COUNTY OF SULLIVAN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
One Cablevision Center
Ferndale, New York 12734
(845) 295-2603 – telephone
(845) 295-2604 – fax
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, April 13, 2015
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Steingart called to order the regular meeting of the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency at approximately 11:13 am, in the Legislative Committee Room at the Sullivan County Government Center, Monticello, New York.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present- Members Absent-
Ira Steingart Sandy Shaddock
Suzanne Loughlin
Carol Roig
Sean Rieber
Charlie Barbuti
Howard Siegel
Edward Sykes
Paul Guenther
Staff Present- Staff Absent-
Jen Flad, Jennifer C.S. Brylinski,
VP Business Development Exec. Director
Others Present-
Steve White, Agency CEO
Walter F. Garigliano, Esq., Agency Legal Counsel
Tara Lewis, Garigliano Law Offices
Scott Samuelson, Chairman, Sullivan County Legislature
Dan Lara, SC Office of Management Information Systems
Andrew Arias, Cooper Arias LLP
Stephen Stuart, SC Office of Sustainable Energy
Brian Pfefferman, Deb El Food Products
Ken Walter
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Guenther made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2015 meeting. Mr. Sykes seconded the motion, the Board voted and the minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved.
IV. BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Barbuti made a motion to approve the revised schedule of payments. Ms. Loughlin seconded the motion, the Board voted and the revised schedule of payments was unanimously approved.
V. DIRECTORS’ REPORTS
Jennifer C.S. Brylinski, Executive Director
In Ms. Brylinski’s absence, Ms. Flad asked if the Board had any questions about the Executive Director’s report or other staff activity. There were no questions.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Andrew Arias summarized the results of the 2014 Agency Audit. He also summarized the SCFC audit.
Chairman Steingart asked for a motion to discuss the proposed inducement and approving resolution for Deb El Food Products, LLC. Mr. Barbuti made a motion to discuss, and the motion was seconded by Mr. Sykes. Brian Pfefferman, CFO of Deb El Food Products, LLC, advised the Board that Deb El is a fourth generation business in Sullivan County. It began as a chicken farm, and now processes eggs. The business needs to expand, purchase new coolers, freezers and other equipment, and plans to hire more employees. Ken Walter described his experiences with Deb El during his time as USDA poultry inspector. Attorney Garigliano noted that the applicant, the Agency and the Town of Thompson Assessor all agree on the PILOT values. Following the discussion, the Board voted and the resolution was unanimously approved.
Chairman Steingart asked for a motion to discuss the proposed resolution authorizing installment payments for Poley Paving Corp./ Brynn Dyl LLC. Mr. Siegel made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Sykes. Mr. Barbuti recused himself from the discussion as he is the Town of Liberty Supervisor and this project is located within the Town of Liberty. Mr. Rieber reported that the firm has now paid its 2014 PILOT payment, lease payment and special district taxes. The current resolution would authorize installment payments of the 2015 PILOT and lease obligations. Attorney Garigliano noted that the Agency’s agreement is with both Brynn Dyl, LLC, a real estate holding company, and Poley Paving Corp., Brynn Dyl’s tenant which has declared bankruptcy. The Board discussed Poley Paving Corp.’s bankruptcy and current financial situation, and agreed that the loss of Agency benefits would likely force the business to close. Board members agreed that the installment payment schedule would help to keep the business open. The Board voted and the resolution was approved with Mr. Barbuti abstaining for the reason described above.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Steingart asked for a motion to discuss the proposed resolution approving Agency applications for USDA Rural Business Development Grant funds. Attorney Garigliano noted that the SC Funding Corp. committee has approved several scopes of work submitted by Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation. SCFC will share in the cost of paying HVADC and its consultant grantwriters to develop grant applications. Ms. Loughlin made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Sykes. The Board voted and the resolution was unanimously approved.
Ms. Roig and Stephen Stuart of Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development gave a presentation on “Energy Opportunities for Sullivan County Businesses.” They noted that the Agency and other local organizations can help businesses take advantage of energy opportunities by encouraging them to incorporate energy planning in their business plans; offering funding for energy assessments; hosting informational sessions; and helping to develop a pipeline of contractors with the necessary training and skills to make energy improvements for local businesses.
Ms. Flad briefly updated the Board on the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). She advised that the RMAP Review Committee will receive multiple loan applications in the coming weeks, to be brought before the Board at a special meeting in early May. USDA’s deadline for use of the RMAP loan and grant funds is May 10.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT AND ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Steingart asked the Board and others present for public comment. Mr. Rieber inquired as to the status of the Uniform Tax Exemption Policy (UTEP) Review Committee. Legislative Chairman Samuelson stated that a date will be set to begin the review process in the near future.
Mr. Barbuti asked about the status of the request for proposals for operation of the red meat facility. Attorney Garigliano advised that the draft RFP has been sent to the slaughterhouse advisory group for their review and comment. After that, the RFP will be sent to the Board for their review and comment, and then issued. He also noted that Agency staff is working to apply to NYSEG for service.
Ken Walter suggested that Ms. Roig and Mr. Stuart make their presentation to local electrical, mechanical and plumbing suppliers, so that they can share the information with local contractors.
On a motion by Mr. Sykes and seconded by Mr. Rieber, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:28 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
Jen Flad
IDA VP, Business Development
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