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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-1994 C‘t-t‘ Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Tuesday, January 4, 1994, 1 pm Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: Benjamin Nichols, Bill Myers, Clarence Reed, Doug Dylla, Susan Cummings, Chuck Guttman for item III, Matthys Van Cort, Herman Sieverding, Trish Norton. I . Call to order The meeting was called to order at 1 : 10 pm, by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . Nichols stated that the meeting time had been moved up because of the snow emergency. The Agenda was expanded to include Item V-4, "Cherry Street Industrial Park - Lease Vegetable Kingdom" . II . Approval of IURA Minutes of November 30, 1993 The minutes of the IURA meeting of November 30, 1993 were approved as distributed. III . Housing and Neighborhoods 1 . Section 17 - C. Fields Norton explained that Section 17 client Chrystean Fields was in default of the mortgage on 608 West Clinton Street . She sold the property under land contract in February 1993 , without paying off her mortgage with the Agency. The Agency is in fourth position, INHS is in second and third. Fields' attorney has stated that she lacks the funds to pay off the mortgage . The City Attorney advised writing a letter to Fields with a complete statement of payments due . RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes and directs staff to send a letter to Section 17 client Chrystean Fields with a statement of payments due and payable, with copies to the new owner, her attorney and INHS. This letter should state that the new owner could assume the loan responsibilities . Approved unanimously. Myers stated that if the Agency had a "loss payee" provision with the insurance company insuring the property, it would automatically be notified if the property changes hands . Minutes IURA January 4, 1993 III-2 . The Annex - Report Sieverding reported that the city was waiting for action by the buyers ' attorney. The Agency directed that staff continue its efforts to sell the property in case the pending sale does not materialize. IV. Staff Reports 1 . 1993 CDBG Application - Update Norton explained HUD' s ranking and rating procedure for the CDBG application. Impact points are received for poverty status and other demographic characteristics . The Agency asked staff to get input from HUD about ways to improve next year's application. It also requested HUD' s explanation regarding its criteria for the impact score. Norton explained that the City knows the criteria but that interpretation of the criteria depends on the individual reviewer. Myers stated that HUD should be informed of the EDZ socio-economic data. The EDZ data shows there is significant poverty among the City's non-student population. IV-2 . 1994 CDBG Application Norton stated that the 1994 CDBG could include the Mutual Housing Project Phase II combined with housing rehabilitation, public service projects and some infrastructure improvements . Sieverding reported on his conversation with D. Norcross, Vice- President for Real Estate for P&C Food Store in Syracuse, about the 1994 CDBG Application. Norcross had explained that the P&C is moving away from neighborhood stores to regional stores, and that closing the Northside P&C store and/or its sublease to a franchise operation is under review. Sieverding discussed possible participation of the store in the neighborhood rehabilitation through the 1994 CDBG Application. He will provide Norcross with information on demographics and development plans for the area in an effort to encourage P&C to remain. Sieverding, after several meetings with the Drop-In Center Development Committee, received a proposal for CDBG funds from Mark Sperling who is a consultant to the Drop-In Center. The Center plans to relocate to the BT Glass Building. 2 Minutes IURA January 4, 1993 The Center has funding from the City and NY State. It is requesting $150, 000 in CDBG funds . The Drop-In Center's relocation could be a 1994 CDBG economic development proposal . It will create 10-12 new jobs . Projected construction costs and other feasibility issues still need to be resolved. V. Economic Development 1 . Section 17 Mortgage Payoff to CD Loan Fund Sieverding explained the proposal to add the Section 17 mortgage payoff to the existing Community Development Loan Fund. Sieverding explained that the Section 17 payoff was in the amount of $ 20, 000 which, if added to the CD loan fund, would create a total loan fund balance of $53 , 000 . Cummings moved and Dylla seconded a resolution to credit the Section 17 mortgage payoff to the CD loan fund. RESOLVED, that the IURA approves depositing Section 17 payoff funds into the Community Development Loan Fund. Approved unanimously. V-2 . Economic Development Zone/Authorization to hire consultant The memo from Sieverding to the IURA, dated December 21, 1993 regarding the NYS Economic Development Zones was entered into the minutes . Sieverding stated that the IURA Economic Development Committee had discussed the two proposals received from consultants for work on Ithaca's Economic Development Zone application. It was the consensus of the Economic Development Committee that EastWest Planning and Development Associates should be hired for this work. Terms of the contract with EastWest Associates will be in accordance with materials distributed to the IURA and Mr. Sicherman's proposal . Myers moved and Dylla seconded a resolution approving to retain EastWest Planning and Development Associates to assist in preparing the City's economic development zone application. 3 Minutes IURA January 4, 1993 RESOLVED, that the IURA will retain EastWest Planning and Development Associates to assist in preparing the City' s economic development zone application. Approved unanimously. V-3 . Carpenter Business Park - Authorization to hire appraiser and sell corner lot Sieverding explained the proposal to sell a small parcel in the Carpenter Business Park located at the corner of Third Street and Carpenter Circle. Staff recommended that this parcel be sold to the highest bidder and that retail use be allowed for this site. Myers asked whether this would be the first in a series of sales for retail in Carpenter Business Park. Van Cort said that the staff' s recommendation was that the property on Third Street could be used for retail since Third Street is already predominately in retail use, but that the remainder of the park should either be all retail or all business as presently contemplated. He asked that the Agency members consider the possibility of selling the remainder of the Park for retail and using the proceeds to purchase other industrial lands in the city. Sieverding requested that the Agency authorize staff to hire an appraiser to ascertain the value of the proposed parcel for sale. Cummings moved and Dylla seconded a resolution authorizing staff to hire an appraiser to prepare an appraisal of the parcel in Carpenter Business Park located at the corner of Third Street and Carpenter Circle. RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes staff to hire an appraiser to prepare an appraisal of the parcel in Carpenter Business Park located at the corner of Third Street and Carpenter Circle to be paid out of UDAG funds . Approved unanimously. It was noted that regardless of the use of the property, the owners would be required to report to the city, upon request, regarding the number of jobs and the salary levels for businesses located in the Park. V-4 . Cherry Street Industrial Park - Lease Vegetable Kingdom Sieverding explained the proposal to grant an option to lease to the Vegetable Kingdom a small parcel between 1/2 and 3/4 of an acre 4 Minutes IURA January 4, 1993 at the southern end of Cherry Street Industrial Park. They want to purchase the Ithaca Soy Co.and relocate this business to the Cherry Street parcel . The School District will not renew Ithaca Soy' s lease for space in the Markle Flats Building. It was proposed to grant a 12-month option to Vegetable Kingdom which also owns Moosewood Restaurant. During the 12-month option period the Vegetable Kingdom will be required to complete design and financing and to commence construction of at least a 3 , 000 sq. ft . building. It is estimated that if Vegetable Kingdom purchases Ithaca Soy and relocates the business to Cherry Street, that 9 jobs will be retained. Dylla moved and Myers seconded a resolution to grant the lease option to Vegetable Kingdom. RESOLVED, that the IURA approves granting a 12-month option to lease the 1/2 to 3/4 of an acre parcel at the southern end of Cherry Street Industrial Park to Vegetable Kingdom to relocate the Ithaca Soy Business, during which time all design and financing must be completed and construction commenced. Approved unanimously. VI . Budget and Administration - Financial Statements The Small Cities Grants summary, dated November, 1993 was entered into the minutes . VII . Other Business No reports VIII .Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 3 : 00 pm C\W\Min\Minutes94 .JAN 5 Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Tuesday, February 1, 1994, 4 pm Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: Benjamin Nichols, Clarence Reed, Doug Dylla, Susan Cummings, Matthys Van Cort, Herman Sieverding for items I - IV, Rick Gray, Trish Norton, Wies van Leuken. I . Call to order The meeting was called to order at 4 : 05 pm, by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . II . Approval of IURA Minutes of January 4, 1994 The minutes of the IURA meeting of January 4, 1994 were approved as distributed. III . Staff Reports 1 . 1994 CDBG Application - Outline and Schedule Norton distributed the draft budget and target area for the 1994 CDBG application. She stated that a housing survey will be conducted in and around the target area for the INHS housing rehabilitation project. The results of the survey will determine the final shape of the target area. Dylla proposed including the area of Tompkins and Utica Streets in the target area. Norton stated that she issued a RFP for the microenterprise program for inclusion in the 1994 CDBG application. Three proposals were received. Submitted proposals came from the Workers Ownership Resource Center in Elmira, from the new AGORA and from a partnership between Jeff Furman, Tompkins Cortland Community College and Ithaca Housing Authority. The Agency discussed the three proposals . Cummings stated that she wanted a program with an emphasis on funding businesses rather than one that only focused on education of persons so that they might start businesses . The Economic Development Committee will meet to discuss the 3 project proposals on February 7, 1994 and will recommend one to the full Agency for inclusion in the 1994 CDBG application. Minutes IURA February 1, 1994 The Agency members discussed the infrastructure component of the application. The Agency weighed funding the new city park proposed for the Pogo Parcel against funding the rehabilitation of Conway Park. Members commented that Conway Park is heavily used and in poor condition. The Agency decided that renovating Conway Park should have priority over constructing a new park on the Pogo Parcel and recommend that funds for infrastructure improvements be targeted at Conway Park. Norton proposed using the process for doing the Wood Street Park improvements as a model for doing the Conway Park improvements . The Mayor requested bringing this proposal before the CAC . The Agency discussed the proposal from the Drop-In Children' s Center for the renovation of the BT Glass building. The grant to the Center will create 10 - 12 FTE jobs . The Agency acknowledged the need for day care and gave its support for the project. However, there was concern about the cost estimates for the rehabilitation of the BT Glass Building and other feasibility issues . The Agency briefly discussed a second proposal submitted for the economic development component of the application. Glyph Technologies, Inc . , a high tech computer firm, had requested funds for expansion of their operations . This will result in the creation of 10 to 15 FTE positions . The Agency forwarded the proposal to the Economic Development committee for review at the February 7 meeting. III- 2 . Report HUD Visit Norton reported on her visit to the Regional HUD office in Buffalo. She talked there with the reviewer of the City' s 1993 CDBG Application. Although the reviewer had liked the overall application, she had awarded low points for what she considered weak pints in the application. In a later conversation with Mike Merrill, the Director of the Community Planning and Development office at HUD, Norton expressed concern over the harsh rating of Ithaca's application. Norton stated that Ithaca's application fit HUD's objectives for broad based comprehensive programs, but it was unfairly penalized for minor feasibility issues . IV. Economic Development 1 . Micro-enterprise Program This item was discussed under III-1 . 2 Minutes IURA February 1, 1994 IV-2 . Vegetable Kingdom - Report Sieverding reported that Vegetable Kingdom will not buy Ithaca Soy, Inc . and had withdrawn its request for an option to lease a parcel in Cherry Street Industrial park. He further reported that Evaporated Metal Films, Inc . had expressed an interest in a lease option regarding part of the same site. V. Budget and Administration 1 . Staff Training Van Cort informed the Agency that he had approved the requests by Norton and Van Leuken for additional training. The Agency endorsed Van Cort's approval . V-2 . - Financial Statements The Small Cities Grants summary, dated December, 1993 was entered into the minutes . VI . Housing and Neighborhoods - MHA Phase II No reports . VII . Other Business 1 . Wood street Park Improvements Norton stated that the Wood Street Park Client Committee will meet to finalize the plans for the Wood Street Park improvements . She requested approval for signing a contract with Trowbridge and Associates for implementation of the plans . RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes staff to negotiate a contract with Trowbridge and Associates to implement the Wood Street Park Improvement Plan and that said contract include an upset fee not to exceed $8500 . The IURA authorized the Mayor, subject to approval by the City Attorney, to sign said contract . Approved unanimously. 3 Minutes IURA February 1, 1994 VII -2 Appointment Liaison with Common Council Rick Gray will serve as the liaison from Common Council to the IURA as of today's meeting. VIII .Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5 :35 pm. i\Wc)..“2c5 -1AACk" C\W\Min\Minutes94 .FEB 4 ( LCiek . Minutes of the Community Advisory Committee February 22, 1994, 4pm Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: CAC: Steven Ehrhardt, Jan Douglas, Deirdre Silverman, Alan Cohen, Susan Cummings, Carol Mallison, Michael Cannon, Clay Hamilton Common Council : John Efroymson, Diann Sams Sponsors : Jack Jensen from MHA and Paul Mazzarella from INHS Others : Ben Stimson of Unlimited Images Staff: Trish Norton, Wies van Leuken I . Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4 : 10 pm by Trish Norton. Norton welcomed everyone and asked those present to introduce themselves . She announced that the IURA's Economic Development Committee had reviewed the proposals by the Drop-In Children's Center, Inc . (DIC) and Glyph Technologies, Inc . , and had recommended the Drop-In proposal for inclusion in the 1994 CDBG application. The Economic Development Committee had encouraged Glyph Technologies to seek conventional financing first for their project . Norton stated that representatives of the Drop-In Children' s Center, Inc . and the Microenterprise program will come to the March 1 meeting to make their presentations . On March 1, the IURA and the CAC will hold a joint public hearing on the 1994 CDBG application. Cummings recommended that very careful questions be put to the representatives of the DIC so that the DIC be aware of feasibility issues which must be addressed before the CDBG application is submitted. The CAC asked staff to have an alternative project ready in case the Drop-in Center does not meet the CDBG criteria and/or timeline. Cummins stated the IURA wanted to attend the Committee of the Whole meeting of April 27, 1994 . This would be an opportunity for the new Council members to learn about the work conducted by the IURA and staff. This is the meeting where staff will be presenting the 1994 CDBG application. All CAC members are welcome to attend. CAC Minutes February 22, 1994 II . Approval of Minutes February 8, 1994 The minutes of the CAC meeting of February 8, 1994 were approved as distributed. III . Applicant Presentation for 1994 CDBG Application 1 . Mutual Housing Phase II The proposal for the Mutual Housing Project Phase II, dated February 15, 1994 was entered into the minutes . Norton introduced Jack Jensen to the CAC. He is the Real Estate Development Coordinator for INHS and the Mutual Housing Association. Jensen gave a brief overview of the project and its sources of financing: MHA is requesting $325, 000 of CDBG funds The CAC members discussed the number of units in the project. Mazzarella from INHS explained that there is some discussion taking place regarding a possible redesigning of the site. The Committee went on record advocating a reasonable increase in additional housing units to be located on the site. The Committee discussed the sources of financing. Jensen stated that the success of Phase I was important to the lending institutions and facilitated the financing of Phase II. The Committee asked why a grant was requested rather than a loan. It was explained that the terms of the grant are such that it is a deferred loan. Some of the program income generated form the rents will be used to invest in new Mutual Housing Projects . The Committee further discussed the uses of Program Income. Norton explained HUD's criteria for the use of program income. Program income funds have to be reused so that they again assist low/mod people. The Floral Avenue site formerly designated for a Mutual Housing Project was discussed. INHS still owns the site and no definite plans exist for the site. It is assumed that new housing will be constructed on the site in the future . The question of conflict of interest was discussed concerning Common Council member Diann Sams . Norton explained the procedures that have to be followed on such occasions . Because Diann Sams lives in the Mutual Housing Project she needs to refrain from voting when the CDBG application comes before Common Council for approval . In addition she will need to make a full public 2 CAC Minutes February 22, 1994 disclosure. Sams is concerned with setting a precedent whereby she would have to abstain from all votes related to MHA. The CAC suggested discussing the matter with the City Attorney. III- 2 . Housing Rehabilitation Northside The Document called Northside Housing Rehabilitation Project, dated February 22, 1994 was entered into the minutes . Norton introduced Paul Mazzarella of INNS. Mazzarella gave a presentation on the Housing Northside Rehabilitation Project. INHS is requesting $200, 000 for the project. Mazzarella explained that the loans will be for bringing owner occupied homes up to code. INHS will also be able to assist the homeowners with selecting and scheduling the rehabilitation. After discussion a consensus was reached that homes owned by absentee landlords should generally not qualify for loans but that special consideration could be given to smaller property owners or owner occupants of multi-tenant properties . The Committee expressed concern that landlords would qualify for loans but then not keep the rents affordable. It was suggested to set up a mechanism to prevent this . IV. Discussion and Recommendations Projects were discussed under III . The Committee supported both projects for inclusion into the 1994 CDBG application. V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5 :45 pm. Avvral c\ kci v1/4 t)W6i, . C/W/min/94CACF22 . 024 3 Minutes of Joint Meeting and Public Hearing Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and Community Advisory Committee Tuesday, March 1, 1994, 4 pm Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: IURA: Benjamin Nichols, Clarence Reed, Susan Cummings, Bill Myers CAC: Alan Cohen, Jan Douglas, Andy Foster, Steve Ehrhardt, Deirdre Silverman, Carol Mallison Common Council : Rick Gray, Pam Mackesey Others : Mark Sperling, Cally Arthur and Sue Dale-Hall for the Drop-In Center, Jack Jensen and Paul Mazzarella for INHS/MHA, Beth Fuller, Jeff Furman for microenterprise program, Marcia Fort, Ben Stimson and Suyata Sidhu for Youth Enterprise Project Staff: Herman Sieverding, Trish Norton, Harry Silherman, Wies van Leuken. I . Call to order The meeting was called to order at 4 : 10 pm by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . The Mayor announced that the Public Hearing was moved to the top of the agenda. Other agenda items would be discussed following the Hearing. The Mayor explained that the proposals before the CAC and IURA today were all still in draft form and could therefore not be voted on today. The CAC members agreed to meet March 29, 1994 to draft final recommendations for the 1994 CDBG Application. III . Public Hearing The Mayor opened the Public Hearing for the 1994 CDBG Application. III-1 . Economic Development a. Drop-In Children's Center (DICC) Proposal - Mark Sperling The proposal from the Drop-In Children Center, Inc . , dated February, 1994 was entered into the minutes . The Mayor introduced Mark Sperling, a consultant to the DICC, Cally Arthur from the DICC Board, and Sue Dale-Hall, Executive Director of the Day Care Council of Tompkins County. Minutes IURA/CAC Joint Meeting March 1, 1994 Sperling gave a brief overview of the DICC's proposal . The Center is requesting $150, 000 for relocating their services from the GIAC building to the BT-Glass building. The GIAC space is not licensable and DICC cannot get reimbursed by DSS because of this . Relocation and subsequent expansion of operations will result in 10 to 12 FTE low/mod jobs . On the job training will be provided. The proposal calls for an integration of day care services with the Special Children's Center with whom the DICC has a good working relationship. Sperling and Dale-Hall explained the child care needs in Ithaca. There are no licensed day care slots in Ithaca for infants or for temporary care. Infant care is very costly to provide. The DICC is offering its clients affordable child care using a sliding scale fee. The DICC representatives answered questions regarding their fundraising plans . The plans were still of a tentative nature. Sieverding stated that if the CDBG commitment should be confirmed, it will be easier to fund raise locally. Questions were asked regarding the organizational capacity of the DICC. Dale-Hall stated that the Day Care Council's services for Board development and Board support will be available to the DICC. The use of the BT-Glass building was discussed. The building will require a new floor before it can be used by DICC. It could be more cost effective to demolish the BT-Glass building and build a new facility on its site. The IURA's Economic Development Committee had suggested finding an alternative site rather than tearing down the BT-Glass building. A site near the Northside Science Center was discussed. This possibility has widespread support from the DICC board. DICC representatives stated that a central location was important for their clients . Mackesey mentioned the possibility of integrating the operations with a nursing home. The City will try to sell the BT-Glass building if the DICC relocates to another site. Bill Myers expressed concern that the draft budget contained no line item for maintenance. It was suggested that a $500, 000 building will require annual repairs . He also stated that there was no widespread community support for the proposal and that this would hinder fund raising. Susan Cummings expressed concern about leadership expertise. Silverman suggested contracting with an outside agency for the management of the Center. 2 Minutes IURA/CAC Joint Meeting March 1, 1994 i Silverman asked about the job creation. It was established that the jobs created will have few benefits and no health insurance. Sperling stated that it was hoped that the cooperation with the Special Children Center would allow the Center to offer health benefits to its employees . Norton explained the requirements for hiring low/mod persons . These requirements are part of the IURA's contracts with CDBG recipients . The Mayor summarized concerns which had been expressed about site control, organizational capacity, the DICC's budget and building maintenance allocation and salaries and benefit package. Norton stated that the CAC will meet with representatives of the Drop-In Center at the next meeting and that hopefully by this time the DICC will have addresses the committee's concerns . Norton summarized that if all the issues are addressed within the application's time frame this proposal will contribute to the strength of the application. III-lb. Microenterprise Program - Jeff Furman, Beth Fuller, Harry Sicherman The document called Proposal for Services City of Ithaca Microenterprise program was entered into the minutes . The Mayor introduced Jeff Furman, Beth Fuller and Harry Silherman. A brief overview was given of the draft proposal for the microenterprise program. The proposal's sponsors are requesting $100, 000 of CDBG funds. Norton explained that this is the first year that HUD is providing funds for microenterprise programs. HUD is actually pushing for communities to develop projects which offer a lot of technical assistance as opposed to only start-up financing. HUD's definition for a microenterprise is that it is a business having 5 employees or less . Most of the discussion on the proposal centered on the need for an organizational structure that would provide continuity for the program in the years to come. Sieverding stated that continuous funding will be required after its first year of operation. Mackesey suggested that the EDZ Committee might be able to assist with the program. The job description for the program's coordinator was discussed as well as this person' s site of operations . A major part of the 3 Minutes IURA/CAC Joint Meeting March 1, 1994 coordinator's job would be to fund raise for the program. The site of operations should be one accessible to the program's clients . Many committee members argued against locating the program in City Hall . Cannon stated that the program should train people to understand the process of loan applications and how to access local commercial loans. The consensus was that the microenterprise program would require a form of steering committee to assist it with it's program development. A follow-up meeting on the program design was planned for the week of March 7, 1994 . III-2 . Housing and Neighborhoods a. Mutual Housing Association - Phase II b. Northside Housing Rehabilitation c . Conway Park Improvements Jack Jensen was introduced to answer any further questions on the Mutual Housing Phase II Project. Cummings stated that the CAC had recommended that the MHA Phase II project expand the number of units on the same site. IV. Close Public Hearing The Public Hearing was closed at 5 :30 pm. Members of the CAC, Common Council and representatives of projects for the 1994 CDBG left. II . Approval IURA Minutes of February 1, 1994 The minutes of the IURA meeting of February 1, 1994 were approved as distributed. V. Economic Development 1 . Transfer of Section 17 Program Income to CD Loan Fund No Reports V-2 . Assignment of Rothshild' s UDAG payment to CDLF No reports 4 Minutes IURA/CAC Joint Meeting March 1, 1994 VI . Budget and Administration 1 . Financial Statements The Small Cities Grants summary, dated February 1994 and the CD Loan Fund Balances were entered into the minutes . VI-2 . Personnel - Executive Session - Resolution Executive Session. Action taken: RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the 1994 Salary Range for Staff Salaries reflecting the 3% cost of living increase for senior staff and 4% cost of living increase for support staff as of January 1, 1994 . The 1994 Salary Range will become part of the IURA's Human Resource Policies . Approved unanimously. RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to sign the staff contract with Trish Norton reflecting her appointment as Deputy Director for Community Development, at Step 2 of the 1994 Salary Range. Said appointment will be effective as of March 1, 1994 . Approved unanimously. VII . Other Business No reports VIII . Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6 pm. C\W\Min\Minutes94 .MAR 5 ---/#71\ Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Wednesday, April 13, 1994, 1 pm Office of the Executive Director of the IURA, City Hall Present: IURA: Benjamin Nichols, Clarence Reed, Susan Cummings, Bill Myers, Rick Gray, Matthys Van Cort, Herman Sieverding, Trish Norton, Wies van Leuken. I . Call to order The meeting was called to order at 1 : 15 pm by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . II . Approval IURA Minutes of March 1, 1994 The minutes of the IURA meeting of March 1, 1994 were approved as distributed. III . Staff Reports Norton informed the Agency that the Mayor had sent a letter to Secretary Cisneros on March 2, 1994 expressing regret about the cancellation by the HUD Buffalo office of the one day microenterprise program conference in Ithaca. The Secretary' s office had contacted the HUD Buffalo office to find out what type of response would be satisfactory to the Mayor's letter. A copy of the Mayor's letter will be mailed to the Agency members . The Agency decided to reschedule the joint session with the Committee of the Whole of Common Council scheduled for April 28, 1994 . IV. Economic Development 1-A. Proposed Lease for Carpenter Business Park Site Sieverding gave a brief report on the recommendations by the Economic Development Committee on the proposal by Stewart Howe Alumni Service to relocate its business to Carpenter Business Park (CBP) . The EDC approved the proposed ground lease with Stewart Howe Alumni Service. Stewart Howe will build a 5000 sq. ft. building on a CBP site. Common Council approved the proposal at its meeting of April 6, 1994 . Minutes IURA April 13 , 1994 The Stewart Howe Alumni Service has been in Ithaca since the 1920 's . Stewart Howe employs 16 people. More employees will be hired after relocation to CBP. Sixty percent of the new jobs created will be available to low/mod income persons. This will help meet the HUD 51% low/mod requirement for CBP. Financing for the project will include a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) . The SBA will has required a mortgage interest in the land which it will exercise in case of foreclosure. In order to protect the City' s interest in the land, staff has proposed that Peter McChesny, president of Stewart Howe Alumni Service, secure payment of the land by providing the City appropriate security that it will receive the land purchase price in the event of a foreclosure. McChesney will be required to demonstrate annually that he has sufficient net worth to meet this obligation. Reed moved and Cummings seconded a resolution to approve the lease with Stewart Howe Alumni Association. WHEREAS, Stewart Howe Alumni Association, a business providing alumni services to college organizations and located in the City of Ithaca since the 1920 's has outgrown the space available in its current location at 317 West State Street, and WHEREAS, Stewart Howe has not been able to find suitable and affordable space in the Central Business District (CBD) and is, therefore, considering moving out of the CBD and possibly the city, and WHEREAS, it is in the city's interest to maintain this business and its existing sixteen jobs in the city, and WHEREAS, Stewart Howe is a business which meets the terms of the leasing policy for Carpenter Business Park, and WHEREAS, the company expects to continue its past growth and expand its employment, and WHEREAS, Stewart Howe Alumni Association is a business wholly owned by Peter McChesney, and WHEREAS, Peter McChesney has already made arrangements for financing including a first mortgage loan in the amount of $202, 500 . 00 from a local lending institution and $170, 000 .00 to be secured by a second mortgage to the Empire State Certified Development Corporation, which mortgage will 2 Minutes IURA April 13 , 1994 immediately be assigned to the United States Small Business Administration pursuant to the SBA 504 Debenture Loan Program, and WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency had recommended that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency execute a lease agreement with Peter McChesney; now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor, as Chair of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and subject to the advice of the Director of Planning and Development and the City Attorney, is authorized to execute the standard Carpenter Business Park lease agreement with Peter McChesney for an approximately three-quarter acre site in the Carpenter Business Park, subject to the following modifications to the standard lease agreement. Said lease agreement will have a clause specifying performance in a timely manner which, if not met, will cause cancellation of the lease. The standard lease agreement will be modified as follows : 1 . The term of the lease, instead of being for a period of 20 years, will run for a period of 21 years after the lessee has obtained a certificate of occupancy for the structure which will be constructed on the premises . 2 . The lessee will have the option of purchasing the premises at any time between the beginning of the twentieth year of the lease and the termination of the lease. 3 . The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency shall execute a mortgage to the Empire State Certified Development Corporation, which mortgage shall be assigned to the U.S. Small Business Administration mortgaging the fee simple title to the premises which mortgage shall provide that the lease conditions shall be included as restrictive covenants on the premises which restrictive covenants shall run for a period of 20 years from the beginning of the lease term. 4 . The Lessee shall secure the payment of the option price ($34, 686 .00) by depositing in escrow or otherwise providing appropriate security that if the lessee defaults in his mortgage with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration forecloses on the premises, that the City will receive a $34, 686 . 00 option price. The terms of such escrow arrangement or security shall be approved by the controller and the City Attorney; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, as Chair of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and subject to the advice of the Director of Planning and Development and the City Attorney, is 3 Minutes IURA April 13, 1994 authorized to execute the aforesaid mortgage to the Empire State Certified Development Corporation to be assigned to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Approved unanimously. IV-1B. Lease Restrictions on Retail Use/Digicomp Research Co. Sieverding reported that the negotiations between the City and Digicomp Research Corporation are continuing with John Dietershagen and Jargat Sharma representing Digicomp. The IURA stood by its earlier decision not to negotiate the basic terms of the standard lease. The City might make the overflow parking area available to Digicomp. This parking area has been planned for the site opposite the projected Digicomp building. The Agency recommended to staff to continue negotiating the lease with Digicomp and approved of the actions taken so far. IV-2 .Assignment of Rothshild's UDAG Payment to CDLF - ED Committee recommendation Norton distributed a preliminary Five Year Cash Flow Sheet, dated March, 1994 . An updated cash flow sheet will be distributed at the next meeting. She reported that the Economic Development Committee had recommended assigning to the CD Loan Fund those UDAG repayments of Comex Plaza Associates, remaining, after the City's annual contribution to INHS has been made. The Agency discussed and approved the recommendations by the Economic Development Committee. Cummings moved and Reed seconded a resolution to assign the repayments of Comex Plaza Associates UDAG Loan Agreement to the Community Development Loan Fund. WHEREAS, the City holds a $475, 000 Note secured by a second mortgage on the former McCurdy building with Comex Plaza Associates, and WHEREAS, the repayment terms of the note were renegotiated in May 1993 due to a change in use of the property, and WHEREAS, all payments on the UDAG Loan are classified by the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Renewal as miscellaneous revenue and hence must be used to further community development objectives such as the creation of jobs or housing for low income persons, and 4 Minutes IURA April 13 , 1994 WHEREAS, under the previous loan repayment terms, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency received the annual payment of $21, 000, of which $9, 855 .72 was turned over to the City and used towards the City's annual contribution to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, with the remainder of the payment proceeds used for community development eligible activities, and subject to all applicable HUD regulations, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency created a Community Development Loan Fund last year, the purpose of which is to create job opportunities for low and moderate income persons and/or to assist small businesses, and WHEREAS, because the CDLF is undercapitalized, no lending activity has begun nor is it scheduled to begin until mid-year 1995, despite the need for this type of fund in the community, and WHEREAS, the IURA is developing a microenterprise training program as part of the 1994 CDBG, whose graduates will likely need start-up financing, and the CDLF is the only source of revenue which the IURA can use to assist micro or small businesses and WHEREAS, Comex Plaza Associates will make an interest only payment of $23 , 750 on June 1, 1994 and will begin making monthly payments of $4, 013 on July 1, 1994, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA unanimously recommends that the renegotiated monthly payments and the one time interest payment from the UDAG, minus the City's annual contribution to INHS, be programmed to the CDLF. Approved unanimously. The Agency discussed the reprogramming of $35, 373 .15 of unused 1991 CDBG funds . The 1991 CD Block Grant has been closed out. Cummings moved and Reed seconded a resolution to reprogram $35,373 .15 of 1991 CDBG funds to the CDLF. RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the reprogramming of $35,373 . 15 of 1991 CDBG funds to the Community Development Loan Fund. Approved unanimously. The Agency requested that staff explain to Common Council the reasons for the reprogramming. 5 Minutes IURA April 13 , 1994 IV-3 . Drop-In Children's Center (DICC) Proposal The proposal from the Drop-In Children Center, Inc . dated March 29, 1994 was entered in to the minutes . Norton gave a brief overview of the proposal . Norton reported that the CAC has approved the proposal of the DICC for inclusion with the 1994 CDBG Application. However the CAC strongly recommended that the DICC relocate to a Northside location. The site will be determined in cooperation with the Northside Land Use Commission. Remaining funds from the BT Glass capital project will be used for the new site, pending approval by Common Council to extend the bonding to the new location. The DICC will require a 10-15, 000 sq. ft site. The IURA approved of the DICC's relocation to a site in the Northside area. The IURA further recommended for staff to work with the DICC on the feasibility issues and to report back to the IURA at the May meeting. The IURA approved of including the project in the 1994 CDBG application. IV-4 . Microenterprise Program Norton gave a brief overview of the recommendations by the CAC and Economic Development Committee on the Community Enterprise Opportunities (CEO) project. The project is a microenterprise program administered jointly by Tompkins Cortland Community College, Jeff Furman and the Ithaca Housing Authority. The CAC has recommended the project for inclusion in the 1994 CDBG application with the recommendation that the program's developer not have an office in City Hall . Norton has contacted TCAD, BOCES, and explored other sites recommended by the CAC such as the basement offices in Henry St John. There was no suitable office space available at any of these sites . Norton also contacted organizations who might refer clients to this program and individuals who might participate in the program themselves . None of the parties reached shared the CAC's concern for the City Hall location. There was a general consensus that available funds should be used for the program and not for rent if this could be avoided. Reed suggested that running the program from City Hall could enhance the perception that the City is user friendly and promote the interaction between the City Planning Department and the Community. 6 Minutes IURA April 13 , 1994 Cummings was strongly opposed to a City Hall location because of the difference between doing business with the government or with entrepreneurs . She suggested following the CAC's recommendations and continuing the search for an non-City Hall site. Dylla had communicated to Norton that office space at TCAD was his first choice . If this were not possible he proposed to have the office in City Hall and to review this location after a year. Van Cort stated that the office will need administrative support. Myers suggested for staff to contact the Chamber of Commerce and ask the Chamber for assistance. He suggested contacting TCAD again and find out if office space was available in the building. His main concern was for the program to be sustainable over a long period of time. Cummings concurred with this . Norton proposed changes in the CEO' s budget to make funds available for office rent. The rent will use up about $10, 000 of the budget. The IURA approved of the inclusion of this project with the 1994 CDBG application with the recommendation that the project's budget be redrafted and the search for office space outside City Hall be continued. IV-5 . Transfer of Section 17 Program Income to CDLF - EDC Crediting of Section 17 mortgage payoffs to CD loan fund. Norton gave a brief overview of the recommendations by the Economic Development Committee on crediting the Section 17 mortgage payoffs to the Community Development Loan Fund. The IURA reviewed and approved the recommendations . Cummings moved and Reed seconded a resolution to approve the crediting of Section 17 mortgage payoffs to the Community Development Loan Fund. RESOLVED, that the IURA approves depositing all funds from the Section 17 bank account, approximately $8, 970 .00, and any future Section 17 mortgage or interest payments into the Community Development Loan Fund. Approved unanimously. V. Recommendations to Common Council for the 1994 CDBG Application - Resolution Norton reported that the CAC had completed its review of the projects for the 1994 CDBG Application. The CAC's resolution, 7 Minutes IURA April 13 , 1994 dated March 29, 1994 and the memo from Norton to the IURA, dated April 7, 1994 were entered into the minutes . Norton distributed the budget proposal for the 1994 CD Block Grant, dated April 14, 1994 . The document was entered into the minutes . The review by the IURA of the two economic development projects were done under items IV-3 and IV-4 . The Agency reviewed the housing, the infrastructure improvement projects and the 1994 block grant's budget. Cummings moved and Reed seconded a resolution to approve the CAC Recommendations for 1994 CDBG Application and forward its recommendations to the Common Council for their review. WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency recognizes the need to support efforts which promote affordable housing, job creation, and increased public services to Ithaca's low and moderate income population, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) has reviewed the projects for the 1994 Community Development Block Grant which include Phase II of Mutual Housing, the INHS Northside Rehabilitation Project, the Ithaca Microenterprise program, public infrastructure improvements to Conway Park, and the Daycare program, and the Community Advisory Committee recommendations, and WHEREAS, while the IURA recommends that these projects be included in the CDBG application, they recognize that a few of the projects may change due to pending feasibility issues, and that the as yet unannounced HUD deadline for submission of the CDBG gives the IURA staff time to fully develop and finalize the grant application, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends that the projects reviewed be included in the application, but recommends that staff propose any modifications necessary in order to insure that all projects included meet HUD feasibility and impact guidelines between now and the deadline for submission, now BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes staff to make minor modifications in the project composition of the CDBG and the respective budgets according to HUD/CDBG feasibility and impact guidelines, with the understanding that significant or major modifications will be brought back to the CAC and the IURA for their review. Approved unanimously. 8 Minutes IURA April 13, 1994 VI . Budget and Administration 1 . Financial Statements The Small Cities Grants summary and the CD Loan Fund Balances, dated March 1994 were entered into the minutes . VII . Housing and neighborhoods The supporting documentation for the Displacement and Relocation Plan was entered into the minutes . Norton explained that HUD required the IURA to pass this resolution. Cummings moved and Reed seconded a resolution to approve the Resolution on Displacement and Relocation. WHEREAS, the IURA seeks to minimize or prevent any housing displacement as a result of all CDBG funded activities, and WHEREAS, the IURA closely monitors the choice of projects and activities which are included in annual CDBG applications and consistently takes all reasonable steps in order to minimize or prevent displacement, and WHEREAS, the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development has issued comprehensive regulations contained in Handbook 1378 entitled "Tenant Assistance, Relocation and Real Property Acquisition" issued in September 1990, which includes Change One issued July 27, 1992, Change Two, issued October 26, 1992 and Change Three, issued August 9, 1993, now, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby adopts HUD regulations as contained in Handbook 1378 as the IURA's relocation plan, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA certified that its relocation plan is in conformance with HUD regulations as contained in 24 CFR 570 . 606 . Approved unanimously. VIII . Other Business No reports 9 • Minutes IURA April 13 , 1994 IX. Adjournment Reed informed the Mayor that he will resign at the expiration of his term June 30, 1994 . He offered to serve the City in other capacities. He said that he had really enjoyed his tenure on the IURA and thanked the Mayor. The meeting was adjourned at 3 pm. i C\W\Min\Minutes94 .APR 10 Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Tuesday, May 10, 1994, 2 pm Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: IURA: Benjamin Nichols, except for Items I and III, Susan Cummings, Bill Myers, ,aohen, Rick Gray, Paul Mazzarella for Item III-3 , Herman Sieverdi g, Trish Norton, Wies van Leuken. I. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 2 :20 pm by the acting Chair, Susan Cummings . III. Staff Reports 1. 1994 Abbreviated CHAS Norton stated that staff is preparing the 1994 Abbreviated CHAS . HUD requires the abbreviated strategy before submitting the 1994 CDBG Application. This CHAS will focus on the needs of the Northside Triangle as these are the needs which will be addressed in this year's application. A draft of the 1994 update will be mailed to Agency members in the next week. Norton will then take a telephone poll and prepare the final draft. This draft will be reviewed by the Agency at the June 14 meeting. The 30 day public review period will be announced in a legal ad and begin May 25, 1994 . III-2 . Northside Target Area The precise boundaries of the Northside Target Area will be determined after the Northside income and building structure surveys are completed. III-3 . Joint Management of NYS-HOMES Funds - INHS Proposal Cummings turned the meeting over to the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . The memo from Paul Mazzarella dated May 5, 1994 regarding the INHS/HOMES Rehabilitation Loan Program was entered into the minutes . Mazzarella gave a brief overview of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) HOMES Program. He explained that the program's regulations stated that not-for-profits like INHS must use local governments as the conduit to request funds from the treasury. The State Comptroller' s office further required that the IURA sign an agreement with both INHS and New York State, 'ra Minutes IURA May 10, 1994 making the IURA a party to the HOME grant contract. Mazzarella asked the Agency for a quick decision. The 12 month time period for expenditure of funds began April 1, 1994 . The Agency discussed the staff time required to administer this agreement. Myers requested a cost calculation of the required services . He suggested donating the sum as a grant to INNS but opposed setting a precedent for donating administrative services by the CD office. Staff explained that administration of this contract would be similar to existing INHS/IURA contracts and therefore not require a lot of additional staff time. The Agency discussed ways of keeping the City informed on actions by INHS. It was agreed that Mazzarella will give regular reports to the City on INHS programs . It was further agreed that rehabilitation loans in the Northside Target Area will be funded trough the CDBG program. The HOME program will help fund rehabilitation loans in all other areas of the City. . RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to sign an agreement with INHS and the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) pending review by the City Attorney. The sole purpose of the agreement is to fulfill the conditions attached by the DHCR to the $200, 000 HOMES grant it awarded to INHS. Approved unanimously. II . Approval IURA Minutes of April 13 , 1994 The minutes of the IURA meeting of April 13 , 1994 were approved as distributed. IV. Economic Development 1 . Authorization to sell 3/4 acre parcel in Carpenter Business Park Sieverding gave the Agency an update on the sale of the 3/4 acre parcel in Carpenter Business Park. Myers confirmed that the location is well suited for retail . Proceeds from the sale could be used for further economic development . Cummings moved and Myers seconded a resolution to approve selling the 3/4 corner lot in Carpenter Business Park. 2 Minutes IURA May 10, 1994 RESOLVED, that the IURA directs staff to market the 3/4 acre corner lot in Carpenter Business Park. The City reserves the right to reject all bids . Approved unanimously. IV-2 . Drop-In Children' s Center (DICC) Proposal - Update Norton reported on this morning' s meeting with DICC representatives. Staff and DICC discussed the timeline for grant readiness . A crucial ingredient for readiness is a funding commitment of $45, 000 from local businesses . This funding must be secured in order for the DICC to apply for the UDC grant which is an essential component of the relocation's project total funding package. The DICC was informed that if the timeline was not met the DICC proposal would be dropped from the CDBG application. Staff advised DICC against changing consultants while the proposal was being finalized. The Agency expressed concern about the DICC's organizational capacity to raise funds, especially in such a short period of time. Funding commitments have to be in place by the CDBG application deadline in July. The Agency discussed what course of action to take if only a partial funding commitment is in place by July. A consensus was reached that it was crucial for the DICC to demonstrate that it really has the organizational capacity to raise funds . The Agency will use this criterion when reviewing a partial funding commitment. Exclusion of the DICC project will change the application' s budget. Funding will be increased for Administration and for the two Housing projects . Cummings asked to also consider increasing the units in the MHA Phase II project. V. Budget and Administration 1 . Financial Statements The Small Cities Grants summary and the CD Loan Fund Balances, dated April 1994 were entered into the minutes . V-2 . Modification of Human Resource Policies (11/30/93 ) Norton distributed page 13 of the Human Resource Policies as amended by the Assistant City Attorney. The document was entered into the minutes . The Agency discussed and approved the changes . 3 Minutes IURA May 10, 1994 Cummings moved and Myers seconded a resolution to approve the amended page 13 of the Human Resource Policies . RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the amendments made by the Assistant City Attorney on page 13 of the Human Resource Policies . Approved unanimously. VI . Housing and Neighborhoods No reports VII . Other Business 1 . Citizens Savings Bank Myers explained to the Agency how the merger of Citizen's Savings Bank might affect the City. Based on the experiences of other communities he predicted that the sale may result in diminished services . He stated that the CRA procedure allows for the community to request a hearing. The Agency agreed that it should request a hearing. Myers will provide further information on how to do this. Norton and the Mayor will draft a letter requesting a public hearing on the CSB merger. Myers stated that his bank, Alternatives Federal Credit Union, is not in competition with Citizen's Savings Bank. He is sharing his banking expertise with the IURA. VII-2 . The Annex Sieverding reported that the most recent sale's offer for the City' s Annex had been withdrawn. The City is investigating renting out space in the building and acting as landlord. New NY State rules on accessibility might positively effect future sales . VIII . Adjournment The Agency agreed to have its regularly scheduled meetings at 1 pm every second Tuesday of the month. The meeting was adjourned at 4 pm. (C\W\Min\Minutes94 .May) 4 l ev 424.1 9j1/4"LAA_L (:)it`4\cr L Co-yck. Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Tuesday, June 14, 1994, 1 pm Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present : Benjamin Nichols, except for Items I and III, Susan Cummings, Clarence Reed, Bill Myers, Rick Gray, Herman Sieverding, Trish Norton, Wies van Leuken. I . Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 1 : 15 pm by the acting Chair, Susan Cummings . The Agenda was expanded to include Item III-3 , Invitation Challenge Industries ' Open House, Item III-4, Court Ruling K. Evans, Item IV- 2, Subordination UDAG Loan, Item IV-3, Drop-In Children' s Center, Item VI, Conway Park. II . Approval IURA Minutes of May 10, 1994 The minutes of the IURA meeting of May 10, 1994 were approved with one amendment . Under "present" the first name of Alan Cohen was corrected. III . Staff Reports 1 . Approval of 1994 Comprehensive Housing Affordable Strategy Norton stated that there will be a second public hearing on June 27 , 1994 to receive comments on the 1994 abbreviated CHAS . The first hearing took place May 23 , 1994 . The 30 day public review period will end June 28th. 1994 . The draft document has been distributed to various other providers of affordable housing and all interested parties in the community. Reed moved and Myers seconded a resolution to authorize submission of the 1994 abbreviated CHAS to HUD. RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes staff to submit the 1994 abbreviated CHAS to HUD, pending public comments from the Public Hearing scheduled for June 27 , 1994 . Approved unanimously. Minutes IURA June 14, 1994 III-2 . Submission Due Date for 1994 CDBG HUD has notified the City's that the deadline for this year's CDBG Application will be July 26, 1994 . Norton will attend an interactive forum in Buffalo organized by the HUD Buffalo office. The forum will review proposed changes in the CDBG Program. Norton stated that the Mayor issued and invitation to Michael Merrill to visit Ithaca. The Agency discussed the City' s eligibility for becoming an entitlement community. The Agency asked for a memo stating the threshold requirements for receiving entitlement status and ways in which the City might attain this status . III-3 . Challenge Industries ' Open House Norton invited the Agency to the Challenge Industries ' Open House planned for June 22 to show the operations of the Microfilm Department to the community. Challenge Industries received a $65, 000 CDBG loan to expand this department. II-4 . Court Ruling K. Evans Cummings turned the meeting over to the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . The document from the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, dated June 9, 1994 was distributed and entered into the minutes . The Court awarded the sum of $18, 119 . 83 . This includes interest and costs . The sum will be paid by the City' s insurance policy except for the deductible of $15, 000 which will be paid by the IURA with UDAG funds . Myers moved and Reed seconded a resolution to accept the Court' s ruling. RESOLVED, that the IURA will accept the Supreme Court' s ruling of June 9, 1994 on the IURA' s appeal from a judgement by the Supreme Court on August 17 , 1993 regarding the law suit by Katherine Evans, but will respond at the latest allowable date . Approved unanimously. 2 Minutes IURA June 14, 1994 IV. Economic Development 1 . Cherry Street Industrial Park, Lease of One Acre Site to Evaporated Metal Films Sieverding distributed draft site plans for the proposal by Evaporated Metal Films, Inc . (EMF) . He stated that Michael Shay from EMF had requested a lease for an additional one acre site in Cherry Street Industrial Park. Since the lease on this site with Precision Filters has been canceled pursuant to the performance clause in that lease, EMF, by virtue of its lease with the IURA, has the first option to lease this one acre parcel . EMF is consolidating its operations in Cherry Street Industrial Park and needs the additional one acre site for parking to support its 44, 000 sq. ft. building, which has only been partially used since it was constructed. Sieverding stated that both the Economic Development Committee and Common Council had approved the proposal and had forwarded it to the IURA for their approval . Cummings suggested that more trees should be included in the landscaping. Sieverding pointed out that the site plan will be subject to the City' s Site Development Plan Review Ordinance. This suggestion will be forwarded to the Planning Board. Reed moved and Myers seconded a resolution to lease a one acre site in Cherry Street Industrial Park to Evaporated Metal Films . RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes and directs the Mayor to sign a lease with EMF for the one acre parcel in Cherry Street Industrial Park adjacent to Evaporated Metal Films, pending review by the City Attorney. IV-2 . Subordination of Comex Plaza Associates ' UDAG Loan. Sieverding reported on the Economic Development Committee' s recommendations regarding the request for subordination of the UDAG loan by Comex Plaza Associates . The Committee recommended approving the City' s move from second to third position in the debt structure, but increasing the loan' s interest from 7 1/2 percent to 8 1/2 percent to compensate the City for the additional risk. The payments from the Comex loan will continue to be deposited in the CD Revolving Loan Fund. 3 Minutes IURA June 14, 1994 Myers moved and Reed seconded a resolution to approve the request for subordination of the UDAG Loan to Comex Plaza Associates . RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the request by Comex Plaza Associates for subordination of the UDAG loan, which will change the City' s position from second to third position in the debt structure . The loan's interest will be increased from 7 1/2 percent to 8 1/2 percent. Approved unanimously. IV-4 . Drop-In Children' s Center, Inc . Norton distributed the Drop In Children's Center budget . She explained that DICC's project financing needs to be in place before the 1994 CDBG Application' s deadline. All financing gaps need to be closed by that time . Norton asked the Agency for a review of options to guarantee this . V. Budget and Administration 1 . Extension of Contract with EastWest Planning & Development Associates Norton explained that 1994 payments to EastWest Planning and Development Associates have been made with unused funds from the 1993 contract. Myers moved and Reed seconded a resolution to extend the 1993 contract with EastWest Planning and Development Associates through 1994 . RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to extend the 1993 contract with EastWest Planning and Development Associates through 1994 . Approved unanimously. V-2 . Financial Statements The Small Cities Grants Summary dated May 1994 was entered into the minutes . 4 Minutes IURA June 14, 1994 VI . Housing and Neighborhoods Norton stated that costs for improving Conway Park will remain below the budgeted $20, 000 . She proposed using the remaining funds for a project submitted by the Sciencenter. Inclusion of the Sciencenter activity will enhance the comprehensive nature of the grant . VII . Other Business West Inlet Project - 1992 CDBG/Housing Norton informed the Agency that Jerry Weisburd had withdrawn the West Inlet project. VIII . Adjournment Agency members and staff said good-bye to Clarence Reed, and thanked him for his years of service to the IURA. Reed' s term on the IURA expires June 30, 1994 . The meeting was adjourned at 2 :30 pm. Arweck \\ATk J V C\W\Min\Minutes94 .Jun 5 Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Tuesday, July 12, 1994 at 1 PM Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: Benjamin Nichols, except for Item I, Doug Dylla, Pam Mackesey, Bill Myers, Rick Gray, Trish Norton, Wies van Leuken I . Call to order The meeting was called to order by the acting-chair Doug Dylla at 1 : 10 pm. He welcomed Pam Mackesey to the Agency. Mackesey was appointed by the Mayor to fill the vacancy left by Clarence Reed, who resigned at the expiration of his term on June 30, 1994 . Agency members are appointed for 4 year terms . II. Staff Reports - 1994 CDBG Update Dylla turned the meeting over to the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . Norton gave an update on the 1994 CDBG application and distributed a draft of the final budget. This budget, dated July 12, 1994 was entered into the minutes . The amended budget included the public service project proposed by the Sciencenter as discussed during the meeting of June 12, 1994 . The project will enable the Sciencenter to train young people to be docents for the Center. In addition, funding for administration was increased from $75, 000 to $90, 000 . Both additions were made possible because costs for the Conway Park improvements are lower than projected earlier. Mackesey moved and Myers seconded a resolution to approve the final budget for the 1994 CDBG Application. RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the budget, dated July 12, 1994 for the 1994 CDBG application. Approved unanimously. III . Economic Development 1 . Rescheduling Loan Payment - Community Health & Home Care, Inc . Norton briefed the Agency on the discussion and recommendations by the ED Committee on the request by Community Health and Home Care, Inc . (CHHC) for a postponement until January 1, 1994 of principal payments on its 1992 CDBG Economic Development loan. Anne Bookhout of CHHC had presented this request during the EDC meeting of July 5, 1994 . The committee had reviewed CHHC's financial statements and taken into consideration the business' start up difficulties and proposed remedies . CHHC's job reporting had been brought up to Minutes IURA July 12, 1994 date. The EDC's recommendations for the IURA were to approve the request conditioned on CHHC forwarding quarterly financial statements to the Agency. The IURA concurred with the EDC's recommendations . The Agency requested that copies of the letter of approval to CHHC be copied to CHHC's Board of Directors. RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the request by Community Health and Home Care, Inc . for a postponement until January 1, 1995 of principal payments on their 1992 CDBG economic development loan, on condition that CHHC submits quarterly financial statements to the IURA for their review. Approved unanimously. III-2 . Commitment of funds from the Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF) for the Microenterprise project Norton updated the Agency on the developments of the microenterprise project, which is part of the 1994 CDBG application. Norton reported that substantial pro bono commitments have been made by the community. Dylla moved and Myers seconded a resolution to set aside $25, 000 of CDLF funds for Microenterprise. WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency endorses the Community Enterprise Opportunities program in the 1994 CDBG application as providing a needed service for low income women, minorities, and youth, and WHEREAS, the CEO program will provide business and entrepreneurial training to low income individuals so that they may enhance their capacity to generate economic wealth and start-up or expand microenterprise ventures, and WHEREAS, the IURA acknowledges the need for small capital start-up or seed loans for the graduates and participants of the CEO program, and WHEREAS, the IURA administers the Community Development Loan Fund, which was specifically established to provide small businesses with access to loans, and WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee of the IURA recommended that up to $25, 000 in the CDLF be allocated for loans to low income graduates and participants of the CEO program, now 2 _ . Minutes IURA July 12, 1994 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA endorses the Economic . Development Committee's recommendation and agrees to allocate up to $25, 000 of the CDLF to be used for loans to low income graduates and participants in the CEO program. Approved unanimously. III-3 . Authorization to sign master lease with City for Drop-In Children's Center, Inc. 's site The Agency reviewed the developments of the Drop-In Children's Center, Inc. (DICC) project. The Agency recommended for DICC Board members to take on a more active role. Myers moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution for authorization to sign the master lease with the City for the Drop-In Children's Center, Inc. 's site. WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby determines that the Drop-In Children's Center, Inc. provides a public benefit for the City of Ithaca by providing affordable and needed day care services, and WHEREAS, the proposed site is in accordance with the recently committed recommendations of the Northside Land Use Committee; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency authorizes the preparation and execution of a long term master lease between the City of Ithaca and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency for the proposed site for the Drop-In Children's Center, Inc . , and be it further RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency does hereby approve the proposed sub lease between the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and the Drop-In Children's Center, and be it further RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends that when the Drop-In Children' s Center has obtained all necessary funding, that the Mayor, as Chair of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, be authorized to execute the sub lease with the Drop-In Children' s Center. Approved unanimously. V. Budget and Administration 1 . Financial Statements The Small Cities Summary and CD Loan 'Fund Balance, both dated June 1994, were entered into the minutes . 3 Minutes IURA July 12, 1994 V-2 . Resolution of Appreciation for Clarence Reed The draft resolution of appreciation for Clarence Reed was approved as distributed. WHEREAS, Clarence Reed was appointed to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency by Mayor Edward Conley on January 4, 1979 and duly sworn in on January 15, 1979, and WHEREAS, Clarence Reed has been a dedicated member of the IURA and served on the committees for Budget and Administration, and Public Facilities and Infrastructure, and WHEREAS, Clarence Reed has resigned from the IURA upon the expiration of his term on June 30, 1994, and WHEREAS, the IURA will sorely miss Clarence for his commitment to a fair policy of economic growth and housing with particular attention to those most in need, and WHEREAS, the IURA wishes to acknowledge especially Clarence's sensitivity towards the role of minorities and young people in business and the role of the IURA within the City's governmental structure, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency thanks Clarence Reed and expresses its deep appreciation for his years of service as a member of the Agency and wishes him well in all his future endeavors. VI . Housing and Neighborhoods No reports . VII . Other Business No reports . / \ \ 0,1 v\cty VIII .Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 pm. C\W\Min\Minute94 .JUL 4 Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Tuesday, September 13, 1994, 1 pm Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: Benjamin Nichols, Doug Dylla, Pam Mackesey, Bill Myers, Susan Cummings, Matthys Van Coort�, " Herman Sieverding, Trish Norton, Paul Glover for item III-1, K�cL Gcc' 1 . I. Call to order The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols . II. Approval of Minutes No reports III. Staff Reports 1. The Annex Paul Glover asked the Agency to allow him to use the first floor of the Annex for his project called "Ithaca Hours" , pending a permanent use of the building. The Agency referred him to the September 21, 1994 meeting of the Economic Development Committee of Common Council which has the Annex on its agenda. Mackesey added that the decision on the use of the building might require more than one meeting. The Agency thanked Glover for his presentation. Dylla suggested endorsing Glover' s proposal . Cummings stated that, if space was going to be leased to a community group, its availability should be made public. III-2 . Landmark Square Rehabilitation Project Sieverding stated that the terms of the agreement with Rick Cowles for the rehabilitation of Landmark Square have changed substantially since the 1993 CDBG Application was submitted. Cowles asked for a complete review of the terms of the loan. He has requested a interest free, non-amortizing loan, which he would repay at the end of 20 years . The Agency rejected this request, and recommended staying with the original 30-year amortized loan of $350, 000 at 3% interest with a balloon payment at the end of the agreement to maintain the rents at affordable levels . Minutes IURA September 13 , 1994 The Agency authorized Sieverding to continue negotiating to obtain a contract to rehabilitate the site. Sieverding is in touch with Becky Bilderbeck of Better Housing for Tompkins County. The Agency agreed that the City can be more flexible with loan terms for a not-for-profit organization. Dylla summarized that the Agency agreed that staff should continue to work with Rick Cowles, that if this failed an agreement could be negotiated with a non-for-profit organization and that pending this process the owner of the building should be held to strict observance of the building code. IV. Economic Development - Drop-In Children' s Center, Inc . (DICC) Norton explained that the DICC had a funding gap of $145, 000, which they wanted to fill with a UDC grant of $100, 000 . However, in order to qualify for the grant, a sum of $45,000 must be raised locally. It was suggested that DICC might qualify for an exemption from UDC guidelines, given the structure of the local economy. V-1 . Budget and Administration - Financial statements The financial statements dated July, 1994 were entered into the minutes . V-2 . Tompkins County Trust Company Norton stated that the Tompkins County Trust Company required a corporate resolution before allowing the transfer of funds between accounts held with the bank. RESOLVED, that the Corporation establish Anytime Access telephone access service for all accounts in the name of the corporation except those listed in the above Anytime Access corporate authorization and the Corporation authorizes Mayor Benjamin Nichols to execute the Anytime Access corporate authorization annexed hereto, the form and substance of which is hereby approved. Approved unanimously. V-3 . Signing of Resolution for Clarence Reed Signing was postponed until the next meeting. 2 Minutes IURA September 13 , 1994 V-4 . Interim & Long-term plans for replacement of CD Administrator The Agency discussed hiring an independent contractor while completing the hiring process to replace Norton, who will leave the Agency September 23 , 1994 . The Agency agreed to hire Denise Balkas for 20-25 hours per week until a permanent staff member is hired. RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes staff to commence with the search for a new CD administrator. Approved unanimously. RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to sign the contract with Denise Balkas for independent contract services of 20-25 hours per week until a permanent staff member has been hired. Approved unanimously. VI-1. Housing and Neighborhoods - Reprogramming of 1992 CDBG funds for West Inlet Project. The $300, 000 programmed for the 1992 CDBG's West Inlet Project, must be reprogrammed to an other affordable housing project. Cummings suggested using sites owned by Baker on Sears Street. Additional suitable land might be available on South Hill . Van Cort suggested that the Agency updates the inventory of vacant sites in the city. VI-2 . INHS/Ithacare Site The Agency discussed INHS' plans for the Ithacare site. Project costs are estimated to be in the four to five million dollar range for 40 units . This is not feasible. INHS is investigating whether HUD will allow the assumption of an existing one million dollar mortgage on the property. This will reduce the estimated cost to three to four million dollars . VII . Other Business ykRvV „C" Q� amAQAA.CvC� No reports ■ c.v_i VIII . Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 2 :30 pm. (C\W\m\Minute94 .Sep) 3 r Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Tuesday, October 11, 1994, 1 PM Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present: Benjamin Nichols, Bill Myers, Susan Cummings, Herman Sieverding, Denise Balkas, Wies van Leuken I . Call to order The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Benjamin Nichols at 1 :35 pm. II . Approval of Minutes The minutes of the meeting of June 21, 1994 were approved as distributed. III . Staff Reports Landmark Square Sieverding reported that the Wood Street Park Improvement Project is almost completed. The playground equipment has been delivered and is being stored in a trailer on the site. The date for the community build of the playground has been set for Saturday, October 22, 1994 . Rick Grossman and Ramona Cornell will organize the neighborhood volunteers to assist with the construction of the playground. Sieverding further reported that Rick Cowles had withdrawn from the Landmark Square project. Arnold Rabnor, owner of Landmark Square, came to Ithaca to meet with representatives from INHS and Better Housing of Tompkins County. At the conclusion of these meetings he was invited to meet with the Mayor to discuss the condition of Landmark Square. The site was last inspected in 1993 and is scheduled to be inspected again in the next few weeks . A report will be issued following inspection. Negotiations for the sale are under way but are still some distance from being finalized. Landmark Square has been assessed at 1 .3 million dollars . Rabnor wants to sell the 53 housing units not fronting Meadow Street . He plans to demolish the units on Meadow Street and replace them with commercial property after he completes the sale of the 53 residential units . Minutes IURA October 11, 1994 Cummings suggested setting up a barrier between the commercial and residential sites to ensure the quality of life of the residential section. IV-1 . Economic Development - CD Loan Fund No reports IV-2 . City Hall Annex Sieverding reported that a purchase offer was made for the City Hall Annex by Peter Newell, who made a non refundable deposit to the City on October 6, 1994 . Common Council has been informed of the developments . Council approves accepting the purchase offer subject to increasing the sales price to at least $125, 000 . Newell's offer is for $130, 000 . Newell is planning to add two stories to the building using a light weight steel construction. An elevator will be installed to the fifth floor. A stairway will give access to the sixth floor. The ground floor will be used for retail, the first two floors for office space and the remaining floors for residential units . The date for completion of the sale's process has been set at January 16, 1995 . Cummings moved and Myers seconded a resolution to approve the purchase offer for the City Hall annex. RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the purchase offer of $130, 000 made on October 6, 1994 by Peter Newell for the City Hall Annex, pending City approval of the redesign proposal by January 2, 1995 and removal of financing contingency by January 16, 1995 . Approved unanimously. V. Budget and Administration - Purchase of Computer The memo from Doug Foster, dated October 4, 1994 was discussed and entered into the minutes . Myers moved and Cummings seconded a resolution approving the purchase of a new computer, a 486 DX2/66 at a cost of $2, 219 . RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the purchase of a 486 DX2/66 computer for the Community Development Office. Approved unanimously. 2 Minutes IURA October 11, 1994 V-2 . Process for Hiring CD Administrator The Agency agreed to the following hiring process . Staff will evaluate the resumes . The Search Committee will select about four candidates for a first round of interviews . This should be completed by early November. The final choice will be made after the second round of interviews . Resumes will be available in the Community Development office. The committee will be composed of members of the IURA and staff . The Agency proposed that Mike Stamm, Denise Balkas and Clarence Reed join the Committee. V-3 . Financial Statements The financial statements dated August, 1994 and September, 1994 were entered into the minutes . VI. Housing and Neighborhoods - Former MHA/INNS site on Floral Ave The Agency discussed the future use of the former MHA/INNS site on Floral Avenue. No action was taken. VII . Other Business - Committee Assignments The Agency reviewed the assignment of members to IURA committees . The Agency proposed the following assignments : Economic Development Committee: Bill Myers, Scott Querin, Alan Cohen and Pam Mackesey. Rick Gray will act as liaison with Common Council . Budget and Administration: Susan Cummings and Benjamin Nichols . Public Facilities and Infrastructure: this Committee is no longer active. Neighborhoods and Housing: Susan Cummings and Doug Dylla. The Mayor will discuss the proposed reassignment with Doug Dylla. VIII .Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 2 :40 pm. VACk (C\W\m\Minute94 .00T) it-99v2,0-e_cSkG/1 3 A∎6,6"e_c1 MINUTES OF THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Tuesday, December 12 , 1994, 1 : 00 pm Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall Present : Susan Cummings, Pam Mackesey, Bill Myers, Rick Gray, Matthys Van Cort, Herman Sieverding, Wies van Leuken. I . CALL TO ORDER by Susan Cummings, acting chair, at 1 : 15 pm. II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 12, 1994 minutes approved; September 13, 1994 minutes approved with the addition of Rick Gray to those present. III . STAFF REPORTS III . 1 1995 CDBG Van Cort explained Notice of Funding Availability for Community Development Small Cities Block Grant and application cycle. a It is expected that administration of HUD grants will be turned over to the State. b The 1995 CDBG Application will be for a three- year period, subject to approval of funding in second and third years. Funding for first year is committed. c Maximum allowable funding is $900, 000/year. d Application deadline. is February 21, 1996 . e Two public hearings will be required. f The Agency expressed concern at the short notice of the application deadline and offered its support to the staff. Consultant Harry Sicherman will meet with Staff and potential project sponsors on December 19, 1994 . IURA members may wish to be present . Sieverding listed the projects presently under consideration. They were housing projects proposed by INHS, rehabilitation and program support at Southside Community Center, infrastructure improvments in the Southside neighborhood, improved police programs in the same neighborhood, structural improvements to the Henry St . John building, economic development loans to a business which makes pallets. There was further general discussion regarding possible projects for grant application. Mackesey stated that job creation resulting from CDBG projects should lead to long-term real jobs. Attentio should bew paid to jobs which would train people . !` IURA MINUTES 12/12/94 page 2 Denise Balkas and Herman Sieverding will prepare the grant application with help from Harry Sicherman. IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IV. 1 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund [CD-RLF] There is a balance of ±$170, 000 in the CD-RLF. Denise Balkas and bookkeeper Pam Solomon are working on reformatting the financial reports which will provide a clearer presentation and separation of CDBG originated program income from other IURA projects. IV.2 There was an update report on the Local Development Corporation [LDC] . V. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION V. 1 CD Administrator Position: Four candidates have been interviewed for the position. References are being checked on two. V.2 Financial Statements dated November 1994 were distributed and entered into minutes. V.3 Resolution of Appreciation for Clarence Reed was signed by all Agency members present. V.4 East/West Planning and Development Associates a Van Cort stated the City will need to make more use of Harry Sicherman' s consulting services than in previous years . • b Mackesey moved and. Myers seconded a resolution to approve the 1995 contract with EastWest Planning and Development Associates . RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to sign the contract with EastWest Planning and Development Associates pending review by the City Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA. The total remuneration for 1995 is not to exceed $15, 000 . [#757] c Approved unanimously. i' - IURA MINUTES 12/12/94 page 3 VI . HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS VI . 1 The Annex: Staff will meet with Peter Newell tomorrow. By the terms of the sales contract, Newell must have completed all City approvals by January 1, 1995 and must have all financial commitments in place by January 16, 1995. VI .2 Landmark Square: Paul .Mazzarella from INHS, and Arnold Rabnor, owner of Landmark Square Apartments, conducted two more rounds of negotiations and are closer to a settlement than before, but still far from reaching an agreement . The Agency restated its opinion that the site is kept in continual disrepair, has the highest number of requests for police assistance in the City, and has major code violations which must be addressed. The Agency recommends appraising the property and then claiming the site by imminent domain. Mackesey will consult with members of Common Council . VII . OTHER BUSINESS: No reports. • VIII . ADJOURNMENT: 2 :45 pm. END 05/13/97 WVL/mfh Idirku i •