committee Strand Anne Jones said that the Ballet Guild 's proposal which had been presented on July 28 had been changed. Ballet Guild representatives would update the agency on the reasons for these changes . Guild director Alice Reid, board members Jon Dunbar-Cooper, Elizabeth Thorn, Marilyn Currey and Charles. Currey, the latter acting attorney for the Guild, were present . Currey explained that the changes in the proposal were a result of the receipt on Friday, August 5th, of a letter from S .J.M. Entertain- ment Company in Syracuse stating that their original commitment of $39, 000 would be reduced to $9,000 . The Guild Board found this unacceptable and have deleted S .J. I. Entertainment Company as a resource. This decrease in expected funds made it necessary to revise the income/expense figures and the group spent the weekend attempting to cut projected expenses and to frame a second proposal which will no longer include film usage of the theatre. Currey said that a typed proposal could be ready tomorrow but that revisions would still be necessary as the board received new commitments . Discussion followed on the expense cuts , in particular the figures for maintenance of the theatre and the temporary elimination of the debt service figure. Originally, $6,000 had been proposed for the IURA/CDA MINUTES August 8, 1983 page 2 salary of a maintenance person, and another $6,000 proposed for maintenance costs . The figure has now been halved so that $6,000 will cover both costs . The $10,250 debt service amount would be waived for a year or two, until the theatre was on its feet . Another cut was made by the elimination of the Lighting Technician and Marilyn Currey said that, although the general manager could do some of the lighting work, she did not know how the absence of an in-house tech- nician would affect the commitments from groups who had previously counted on this service. Final 'ongoing costs ' amount to $54,000 a year. On the income side, present firm commitments amount to $22,250. Currey said there were two untapped areas of income which he termed the 'probable area' and the 'possible area' . Under 'probable' , the board listed an expected $800 from the Ithaca Festival and $2,000 from an opening benefit which would include performances by ,the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and the Ithaca Opera Company . These latter and a New Jersey based group called the John Shire, Inc. Promotion Company, have also committed themselves to a yearly percentage of Strand use . Currey said that no attempts have yet been made to rent the available office space on the second floor or the third floor area, although discussion among board members leans towards renting the third floor out as an apartment and of making five office spaces available on the second floor. The City 's Building Department has already been contacted for information on what will be required in terms of fire doors and fire escapes to bring the third floor up to code for a rental unit . Currey said that the board is aware of the tightness of this new draft proposal and said there is still a lot to investigate before the Guild could feel comfortable about it . They are $20,000 short of operating expenses now but the board feels it can make up half this difference in unexplored options . Board member Thorne spoke to the possibility of receiving a yearly amount from the city, as a show of support towards the theatre . She said that the $10,000 could fund theatre usage by such groups as GIAC, BOCES, Senior Citizen organizations , schools, etc. , that would otherwise be unable to afford the rental of the theatre 's space. Dennis, Council representative of the URA and member of the City 's B&A Committee, said that the board should come formally to the Council to make its request . Shaw said that FY'84 Revenue Sharing funds were already budgetted but that requests for FY'85 funding could be made next April . Dennis said that funding through revenue sharing would more likely be available to the Strand and suggested that the Guild prepare a budget proposal to be presented in September . Marilyn Currey said public donations would be difficult to come by because of past experiences but that once the theatre was operating chances would improve. She said that the board was most anxious to set aside money to be able to pay for emergency services such as stopped-up toilets or burst sprinkler systems . Local contractors are leery of working for the Strand because' of the previous administration 's penchant for not paying their bills . Discussion followed with both the Guild reps and the agency members agreeing that the budget looks tight but that the Guild should perse- IURA/CDA MINUTES August 8, 1983 page'3 vere in its attempts to tie down final figures and commitments and to report back to the agency at the soonest possible time. Shaw said that all were aware of the constricted time schedule . . Currey noted that the new proposal does not necessarily preclude the October 1 opening and he added that he is in contact with Carl Stearns regarding essential work required to open the theatre doors and secure the building before winter. Tavelli said that the ARC needs to see everything in writing before they make any judgments, on the status of the project . His own role, he said, was to prepare a contract for the city that will protect the city in case the project fails. All his negotiations are based on the assumption that the project is viable and that decision must be made by the agency. Ultimately, however, all final approvals rest with.-the: Federal 'Government . 'Discussion followed regarding the draft resolution presented by staff. Shaw said that the city has passed the prime time for sale of the building and Tavelli added that present building owners have refused to sign anything until the city makes, a negative decision ontthe Ballet Guild's final proposal . Everyone agreed that no action was necessary and the Ballet Guild would continue_. its efforts and return to-the agency with a report as soon as possible. Economic and Development Committee member Anne Jones asked that the agenda be modified in. order _to follow with a report on the West End by City Planner Helen Jones . 6. West End Development Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that the Agency go into Executive Session to discuss possible purchase offers for the West End project . MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY and the Agency went into Executive Session at 9:15 and reconvened at 9 :45. -Reed said he was concerned about the Farmer's Market . The Trow- bridge plan leaves little room for them and city staff is looking for alternate sites on which to locate them. Reed said that the market provides a popular and important service to the city and he suggested it be incorporated into the plan . Dennis said that the agency is not tied to the plan as it stands . The agency only 'accepted it as a ' concept ' and it is still open to revision . Shaw asked Helen Jones to go ahead with the submission of the West End Proposal to the NYS Office of Parks, without disclosing the properties discussed and the agency returned to the regular agenda outline. 7. Public Infrastructure and Services Committee (continued) Shelter for Battered Women Jones noted that a year had gone by since the contract with the Task Force had been negotiated. She said that no formal statistics are available but that the house is currently operating as a shelter with a 50% occupancy rate, 1/3 of which are people from out of the County. The 3 to 4 member staff will be cut back in 1984 due to IURA/CDA MINUTES August 8, 1983 Page' 4 absence of state funds and the $3, 000 set aside for maintenance costs does not appear in the budget . She asked staff what require- ments had been made of the shelter in the orignal agreement . Evans said she would look into it but thought that the usual yearly report on their activities was the only stipulation referred to in the contract once the building was rehabilitated. She suggested that the Task Force be invited to the next regular meeting to make a presentation and answer questions of the agency . She said she would meet with the committee to put together a list of questions to present to the Task Force so that they will be prepared to deal with agency concerns. If the shelter is underutilized, Evans said., it might be better to take the building back for another legitimate use such as a family dwelling which would insure full time occupancy. The Agency asked that staff look into the situation and report back to the committee. 8. Business and Administration Committee • Dennis MOVED that it be RESOLVED, that the URA/CDA hereby authorizes and directs the CD staff to renew the Agency 's Blanket Position Bond for the July 1 , 1983 -- July 1, 1984 period. Reed SECONDED. Dennis said that the bond covers the IURA members and staff members Goldwyn, Van Cort , Murison and Evans , each who has in some way access to HUD funds. Coverage is for $300,000, based on an exposure factor of $2.4m. Cost of bond coverage is $455/year. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Shaw said this should be done automatically every year without requiring agency action . Evans said that the resolution was a reminder to agency members that they are covered. Jones said she thought the yearly resolution was helpful . Personnel Dennis next MOVED and Reed SECONDED that WHEREAS, the Personnel Committee has reviewed the work record for 1982-1983 of Katherine Evans and has determined that her performance consistently exceeds the work requirement , now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorize a step raise increase to Katherine Evans ' salary from Step 7. to Step 8, retroactive to August 1 , 1983. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The Mayor commended Evans ' Work. IURA/CDA MINUTES August 8, 1983 page 5 9. Old Business New York State Takeover Last month, estimates for disbursement of FY84 funds was November 15, with a probable arrival in December of the letter of credit . However, since the Senate did not act on this before going on their summer break, funds may not be available before February or March of '84 . Goldwyn said he will meet with INNS Director Dylla to discuss contin- gency plans as the effect of this delay will have serious consequences to their projects . NHS has one of their largest financial goals set for next year. If they use their administration money to fund their programs they may not have enough to complete their close-out process . Discussion followed on the possibility of putting together an application for Jobs Bill funds so that this source might be supplemented for the delay of HUD monies . Evans said that P&D Deputy Director Sieverding is already looking into the Jobs Bill program, which has a $400,000 maximum application level . Goldwyn noted that there might be a problem if the Jobs Bill funds are restricted to the CD Target Area. He added that he will continue his research and conversations with NHS to develop a scheme that will help the ongoing projects continue without digging into administration funds . At 10 :30, Jones MOVED that the meeting be adjourned, Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. . Respectfully Submitted, Approved, 7:727 ;$121- Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn 0 AA; IURA/CDA MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 1983 7:30 PM - Council Chambers PRESENT: Jim Dennis, IURA/CDA H. M. Van Cort, Executive Director, CDA Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Director Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Steve Brouwer, INHS Bill Shaw, Chair, IURA/CDA Debbie Clover, INKS Paul Tavelli , City Attorney Press 1 . The meeting was called to order at 7:40. 2. Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED that the Minutes of August 8, 1983 be approved. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Report - None. 4. Staff Reports - Sidewalk Curbcuts Van Cort referred the agency to a memo he had sent that day to Don Kinsella, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Mayor, Chair of the Streets and Facilities Committee to the BPW. The memo requests that the BPW review its policy to replace corner sidewalks when they are in need of repair without dropping standard curbs unless the curb itself needs repair. Recently, six corner sidewalks in the Northside were replaced with non-dropped curbs. Van Cort noted that the majority of handicapped persons and elderly live in the Northside/Southside area. Jones suggested that the memo be sent with a cover letter form the URA asking the Board of Public Works to comply with the review of their curb-cut policy, Shaw said that this had been discussed in the past but that cost considerations had held them to the current policy. He added that a plan to drop all the curbs in the city was under review. This plan would be effectuated over the next 3 to 4 years, Jones said the Agency should be on record as being in support of curb cuts for the handicapped. Stein MOVED that the Agency write a letter to the BPW requesting their review of the curb-cut policy. Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Task Force for Battered Women Evans said she had looked into the contract with the Task Force for the Shelter for Battered Women and said that the only requirement asked of them had been to fill out a yearly HUD form regarding utilization figures. Although the need to budget capital improvement funds towards the buildingls maintenance had been discussed, no formal contractural arrangements had been made. Furthermore, the contract specifically notes that whatever is not contained in the agreement is invalid. Evans suggested that Anne Jones and Clarence Reed meet with the Task Force to discuss these concerns and try to resolve them informally. IURA/CDA MINUTES September 12, 1983 page 2 - NY State Takeover Goldwyn discussed the FY 83/84 State takeover schedule and said that if the Senate does not pass the required legislation at their session on the 15th, then it is possible that HUD will continue to administer the program for the next year. Shaw said that in a recent letter from Senator Riford no mention had been made of the takeover. Shaw asked if staff and the URA could meet to discuss the Jobs Bill applica- tion and noted that he had made this request several times before. Jones asked what was the deadline for the application. Goldwyn said that timing would be known once it was decided who would be running the CDBG Small Cities program. He said there are broad eligibility guidelines but that they might change as the program goes through Senate hearings. After further discussion, it was decided that staff would set up a meeting for the end of the week to which all agency members would be invited to suggest Jobs Bill application possiblities for the City. 5. Neighborhoods and Housing Committee Steve Brouwer and Debbie Clover reported on the INHS Rental Rehabilitation Program. Brouwer is the Director of that program and Clover acts. as Tenant Coordinator. Last year,. INNS presented a slide show of the first few houses being rehabilitated. under this program and since then agency members have toured many of the rental properties at INNS open house parties. Currently, 27 units are occupied with a total occupancy by 54 people. The majority are low income and a high percent are single'parent households. Information sheets were handed out for agency review and the floor was opened to questions. Clover said that the procedure for becoming a tenant could take up to a year and a half but that three weeks was the normal time frame for processing applications. Some had been done in as little as two weeks. Most leases are for a one year period except when there are some questions regarding a tenant's ability to pay or because of conflicting reports from previous landlords. Section 8 tenants are required to be given one year leases. Most applicants come to .INHS because they have heard about the program from friends or have been referred there from agencies such as the. Ithaca Housing Authority, EOC, etc. , Little advertizing is done by INHS. A one month security deposit is required but alternate arrangements can be made if an individual would have problems getting the money together. Clover stressed that each applicant and tenant is considered on an individual basis and problems are resolved the same way. She said this has been a very successful program and that tenant participation in various INHS activities is encouraged. When there are problems regarding an individual 's housekeeping skills, courses in Home Economics at the Cooperative Extension have been suggested and Brouwer and Clover have also helped tenants learn skills in yard maintenance, etc. There is no competition with the Ithaca Housing Authority. There are so many people in need of housing that no one could serve them all and this year IHA has referred to them four Section 8 tenants. IURA/CDA MINUTES September 12, 1983 page 3 The Tenant Committee, made up of five neighborhood renters and five neighborhood homeowners, work closely with INNS to determine renter policy. One of the regulations that the committee wrestled with was the problem of pet ownership. The requirements are being reviewed but at this time no pets, unless "restrained", such as birds or fish or hamsters, are permitted in rental properties. Some exceptions are made if a tenant already has a pet in the unit. Evans noted that NYSHARO has come out against pets in public housing and that pets are being discouraged at the highest level . Brouwer said that staff was not entirely happy with this policy. Van Cort said that research has shown that most programs fail because of two reasons: failure to put aside adequate reserves of money and weak management. INHS, he said, is successful because of its tight management. The rental program is not a charity. People are required to pay rent, and, if they follow the rules, they receive an extremely good housing bargain. He added that this is one of the best programs funded. by CD. All but two of the tenants fit into the low/mod income HUD guidelines. The program is not an ongoing subsidy. Once the initial start-up funds are allocated, the program runs itself. Clover said that the most frequent problem is rent delinquency. Rent is due before the 7th of the month. After that, unless an -excuse has been given during that time, a $10 late fee is added. Delinquency running more than a month is very infrequent. Only one tenant so far has been this late. Brouwer said that each property is administered individually; one building does not subsidize another. Initially, however, CD funds may be divided inequally into the properties during rehabilitation.. Four out of eight properties had been condemmed and required more CD funds than others. A recent acquisition of a $17,000 building on Cascadilla Street needed over $70,000 to rehabilitate it to a four unit house. Evans said that some residents have complained that high rents for these units have pulled up rents in the target area. Brouwer said that a 3r'bedroom rehab costs $420/month, including utilities, still well below par for a first class apartment downtown. Section 8 rents may be on the higher side. Evans said that when the city put in their 3'year application, they simultaneously put in a request to HUD for future consideration for mod-rehab certificates, if and when they became available. These certificates hold a unit for 15 years (existing certificates float from place to place with the tenant) . Although the Ithaca Housing Authority chose not to seek these units,. EOC did apply and they received 18 of these units which INHS has been able to utilize. Evans added that she was glad INHS had been there to make the commitment to long- term quality housing. Jones asked about families with many children. Brouwer said it was difficult to buy a building in a configuration adapted for a multi-bedroom apartment. In this case, new construction of public housing is a better vehicle than rehabilitation. Evans said that thoughi.there are few large families in Ithace, those that do live here have problems finding accomodation. Some larger families are now placed in the Hancock Projects but there is need for more of these larger apartments. • IURA/CDA MINUTES September 12, 1983 page 4 Clover said that INHS will be hosting an open house at the end of October at the Joe the Tailor Building (502 West State Street) . Van Cort said that anyone attending should ask about the wall that nearly caved in. The Agency thanked INHS for their presentation. 6. Public Infrastructure and Services Committee City Attorney Paul Tavelli said he had met with two of the three owners' attorneys to hear their decision regarding the Strand. At this time they delivered a letter to the city stating their desire to put the building up for sale at public auction. This sale could take place as early as the 16th of October. One of their requirements for this sale is that a bid of at least $50,000 be made, This amount would cover the back taxes and the first mortgage. If the building was not sold, or if a bid of $50,000 was not received, the owners and the city would be "back at square one". Tavelli said he was waiting to hear back from the Federal Government to see if they consider this sale appropriate. If the government releases the city from its debt on the ARC grant, then the city in turn could release the owners from the loan payback. Stein asked if this would take Common Council action. Tavelli said he thought not; it would probably rest with the IURA. Shaw asked Tavelli to prepare, upon receipt of Federal and ARC reply and concurrence of third owner Barbara Thuesen, a memo to the agency advising them of the situation and including a draft resolution for possible action. Evans asked what should be done with the seats, lights and carpetting. Tavelli said it would depend on the nature of the bidder. A restaurant owner, for instance, would not need the theatre seats, Alderman Sean Killeen asked if it was certain that the three owners were in accord about the sale. Tavelli said he had no reason to believe otherwise. 7, Economic Development Committee There are three more projects to be completed on West State Street. Two of these projects should be completed by the end of the year. Of the approxi- mately $180,000 set aside for this program, nearly $130,000 has been spent. The final three projects will use up remaining funds- but money revolving in from the loan paybacks will make available. $5,000-$6,000 in additional new loans. At present, however, more funds are needed to complete projects being done by consultants Romanoff and Associates. Evans presented a draft resolution for agency review and Jones MOVED that WHEREAS, the fund for design assistance on West State Street for Romanoff and Associates is nearly exhausted, and WHEREAS, some continuing design supervision and project work is needed this Fall , now IURA/CDA MINUTES September 12, 1983 page 5 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that $2,000 be allocated to those consultants from the remaining loan/grant funds in the West State Street account, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized and directed to sign a ;contract amendment for that amount. Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 8. Budget and Administration Committee Dennis said that there has been some problems regarding the signing of CD staff contracts. The Personnel Committee is in the process of reviewing the contracts and will get back to the agency at the next meeting for action. 9. Old Business - None. 10. New Business As the next regular URA meeting date falls on Columbus Day, the agency will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30. 11 . Jones MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 9:25. Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully Submitted Approved, Natalie de Combray lenn M. Goldwyn IURA/CDA - CAC MINUTES October 17, 1983 c- PRESENT: Mayor Bi l l Shaw, Chair—../ t Claude Colleyacme, CAC Clarence Reed, IURA/CI Nov 1983 Arde Bremer, CAC Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA '_ y tURK'S [UV, Joh Ford, CAC Jim Dennis, IURA/CDA ,C,��,P1.`s'. Gle n M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator rt Anne Jones, IURA/CDA b(; he Evans, CD Planner Press / , 1 . Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. 2. Public Hearing Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDED to open the Public Hearing. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. - Third Year Application for Community Development Funds Goldwyn explained that this was the first of two public hearings required by HUD to review the City's 3rd year application for CDBG funds. A $2.4 million grant was awarded to Ithaca in 1981 but individual applications must be made for each fiscal year. This is the last application the city will be making as part of this award. The proposed activities and programs in the application are limited to those approved by HUD in the original 3 year comprehensive application and Goldwyn said that this year's $800,000 was budgeted to programs already in effect, the majority of these funds allocated to ongoing INHS programs. Goldwyn summarized the allocations and asked for comments and questions. Shaw asked if modifications to the application could be made. Goldwyn said that they could, with approval from HUD, but that he'd prefer if the application went in as presented. Because of the delay in the application process (due to the controversy _ over State takeover) many INHS components ran out of money in July of this year. Their programs would be adversely affected if there were more delay. If the application goes in according to schedule, drawdowns on FY'83-84 may begin in mid-to-late November of 1983. Amendments can, however, be made during the program year if the agency chooses. Shaw said he was mainly concerned with the allocation of CD Administration funds for City Attorney time and he referred to correspondence between himself and Planning Director Van Cort. The final memo from Van Cort, he said, shows understanding of the issues. After further discussion, the agency turned the matter over to the Budget and Administration Committee for review. Shaw's request is that the budget be increased from $2,000 to $4,000 for the attorney's time spent on CD activities. Stein questioned the funds budgeted for the Community Arts Program in FY83-84. He was particularly concerned that the Arts Council concurred with the application's funding request and said he hoped that he didn't hear complaints from the Council 's Board of Directors. Goldwyn stated that he has been regularly meeting with a committee of the TCAC in search of matching funds. He said that he was reasonably sure that the board understood and accepted the amount programmed for their activities and noted that with its $4,672 FY 82 balance, the Arts Council was IURA/CDA-CAC October 17, 1983 page 2 better off than they expected. The full three year total for this component was $60,000, with. $15,000 allotted to the final year. The $13,000 indicated in the proposed budget reflects the advance of $2,000 approved in the current year by the IURA/CDA. Goldwyn reviewed the difficulties of allotting additional funds to a project with a relatively low impact on low-to-moderate income beneficiaries a feature which had led HUD to recommend the FY 82 transfer of funds from Adminis- tration in order to meet the TCAC's request for $2,000, rather than from other, higher impact line items. CAC member Bremer asked about the progress of the Community Gardens. Goldwyn said that the original $42,000 still is available to the gardeners and can be used to purchase individual lots within or adjacent to the present target area. Purchase • or, lease discussions are continuing with the target area property owners. 1 After further discussion. the Mayor asked if there were more questions or comments from the public. Hearing none, he asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Stein MOVED to close the public hearing, Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANI- MOUSLY. Stein then MOVED that WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has invited the City of Ithaca to make application for the third fiscal year of the Community Development Small Cities program in the amount of $800,000, and WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has reviewed the programs and projects for the FY 1983-1984, and held a public hearing in order to afford additional opportunities for citizen review and comment on the proposed activities, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 1982-1983 Community Development Block Grant Small Cities budget be approved as indicated, and that the Mayor is authorized to sign the completed application as outlined, upon approval of Common Council . Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, with the CAC taking part in the vote. 3. Minutes Jones MOVED to approve the Minutes of the September 12, 1983 URA meeting. Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The Mayor asked that copies of the Minutes of the special meeting on October 12 regarding Iszards be sent to the agency, inclu- ding the resolution that was passed. Council passed the resolution 8-1 . Shaw complimented Planner Sieverding on his monitoring of the situation and said that everything appeared to be on schedule and the application would be submitted on the 19th. IURA/CDA-CAC October 17, 1983 page 3 4. Chair Reports - Jobs Bill Goldwyn stated that HUD would be inviting the Jobs Bill applications at some point following their approval of the Comprehensive Small Cities applications. Their ranking system has not been published, but if past state drafts of criteria are any indication, Ithaca may not fare well . The state's criteria utilized current and historical unemployment as two key indices of need, and Ithaca has a comparatively low rate in both areas. Stein agreed, citing the County 's experience in a similar program.. Nonetheless, Goldwyn said that CD staff was making a strong effort at putting together solid proposals, noting that the work could be well spent should the city decide to include the projects in a future CDBG application. He referred members to the October 14 memo on the topic and pledged to keep the group informed. - Strand Shaw updated the agency on events at the Strand. Two weeks ago, John Araujo, Depart- ment of State trouble-shooter for state projects in difficulty, visited Ithaca to see the theatre. Araujo thought the building was in good shape and said it could be mothballed for the time being in hopes that someone could come along to use it as a theatre. His observations concluded that the building did not need heat or maintenance over this period and that the remaining $8,000 of the grant funds could be used for a full appraisal of the building and equipment as a theatre, a motion picture theatre or for other possible uses. Evans said that Araujo had many questions regarding the financial past of the Strand owners and managers and he questioned the distribution of the $250,000 borrowed by the owners from the Chemical Bank, what portion of this amount went into capital improvements versus operating expenses. He could not understand how so much money could have been spent without getting a first-rate theatre. Paul Tavelli made initial contact with attorney Jim Miller regarding some of these questions but Miller said all this had happened before,4,^ilcox took over the mort- gage. The answers must be sought from Barbara Thuesen and the Elaine Downing estate. Similar questions were being asked by ARC attorney Terrence O'Connor who came on October 13 to visit the Strand. These visits are part of the deliberations that the State and HUD are making toward moving ahead with the sale of the building. O'Connor was on his way to Buffalo for a meeting regarding the Strand. Evans said that when she accompanied O'Connor and Tavelli to the theatre, they found the buildings ' electricity turned on and several people from a Geneva theatre removing electrical equipment from the building. They were told that Thuesen had authorized their taking it and that another group had been there that morning to take the stage curtains. The City • Attorney hand delivered a letter to each of the attorneys of the three owners asking them to stop taking property from the building. However, on Saturday, Stein saw two trucks leaving the theatre alley with scenery and folding chairs, presumably also from the Strand. Stein called the Mayor and the Mayor had the police investi- gate the situation. They found that equipment was indeed being sold by one of the owners and that the lights had been turned on when someone had broken a wire seal on the theater's main power switch. Discussion followed with the agency members voicing their concerns about these developments. Shaw said there was a distinction between personal property belonging to the owners and fixtures whose absence would detract from the value of the building. Stein asked how the city stood from a legal standpoint. He said he was IURA/CDA-CAC October 17, 1983 page 4 concerned about the agency's liability and he asked how the URA's reaction to the sale of the equipment would affect their position with regards to the ARC. He noted that as the theatre is bankrupt, some of the equipment sold could have been used towards debt payment. He added that he would like to be kept updated on the ongoing situation and said that as a URA member he felt a certain legal exposure which advice from the city attorney could substantiate or alleviate. He suggested that the agency have a special meeting to discuss the Strand. Reed said he was parti- cularly upset about the obvious breach of faith shown by these actions and added that this kind of behaviour was an example of a kind of white collar crime. The breaking of the NYSEG seal , he said, was illegal . If it had been done by a target area person NYSEG would have taken action against them. He said this was an example of the inconsistency of our society. CAC member Bremer asked if the building could be locked. Evans said that although it can be locked, many keys to the theatre are floating around the city. Shaw said he was trying to get in touch with the other owner to have the locks changed. Evans said that O'Connor was also very distressed with these events and he indicated that the ARC would be more inclined now to go after the owners for repayment of the grant loan. According to the people in the theatre during the visit, Evans said that 3000 feet of electri- cal wire was being sold at 304 a foot and that the stage curtains were sold that morning to the Clemens Theatre. She added that she is in the process of meeting with another group that may be interested in using the building as a theatre and that the cost of buying new curtains would increase the price of the Strand by at least $20,000. Stein said he wants to hear from the City Attorney . From the beginning, he said, Tavelli has stated that the agency must act rationally and reasonably; now the agency finds itself in a situation with strong legal implications and it needs his advice. Reed agreed and suggested that Tavelli come to a special meeting of the agency to discuss the matter fully. Evans said that O'Connor will communicate with her after his meeting in Buffalo. Goldwyn suggested that perhaps the best plan of action was for Evans to keep the Strand Committee informed and they could recommend la special meeting at their discretion. The meeting could be called as a result of Tavelli 's interpretation of the IURA/CDA 's liability in reaction to O'Connor's next correspondence on the issue. Evans noted that O'Connor was to be out of his office during the week of October 17th and his response time was unknown. His response would also include his discussions with HUD Buffalo staff from their 10/14 meeting. CAC member Colleyacme asked who has the legal right to sell the building. Evans said all three owners. They have made a preliminary proposal to the federal government regarding their preferred method to sell the building and the proposal is being discussed and is under review. The Department of State is concerned less there be some windfall profits to the owners and SHPO is disatisfied with the proposal because the building is listed on the Historic Register. The deliberations will take a long time before a decision is made. In the meantime, the city's main concern is to fill the building as soon as possible. This will be difficult as there are so many agencies involved. Stein said that the city could take the building once it comes up for taxes in November. Goldwyn noted that this would not absolve the owners from paying their back debts. Goldwyn added that the Strand is a time consuming matter for the City Attorney and one not reimbursable with CD funds. Reed agreed and said that the city must buy more legal time. 5. Staff Reports More discussion regarding the Jobs Bill application followed with Stein noting that Ithaca's low unemployment rate will lessen the city's chances for fund approval . Goldwyn said that the new regs are unknown but that Ithaca's best strategy would be to choose a program with a high impact on job production, either short term, IURA/CDA-CAC October 17, 1983 page 5 as in construction projects, or long-term employment as a result of a project. The program need not be limited to the target area but low/mod benefit will still apply. He asked the CAC and the agency to let him know of any ideas they may have. 6. Adjournment As there were no committee reports and no old or new business, Jones MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 9: 15. Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, 41001.// 251 Natalie de Combray lenn M. Goldwyn • f , MINUTES IURA/CDA November 14, 1984 7:30 P.M. - Planning Department PRESENT: Mayor Bill Shaw, Chair H. M. Van Cort, Executive Director Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Anne Jones , IURA/CDA Press 1 . Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:35. 2. Minutes Stein MOVED and Reed SECONDED to approve the Minutes of October 17. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Report - None. 4. Staff Reports - 1983-1984 Small Cities Application Jones expressed annoyance at staff for having submitted the application with the stated goal of prosecuting 7 structures per month under the Housing Pro- secution line (603.2) . She said this had previously been discussed and that the agency had asked that the wording be altered. Stein agreed and asked why this was resubmitted when the agency had said it was unacceptable. Jones said the phrase had a threatening tone and did not reflect the agency's inten- tions. Goldwyn said the number of this statement was an error. It should read "7 per quarter". He said it was important that a numerical goal be stated because some quantifications must be made for reporting purposes and HUD requests that numbers be firm. After further discussion, the agency concurred that the wording should be changed to read "Legal services for 27 housing inspections/prosecutions per year to be rendered to the Building Department." Goldwyn said he could handle this change administratively. - Performance Assessment Report Evans said that the PAR had also been sent to the agency for their reference and review of last year's performance and in terms of making modifications to the next year's budget. Jones said she was concerned about the quality of the copies included in the PAR as many were unreadable. She also asked about the absence of grievance material regarding the Community Arts program. Evans thought this had been submitted in 1982 but in checking found that this was not so. It was agreed MINUTES November 14, 1984 page 2 that staff would handle this administratively also and that the grievance package could be completed and sent on to HUD as an addendum. A final comment of Jones was in regard to the Common Council resolution sent with the application. The copy submitted states that HUD invited the city to make application for the second fiscal year, instead of the third. Staff will ascertain if this copy was the actual resolution passed at the council meeting. If so, a new resolution will have to be passed. - Jobs Bill Meeting Goldwyn stated that he and Evans would be attending a workshop in Syracuse to discuss HUD review of Small Cities programs for new applications , and the upcoming Jobs Bills applications. Although the Econmic Development Committee is not optimistic about the potential of Ithaca's receiving Jobs Bills funds , it is agreed that some effort should be made towards a viable application. It was also agreed that it would be premature to work on the application before attending the meeting. Staff will meet with the committee to sift through the information they will receive at the workshop. Evans added there will be a lot of competition for these funds. - Possible Jail Sites Discussion followed regarding the NYSEG site as a possible location for the County Jail . Goldwyn said that the $42,000. for a community garden could be used toward lowering the price to the county for the remaining NYSEG land. Stein said he would communicate this possibility to the County Board of Rep- resentatives at their meeting the next night. Shaw said he and the city council agreed that every effort should be made to keep the jail downtown. 5. Economic Development Committee - Cherry Street Industrial Park Van Cort said that City Planner Helen Jones had met with the agency's Economic Development Committee to discuss several expressions of interest in Cherry Street. He added that he cannot discuss these potential tenants publicly but that 3 are being actively pursued and 4 or 5 are on hold. He said that he had also talked with some bankers and that the exchange of ideas and views was productive. Jones said that it should be made clear that the development of Cherry Street is ongoing and added that City Planner Jones is working closely with the project. - Contract Amendment Stein MOVED and Jones SECONDED that WHEREAS, the level and scope of services performed under a contract for design services executed between the IURA/CDA and Romanoff & Asso- ciates has been greater than originally estimated, and WHEREAS, in order to complete the expanded project listing recommended by Community Development staff, it is deemed necessary to increase the amount of design services provided through the Neighborhood Commercial & Industrial Property Improvement Program, now MINUTES November 14, 1983 page 3 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes the amendment of said contract to ref,Ict an amount not to exceed $3,000, and that this amount be spent from line S508. 1e, Community Development Administration. Shaw asked how realistically this work would lead to the commitment of the owners. Goldwyn said that already these studies have led to the owners ' not taking off the roof or tearing down the building. They are now considering full rehabilitation and, though there is no guarantee they will fulfill this promise, the next step is for the owners to fund a feasibility/market study of the project. Shaw asked if some contingency of action by the owners should be added to the resolution. Reed said he thought that the safeguards had already been looked after and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. Public Infrastructure and Services Committee - Strand Theatre Reed said that he and Jones have discussed the current status of the Strand and they believe that the city is on the right course. A new not-for-profit group is showing interest and the committee will be ready to listen to them if they have a proposal to make. In the meantime, the City Attorney has stated that there is no way to sell the building in 1983 because neither the state nor the federal government has given its approval . Jones is concerned that the city will be asked to pay for the heating over the winter and she said she would prefer returning the grant money to ARC to have them sign the checks as the public would not understand the city's paying more money for this project. She added that as an agency, there are concerns over a vacant downtown building. Evans said that SHPO has not yet responded regarding the terms of a sale of the building. Stein said he would get in touch with Lenore Kuwik there to find out what is happening. As no other reports were forthcoming, the meeting adjourned at 8:55. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn IURA/CDA - CAC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - NOVEMBER 28, 1983 4:00 PM - Council Chambers PRESENT: Mayor Shaw, IURA/CDA Chair Peter Klinge, CAC Chair Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Frank Hammer, CAC Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Claude Colleyacme, CAC Anne Jones , IURA/CDA Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator James Dennis, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Planner Press The Mayor called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM. He said this was a special meeting to review the Jobs Bill application to be presented by CD staff. Jones asked what the role of the CAC was in the application process. Gold- wyn said that the CAC had been sent a memo asking for suggestions for jobs bills funding and outlining the application process. A joint URA/CAC public hearing was held on October 17 to review the city's 3rd year application for CD funds and to hear an update on the jobs bill grant. They would now be asked to review what staff had put together and, if appropriate, approve the application and recommend it to the IURA. Jones noted the low CAC turnout and said she hoped she wouldn 't hear later from them that they didn't know about the appli- cation. Goldwyn recapped events leading to the application. Originally, the state declared that Ithaca was ineligible to apply. This decision was later rescinded when the state drafted new guidelines . Although no final resolution had been made as late as October 15th, all indications were that the program would remain at the federal level and that HUD guidelines would be similar to those in the state's draft. Emphasis was placed on projects that would disburse funds quickly, a system which favored public works projects. At the special URA meeting on September 16th, the agency and staff members discussed possible projects that would meet this goal . Among those considered were repair of the parking garage; a swimming pool for GIAC; rehabilitation of Henry St. John; construction of a new Youth Bureau facility or rehabilitation of an old building for Youth Bureau use; Community Gardens ; tree planting in the West End; Roths- childs/Center Ithaca; curb drops throughout the target area; expansion of the Mini-Repair program; expansion of the Drop In Center/Day Care Center; etcetera. Staff next proceeded to collect data on costs , speed of implementation, low- mod benefit, etc. for each individual project and began working with contractors and other city departments to determine which capital project would best fulfill the application requirements. On November 15, staff received the final HUD guidelines and found that emphasis was now on permanent job production. Public work projects would no longer be competitive; labor intesive projects such as rehabilitation or con- struction would tend not to create full-time permanent jobs. Two criteria were key to the scoring system of application selection: Need and Impact. Need will be based on specific figures of the unemployment rate provided to HUD by the Department of Labor. Cities will not have a chance to modify or explain the figures and, as Tompkins County has the second lowest unemployment rate in New York State (using March 1983 figures) , the city will be down at the bottom of the eligibility list. The second criterion, Impact, will be rated according to the number of full-time permanent jobs that would result from the grant. With the above in mind, staff tried to create an application that would best serve the grant 's goals. They looked at Collegetown, the CD target area, Minutes November 28, 1983 page 2 the West End Development area and potential Cherry Street tenants . The superior choice was XCP, the Dryden-based copier company. This group, however, was not prepared to commit itself in time for the application's December 15 deadline. After other possibilities were reviewed, the strongest candidate was the Ithaca Calendar Clock/Ithaca Cabinet Company, Inc. Evans referred to the draft application outline she had handwritten over the weekend. If the grant were received, the company would buy the building on Taughannock Boulevard where they are presently located, and use the jobs bills funds for exterior and interior improvements. These improvements would realign production facilities , include expansion to the third floor, and con- struction of a new showroom space on the ground floor. Ken Peterson, the president of the company, would commit himself to the hiring of 5 persons for full-time permanent jobs. These jobs would be available to people who are unemployed, preference given to low/mod income individuals. On-the-job- training in all aspects of the business would be provided. Staff recommended a loan/grant disbursement of the funds , similar to the successful West State Street and Commercial/Industrial Improvements projects now in operation. The program would include facade improvements, free design services and loans available at 5% with the 11/4 ratio of loans to grants as is made available to West State Street property owners . Jones asked if this company would go ahead with their plans even if the grant was not available. Evans said yes, but that the process would necessarily be slower. The business is in reality two companies, one dealing solely in clocks and the other in the making of fine furniture. The furniture portion of the business is expanding while the clock portion remains more constant. An inventory of clocks may be sold over Christmas but the furniture making part of the company intends to expand in any case, concentrating exclusively on reproductions of the Golden Oak era of 1880-1920. At present, six employees do everything from finishing raw wood to the delicate final finishing work. Claude Colleyacme asked if they would be in competition with the 'unfinished furniture' outlet on the same street. Evans said that on the contrary, one would complement the other. Goldwyn added that it was compatible with Phase I of the West End Development Plan which included light industry. He said that the proposed face lift on the building would do much to encourage other West End property owners. Frank Hammer asked what would happen if the company folded. Would the City be liable to HUD for the funds? Evans said no. The Jobs Bill is a grant to the City. No payback is required. She said that although there was always the possibility that it might not pan out, all credit checks have proved that the company's rating is excellent. Colleyacme asked if the company was the original Calendar Clock Company. Evans said no. The previous owners made reproductions of the original clocks but did poorly due to bad business decisions. This company will phase out its clockmaking and the loan/grant monies will be given to the furniture portion of the company. Dennis asked what would happen to the loan payback. Evans said it would be used to create a pool of funds for other West End projects. Dennis asked who set the 5% loan figure. Evans said it was chosen by staff because of its success in the West State Street program. Stein said he didn't see any funds allocated for the design services. Evans said that the current draft shows a request for $103,000 but the final application will request $108,000, $5,000 set aside for the design services . Stein said he did not see why the West State Street program should necessarily be duplicated. Minutes November 28, 1983 page 3 He suggested giving a 100% grant for the exterior work and a loan for the interior. The exterior of the building was important to the entire City, he said, while the interior was of interest only to the owners. There are no guidelines for implementing the grant. Each city can handle the funds the way it thinks best. Evans said that Peterson also recog- nizes the importance of the building' s exterior, but that the system of grant administration is flexible. Staff's recommendation was made after much discussion, some members of the Planning Department wanting to make the entire grant available to the company with no payback at all required. The 11/4 split was decided upon with the hopes that program income could help provide the technical engineering and design services so that program income could help provide the technical engineering and design services that owners might need before they are willing to invest their own money. The Cabinet Company building will be a kind of seed project in the West End, and that area of the City may become a future CD target area. The owner feels he could add as many as 15 new employees before he relocated. At present there is a 21 employee limit to the building as one parking place per every 5 employees is required by the zoning ordi- nance. Shaw asked if the application could state "5-15 jobs provided." Evans said a firm number must be given as HUD will require specific data on each employee in order to assure that the grant is providing the jobs pledged. If the business does well and does eventually expand to 21 employees, relocation of the company to Cherry St. is a possibility. A ratio of 17 employees per acre is suggested at Cherry Street. If the company did move to Cherry Street, they would probably require a showroom downtown. Shaw said he had been under the assumption that the grant would be for a public works project. Now public tax dollars are going for a private sector enterprise. Only the facade of the building would be of any benefit to the City, and he noted that many businesses would like to be given $20,000. He commented further on the less-than-aggressive con- cern about security in the loan payback. Evans said that the payback would be available to other businesses. Klinge asked why the cabinet company had been chosen over other businesses. Evans said that this company was already prepared with its project, and could begin using the new employees within the 1st quarter of 1984. This will stand well with HUD, as well as the fact that the interior work to the building can be begun at once, rather than having to wait until Spring. Ithaca has a good record in grant administration, and HUD will know that if the City says it can get the program going immediately, it will come through. Klinge asked if the City would lose credibility if this project did not go well . Evans said that so many applications go to HUD that they would not remember. Goldwyn added that it could well be the last time the City makes an application to HUD, as discussion of State takeover is still underway. He said that when staff was looking for an economic Minutes November 28, 1983 page 4 development project for Jobs Bill Funding, they went over every possibiity with both the Economic Development Committee and Planning Staff. While many businesses are eligible to apply for UDAG funds, the Ithaca Cabinet Company meets all the present Jobs Bill criteria but is not eligible for a UDAG. Anne Jones said her question was not about merits or ranking of the application, but about what happens if the business fails. Evans said there is always concern about this. However, Ken Peterson has been working for some time with the Planning Dept. looking for a private/public shared assistance to help him expand his business, as a UDAG was unavailable to him. When staff was looking for a project, his concerns happened to mesh with the application requirements. His past work with BOCES and concern for the unemployed made him a perfect candidate for the grant. Colleyacme asked if the City could directly subsidize the employees' wages, leaving the rehabilitation work to the company? Evans said no sub- sidy of wages is permitted. Discussion followed regarding the payback terms and loan/grant split. Shaw noted that if money returns to the City for other small businesses to use, it would come at the rate. of $6/$7000 a year. This would be good if the loan package had some reasonable security, but in reality, no small business is secure. Evans said that property values will go up in the West End as the area develops, and this would enhance the City's position. Hammer asked at a rate of 1-10, what chance did the application have of being approved by HUD. Goldwyn said less than 5. Jones said that the major benefit of the application would be the provision of 5 full time jobs, 12 temporary construction jobs, and also the beginning of the West End Redevelopment Project. Reed said he liked the idea but wondered how Council would feel about it. Dennis said he didn 't see anything wrong with it. Jones asked if there was the potential for having Learning Web people included in the employment packet. Evans said this would be reviewed as an addition to the contract with the company. After further discussion, Hammer MOVED that it be RESOLVED, that , after hearing discussion on the City' s Jobs Bill Application, the CAC recommends the allocation of $108,000 be awarded for reconditioning and remodeling of the Ithaca Calendar Clock/Cabinet Company, Inc. Colleyacme SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Dennis next MOVED that it be Minutes November 28, 1983 page 5 "RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA recommends approval of the City's Jobs Bill Application and the allocation of $108,000 be awarded for reconditioning and remodelling of the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company/Cabinet Company." Reed SECONDED. Jones said she would like to see some statement regarding the division of the loan/grant funds and the inclusion of the Learning Web as an employ- ment source. Klinge noted that the CAC had no say about the financial manage- ment of the grant, as the CAC was only able to approve the project 's concept. Discussion followed on the loan/grant split, Shaw noting Stein's suggestion of making exterior work a grant and interior work a loan; Planning Staff's suggestion that as much as the entire amount be made as a grant; CD Staff's final recommendation of a 11/4 grant loan split, and his own sugges- tion of making the entire amount out as a loan, were options for the agency to consider. Much discussion followed resulting in Dennis ' MOVE that it be FURTHER RESOLVED, that the loan/grant division be the same as that used in the West State Street Program. Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Vote was then taken on the original resolution and it PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Shaw said that the application will be reviewed by the Planning Committee and the Planning Board before coming to Common Council on December 7th. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM. Respectfully Submitted, , Approved Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn HILDA HUTSON IURA/CDA MINUTES December 12, 1983 AcA4 7:30 PM - Council Chambers y3, •CIE�K ;k�'" ? 1 PRESENT: Mayor Bill Shaw, C r �'`' H. M. Va Cort, CD Executive Director Clarence Reed, IURA +QA Glenn . Goldwyn, CD Administrator Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Kat vans , CD Planner Jim Dennis, IURA/CDA ss Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA 1 . Call To Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:40. 2. Minutes Regarding the Minutes of November 14, Anne Jones asked that the phrase attributed to her under 'Staff Reports ' be changed to read: "Jones expressed concern at staff's submittal of the 1983-1984 Small Cities application with the stated goal of prose- cuting 7 structures per month under the Housing Prosecution line (603.2)". Reed MOVED that these Minutes be approved with the above change, Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Jones next MOVED to approve the Minutes of November 28. Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Chair Report None. 4. Staff Reports Goldwyn announced that the city had received the third year Small Cities funding. Although the 3rd FY application process is something of a pro-forma excercise, he said that it was nice nonetheless to see the grant come in. Continued funding such as this is mainly based on past performance and in this respect the city is in good standing. Regarding the Jobs Bill application, Goldwyn said that HUD has now extended the deadline to January 9, 1984. At the last URA meeting, the deadline was December 15th and staff was pressed so as to have the application ready for both PAD Board and Council review. At the December 7 Council meeting, staff was directed to submit the Ithaca Cabinet Company application but also to inform the public of the deadline extension so that others would have an opportunity to come forward with other recom- mendations. An ad was taken in Saturday's Ithaca Journal but no new sponsors have contacted the office to date. Friday, December 16th, is the cut-off date for consideration of new sponsors because of the time necessary for staff to complete the forms and meet the city review requirements . Lastly, Goldwyn reported that INHS has made application for funds under the State Urban Initiatives Grant Program for non-profits . They are asking for a grant to help IURA/CDA MINUTES December 12, 1983 page 2 super-insulate three structures of 2 units each. A division of Housing and Community Renewal representative has come to inspect the sites and to review the application with INHS. This is looked upon as a favorable sign. An announcement should be forthcoming within the upcoming weeks . Shaw asked if the city could apply for Jobs Bill funding at the entire available amount of $200,000 should an applicable sponsor show up by Friday. Goldwyn said that while that was a possibility, he and Evans have had several conversations with HUD reps about the present application and it is their opinion that what is being submitted will not be displaced by a better application. 5. Budget and Administration Committee Dennis MOVED that WHEREAS, the administrative assistance of consultant Jasmine Lim that was contracted to meet fiscal standards set in 1982 by HUD and OMB has been completed, and WHEREAS, $1 ,482 remains from funds encumbered for that purpose, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA directs staff to return $1 ,482 from line S508. 1d, Jasmine Lim Consultantcy, to line S508. 1a, General Adminis- tration. Reed SECONDED. Jones asked if Lim received all the money she was due. Dennis said yes. The original contract was for not more than $3,000. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. Neighborhood and Housing Committee No report. 7. Public Infrastructure and Services Jones asked staff for an update on the Strand. Evans said that until today, there had been no word from any of the Federal or State agencies since the week of the election. Today a letter from State Office of Parks , Recreation and Historic Preservation was received in answer to an inquiry in the property transfer deed stating that no alterations to the building's exterior be made without consultation with the State: Historic Preservation Officer. This covenant would help ensure the future preservation of this National Register listed property. A further suggestion was that any work on the building must be undertaken in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation". Commenting on the length of time it took to get this letter, Stein said he'd spoken to the SHPO office during a visit to Albany and staff there assured him that everything was proceeding normally. IURA/CDA MINUTES December 12, 1983 page 3 8. Economic Development Committee Jones said that this committee has met twice with City Planner Helen Jones to discuss the status of the Cherry Street Industrial Park. Particularly under consideration are the guidelines that were established for entry into the park. Discussion is under way to determine if changes should be made to broaden the eligibility of prospective tenants. In one case, however, the committee decided not to change guidelines to accommodate a particular tenant and she said that this stand will probably hold in general . At this point, everyone agrees they do not want to change the participation guidelines. The next meeting will be to discuss promotion of the park and the committee has asked the Planning staff to recommend possible ways to advertize Cherry Street more aggressively. Helen Jones will return to the committee with cost scales , etc. involved in the promotion suggestions and she and staff will begin to look at the choices. Helen Jones has suggested a brochure on the park. There is a county-wide brochure in which Cherry Street is mentioned but Helen Jones is preparing a flyer that deals only with Cherry Street. This is in the process of being reviewed by the Planning Department. Van Cort said that the design for the flyer has been worked on over the last six months but that no narrative has been written. He added that the city contributed to payment of the County's brochure. Jones said she would like to see more productivity towards getting this information out. Shaw asked about the sign. Van Cort said the design was complete and Jack Clynes has been asked to bid it out. There is $2,700 left to pay for the sign. If the bids come in higher, the city can look for an individual who could do it for the amount in hand or another kind of sign could be put up. Shaw said he didn't under- stand why it was so complicated to put up a sign. It has been at least a year since the city first said it should put a sign' up. to designate the park. Van Cort said that the original estimates for design of the sign were in excess of $750. Instead, by. us,i.ng a student to do the design work, the costs were significantly less , He added that the construction of the sign could be handled the same way. The committee agreed and Van Cort said he would get back to Clynes and ask if the city can expedite the process. - 9. Old Business Reed asked for an update on the jail status. Dennis said that he will be meeting with two representatives from the Community Gardens and also get the County's ideas. Goldwyn said the gardeners are aware of the general concept but do not understand the complete proposal . The proposed meeting will iron out all the details and explain the potential displacement of the gardeners from a portion of their NYSEG location. Jones asked about the status of the alternative Southside properties. Goldwyn said that both parcels under consideration are still in limbo. The Mayor has written a letter as recently as last Thursday requesting a face- to-face meeting regarding one of the properties and Goldwyn said he is hopeful that something can be worked out. In the meantime, he has told the gardeners that they must spend the grant money within the year as otherwise the funds may be redistri- buted to other projects, 10, New Business Shaw suggested that the agency send a resolution of appreciation andi.congratu- lations to the County Board on their sale of the old hospital property. Jones MOVED ' ■ IURA/CDA MINUTES December 12? 1983 page 4 that this suggestion be carried out by staff. Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The agency agreed that it was good that the DSS offices were to be kept downtown. 11 . Adjournment Dennis MOVED to adjourn the meeting. Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 8: 15. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, A / / , `1 Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn