HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2001 LURA Minutes, 1-5-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Special Meeting
4:00 PM, Friday,January 5, 2001 1. "1
Common Council Chambers,Third Floor, City Hall , ` 4` ,�
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington,Alan Cohen,Susan
Cummings,Tracy Farrell
Staff Nels Bohn, Adam Smith, Patricia Dunn
Others Henry Cesari, Bob Lama, Monty Rusch,
Cynthia Yahn
• J. CALL TO ORDER •
Meeting was called to order at 4:10 PM by Cohen.
II. CARPENTER BUSINESS PARK DISPOSITION-RESOLUTION
Cohen/Farrell moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session at 4:10 PM.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session ended at 5:16 PM. Cohen reported that the agency had reviewed the
counteroffer from Building Links,Inc.,and that the agency had passed the following resolution:
the request for additional language in the assignment section of the contract requiring the agency
to respond within four days had been countered with a 10 day period,
and the agency agreed to extend the signing date of the purchase offer in the addendum to
January 31, 2001, changing all references to January 15, 2001 to read January 31, 2001;
however, no other changes were approved.
Cohen stated that there would be no negotiations in the meeting, but that Building Links, Inc.
(BLI)should respond in writing.
Cummings asked if there were omission concerns. Yahn asked about the Bridgewater Release;
Cohen stated that it was still included and was acceptable. Discussion ensued, and the agency
affirmed that it was acceptable.
Yahn asked about paragraph 7 of the second addendum. Cummings stated that the agency did not
see the need for the language about extensions as that was a given under normal legal practice.
Cohen added that the extension language was too open ended.Yahn conceded the point.
Yahn stated that BLI was willing to pay additional monies as noted in paragraph 3 of the second
addendum, but that the timing required by the agency was problematic, as those monies were
needed for development, site planning, and Phase II of their project. Cohen stated that it was the
sense of the agency that the property had been tied up for a long time, and that if the buyer could
not raise the$30,000 by the end of January, the agency wondered if the buyer was truly capable of
closing the deal. Yahn agreed, and asked if it would be acceptable to pay $15,000 now and
$50,000 on March 31, 2001. After discussion, Cohen stated that Yalm had 26 days to decide how
IURA Minutes, 1-5-01,2
to proceed under the agency's terms,and that those terms would not change.
Cummings/Farrell moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session at 5:34 PM.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session ended at 5:37 PM with no action taken.
Further discussion ensued concerning the costs of lawyers. Yahn proposed a single payment of
$65,000 in March,2001.
Farrell/Cummings moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session at 5:40 PM.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session ended at 5:42 PM.Cohen stated that no action had been taken,and that$65,000
in March was not acceptable.
Yahn asked if a meeting would be necessary after BLI's written formal response;Cohen stated that
it would not.Discussion ensued concerning attorney review of the changes.
Farrell/Cummings moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session at 5:45 PM.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session ended at 5:50 PM,with no action taken.
III. OTHER BUSINESS
No other business.
IV. NEXT MEETING DATE: (TUESDAY)NOVEMBER 21,2000,4PM
Cohen stated that he would be unable to make the next meeting and requested that it be
rescheduled.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM.
end 1/16/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets [] are inserted for clarification purposes only.
[URA Minutes. 1-23-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency \\.. \\P
Meeting
4 pr
4:00 PM,Tuesday,January 23, 2001
Common Council Chambers,Third Floor. City Hall \
PRESENT: IURa Members Jill Burlington, Alan Cohen,Susan
Cummings
Staff Nels Bohn, Sue Kittel,Adam Smith,Thys
Van Cort(4:15),Wies van Leuken
Others Lisa Bushlow, Lee Byron, Caroline Cox,
Richard Driscoll, Barbara Thuesen, John
Gutenberger, Elizabeth Harness, Rich John,
Isabelle Johnson, David Kuckuk, Rachel
Lampert, Jean McPheeters, Alice Reid,
Richard Riley, Robert Sparks, Art Stern,
Mack Travis, Sam Velasquez, Scott
Whitham
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 3:35 PM by Cohen.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment was made at the start of the meeting. Cohen stated that additional public
comment would be allowed prior to agenda item IV.
After agenda item VIII-2 was completed,Cohen opened public comment for agenda item IV.
Fay Gougakis spoke in favor of the State Theatre finding, and stated that she was displeased with
the process in which CVS and other developers were gaining approval for construction.
The following people spoke in favor of the State Theatre funding, in this order: Rich John, Sally
Grubb, David Kuckuk, Robert Sparks, Art Stem, John Gutenberger, Jean McPheeters, Mack
Travis, Caroline Cox, Richard Driscoll, Barbara Thuesen, Lisa Bushlow, Sam Velazquez, Rachel
Lampert,Lee Byron,Richard Riley,Alice Reid.
The meeting progressed to agenda item TV.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECD rvIBER 19,2000 MEETING
Tabled,no formal action taken.
The meeting progressed to agenda item V-1.
[URA Minutes, 1-7L01. 2
IV. STATE THEATRE RESTORATION PROJECT, HISTORIC ITHACA. INC.-
PRESENTATION AND FUNDING REQUEST FOR PHASE I- RESOLUTION
Scott Whitham thanked the board for listening to the public comment and asked if there were any
questions. Cohen stated that the B & A Committee had discussed increasing the funding to
$320,000, in order to make the IURA contribution total over 5500,000.
Cummings/Cohen moved/seconded the following resolution, increasing the funding to$320,000:
WHEREAS, Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI)has requested funding in the amount of$320,000 from the
IURA to fill a projected financial gap to complete Phase I restoration of the State Theatre located
at 117 W. State Street resulting in the reopening of the theatre by January 2, 2002,and
WHEREAS,the Phase I scope of work focuses on basic stabilization and code compliance work
necessary to reopen the theater including, but not limited to,roof replacement, fire alarm
installation,upgrade of electrical systems,ventilation system repair,stabilization of plaster
ceilings/walls,bathroom repairs,boiler repairs,hazardous material abatement,and stage repairs,
and
WHEREAS,the projected cost of Phase I is approximately$1.3 million,and
WHEREAS,the projected cost of Phase II is approximately$6 million,and
WHEREAS,the IURA has previously approved a total of$182,000 in financial assistance to HI
for Phase I,yet HI identifies a total funding gap of approximately$662,000 remaining to complete
Phase I,and
WHEREAS,HI's funding plan has identified the following proposed funding sources to fill the
Phase I funding gap:
• IURA $300,000
• HI fund raising commitment by 6/2002 $125,000
• NYS Council on the Arts Capital Grants Program $30,000
• Environmental Protection Fund Grant $159,000
• HI Fund Raising after 6/2002 $48.000
$662,000
WHEREAS,upon granting HI's funding request in a timely manner,Historic Ithaca,Inc.has
indicated it will commit to raise the additional funds necessary and undertake renovations to
reopen the theater by January 2002,and
WHEREAS,HI has submitted the following information to support their funding request:
• Phase I project narrative(dated 1/19/01)
• Phase I project budget breakout identifying estimated costs by activity(dated 1/17/01)
• Phase I funding plan to fill the funding gap(dated 1/19/01)
• Draft Phase I budget narrative(dated 1/19/01)
• Phase I construction schedule(received 1/19/01)
• Phase I 2001 monthly work plan(dated 12/19/00)
• State Theatre operating cost/income projections for Year 2002
WHEREAS, the IURA finds the above documents satisfactory, and restoration of the State Theatre
critical to revitalizing the downtown, the West State Street corridor and the surrounding low/mod
neighborhood, now therefore be it
IURA Minutes, 1-23-01, 3
RESOLVED, that the LURA hereby approves funding for Historic Ithaca, Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $320,000 to be used for phase I of the State Theatre restoration project, and be it further
RESOLVED, that such IURA funding commitment is conditioned upon Historic Ithaca, Inc.
committing to raise the additional funds necessary, and to complete renovations, to reopen the
theater by January 2002, and
RESOLVED, that such IURA funding shall derive from the following sources:
1. 1998 Small Cities CDBG, activity 1.1, W. State Street Commercial Loan Program
(approximately$280,000),and
2. Urban Development Action Grant(UDAG) repayments(approximately$40,000),and be
it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby recommends that the City of Ithaca approve a CDBG
program amendment request to HUD seeking authorization to use up to$282,000 from the W.
State Street Commercial Loan Program to provide CDBG funds to a Community-Based
Development Organization(CBDO) to fund the Phase I State Theatre restoration project on behalf
of the IURA as a neighborhood revitalization and community economic development activity in a
low/mod income neighborhood in accordance with CFR 24 §570.204,and be it further
RESOLVED,that$150,000 of such IURA funding shall be made available for disbursement to
Historic Ithaca,Inc.as soon as possible for payment as costs are incurred for eligible Phase I
restoration activities and that remaining funds be released only upon demonstration of receipt_y
Historic Ithaca, Inc. since 12/19/00 of at least$100,000 in cash donations and$230,000 in written
pledges for donations or grants earmarked for Phase I State Theatre restoration,and be it further
RESOLVED,that in the event that HUD does not approve the above proposed CDBG program
amendment,then the portion of the$320,000 IURA funding commitment that is not available
from FY 1998 CDBG funds shall be derived from UDAG repayments,and be it further
RESOLVED,that IURA funding assistance derived from CDBG sources shall be used for non-
construction eligible project activities and HI shall submit a list of activities to be funded by IURA
funds to be satisfactory to the NRA, and
RESOLVED,that the staff is directed to seek out an appropriate CBDO and develop agreements
between the LURA,HI and a CBDO to implement this resolution, and that the IURA Chair,upon
review by the NRA Executive Director and the IURA Attorney, is authorized to sign such
agreements.
Cummings emphasized that the funding from the IURA was to be used to give impetus to Historic
Ithaca's fundraising efforts. Bohn addresses the sources of funding, explaining how the funding
would be structured with HUD. Burlington asked if there was any word on the Environmental
Protection Grant;Whitham stated that the announcement would be made in the late winter or early
spring.Whitham stated that Historic Ithaca had already been awarded an Environmental Protection
Grant last year and a NYSCA grant, and that they were currently seeking other funding sources.
Discussion ensued concerning the phase of fundraising in which Historic Ithaca currenly was.
Cohen and Cummings stated their support for the project. Burlington asked how the listed cost for
the rigging stabilization (p 14) had been determined; Whitham stated that they were generated
internally. Burlington asked whether the 30 hour/week position would include benefits; Whitham
stated that it would.
CARRIED unanimously.
IURA Minutes, 1-23-01, 4
The meeting progressed to agenda item IX.
V. STAFF REPORTS
V-1 UDAG PREPAYMENT BY COiM1EX PLAZA ASSOCIATES, LLC-REPORT
Bohn stated that the payment from Comex Plaza Associates, LLC had been received, and that their
release was completed as their loan was fully paid.
V-2 IURA EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE,REQUEST FOR
CONSIDERATION FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE CITY'S HEALTH PLAN-
RESOLUTION
•
Bohn stated that the IURA's current coverage was more expensive and not as advantageous as the
City's plan, and therefore the staff recommended making a formal request of the City to include
IURA employees under the City's plan.
Cummings/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the staff of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) has received information
that the Controller's office would like a formal request from the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency to consider the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency's employees health
care coverage under the city's health care plan,and
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the staff of the IURA that health care coverage for
small employers does not include insurance coverage for domestic partners, (a
small employer by state law is understood as a place of employment with under 50
employees),and
WHEREAS the IURA has a policy that prohibits discrimination with regard to race, age,
religion,national origin,political or union affiliation,marital status, familial status,
gender or sexual preference,and
WHEREAS, the lack of coverage for domestic partners appears to violate IURA that policy.
Now, therefore,be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby authorizes the IURA Executive
Director to make an official request to the Controller's Office of the City of Ithaca
to consider NRA employee health care coverage under the city's health care plan.
Cummings asked if IURA employees had ever been included under the City's plan; van Leuken
stated that the LURA had not been under the City's plan at least since 1973, if not before.
Cummings asked which company the City used;Bohn stated that it was Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
CARRIED unanimously.
V-3 MHA FUNDING REQUEST RECEIVED FOR FY 2001 -REPORT
Bohn reported that MHA's funding request had been received, but that the information packet was
being held at the request of MHA's executive director until additional increased occupancy fee
figures could be included. Cummings expressed concern that although in the last funding cycle it
was stipulated that no evictions were to occur until eviction policies had been approved, a tenant
IURA Minutes. 1-23-01,
was leaving under circumstances that were not clearly defined. Discussion ensued concerning such
circumstances. Cummings requested a written statement from MHA, clarifying the situation, and
asked when the packet would be distributed; Bohn stated that the packet would be distributed for
the next B & A Committee meeting. Cummings requested that the FY 2000 funding resolution be
included in the information for that meeting. Discussion ensued concerning drawdown of the
development monies earmarked for MHA, the City Attorney's opinion concerning creating internal
policy for other organizations, and communication between MHA and the IURA board members.
V-4 STAFF CLARIFICATIONS TO DRAFT MINUTES-REPORT
Bohn stated that in the future, clarifications (such as noting grant year, when not mentioned in the
meeting) to minutes would be inserted in the body of minutes within square brackets [ ] and a note
would be placed at the end of each set of minutes to that effect.
V-5 OTHER
Bohn reported that the FY 2001 CDBG NOFA had been posted on the state's website, with full
information available on February 1,2001 and with a deadline of April 23,2001.
Bohn reported that HUD had scheduled a monitoring visit for CCI materials on February 28, 2001.
Discussion ensued.
Bohn asked that agenda item VII-5 be deleted from the agenda as it had been addressed at a
previous meeting.
VI. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE •
VI-1 WHIP—EXCEPTION TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST REGULATIONS,L.
CORNISH-RESOLUTION
Cummings stated that the resolution was a standard exception to conflict of interest, gave a brief
explanation of the situation,and stated that HUD required due disclosure had been completed.
Cummings/Cohen moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services(INHS)has informed the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency(IURA)that a prospective participant in the West End Home Improvement
Program(WHIP)is related to an employee of the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS,the City of Ithaca was awarded funding for the WHIP program to assist homeowners
improve their homes as part of the third year increment of the 3-year 1996 CDBG program,and
WHEREAS,Mrs.Louise Cornish owns her home located at 316-18 Washington Street and has
applied for assistance through the WHIP, and
WHEREAS,Mrs.Louise Cornish is the mother of JoAnn Cornish,Deputy Director of the
Department of Planning&Development for the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS,conflict of interest regulations(24 CFR 570.611) governing the CDBG program
specify that any employee of the grant recipient,or any immediate family member of such
employee, may not obtain a financial benefit from a CDBG-assisted activity except upon written
approval of the U.S.Department of Housing&Urban Development(HUD) of a request for an
exception, and
IURA Minutes, 1-23-01, 6
WHEREAS, JoAnn Cornish, the City of Ithaca employee who is related to the proposed recipient.
plays no role in the decision-making process regarding the selection of participants or the approval
of the loan for the WHIP participants,and
WHEREAS, participants for the WHIP were selected based on the severity of housing need
identified on returned applications sent to every eligible homeowner in the target area, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Louise Cornish is a member of a group of low-or moderate-income
homeowners within the target area intended to be the beneficiaries of the WHIP and the exception
will permit her to receive generally the same benefits as are being made available other eligible
low-or moderate-income homeowners in the target area, and
WHEREAS, the potential conflict was disclosed and discussed at the 1/5/01 meeting of the
Housing, Infrastructure and Neighborhood Committee of the IURA and the committee
recommended the following, now therefore,be it,
• RESOLVED,that having disclosed and discussed the nature of the potential conflict of interest in
a public meeting of the IURA held on 1/23/01, the IURA hereby authorizes the IURA Chair,upon
review by the City Attorney,to submit a formal request to HUD for an exception to the conflict of
interest provisions under 24 CFR 570.611(d)to allow Mrs. Louise Cornish to participate fully in
the West End Housing Improvement Program(WHIP),subject to a written opinion by the City
Attorney that no State or local law would be violated by the granting of an exception in this case.
CARRIED unanimously.
VII. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VII-1 DECEMBER,2000 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS •
Entered into the record.Review tabled,with no formal action taken.
VII-2 PROCUREMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES(H.
• SICHERMAN)—RESOLUTION
Bohn stated that the resolution provided hours not to exceed $15,000 in value, and that H.
Sicherman & Co. had an approximately 4% increase in their rates. Cohen stated that Brown (the
only firm which responded to the request for bids)had declined to make an offer,as their workload
would not allow them to take on additional clients.
Cohen/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the LURA has the need for technical assistance in the planning,administration,
management,and implementation of its community development programs and activities,
including but not limited to, activities funded through the Small Cities CDBG program,and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Office for Small Cities adopted the federal procurement procedures
(24 CFR 85.36)as the procurement procedures applicable to the CDBG program,and
WHEREAS, federal procurement procedures authorize selecting professional services through
procurement by competitive proposals,such as publicizing a Request For Proposal(RFP),and
WHEREAS, the IURA issued a RFP for such services on December 29, 2000, and
WHEREAS, the RFP was sent to nine consultants in the community development field and also
IURA Minutes, 1-23-01, 7
advertised in the Ithaca Journal, and
WHREREAS, the IURA received two responses to the RFP from the following consultants:
• Stuart I. Brown Associates. Inc.
• H. Sicherman&Co., Inc., and
WHEREAS, Stuart I. Brown Associates, Inc. responded that they decided to decline to submit a
proposal due to their current high workload, and
WHEREAS,H.Sicherman&Co., Inc.proposal contained the following schedule of remuneration
for labor in their proposal:
Harry Sicherman $102 per hour
Bob Deemer $77 per hour
Richard Lippold $62 per hour
Clerical $23 per hour
Rate in travel status $25 per hour
WHEREAS,at their 1/9/01 meeting,the Budget&Administration Committee reviewed the
submissions and recommended the following,now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby authorizes and directs the Chair to sign a contract in an
amount not to exceed$15,000 with H.Sicherman& Company,Inc.to provide professional
consulting services to the TURA in accordance with their submitted 1/3/01 proposal and the RFP,
upon review be the City Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA,and be it further
RESOLVED,that the contract shall become effective retroactively to January 2,2001.
CARRIED unanimously.
VII-3 "LETTER OF HIRE"IN LIEU OF ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS-
RESOLUTION
Cummings noted that the previously requested memo from the City Attorney had been provided,
including a section on why a letter of hire was preferable to annual contracts, and detailed what
needed to occur to make the change.Discussion of the resolution ensued.
Cummings/Cohen moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the annual employment contracts for the Director of Community Development,
Contracts Monitor and Administrative Coordinator expired on December 31,2000,and
WHEREAS,at their 9/19/00 meeting,the NRA resolved to renew annual contracts for the above
employment positions,pending review by the City Attorney and the Executive Director of the
NRA,and
WHEREAS,the City Attorney raised concerns that sucn employment contracts are an unnecessary
expenditure of time and resources and do not fulfill a valid purpose, and
WHEREAS,at their January 9, 2001 meeting the Budget and Administration Committee raised
concerns that should the IURA move away from annual contracts of IURA employees,the current
"at-will"status will be adversely impacted,but recommended to discontinue annual employment
contracts upon receipt of a legal opinion from the City Attorney explaining the rationale for the
change,the effect of such a change in procedure, and clarification that such discontinuance does
not change the"at-will"status of IURA employees, and
•
IUR.A Minutes, 1-23-01, S
WHEREAS, a legal opinion by Norma Schwab, City Attorney, dated 1/12/01, addressing the use
of employment contracts was received,and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney's opinion recommends that the IURA pass a resolution to
discontinue the practice of annual employment contracts based on the City attorney's advice and
institute the use of an initial"letter of hire" wherein the IURA sets out the basic terms of
employment, including the fact that employment is in the nature of an"at-will"relationship, and
can be terminated at any time by either party for any legal reason in accordance with the IURa
Personnel Policies, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,that based on the legal opinion from the City Attorney, dated 1/12/01 and herein
attached,the IURA hereby discontinues the practice of annual employment contracts,and be it
further
RESOLVED,that the discontinuance of the use of annual employment contracts does not change
the"at-will"status of IURA employees and that they remain at all times"at-will"employees,and
be it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA will initiate the use of a"letter of hire"in lieu of an annual
employment contract as a means to set forth the basic terms of employment,such as the
employee's title,job responsibilities,salary,hiring date,benefits and that employment is in the
nature of an"at-will"relationship and can be terminated at any time by either party for any legal
reason in accordance with the IURA Personnel Policies, and be it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA authorizes and directs the IURA Executive Director,pending review
by the City Attorney, to send such an initial"letter of hire"to the Director of Community
Development,the Contracts Monitor,the Administrative Coordinator and the recently hired
Assistant Community Development Planner and any future employee hired by IURA resolution.
Cummings asked what would be done with 2001 contracts;Cohen stated that no contracts had been
signed for 2001.
CARRIED unanimously.
VH-4 URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT BOUNDARY MAP AMENDMENT-
RESOLUTION
Bohn stated that the proposed amendment consisted mainly of expansions to the IURA boundaries,
with one deletion. Cummings asked that the word"residential"be deleted from paragraph 4, in the
following phrase:
"...which make for a less than acceptable residential neighborhood, and..."to then read
"...which make for a less than acceptable neighborhood, and...."
Cohen/Cummings moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the Community Development/Urban Renewal Plan (Urban Renewal Plan) adopted by
the Common Council in 1975 provides a legal basis for implementing urban renewal and
community development activities of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(IURA), and
WHEREAS, the Urban Renewal Plan includes a Community Development/Urban Renewal Project
Boundary Map(Project Boundary Map) that defines the project area where the IURA is authorized
to undertake urban renewal and community development activities, and
IURA Minutes, 1-23-01, 9
WHEREAS, the Urban Renewal Plan found that areas within the Project Boundary Map
designated for urban renewal activities are substandard, insanitary or blighted as defined by the
community, and
WHEREAS, the term"substandard, insanitary or blighted" is defined in the Urban Renewal Plan
to include not only deteriorated housing, but also incompatible land use, visual blight,
inappropriate land uses, and other criteria which make for a less than acceptable neighborhood,
and
WHEREAS, the IURA recognizes that neighborhood conditions have changed since 1975 and
desires to amend the Urban Renewal Plan to reflect current neighborhood conditions, and
WHEREAS, the Urban Renewal Plan may be amended by a majority vote of the Common
Council,and
•WHEREAS,at their 12/5/00 meeting, the IURA Budget and Administration Committee considered
the legal criteria for inclusion in the Urban Renewal Plan and recommended the following
amendments to the Project Boundary Map shown on the attached map entitled"Proposed
Amendments, 12/19/00,to the Community Development/Urban Renewal Project Boundary Map:"
1. Delete west side of Hector Street on West Hill
2. Add South Hill area west of Hudson Street
3. Add Cliff Street corridor on West Hill
4. Add area east of Chestnut Street on West Hill
5. Add area west of University and extending to north bank of Fall Creek •
6. Add waterfront areas along Cascadilla Creek and the Cayuga Inlet,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby recommends that the Common Council approve the proposed
Project Boundary Map amendments shown on the attached 12/19/00 map and adopt appropriate
amendments to the Community Development/Urban Renewal Plan to implement adoption of the
revised Project Boundary Map.
CARRIED unanimously.
VII-5 DISPOSITION OF 327 E.SENECA TO CITY-RESOLUTION
Deleted from the agenda,as it had been addressed at a previous meeting.
VIII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VIII-1 CD-RLF/CCI-PB ASSOCIATES LOAN APPLICATION-RESOLUTION
Bohn reported the Economic Development committee had reviewed an applications from PB
Associates, seeking funds in a combination of an $80,000 loan from the CD-RLF and a $35,000
deferred loan from the CCI funds earmarked for public facilities, and more specificalb", the
promenade funds for the Old Port Harbour (OPH) site. Bohn stated that Bob Deemer of H.
Sicherman & Co. recommended approving the loan based on the principal's credit analysis. Bohn
stated that it would be necessary to get HUD approval for the reprogramming of the OPH funds,
and that there would still be monies left for improvements to the OPH site. Discussion ensued.
Burlington/Cummings moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, on November 14,2000 PB Associates (PBA) applied for$80,000 in loan assistance
from the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund(CD-RLF) and$35,000 in grant
IliRA Minutes, 1-23-01, 10
assistance from the FY 1997 Canal Corridor Initiative (CCI) grant award to undertake an 5650,000
economic development project to complete acquisition and improvements to a waterfront
commercial building located along the NYS Barge Canal at 403 Taughannock Blvd. creating 5.5
FTE employment opportunities available to low-and moderate-income persons, and
WHEREAS, renovation plans include$115,000 earmarked to renovate and upgrade a waterfront
promenade to be accessible to the general public, and
WHEREAS, the primary objectives of the Community Development Revolving Loan Program
(CD-RLF) is provision of direct financing for economic development activities to create
employment opportunities, facilitate the expansion of business activity within the City of Ithaca
and expansion of the City's commercial and industrial tax base,and
WHEREAS,the primary objectives of the CCI grant funds is develop public facilities in support of
economic development projects to revitalize underutilized waterfront properties and to expand
public access to the waterfront, and
WHEREAS,PBA has committed approximately$75,000 of equity into the project,and
WHEREAS,PBA is seeking loan commitments from Charter One Bank of$460,000,and
WHEREAS,PBA reports the following tenants are currently under lease:
• Enviro-Control Technologies,Inc.
• Steinle dba Littlestone Fabric Works
• S.Vance dba The Treasure Chest
• Cook&Maynheim dba Perceptions
• L.McGruder dba Birds Back Well Being Center
• R.Garrand dba Castaways
• L.West dba Tradewinds Lounge,and
WHEREAS,PBA Reports the following tenants are committed to fill the remaining 2,700 sq.ft. of
vacant space at the project subject to PBA obtaining financing to complete improvements to the
property:
• Cornell Cooperative Extension-Community FlyFisher program
• Cocoa Bean Naturals, and
WHEREAS,PBA's applications for a conventional loan to finance the project has been rejected by
Elmira Savings and Loan,Community Bank,NA,and BSB Bank and Trust,and
WHEREAS,PBA agrees to grant an easement to allow the general public to access the full length
of the waterfront promenade of the property if requested LURA financial assistance is provided,
and
WHEREAS,PBA has committed to offer the Community FlyFisher program, a recipient of CCI
assistance, space in the project at below-market rate of$8.00 per square foot,and,
WHEREAS,on January 9,2001, the Economic Development Committee reviewed PBA's loan
application with Paul Carubia of PBA and the credit analysis prepared by H. Sicherman&
Associates and recommended approving a loan from the CD-RLF and a deferred loan from CCI
grant funds with conditions as follows,now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby approves a loan from the CD-RLF and a deferred loan from
the CCI public facility grant to PB Associates in accordance with the loan application and the
following terms:
TURA Minutes, 1-23-01, 11
maximum loan amount: S80,000 from the CD-RLF
S35,000 from CCI grant funds
use of funds: property acquisition
term: CD-RLF: 20 years
CCI deferred loan: 5 years,provided exterior improvements
completed and public easement recorded.
interest rate: CD-RLF: 6%annually with a rate adjustment to 75%of prime
rate at the end of year 10 for the remainder of the term
CCI deferred loan: 0% annually
repayment: CD-RLF: interest only payments until full disbursement of
loan proceeds or the 60th day from the date of execution of the
loan agreement, whichever is sooner, thereafter level monthly
payments due to fully amortize the debt over a term not to
exceed 240 months(approximately$573/month).
CCI deferred loan: deferred loan,principal due only upon
default or noncompliance with operational requirements
regarding public waterfront access
conditions:
1. a satisfactory written and accepted loan commitment for primary
financing is provided to the IURA;
2. signed copies of leases showing all available space is under
lease is provided to the IURA;
3. a satisfactory appraisal be provided and certified to the IURA as
to the property's value;
4. an acceptable Environmental Audit be provided to the IURA;
5. creation and reporting of a total of at least 5.5 FTE employment
opportunities:3 by Enviro-Control Technologies, Inc.and 2.5 by
Community FlyFisher program,of which at least 51%will be
available to low-and moderate-income persons;
6. grant of an easement to the City of Ithaca for public use along
the promenade portion of the property;
7. approval of design plans for the public waterfront promenade
portion of the project,including the installation of signage
directing the public to the promenade;and,
8. approval from HUD for use of CCI grant funds,to the
extent such approval is necessary.
collateral: CD-RLF: 2"d mortgage on property located at 323
Taughannock Blvd. and 403-415 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca,
NY 14850(1 parcel) and 2nd lien on all other partnership
assets to include assignment of rents and leases(mortgage and
lien subordinate only to l51 mortgage and bank 151 lien).
CCI deferred loan: 3rd mortgage and lien position as outlined
above.
personal guarantors: CD-RLF: (1) Paul C. Carubia
(2) Robert E. Fisher and wife Nancy L. Bosworth,
LURA Minutes. 1-2;-01, 12
each individually
CCI deferred loan: none
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby waives the$50,000 maximum loan amount from the CD-RLF
for this application in recognition of the exceptional public benefits resulting from project,
including enhanced public waterfront access, interior and exterior improvement of a critical
underutilized building housing eight small businesses and the creation of over five FTE
employment opportunities, and be it further,
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, upon the advise of the Executive Director and City Attorney,
is hereby authorized to execute all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this
resolution, including,but not limited to,executing loan agreement documents.
Cohen asked if the ED committee was enthusiastic about this loan; Burlington stated that it was.
CARRIED unanimously.
VIII-2 CHERRY STREET INDUSTRIAL PARK,LEASE/PURCHASE PREPAYMENT
POLICY-RESOLUTION
Bohn stated that staff was in preliminary negotiations with a potential tenant for Cherry Street tax
parcel 100.2-1.1, and that the issue of prepayment had been raised. Bohn reported that the
Economic Development Committee's recommendation was to authorize prepayment under the
conditions laid out in the resolution,and that by approving the resolution the agency would not be
authorizing the proposal, but rather approving the inclusion of a prepayment clause in the draft
lease currently being negotiated.Discussion ensued.
Cohen/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the IURA staff is negotiating lease terms with DDG Holding,LLC for the
lease/purchase of property at the Cherry Street Industrial Park,and
WHEREAS,the proposed lease authorizes the Lessee with the option to purchase the property at
the end of the 20th year for the sum of$1.00,but makes no provisions for prepayment,and
WHEREAS,DDG has requested the right to prepay the lease at the lessee's option,and
WHEREAS,the City Attorney is preparing a response to DDG and requests advice on this policy
issue,and
WHEREAS,at their 12/12/00 and 1/9/0lmeetings, the Economic Development Committee
discussed the matter and recommended the following, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby authorizes th.e establishment of a prepayment section in the
LURA lease/purchase agreement being negotiated with DDG Holding, LLC subject to the
following:
1. Prepayment may only be exercised after the IURA has determined the economic development
project has been completed. Project completion shall be demonstrated by submission of a
certificate of occupancy for the building project and satisfaction of job creation goals as
submitted through employment reporting forms.
2. The site shall be in compliance with any IURA imposed deed restrictions,conditions &
covenants incorporated into the lease agreement. including,but not limited to,landscaping
standards.
IURA Minutes, 1-23-01, 13
3. Lessee shall pay to the Lessor the sum of remaining lease payments due, without discount or
penalty.
4. Addition of a stiff penalty provision in the lease/purchase agreement for failure of Lessee to
submit timely employment reporting information to the Lessor.
CARRIED unanimously.
The meeting progressed to agenda item II.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
X. NEXT MEETING DATE: (TUESDAY)FEBRUARY 20,2001,4PM
• The meeting date was accepted.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:04 PM.
end 1/26/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[] are inserted for clarification purposes only.
IURA Minutes, 2-27-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Special Meeting ‘‘'
4:00 PM,Tuesday,February 27, 2001 b1%%1/4
2"d Floor Conference Room, Second Floor, City Hall
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington,Alan Cohen,Susan
Cummings, Eric Rosario
Staff Nels Bohn, Warren Currier, Sue Kittel,
Adam Smith, Harry Sicherman, Wies van
Leuken
Others Carol Ann Brust, Virginia Bryant, Leslie
Chatterton, Lynne Cohen, Janet Cotraccia,
Tom Edwards, Fay Gougakis, Judy
Hardesty, Elizabeth Harness, Mark Hassan,
Catalin Kaser, Martin Lasskom,Tim Logue,
Paul Mazzarella, Liz Morse, Alphonse
Pieper, Nancy Potter, Deirdre Silverman,
Donald Sinn,Pat Vaughan
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 4:14 PM by Cohen,who stated that he was unable to attend the rest
•
of the meeting, but that he would listen to the tape of the public comment, and that Cummings
would chair the meeting.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
Virginia Bryant, President of the Women's Community Building, spoke in favor of the
Commercial Kitchen renovation.Bryant discussed the past,present,and future use of the building.
Janet Cotraccia, resident of the 200 block of Floral Ave., spoke in favor of various projects to be
done in the West Hill neighborhood, including same-side parallel parking and the demolition of
254 Floral Ave,among other things.
Mark Hassan, representing the Ithaca Fire Department, spoke in favor of the Northside
Neighborhood Injury and Loss Prevention Program, stating that it would include safety education
for fire,disaster,gun,and other emergencies as well as fire safety.
Nancy Potter of Cornell Cooperative Extension spoke in favor of the Neighborhood-based
Empowerment Participatory Planning project for the Northside, discussing the collaborations to be
involved and stating that the program would match the City plan for neighborhood planning.
Judy Hardesty, President of the Northside Neighborhood Association, spoke in favor of choosing
the Northside as the target area and the various proposals for improving the Northside
neighborhood. Hardesty asked that meetings be held later in the evenings to allow more people to
attend.
Lynne Cohen of 7th Art (which manages Cinemopolis and Fall Creek Cinema), spoke in favor of
their proposal, seeking funds to assist 7th Art in its transition from a for-profit company to a not-
for-profit company. Cohen stated that her organization had found, through a survey of customers,
that theatergoers spent additional money on the commons when they came to see films, and stated
IURA Minutes, 2-27-01, 2
that losing the downtown theaters would be an economic and cultural loss for the City.
Tom Edwards, Executive Director of MHA, spoke in favor of MHA's proposals, stating that the
expanded Community Center at MHA would be open to all Northside residents, and that their
Scattered Site initiative would take properties that are unlikely to become owner-occupied and
after rehab, turn them into MHA-owned homes. Edwards further stated that MHA would like to
work cooperatively with other Northside residents.
Paul Mazzarella,Executive Director of INHS, spoke in favor of INHS's proposals, first stating the
their single purpose proposal would address the new lead hazard abatement rules proactively
through a comprehensive program of outreach, assistance, and training,and could serve as a model
program for other communities. Mazzarella then stated that their comprehensive proposal would
address various needs of the Cascadilla Street corridor, including house recycling,affordable rental
rehab,and public improvements.
Martin Lasskom of Building Preservation Works, LLC gave a brief history of the organization and
what they do.
Deirdre Silverman of AFCU spoke in favor of the Retail Incubator project, stating the building to
be used as the incubator could be purchased in any neighborhood and describing the project in
detail.
Tim Logue from the City's Planning Department spoke in favor of choosing the Northside as the
application's target area.
Teresa Grady, resident of the Northside neighborhood, spoke in favor of her proposal to provide
free massage therapy for low/mod and elderly residents.
Cummings closed the CDBG comment period, and stated that although the IURA would not be
able to include all the proposals in the FY 2001 CDBG application, that the IURA would seek
other sources of funding as appropriate.
Fay Gougakis, resident, spoke in favor of evening meetings of the LURA, and stated that she was
concerned that the multi-use construction project being discussed for the parking lot between Six
Mile Creek.and Green Street would raise rents in the city. Gougakis also stated her displeasure at
the preliminary choice of architect for the project, stating that the public library that they designed
was a"disaster."
Bohn stated that letters from Bonnie Blanding-May and William Gray had been received and
included in staff and agency's meeting packets.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES,INCLUDING:DECEMBER 5,2000,DECEMBER 19,2000,
JANUARY 5,2001,AND JANUARY 23,2001
Rosar'.o/Burlington moved/seconded a motion to approve minutes from December 5, 2000,
December 19,2000,January 5,2001, and January 23,2001.
CARRIED unanimously.
IURA Minutes, 2-27-01,3
IV. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FY 2001 CDBG APPLICATION
A. PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS-REVIEW
After discussion,it was stated that the schedule would be emailed to sponsors when finalized.
B. CDBG APPLICATION ADVICE-REPORT BY H.SICHERMAN,IURA
CONSULTANT
Sicherman gave a brief background of the Governor's Office for Small Cities, stating that the
CDBG program was now more flexible than it had been under federal control, and that the state
had done a good job of managing the funds. Sicherman stated the economic development
proposals category had been shifted to an 'open round,' allowing communities to apply for ED
monies at any point during the year, so long as the proposal was complete; however, less money
was available for a comprehensive grant. Sicherman also stated that because comprehensive
applications were competing directly with single purpose applications in this round, a
comprehensive application would need to be very strong to be funded.
Bohn emphasized the need to make significant progress on the application even in the early stages
of the process and described the worksheets designed to clarify the process. Bohn stated that the
strongest possibilities needed to be decided by the end of the meeting.
Rosario asked why the projects were divided according to geographic region; Bohn stated that it
was a requirement of the program.
C. "SINGLE PURPOSE"VERSUS"COMPREHENSIVE"APPLICATION-
DISCUSSION
Bohn stated that the Northside target area would be a stronger comprehensive project after
neighborhood planning had occurred, and would be a very strong proposal in 2002. Cummings
asked if other planning had been done; Bohn stated that there was a plan in 1990,but that most of
the needs identified at that time had been addressed.Discussion ensued concerning the strength of
a Northside comprehensive proposal. Sicherman stated that a strong comprehensive application
has the following elements: highly concentrated target area, door to door survey, detailed housing
inspections, a square or rectangular target area shape, high low/mod income percentage in the
target area,75%substandard housing,and public facility improvements. Sicherman also stated that
typical strong comprehensive applications allocated $50-75,000 for administrative costs, $3-
400,000 for housing projects, and the rest for slum/blight removal and public facilities
improvements. Sicherman explained that Ithaca traditionally has done well because it gets deeply
into community needs,but that he thought that the Northside target was not yet strong enough,and
would be a great application next year. Sicherman stated that planning was a critical part of the
application,and that the strongest option would be a very small area for housing improvements and
a somewhat wider range for other projects. Sicherman emphasized that he thought planning and
waiting until FY 2002 was the best option.
Sicherman suggested that INHS's lead hazard abatement program was a good option, because the
state was looking for someone to take the lead on dealing with the new lead abatement issues.
Sicherman added that the downtown proposals could make a decent single purpose application,
based on the application from Monticello in FY 2000 using the criteria of a very small area and
downtown revitalization. Cummings asked if it would be possible to pursue two different tracks at
least until the next meeting; Sicherman stated that it would. Sicherman stated that MHA would
need to get hard data to support the feasibility of their proposals as quickly as possible, at most
within one month. Cummings asked how long the IURA would have to complete the projects;
IURA Minutes, 2-27-01,4
Sicherman stated that they would be best completed in two years. Discussion ensued concerning
community meeting spaces on the Northside.
Sicherman asked about the size of the Cascadilla Street proposal; Mazzarella suggested that it
would be the equivalent of two blocks either side of Cascadilla Street. Sicherman said that he
would speak to people at the State offices and see if the IURA's best Northside proposal was
competitive or not. Cummings asked if the lead abatement program could be combined into a
Northside comprehensive application;Sicherman stated that it was a good idea and would enhance
the application.
D. PRELIMINARY SELECTION OF HIGHEST PRIORITY FUNDING
PROPOSALS
1. IDENTIFICATION OF SPONSORS TO INVITE TO NEXT IURA
MEETING FOR Q&A
After brief discussion, the Agency decided to focus on the lead abatement proposal, the
Northside, and Downtown as the leading options for the FY 2001 application, and asked
that staff encourage representatives from those organizations to attend the next meeting,
ready to speak to their proposals.
2. DEVELOPMENT OF QUESTIONS TO CLARIFY FUNDING
PROPOSALS
After brief discussion, the Agency determined that target area maps would be necessary
at the next meeting, in addition to any hard data available concerning the three potential
target areas. Staff was asked to speak to the sponsors concerning the feasibility of their
projects.
Cummings stated that sponsors of proposals in other areas may have to wait until the
FY2001 CDBG application was finished for assistance from the IURA concerning their
proposals,but that they would not be ignored.
Discussion ensued concerning the next steps in the process. Further discussion ensued
concerning a downtown single purpose application;Sicherman stated that the State offices
" wanted more information about Ithaca's downtown proposal before allowing it to be
submitted.
Discussion ensued concerning economic development proposals and microenterprise
proposals.
V. CONFIRMATION OF NEXT MEETING DATE
The meeting date was set for Tuesday,March 6 at 5:00pm.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:08 PM.
end 3/4/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
tyreir-43 ,�3�b1
I
IURA Minutes, 3-6-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Special Meeting 40` '.ft
4:00 PM,Tuesday,March 6, 2001
Common Council Chambers,Third Floor,City Hall
PRESENT: NRA Members Jill Burlington(left 6:00pm),Alan Cohen,
Susan Cummings, Eric Rosario
Staff Nels Bohn,Adam Smith
Others Christine Barksdale, Bonnie Blanding-May,
Carol Ann Brust, Leslie Chatterton, Audrey
Cooper, Tom Edwards, Gary Ferguson,
George Ferrari, Judy Hardesty, Elizabeth
Harness, Tim Logue, Catherine McCarthy,
Scott Reynolds, Pat Vaughan, Patrick
Woods
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 5:04 PM by Cohen.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 2/27/01 MEETING
Tabled until the next meeting.
III. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FY 2001 CDBG APPLICATION
A. ASSESSMENT OF HIGHEST RANKING ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION
STRATEGIES
Bohn gave a brief summary of the 2/27/2001 meeting and discussed the handout with Harry
Sicherman's recommendations.
1. NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD PROPOSAL
(COMPREHENSIVE)-DISCUSSION
Bohn stated that Sicherman felt that the Northside proposal lacked synergy and was not
the strongest possible proposal for this year,but that after neighborhood planning it would
be a very strong proposal for FY 2002.
Tom Edwards, Executive Direcxr of MHA, stated that meetings had been held between
MHA, the Northside Neighborhood Association, and the Sciencencer concerning
Northside matters. Edwards discussed MHA's capabilities and strengths concerning their
proposals, and stated that they had identified properties and checked prices in the
Northside neighborhood for their Scattered Site proposal. Edwards assured the Agency
that MHA was ready to move forward immediately.
Cummings asked about Housing Visions (MHA's partner); Bohn stated that the State
knew of them and was impressed with their track record. Cummings asked which
organization would run the program; Edwards stated that MHA would take the lead role.
IURA Minutes, 3-6-01, 2
Discussion ensued concerning the staff of and advisors for MHA. Bohn stated that the
financial feasibility of the activity needed to be studied, as the IURA would be providing
only gap financing and the majority of the funding would have to be found elsewhere.
Bohn stated that MHA needed to create a pro forma for the project.
Cummings asked about the timing of the project; Bohn emphasized the need for a strong,
feasible application due to the scoring rules for FY 2001, stating that the Northside
comprehensive proposal could be good in FY 2001, but would be stronger after
neighborhood planning.
Bonnie Blanding-May, Northside resident, stated that there was a need to stabilize the
Northside neighborhood, and that there were problem properties on street corners that, if
dealt with appropriately, could stabilize, rather than destabilize the area. Judy Hardesty,
from the Northside Neighborhood Association, stated that 316-318 Monroe St was
currently abandoned with its windows left open. Cummings suggested that the Building
Department order it boarded up. Edwards stated that MHA's goal was to deal with such
properties and stabilize the neighborhood. Discussion ensued concerning the police
record history of trouble properties in the Northside, and the timing of the Northside
proposal.
Catherine McCarthy of the Sciencenter explained the Sciencenter's proposals, focusing
on the outreach program.
Discussion ensued concerning the DPW property and DPW's plans for the future.
2. DOWNTOWN SINGLE PURPOSE PROPOSAL(ECONOMIC
(DEVELOPMENT)-DISCUSSION
Bohn stated that Sicherman spoke with officials in the Governor's Office for Small Cities,
and was told that this type of application would be ineligible and/or score very poorly this
year. Sicherman recommended eliminating this as a single purpose, but combining it with
activities from the Lower Northside Neighborhood to create a stronger comprehensive
proposal.
3. LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION SINGLE PURPOSE PROPOSAL
(HOUSING)-DISCUSSION
Bohn stated that Sicherman found that the State was receptive to this idea, if it was an
innovative, comprehensive pilot program that can be used as a model for other
communities in New York.
Cummings gave a brief history of the HNI committee's discussions about the new lead
hazard regulations; Reynolds discussed methods of eliminating the hazards while
preserving historic character. Discussion ensued cpncer-ning the implications of the new
regulations on housing programs in the city. Further discussion ensued concerning the
intent of the proposed program and what can be done to assist homebuyers.
4. DOWNTOWN/LOWER NORTHSIDE HYBIRD PROPOSAL
(COMPREHENSIVE)-DISCUSSION
Bohn stated that Sicherman's main concern for the hybrid proposal was feasibility, and
asked that more hard data be produced showing that the projects will be ready to go.
Discussion ensued concerning the drugstore recruitment proposal; Bohn stated that
Sicherman felt that it would be a good activity if the store brought in the sort of good that
IURA Minutes, 3-6-01, 3
Woolworth's and CVS carried. Cummings stated that it should be possible to show a link
between the neighborhoods, stating that the City and its zoning support the idea that a
vital downtown is important to the residential areas, and that strong residential areas
support the downtown. Cummings asked to hear about the retail incubator proposal, and
stated her concerns about using pushcarts for retailers.
Gary Ferguson stated that the Ithaca Downtown Partnership and the CEO program had
formed a partnership to create a retail incubator location on the Commons. Ferguson
stated that the space would be leased, rather than purchased, and that the CEO program
would take responsibility for the lease, building maintenance, and other aspects of
managing the incubator, while the IDP would provide networking, human resources, and
technical assistance to entrepreneurs. Patrick Woods explained a handout, detailing the
types of entrepreneurs expressing interest in such a space, and gave a detailed explanation
of problems that start-ups often encounter. Ferguson explained that there would be a team
of people (from AFCU, IDP, and other organizations) providing technical assistance to
start-ups, and that the incubator would provide affordable retail space, shared office
services as well. Cummings asked at what point site control was necessary; Bohn stated
that for the application, identification of affordable and available sites was sufficient.
Cummings asked what was meant by"Downtown"geographically;Bohn stated that it was
the greater Commons,west to Albany and north to Buffalo. Discussion ensued concerning
potential incubator locations. Ferguson stated that the partnership could have a full
proposal ready in time for the application. Rosario asked what the centerpiece project for
the downtown would be;Bohn stated there was no centerpiece for the downtown,but that
the combination of all the downtown activities would be strong enough.
Bohn stated that the INNS housing activity in the area of Cascadilla Street was another
critical portion of the hybrid proposal,but that it would have to be reduced in scope, from
Plain Street east and south of Cascadilla Street. Scott Reynolds stated that in the smaller
area, there were 8 dilapidated owner-occupied homes, but that the cost of the new lead
hazard regulations would limit the work that they could do. Reynolds stated that the
low/mod benefit data still needed to be gathered for the area, but that INHS currently
owned one home in the area. Bohn stated that the INHS activity would provide the
slum/blight .abatement criteria for the proposal, but that feasibility still needed to be
studied. Discussion ensued concerning gathering information. Rosario asked about MHA
involvement in the hybrid proposal;Bohn stated that Sicherman felt they were stronger in
the Northside,but that they could potentially fit into a Lower Northside scheme.
Cummings asked about public facilities improvements in the Lower Northside; Bohn
stated that traffic calming for Court St and improvements to the BJM/GIAC playground
and basketball courts had been proposed. Cummings asked about money for brownfields;
Bohn stated that NYSEG had already agreed to further testing and cleanup in the Marcos
Flats area depending on the intended use of the site. Bohn stated that public facilities in
Ithaca tended to be less a threat to health and safety, and therefore did not score so well.
Bohn stated that a community police officer kiosk on the Commons might be a reasonable
activity.
Cummings asked if MHA had identified any properties for their Scattered Site Proposal in
the Lower Northside neighborhood; Edwards said that they had not. Cummings asked if a
few of the worst properties could be incorporated into the Lower Northside and put into
the Downtown/Lower Northside Hybrid Comprehensive proposal; Bohn stated that it
could, if the properties were specifically noted and dealt with the greatest community
need.
Patricia Vaughan, President of the City Federation of Women's Organizations (CFWO),
stated that informal links had been made between CFWO and the CEO program, and
IURA Minutes, 3-6-01,4
CFWO and the Farmer's Market concerning the commercial kitchen in the Women's
Community Building. Vaughan also mentioned that they could be involved with the
incubator project, as the Women's Community Building is very close to the Commons.
Cummings asked about the hours that the kitchen would be available to entrepreneurs;
Vaughan stated the kitchen would be available in three shifts when the building was
staffed,starting at 8:30am and ending at 10:30 pm.
Bohn stated that the Catholic Charities proposal was part of the Lower Northside,but that
its programming was not focused on the Lower Northside neighborhood and that it was
not a strong part of the proposal. George Ferrari, Executive Director of Catholic
Charities, gave a brief background and description of his organization's proposal, and
stated that he could identify neighborhood organizations were linked to Catholic
Charities.Rosario suggested that Ferrari and Edwards meet to discuss conference space in
the Greater Northside; Cummings suggested that they include the Sciencenter in that
discussion.
Cummings asked if the Community Policing proposal could be focused on the Lower
Northside; Bohn gave a brief background on the proposal and the current Community
Police presence in the Northside and stated that this year's request was for salary funding
for another officer in the Northside with continuing years funded by the IPD if the first
year was successful.
B. "SINGLE PURPOSE"VERSUS"COMPREHENSIVE"APPLICATION-
DISCUSSION
Bohn stated that the agency needed to choose one proposal to pursue at the next meeting.
IV. CONFIRMATION OF NEXT MEETING DATE
The meeting date was set for Tuesday,March 13 at 5:00pm.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.
end 3/7/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
-v--""))
67`1"° ,3)61
.� 1
IURA Minutes, 3-13-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Special Meeting �• ` �>
5:00 PM,Tuesday, March 13, 2001
Common Council Chambers, Third Floor, City Hall
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington,Alan Cohen,Tracy Farrell,
Eric Rosario(5:12 PM)
Staff Nels Bohn, Sue Kittel, Doug McDonald,
Harry Sicherman, Adam Smith, Wies van
Leuken
Others Lucy Brown, Carol Ann Brust, Leslie
Chatterton, Lynne Cohen, Tom Edwards,
George Ferrari, Judy Hardesty, Paul
Mazzarella, Catherine McCarthy, Rich
Szanyi,Pat Vaughan,Patrick Woods
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 5:08 PM by Cohen.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 2/27/01,3/6/01 MEETINGS
Burlington/Cohen moved/seconded a motion to approved both sets of minutes.
CARRIED unanimously.
III. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FY 2001 CDBG APPLICATION
A. ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATE APPLICATION STRATEGIES-DISCUSSION
Bolm outlined the goals for the meeting, stating that the agency needed to determine one focus for
the application. Sicherman stated that he had been told that the Downtown single purpose was
determined to be either ineligible or likely to score badly this year, and that there would be monies
available next year for that purpose. Sicherman had also been told that the Lower
Northside/Downtown comprehensive would be a reasonable application. Bohn stated that planning
would be a very low scoring activity, and that funds would be available in the technical assistance
round for planning activities.
1. NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD PROPOSAL(COMPREHENSIVE)
Sicherman stated that he liked the MHA Scattered Site concept, but that it would score
just as well in this application if it were a pilot program, purchasing only one site.
Sicherman also stated that this activity could be combined with the Lower Northside-
Downtown Comprehensive by choosing a property in or very near to the target area.
Discussion ensued concerning feasibility issues; Sicherman recommended starting with
one property in order to show that the concept could work, then expanding the program in
future years. Edwards stated that MHA would need$100,000 to do one home.Discussion
ensued concerning incorporating the Scattered Site concept as a pilot program in the
Lower Northside-Downtown comprehensive application.
IURA Minutes, 3-13-01,
In response to a question by Farrell, Sicherman stated that the Northside application
covered too large an area between the housing and facilities components.
2. LOWER NORTHISDE-DOWNTOWN PROPOSAL(COMPREHENSIVE)
Bohn described the downtown activities; Sicherman stated that the retail recruitment.
shared elevator, and retail incubator projects would make a good ED open round
proposal, if tenants were identified and committed to the spaces once available.
Sicherman stated that the retail incubator was a strong project once site control had been
achieved and that the elevator would be good when landlords were committed to the
project. Sicherman stated that the retail recruitment project would be better if there were
an identified tenant. Discussion ensued concerning the potential location of the retail
incubator and the feasibility of the project.
Sicherman stated that the Commercial Kitchen project would likely happen with or
without CDBG funds, but that funding would allow for greater improvements. Sicherman
stated a concern that there would be no guarantee that it would generate benefit for 51%
low/mod people,but that with special efforts for documentation, that could be overcome.
Sicherman also stated that because it was only a$15,000 project and that the building was
important to the City,that it would enhance the application and could be included.
Sicherman gave a brief background of the 7th Art proposal, and stated that while there was
nothing wrong with the proposal, it lacked documentation and strong enough proof on
paper to fit in with the comprehensive. Sicherman also stated that it would not carry
enough weight at$45,000 to include it in the application.
Discussion of the geography and target area of the Lower Northside Neighborhood
ensued. Sicherman discussed the neighborhood and its assets, stating that City investment
in the neighborhood would provide leverage for the application and assist in scoring.
Sicherman discussed INHS's efforts in the area so far, stating that there were plenty of
homes in the target area to address.
Sicherman briefly discussed traffic calming measures for Court and Buffalo Streets,
stating that they were not particularly strong unless combined with other activities in the
target area. Discussion ensued concerning the new lead hazard regulations and housing
activities. Sicherman stated that he did not feel strongly about the Lower
Northside/Downtown comprehensive application after the afternoon's meetings with
sponsors, but that he needed to have additional discussions with State officials before
making a clear recommendation.
Bohn gave a brief background of Catholic Charities' proposal, its strengths, and its
weaknesses. Bohn recommended that the Academic Plus program be included in the
application, as its benefit was focused in the target neighborhood, and had concrete
numbers to show its effect on student's academic achievement. Bohn stated that the
playground and basketball court enhancements had been proposed by the staff to round
out the application. Bohn emphasized that the agency needed to choose one proposal to
pursue.
Sicherman stated that he would ask the State whether the retail incubator was still a good
activity to include if the other downtown activities were left out. Discussion ensued
concerning where the retail incubator funds could be used if the activity needed to be left
out of the application.
1
IURA Minutes,3-13-01,3
3. LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION SINGLE PURPOSE PROPOSAL
(HOUSING)
Sicherman stated that he had no further information about the lead hazard proposal, but
that he felt that it was a viable option.
B. SELECTION OF LEADING APPLICATION PROPOSAL-RESOLUTION
Tabled.
IV. CONFIRMATION OF NEXT MEETING DATE-THURSDAY,MARCH 15,2001,4:00PM
After discussion,the meeting date was set for Thursday,March 15 at 9:00am.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:28 PM.
end 3/17/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
•
4
IURA Minutes,3-15-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency C V
Special Meeting •���
9:00 AM,Tuesday, March 15, 2001
Tompkins County Public Library, Borg-Warner Community Room
Corner of Cayuga and Green Streets (East Entrance)
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington, Susan Cummings,Tracy
Farrell,Eric Rosario
Staff Nels Bohn, Warren Currier, Sue Kittel,
Adam Smith,Wies van Leuken
Others Carol Ann Brust, Lynne Cohen, Tom
Edwards, Elizabeth Harness, Marcia Lynch,
Paul Mazzarella,Patrick Woods
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 9:13 AM by Cummings.
II. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FY 2001 CDBG APPLICATION
A. SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES-DISCUSSION
Bohn gave a brief summary of the last meeting, and stated that State official had told Harry
Sicherman that the ED activities in a comprehensive application did not necessarily need to be in a
small target area with the housing components and that the funding sought should be weighted
appropriately to the criteria fulfilled. Bohn gave a detailed discussion of the Lower Northside-
Downtown draft comprehensive application.
Farrell asked if$25,000 was enough to support the Academic Plus program; Bohn stated that
although it was less than the sponsors had sought, it was going toward the expansion of the
program,and not its continued existence.
Burlington asked about site control issues for the retail incubator; Bohn stated that they needed to
be settled before the application was sent. Discussion ensued concerning appropriate sites; Farrell
stated that handicap accessibility could be an issue with the choices.Cummings asked that the legal
and social issues should be considered.Additional discussion ensued.
Farrell asked Paul Mazzarella if INHS had identified specific structures for assistance;Mazzarella
stated that they had, but still needed to determine low/mod status. Currier suggested that the
boundary of the CDBG activity be extended to the east side of Corn Street to match up to WHIP,
which ends at the west side of Corn Street.
Discussion ensued concerning MHA's Scattered Site proposal. Farrell asked about the bedroom
count in the apartments to be created; Tom Edwards stated that there was high demand for 1-
bedroom and 3-bedroom units. Discussion ensued concerning other funding and budgetary
concerns. Bohn stated that site control would need to be determined before the application was
completed. Discussion ensued concerning site control issues, MHA housing fees, and property
maintenance. Extensive discussion ensued concerning the commitment of members of MHA to
expansion, and Edwards stated that MHA residents were excited about sharing their success with
'A
IURA Minutes,3-15-01, 2
other people and stabilizing their neighborhood. Farrell suggested that INHS be considered as a
contractor for the renovation; Edwards said that MHA and NHS were in close contact, but that
MHA did not want to overburden an already busy INHS.
Discussion ensued concerning the level of funding for the Community Kitchen project and the
hours of availability of the kitchen.
Extensive discussion ensued concerning traffic calming measures and CDBG funding to assist the
City in implementing the traffic calming plan.
Discussion ensued concerning the playground and basketball court improvements; Farrell
suggested that the school district add in funds for the playground.
Discussion ensued concerning the nature of the Academic Plus program and its funding. Rosario
stated that the Academic Plus program had begun as a project of the Latino Civic Association open
to all students, and that BJM had taken control of the program in order to apply for higher grant
funding.
Discussion ensued concerning Catholic Charities and why it was not included for funding; Bohn
stated that its goals were not localized enough in the Lower Northside neighborhood to score well.
Bohn stated that Sicherman felt good about the comprehensive as presented, as the Mayor's
housing initiative and other neighborhood improvements showed City commitment to the
activities. Bohn stated that Sicherman also felt that while the Lead Hazard Reduction single
purpose was strong,he did not feel that it was any stronger than the current comprehensive.
• B. ALLOCATION OF REQUESTED CDBG FUNDS BY ACTIVITY-DISCUSSION
Not discussed independently of items in agenda item II-A.
C. RECOMMENDED FY 2001 CDBG APPLICATION-RESOLUTION
Bohn gave an explanation of the draft resolution. Cummings asked why the elevator activity had
been left out of the funding; Bohn stated that it was weak because there were no specific
beneficiaries identified.Discussion ensued.
Discussion ensued concerning the competitiveness of the proposed comprehensive application and
contingency plans should some aspect of the comprehensive fall through.
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
FY 2001 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Application
WHEREAS,on January 24,2001 the Governor's Office for Small Cities announced the availability of
funding for the Housing,Public Facilities,Micro Enterprise and Comprehensive FY 2001 Annual Round of
the New York State administered Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)Small Cities Program,
and
WHEREAS,the application authorizes Ithaca to apply for a grant of up to$750,000 through the
"Comprehensive"category or$400,000 through the"Single Purpose"category,and
WHEREAS,a"Comprehensive"application is intended to address a substantial portion of the community
development needs of a defined area through two or more coordinated activities in the areas of housing,
public facilities,economic development and public services,and
IURA Minutes, 3-15-01. 3
WHEREAS,each activity within the CDBG grant application must meet one of the national objectives for
(1)benefit to low-and moderate-income persons,(2) elimination of slums or blighting conditions, or(3)
meeting community needs having a particular urgency, and
WHEREAS,the IURA recognizes the need to support efforts to promote neighborhood revitalization
through provision of quality, affordable housing,creation of employment opportunities, improvement of
public facilities and increased public services that principally benefit Ithaca's low-and moderate-income
population and the remediation of blighting conditions, and
WHEREAS,the CDBG grant application is due on April 23,2001, and
WHEREAS,the IURA solicited funding proposals on January 31, 2001 from citizens, for-profit and not-
for-profit organizations and received 32 proposals,and
WHEREAS,in compliance with the Citizen Participation Plan, the LURA held two Community Input
meetings on February 8,2001 at GIAC and February 15,2001 at the Tompkins County Public Library,and
a public hearing on February 27,2001 to gain public input on the formulation of the application,and
WHEREAS,the IURA evaluated the proposals submitted and considered alternative activities in the
context of community development needs and the grant rating criteria at meetings held on February 27th,
March 6th,March 13th and March 15th to develop a list of recommended activities to include in the grant
application,and
WHEREAS,at their March 15,2001 meeting,the IURA recommended that the Common Council approve
the following CDBG application and back-up application,now,therefore,be it
RESOLVED,that the Common Council hereby authorizes and directs the TURA to submit a$750,000
Comprehensive FY 2001 Small Cities CDBG application to include the following budgeted activities:
Downtown
$125,000 Downtown Retail Incubator
$15.000 Women's Community Building Commercial Kitchen Renovations
$140,000 Subtotal
Lower Northside Neighborhood
$345,000 INNS Lower Northside Neighborhood Housing Program
$100,000 MHATC Scattered Site Housing Initiative
$25,000 Court Street Traffic Calming
$25,000 Academic Plus After-School Program at BJM School
$25.000 GIAC/BJM Playground/Basketball Court Upgrade
$520,000 Subtotal
Administration
$90,000 Administration
$750,000 TOTAL
and be it,further
RESOLVED,that should the IURA determine that any of the above activities encounter feasibility issues that
would hinder their timely completion or affect their impact scoring,the Common Council authorizes the IURA
to adjust activity budgets of the above activities to resolve feasibility and rating concerns and/or substitute one
or more of the following activities:
IURA Minutes, 3-15-01,4
Substitute Activities
$54,000 IDP Downtown Retail Recruitment Support Program(drugstore,etc...)
$82,500 IDP Downtown Elevator Matching Grant Program
$100,000 Expansion of INHS LNS Neighborhood Housing Program
and be it further,
RESOLVED,that the Common Council authorizes the LURA to indicate that the City's$2 million
Neighborhood Housing Initiative will be available to convert and renovate rental properties in the Lower
Northside Neighborhood to owner-occupied single-family homes or duplexes,and be it further,
RESOLVED,that should the IURA determine that the above Comprehensive application encounter
feasibility problems likely to significantly affect impact scoring,the Common Council authorizes the IURA
to submit the following single purpose housing application:
Back-Up CDBG Application
$400,000 INH Lead Hazard Reduction Program
and be it further,
RESOLVED,that the Common Council authorizes the IURA to administer and implement all CDBG
activities in accordance with applicable regulations,including,but not limited to,Title 24,Section 570 of
the Code of Federal Regulations,and be it further,
RESOLVED,that the Mayor,upon the advise of the City Attorney and the Executive Director of the
IURA,is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents for the submission of this application and
acceptance of funding.
CARRIED unanimously.
III IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY NEIGHBORHOOD FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FY
2002 CDBG APPLICATION
Bohn suggested that the agency give the community and the staff greater time to prepare for the
next CDBG round by identifying a neighborhood as high priority for the next round,and suggested
that the Northside neighborhood be considered for FY 2002.
The matter was tabled until the next meeting.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM.
end 3/18/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
DRAFT IURAMinutes, 17-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Meeting
4:00 PM,Tuesday,April 17,2001
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington, Susan Cummings,Tracy
Farrell
Staff Nels Bohn, Sue Kittel, Adam Smith, Wies
van Leuken
Others Doug Foster
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 4:08 PM by Cummings.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 13,2001 AND MARCH 15,2001 MEETINGS
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded a motion to approve the minutes from both the March 13 and
March 15,2001 meetings.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
IV-1 IURA EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE, REQUEST FOR
CONSIDERATION FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE CITY'S HEALTH PLAN-
REPORT
Bohn reported that a request had been made to the City Controller to include the IURA for
coverage under the City's health care plan, as it would include domestic partner (non-traditional
family)benefits and be less expensive than the IURA's current plan. Bohn stated that the IURA's
current provider, Univera, would not offer domestic partner benefits for organizations with fewer
than 50 employees.
Cummings suggested that staff ask Lama Insurance for information on available options; Bohn
stated that the City's plan was quite good,but that they would take a look at other options.
After discussion, Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded a resolution formally requesting information
from the City Controller's office before the next meeting of the IURA concerning covering IURA
employees under the City health care plan so that the Agency can act on the matter.
WHEREAS, on January 17, 2001 the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency authorized the IURA Executive
Director to make an official request to the Controller's Office of the City of Ithaca to
consider IURA employee health care coverage under the city's health care plan,and
WHEREAS, that request to consider IURA employee health care coverage under the city's health care
plan was made on February 1, 2001 by the Executive Director of the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency to the Controller's Office of the City of Ithaca,and
l
IURA Minutes,4-17-01,2
WHEREAS the staff of the IURA have not had a response by the April 17, 2001 Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency meeting,now,therefore,be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby respectfully requests information
regarding IURA employee health care coverage under the city's health care plan
from the Controller's Office of the City of Ithaca by the next meeting of the Ithaca
Urban Renewal Agency which is scheduled for May 15,2001.
CARRIED unanimously.
IV-2 OTHER
Bohn reported that the IURA had received a funding request from MHA in January, 2001,and that
at that time, Bohn had requested more information before bringing it to the Agency for a decision.
Bohn stated that he had told Tom Edwards, the Executive Director of MHA, that no action would
be taken on the request until the necessary information had been provided.
After discussion about the needed information and the FY 2000 MHA funding request, the
consensus of the Agency was that the matter should be referred to the HNI committee and then a
letter sent to MHA,reiterating the request for information.
A brief discussion ensued concerning the educational meeting on the ramifications of 311 S. Corn
Street's contamination.
V. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
V-1 A MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A MATTER
REGARDING PROPOSED LITIGATION—POSSIBLE RESOLUTION
Farrell/Cummings moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session began at 4:24 PM,and ended at 4:32 PM.
Cummings reported that the Agency authorized a communication to the Task Force for Battered
Women,making an offer for damages due to the chimney liner.
V-2 311 S.CORN STREET BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION(FY 00 CDBG,
ACTIVITY 1.04)—REPORT
Cummings gave a background on 311 S. Corn Street, recounting the discussion of the previous
HNI committee meeting. Discussion ensued concerning the planned educational meeting.
Burlington asked if the neighborhood was in danger due to the petroleum contamination; Kittel
stated that there was no sign of gasoline or fumes leaching into area basements and that all the area
drinking water was supplied by the City. Kittel also stated that the reimbursement rules for
brownfield remediation may change, and if that is the case, that it may be beneficial for the City to
take ownership of the property and remediate the soil under the new rules. Further discussion
ensued concerning the previous HNI meeting,time constraints,and 402 S. Cayuga Street.
Bohn stated that the initial investigation of 311. S. Corn St resulted in an estimate for remediation
that exceeds the IURA budget,and that a course of action needed to be determined for the site.
IURA Minutes,4-17-01,3
VII. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VII-1 JANUARY 2001 AND FEBRUARY 2001 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The January and February financial statements were entered into the record.
Bohn reported that loan payments to the IURA were strong and that all accounts were current,
except for Da'Spot, which would be discussed under agenda item VIII-2. Bohn reported that a
balloon payment for Pal's Sport Center was due on May 1, 2001, but that the principals of Pal's
had asked that the payment be restructured into an amortized loan to continue similarly to the
previous loan payments. Bohn stated that he had requested additional financial information from
Pal's, and that they would have the information in time to make a formal decision by the May full
Agency meeting.
Discussion ensued concerning the space previously rented by Pal's and the other area storefronts.
Cummings asked about the status of Glyph Technologies' construction efforts; Bohn stated that
construction had been pushed back to Spring,2001 and that the project was undergoing redesign.
Farrell asked about the changing numbers for the utility pole relocation on Inlet Island; Bohn
stated that it was due to the difference between the cost estimate (on which the payment from
UDAG funds was based) and the real cost (on which the final transfer of funds was based) of
relocating the pole.
VIII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VIII-1 1997 CCI GRANT— PROGRAM AMENDMENT TO ASSIST GRANT, ARGYLE
ASSOC.—RESOLUTION
Bohn gave a background of the CCI program, explaining what had occurred at the previous ED
meeting, and stated that any changes to the original plan required HUD approval. Discussion
ensued concerning the involvement of PB Assoc. in the use of CCI funds and the project in
general. Further discussion ensued concerning the specifics of Argyle Assoc.'s plans for the
previous Old Port Harbour property; Foster handed out a drawing of the current plans for the
property,including future phases.
After extensive discussion,Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)developed the Canal
Corridor Initiative(CCI)to assist communities on the New York State Barge Canal System revitalize their
waterfront areas,and
WHEREAS,CCI funding is composed of a series of loans and grants intended to leverage private sector
investments in 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 awarded the City of Ithaca$700,000 in grants and loan commitments of up to
$1,140,000 through the FY 1997 CCI,and
WHEREAS,the grant component of the CCI award included the following public improvement activities:
$250,000 Public Waterfront Promenade at Inlet Island
$234,000 Public Promenade and Dock Improvements at Old Port Harbour Restaurant
$100,000 Relocation of Utility Structure at Inlet Island
$95,000 Community Fly Fisher Program
$21,000 Farmer's Market Improvements at Steamship Landing,and
$700,000
IURA Minutes,4-17-01,4
WHEREAS,grant funding for public waterfront improvements at Old Port Harbour restaurant were
awarded in support of an economic development project to be undertaken by Ithaca Landing Associates,
LLC(Ithaca Landing), and
WHEREAS,Ithaca Landing proposed a$950,000 project to acquire and renovate the Old Port Harbour
restaurant,thereby creating an additional 12 full-time equivalent(FTE)employment opportunities,and
WHEREAS,Ithaca Landing has withdrawn from the project and sold their interest in the Old Port Harbour
restaurant property to Argyle Associates,LLC(Argyle), and
WHEREAS,Argyle requests that$199,000 of CCI grant funds previously earmarked to assist Ithaca
Landing be committed to assist Argyle for construction of a public waterfront promenade at the former Old
Port Harbour restaurant located at 708 W.Buffalo Street along the New York State Barge Canal,and
WHEREAS,Argyle has pledged to undertake a$1.2 million project to acquire and renovate the vacant Old
Port Harbour restaurant and lease the premises for operation of a restaurant to be known as"Bistro-Q,"
serving breakfast,lunch and dinner as well as offering evening entertainment and food service,and
WHEREAS,the proposed project is projected to result in the creation of 26 FTE employment opportunities,
of which at least 51%will be available to low/moderate income persons,and
WHEREAS,Argyle agrees to provide public easements across their property to allow the public to access
and use the waterfront promenade,and
WHEREAS,Argyle disclosed that Doug Foster,a 25%shareholder in Argyle,was formerly employed by
the City of Ithaca as a Planning Systems Manager in the Planning&Development Department between
1990 and 2000,and
WHEREAS,the LURA previously recommended utilizing$35,000 from the FY 1997 CCI grant award to
PB Associates to complete acquisition and renovation of a commercial waterfront building located along
the NYS Barge Canal at 403 Taughannock Blvd.that will provide public access along the waterfront,and
WHEREAS,at their 4/10/01 meeting,the Economic Development Committee reviewed the request and the
potential conflict of interest issue and recommended the following,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the LURA hereby recommends that the Common Council approve submitting a proposed
program amendment to HUD to commit$234,000 of FY 1997 CCI grant funding that was previously
earmarked to assist Ithaca Landing Associates,LLC make waterfront improvements at the Old Port Harbour
site,to the following activities:
$199,000 Argyle Associates,LLC public access waterfront improvements at 708 W.
Buffalo St.(former Old Port Harbour restaurant site)
$35,000 PB Associates renovations at 403 Taughannock Blvd.resulting in public access
waterfront improvements
$234,000
and be it further,
RESOLVED,that should contingencies established in the IURA loan approval to PB Associates not be met
within a timely manner,then CCI funding earmarked to assist PB Associates shall be reallocated to assist in
construction of waterfront improvements at 403 Taughannock Blvd.,and be it further,
s
IURA Minutes,4-17-01, 5
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby recommends that the Mayor,upon the advice of the Director of
Planning and Development and the City Attorney, is authorized to execute all necessary and appropriate
documents for the submission of the program amendment and implementation of this resolution.
CARRIED unanimously.
VIII-2 CD-RLF—WRITE OFF OF LOAN LOSS,DA'SPOT INC.— RESOLUTION
Bohn stated that it was clear that the principals in Da'Spot, Inc. would make no more payments on
the loan, and that the remaining inventory had been liquidated. Bohn recommended that the
remaining$20,200 be recognized as uncollectable and be charged off.
Farrell/Cummings moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,classifying a delinquent loan that is deemed to be unrecoverable as a"charge-off'assures the
IURA is recognizing,and adjusting for,non-performing assets in the loan portfolio and allows closure to
loan servicing and monitoring activities,and
WHEREAS,on January 14, 1999 the IURA approved a CD-RLF loan of$25,000 to Da'Spot,Inc.to start
up a retail clothing store employing single mothers and creating 3 FTE employment opportunities available
for LMI persons,and
WHEREAS,the loan carried a 6%interest rate and was to be repaid within 10 years,with interest-only
payments due for the first year of the term,and
WHEREAS,the loan was secured by a blanket lien on all company assets,including equipment,
furnishings,inventory and fixtures,but no personal guarantees,and
WHEREAS,the borrower has been delinquent in repaying the CD-RLF loan since November 2000 and did
not respond to a revised payment plan,and
WHEREAS,the loan was declared in default on January 29,2001 and the outstanding principal balance of
$25,000 was called due and payable immediately,and
WHEREAS,IURA liquidation of inventory,equipment,furnishings and fixtures pledged to secure the loan
raised$4,800 thereby reducing the outstanding principal balance on the loan to$20,200,and
WHEREAS,at their April 10,2001 meeting the Economic Development Committee reviewed this matter
and recommended the following action,now therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby"charges off'the remaining principal balance of$20,200 on the CD-
RLF loan to Da'Spot,Inc.as a loan loss,and be it further,
RESOLVED,such charge off shall result in writing off all accrued principal and accrued interest on the
loan.
CARRIED unanimously
Discussion of the process and the loan to Da'Spot, Inc. ensued; Cummings suggested that CEO
graduates be offered additional assistance and courses even after graduation and having opened a
business.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
I
IURA Minutes,4-17-01,6
X. NEW BUSINESS
X-1 NEXT MEETING DATE: TUESDAY MAY 15, 2001, 4 PM (ANNUAL
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING)
Not discussed.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM.
end 4/25/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets []are inserted for clarification purposes only.
LURA Minutes , 1
,q00
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Meeting
4:00 PM,Tuesday,May 15,2001 O
Common Council Chambers,City Hall 4 1.!
/
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington, Susan Cummings,Tracy
• Farrell
Staff Nels Bohn, Sue Kittel, Adam Smith, Wies
van Leuken
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 4:11 PM by Cummings.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 17,2001 MEETING
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded a motion to approve the minutes from the April 17, 2001
meeting.
CARRIED unanimously.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
IV-1 IURA EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE, REQUEST FOR
CONSIDERATION FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE CITY'S HEALTH PLAN-
. REPORT
Bohn reported that he had spoken with the City Controller,who said that he would get information
about the City's health care plan to the staff in time for the next B&A committee after speaking
with the City Attorney,Common Council, and so on. Discussion ensued concerning the process of
including TURA staff on the City's plan. Cummings suggested that staff ask the Support Services
Alliance (SSA) for information on available options. Discussion ensued concerning the
deductible/copay structure of the IURA's current insurance.
IV-2 OTHER
Bohn reported that the HUD Inspector General's Office had begun their survey of the IURA's
financials on May 15, 2001, and that the auditor was beginning with the CCI. Bohn stated that the
survey would not progress to an audit unless the inspector felt an audit was warranted, and that
Ithaca was being surveyed because it had been so active in the past years, not because of any
irregularities or political motives,according to the auditors.
TURA Minutes, 5-15-01,2
V. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
V-1 BATTERED WOMEN'S TASK FORCE, REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT —
RESOLUTION
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session began at 4:22 PM,and ended at 4:28 PM.
Cummings reported that the Agency had taken no action in executive session. Bohn stated that the
source of funds to pay the Task Force would be HoDAG repayments, and that the Task Force had
shown no interest in taking ownership of the property. Bohn mentioned that the 5 Year license
agreement for the shelter ends in 2004. Cummings suggested that the matter be taken to the HNI
committee for a policy discussion. Discussion ensued concerning future plans with respect to the
license and the property.
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the Tompkins County Task Force for Battered Women(Task Force)operates a domestic
violence shelter at an IURA-owned building through a 5-year,renewable license agreement beginning May
20, 1999,and
WHEREAS,the license agreement requires no rent payments,but calls for the Task Force to deposit$150
per month into an escrow account to be used for costly repairs at the shelter,and
WHEREAS,the IURA hired Canzler Contracting to install a new furnace at the shelter in March 1999,and
WHEREAS,in January 2000 the Task Force reported high carbon monoxide emissions due to a blocked
chimney which created a serious health hazard and led to the temporary closure of the shelter and
installation of a chimney liner,and
WHEREAS,the Task Force seeks reimbursement for the following expenses:
1. installation of a chimney liner $843.85
2. temporary housing of Shelter Coordinator in hotel $250.00
3. alleged loss income due to 5-day shelter closure $7,455.84
$8,549.69
WHEREAS,the Task Force has failed since December 1999 to make regular payments into the escrow fund
for costly maintenance and repairs to the Shelter in violation of the license agreement,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby appropriates$6,099.69 to make payment to The Battered Women's
Task Force in consideration of a release of the City of Ithaca and the LURA from any and all claims related
to any and all losses claimed as a result of a furnace problem in January 2000 which led to the temporary
closing of the Task Force shelter in January 2000,and be it further,
RESOLVED,the IURA hereby appropriates$2,450.00 to be deposited into the maintenance escrow
account required by the License Agreement between the IURA and the Battered Women's Task force,and
be it further,
RESOLVED,that the source of the above expenditures shall be Eddygate Housing Development Grant
Program(HODAG)repayments(#NY009HG401),as an eligible rental housing expense.
IURA Minutes,5-15-01,3
CARRIED unanimously.
VII. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VII-1 MARCH 2001 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The March financial statement was entered into the record.
Bohn reported there were no major issues at this time.Bohn stated that staff was currently trying to
spend down the Northside park funds and funds for other, older activities. Discussion ensued.
Bohn reported that funds for 108 Cleveland Ave had been spent. Discussion ensued concerning the
Cleveland Ave intersection marked for traffic calming.
VII-2 NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR —
RESOLUTION
Cummings gave a background on nomination and election of the Chair and Vice Chair.
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded a resolution to elect Mayor Alan Cohen to Chair of the agency
and Susan Cummings to Vice Chair of the agency.
WHEREAS,the LURA By-Laws call for election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the LURA at each annual
May meeting of the Agency,and
WHEREAS,at their May 8,2001 meeting,the TURA Budget and Administration Committee nominated the
following candidates as officers:
• Chair—Mayor Alan J. Cohen
• Vice Chair—Susan Cummings
. and
WHEREAS,other nominations for officers were solicited from the LURA members at the annual meeting,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby elects Mayor Alan J.Cohen as Chair and Susan Cummings as Vice
• Chair of the LURA until the next annual meeting of the LURA.
CARRIED unanimously.
The meeting continued with agenda item VIII-1.
VII-3 A MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A MATTER
REGARDING A PERSONNEL MATTER—POSSIBLE RESOLUTION
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session began at 4:46 PM,and ended at 4:50 PM.
Cummings reported that the agency had unanimously voted to approve the following resolution
and promote Sue Kittel to CD Planner.
IURA Minutes,5-15-01,4
WHEREAS,Ms. Sue Kittel was hired as an Assistant Community Development Planner for the IURA with
an initial date of employment of January 10,2001 to fill the vacant Community Development Planner
position,and
WHEREAS,Ms. Sue Kittel's immediate supervisor,the Director of Community Development,and the
LURA Executive Director both recommend Ms.Kittel be promoted to a Community Development Planner,
step 1,in recognition of her valuable work skills and the high quality of her work, and
WHEREAS,at their May 8,2001 meeting,the Budget and Administration Committee discussed this
personnel matter and recommended the following,now therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby promotes Ms. Sue Kittel to the Community Development Planner
position,step 1,(base salary of$32,718),effective on her six month anniversary date(June 10,2001)and
be it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA Executive Director is authorized to execute any and all documents necessary
to implement this resolution.
The meeting continued with agenda item X-1.
VII-4 MHA FUNDING REQUEST—DISCUSSION
Tabled until the next meeting.
VIII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VIII-1 PAL'S SPORTS CENTER,INC.,REQUEST TO AMEND LOAN AGREEMENT—
RESOLUTION
Bohn gave a background to the current proposal, and stated that he believed that Pal's suggestion
of 27 months at 6%was in keepting with the ED committee's ideas.
Farrell/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,on March 3, 1993,the JURA executed an agreement to loan$90,000 to Pal's Sport's Center,
Inc. (Pal's)from the FY 1987 and FY 1990 CDBG grant awards over an 8 year term to assist in the opening
of a sporting good store at 402-410 Third Street projected to create 9 FTE jobs,and
WHEREAS,the interest rate on the loan was established at 3%during the first year of the loan and adjusted
up to the prime lending rate(6%)thereafter,and
WHEREAS, the 8-year IURA loan was structured to base monthly payments on a 12-year amortization
schedule with a balloon payment of$45,428.29 due at the end of Year 8 on May 1,2001,and
WHEREAS,the loan was secured by a subordinate lien position on inventory,corporate assets and the
personal guarantee of George and Dianne Maloney,owners of Pal's,and
WHEREAS,Pal's met their job creation goal and was released from further job reporting in 1997,and
WHEREAS,Pal's closed their 10,000 sq.ft. Ithaca sporting goods store on 8/31/98 due to disappointing
sales and high overhead costs,and
WHEREAS,Pal's has remained current with loan payments to date,and
IURA Minutes, 5-15-01,5
WHEREAS, on December 28,2000 Pal's requested extending the current amortization schedule an
additional four years until 5/2005 to fully pay off the principal and interest by continuing monthly payments
of$878..27 in lieu of a balloon payment,and
WHEREAS, JURA staff requested up-to-date financials and a revised personal financial statement from the
owner to assist in underwriting the loan request, and,
WHEREAS,Pal's furnished FY 2000 financials and a personal financial statement on May 2,2001,and
WHEREAS,based on a review of corporate financial statements it appears that Pal's lacks liquid assets to
pay the balloon payment without adversely affecting the company, and
WHEREAS,a review of Pal's schedule of debt shows that over$200,000 of the$340,000 corporate debt
liability is in the form of shareholder loans that are being serviced with monthly payments of$1,500
through January 2002 and$2,000 thereafter,
WHEREAS,a review of the personal financial statement of George and Dianne Maloney indicates adequate
net worth to secure the remaining$45,428.29 principal balance,and
WHEREAS,at their 5/8/01 meeting the Economic Development Committee reviewed the request to
restructure the loan and recommended approving one of the following two approaches after discussion with
the borrower:
1. 2-year extension at 6%with lump sum principal payments-extend the term of the loan an additional
two years,during which time the borrower agrees to continue to make monthly payments based on the
current amortization schedule,with monthly payments of approximately$878 per month,with an
additional$20,000 payment due on January 1,2002 to be applied to principal outstanding and a second
lump sum payment sufficient to pay the entire outstanding principal and any outstanding interest shall
be due and payable on May 1,2003,or
2. 4-year extension at market rate-extend the term of the loan an additional four years and adjust the
interest rate up to the current prime lending rate of 7.5%,thereby increasing the monthly payment from
$878.27 to approximately$949.71,and
WHEREAS,after discussing the above approaches,Pal's Management has submitted a counter offer that
extends the repayment period over 27 months at 6%at monthly payments of$1,802.85 and fully repaying
the outstanding balance by August,2003,and
WHEREAS,in the staff's opinion this counter-offer is substantially consistent with the Economic
Development Committee's recommendation,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby approves amending the loan agreement between the IURA and Pal's
Sport's Center Inc.to extend the term of the loan 27 months with monthly principal and interest payments
sufficient to fully amortize the$45,428.28 over 27 months resulting in a monthly payment of approximately
$1,802.85.
and be it further
RESOLVED,that, subject to review by the IURA Attorney,the Executive Director of the JURA is
authorized to sign any and all documents necessary to implement this resolution.
CARRIED unanimously.
The meeting continued with agenda item IX-1.
NRA Minutes,5-15-01, 6
IX. OLD BUSINESS
IX-1 DESIGNATION OF PLANNED FY 2002 TARGET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD —
RESOLUTION
The matter was tabled until the next meeting.
IX-2 OTHER
No other old business.The meeting continued with agenda item VII-3.
X. NEW BUSINESS
X-1 NEXT MEETING DATE: TUESDAY JUNE 19,2001,4 PM
Discussion ensued concerning changing the day and time of the regularly scheduled IURA
meetings, as Eric Rosario was finding Tuesdays to be increasingly difficult. The agency decided to
leave the time for June as planned and take up the discussion again later.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 4:55 PM.
end 5/18/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
1
IURA Minutes,7-6-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency ii\ D 11
10:00 AM,Friday,July 6,2001 O Q
Common Council Chambers,City Hall
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington,Alan Cohen, Susan Cummings
Staff Kat Hauger,Sue Kittel,H.Matthys Van Cort
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 10:24 PM by Cohen.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MAY 15,2001 MEETING
Burlington/Cummings moved/seconded a motion to approve the minutes from the May 15, 2001
meeting.
CARRIED unanimously.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
IV-1 IURA EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE—REPORT
Kittel reported that the City stated that as IURA employees are not City employees, IURA
employees could not be covered under the City health care plan. Discussion ensued concerning
City policies and possible coverage under the SSA. Hauger stated that the LURA could not be
covered under the SSA as the IURA was a governmental agency,and that she was in the process of
gathering quotes from insurance plans. Cummings recommended that the agency look into
individual policies,rather than group policies.
IV-2 OTHER
V. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
V-1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING RENTS—RESOLUTION
Cummings presented the affordable housing rent determination, and Cohen gave a basic
explanation of the determination and its uses.
Cohen/Cummings moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, CDBG regulations contained at 24 CFR 570.208(a)(3)for compliance with the national
objective for housing activities benefiting low/moderate income persons requires 51%of the
units assisted to be occupied by low/moderate income persons at"affordable rents"to
qualify for this criterion,and
• w
? •
LURA Minutes,7-6-01,2
WHEREAS, the CDBG regulations further require the recipient to adopt and make public its standards
for determining"affordable rents,"and
WHEREAS, the staff has consulted with INHS,private landlords and public agencies and examined
HUD established"fair market rents"and Section 8 housing data in developing the
maximum affordable rent schedule,and
WHEREAS, on May 17, 1999 the LURA adopted affordable rent guidelines for the community in
compliance with CDBG regulations(resolution#905),and
WHEREAS, such affordable rent guidelines did not necessarily result in units made available to tenants
through Section 8 certificates as being"affordable"as locally defined,and
WHEREAS, experience with applying the affordable rent guideline showed that calculation of the
maximum allowable rent could be made clearer,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby adopts the attached 5/29/01 City of Ithaca affordable rent guidelines
as"affordable rents"for the community in compliance with CDBG regulations,and be it
further
RESOLVED, that such affordable rent guidelines be updated as needed to reflect changing Fair Market
Rents,and qualifying low/moderate income levels as established by HUD,or its successor,
and allowances for tenant furnished utilities as made available by the Ithaca Housing
Authority,or it successor,and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall supercede IURA Resolution#905,dated May 17, 1999.
CARRIED unanimously.
VI. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VI-1 APRIL AND MAY 2001 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The April and May fmancial statements was entered into the record. Cummings inquired about PB
Associates' loan application; Hauger stated that she had verbal information that their bank loan
had been granted. The CD-RLF loan therefore could begin to be processed. Cummings expressed
her concern about the safety of the dock behind PB Associate's property. Cohen asked about the
progress of Argyle, LLC;Hauger stated that the Director was in the process of working with them
regarding project development. Discussion ensued concerning a possible HUD decision to
withdraw CCI funds not encumbered or spent by September 30, 2001. Cohen requested further
research into the possibility.
VI-2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW—FY 2000 CDBG PROGRAM
A. DESIGNATION OF CERTIFYING OFFICER—RESOLUTION
Cohen explained the need for the designation.
Cohen/Cummings moved/seconded a motion to appoint Nels Bohn as the Certifying
Officer.
WHEREAS, an environmental review is required of all municipalities that receive CDBG funds to
ensure compliance with environmental review standards set forth in the National
Environmental Protection Act(NEPA),and
IURA Minutes,7-6-01,3
WHEREAS, as a recipient of New York State CDBG funds,the City must assume both the State and
Federal responsibility for environmental review of CDBG activities which requires
compliance with both the federal NEPA and state SEQR environmental review processes,
and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Office for Small Cities(GOSC)is administering the Small Cities CDBG
program beginning in FY 2000,and
WHEREAS, the GOSC is requiring that recipients designate a"Certifying Officer"who will be
responsible for assuring compliance with all environmental requirements and will
represent the Recipient in any challenge to compliance with environmental requirements,
and
WHEREAS, the GOSC recommends that the"Certifying Officer"be a person who has the authority
and is able to defend any information,conclusions or determinations resulting from the
environmental process,and
WHEREAS, by resolution dated 4/10/2000,the Common Council authorized the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency(TURA)to administer and implement all CDBG activities in accordance
with applicable regulations,now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby designates Nels Bohn,Director of Community Development,for
the IURA as the Certifying Officer responsible for all activities associated with the
environmental review process in conjunction with the FY 2000 CDBG grant awarded to
the City of Ithaca.
CARRIED unanimously.
B. DESIGNATION OF LEAD AGENCY—RESOLUTION
Cohen stated that state law mandated that a lead agency be appointed to conduct
environmental review,and that the IURA wished to declare itself the lead agency.
Cohen/Burlington moved/seconded a motion to appoint the IURA as the lead agency.
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176.6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established
for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state
environmental law,and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review,the lead
agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action,and
WHEREAS, by resolution dated April 10,2000,the Common Council for the City of Ithaca authorized
the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(LURA)to administer and implement activities funded
by the FY 2000 Small Cities CDBG award,therefore the LURA has primary responsibility
for carrying out the action,and
WHEREAS, the action requires review under the City's Environmental Quality Review Ordinance,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency does hereby declare itself lead agency for the
environmental review of activities funded through the FY 2000 Small Cities CDBG
award to the City of Ithaca.
IURA Minutes,7-6-01,4
CARRIED unanimously.
C. DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE—
RESOLUTION
Cohen stated that the resolution was a comprehensive resolution covering all the activities
listed in the FY 2000 grant award, and stated that the activities did not have any
significant impact on the environment and that any activities were in compliance with
pertinent laws(including zoning and historic preservation regulations).
Cohen/Cummings moved/seconded a motion to approve the resolution.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency,on behalf of the City of Ithaca,proposes to implement
the following activities funded by the FY 2000 Small Cities award from the NYS
Governor's Office for Small Cities:
Activity SEAR Classification
Activity 1.01 INHS/Southside House Reclamation Unlisted action
Activity 1.02 INHS/Southside Homeowner and Homebuyer Assistance Program Unlisted action
Activity 1.03 Southside Rental Property Code Enforcement Type II action
Activity 1.04 311 S.Corn St.Brownfield Remediation Unlisted action
Activity 1.05 402 S.Cayuga St.Demolition and Clearance Unlisted action
Activity 1.06 Southside Foot Bridge Lighting Improvements Type II action
Activity 1.07 Southside Neighborhood Safety and Traffic Calming Unlisted action
Activity 1.08 Southside Community Center Computer Lab Type II action
Activity 1.09 Sciencenter Computer Club Type II action
Activity 2.01 Downtown Hotel Type I action
Activity 2.02 State Theatre Restoration–Phase I Unlisted action
Activity 3.01 Administration Type II action
and,
WHEREAS, the proposed action includes several activities that are classified as Unlisted actions,and
one activity that is classified as a Type I action under the City Environmental Quality
Review Act[CEQR Sec. 176-12],and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted including the preparation of a Long
Environmental Assessment Form(LEAF), and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency,as lead agency in this matter,has reviewed and
accepted as adequate a LEAF dated June 15,2001 upon amendment to Part 2 of the
LEAF to indicate that the activity may also have an effect to existing transportation
systems and further to incorporate the Amended Part 3 of the LEAF,dated June 18,2001,
to evaluate transportation issues, and
WHEREAS, the following mitigation measures will minimize,to the maximum extent practical,the
anticipated environmental impacts:
1. Activity 1.01,INHS Southside House Reclamation- complete and comply with"Exhibit 2-12,
Floodplain Management Worksheet,"included in the NYS Small Cities CDBG Grant
Administration Manual(Manual)produced by the Governor's Office for Small Cities,to ensure
compliance with applicable floodplain management regulation for each property selected for
inclusion in the program;
LURA Minutes,7-6-01,5
2. Activity 1.01,INHS Southside House Reclamation- consultation with the Historic Preservation
Field Services Bureau at the NYS Office of Parks,Recreation&Historic Preservation(SHPO)
including submission of the Building-Structure Inventory Form along with photographs(Exhibit 2-
15 of the Manual)to ensure compliance with applicable historic preservation requirements;
3. Activity 2.01,the Downtown Hotel project-shall receive approval by the Planning&Development
Board through the Site Development Plan Review process prior to the commitment of any funds
for the Downtown Hotel project to manage construction stage and traffic impacts as well as
impacts on visual resources;and
4. Activity 2.01,the Downtown Hotel project-shall be undergo review by the Design Review Board,
as provided for in the City of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance for projects located within the CBD-140
zoning sub-district. Said review shall assess the visual effect of the project on the character of the
area,
now therefore be it,
RESOLVED, that the IURA determines that the proposed action,incorporating the mitigation measures
identified above,will result in no significant impact on the environment and that a
Negative Declaration for the purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation
Law be filed in accordance with the provision of Part 617 of the State Environmental
Quality Review Act,and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is
hereby directed to file a copy of the same,together with any attachments,in the City
Clerk's Office,and forward the same to any other parties as required by law.
CARRIED unanimously.
Discussion ensued concerning 311 S. Corn Street; Cummings expressed her concerns
about the language concerning the property. Further discussion ensued concerning the
regulations and terminology of environmental impact research. Cohen asked whether the
City or the IURA was eligible for state Brownfield funds; Kittel stated that she had been
told to put off any decision about Brownfield funding until the new state budget was
passed, as the regulations could become more favorable to municipalities. Cummings
stated that it is the preference of the Agency that the current owner of the property bear
the cost of remediation,rather than the City paying the bill.
Cummings asked what was happening with the hotel funding; Cohen stated that there
were issues being sorted out.
Cummings/Cohen moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session began at 10:50 AM and ended at 10:52 AM with no action taken.
VI-3 MHA FUNDING REQUEST—DISCUSSION
Cummings stated that she had read in the Ithaca Journal of a recent court decision that
suggested the MHA Board of Directors could refuse to renew leases with no cause. She
felt that the IURA needed to discuss and address MHA's policies concerning renewal of
leases/evictions. Cohen stated that the matter should be put onto the Agency's agenda for
August and that MHA representatives be asked to attend and participate in the discussion.
IURA Minutes,7-6-01, 6
Further discussion ensued concerning MHA policies, IURA involvement in MHA
policies,and the court decision.
Cummings expressed concern about the ongoing nature of the funding requests from
MHA.
The following matters were brought up to be addressed at the next agency meeting:
1.Durability of occupancy
A.Rational for change in lease wording
B.Interpretation of what any change means or its impact
2.Is it true the lease may not be renewed Without Cause?
A.Rational for change
B.Interpretation of impact of change
3.What is long term funding plan for MHA executive director position?
4.Is the funding request an ongoing request?
5.Is the money they are requesting to be applied to development activity of the director?
Staff was directed to poll the members not in attendance for additional questions for
MHA. All questions are to be forwarded to MHA prior to the next LURA meeting.
VII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
No matters to discuss.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII-1 DESIGNATION OF PLANNED FY 2002 TARGET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD —
RESOLUTION
Cohen gave a brief background concerning the resolution. Cummings asked for clarification about
the boundaries of the area;Kittel answered her questions. Cohen stated that Carpenter Park and the
DOT site were not included in this area, and would not be feasible for the 2002 application due to
timing issues. Discussion ensued concerning future projects in the target area.
Cohen/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution.
WHEREAS, the review criteria for Comprehensive Small Cities Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG)require successful applicants to identify a target area to concentrate multiple
activities in a coordinated manner to address community development needs,and
WHEREAS, establishing a priority target neighborhood will assist potential sponsors to make effective
use of their resources and prepare better-developed funding proposals,and
WHEREAS, establishing a priority target neighborhood will assist the LURA staff to efficiently
allocate resources to plan and develop a high quality grant application,and
WHEREAS, during preparation of the FY 2001 CDBG application 18 of the 30 funding proposals
received by the IURA were targeted to assist the Northside Triangle neighborhood,and
WHEREAS, the FY 2001 CDBG application targeted assistance to the Lower Northside neighborhood,
and
IURA Minutes,7-6-01,7
WHEREAS, the following 1990 Census statistics for the Northside Triangle neighborhood suggests it
has high community development needs:
• Below Poverty: 48%
• Low/Moderate Income: 73%
• Households with Public Assistance:24%
• Minority: 34%and,
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Planning Department is conducting a participatory neighborhood
planning process in the Northside Triangle neighborhood during the summer and fall of
2001 that will likely identify several CDBG-eligible activities for improving the
neighborhood,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby establishes the Northside Triangle neighborhood as the priority
neighborhood for planning the development of the FY 2002 CDBG application,and be it
further,
RESOLVED, that staff is directed to disseminate this target neighborhood information to sponsors of
funding proposals submitted for the FY 2001 application,Common Councilors,relevant
City departments and Boards,Northside neighborhood groups and other interested
parties.
CARRIED unanimously.
VIII-2 OTHER
No other old business.The meeting continued with agenda item VII-3.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
IX-1 NEXT MEETING DATE: THURSDAY,AUGUST 16,2001,9 AM
Discussion ensued concerning the date and time of the meeting.
IX-2 OTHER
Cohen stated that there had not yet been a follow-up discussion concerning necessary funding for
the IURA in the B&A Committee meeting.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM.
end 7/17/2001 KH/ARS/ars/ksh
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
IURA Minutes, 8-16-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency f 0 0 0v
nOVIE n
9:00 AM,Thursday,August 16,2001
Common Council Chambers,City Hall ,
PRESENT: IURA Members Alan Cohen(9:15 AM), Susan Cummings,
Tracy Farrell,Eric Rosario
Staff Nels Bohn, Adam Smith, Matthys Van Cort(9:15 AM),
Wies van Leuken
Others Bob Boothroyd, Thomas Edwards, Caroline Harvey,
Jessica Keltz, Sean Killean, Joey P. Moro, Anne
Marie Murray, Cyndi Rich, Ainsley Sawyer, Aqeela
Shakur,David Sprague
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 9:10 PM by Cummings.The meeting continued with agenda item III.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment.The meeting continued with agenda item VI-1.
HI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 6,2001 MEETING
Cummings/Rosario moved/seconded a motion to approve the minutes from the July 6, 2001
meeting.
CARRIED unanimously.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
IV-1 FY 2001 CDBG SMALL CITIES GRANT AWARDS
Bohn reported that grant awards would be announced within five days of the meeting by the
Governor.
IV-2 CITY OF ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED PLANNING INITIATIVE
Bohn reported that the leaders of the Neighborhood-Based Planning Initiative wanted to make a
presentation to the Agency, and that he was considering September as the best time for the
presentation. Bohn stated that the organization would hold three major neighborhood meetings
during September, October, and November, and would likely generate proposals for the 2002
CDBG application.
IV-3 OTHER
Bohn reported that the auditors had left, and stated that the auditors said that Ithaca was not
targeted,but chosen at random because of the high activity of the IURA. Bohn stated that a draft
report would be made available to the LURA in September, and that there would be an exit
conference with the auditors, staff, and the mayor. Bohn stated that he would attempt to open the
conference to LURA Board members. Bohn explained the findings process, and stated that the
IURA Minutes, 8-16-01,2
auditors' suggestions would include strengthening the financial controls of the office and site
monitoring for sub-recipients among other things.
The meeting continued with agenda item II.
V. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
V-1 254 FLORAL AVENUE-RESOLUTION
Cummings asked that the vote to fund the demolition of 254 Floral Avenue be delayed for one
month while other possible actions were pursued. Discussion ensued concerning the history of the
property, issues and costs of renovating the home, and possible INHS involvement in the
renovations. Cummings volunteered to research the costs of preserving the home. Cohen stated
that he would tell the Building Commission to wait on demolition of the building while the IURA
considered other options.
No action was taken concerning the resolution.
The meeting continued with agenda item V-3.
V-2 PUBLIC PROMENADE(1997 CCI,ACT.1.4)—REPORT
V-3 NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING INITIATIVE—REPORT
Cohen reported that there had been meetings with the IURA Council to make certain that all
current rules were being complied with, and that a request for qualifications (RFQ) would be
issued for the Neighborhood Housing Initiative. Cohen stated that it was hoped that INHS would
be the partner for the Initiative, but that legally there needed to be an RFQ, and that he would
bring a full report to the next IURA meeting. Cohen stated that the council would be considering
how to alleviate a potential conflict of interest should it arise in the future, as two INHS
representatives currently sit on the Initiative's council.
The meeting continued with agenda item IX-2.
VI. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VI-1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 2001 AND JULY 2001
Discussion ensued concerning the West End Commercial Loan Program line;Bohn stated that all
funds on that line were encumbered.
Discussion ensued concerning the BEDI grant, and Bohn stated that the funds needed to be
encumbered within the next year or they would be lost.
Discussion ensued concerning RIBS;Bohn stated that he was waiting on information from Officer
Barksdale,member of the Board of Southside Community Center.
Discussion ensued concerning the proposed alternative health care center; Bohn stated that
Building Links, Inc. had site control, and was in the process of completing pro formas and
schematics for the project. Bohn added that it was time to determine whether or not the project
would move forward, and that the funds could be reprogrammed (while meeting 1999 CCI
requirements for ED activities, including job creation)if the project was not progressing.
The meeting continued with agenda item VIII-1.
LURA Minutes, 8-16-01,3
VI-2 MHA FY 2001 FUNDING REQUEST—RESOLUTION
Cohen reviewed the resolution and opened the floor to Agency member's questions after asking
the officers of the Board of MHA and the Executive Director to come forward. The following
were present: Bob Boothroyd, Thomas Edwards, Sean Killeen, Anne Marie Murray, Ageela
Shakur,and David Sprague.
Cummings asked whether adding units to MHA would truly create self-sufficiency; discussion
ensued, with MHA representatives explaining the theory behind expansion and stating that other
MHA's in the US are much larger and self-sufficient. Sprague also stated that MHA would need to
seek funding sources other than the IURA,but that like INHS,MHA needed a City subsidy for the
time being. Discussion ensued concerning MRA's fee structure and public benefit. Sprague
suggested that a partnership between INHS and MHA could result in mutual benefit, with MHA
taking on the role of tenant organization and INHS absorbing some of MRA's administrative
work. Discussion ensued concerning MHA resident involvement within the organization and in
the community. Cummings asked if the residents of MHA were behind the expansion plans;
Edwards stated that the resident council passed the expansion plans unanimously, and that it had
always been the goal of MHA to have 100 units. Edwards added that MHA was considering the
purchase of a block of three lots, and that the residents would be updated on the progress of
expansion once more information was available.Farrell asked if MHA had fulfilled the criteria for
future funding in the IURA's last funding resolution for MHA; Edwards stated that all the criteria
had been filled,and that the project was in initial planning stages,with much discussion happening
among interested parties. Edwards added that MHA was doing research on low mortgage liability
financing for expansion.
Discussion ensued concerning the issues raised on the Questions/Issues for MHATC/IURA
Funding Request Discussion letter included in the agenda packet. MHA representatives answered
all questions to the satisfaction of the Agency, with detailed discussion concerning MHA's
policies for renewal/non-renewal of occupancy agreements. In the end, Edwards stated that the
language in the occupancy agreement could be clarified to say that residents will not be evicted
without cause, and that the majority of evictions were due to non-payment of occupancy fees.
Sprague stated that it is in the best interests of MHA to be at full occupancy at all times,and stated
that the Residents' Council and Board worked with each situation to try to fmd a solution that was
fair and preserved residents'tenancies.
Rosario stated his displeasure at Judge Rossiter's findings concerning MHA, and Farrell asked
whether the court information was in place before the last eviction. Edwards stated that the
eviction was prior to the new policies. Cummings asked that MHA provide statistics and
information to the LURA describing occupancy rates, community event participation numbers,
waiting list numbers, and residents' reasons for leaving MHA housing. Rosario asked that a
housing survey be made an annual event.
Van Cort asked if any MHA representatives thought these requests were too burdensome; Shakur
stated that she felt the IURA added more requirements for funding every year, and wanted to
know what the purpose was behind the requirements. Cummings stated that the requirements were
no different than the requirements for any other organization; Shakur stated that INHS was not
required to survey its residents annually. Cohen suggested that INHS do a yearly survey of its
residents as well.Discussion ensued concerning monitoring requirements and surveys.
Cummings/Rosario moved/seconded an amendment to the resolution requiring for monitoring
purposes that MHA report residency duration and departure reasons, homeowner spin-off
numbers, and community participation numbers, as well as the results of a brief yearly survey on
resident issues.
CARRIED unanimously.
.;\
IURA Minutes, 8-16-01,4
Cohen/Cummings moved/seconded the resolution as amended.
WHEREAS,the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County(MHATC)has requested funding for
administrative funding in the amount of$20,000 from the IURA,and
WHEREAS,MHATC is a non profit 501(c)3 provider of 28 housing units for low-and moderate-income
families,and
WHEREAS,the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal has designated MHATC as
a Community Housing Development Organization(CHDO),and
WHEREAS,MHA has submitted the following information to support the funding request:
1. Report on Annual Meeting—December 10,2001,received 1/9/01
2. MHATC Balance Sheet—December 2000,received 19/01
3. MHATC Projected Budget—FY 2001,received 1/9/01
4. Revised Policy and Procedures for Resident Participation,General Responsibilities,and Conflict
Resolution as adopted December 10,2000,received 1/6/01
5. Notification of 2%occupancy fee increase,received 4/23/00
6. MHATC information packet related to eviction proceedings involving a recipient of Section 8
assistance,received 7/3/01
7. Sample MHATC annual Resident Occupancy/Membership Agreement,July 6,2001
8. 2001 MHATC Resident Satisfaction Survey report,August 7,2001,and
WHEREAS,at the 8/16/01 LURA meeting,the MHA discussed a series of questions and issues identified in
correspondence to T.Edwards from N.Bohn sent on July 24,200,and
WHEREAS,MHATC has established a goal of"self-sufficiency in a community-focused,need oriented,
fiscally responsive fashion"through expansion of the number of MHATC housing units,but require
financial assistance to maintain the administrative capacity necessary to accomplish expansion,now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby approves funding for MHATC in the amount of$20,000 for
administrative and delivery activities supporting expansion and operation of housing to be used primarily
for low-and moderate-income residential uses,and be it further
RESOLVED,that such funding is contingent upon semi-annual progress reporting to the NRA including,
but not limited to,the following:
1. documentation that at least 51%of the MHATC housing units are occupied by low-and moderate-
income;
2. MHATC accomplishments toward self-sufficiency as a result of IURA financial assistance;and
3. An estimate of the percentage of IURA funds used during the reporting period for(a)operation of
the existing 28-unit housing community versus(b)expansion or other efforts focused on
accomplishing self-sufficiency,and
4. For monitoring purposes,MHATC report residency duration and departure reasons,homeowner
spin-off numbers,and community participation numbers,as well as the results of a brief yearly
survey on resident issues and be it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA Chair,upon review by the IURA Executive Director and the IURA Attorney,
is authorized to execute an agreement between the LURA and MHATC to implement this action.
CARRIED Yes: Alan Cohen Abstention: Tracy Farrell
Susan Cummings
Eric Rosario
Cohen stated that the agency expected MHA to clarify the wording concerning non-
renewal/eviction, requiring cause. Discussion ensued concerning the timing of MHA's next
LURA Minutes, 8-16-01,5
funding request. Bohn suggested that MHA submit their request in September, 2001, and
Cummings suggested that the request be made in August in future years.
The meeting continued with agenda item V-1.
VI-3 ENIVIRONMENTAL REVIEW(2000 CDBG)—REPORT
VII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
No matters to discuss.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII-1 OTHER
Cummings asked for an update on 311 S. Corn Street. Discussion ensued concerning the garage-
type sale that had been set up on the property and inside the building. Bohn stated that Bill Shaw
was paying a neighbor to mow the grass, and that also no permits had been obtained for the sale,
there was currently no health risk to people on the property.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
IX-1 NEXT MEETING DATE: THURSDAY,AUGUST 16,2001,9 AM
Date accepted.
The meeting continued with agenda item X.
IX-2 OTHER
Bohn introduced a resolution to renew the current bookkeeper's contract.
Farrell/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency has need of the services of a qualified bookkeeper,and
WHEREAS, the staff has reviewed the current fee bookkeeper's work and recommends to renew the fee
bookkeeper's contract through July 31,2002,therefore,be it
RESOLVED,that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby authorizes renewal of the Bookkeeper's
contract in an amount not to exceed$5,000.00 through July 31,2002,and be it further,
RESOLVED,that the IURA Executive Director is hereby authorized to execute the contract to implement
this action.
CARRIED unanimously.
The meeting continued with agenda item VI-1.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:54 AM.
end 8/22/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
September 20, 2001
Page 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency 0
9:00 AM, Thursday,September 20, 2001 \�.`
Y P (;QQ'
Common Council Chambers, City Hall •
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington, Susan Cummings (9:30)
Tracy Farrell, Eric Rosario
Staff Nels Bohn,Kat Hauger, Sue Kittel
Others Leslie Chatterton,Tim Logue
I. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 9:10 PM by Farrell.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment. The meeting continued with agenda item VI-1.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 16,2001 MEETING
Rosario/Burlington moved/seconded a motion to approve the minutes from the August 16, 2001
meeting. -
CARRIED unanimously.
IV. PRESENTATION—NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED PLANNING INITIATION—T.LOGUE
Logue and Chatterton gave a presentation on the concept of neighborhood-based planning.
Discussion ensued, particularly concerning the `disconnect' between City Hall and the desires of
the neighborhood residents. Discussion ensued concerning the ideas that the process be resident
driven, inclusive, and diverse; the process become institutionalized in City Hall; and that a
commitment of resources be made to finance the goals developed in the meetings. Further
discussion
V. STAFF REPORTS
Bohn stated that Tom Newton, owner of the Firehouse Theatre, had informed the City and the
theatre community that he intended to close the theatre by the end of the year. Bohn stated that
there is an effort to keep the theatre open, but that Newton wished to either sell the property for
$100,000 for an arts function (or more for another use), or for a reliable group to operate the
theatre and pay the costs of keeping it open. Bohn further stated that Newton was not certain that
there was such a group available to take charge of the theatre.
Cummings stated that she thought that it would be wise to contact Lisa Bushlow of the Hangar
Theatre, CAP, and other arts organizations that would be able to help keep the Firehouse a
functioning theatre. Farrell stated that it was important that the arts community be involved
before the IURA jumps in. Bohn stated that Gary Ferguson and Richard Driscoll were also
involved in the discussion, and that keeping the Firehouse open fit in within the City's goals for
September 20, 2001
Page 2
an `entertainment' district. Cummings emphasized the need for speed in the community's
response to the issue.
VI. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
VI-1 NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING INITIATIVE—RESOLUTION
Farrell gave a brief history of the Initiative. Farrell stated that although INHS seemed to be the
clear choice for administration of the program, Mariette Geldenhuys (NRA legal counsel) had
stated that the project needed to be advertised in a competitive bid process. Farrell stated that an
RFQ(request for qualifications) was placed in the paper, and that INHS was the only respondent.
Farrell introduced a resolution authorizing staff to negotiate an agreement with INNS.
Cummings/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(NRA) conceptually endorsed the Neighborhood
Housing Initiative Proposal (Initiative) on December 4, 2001, and
WHEREAS,the Ithaca Common Council adopted the Initiative Proposal on December 5,2000,
and
WHEREAS,the Initiative involves acquisition of substandard rental residential properties,
renovation of these properties and resale of the properties to owner-occupants, and
WHEREAS,the Initiative will be capitalized through the issuance of$2 million of bonds by the
IURA with principal and interest on these bonds to be repaid by the City of Ithaca,and
WHEREAS,the Initiative contemplated that the LURA would contract with Ithaca Neighborhood
Housing Services (INHS)to implement the Initiative,including the acquisition of selected
properties, and I
WHEREAS,the IURA Attorney and the City's Bond counsel advise the LURA to utilize a
competitive procurement process to select an independent contractor to implement the program,
and
WHEREAS,the IURA developed a Request for Qualifications to seek qualifications from any
parties interested in implementing the Initiative, and
WHEREAS,said Request For Qualifications was issued and advertised in the Ithaca Journal on
August 18,2001,with responses required by September 10, 2001, and
WHEREAS, only Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)responded to the Request for
Qualifications,and
WHEREAS,the Housing,Neighborhood&Infrastructure Committee has reviewed and discussed
INHS's qualifications at their September 14,2001 meeting and recommend the following,now,
therefore,be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby determines that INNS meets all the qualifications and
submission requirements, including the demonstration of extensive relevant experience,
availability of qualified staff,demonstration of financial ability and stability to undertake the
September 20, 2001
Page 3
program, experience in the downtown housing market and demonstration of the agency's ability
to manage and rehabilitate housing,now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes staff to enter into negotiations with INNS to develop a
proposed agreement for the implementation of the Initiative, and be it further,
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby calls a public hearing for the next LURA meeting, scheduled
for October 18,2001, to consider designation of INHS as an "eligible and qualified sponsor,"
pursuant to Section 507 of the General Municipal Law,to implement the Initiative, and hold
property on behalf of the IURA.
Discussion ensued.
CARRIED unanimously.
Discussion ensued concerning designating Common Council as the lead agency for the SEQR
review process for the Neighborhood Housing Initiative. Farrell stated that the hope was that
money would be saved by subjecting all the properties to the SEQR process together.
Cummings said the agency formally were registering no objection to Common Council's
appointment as lead agency for the SEQR process for the Neighborhood Housing Initiative. The
full agency concurred.
Kittel introduced a resolution to amend a previously adopted proposal concerning the
Neighborhood Housing Initiative.
Cummings/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution, as amended:
WHEREAS,the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(TURA) adopted the Neighborhood Housing
Initiative Proposal on December 4,2000, and 1J
WHEREAS,the Ithaca Common Council adopted the Initiative Proposal on December 5,2000,
and
WHEREAS,the Initiative involves acquisition of substandard rental residential properties,
renovation of these properties and resale of the properties to owner-occupants,and
WHEREAS,the Initiative will be capitalized through the issuance of$2 million of bonds by the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(NRA)with principal and interest on these bonds to be repaid by
the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS,the Initiative contemplated that the IURA would contract with Ithaca Neighborhood
Housing Services(INHS)to implement the Initiative, including the acquisition of selected
properties, and
WHEREAS,the NRA Attorney and the City's Bond Counsel advise the LURA to utilize a
competitive procurement process to select an independent contractor to implement the program,
and
September 20,2001
Page 4
WHEREAS, the Initiative establishes a Homeownership Investment Committee (HIC) charged
with selecting properties to acquire, approving the acquisition price and endorsing proposed sales
agreements, and
WHEREAS, legal counsel further advises that inclusion of INNS representatives as voting
members on the Homeownership Investment Committee poses a potential conflict of interest as
INHS has responded to an RFQ seeking independent contractors to implement the program,now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby adopts amendments to the 12/5/00 Neighborhood Housing
Initiative Proposal as shown on the attached"Proposed Amendments of September 14, 2001."
CARRIED unanimously.
VI-2 CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXEMPTION—J.SWEET—RESOLUTION
Farrell gave a brief background of the possible conflict of interest, stating that the INHS Board of
Directors did not see a conflict.
Cummings/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)has informed the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency(IURA)that a prospective participant in the Northside Triangle Housing
Rehabilitation Program is a member of the INHS Board of Directors, and
WHEREAS,the City of Ithaca was awarded funding for this housingassistance program to assist
low-and moderate-income homeowners improve their homes as part of the second year
increment of the 3-year 1996 CDBG program and authorized the IURA to administer the CDBG
program, and If
WHEREAS,the LURA entered into a sub-recipient agreement with INHS to implement the
Northside Triangle Housing Rehabilitation Program, and
WHEREAS,Mr. Sweet has applied for assistance through the Northside Triangle Housing
Rehabilitation Program to make plumbing and roof repairs to the home he owns at 405-407
Hancock Street,and
WHEREAS,Mr. Sweet is a member of the INNS Board of Directors, and
WHEREAS,conflict of interest regulations(24 CFR 570.611) governing the CDBG program
specify that any officer or appointed official of a sub-recipient receiving CDBG funds may not
obtain a financial benefit from a CDBG-assisted activity except upon written approval of the U.S.
Department of Housing&Urban Development(HUD)of a request for an exception, and
WHEREAS,INHS certifies that Mr. Sweet has not been involved in any decision-making
regarding the design of the program, the selection of participants, or review and approval of the
loan application, and
September 20,2001
Page 5
WHEREAS, INHS certifies that they have completed extensive marketing of the program to all
eligible homeowners in the target area and that no inside information about the program was
provided to Mr. Sweet
WHEREAS, funding for the program currently exceeds demand, so should an exception be
granted for Mr. Sweet,no other eligible homeowner will be denied funding under this program as
a result of assistance provided to Mr. Sweet, and
WHEREAS,Mr. Sweet is a member of a group of low-or moderate-income homeowners within
the target area intended to be the beneficiaries of the Northside Triangle Housing Rehabilitation
program and the exception will permit him to receive generally the same benefits as are being
made available other eligible low-or moderate-income homeowners in the target area,and
WHEREAS,the IURA has received a written opinion from the IURA Attorney that no State or
local law would be violated by granting an exception in this case, and
WHEREAS,the potential conflict was disclosed at both the 9/14/01 meeting of the IURA's
Housing, Infrastructure and Neighborhood Committee, and
WHEREAS,the Housing,Neighborhoods&Infrastructure Committee reviewed and
recommended at their September 14,2001 meeting that the full agency recommend that the
Common Council authorize the Mayor,upon review by the City Attorney, to submit a formal
request to HUD for an exception to the conflict of interest provisions under 24 CFR 570.611(d)to
allow Mr.Joseph C. Sweet to participate fully in the Northside Triangle Housing Rehabilitation
Program,now therefore,be it,
RESOLVED,the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby recommends that the Common Council
authorize the Mayor,upon review by the City Attorney,to submit a formal request to HUD for an
exception to the conflict of interest provisions under 24 CFR 570.611(d)to allow Mr.Joseph C.
Sweet to participate fully in the Northside Triangle Housing Rehabilitation Program.
CARRIED unanimously.
VI-3 PUBLIC PROMENADE (1997 CCI,ACT. 1.4)--REPORT
Kittel stated that the IURA had applied for a state grant of$458,000 for additional funding for the
promenade under the Environmental Bond Act, and that the results would be known in June.
Kittel stated that Common Council had committed to come up with a $53,000 match for state
funding. Kittel further stated that a hydrology study was necessary to determine where a seawall
needed to be built to support the promenade, and that when all the information was in, it would be
presented to the Client Committee and work could then begin.
Cummings asked for maps and/or other visual aids when discussing physical projects. Discussion
ensued concerning visual aids and the interconnections of various trails from the City to
Taughannock Falls.
VII. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VII-1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—AUGUST 2001
September 20,2001
Page 6
Bohn stated that there were substantial balances left in Small Cities 1996 YR 3, and that the West
State Street Commercial Loan Program funds are being reviewed by the HUD office in Buffalo
because of the program amendment to use the funds for the State Theatre. Bohn stated that the
West End Commercial Loan Program funds are tied into AFCU's new building and Purity Ice
Cream's improvements,both of which are going forward on delayed schedules.
Cummings asked about the Community Fly Fisher program; Bohn stated that the program was
moved from the Inlet Island properties to a wood frame building on Seneca St because none of
the Inlet Island properties were ready for the Fly Fisher program by the time they needed space.
VII-2 MHA FY 2001 FUNDING REQUEST—REPORT
Tabled until the next meeting.
VII-3 FY 2001—ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW—RESOLUTION
Bohn explained that the resolution would appoint the IURA as the lead agency for the
environmental review of activities funded through the FY 2001 Small Cities CDBG award to the
City of Ithaca.Discussion ensued.
Cummings/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176.6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be
established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state
environmental law,and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governedpy local environmental review,the
lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary yesponsibility for approving and funding
or carrying out the action,and •
WHEREAS,by resolution dated April 4,2001,the Common Council for the City of Ithaca
authorized the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(TURA) to administer and implement activities
funded by the FY 2001 Small Cities CDBG award,therefore the IURA has primary responsibility
for carrying out the action,and
WHEREAS,the action requires review under the City's Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance,now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency does hereby declare itself lead agency for
the environmental review of activities funded through the FY 2001 Small Cities CDBG award to
the City of Ithaca.
CARRIED unanimously.
VIII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VIII-1 MODIFICATION OF LOAN COMMITMENT OF PB ASSOCIATES -
RESOLUTION
September 20, 2001
Page 7
Rosario stated that PB Associates has reduced their funding needs by $40,000 for their
renovations, and gave a brief history of the loan negotiations. Rosario added that PB Associates
asked to reduce the loan amount and the FTE amount to 3 jobs, because 2.5 jobs were part of the
Community Fly Fisher Program, which is no longer going to rent space from PB Associates.
Rosario stated that the ED committee was in support of the resolution.
Rosario/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,by resolution#996 the IURA approved$115,000 in loan assistance to PB Associates
(Borrower)on January 23,2001 to undertake a$650,000 economic development project to
complete acquisition and improvements to a waterfront commercial building located at 403-415
Taughannock Blvd., including$115,000 earmarked to renovate and upgrade a waterfront
promenade to be accessible to the general public, and resulting in the creation of 5.5 FTE
employment opportunities, and
WHEREAS,of the total$115,000 loan commitment, $80,000 was authorized from the
Community Development Revolving Loan Fund(CD-RLF) and$35,000 of deferred loan funds
was authorized to derive from FY 1997 Canal Corridor Initiative (CCI)grant funds, and
WHEREAS,Borrower accepted the terms of the IURA loan commitment,but was unable to close
on the loan due to delays in securing private sector loan fmancing for the project, and
WHEREAS,Borrower refined the building renovation component of the project and reduced its
cost by$40,000 and secured a loan commitment from Savings Bank of the Finger Lakes in the
amount of$430,000,and
WHEREAS, due to delays in initiating building renovations, Community Fly Fisher elected not to
lease space in the project and Borrower has secured alternative tenants,resulting in reduced job
creation for the project,and
WHEREAS,Borrower requests the loan amount be reduced from$115,000 to$105,000,and
WHEREAS,Borrower requests that the loan condition requiring 5.5 FTE employment
opportunities be reduced to 3 FTE jobs,and
WHEREAS,the Borrower has changed their organizational form from a partnership to a Limited
Liability Corporation known as PB Associates,LLC,now,therefore,be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby modifies the terms of the 1/16/01 loan approval as follows:
Borrower: PB Associates,LLC
Maximum loan amount: $105,000 total
- $70,000 from the CD-RLF
- $35,000 from the FY 1997 CCI funds
Conditions: Creation and reporting of a total of at least 3 FTE
employment opportunities, of which at least 51%will be
available to low-and moderate-income persons
•
September 20,2001
Page 8
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, upon the advise of the Executive Director and City Attorney,
is hereby authorized to execute all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this
resolution, including,but not limited to, executing loan agreement documents.
Discussion ensued concerning the details of renovation construction. Discussion occurred
concerning the old Gallagher& Shean building.
CARRIED unanimously,
VIII-2 FY 1999 CANAL CORRIDOR IMITATIVE—REPORT
Bohn stated that the Alternative Health Care Center was moving forward,but that there were still
feasibility issues.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
IX-1 254 FLORAL AVENUE—RESOLUTION
Cummings gave a brief history of the house, and expressed her belief that the house should be left
alone.
Rosario/Farrell moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the one-family residential building located at 254 Floral Avenue has been vacant
since 1995 and was posted as unfit for human occupancy by the City of Ithaca Building
Department on June 5, 1998 and,
WHEREAS,the building is located on a steeply sloping lo)28 foot wide lot with and neighboring
residential structures located within extremely close prox4nity, and
WHEREAS,the City of Ithaca acquired 254 Floral Avenue due to tax delinquency, and
WHEREAS,the City offered the property for sale in the 2000 tax foreclosure auction and
accepted the only bid submitted,and
WHEREAS,the bidder subsequently withdrew their offer to purchase the property prior to
conveyance,and
WHEREAS, in March 2001,Floral Avenue residents submitted a funding proposal to include
demolition of 254 Floral Avenue in a proposed Lower West Hill target area comprehensive
CDBG grant application to the IURA, and
WHEREAS, due to the scoring criteria utilized for the grant program, the IURA recommended
the FY 2001 Small Cities CDBG application target the Lower Northside neighborhood,thereby
excluding 254 Floral Avenue from the grant application, and
WHEREAS, the condition of the structure has continued to deteriorate and has been a serious
concern of nearby residents who reported the building was harboring raccoons that may be rabid,
and
September 20,2001
Page 9
WHEREAS,on June 26, 2001 the Acting Building Commissioner declared the property poses a
public hazard and is a blighting influence on the surrounding neighborhood,and ordered the
building at 254 Floral Avenue to be demolished and removed, and
WHEREAS, in a July 5,2001 resolution the City of Ithaca Common Council supported the use of
CDBG program income for demolition of 254 Floral Avenue, and
WHEREAS, 254 Floral Avenue is located within the Urban Renewal Project Boundary Area
where the IURA is authorized to carry out community development projects, and
WHEREAS,the project is located in the West End neighborhood where 64% of the residents are
considered to qualify as low-and moderate-income persons according to the 1990 census, and
WHEREAS, a demolition and clearance activity is listed at 24 CFR§570.201(d) as an eligible
activity to undertake with CDBG funds provided the project meets a CDBG national objective,
and
WHEREAS,the activity meets a CDBG national objective by both the"L/M Income Area
Benefit test"and the"Prevention/Elimination of Slums or Blight on a Spot Basis test", therefore
the activity is an eligible use of CDBG funds, and
WHEREAS,IURA staff was informed by City staff that demolition of this single-family
residential structure in response to an order from the Building Commissioner does not constitute
an"action"under CEQR and SEQR, and
WHEREAS,the Neighborhood,Housing&Infrastructure Committee discussed this issue at their
August 3,2001 meeting and recommended the following action,by a 3 to 1 vote,now,therefore
be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby authorizes expendinjan amount not to exceed$15,000 for
the purpose of demolishing and clearing the structure at 254 Floral Avenue,including delivery
costs,to correct a public health and safety hazard blighting the neighborhood,and be it further,
RESOLVED,that the source of such funding shall be reallocated from HUD-administered,
CDBG program income deposited in the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund(CD-
RLF),and be it further
RESOLVED,that should HUD inform the LURA that such a reallocation of CDBG program
income is not authorized,then UDAG repayments shall be used as the source of funding, and be
it further
RESOLVED,that any proceeds from a subsequent sale of 254 Floral Avenue by the City of
Ithaca within the next five years be requested to reimburse the CD-RLF for funds expended on
this activity.
Discussion ensued concerning the home and its suggested demolition. Farrell gave a further
history of the home, and expressed her support for the demolition of the home. Kittel stated that
the nearest neighbor was interested in seeing the home removed; Cummings stated that she
thought he might take the property.
FAILED Yea—Farrell,Rosario
September 20,2001
Page 10
Nay—Burlington, Cummings
Discussion ensued concerning what would be done with the property after the demolition of the
home. Kittel stated that Common Council had already passed a resolution authorizing the
demolition of the house, and that whether the TURA funded the demolition or not, the property
would be demolished.
X. NEW BUSINESS
X-1 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE GRANT--RESOLUTION
Farrell gave a brief explanation of the resolution, and Bohn stated that the resolution only
authorized the agency to submit an application and manage the TA grant if awarded.
Cummings/Burlington moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the Governor's Office for Small Cities(GOSC)announced the availability of
Community Development Strategic Plan Technical Assistance Grants(TA grant)on September 7,
2001,and
WHEREAS,applications are due by Wednesday, October 3,2001, and
WHEREAS,funding is available to prepare strategic plans for communities and/or
neighborhoods that develop a specific implementation plan to address community development
needs,and
WHEREAS,eligible applicants are units of general local government eligible for the CDBG
Small Cities Program in New York State, and t
WHEREAS,the GOSC intends to allocate$375,000 for the Community Development Strategic
Plan Technical Assistance Program, and
WHEREAS,the maximum award for a Community Development Strategic Plan Technical
Assistance Grant is$25,000,and
WHEREAS,a 40%local match in the form of in-kind services or cash contribution is required,
and
WHEREAS, the applicant must demonstrate that the TA grant will not be substituted for funds
available in the City's general fund and/or private funding sources,and
WHEREAS,the City's Draft Economic Development Plan calls for the City to "develop and
implement an action-based and comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Plan which includes
a strategy for funding neighborhood improvement projects", and
WHEREAS,the Planning&Development Department is implementing the Neighborhood-based
Planning Initiative that,through a bottom-up,resident-driven process,will craft neighborhood
plans to outline a vision for the neighborhood and specify a list of prioritized work programs and
projects for improvements–detailing specific action steps,necessary resources, schedules,
budgets, and parties responsible for implementation, and
September 20,2001
Page 11
WHEREAS,the Neighborhood-based Planning Initiative will establishes prioritized programs
and projects to address community development needs by neighborhood that may form the basis
for future CDBG grant applications, and
WHEREAS, if the grant is awarded, the City of Ithaca will be responsible to provide the 40%
local match and then the Planning and Development Department will implement the grant, now,
therefore,be it
RESOLVED,that subject to approval by the Common Council,the IURA hereby authorizes the
staff to submit a Community Development Strategic Plan Technical Assistance grant application,
on behalf of the City of Ithaca,to the Governor's Office for Small Cities in an amount not to
exceed$25,000 to support the Neighborhood-based Planning Initiative within the Urban Renewal
Project Boundary Area,and be it further,
RESOLVED,that the IURA agrees to administer the grant in accordance with applicable
regulations,including,but not limited to,Title 24, Section 570 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
CARRIED unanimously.
X-2 NEXT MEETING DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18,2001,9 AM
Date accepted.
X-3 OTHER
No other business.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM.
end 10/1/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
•
2CL
\1,\
cry
October 18,2001
fj [pPage 1
0 4!)
' Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
`� 9:00 AM,Thursday, October 18,2001 "piiiy
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
PRESENT: LURA Members Jill Burlington, Alan Cohen.
Susan Cummings (9:10),
Tracy Farrell (left at 9:45)
Staff Nels Bohn, Sue Kittel, Adam Smith
Others Dermis Falco, Phyllis Radke
I. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 9:05 PM by Cohen.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT (3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment. The meeting continued with agenda item IX-2.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 20, 2001 MEETING
Tabled until the next meeting, with no action taken.
The meeting continued with agenda item IX-1.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
All staff reports tabled until the next meeting
IV-1 FY 2000 PAR AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC RENEW OCTOBER 24-30,
2001
IV-2 1997 CCI PROGRAM AMENDMENT (ARGYLE & PB ASSOC)—
REPORT
IV-3 CHERRY STREET PURCHASE AGREEMENT PROPOSAL—REPORT
IV-4 OTHER
V. HOUSING, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
V-1 NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING INITIATIVE—REPORT
Tabled until the next meeting, with no action taken.
V-2 OTHER
No other HNI business.
October 13, 2001
Pate 2
VI. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VI-1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—SEPTEMBER 2001
Tabled until the next meeting, with no action taken.
VI-2 DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE, FY 2001
CDBG-RESOLUTION
Cohen gave a brief introduction of the resolution.
Cummings/Cohen moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(IURA), on behalf of the City of Ithaca,
proposes to implement the following activities funded by the FY 2001 Small Cities award
from the NYS Governor's Office for Small Cities:
Activity SEAR Classification
Activity 1.1 INHS Lower Northside Housing Program
• Housing rehabilitation& house recycling Type II action
• Demolition of vacant, condemned structure Unlisted action
Activity 1.2 MHATC Pilot Scattered Site Housing Initiative Type II action
Activity 1.3 Court Street and Buffalo Street Traffic Calming Type II action
Activity 1.4 GIAC/BJM Playground/Basketball Court Upgrade Type II action
Activity 1.5 "Academic Plus"After-School Program Type II action
Activity 2.1 Downtown Retail Incubator Type II action
Activity 2.2 WCB Commercial Kitchen Re$ovations Type II action
Activity 3.1 Administration Type II action
and,
WHEREAS, the LURA has declared itself as the Lead Agency in the environmental
review of these activities, and
WHEREAS, the proposed action includes eight activities classified as Type II actions and
one activity classified as an Unlisted action under the City Environmental Quality
Review Act [CEQR Sec. 176-12], and
WHEREAS, on 9/20/01 the LURA declared Activity 1.5 "Academic Plus" as a Type II
action under CEQR and an exempt action under the National Environmental Protection
Act(NEPA), therefore not requiring any further action under CEQR or NEPA, and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted including the
preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, as lead agency in this matter, has
reviewed and accepted as adequate a SEAF dated October 10, 2001, now therefore be it,
October 18, 2001
Page 3
RESOLVED, that the IURA determines that the proposed action will result in no
significant impact on the environment and that a Negative Declaration for the purposes of
Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the
provision of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that
the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any
attachments, in the City Clerk's Office, and forward the same to any other parties as
required by law.
CARRIED unanimously.
VI-3 MHA FY 2001 FUNDING REQUEST—RESOLUTION
Tabled until the next meeting, with no action taken.
The meeting continued with agenda item X.
VII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VII-1 ELIGIBILITY OF LOAN APPLICATION FROM ODYSSEY OF ITHACA,
LLC—RESOLUTION
Bohn gave a brief background on the loan application from Odyssey of Ithaca, LLC, stating that
the company was seeking $30,000 in loan funding for inventory, booking fees, and food
production, but that the company was ineligible under the'35% income from alcohol restriction.
Bohn stated that significant segments of the community (represented by CAP, IDP, the Chamber
of Commerce, and the Holiday Inn) saw broad benefits to Odyssey's success and supported their
request for funding from the IURA. Bohn added that the application scored over the 100 point
threshold on the ED Committee's checklist, and that the ED Committee recommended waiving
the 35% alcohol income ineligibility standard. Discussion ensued concerning the use and
administration of loan funding for working capital; Bohn stated that it would be released as a
reimbursement. Cummings asked if there were resident complaints about noise; Falco stated that
no complaints had been received since additional heat insulation had been added to the building.
Discussion ensued concerning control of external nuisance issues and events held at the club.
Burlington/Cummings moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Odyssey of Ithaca, LLC (Odyssey)has applied for$35,000 in loan
assistance from the IURA to be used to purchase inventory and book larger national
entertainers at the Odyssey Nightclub located at 115 N. Cayuga Street and creating 3 FTE
employment opportunities available to low- and moderate-income persons, and
WHEREAS, letters of support for the Odyssey loan application have been received from:
1. Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
2. Ithaca Downtown Partnership
3. Community Arts Partnership
October 18, 2001
Pane 4
4. Holiday Inn, and
WHEREAS, the primary objectives of the Community Development Revolving Loan
Program (CD-RLF) is provision of direct financing for economic development activities
to create employment opportunities, facilitate the expansion of business activity within
the City of Ithaca and expansion of the City's commercial and industrial tax base, and
WHEREAS,The IURA Financing Guidelines incorporate a special CD-RLF loan
eligibility policy for restaurants and similar businesses, such as the Odyssey Nightclub,
that requires eligible activities to:
1. score at least 100 points on the worksheet, and
2. derive no more than 35% of its revenues from the sale of alcoholic beverages, and
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee found that the application from the
Odyssey scores more than the minimum 100 point score to establish loan eligibility, and
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Committee further found that the Odyssey
derives significantly more than 35% of their revenues from the sale of alcoholic
beverages and therefore is considered an ineligible activity per the LURA Financing
Guidelines, and
WHEREAS, at their 10/9/01 meeting the Economic Development Committee
recommends the following, now, therefore be it,
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby makes an exception to the LURA Financing Policy
prohibiting eligibility to businesses that derive more than 35% of their revenues from the
sale of alcoholic beverage and considers the loan application from Odyssey of Ithaca,
LLC an eligible loan application for the Community(Development Revolving Loan Fund
due to the activity's potential to provide exceptional public benefits to strengthen the
downtown, the arts community and tourism economy, and be it further
RESOLVED, that staff is directed to begin review and underwriting of the loan
application.
CARRIED unanimously,
The meeting continued with agenda item III.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
IX-1 HISTORIC ITHACA, INC. REQUEST TO MODIFY LOAN
AGREEMENT, STATE THEATRE—RESOLUTION
October IS, 2001
Page 5
Bohn distributed a spreadsheet with information on the finances of the State Theatre and
Historic Ithaca.
Cummings/Cohen moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, on January 23, 2001 the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(TURA) approved a
resolution approving deferred loan funding in an amount not to exceed $320,000 to
Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) for phase I of the State Theatre Restoration Project, and
WHEREAS, the project of the Phase I Project is approximately$1.35 million, and
WHEREAS, the LURA funding reduced the funding gap for the Project to approximately
$640,000 as of 1/23/01,which funding HI projected would be raised through a
combination of donations and grants, and
WHEREAS,per the TURA loan agreement with HI, $150,000 of a$320,000 loan
commitment was to be made available without a match, but the final $170,000 of loan
proceeds were to be released only upon demonstration by HI of total matching funding of
$330,000 as follows:
1. $100,000 in cash donations received since 12/19/01, and
2. $230,000 in written pledges for donations or grants, and
WHEREAS, on 10/12/01 HI submitted a request to modify the terms of the loan
agreement to release HI from the matching funding requirement in recognition of the
substantial progress that has been achieved toward meeting the matching funding goal
and to enable HI to complete the Project on a timely basis, and
WHEREAS, HI reports they have raised the following funds and/or funding pledges
towards meeting the match requirement as of 10/12/01:
Individuals: $88,997
Events: $4,048
Grants: $206,637
Total: $299,682 and,
WHEREAS,HI reports funding received or pledged of approximately$1.1 million
leaving a funding gap of approximately$250,000 to complete the Phase I Project, and
WHEREAS,HI proposes to postpone certain elements of the Phase I Project that are not
critical to reopening the Theatre by January 2, 2001, such as the$177,000
Comprehensive Plan for Phase II renovations, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the LURA hereby approves a modification to the loan agreement
between the LURA and Historic Ithaca, Inc. for Phase I of the State Theatre Restoration to
remove the restriction requiring the Borrower to demonstrate matching funding of
$330,000 is in place prior to full disbursement of loan, and be it further,
October 18, 2001
Page 6
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, upon review by the IURA Counsel and the LURA
Executive Director, is hereby authorized to sign an and all instruments necessary to
implement this resolution.
Discussion ensued concerning Historic Ithaca's consideration of postponing work on the Theatre
building. Bohn stated that Historic Ithaca would not be postponing anything crucial to opening
the theatre for business, rather Phase II (architectural restoration work) would be put off until
funding was in place. Cummings expressed concern for Historic Ithaca's fundraising work for
the Theatre; Bohn stated that Historic Ithaca was currently reexamining their fundraising and
looking to hire a new fundraiser. Discussion ensued concerning fundraising work and possible
technical assistance to assist Historic Ithaca to gain the funds for the Theatre.
Cummings/Burlington moved/seconded the following amendment to the resolution:
RESOLVED, that until fundraising goals are met, Historic Ithaca give monthly verbal reports to
the IURA and seek technical assistance from NYSCA.
CARRIED unanimously.
The meeting continued with agenda item VI-2.
IX-2 254 FLORAL AVENUE ASBESTOS ABATEMENT—PROPOSED
RESOLUTION
Kittel gave a brief explanation of the findings of an asbestos survey required to be performed on
254 Floral Avenue before demolition, stating that the siding, linoleum, and windows were all
contaminated with asbestos, and that abatement would cost $10,000. Cohen explained that as the
City's funds were tight, it was important that the IUkA contribute funds to pay for the removal
of a blighting influence on the Floral Ave. neighborhood. Discussion ensued concerning
Cummings' desire to keep the house standing and renovate it, in which Cummings stated that
none of her inquiries resulted in interest in renovating the home. Extensive discussion ensued
concerning asbestos regulations and the IURA's responsibilities
Farrell/Cummings moved/seconded an amendment to the resolution, removing "WHEREAS, the
results show that the kitchen floor tile, linoleum sheet flooring, window glazing, window
caulking, roof flashing cement and siding all contain asbestos and must be removed by a licensed
abatement contractor under the NYS Department of Labor Standards, and" removing the words
"asbestos abatement"from the first `RESOLVED.'
Amendment CARRIED unanimously.
In response to a questions from Cummings, Phyllis Radke explained state law to the Agency,
particularly in terms of Labor Law as related to asbestos issues. Radke expressed her gratitude to
the Agency for considering assisting the City with the cost of the demolition.
October 1S.2001
Page 7
Cummings moved an amendment to reduce the IURA's assistance to no more than $5,000.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Cummings moved an amendment to reduce the IURA's assistance to no more than $10,000.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Cohen proposed that TURA funds would be used for demolition, and City funds used for asbestos
abatement; Cummings suggested that the house and $30,000 (the potential cost of abatement and
demolition) be offered to someone to renovate it rather than destroy it. Discussion ensued.
Cohen/Farrell moved/seconded the following amendment to the resolution, to be inserted before
the first `RESOLVED':
RESOLVED, that one more effort be made to preserve the house at 254 Floral Avenue,
by offering it and $30,000 to INHS for renovation which must be accepted within ten
working days of the offer; if the offer is refused, then the City will proceed with
demolition, but if the offer is accepted than the TURA hereby approves transfer of the
property at no cost to INHS as an eligible and qualified sponsor, and be it further
RESOLVED, that if INHS accepts the property, the Agency authorizes the transfer of
$30,000 from HUD-CDBG funds into CD-RLF funds to be used for INHS.
Amendment CARRIED unanimously.
Farrell stated that she hoped the agency would find inexpensive contractors for the project, and
that efforts would be made to sell the property to the owners of the adjacent properties after
demolition.
The amended resolution: 1
WHEREAS, the one-family residential building located at 254 Floral Avenue has been
vacant since 1995 and was posted as unfit for human occupancy by the City of Ithaca
Building Department on June 5, 1998 and,
WHEREAS, the building is located on a steeply sloping lot 28 foot wide lot with and
neighboring residential structures located within extremely close proximity, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca acquired 254 Floral Avenue due to tax delinquency, and
WHEREAS, the City offered the property for sale in the 2000 tax foreclosure auction and
accepted the only bid submitted, and
WHEREAS, the bidder subsequently withdrew their offer to purchase the property prior
to conveyance, and
•
• October 1 S. 2001
Page S
WHEREAS, the condition of the structure has continued to deteriorate and has been a
serious concern of nearby residents who reported the building was harboring raccoons
that may be rabid, and
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2001 the Acting Building Commissioner declared the property
poses a public hazard and is a blighting influence on the surrounding neighborhood, and
ordered the building at 254 Floral Avenue to be demolished and removed, and
WHEREAS, in a July 5, 2001 resolution the City of Ithaca Common Council supported
the use of CDBG program income for demolition of 254 Floral Avenue, and
WHEREAS, 254 Floral Avenue is located within the Urban Renewal Project Boundary
Area where the IURA is authorized to carry out community development projects, and
WHEREAS, the project is located in the West End neighborhood where 64% of the
residents are considered to qualify as low- and moderate-income persons according to the
1990 census, and
WHEREAS, a demolition and clearance activity is listed at 24 CFR §570.201(d) as an
eligible activity to undertake with CDBG funds provided the project meets a CDBG
national objective, and
WHEREAS, the activity meets a CDBG national objective by both the "L/M Income
Area Benefit test" and the "Prevention/Elimination of Slums or Blight on a Spot Basis
test", therefore the activity is an eligible use of CDBG funds, and
WHEREAS, IURA staff was informed by City staff that demolition of this single-family
residential structure in response to an order from the building Commissioner does not
constitute an"action"under CEQR and SEQR, and
WHEREAS, an pre-demolition asbestos survey was conducted by EnviroControl
Technologies on October 1, 2001, and
WHEREAS, the consultant doing the testing estimates this asbestos abatement to cost
approximately$10,000, and
WHEREAS, technical assistance will be required for drafting construction documents,
assuring that all regulations are met in regards to the asbestos abatement and evaluation
of the structural integrity of the building as the asbestos-containing materials are
removed, and
WHEREAS, a reasonable estimate for the cost of these technical services has been
determined to be approximately$5,000 and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has allocated $15,000 for the demolition and removal of
the existing structure at 254 Floral Avenue, and
October 18,2001
Page 9
WHEREAS, it is estimated that the cost of demolition and clearance of the building,
without the costs of the asbestos abatement and technical assistance approaches the entire
sum of the $15,000 allocated, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that one more effort be made to preserve the house at 254 Floral Avenue, by
offering it and $30,000 to INHS for renovation which must be accepted within ten working days
of the offer; if the offer is refused, then the City will proceed with demolition, but if the offer is
accepted than the IURA hereby approves transfer of the property at no cost to INHS as an
eligible and qualified sponsor, and be it further
RESOLVED, that if INHS accepts the property, the Agency authorizes the transfer of$30,000
from HUD-CDBG funds into CD-RLF funds to be used for INHS, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes expending an amount not to exceed
$15,000 to supplement the City budget for the demolition and clearance of the house at
254 Floral Avenue including delivery costs, to correct a public health and safety hazard
blighting the neighborhood, and be it further,
RESOLVED,that IURA funds are only to be expended after the City's $15,000
allocated for this project are expended, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the source of such funding shall be reallocated from HUD-
administered, CDBG program income deposited in the Community Development
Revolving Loan Fund(CD-RLF), and be it further
RESOLVED, that should HUD inform the IURA that such a reallocation of CDBG
program income is not authorized, then UDAG repayients shall be used as the source of
funding, and be it further f
RESOLVED, that any proceeds from a subsequent sale of 254 Floral Avenue by the City
of Ithaca within the next five years be requested to reimburse the CD-RLF for funds
expended on this activity, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the LURA chair is hereby authorized to execute all necessary
instruments to execute this resolution, subject to the review of LURA counsel.
Resolution CARRIED. Cohen, Farrell, Burlington—Yea
Cummings—Nay
The meeting continued with agenda item VII-1.
IX-3 NEXT MEETING DATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2001, 9 AM
Date accepted.
October 18,2001
Page 10
IX-4 OTHER
No other business.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:19 AM.
end 10/25/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets[]are inserted for clarification purposes only.
0 \.
(
IURA Minutes,!1-29-01, 1
2 5 'nutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
`=J 9:00 AM,Thursday,November 29,2001 •+
,S QC�C Common Council Chambers,City Hall r •
PRESENT: IURA Members Jill Burlington,Alan Cohen, Susan Cummings,Tracy Farrell
Staff Nels Bohn,Sue Kittel,Adam Smith(9:50)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 9:08 PM by Cohen.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 20 AND OCTOBER 18, 2001
MEETINGS
Burlington/Cummings moved/seconded a motion to approve the minutes from both the September 20 and
October 18,2001 meetings.
CARRIED unanimously.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
IV-1 NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING INTIATIVE—REPORT
Bohn reported that IURA staff had met with the Controller's Office to get information,and that the IURA
now needed to identify a`qualified and eligible sponsor'and issue bonds for the project.Bohn reported that
Common Council needed to pass a resolution to pay on the bonds,and also stated that the project actions
needed to go through the homeownership committee.
Brief discussion ensued concerning the future public hearing at which the IURA would identify a `qualified
and eligible sponsor' for the initiative.
IV-2 PUBLIC PROMENADE(1997 CCI,ACTIVITY 1.4)—REPORT
Kittel reported that the design was moving forward in the conceptual stages, and that the current cost
estimate was $2.8 million for all the necessary work. Kittel stated that the first phase would involve
building a sea wall 20 feet out into the inlet, with City crews then creating the trails and pavement. Kittel
stated that the project was currently in the permitting process, and that the Army Corps of Engineers had
given the project an unofficial OK. Kittel reported that staff would be going to Rochester on Monday to
look at other promenades, and that work in Ithaca would be held off until after July 15, due to fish
conservation rules.
Farrell and Cummings requested maps of the area for future discussions. Cummings stated that she thought
that the IURA should be discussing the fixtures used in the plans; Kittel stated that the project was not yet
to that stage.Discussion ensued concerning the property north of Bistro Q. Cummings requested a property
ownership map of the area.
V. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
�\\
�^
•
!2
> ! �
��
IURA Minutes,11-29-01,2
No business.
VII. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VII-1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2001
Bohn reported that the October 1995 funds had been completely spent, and that $17,000 remained of the
1996 funds.Bohn stated that the$17,000 was directed for CEO program loan security,but that since AFCU
had met its goals,that AFCU was interested in reprogramming those funds for use by the Downtown Retail
Incubator. Bohn reported that the Evaporated Metal Films' line was zeroed out, and that Kolar's lease of
EMF space was finished,leaving the space open again.
Farrell asked what was happening with the RIBS program; Bohn stated that RIBS would not be buying
their property and discussions were underway to determine what to do with the $30,000 programmed for
the purchase. Bohn stated that Christine Barksdale of the IPD was currently the contact for the RIBS
program.
Cummings asked about the Community Fly Fisher program fund drawdowns; Bohn stated that the
drawdowns were currently happening on a slower basis, but that the program was up and running well.
Cummings asked about the State Theatre's use of funds; Bohn stated that the first funds allotted to the
Theatre were programmed for construction that would take place last in the restoration of the theatre.Bohn
also stated that the Theatre would be having its opening on December 5,2001.
Cohen asked why the State auditors had returned to the IURA; Bohn stated that they were working on
completing their report, and that they had returned to get data electronically,but would be conducting exit
interviews at a later date. Bohn stated that the auditors had findings concerning the administrative controls
of the IURA.Discussion ensued concerning exit interview attendance.
Cohen stated that the City of Ithaca audit report brought up issues related to invoicing for the Community
Development office,and that the issue would be taken up at the next B&A Committee meeting.
VIII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VIII-1 CHERRY STREET INDUSTRIAL PARK, ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE FOR 245-
247 CHERRY ST.96.2-1.22—RESOLUTION
Bohn reported that Blue Light, Inc. had expressed an interest in receiving an assignment of the lease for or
making a purchase offer on the vacant lot near Evaporated Metal Films (EMF) for $51,000 so long as the
final buyout cost was reduced from $31,000 to $1. Bohn reported that the ED committee was willing to
reduce the buyout cost to$19,000,but not$1, and that they recommended transferring the lease from EMF
to Blue Light, allowing Blue Light to purchase the property at any time. Bohn stated that EMF and Blue
Light were still in negotiations.
Discussion ensued concerning past early property buyouts, and the amount of parking surrounding EMF.
Bohn stated that Blue Light was trying to decide whether to go to New Jersey or stay in Ithaca to expand
their business, and that the IURA needed to make a decision soon. Discussion ensued concerning purchase
vs.lease,the reduction of the final buyout price,and other associated costs.
Cummings recommended that the sale of the property be contingent upon leaving EMF sufficient on-site,
legal parking for the maximum number of employees possible in the EMF building.
Cummings/Farrell moved/seconded the following resolution:
IURA Minutes,11-29-01,3
WHEREAS,the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(IURA)previously entered into a 9/14/94 lease agreement
with Evaporated Metal Films(EMF)for a 1.03 acre parcel located at 245-247 Cherry Street(tax parcel
#96.-2-1.22)in the Cherry Street Industrial Park,and
WHEREAS,the 20-year lease provides for a rent of$3,000 per year with an option to purchase the
property for$31,617.50 at the end of the lease term in 2014,and
WHEREAS,the parcel has been improved in anticipation for building construction but remains vacant,and
WHEREAS,Blue Light,Inc.and EMF have agreed on a 10/11/01 purchase offer proposal for Blue Light,
Inc.to acquire EMF's interest in the parcel on condition that the IURA reduces the purchase option price
from$31,617.50 to$1,and
WHEREAS,Blue Light,Inc.operates at 111 S.Cayuga Street as an international importer,manufacturer
and distributor of concentrated Chinese herbs packaged under the brand name"Treasure of the East"and
currently employs 7 full-time employees,and
WHEREAS,Blue Light,Inc.is seeking to relocate and expand their business operations,and proposes to
construct a 5,000 sq. ft.building at 245-247 Cherry Street and pledges to create at least 1 FTE employment
opportunity,and
WHEREAS,IURA and City staff has reviewed the company's financial statements and met with
management regarding the project and future operations of the company and find the company to be
financially stable with a strong potential for significant expansion of revenues in the future and that the
company possesses the fmancial and managerial capacity to successfully undertake the project,and
WHEREAS,the Economic Development Committee discussed this matter at their 11/20/01 meeting and
recommended the following,now therefore be it
RESOLVED, in consideration of public benefits accruing from development of a building on this vacant
parcel,including retention and expansion of jobs and increased tax revenues,the IURA hereby approves
amending the 9/14/94 lease agreement for tax parcel#96.-2-1.22 with Evaporated Metal Films as follows:
1. Substitute"Blue Light,Inc."or another affiliated corporation acceptable to the LURA,as the lessee;
2. Section 4: modify the purchase option amount from$31,617.50 to$19,617.50;
3. Section 4: authorize lessee to exercise the purchase option upon project completion as evidenced by
issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for the project and satisfactory reporting of creation of
projected job(s)for two consecutive calendar quarters;
4. Section 9:prohibit assignment of the lease,other than to a lender who holds a leasehold mortgage
on the premises,at any time prior to receipt of a copy of a final certificate of occupancy for a
building constructed on the parcel;and be it further
RESOLVED,that TURA approval of the above amendments is contingent upon the following:
1. Execution of an amended IURA lease agreement by EMF and Blue Light,Inc.by November 29,
2002;
2. Receipt of a written proposal from Blue Light,Inc.pledging to undertake the project to construct
and occupy a building and submission of the following information:
• schedule of existing employment
• schedule of employment opportunities to be created,including at least one acceptable low/mod
income job position
• finalized project budget
IURA Minute s,11-29-01,4
• sources of funds to complete project
• time schedule for project completion,including benchmarks for progress,and
3. Demonstration to the satisfaction of the IURA that the remaining EMF property located at 239
Cherry Street(tax parcel#96.-2-1.9)retains adequate on-site parking capacity to provide one space
per employee on the maximum work shift at the site as actually experienced over the past seven
years,and be it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby designates Blue Light,Inc.as a qualified and eligible sponsor to
purchase the property located at 245-247 Cherry St(tax parcel#96.-2-1.22),and be it further
RESOLVED,that the Chairperson of the NRA,upon review by the IURA Attorney,is authorized to sign
any and all instruments necessary to implement this resolution,including execution of a Modification to
Lease Agreement.
CARRIED unanimously,
VIII-2 FY 1999 CANAL CORRIDOR INITATWE—REPORT
Bohn directed member's attention to a series of letters between himself and Cynthia Yahn of Aeon, LLC,
which resulted in the ED Committee's offer to meet with Yahn on December 18, 2001 concerning the
Alternative Health Care Center.Discussion ensued.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
IX-1 MHATC FY 2002 FUNDING REQUEST—RESOLUTION
After discussion,Burlington/Cohen moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County(MHATC)has requested funding for
administrative funding in the amount of$20,000 from the LURA,and
WHEREAS,MHATC is a non profit 501(c)3 provider of 28 housing units for low-and moderate-income
families,and
WHEREAS,the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal has designated MHATC as
a Community Housing Development Organization(CHDO),and
WHEREAS,MHA has submitted the following information to support the funding request:
1. Report on Annual Meeting—December 10,2001,received 1/9/01
2. MHATC Balance Sheet—December 2000,received 19/01
3. MHATC Projected Budget—FY 2001,received 1/9/01
4. Revised Policy and Procedures for Resident Participation,General Responsibilities,and Conflict
Resolution as adopted December 10,2000,received 1/6/01
5. Notification of 2%occupancy fee increase,received 4/23/00
6. MHATC information packet related to eviction proceedings involving a recipient of Section 8
assistance,received 7/3/01
7. Sample MHATC annual Resident Occupancy/Membership Agreement,July 6,2001
8. 2001 MHATC Resident Satisfaction Survey report,August 7,2001,and
WHEREAS,at the 8/16/01 IURA meeting,the MHA discussed a series of questions and issues identified in
correspondence to T.Edwards from N.Bohn sent on July 24,200,and
WHEREAS,MHATC has established a goal of"self-sufficiency in a community-focused,need oriented,
fiscally responsive fashion"through expansion of the number of MHATC housing units,but require
IURA Minutes,11-29-01,5
financial assistance to maintain the administrative capacity necessary to accomplish expansion,now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the LURA hereby approves reimbursement funding for MHATC in the amount of
$20,000 for administrative and delivery activities supporting expansion and operation of housing to be used
primarily for low-and moderate-income residential uses,and be it further
RESOLVED,that such funding is contingent upon semi-annual progress reporting to the TURA including,
but not limited to,the following:
1. Benefit to Low-Mod Income Persons-documentation that at least 51%of the MHATC housing
units are occupied by low-and moderate-income;
2. Financial Self-sufficiency-MHATC accomplishments toward self-sufficiency as a result of TURA
financial assistance;and
3. Use of IURA Funds-An estimate of the percentage of LURA funds used during the reporting
period for(a)operation of the existing 28-unit housing community versus(b)expansion or other
efforts focused on accomplishing self-sufficiency,
4. Home-ownership Incubation—Tracking,on an annual basis,of departures of MHATC residents
including but not limited to their future tenure as a home owner or renter,and location of future
address in the City of Ithaca versus out of the City of Ithaca,and their reason for departure,and be
it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA Chair,upon review by the IURA Executive Director and the LURA Attorney,
is authorized to execute an agreement between the LURA and MHATC to implement this action.
CARRIED unanimously,
IX-2 OTHER
X. NEW BUSINESS
X-1 NEXT MEETING DATE:THURSDAY,DECEMBER 20,2001,9 AM
Date accepted.
X-2 OTHER
No other business.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.
end 12/03/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets [] are inserted for clarification purposes only.
IURA Minutes,12-20-01, 1
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
COS°
2 9:00 AM,Thursday,December 20,2001 {\?d117)4,601T1E5
Common Council Chambers,City Hall E `LISOCCc)k- 44)11‘
PRESENT: IURA Members Alan Cohen,wings,Tracy Farrell,
Eric Rosario
Staff Nels Bohn,Kat Hauger(9:00-9:05;9:15-9:45),
Sue Kittel(9:02),Adam Smith
Other Paul Mazzarella(left at 9:15)
I. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 9:00 PM by Cohen.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT(3 MINUTE MAXIMUM PER PERSON)
No public comment.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 20 AND OCTOBER 18,2001 MEETINGS
Tabled until the next meeting.
The meeting continued with agenda item V.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
IV-1 HUD CORRESPONDENCE
Bohn reported that the$280,000 program amendment to fund the State Theatre had been approved by
HUD,and stated that if INNS took over the loan administration for the funding,INHS would be the agency
in line to recover funds.
IV-2 PUBLIC PROMENADE(1997 CCI,ACTIVITY 1.4)—REPORT
Kittel presented architectural drawings by Trowbridge and Wolf concerning the waterfront promenade,
depicting the waterfront after building a seawall 20 feet out into the inlet.Kittel stated that the matter would
come back to committee when determining fixtures for the project. Farrell gave a brief background of the
project and the committee's involvement. Cohen gave additional information about the benefits of building
the seawall.
Discussion ensued concerning boat storage on the flood control channel, and the cost of the project.
Further discussion ensued concerning completing the promenade before further inland development
occurred and emergency vehicle access to the waterfront.
The meeting continued with agenda item IX.
V. HOUSING,NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
No business.
•
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IURA Minutes,12-20-01,2
VI. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
VI-1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—NOVEMBER 2001
Entered into the minutes.
VI-2 NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING INITIATIVE PROGRAM, CALL FOR PUBLIC
HEARING—RESOLUTION
Farrell/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS by Articles 15 and 15-A,and Section 608 of Article 15-B, of the General Municipal Law
of the State of New York, as amended (collectively, the "Act"), the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (the "Agency") was created with the authority and power to, among
other things, provide for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction and equipping of
certain projects and programs in accordance with the Act and to issue its revenue bonds
to pay costs of such projects;and
WHEREAS there has been submitted to the Agency a program known as the"Neighborhood Housing
Initiative Program"("the Initiative"),which Initiative has been approved by the Common
Council of the City of Ithaca("the City")and consists of(i)the acquisition of
substandard residential properties,the renovation and reconstruction of such properties
and the sale of such renovated and reconstructed properties to single family or duplex
owner-occupants,the Initiative being designed as a demonstration project for the
redevelopment of substandard properties to prevent the neighborhoods in which the same
are located from deteriorating and becoming blighted and generally substandard,(ii)
funding of the Initiative by the issuance of obligations of the Agency in a principal
amount not to exceed$2,000,000("the Obligations"),which Obligations may be in the
form of revenue bonds,revenue notes,revenue notes issued to renew notes previously
issued and,or,revenue bonds issued to refund bonds previously issued,to pay costs of
the Initiative,(iii)designating Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services,a New York not-
for-profit corporation and an IRS Section 501(c)(3)corporation("INHS")the"qualified
and eligible sponsor",pursuant to Sections 556(2)and 507(2)(c)of the General
Municipal Law and in accordance with established rules and procedures prescribed by the
Agency("the Sponsor"),of the Initiative,and(iv)entering into an agreement by and
between the Agency and INHS pursuant to which INHS will implement the Initiative;
and
WHEREAS Sections 556(2)and 507(2)(c)of the General Municipal Law require that a public
hearing,following at least ten days public notice,be held by the Agency on the question
of designating the Sponsor;and
WHEREAS the City,pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and the
regulations promulgated thereunder by the State Department of Environmental
Conservation("SEQRA")and the City of Ithaca Environmental Review Ordinance
("CEQR"),declared itself"lead agency"for the Initiative,determined that the Initiative,
including the issuance of the Obligations to pay costs thereof,is an"unlisted Action"and
that the implementation and funding of the Initiative,as proposed,will not have any
significant environmental effects upon the environment;and
WHEREAS the Agency now desires to call a public hearing on the designation of INHS as the
Sponsor of the Initiative and on the issuance of the Obligations of the Agency;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,by the Members of the Agency,as follows:
Section 1. A public hearing will be held at 108 E Green Street,City Hall,Common Council
LURA Minutes,12-20-01,3
Chambers,in Ithaca,New York,on January 17,2002 at 9:00 o'clock AM.,Prevailing
Time,on the questions of designating INHS the Sponsor of the Initiative and on whether
the Obligations should be issued by the Agency to provide funding to pay the cost of the
Initiative,and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof,concerning the same,
and to take such action thereon as is required or authorized by law.
Section 2. The Secretary of the Agency is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of the
Notice of Public Hearing hereinafter provided to be published once in the Ithaca Journal,
the newspaper hereby designated as the official newspaper for this purpose and one
having general circulation in,and available to residents of,the City,such publication to
be made not less than ten days before the date designated for the hearing. The Secretary
is hereby further authorized and directed to cause a copy of such Notice of Public
Hearing to be posted in such places as he or she deems appropriate under the
circumstances,such posting to be done not less than ten days before the date designated
for the hearing.
Section 3. The notice of public hearing shall be in substantially the form attached:
LEGAL NOTICE
For publication on Saturday,December 22,2001,in the Ithaca Journal
Notice of Public Hearing
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
City Of Ithaca,Tompkins County,New York
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Members of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency,City of Ithaca,
Tompkins County,New York(the"Agency"),will meet at City Hall, 108 E Green Street,Common Council
Chambers in Ithaca,New York,on January 17,2002 at 9:00 o'clock AM.,Prevailing Time,for the purpose of
conducting a public hearing on whether Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services,a New York not-for-profit
corporation and an IRS Section 501(c)(3)corporation("INHS")should be designated the"qualified and
eligible sponsor"to undertake,with and on behalf of the Agency,a program known as the"Neighborhood
Housing Initiative Program"(the"Initiative"),which Initiative has been approved by the Common Council of
the City of Ithaca and consists of(i)the acquisition of substandard residential properties,the renovation and
reconstruction of such properties and the sale of such renovated and reconstructed properties to single family or
duplex owner-occupants,the Initiative being designed as a demonstration project for the redevelopment of
substandard properties to prevent the neighborhoods in which the same are located from deteriorating and
becoming blighted and generally substandard,(ii)funding of the Initiative by the issuance of obligations of the
Agency in a principal amount not to exceed$2,000,000(the"Obligations"),which Obligations may be in the
form of revenue bonds,revenue notes,revenue notes issued to renew notes previously issued and,or,revenue
bonds issued to refund bonds previously issued to pay costs of the Initiative,(iii)designating INHS the
"qualified and eligible sponsor"pursuant to Sections 556(2)and 507(2)(c)of the General Municipal Law and in
accordance with established rules and procedures prescribed by the Agency,of the Initiative,and(iv)entering
into an agreement by and between the Agency and INHS pursuant to which INHS will implement the Initiative.
The Obligations will be special obligation revenue notes or bonds of the Agency payable solely from a
guarantee to be provided by the City of Ithaca. Moneys to be received from the sale of renovated and
reconstructed properties will be"recycled"and again used for the Initiative and will not be used to repay the
Obligations. It is intended that the interest on the Obligations will be excludable from gross income for federal
income tax purposes.
The City,pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and the regulations promulgated
thereunder by the State Department of Environmental Conservation("SEQRA")and the City of Ithaca
Environmental Review Ordinance("CEQR"),declared itself"lead agency"for the Initiative,including the
issuance of the Obligations to pay costs thereof,is an"Unlisted Action"and that the implementation and
funding of the Initiative,as proposed,will not have any significant environmental effects upon the environment.
IURA Minutes,12-20-01,4
At said public hearing the Members of the Agency will hear all persons interested in the subject matter thereof.
Dated: Ithaca,New York
December 22,2001
BY ORDER OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY,CITY OF ITHACA,
TOMPKINS COUNTY,NEW YORK
By:H.Matthys Van Cort,Secretary
#AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
CARRIED unanimously.
VI-3 CDBG PROGRAM AMENDMENT, AFCU CEO LOAN GUARANTEE TO
DOWNTOWN RETAIL INCUBATOR (1996 YEAR #1, ACTIVITY 4.1)—
RESOLUTION
Cohen gave a brief background on the program amendment.
Cohen/Farrell moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,Patrick Woods,Director of Business Services for the Alternatives Federal Credit Union
(AFCU),requests a program amendment to transfer the remaining balance of$16,738.31 of CDBG funds
pledged to guarantee loan losses resulting from the Community Economic Opportunities(CEO)
Microenterprise Lending Program operated by AFCU to the Downtown Retail Incubator activity,and
WHEREAS,on February 23, 1999 the AURA entered into an agreement with AFCU to pledge$25,000 in
CDBG funds from Activity 4.1 (CEO micro-enterprise program)of the first year increment of the 1996
multi-year CDBG award to secure loan losses from AFCU's CEO Micorenterprise Lending Program on
condition AFCU agrees to originate at least$50,000 in loans to microenterprise businesses within the City
of Ithaca,and
WHEREAS,AFCU has submitted documentation of originating$56,200 in micro-enterprise loans to
Urban Imports(128 E.State Street)and Small World Music(614 W. State Street),thereby satisfying their
obligations under the 2/23/99 IURA/AFCU agreement,and
WHEREAS,$16,738.31 of the loan guarantee funds remain,and
WHEREAS,$125,000 of FY 2001 Small Cities CDBG funds awarded to the City of Ithaca are pledged to
assist AFCU implement the Downtown Retail Incubator activity,and
WHEREAS,project planning conducted between AFCU staff,the Ithaca Downtown Partnership staff and
IURA&City staff concludes that additional funding will greatly enhance the ability of the incubator to be
successful,and
WHEREAS,CDBG program amendments are governed by 24 CFR 570.427 that requires prior HUD
approval for program amendments for new activities or alterations of existing activities that will
significantly change the scope,location,or objectives of the original approved activity or beneficiaries,
and
WHEREAS,the Downtown Retail Incubator activity will provide fully equipped"turn-key"retail space in
a downtown location with on-site technical assistance to approximately seven micro-enterprises at
affordable leases rates,and
WHEREAS,the Downtown Retail Incubator represents a logical next generation of assistance to foster the
creation and expansion of micro-enterprise businesses from the earlier CEO model offering education,
technical and loan assistance,and
IURA Minutes,12-20-01,5
WHEREAS,the Downtown Retail Incubator will serve the same general target group of micro-enterprise
businesses with the same eligibility requirements as AFCU's CEO Micro-enterprise Lending Program,and
WHEREAS,the B&A Committee discussed this matter at its December 17,2001 meeting and
recommended the following,now therefore be it
RESOLVED,the IURA hereby approves a program amendment to transfer$16,738.31 of remaining funds
from the CEO Micro-enterprise program II(Activity 4.1 of the 1996 YR#1 Small Cities CDBG grant
award)to assist the Downtown Retail Incubator(Activity 2.1 of the 2001 Small Cities CDBG grant award),
and be it further
RESOLVED,that the IURA does not consider this program amendment to represent a new or significantly
altered activity requiring prior HUD approval,and be if further
RESOLVED,that the IURA Executive Director,upon advice from the City Attorney, is authorized to sign
any and all documents necessary to carry out this resolution, including, but not limited to a deferred loan
agreement with AFCU or an alternative implementation entity.
Brief discussion ensued.
CARRIED unanimously.
VI-4 PERSONNEL ISSUES
A. PERSONNEL MATTER REGARDING A PARTICULAR EMPLOYEE
(POSSIBLE EXECUTIVE SESSION)—RESOLUTION
Cohen/Rosario moved/seconded a motion to enter Executive Session at 9:09 AM.
CARRIED unanimously.
Executive Session ended at 9:11 with no action taken and nothing to report.
Farrell/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Ms. Sue Kittel was hired as an Assistant Community Development Planner for the IURA
with an initial date of employment of January 10,2001 to fill the vacant Community
Development Planner position,and
WHEREAS, Ms.Kittel was promoted to the Community Development Planner position at step 1 on
the salary scale effective June 10,2001 (FY 2001 base salary of$32,718),and
WHEREAS, Both,the Director of Community Development,and the IURA Executive Director
recommend Ms.Kittel be promoted to Community Development Planner,step 3,in
recognition of the excellent quality of her work and her high productivity,and
WHEREAS, at their December 3,2001 meeting,the Budget and Administration Committee discussed
this personnel matter and recommended the following,now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby promotes Ms. Sue Kittel to the Community Development Planner
position at step 3 on the salary scale(FY 2001 base salary of$35,388),effective on her
one year anniversary date(January 10,2002)and be it further
RESOLVED, that the LURA Executive Director is authorized to execute any and all documents
necessary to implement this resolution.
CARRIED unanimously.
IURA Minutes,12-20-01,6
B. FY 2002 COST OF LIVING INCREASE—RESOLUTION
Cohen/Farrell moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS The IURA has consistently approved a Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) of
employees' current base salaries at comparable levels to that of City Ithaca employees
salary increase as set forth in the City of Ithaca/CSEA Administrative Unit
agreement,and
WHEREAS The City of Ithaca/CSEA Administrative Unit agreement provides for a three percent
(3%)increase for City employees in FY 2000,2001,and 2002,and
WHEREAS At their 12/3/01 meeting, the IURA's Budget and Administration Committee
recommended approval of a COLA of three percent(3%) for LURA employees' base
salary for FY 2002 to be effective January 1,2002,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED That the LURA hereby approves a Cost of Living Adjustment for FY 2002 of three
percent(3%)of employees'base salary to be effective January 1,2002.
Cohen gave a brief background on the IURA's method for determining the COLA.
CARRIED unanimously.
C. EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE,SPOUSAL BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX
DOMESTIC PARTNERS—RESOLUTION
Cohen/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the adopted Human Resource Policies(HR Policies),latest revision 5/10/94,establish
employee benefits for employees of the IURA,and
WHEREAS,the HR Policies provide full-time employees with fully paid family or individual medical
insurance unless the employee chooses not to accept it,and
WHEREAS,should an employee already have a policy which s/he wishes to continue,the TURA shall pay
for that insurance policy only up to the amount it would pay to secure the lowest priced health insurance
policy comparable in benefits to that available to City of Ithaca employees,and
WHEREAS,our current carrier Univera does not offer family health insurance coverage for same-sex
domestic partners as is available to City employees,and
WHEREAS,due to consolidation of the health insurance industry and the status of the IURA as a
"governmental agency"the choice of carriers for health care coverage is extremely limited,and
WHEREAS,a request to the City of Ithaca to extend health insurance coverage though the City to IURA
employees was denied,and
WHEREAS,it is the IURA's intent not to discriminate against persons on the basis of sexual or affectional
preference or orientation,yet current circumstances prevent an employee,with a same-sex domestic
partner,seeking a family health care insurance policy from gaining such coverage,and
WHEREAS,the IURA has been unable to identify a carrier who will provide family health care to an
employee with a same-sex domestic partner,and
IURA Minutes,12-20-01,7
WHEREAS,the HR Policies do not anticipate a situation where an employee seeks family health care
coverage for a same-sex domestic partner,and their dependents,but no health care carrier can be identified
who will provide such coverage,and
WHEREAS,under NY state law all of New York's health maintenance organizations(HMOs)are required
to offer a streamlined,yet comprehensive health insurance benefit package to individuals designed to be
more affordable than other coverage options,and
WHEREAS,the IURA's current carrier,Univera,provides an individual policy for non-employees at the
following rates for 2001:
Non-Employees–HMO as compared to: IURA Employees-HMO
single: $303.31/month single: $224.36/month
family: $788.61/month family: $583.83/month
Now,therefore be it,
RESOLVED,that in the interest of attracting and retaining skilled employees and to remedy the unintended
outcome of current policies resulting in potential discrimination on the basis of sexual or affectional
preference or orientation,the IURA hereby adopts the following amendments to the IURA Human
Resource Policies(additions shown as underlined text):
H.Employee Benefits
Health Insurance
Should the Agency be unable to offer an employee,who has duly filed a City of Ithaca
Affidavit of Domestic Partnership, comparable family health insurance coverage due to
their sexual or affectional preference or orientation,as is available to other employees,
then the Agency shall offer to pay for the lowest priced comparable individual policy for
the employee's domestic partner,and their dependents,if they lack access to other
employer-provided health care coverage. If the employee's domestic partner has access
to employer-provided health care coverage,then the Agency shall offer to pay the
domestic partner's required out-of-pocket share to maintain a comparable health care
policy up to the amount that the combined cost of health insurance benefits paid to the
employee does not exceed the Agency's cost for the lowest priced family health
insurance policy available to an employee of the Agency.
Cohen gave a summary of the B &A Committee discussion.Bohn stated that people wishing to be covered
under the IURA's domestic partner policy must register with the City Clerk as domestic partners, and that
the IURA would pay the individual policy rate price to cover the partner and family of the employee or any
out-of-pocket expenses for the employee's partner's health insurance.
Bohn recommended that a start date of January 1,2002 be added to the resolution.
CARRIED unanimously as amended.
D. EMPLOYMENT SEARCH TO FILL UPCOMING ADMINISTRATOR
COORDINATOR VACANCY—RESOLUTION
Cohen gave a brief background concerning the current Administrative Coordinator and her responsibilities,
and the auditors'recommendations for bookkeeping controls.Discussion ensued.
Cohen/Farrell moved/seconded the following resolution:
TURA Minutes,12-20-01, 8
WHEREAS, Kat Hauger has informed the IURA of her intention to resign her position effective
March 29,2002 to pursue other interests thereby creating a vacancy in the Administrative
Coordinator position,and
WHEREAS, The Administrative Coordinator position is currently filled at a salary of$27,529(step 1),
and
WHEREAS, as the work currently performed by Administrative Coordinator is essential to the
efficient performance of the NRA, the NRA desires to fill the vacancy in a prompt
manner to allow for several weeks of overlap to train a new employee,and
WHEREAS, given activities performed by the current Administrative Coordinator, it may be in the
best interests of the IURA to seek an individual who possesses bookkeeping skills above
and beyond what is minimally required for the Administrative Coordinator position, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the LURA hereby authorizes and directs the IURA Executive Director to advertise
and conduct interviews of candidates to replace the Administrative Coordinator position,
including, but not limited to, seeking candidates to fill the Administrative Coordinator
position or alternately filling a newly created position of a Administrative
Coordinator/Bookkeeper(approximate beginning salary range of$30,000-$35,000)with
a final salary rate to be determined based on qualifications,and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA directs the Executive Director to report back to the Budget and
Administration Committee with a recommendation on how to structure the replacement
position, including a revised job description if necessary and a preferred candidate, and
be it further
RESOLVED, the IURA hereby authorizes the Budget and Administrative Committee to authorize the
hiring of a replacement employee for the vacancy created by Kat Hauger's resignation
and to establish the beginning salary.
CARRIED unanimously.
VI-5 PROCUREMENT OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SERVICES
A. GRANT COORDINATOR(SMITH)—RESOLUTION
Cohen/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the IURA has the need for production assistance in the management, coordination,editing and
production of its FY 2002 community development grant application process,and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Office for Small Cities adopted the federal procurement procedures (24 CFR
85.36)as the procurement procedures applicable to the CDBG program,and
WHEREAS, by resolution #256, the IURA adopted the Financial Procedures chapter of the CD
Administrative Manual that adopts the federal procurement procedures at 24 CFR 85.36,and
WHEREAS, federal procurement procedures authorize selecting professional services through procurement
by competitive proposals,such as publicizing a Request For Proposal(RFP),and
WHEREAS, the IURA publicly issued a RFP for such services on October 17,2001,and
WHEREAS, the RFP was publicly advertised in the Ithaca Journal,and
IURA Minutes,12-20-01,9
WHEREAS, the IURA received three responses to the RFP from the following independent contractors:
• Ruth Katz,
• Santiago Associates,
• Adam Robert Smith
WHEREAS, the RFP identified the following evaluation factors to be utilized in selecting the
independent contractor(s):technical skills(30%),experience(40%),and cost(30%),and,
WHEREAS, considering the above evaluation factors, IURA staff ranked the responders in the following
order of priority:
1. Adam Robert Smith
2. Ruth Katz
3. Santiago Associates,and
WHEREAS, Adam Robert Smith's proposal contained the low bid remuneration rate of$18 per hour,
considered to be fair and reasonable compensation,and
WHEREAS, at their 12/17/01 meeting,the Budget&Administration Committee reviewed the submissions
and recommended the following.Now,therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes and directs the IURA Chair,upon review of the IURA
Executive Director and IURA Attorney,to sign a contract in an amount not to exceed$5,000
with Adam Robert Smith to provide independent contractor services to the LURA in
accordance with his submitted 10/22/01 proposal and the RFP,and be it further
RESOLVED, that as a means to retain local expertise and capacity in the CDBG grant application process,
the LURA hereby authorizes and directs the IURA Chair,upon review of the IURA Executive
Director and IURA Attorney,to sign a contract in an amount not to exceed$1,000 with Ruth
Katz to provide independent contractor services to the IURA in accordance with her
submitted 10/24/01 proposal and the RFP.
Cohen gave a brief background of the need for a grant coordinator and the need to preserve institutional
memory by bringing in a second contractor for training.
CARRIED unanimously.
B. GRANT CONSULTANT(SICHERMAN)—RESOLUTION
Cohen gave a brief background of the consultant's history with the IURA.
Cohen/Rosario moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,the LURA has the need for technical assistance in the planning,administration,management,
and implementation of its community development programs and activities,including but not limited to,
activities funded through the Small Cities CDBG program,and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Office for Small Cities adopted the federal procurement procedures(24 CFR
85.36)as the procurement procedures applicable to the CDBG program,and
WHEREAS,federal procurement procedures authorize selecting professional services through procurement
by competitive proposals,such as publicizing a Request For Proposal(RFP),and
WHEREAS, the IURA issued a RFP for such services on December 29,2000 that specifically indicated
that a contract with the selected responder could be extended for up to three years,and
WHEREAS, the IURA received two responses,and on January 23,2001 selected H. Sicherman&Co.,
Inc.,and
IURA Minutes,12-20-01, 10
WHEREAS,by correspondence dated November 8,2001,H. Sicherman&Co.,Inc. indicated their
agreement to continue to provide services for an additional year beginning January 1,2002 according to the
terms and conditions of the FY 2001 agreement subject to the following revised 2002 labor rates:
2001 Rates 2002 Rates
Harry Sicherman,Principal $102 per hour $105 per hour
Bob Deemer,Senior Professional $77 per hour $79 per hour
Richard Lippold,Other Professional $62 per hour $65 per hour
Clerical $23 per hour $23 per hour
Rate in travel status $25 per hour $26 per hour
WHEREAS,at their 12/3/01 meeting,the Budget&Administration Committee determined that proposed
compensation is fair and reasonable and recommended the following,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the IURA hereby authorizes the Chair,upon review of the City Attorney and the
Executive Director of the IURA, to execute an amendment to the professional services with H. Sicherman
&Company,Inc.to extend the term of the contract an additional year,ending 12/31/02 in an amount not to
exceed$15,000 with revised labor rates as referenced above,and be it further
RESOLVED,that the contract shall become effective January 1,2002.
Brief discussion ensued.
CARRIED unanimously.
VII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT _
VII-1 CHERRY STREET INDUSTRIAL PARK, REVISED PROPOSAL FOR
ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE FOR 245-247 CHERRY ST. (TAX PARCEL 96.2-
1.22)—RESOLUTION
Rosario gave a brief background of the negotiations among Evaporated Metal Films, Blue Light, Inc, and
the IURA,and stated that the EDC recommended holding fast at the IURA's asking price.
Rosario/Farrell moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS,at their 11/29/01 meeting the LURA agreed to reduce the purchase option amount for a 1.03
acre parcel located at 245-247 Cherry Street(tax parcel#96.-2-1.22)in the Cherry Street Industrial Park
being leased to Evaporated Metal Films(EMF)from$31,617.50 to$19,617.50,and
WHEREAS,the LURA agreed to reduce the purchase option amount to encourage EMF to convey its
interest in the property to Blue Light,Inc.to undertake an economic development activity including
construction of a 5,000 square foot building and creation of at least one FTE employment opportunity for a
low-and moderate income person,and
WHEREAS,in response to the IURA's counter-offer EMF has reduced the selling price to assign its
interest in 245-247 Cherry Street to Blue Light,Inc.from$51,617.50 to$40,000,and
WHEREAS,Blue Light,Inc.is not willing to increase its purchase offer of$51,617.50 to acquire the
property,including all payments to EMF and any purchase option payments to the IURA,and
WHEREAS,on 12/5/01 Lama Real Estate submitted a revised purchase offer proposal on behalf of Blue
Light,Inc to pay EMF$40,000 on condition the LURA modifies its purchase option price to$11,617.50,
and
WHEREAS,Blue Light,Inc.has indicated this is their final and best offer, and
IURA Minutes,12-20-01, 11
WHEREAS,at their 12/17/01 meeting the Economic Development Committee discussed the matter and
recommended the following,now therefore be it
RESOLVED,that the LURA hereby confirms its offer of 11/29/01 to reduce the purchase option amount to
$19,617.50 and that any further reduction would not be in the best interest of the IURA or the community.
CARRIED unanimously,
VIII-2 FY 1999 CANAL CORRIDOR INITATIVE—REPORT
Rosario gave a brief history of the EDC's interactions with Cynthia Yahn.Bohn stated that if the EDC was
unsatisfied by Yahn's information on January 8, 2002, the EDC would impose a 45 day deadline in which
Yahn would need to produce satisfactory information; otherwise, the EDC would consider what
recommendation of action to present to the agency.
Lengthy discussion ensued.Cohen stated that the grant was awarded two years ago,and that HUD expected
to see a viable project in progress; that the creator of the CCI program was no longer in charge of the
program;that he was concerned that there was significant pressure to use the funds in a timely fashion and
was consulting HUD about that pressure; that there is no arbitrary pressure being put on Cynthia Yahn or
her business entities, but that the agency needed hard information due to its concerns about state politics
and project time. Cohen stated that the agency wished to work with the sponsor to determine any feasibility
issues and to stay closely informed of the process.
Further discussion ensued concerning other projects funded by CCI and their rates of completion. Bohn
stated that while the Bistro Q(formerly Old Port Harbour)project was not completed, the parties involved
in that project had remained in close contact with IURA staff. Bohn also stated that a project amendment
would have to be completed for Yahn's project simply because of the location change, even if everything
else remained the same. Cohen recommended that the EDC create a resolution if the January 8, 2002
meeting with Yahn fails.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII-1 MHATC FY 2002 FUNDING REQUEST—RESOLUTION
Discussion ensued concerning the need for a resolution; Bohn stated that the resolution was to clarify the
minutes.Discussion ensued concerning calling MHA"rental housing."
Rosario/Farrell moved/seconded the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County(MHATC)has requested funding
for administrative funding in the amount of$20,000 from the IURA,and
WHEREAS, MHATC is a non profit 501(c)3 provider of 28 housing units for low-and moderate-
income families,and
WHEREAS, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal has designated
MHATC as a Community Housing Development Organization(CHDO),and
WHEREAS, MHA has submitted the following information to support the funding request:
1. Report on Annual Meeting–December 10,2000,received 1/9/01
2. MHATC Balance Sheet–December 2000,received 19/01
3. MHATC Projected Budget–FY 2001,received 1/9/01
4. Revised Policy and Procedures for Resident Participation,General Responsibilities,
and Conflict Resolution as adopted December 10,2000,received 1/6/01
5. Notification of 2%occupancy fee increase,received 4/23/00
6. MHATC information packet related to eviction proceedings involving a recipient of
Section 8 assistance,received 7/3/01
7. Sample MHATC annual Resident Occupancy/Membership Agreement,July 6,2001
IURA Minutes,12-20-01, 12
8. 2001 MHATC Resident Satisfaction Survey report,August 7,2001,and
WHEREAS, at the 8/16/01 TURA meeting,the MHA discussed a series of questions and issues
identified in correspondence to T. Edwards from N.Bohn sent on July 24,200,and
WHEREAS, MHATC has established a goal of"self-sufficiency in a community-focused,need
oriented,fiscally responsive fashion"through expansion of the number of MHATC
housing units,but require financial assistance to maintain the administrative capacity
necessary to accomplish expansion,now,therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the LURA hereby approves reimbursement funding for Mutual Housing Association
of Tompkins County in an amount not to exceed$20,000 for FY 2002 administrative and
delivery activities supporting expansion and operation of rental housing to be used
primarily for low-and moderate-income residential uses,and be it further
RESOLVED, that the source of such LURA funding shall come from Housing Development Action
Grant repayments(HODAG),and be it further
RESOLVED, that such funding is contingent upon semi-annual progress reporting to the IURA
including,but not limited to,the following:
1. Benefit to Low-Mod Income Persons-documentation that at least 51%of the
MHATC housing units are occupied by low-and moderate-income;
2. Financial Self-sufficiency-MHATC accomplishments toward self-sufficiency as a
result of IURA financial assistance;and
3. Use of IURA Funds-An estimate of the percentage of IURA funds used during the
reporting period for(a)operation of the existing 28-unit housing community versus
(b)expansion or other efforts focused on accomplishing self-sufficiency,
4. Home-ownership Incubation—Tracking,on an annual basis,of departures of
MHATC residents including but not limited to their future tenure as a home owner or
renter,and location of future address in the City of Ithaca versus out of the City of
Ithaca,and their reason for departure,and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair,upon review by the LURA Executive Director and the LURA
Attorney,is authorized to execute an agreement between the IURA and MHATC to
implement this action.
CARRIED unanimously.
VIII-2 OTHER
No other old business.The meeting continued with agenda item IV.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
IX-1 NEXT MEETING DATE:THURSDAY,JANUARY 17,2002,9 AM
Date accepted.
IX-2 OTHER
No other business.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:51 AM.
end 12/27/2001 ARS/ars
*Items enclosed by brackets [] are inserted for clarification purposes only.
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