Special Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2014

COUNTY OF SULLIVAN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
One Cablevision Center
Ferndale, New York 12734
(845) 295-2603 – telephone
(845) 295-2604 – fax

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

I.   CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Steingart called to order the special meeting of the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency at approximately 12:30 pm, held 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

Edward Sykes

Steve White

Carol Roig

Suzanne Loughlin

Howard Siegel

Charles Barbuti

Sean Rieber

Staff Present-                                              Staff Absent-

Jennifer C.S. Brylinski, Exec. Director None

Jen Flad, VP Business Development

Others Present-

Allan C. Scott, Agency CEO

Walter F. Garigliano, Esq., Agency Legal Counsel

Tara Lewis, Garigliano Law Offices

Scott Samuelson, SC Legislature

Charlie Degliomini, Empire Resorts

Manny Pearlman, Empire Resorts

George Duke, Empire Resorts

Steve Vegliante

Dan Hust, SC Democrat

Andrew Beam, Times Herald Record

III.    NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Steingart opened the meeting by stating that he is proud of the work that the IDA has done in fostering the development of casino gaming. He thanked Mr. White and Attorney Garigliano for negotiating the proposed agreement with Monticello Raceway Management Inc. and Montreign Operating Company, and stated that the agreement is fair for all parties and the proposed project will bring much needed revenue to the County.  The proposed casino will make PILOT payments far in excess the taxes paid by the former Concord at its height.

Charlie Degliomini addressed the Board, emphasizing that the project would not be possible without the IDA’s foresight and assistance.

Manny Pearlman noted that this is the only casino project in Sullivan County with fully committed financing regardless of other approved projects in the region, and added that the project’s lenders have relied on the IDA’s inducement and benefits.  He stressed that many jobs will be created and that labor peace agreements are in place.  He announced that his company has an exclusive relationship with the Monticello Motor Club to help bring customers to Montreign, and that Montreign will bring celebrity chef Scott Conant to open a new restaurant. He thanked the Board for their assistance and stated that he looks forward to continuing to work with Sullivan County.

Attorney Garigliano handed out a resolution relating to the proposed agreements with Monticello Raceway Management Inc. and Montreign Operating Company, LLC.  Mr. Rieber made a motion to discuss the resolution, and Mr. Siegel seconded the motion.  Ms. Loughlin asked Attorney Garigliano to describe the scenarios contemplated by the project documents.  He replied that three possibilities are outlined in the documents, but that the closing conditions letter recognizes many other possibilities that cannot be known at this point.  Until the four casino projects are selected, it is impossible to know what will be financeable. Mr. Pearlman added that the unknowns also include project timing, negotiations between bidders and the NYS Gaming Commission, and other factors.  Attorney Garigliano stated that the Board is approving three well-defined possible casino projects today: the project as envisioned if no other casinos are approved in the Catskills or Hudson Valley regions; as envisioned if another casino license is granted in the Catskills or Hudson Valley, but not in Southern Orange County; and as envisioned if a casino license is granted to a Southern Orange County project. He said that the documents state that the Agency will negotiate in good faith if a scenario other than these three possibilities outlined arises. The Board voted and unanimously approved the resolution.

Attorney Garigliano asked the Board to consider a resolution to make the third quarter payment to the Partnership for Economic Development.  It is possible that there will be no quorum for the September 9 meeting, so passage of this resolution today would allow the payment to be made without delay.  Ms. Loughlin recused herself from this discussion, as she serves on the Board of the Partnership.  Mr. Siegel made a motion to approve the resolution.  Mr. Barbuti seconded the resolution, the Board voted and the resolution was approved with Ms. Loughlin abstaining for the reason described above.

Chairman Steingart asked the Board and others present for comment.

Mr. Pearlman thanked the Board and invited those present to attend the applicant presentations on September 9 in Albany.

Mr. White inquired as to the plans for the Monticello Raceway.  Mr. Pearlman replied that the plan is to keep the raceway open and noted that his company has an outline of an agreement with the horsemen. He added that there could be issues regarding ownership and use of the video lottery terminals, but this is not yet known.

Chairman Steingart thanked the Board for their work and stated his belief that Sullivan County has an advantage over other counties with regard to the readiness of its casino projects and the intent of the State’s legislation.  He stressed the importance of the spinoff economic development that will result from the creation of casinos.

IV.   ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Barbuti, at approximately 12:50 pm the meeting was adjourned.            

Respectfully submitted:

Jen Flad

IDA VP, Business Development

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