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Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Thursday, February 13, 1997, 11AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Alan Cohen for Item 1, 2 and part of 3, Bill Myers for items 1, 2, and
part of 3, Doug Dylla, Pam Mackesey, Brad Nelson, Rick Gray, Thys Van
Cort for Item III-1, Paul Stevenson, Martha Armstrong, Wies van Leuken
1. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 11:05 am.
Stevenson announced that there will be a community build for Conway
Park on April 26, 1997 .
Stevenson informed the Agency that Marcia Fort had resigned from the
CEO Loan Committee. He asked the Agency' s help with filling the
vacancy.
2 . Regular Business
2a CD Staff COLA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action taken:
The IURA approved the resolution regarding the 1997 COLA for CD Staff.
WHEREAS, the IURA has in the past provided cost of living increases
(COLA) to the community development staff at comparable levels to that
of the City employees, and
WHEREAS, the City contract provides for a three percent (3%) increase
for City employees in 1997, now
BE IT RESOLVED, the IURA authorizes a three percent cost of living
increase to the community development staff retroactive to January 1,
1997 .
Approved Unanimously.
2b Approval of Minutes
No reports
Minutes IURA
February 13, 1997
3 . Strategy Session: The Work of the IURA
a. SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of
the IURA
b. Discussion of the IURA Work Program-- Constraints and
Opportunities
c . Discussion of the IURA' s Role in Revitalizing Neighborhoods and
Furthering Economic Opportunities
Stevenson explained that at Dylla' s suggestion the discussion would
start off with a "SWOT Analysis . " SWOT stands for Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats . A SWOT Analysis is a tool to
focus on the issues confronting an organization. After the issues in
each category are identified, connections should be found to determine
how strengths match threats etc . , and how to address issues derived
from the exercise .
The strategy session was moderated by Martha Armstrong.
The Agency identified the following items during the discussion.
I. INTERNAL STRENGTHS
Good staff
The granting of a multiyear grant gives the CDBG program a future.
Established record of successful implementation
Holistic approach to solving problems
II. EXTERNAL STRENGTHS
Strong non-for-profit community organizations to act as
subgrantees
Institutions of learning in community
Cultural assets
IURA Consultant TCAD's move to a more central role in the
development of the whole community
Good housing solutions for low and moderate income (L/M)
people
III . INTERNAL WEAKNESSES
Too many funds to be reprogrammed.
Lack of diversity of the Agency
Few candidates for CD Revolving Loan Fund
Lack of consistent planning
Small staff
Poor opportunities for L/M jobs
Limited knowledge of other community's strategies
Use of one funding source only
Limited ability to help organizations with technical
assistance
Increase of projects which are administered in-house
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Minutes IURA
February 13, 1997
IV. EXTERNAL WEAKNESSES
Diverse community brings forth unusual projects which are
subject to approval of a traditional review process
Perception that downtown is not a desirable place to live.
V. INTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES
Multiyear funding base allows for planning opportunities
Increasing administrative lines
Partnership with non-for-profits to provide technical
assistance
Increased focus on economic development by Common Council
VI. EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES
Innovative Community
Reconsideration of LDC in light of proposed State take over.
Reconsideration of alternative funding
The community wide strategic plan spearheaded by United Way
Completion of Westend construction and waterfront development
Cornell University's Office for Economic Development
VII. INTERNAL THREATS
Losing CDBG funding as a result of lack of performance.
VIII. EXTERNAL THREATS
The proposed takeover of the CDBG program by NYS
A State takeover could cause a two year disruption and will
change the priorities of the program, such as fewer housing
projects and larger ED projects
An early payoff of the Eddygate Loan
The diverse Community
Lack of jobs for L/M people.
The Agency reviewed the items discussed so far and moved to discuss
connections and solutions.
CONNECTIONS, ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
I. Van Cort will discuss with Sieverding and TCAD the possibility
of making stronger links between the City and TCAD.
II. The Agency determined it is necessary to create a pipeline
for projects. To achieve this it will be necessary to create
a very close relationship between a City staff member and the
targeted area and for this staff member to be known as a
facilitator.
III. There should be a regular survey of housing conditions as was
done by INNS before 1995 .
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Minutes IURA
February 13, 1997
IV. IURA members will report on programs from other communities .
V. Investigate outsourcing CD projects (like to WORK/Rural
opportunities)
VI. Review increasing the cap on the CDR Loan Fund
The Agency discussed a number of possibilities for job creation.
JOB CREATION
I. Build a Spa
II. Set up a Cooking School
III. Advertise Ithaca as the tourist destination for gay and
lesbian people
IV. Use the Ithacare building for one of the above purposes
VI. Build a Cannery in Ithaca
Next the agency discussed how to better review and monitor
projects .
REVIEW and MONITORING
I. There is a great need for jobs that allow people the
opportunity for a full life
II. Projects should be judged for the staff time they require
III. Non-traditional projects will require more staff time than
traditional ones
IV. Develop a system to determine the effectiveness of a project
V. Staff will give regular update reports to the Agency
The Agency agreed to take time at the next meeting to discuss the
following items:
Monitoring projects
Evaluation, Intake, Priorities
Pipeline for
Trends Analysis
Key Goals
Economic Development Analysis
4 . Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12 :40 .
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Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Wednesday, March 26, 1997 at 9AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present: Susan Cummings, Bill Myers, Pam Mackesey, Brad Nelson for
Items V - XI, Thys Van Cort for Item IV - XI, Herman Sieverding for
Item I - IV, Paul Stevenson, Martha Armstrong, Wies van Leuken
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the vice-chair Susan Cummings at
9 :05 AM.
II . Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the IURA meeting of 2/13/97 were distributed.
III . Strategic Planning
The next strategy session will take place during the April meeting.
It was decided to invite Doug Dylla to participate.
A draft resolution of appreciation for Dylla' tenure a the Agency
will be reviewed at the April meeting. Dylla's term ended in early
March of 1997 .
IV. Cherry Street Industrial Park
Request for lease modification/Perfect Screen Printers
Sieverding briefed the Agency on the request for a lease
modification by Jonathan Gould's attorney. Gould leases a site at
Cherry Street Industrial Park for his business Perfect Screen
Printers .
Sieverding stated that Gould started construction on the site prior
to approval of the project's financing and therefore the request
has a certain urgency.
The requested changes are a result of a SBA loan guarantee. The
changes concern job creation and reporting requirements and are
more restrictive than the current lease terms, particularly in
terms of job creation. While the Agency required three jobs to be
created, SBA requires six. .
U e&sOA
Mackesey moved and Summangs seconded a resolution to approve the
requested lease modification as attached to the minutes . The
resolution was approved with Cummings abstaining.
RESOLUTION
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
March 26, 1997
Approval of request for modification of lease agreement between the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and Jonathan Gould of Perfect Screen
Printers for "Parcel A" of Cherry Street Industrial Park
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency approves the request
for modification, as attached to this resolution, of the lease
agreement between the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and Jonathan
Gould of Perfect Screen Printers for "Parcel A" of Cherry Street
Industrial Park.
CERTIFIED
4 , "
everding, Act' . Executive Director, IURA
APAdI
S
I. -
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•
MODIFICATION TO LEASE ACMEENENT
Made this day of March, 1997, by and between
THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY, established
under the laws of the State of New York, with
offices at 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New
York 14850 (hereinafter "Lessor" )
and
JONATHAN GOULD
PERFECT SCREEN PRINTERS
3 Highland Park Lane, Ithaca, New York 14850
(hereinafter "Lessee")
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have previously entered into a
lease agreement concerning property located at Cherry Street,
Ithaca, New York, which lease is dated November 8, 1995, and
WHEREAS, the property which is the subject of said lease is
described as "Parcel A" in a survey map of Allen T. Fulkerson of
T.G. Miller, PC, which map is dated August 19, 1992, amended June
6, 1994, and amended November 5, 1996, and
WHEREAS, the Lessee is in the process of constructing a
building on said premises, and
WHEREAS, the Lessee is desirous of modifying the lease to
accommodate financing of the construction project, and
WHEREAS, the Lessor has established that the modifications
are consistent with the development of the Industrial Park, it is
hereby agreed as follows:
1. Paragraph 4 of the lease is modified so that the term of
the lease shall bn twenty-two (22) years. In all other respects,
paragraph 4 shall remain unmodified.
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2. Paragraph 5 is modified in its entirety as follows:
The Lessor at its sole discretion and upon sixty (60)
days notice to the Lessee may terminate this lease after three
(3) years from the execution of this agreement provided that
prior to termination of said lease, Lessee has not undertaken
expansion of its operation and construction of new facilities at
Cherry Street Industrial Park. Expansion and construction shall
be defined as the construction of a 3,740 square foot building.
The Lessor acknowledges that the building currently
under construction on the premises is in compliance with this
provision and that the completion of said building pursuant to
the plans as approved by the Board of Planning and Development of
the City of Ithaca on November 28, 1995 will satisfy this
expansion requirement.
It is the expectation of the parties hereto that the
Lessee, based on its construction at Cherry Street, will increase
its work force by three new full-time employees. The City will
rely on the job creation requirements and reporting of these
requirements of the Small Business Administration (Section 504
loan) which is providing financing and loan guarantees for
financing of the Lessee's construction. Those requirements
provide for job creation and retention based on one job for each
$35,000 of investment/guarantee funds of the SBA. The Lessee at
the time of the execution of the original lease had four
full-time employees.
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3. Paragraph 10 is modified as follows:
Lessee shall not assign this lease or any interest
therein to any party without approval of the Ithaca. Urban Renewal
Agency; such approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
Lessor consents to and approves of any assignment or
transfer of the lease which may occur in the future to any lender
who holds a leasehold mortgage on the premises, whether such
mortgage holder acquires the lease by virtue of an assignment in
lieu of foreclosure or by virtue of a foreclosure of its
mortgage; and Lessor consents to any future transfer of the
Lessee's rights and obligations under the lease to any immediate
successor by assignment from the leasehold mortgage holder or
from a referee in foreclosure of the leasehold mortgage. This
approval is granted so long as the transferee of the Lessee's
rights and obligations under the lease accepts in a written,
recorded instrument the obligations of the Lessee under the lease
as defined herein. The Lessor agrees not to retain or seize any
assets for which a UCC-1 has been filed by a mortgagee of the
leasehold interest on the premises described herein.
4. Paragraph 15 of the lease is modified by adding the
following additional paragraph:
Other provisions notwithstanding, for as long as there
is a mortgage on the leasehold, Lessor, upon notification of the
name and address of the mortgage holder will give notice of any
default of the Lessee under this lease, whereupon the mortgage
holder shall have 90 days from receipt of any notice to cure any
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default before the Lessor may enforce its rights against the
Lessee or the leasehold.
5. The provisions of the lease (a copy of which is attached
hereto) not specifically modified by this Lease Modification
shall remain binding on both parties.
Dated: ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
by:
ALAN COHEN, IURA
Dated: LESSEE
by:
JONATHAN GOULD
PERFECT SCREEN PRINTERS
STATE OF NEW YORK )
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) - 'ss. :
On this day of March, 1997, .before me personally came
ALAN COHEN, to me known, who being by me duly sworn, did depose
and say that deponent resides at Ithaca, New York, and that
deponent is the Chairman of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, the
entity described in and which executed, the foregoing instrument;
deponent knows the seal of said entity, that the seal affixed to
said instrument is the seal of said entity; that it was so
affixed by order of the Board of Directors of said entity;
deponent signed deponent's name thereto by like order.
NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF NEW YORK )
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) ss. :
On this day of March, 1997, before me personally came
JONATHAN GOULD, to me personally known, who, being by me duly
sworn, did depose and says that he resides at Ithaca, New York,
that he is the President of J. GOULD'S PERFECT SCREEN PRINTERS,
INC. , the corporation described in, and which executed, the
within Instrument, that he knows the seal of said corporation;
that the seal affixed to said Instrument is such corporate seal;
that it was so affixed by order of the Board of Directors of said
corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like order.
NOTARY PUBLIC
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Minutes IURA
March 26, 1997
Gould' s access to his Cherry Street site uses a portion of MorOo' s
site. To allow Gould access means that Moro will give up a
portion of his leasehold. Even though this decision cannot benefit
Mor , Cummings abstained from both the discussion and the vote on
this matter to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
The resolution as attached to these minutes was approved with
Cummings abstaining.
2
RESOLUTION
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
March 26, 1997
Approval by the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) of the request
for leasehold rights between Jonathan Gould and Joseph Moro
WHEREAS, the IURA has previously executed leases for parcels
of land at Cherry Street Industrial Park with Joe Moro and
Jonathan Gould (Perfect Screen Printers) , and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned leases contain provisions about
non-assignability, and
WHEREAS, said provisions are inconsistent with the designs
of the Moro and Gould projects as approved by the Planning and
Development Board on November 28, 1995, which design provides for a
shared driveway on the south side of the lots and shared parking
on the west side of the Moro parcel and the east side of the
Gould parcel, and
WHEREAS, Gould and Moro are desirous of reaching an
agreement concerning the sharing of the driveway and parking, and
WHEREAS, said agreement will require assignment of leasehold
rights, it is hereby
RESOLVED that Gould and Moro, lessees of the IURA shall have
the right to make assignments of Cherry Street Industrial Park
leasehold interests to each other provided that the assignments
are consistent with the development plans approved by the
Planning and Development Board.
CERTIFIED ) 2
1 /_2///{7-
He an Sieverding, Act Executive Director IURA Da 6 e
Minutes IURA
March 26, 1997
V. Downtown Dental Clinic
The IURA received a request from Thom deLara of the Family Health
Network to have their loan for the dental clinic converted to a
grant. This is one of a number of concessions the Network is
seeking to ensure the financial viability of the dental clinic .
The Network has provided the Agency with financial statements to
help them come to a decision. The statements include data from
their other operations and therefore do not clearly address the
cash flow of the clinic . The statements seem to indicate that some
of the Network's enterprises loose money and some show a profit.
The Dental clinic does not seem to be funded through profits from
other operations. The IURA loan is not a very large part of the
clinic's total debt service.
The Agency expressed its commitment to keep the clinic open if at
all possible.
The Agency asked staff to first obtain complete financial
statements for the clinic and then meet to discuss the request with
Thom deLara, ED committee chair Bill Myers and a financial
consultant.
VI. CEO Program
Staff informed the Agency that CEO consultants had been paid beyond
their contractual limits during the time the .program was carried
out between the end of the 1994 funding and the beginning of the
1996 funding cycles . The work output was also beyond that required
by their contract.
Agency members requested that the memo explaining this to them be
revised to make the reasons for the overpayment more clear. Time
sheets have been redesigned to keep better track of time input.
Jeff Furman, CEO consultant, requested a reimbursement of $150 per
month for the use of his office space for the CEO program.
Myers moved and Cummings seconded a resolution to allow
reimbursement for use of office space for CEO consultant Jeff
Furman.
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the request by Jeff Furman to be
reimbursed at the rate of $150 per month to be included in his
contract for the CEO program.
Approved unanimously.
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Minutes IURA
March 26, 1997
Stevenson stated that he had met with representatives from WORC,
TCAD and Cooperative Extension about outsourcing the CEO Program.
Myers proposed that the micro-enterprise programs of the area
eventually be consolidated to ensure the future of micro-enterprise
services .
VII . Administration
1 . Attorney General Letter
City Attorney Mariette Geldenhuys drafted a letter to the Attorney
General on the terms for IURA members for the Agency's review.
The Agency asked that the issue - Ithaca's ruling on term limits
for Agency members - be addressed more directly in the letter.
VII-2 . Temporary Administrative Services
Stevenson informed the Agency that a person will be hired on a very
short time basis to help the CD office catch up on its
administrative backlog.
VII-3 . CD Ad ministration Staff Contract
No reports
VII-4 . Financial Statements
The financial statements dated January 1997 and February 1997, were
entered into the minutes
VII-5 . Appointments
Stevenson announced the Mayor's appointment of Eric Lindstrom to
the Economic Development Committee. He will replace Martha
Armstrong.
VIII . Abandoned properties
Stevenson announced that progress is being made on the abandoned
402 Cayuga Street site.
Cummings proposed developing an information package on property
acquisition for future use.
4
Minutes IURA
March 26, 1997
IX. CDBG Update
No reports .
X. Other business
No Reports.
XI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10 :45AM
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Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Thursday, April 10, 1997, 9AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen, Bill Myers, Pam Mackesey, Brad Nelson, Paul
Stevenson, Martha Armstrong, Wies van Leuken
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the chair Alan Cohen at 11AM.
II. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the IURA meeting of February 13 , 1997 were approved
as distributed.
III. Continuation of Strategic Planning Process
1 . Connections and Linkages
2 . Discussion of Strategies
Doug Dylla had been asked to attend the meeting to provide his
input into the strategic planning process . However, he was out of
town the day of meeting and thus unable to attend.
Today' s strategic planning session is a continuation of the
session of the February meeting. A that time the Agency had
agreed to discuss Monitoring projects, Evaluation, Intake,
Priorities, Pipeline for ED projects, Trends Analysis, Key Goals
and Economic Development Analysis.
Work programs for CD staff covering the next four months were
distributed, so that Agency members could place the strategic
process within the context of the other work underway in the CD
office .
The session was moderated by Martha Armstrong, and covered the
following items .
MISSION
Creation of economic development opportunities
Creation of stable and healthy neighborhoods
Creation of housing and jobs
Minutes IURA
April 10, 1997
GOALS
Create jobs for low and moderate persons .
Improve Planning
Diversify funding sources
Improve existing housing stock, specifically for low and moderate
income persons
Converse multi-unit housing back to single family housing.
Promote the existence of mixed income neighborhoods.
Stabilize neighborhoods
Promote the elimination of drugs and crime
Avoid concentration of students
Improve both the hard and soft infrastructure of neighborhoods
Create a free paint program
STRATEGY
Involve students in neighborhood committees
Outsource micro enterprise training
Consolidate micro services
IV. CDBG Update
INHS has sold two of the house recycling properties on Cleveland
Avenue. Another boarded up house should be acquired this month,
as the revitalization process continues .
V. Resolution Thanking Doug Dylla for Service to the IURA
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution thanking Dylla
for his service to the IURA.
WHEREAS, Doug Dylla was appointed to the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency by Mayor Ben Nichols in July of 1990, and
WHEREAS, Doug Dylla has been a dedicated member of the IURA and
has served on the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee and also
the Economic Development Committee, and
WHEREAS, Doug Dylla has freely shared his expertise on housing
and community development issues with the IURA' s members and
staff, and
WHEREAS, Doug Dylla has also been an advocate for planning and
strategic development on the part of the IURA, with particular
concern for the downtown neighborhoods, now
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Minutes IURA
April 10, 1997
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
thanks Doug for his years of service and contributions to the
Agency, and wishes him well in all of his future endeavors .
Approved unanimously.
The final resolution will be available in the CD office for each
member's signature. The official version with City and IURA
seals will be given to Dylla.
VI . Other Business
1 Neighborhood Assistance
Stevenson was asked by the Norhtside Civic Group for help with
grass roots legal issues concerning the neighborhood. He
proposed hiring a legal intern to research the issues . The
results would be available to all neighborhoods .
The Agency discussed how to integrate this with the work being
done by the Code Enforcement officer and the work the City
Attorney's office is doing for the Drug Task force.
The Agency asked that Staff should have a meeting with the
Assistant City Attorney, the Code Enforcement Officer, Pam
Mackesey and the Mayor in order to have an integrated approach to
this issue.
VI-2 . The Ithaca Theater
Questions regarding CD Funds for the Ithaca Theater should be
referred to the Mayor's office .
VI-3 . Shelter
Stevenson gave a tentative timeline for the acquisition of the
new site for the domestic violence shelter and possible uses for
the site the shelter is using now. This timeline is subject to
the release of funds for the next grant year. A RFP will be
released for the re-use of the existing shelter building. The
IURA will give final approval on any re-use.
VI-4 . City Attorney' s Letter
The City Attorney' s letter, dated April 10, 1997 was distributed
and entered into the minutes . Geldenhuys explained in the memo
that she was not comfortable with including some of the
suggestions from the IURA as requested in the March meeting.
3
Minutes IURA
April 10, 1997
Myers asked that Ithaca's local law as it pertained to term
limits be included however.
VII . Adjournment
Stevenson will be away on leave for the first two weeks of May.
The Agency agreed to have the May meeting on Wednesday, April 30,
1997 .
The meeting was adjourned at 12 noon.
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Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Wednesday, April 30, 1997, 11 AM
Executive Director's Office, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen for items la, 2, 3 and part of 4, Bill Myers,
Susan Cummings, Brad Nelson, Paul Stevenson, Matthys Van Cort,
Herman Sieverding, Martha Armstrong, Wies van Leuken
1-a. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the chair Alan Cohen at
11: 05 AM.
1-b. Approval of Minutes of 3/26/97 and 4/10/97 .
The minutes of the IURA meeting of March 26, 1997 were approved
with two amendments. The last paragraph of page 1 should read
"Mackesey moved and Nelson seconded" and the name "Morro" anywhere
in the minutes should have been spelled as "Moro" .
The minutes of the IURA meeting of April 10, 1997 were approved as
distributed.
2 . Hiring Process - Community Development Planner
Martha Armstrong notified the Agency, that she will resign her job
as CD Planner as of May 31, 1997 . Her letter of resignation to the
Mayor was entered into the minutes. On behalf of the Agency, the
Mayor expressed regrets at her departure.
The Agency reviewed the 1996 hiring process for the CD Planner
position. It was agreed to use this process again for the 1997
round with only a few modifications.
Advertising will be done as in 1996 . In addition ads will be
placed in national publications targeted towards planners .
The interview committee will meet and proceed like it did in 1996 .
The deadline for applications has been set at June 4, 1997 .
The search will focus on a person with planning and project
development skills. The most important qualification for
candidates for the position is having experience with community
development planning and less so with the implementation of
projects. The projects remaining to be completed require slightly
more business experience than the ones just completed by Armstrong.
Minutes IURA
April 30, 1997
3 . West Buffalo Street Parking Lot (1996 YR#1 CDBG Project)
Armstrong gave the Agency an update on the construction of the
parking lot on Buffalo Street. The project is close to being
completed. The purpose of building the parking lot was to help
mitigate the negative effects of the Octopus construction on the
neighborhood.
Armstrong has been working with the City Attorney and neighborhood
representative Cynthia Yahn on a management policy for the parking
lot's use. There is concern that patrons of the commercial
establishments might take up most of the spaces .
Under state law it is not legal for a municipality to restrict
access to a public lot. A permit system could be set up which
would allow access on a first come, first served basis .
The Agency made a number of recommendations.
1. After completion of the parking lot, a sign should be posted
that reads "Buffalo Street Neighborhood Parking Lot" .
2 . Armstrong will meet with the neighborhood to get their input
on charging a $10 per month parking fee.
3 . The Agency will turn over the parking lot to the City.
4 . The Agency will make its final decision at the June 1997
meeting.
4 . Continuation of Strategic Planning Process
- CD Revolving Loan Fund
The Agency discussed some concerns that staff had raised
regarding the marketing of the CD Revolving Loan Fund. Staff is
asking for clear guidance from the Agency.
During the discussion the Mayor had to leave for an other
appointment and turned over the meeting to the vice-chair Susan
Cummings .
The Agency considered the following issues . Streamlining the
application kit, the geographical targeting of funds, excluding
areas like Elmira Road where the market appears to be strong,
funding of neighborhood businesses, the exclusion of bars and
restaurants, increasing the cap on loans to $50, 000, more
aggressive marketing of the fund, promoting export businesses .
The Agency is asking for a map detailing the areas that require
economic assistance and areas which presently have a strong
market. The Agency considered the idea of limits and preferences
on marketing the funds . The Agency approved raising the cap to
2
Minutes IURA
April 30, 1997
$50, 000 for loans to export businesses . A resolution will be
drafted for the June meeting.
5 . Other Business
- "One Body, One Planet" retail store
One Body One Planet in the DeWitt Mall is going out of business .
Stevenson will contact the owner. The store was financed in part
by a CD-RLF loan.
6 . CDBG Updates/Staff Reports
6-a. Ithaca Dental Clinic/Family Health Network
David Sprague has agreed to act as a consultant in the review of
the Family Health Network' s request to convert the clinic' s loan
to a grant . A meeting will be scheduled for late May.
6-b. Conway Park
The community build for constructing a playground at Conway Park
took place on Saturday, April 26, 1997 .
6-c . Southside Community Center Renovation Project
Construction bids went out for the Southside Community Center' s
renovation project.
6-d Reprogramming Requests
- INHS' Rental Rehabilitation Project
- EOC's Corn Street Project
- Funding CD Administration
HUD notified staff that it had approved the request for the
reprogramming of 1993 CDBG funds to INHS' Rental Rehabilitation
Project, EOC's Corn Street Project and CD Admin use .
Staff was also informed that HUD had rejected a request for the
use of program income to fund the Import Replacement Program.
Official notification has not yet been received.
7 . Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12 :30 PM.
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Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Thursday, October 30, 1997, 11 AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen, Bill Myers for items IV/2 - VIII, Susan Cummings,
Pam Mackesey, Rick Gray, Matthys Van Cort, Katharine Clute, Nels
Bohn, Wies van Leuken
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the chair Alan Cohen at
11:10 AM.
II. Approval of Minutes of IURA Meetings: 1/9/97, 1/27/97,
6/12/97, 7/10/97 and 8/1/97
The minutes of the IURA meetings of 1/9/97, 1/27/97,
6/12/97, 7/10/97 and 8/1/97 were approved as distributed.
III. Staff Reports
New staff members CD Administrator Katharine Clute and CD Planner
Nels Bohn introduced themselves to the Agency.
Staff made the following reports .
a. The 1997 Canal Corridor Initiative application has been
approved by HUD. (See item VII-1) .
b. No funds have been made available yet for Year #2 of the
1996 CDBG application.
c . HUD must state its objection to the proposed takeover of the
Small Cities CDBG program by New York State by December 31,
1997 or the State claims they will administer the program
beginning in 1998 . A change in authority over the program
will effect future grant applications .
IV. Economic Development
1. Report on Restaurants and Bars
The Agency received a report on Paul Stevenson's research on
lending policies regarding restaurants and bars in other
communities. The issue was referred back to the ED committee for
review and recommendations .
Minutes IURA
October 30, 1997
IV 2 . Loan Cap Increase
Mackesey moved and Cummings seconded a resolution to authorize
loans of up to $50, 000 from the Community Development Revolving
Loan Fund (CD-RLF) for certain loan applications .
WHEREAS, the IURA administers a Community Development Revolving
Loan Fund (CD-RLF) , capitalized from repayments of CDBG funds,
with the CD-RLF available for economic development lending, and
WHEREAS, the current maximum loan amount is set at $25, 000,
NOW HE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes loans of up to
$50, 000 for non-retail businesses within the City for expansion,
startup or job retention, providing that these funds will result
in the creation of multiple jobs, particularly jobs which will
provide for higher wages, benefits and training, and which will
lead to the diversification of Ithaca's economic base and
HE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the loan ceiling for retail
businesses shall remain at $25, 000 .
Approved unanimously.
IV 3 . Carpenter Business Park (CBP)
The Agency reviewed the possibility of selling the Carpenter
Business Park and using the proceeds for the expansion of Cherry
Street Industrial Park. Some Agency members expressed concern as
to how this would effect downtown businesses. The Agency reached
consensus on the need for a public discussion. Staff was asked to
explore all or part of the sale of Carpenter Business park
including preparation of appraisals for various alternatives
IV 4 . CEO Program Update
The Agency discussed changing the prime contractor for the CEO
program. The issue was referred to the ED Committee for review and
recommendations.
V. Housing and Infrastructure
West Buffalo Parking Lot
This item was referred to the next meeting.
2
Minutes IURA
October 30, 1997
VI. Budget and Administration
1. Financial Reports June, July and September 1997
The financial reports dated June 1997, July 1997 and September 1997
were distributed and entered into the minutes .
VI 2 . Appointment Records Management Officer-Resolution
The Mayor moved and Mackesey seconded the resolution to appoint
Katherine Clute as the new Records Management Officer.
RESOLVED, that the IURA appoints Community Development •
Administrator Katharine Clute as Records Management Officer,
filling the vacancy left by Paul Stevenson, and authorizes and
directs the Chair to notify the Local Government Records Bureau of
the appointment.
Approved unanimously.
VII. Other Business
1. Canal Corridor Initiative(CCI) /1997 CDBG Application
Bohn distributed a Program Description Sheet for the Canal
Corridor Initiative/1997 CDBG application.
The FY 1997 CCI application approved by HUD includes a CDBG grant
of $59, 243 and a Section 108 "grant" of $700, 000 . In addition
the City has been authorized to apply for Section 108 loans of
$550, 000 for the Marina Realty of Ithaca project and $400, 000 for
the Ithaca Landing Associates project.
FY 1997 Section 108 "grant" funds are actually structured as a
loan with a repayment rider providing for the repayment of the
loan to the City through CDBG funds to be set aside by HUD.
Certain action needs to be taken before the two Grant Agreements
(for the CDBG Grant and Section 108 Loan) , between the City and
HUD, can be signed and the 1997 funds can be released.
Common Council' s approval is required for the City' s individual
Section 108 loan applications to HUD. Failure to complete the
individual Section 108 loan application will jeopardize the
ability to drawdown Section 108 "grant" funds .
3
Minutes IURA
October 30, 1997
FY 1997 Section 108 "grant" funds were approved by HUD as
follows :
1 . Inlet Island waterfront public promenade - $250, 000
2 . Inlet Island utility pole relocation - $100, 000
3 . Fly fisher program - $95, 000
4 . Old Port Harbor waterfront public promenade - $234, 000
5 . Farmers Market improvements - $21, 000
The Agency authorized staff to go before Common Council and
request their approval to proceed with the CCI project .
The Agency further cautioned staff to proceed with care and to
hire a financial consultant to review the loan documents in
addition to the customary review by the CD consultant Harry
Sicherman.
VII 2 . Review Committee Schedule
The Agency agreed to meet as an Agency every other month and to
hold committee meetings during the in between months . This
schedule will go into effect December 1997 .
VII 3 . Confirmation of Next Meeting Date
The EDC will meet next on Thursday, November 6 at 3 :30 PM.
The whole Agency will meet November 13 at 11 AM.
VIII.Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12 :30 PM.
(H\Win\W\Min97Oct.DOC)
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MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE/ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Thursday, November 6, 1997 at 4 PM.
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
PRESENT:
Committee Members: Pam Mackesey, Martha Preston, Eric Rosario, Eric
Lindstrom, Bill Myers
Staff: Matthys Van Cort for Item VI, Katharine Clute, Nels Bohn,
Wies van Leuken
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the chair, Bill Myers at
4 :05 PM.
II. Approval of Minutes EDC/IURA meetings
The minutes of the EDC/IURA meetings of 6/10/97, 1/28/97, 7/18/95,
6/21/95, 5/16/95, 4/18/95, 3/28/95, 1/24/95, 12/02/94, 8/16/94,
7/5/94 and 6/21/94, were approved as distributed.
III. Canal Corridor Initiative (CCI)
The Committee discussed the two draft resolutions for CCI/FY97
CDBG. Bohn explained the implications of using Section 108 Loans
for FY 97 funding, future CDBG applications and the City's
responsibility in case of a default.
All loan documents will receive review by Community Development
consultants and the City Attorney.
Mackesey moved and Preston seconded a resolution recommending to
the IURA to approve entering into a Funding Agreement for
$700, 000 in FY 1997 Section 108 Loan Funds .
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) has made available a special category of funding through
its Canal Corridor Initiative to assist communities on the New
York State Barge Canal System in revitalizing their waterfront
areas, and
WHEREAS, the funding intended through this initiative, Section
108 loans and Small Cities Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds, is intended to leverage private sector commitments
to develop projects that lead to the physical and economic
Minutes EDC/IURA
November 6, 1997
revitalization of these waterfront areas including the creation
of jobs and expansion of the local tax base, and
WHEREAS, HUD, in order to maximize the impact on revitalizing the
canal system in New York 'State, has indicated a desire to utilize
the CDBG funds allocated for the Initiative to leverage increased
use of the Section 108 program, and
WHEREAS, a City of Ithaca Canal Corridor Initiative application
was developed including the following projects :
1 . Marina Realty of Ithaca proposal for the end of Inlet Island
2 . The Community Fly Fisher Program
3 . Ithaca Landing Associates proposal for the Old Port Harbor
property
4 . Ithaca Farmers Market proposal for improvements at Steamboat
Landing, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council authorized submission of a Canal
Corridor Initiative application for the grant component of the
total funding, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council understood that upon approval of the
Canal Corridor Initiative application, the City will be requested
to submit individual Section 108 loan applications, such
applications subject to review and approval by the Common council
before their submission to HUD, and
WHEREAS, HUD has approved the City's Canal Corridor application,
including a FY 1997 CDBG grant of $59,243 and a FY 1997 Section
108 "grant" of $700, 000 and authorized application by the City
for Section 108 loans of $550, 000 for the Marina Realty of Ithaca
project and $400, 000 for the Ithaca Landing Associates project,
and
WHEREAS, FY 1997 Section 108 "grant" funds are actually
structured as a loan with a repayment rider providing for the
repayment of the loan to the City through CDBG funds to be set
aside by HUD for the purposes of such repayment, and
WHEREAS, FY 1997 Section 108 "grant" funds were approved by HUD
as follows :
1 . Inlet Island waterfront public promenade - $250, 000
2 . Inlet Island utility pole relocation - $100, 000
3 . Fly fisher program - $95, 000
4 . Old Port Harbor waterfront public promenade - $234, 000
5 . Farmers Market improvements - $21, 000, and
WHEREAS, prior to the receipt of FY 1997 Section 108 funds an
additional loan agreement between HUD and the City is required,
2
Minutes EDC/IURA
November 6, 1997
such agreement to specify the terms of the repayment rider and
such agreement subject to review and approval by the Common
Council before submission to HUD, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends to the City of Ithaca Common
council that:
A. the Common Council approve a funding agreement between HUD
and the City of Ithaca to accept $700, 000 of FY 1997 Section 108
funds for the City' s Canal Corridor. Initiative program, and
B. that the Mayor, upon the advice of the Director of Planning
and Development and City Attorney, is authorized to execute all
necessary and appropriate documents for this funding agreement .
Approved unanimously.
Mackesey moved and Preston seconded a resolution recommending to
the IURA to approve entering into a Grant Agreement for $59, 243
in FY 1997 Community Development Block Grant Funds
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) has made available a special category of funding through
its Canal Corridor Initiative to assist communities on the New
York State Barge Canal System in revitalizing their waterfront
areas, and
WHEREAS, the funding intended through this initiative, Section
108 loans and Small Cities Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds, is intended to leverage private sector commitments
to develop projects that lead to the physical and economic
revitalization of these waterfront areas including the creation
of jobs and expansion of the local tax base, and
WHEREAS, HUD, in order to maximize the impact on revitalizing the
canal system in New York State, has indicated a desire to utilize
the CDBG funds allocated for the Initiative to leverage increased
use of the Section 108 program, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council authorized submission of a Canal
Corridor Initiative application for the grant component of the
total funding, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Canal Corridor Initiative application
includes the following projects :
1 . Marina Realty of Ithaca proposal for the end of Inlet Island
2 . The Community Fly Fisher Program
3 . Ithaca Landing Associates proposal for the Old Port Harbor
property
4 . Ithaca Farmers Market proposal for improvements at Steamboat
Landing, and,
3
Minutes EDC/IURA
November 6, 1997
WHEREAS, the Canal Corridor Initiative application stated that
upon approval of the Canal Corridor Initiative application, the
City will be requested to submit individual Section 108 loan
applications, such applications subject to review and approval by
the Common Council before their submission to HUD, and
WHEREAS, HUD has approved the City' s Canal Corridor application,
including a FY 1997 CDBG grant of $59, 243 and a FY 1997 Section
108 "grant" of $700, 000 and authorized application by the City
for Section 108 loans of $550, 000 for the Marina Realty of Ithaca
project and $400, 000 for the Ithaca Landing Associates project,
now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends to the City of Ithaca Common
council that :
A. a grant agreement between HUD and the City of Ithaca to
accept a grant in the amount of $59, 243 from FY 1997 CDBG funds
to deliver and administer the City's Canal Corridor Initiative
program be approved, and
B. that the Mayor, upon the advice of the Director of Planning
and Development and City Attorney, is authorized to execute all
necessary and appropriate documents for this grant agreement,
and,
C. that such FY 1997 CDBG funds not be drawn down prior to
submission by the City for individual Section 108 loan financing.
Approved unanimously.
IV. Loans to Restaurants and Bars
The Committee reviewed the report on Paul Stevenson's research on
lending policies regarding restaurants and bars in other
communities.
RoSczrtp
iaiudst'- m moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution recommending to
the IURA to leave the lending guidelines unchanged.
RESOLVED, that the Economic Development Committee recommends to the
IURA not to change the present policy prohibiting loans to
restaurants and bars.
Approved unanimously.
4
Minutes EDC/IORA
November 6, 1997
V. Loan Cap Increase
Bohn informed the Committee that the IURA had adopted a
resolution to authorize loans of up to $50, 000 from the Community
Development Revolving Loan Fund (CD-RLF) for certain loan
applications .
The current maximum loan amount of $25, 000 has been increased to
$50, 000 for non-retail businesses within the City for expansion,
startup or job retention, providing that these funds will result
in the creation of multiple jobs, particularly jobs which will
provide for higher wages, benefits and training, and which will
lead to the diversification of Ithaca' s economic .
The loan ceiling for retail businesses will remain at $25, 000 .
VI . Carpenter Business Park (CBP)
Bohn distributed the CBP inventory, the CBP Sales Options and the
CBP Worksheet. The Committee discussed these documents and the
October 24, 1997 memo by Van Cort.
The committee was informed that the IURA favors a public discussion
on the future of the Park, guided by knowledge of realistic options
for its use. To that effect staff drafted documents exploring a
number of uses for the site, including the option of selling the
site in its entirety.
The site's restrictions include a NYSEG right of way, the presence
of the Community Gardens, a water main, drainage easements and the
soil structure (it is a preloaded site) .
Preston moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to recommend
gaining an appraisal of the sales options.
RESOLVED, that the Economic Development Committee recommending to
the IURA having Carpenter Business Park appraised prior to the
public discussion.
Approved unanimously.
The Committee suggested informing the effected parties at a later
date.
5
•
Minutes EDC/IURA
November 6, 1997
VII. Review committee Schedule
The committee agreed to meet the second Thursday of every other
month at 4PM.
VIII .Other Business
No reports .
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5 :15 PM.
,h- .,mod a •e"d
(H\Win\W\M\EDC97NOV.DOC) � Q( \-7
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6
•
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Thursday, November 12, 1997, 1:30 PM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen, Bill Myers, Susan Cummings for Items IV - IX, Pam
Mackesey, Rick Gray, Matthys Van Cort, Katharine Clute, Nels Bohn,
Wies van Leuken
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the chair Alan Cohen at
11:10 AM.
II. Approval of Minutes of IURA Meetings
Cohen moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution to approve the
minutes.
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves as distributed the minutes of IURA
meetings of 11/25/96, 9/24/96, 9/18/96, 2/7/96, 1/18/96, 1/9/96,
11/21/95, 9/12/95, 8/8/95, 7/11/95, 6/27/95, 6/13/95, 5/9/95,
4/11/95, 2/7/95, 1/10/95 and 12/12/94 .
Approved unanimously.
III. Staff Reports
Clute reported that HUD Buffalo's staff had informed her that the
release of funds for the second year of the 1996 CDBG application
is imminent.
Staff is working on the Performance Assessment Report, an annual
report to HUD showing performance of open grants.
IV. Economic Development
1. Canal Corridor Initiative
At their November 6 meeting, the Economic Development Committee
reviewed documents required to access funds for the Canal Corridor
Initiative, the 1997 CDBG application. The EDC has forwarded two
resolutions to the Agency with the recommendation to adopt them at
their next meeting.
Minutes IURA
November 12, 1997
Mackesey moved and Nelson seconded a resolution recommending to
Common Council to authorize entering into a funding agreement with
the Department of HUD for $700, 000 in FY 1997 Section 108 Loan
Funds (the 1997 "CCI" CDBG application) .
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
has made available a special category of funding through its Canal
Corridor Initiative to assist communities on the New York State
Barge Canal System in revitalizing their waterfront areas, and
WHEREAS, the funding intended through this initiative, Section 108
loans and Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds, is intended to leverage private sector commitments to
develop projects that lead to the physical and economic
revitalization of these waterfront areas including the creation of
jobs and expansion of the local tax base, and
WHEREAS, HUD, in order to maximize the impact on revitalizing the
canal system in New York State, has indicated a desire to utilize
the CDBG funds allocated for the Initiative to leverage increased
use of the Section 108 program, and
WHEREAS, a City of Ithaca Canal Corridor Initiative application was
developed including the following projects:
1. Marina Realty of Ithaca proposal for the end of Inlet Island
2 . The Community Fly Fisher Program
3 . Ithaca Landing Associates proposal for the Old Port Harbor
property
4 . Ithaca Farmers Market proposal for improvements at Steamboat
Landing, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council authorized submission of a Canal
Corridor Initiative application for the grant component of the
total funding, and
WHEREAS, the Canal Corridor Initiative application stated that upon
approval of the application, the City will be requested to submit
individual Section 108 loan applications, such applications subject
to review and approval by the Common council before their
submission to HUD, and
WHEREAS, HUD has approved the City' s Canal Corridor application,
including a FY 1997 CDBG grant of $59,243 and a FY 1997 Section
108 "grant" of $700, 000 and authorized application by the City for
Section 108 loans of $550, 000 for the Marina Realty of Ithaca
project and $400, 000 for the Ithaca Landing Associates project, and
2
Minutes IURA
November 12, 1997
WHEREAS, FY 1997 Section 108 "grant" funds are actually structured
as a loan with a repayment rider providing for the repayment of the
loan to the City through CDBG funds to be set aside by HUD for the
purposes of such repayment, and
WHEREAS, FY 1997 Section 108 "grant" funds were approved by HUD as
follows :
1 . Inlet Island waterfront public promenade - $250, 000
2 . Inlet Island utility pole relocation - $100, 000
3 . Fly fisher program - $95, 000
4 . Old Port Harbor waterfront public promenade - $234, 000
5 . Farmers Market improvements - $21, 000, and
WHEREAS, prior to the receipt of FY 1997 Section 108 funds an
additional loan agreement between HUD and the City is required,
such agreement to specify the terms of the repayment rider and such
agreement subject to review and approval by the Common Council
before submission to HUD, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency voted at their November
12, 1997 meeting to recommend approval by the Common Council of the
following resolution, now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, the Common Council approve a funding agreement between
HUD and the City of Ithaca to accept $700, 000 of FY 1997 Section
108 funds for the City's Canal Corridor Initiative program, and, be
it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, upon the advice of the Director of
Planning and Development and City Attorney, is authorized to
execute all necessary and appropriate documents for this funding
agreement including, but not limited to, Section 108 loan guarantee
program supplemental program certifications.
Approved unanimously.
Mackesey moved and Cummings seconded a resolution recommending to
Common Council to authorize entering into a Grant Agreement with
HUD for $59,243 in FY 1997 Community Development Block Grant Funds
(1997 "CCI" CDBG Application) .
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
has made available a special category of funding through its Canal
Corridor Initiative to assist communities on the New York State
Barge Canal System in revitalizing their waterfront areas, and
WHEREAS, the funding intended through this initiative, Section 108
loans and Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
3
Minutes IURA
November 12, 1997
funds, is intended to leverage private sector commitments to
develop projects that lead to the physical and economic
revitalization of these waterfront areas including the creation of
jobs and expansion of the local tax base, and
WHEREAS, HUD, in order to maximize the impact on revitalizing the
canal system in New York State, has indicated a desire to utilize
the CDBG funds allocated for the Initiative to leverage increased
use of the Section 108 program, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council authorized submission of a Canal
Corridor Initiative application for the grant component of the
total funding, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Canal Corridor Initiative application
includes the following projects:
1. Marina Realty of Ithaca proposal for the end of Inlet Island
2 . The Community Fly Fisher Program
3 . Ithaca Landing Associates proposal for the Old Port Harbor
property
4 . Ithaca Farmers Market proposal for improvements at Steamboat
Landing, and,
WHEREAS, the Canal Corridor Initiative application stated that upon
approval of the Canal Corridor Initiative application, the City
will be requested to submit individual Section 108 loan
applications, such applications subject to review and approval by
the Common Council before their submission to HUD, and
WHEREAS, HUD has approved the City' s Canal Corridor application,
including a FY 1997 CDBG grant of $59,243 and a FY 1997 Section 108
"grant" of $700, 000 and authorized application by the City for
Section 108 loans of $550, 000 for the Marina Realty of Ithaca
project and $400, 000 for the Ithaca Landing Associates project, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency voted at their November
12, 1997 meeting to recommend approval by the Common Council of the
following resolution, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council approve a funding agreement
between HUD and the City of Ithaca to accept a grant in the amount
of $59, 243 from FY 1997 CDBG funds to deliver and administer the
City's Canal Corridor Initiative program, and, be if further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, upon the advice of the Director of
Planning and Development and City Attorney, is authorized to
execute all necessary and appropriate documents for this grant
agreement, and, be it further
4
Minutes IURA
November 12, 1997
RESOLVED, that such FY 1997 CDBG funds not be drawn down prior to
submission by the City for individual Section 108 loan financing.
Approved unanimously.
IV-2 . Loans to Restaurant and Bars
The Agency discussed the ED committee-endorsed resolution regarding
loans to restaurant and bars. They resolved to send it back to
committee requesting further review and recommendations regarding
the following issues:
1. Should the current geographic exception that allows loans to
restaurants, bars and similar businesses in the Waterfront
Entertainment District be expanded to include the downtown Business
Improvement District (BID) .
2 . Should an exception to the general exclusion of loans to
restaurants, bars and similar businesses be made for women- and
minority-owned businesses.
3 . Should CD-RLF loan policy make an "adult entertainment
establishment" use ineligible for a loan.
4 . Although there is general agreement that restaurant use poses
a relatively high business risk and therefore should not be
eligible for a CD-RLF loan, the Agency is seeking a recommendation
on the appropriate loan policy regarding "bars, nightclubs, liquor
stores and similar businesses" .
IV-3 . Carpenter Business Park (CBP)
Bohn reported that the EDC endorsed having the Carpenter Business
Park appraised. A CBP inventory, CBP Sales Options and CBP
Worksheet was distributed. These documents were reviewed by the
EDC at their meetings of November 12 .
Cummings moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution authorizing an
appraisal of Carpenter Business Park. /
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the appraisal of Carpenter
Business Park not to exceed the sum of $5, 000 .00, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the appraisal shall address the following options:
1. Offer to sell all IURA vacant lots for the highest and best use
but retain the Community Gardens,
2 . Offer to sell all IURA and City vacant lots for the highest and
best use but retain the Community Gardens
3A. Offer to sell all IURA and City vacant lots and portion of
Carpenter Circle beyond the Community Gardens but retain the
Community Gardens .
5
Minutes IURA
November 12, 1997
3B. Offer to sell all IURA and City vacant lots and portion of
Carpenter Circle and retain but reconfigure the Community Gardens
to maximize value of real estate for sale.
4A. Offer to sell all IURA and City holdings in Carpenter Park,
including vacant lots, Carpenter Circle and Community Gardens but
seek alternative location(s) outside CBP for Community Gardens.
4B. Offer to sell for Industrial Use, all IURA and City holdings
in Carpenter Park, including vacant lots, Carpenter Circle and
Community Gardens but seek alternative location(s) outside CBP for
Community Gardens, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the distribution of an RFP will be restricted to
appraisers in the Tompkins County area, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA directs and authorizes the Mayor to sign
all necessary documents, pending review by the Executive Director
and the City Attorney.
Approved unanimously.
V. Housing and Infrastructure
No reports.
VI. Budget and Administration
No reports
VII. Other Business
1. Confirmation Meeting Schedule - Committee Meetings
The B&A Committee will meet next on Thursday, December 11 at 11 AM.
The EDC will meet next on Thursday, December 11 at 4 PM.
VII-2 . Confirmation of Next Committee Meeting Date for IURA
The next IURA meeting will not take place Thursday, January 8, 1998
at 11 AM, because both he Mayor and Nelson have conflicting
schedules. The next meeting date will be arranged by phone.
6
Minutes IURA
November 12, 1997
VIII.New Business
1. 1998 COLA
Review of the 1998 COLA was referred to the B&A Committee.
VIII-2. Procuring of consultant for Managerial Audit
Review of the request of a managerial audit was referred to the B&A
Committee. The Mayor recommended that staff discusses this matter
with the City Attorney before the B&A meeting.
•
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2 :35 PM.
(H\Win\W\Min97NOV.DOC)
7
IURA MINUTES 11/25/97
page 2
WHEREAS : the sale of the parcel is consistent with the
Northside Land Use Plan, the Urban Renewal Plan and
the goal of increasing the stock of affordable
housing, in the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS : the MHATC has previously acquired and developed
affordable housing on the adjacent site,
demonstrating an ability to develop affordable
housing, now be it
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency authorizes the
sale if the parcel of land to the Mutual Housing
Association of Tompkins County for the MHA Phase II
project, per the terms described above, and
authorizes the Mayor and staff to work with the City
Attorney to finalize all necessary legal documents
and for the Mayor to sign such documents on behalf of
the IURA, and be it further
RESOLVED: that the sale of the land by the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency to the MHATC is contingent upon an appropriate
action of the City of Ithaca Common Council, which
shall approve the terms and conditions of the sale
following a public hearing, with the hearing and
action being taken as part of a special meeting of
the Common Council scheduled for November 25, 1996,
and, be it further
RESOLVED: that this resolution supersedes all previous
resolutions .
Carried unanimously.
IV. EDDYGATE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Sieverding gave the agency an update on the Eddygate loan
negotiations
Action Taken:
a The Agency decided not to agree to further
subordinate this mortgage .
b The Agency is in full support of the process so
far and recommends that staff continues the
negotiations as discussed at this meeting.
c The Agency recognized the contributions of
David Sprague and Mark Little. Resolution
regarding technical assistance to negotiate
Eddygate contract .
IURA MINUTES 11/25/97
page 3
RESOLVED: that the IURA authorizes staff to use up to $5000 . 00
from the miscellaneous income line for necessary
technical assistance to negotiate the Eddygate
Contract . cdPS
Approved unanimously.
V. CDBG PROGRAM UPDATES
V. 1 Possibility of State take-over of CDBG program.
Stevenson explained that the Governor of the State of
New York has written HUD to request state take-over
of CDBG administration. A public hearing is scheduled
for December 19 in Homer.
The NYS Department of Housing and Community Renewal
would have no regulatory requirements to honor the
second and third years of IURA' s three-year CDBG
plans. In recent years CDBG funds have shifted to
larger cities, but the state take-over might change
the focus to more rural communities .
V. 2 Possible new round of CDBG Grant Applications
HUD has proposed plans to use CDBG funds in
waterfront redevelopment efforts : Erie Canal, Lake
Front, Barge Canal . All projects must meet usual CDBG
eligibility requirements and perhaps be tied into
Section 108 requirements as well . Loan guarantees
would be required for economic development projects .
Ithaca would qualify for these funds.
It is unclear whether this will be a one-year
initiative until the state take-over, or what the
funding cap may be, or whether there will be second
and third years of funding.
Assemblyman Luster has recently announced
availability of other funds for waterfront
development and the NYS Thruway Authority, which has
jurisdiction over canal system, has other funds
available, thus it may be possible to assemble a
package of several different funding sources .
V. 3 Introduction
Stevenson introduced Martha Armstrong, who has joined
IURA staff as Community Development Planner.
IURA MINUTES 11/25/97
page 4
V.4 Work Program for CD Planner:
Southside Community Center
Armstrong reported on SCC expansion effort . IURA is
a working on contract with Sear Brown for design
services .
b attempting to bring estimated costs in line
with budget : project scope will be reduced
somewhat but code items and accessibility
requirements must be included.A request will be
made to Common Council for $164 , 000 additional
funding to correct code violations .
VI . REPROGRAMMING OF CDBG FUNDS
The agency is concerned with CD Staff ' s difficulties
getting through to HUD, which causes substantial delays in
implementing projects .
The $190, 000 of funds available from projects not pursued
must be reprogrammed to ensure IURA' s eligibility for
future funds. Stevenson would prefer to fund a simple
project .
There was discussion regarding developing an ongoing
advertising campaign to solicit projects so there would be
potential projects "on the shelf" when funding becomes
available instead of having to scramble when funds are
announced.
Stevenson' s memo of November 18 listed five potential
projects for reprogrammed funds .
VI . l Corn Street EOC.
Walker explained rehabilitation of the Recycle
Ithaca ' s Bicycles [RIBS] building. Two units are
completed. EOC seeks funding to cover design and
construction costs through a HUD contract with the
landlord. In event of sale the HUD contract would
pass to the new owner.
VI .2 INHS Apartment Building Renovation.
Mazzarella is requesting funds for renovating INHS
rental properties.
IURA MINUTES 11/25/97
page 5
VI . 3 Cooperative Extension Youth Fishing Project .
Genova explained his background and proposal : he can
provide a business plan by first week of December. He
would need to document the low/mod income child
participation. Program requires a site. Consensus was
that project is not ready for funding, however,
Genova should meet with staff to develop project and
design it to meet CDBG guidelines.
VI . 4 Paint Project .
Funding for hiring people from target area
neighborhoods to work on paint crews painting houses
in target neighborhoods.
VI . 5 Esty/Court Housing Rehab Program.
Mazzarella spoke on changes in the housing market and
INHS difficulties in serving the low/mod market and
maintaining properties. Stevenson noted this project
would increase available rental housing which would
make it an appropriate project for the reprogramming
of funds originally meant for the Landmark Square
project .
VI . 6 Youth Network Center
Request for funds for setting up a teen center.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ACTION TAKEN:
a The Agency agreed to fund the EOC Project and
the renovation of INHS rental properties
program.
b Specific instructions were given regarding EOC
project . Dylla moved and Myers seconded a
resolution regarding Corn Street EOC project .
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency directs the
staff to negotiate a loan of $80, 000 at less that 5%
interest for the proposed 301 Corn Street project,
and be it further
RESOLVED: that the staff will seek regulatory opinions on the
project from HUD, and be it further
IURA MINUTES 11/25/97
page 6
RESOLVED: that this loan is offered contingent on the building
owner agreeing to the particulars of the loan within
ten days and that if the owner declines the loan, the
funds will be added to those funds allocated to INHS . edo
Resolution approved. Mackesey opposed with a wish that the
loan should be a grant .
c Myers moved and Mackesey seconded a resolution
to provide funds for staff assistance to
project sponsors .
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency requests staff
to develop guidelines for grant applications to CPt�
provide technical assistance to project sponsors . f
Approved unanimously.
d Mackesey moved and Cummings seconded a
resolution to provide technical assistance to
Cooperative Extension to develop Youth Fishing
Project .
RESOLVED: that the IURA authorizes expenditure of up to $500
for consultations to aid the Tompkins County
Cooperative Extension in developing a grant
application for the Youth Fishing Project .
VII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: No Reports .
VIII. EAST/WEST PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT
Mackesey moved and Cummings seconded resolution to renew a
contract with EastWest Planning and Development for
community and economic development consulting services .
WHEREAS : the IURA has the need for occasional technical
assistance in the development and implementation of
its Community Development Program and for other
related activities, and
WHEREAS : the IURA has used EastWest Planning and Development ,
Inc . , for the consulting services since early 1995 ,
and
WHEREAS : the original decision to contract with EastWest
Planning and Development, Inc . was made following a
request for proposals, therefore be it
IURA MINUTES 11/25/97
page 7
RESOLVED: that the IURA authorizes the Mayor to enter into an
agreement with EastWest Planning and Development,
Inc . , for the provision of technical assistance
services, per the revised contract, and, be it
further
RESOLVED: that the IURA agrees to the changes in the hourly
payment schedule described in the proposed contract .
Approved unanimously.
IX. DENTAL CLINIC DISCUSSION
Stevenson gave the Agency an update on the Family Health
Network Dental Clinic . Agency suggests that staff reviews
reasons why the situation has developed financial
difficulties. The Agency expressed its support for the
clinic .
X. IURA PROJECTS/PRIORITIES [Dylla Memo] : No reports .
XI. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Van Cort reported on the review of Community Development
Administrator by the Budget and Administration Committee.
Myers moved and Dylla seconded a resolution approving a
salary increase for CD Administrator.
WHEREAS: the annual pay for the position of Community
Development Administrator is currently set at Step 3 ,
#37, 496, now be it
RESOLVED: that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency authorizes an
increase in the annual pay of the current Community
development Administrator to Step 4, $38 , 996,
effective December 16, 1996 .
Pik
Approved unanimously.
XII. OTHER BUSINESS
XII . 1 Miscellaneous Income
Mackesey moved and Cummings seconded resolution to
authorizing use of miscellaneous income for
consulting expenses for a City' s Economic Development
Strategy.
WHEREAS : EastWest Planning and Development was requested to
provide technical assistance in the development of a
process for a City Economic Development Strategy, and
IURA MINUTES 11/25/97
page 8
WHEREAS: the activity has been completed, and
WHEREAS : the development of an economic development strategy
is an eligible cost per HUD regulations, now be it
RESOLVED: that the IURA authorizes the payment of EastWest
Planning and Development from miscellaneous income
accounts a sum not to exceed $1, 848 . 33 for services
rendered.
(4k.
Approved unanimously.
XIII. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Small Cities Grants Summary dated October 1996 was
entered into the minutes.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT: 1 :30 pm
The Agency plans to tour the City Hall Annex during the
December 12 meeting.
END 08/11/97 WVL/mfh
PvL