HOST COMMUNITIES

STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING

Friday, December 7, 2007 – 12:30 p.m.

Niagara County Department of Economic Development

6311 Inducon Corporate Drive

Sanborn, New York 14132

Staff Present:

Charles Miller, President, NPC

John Baird, Treasurer, NPC

Mary Melloni, Recording Secretary                                                        

Stan Widger, Esq., NPC Counsel, Nixon Peabody 

Samuel M. Ferraro, Executive Director/Commissioner - Niagara County Center for                                                                                                                                                                          Economic Development

1.0          Call to Order

Chairman Granto called the Host Communities Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:54 p.m. 

2.0          Roll Call

Ms. Melloni called the roll; a quorum was established.  Mr. Daly and several representatives were out of the room at this time.

4.0          Approval of Minutes

                4.1          November 9, 2007

Mr. Rappold made a motion, seconded by Mr. Ross, to approve the meeting minutes.  Motion passed.

At this time, Mr. Rappold of Lewiston-Porter School District addressed the group:  He stated that as he indicated at the last meeting, Lewiston Porter is proud and eager to present their Greenway Tourism Recreation plan to the Standing Committee.  He stated that they are prepared to present on Tuesday, December 11, 2007.  However, he indicated that the New York State Power Authority is unable to attend that day and out of respect for the partnership with NYPA, he is asking the membership whether Lewiston Porter should present that day.  After some discussion, it was agreed that the presentation should be rescheduled in early January when the NYPA can be present.  Mr. Ross indicated that they will work to reschedule the presentation.  Mr. Richards asked if the Town of Niagara could also be scheduled for that day.  Chairman Ross indicated that they would schedule both presentations for the same date.

                5.0          Host Community Standing Committee Report

Mr. Burgasser indicated that the Committee of Mr. Newlin, Mr. Miller, Mr. O’Donnell and himself met with NYPA and presented information to them concerning how to set up the fund account and NYPA was in agreement with them.  There was some question about the interest and how it was going to be used, and Mr. Burgasser indicated that would be used for administrative costs of the Standing Committee.  They reviewed what those costs might entail, including an independent auditor at the end of the year.

 There were questions regarding what would occur if there was not enough interest to pay administrative costs, and it was pointed out that the Host Community Agreement addresses that, stating that the principal would then be used.  Suggestions for what to do with excess interest were to either, based upon who’s money is in the account, return their share to the entities; or allow it to accumulate for two or three years due to the fact that administrative costs can vary from year to year.   Mr. Burgasser stated that Mr. Miller received a call from NYPA stating that they would like to see the plan for the interest in final form.  Mr. Miller stated they will put these suggestions in writing and work on getting it in final form.

Mr. Burgasser stated the Committee will need authorization to approach local banks, i.e. First Niagara, M&T, HSBC to determine what they can do for applicants, costs, what interest rates are available for the money, how the eight signatories can be structured. 

Mr. Newlin made a motion, seconded by Mr. Rappold, to authorize the subcommittee to meet with various banking facilities and come back to the Coalition with what is offered in order to determine which bank to establish the fund in and receive authorization from the Committee as a whole.  Motion passed.

Mr. Granto asked who would be monitoring invoices, insuring the work has been done, issuing checks, etc.  Mr. Burgasser explained that there will probably be a need for a person to perform those functions and it would be covered by the administrative costs. 

At this time, Mr. Granto excused himself from the meeting, turning it over to Mr. Newlin.

Mr. Newlin made a motion to recess the meeting of the Host Community Standing Committee in order to return to the Niagara Power Coalition meeting.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Rappold.  The HCSC meeting recessed at 2:23 p.m.

Chairman Newlin reconvened the Host Community Standing Committee meeting at 2:32 p.m.

6.0          Host Community Standing Committee Protocols

Mr. Massaro stated that he is working to resolve the consensus issue on the protocols.  He explained that he and Mr. Daly were involved in discussions with a principal of NYPA.  Mr. Massaro stated that conceptually they have an agreement on how to resolve the issue of consensus.  There is one item that seems to be acceptable; however, it needs more internal review at NYPA before they have a clear understanding of the position of NYPA and the NPC on that issue.  He stated that Mr. Daly and his principals need to consult their legal counsel concerning the item in question.   Mr. Massaro stated that he plans to get back to NYPA next week to resolve that one issue.

7.0          Next Meeting

To be determined.

8.0          Adjournment

Mr. Ross made a motion, seconded by Mr. O’Donnell, to adjourn the Host Community Standing Committee.  Motion passed.  Meeting was adjourned at 2:36 p.m.

Respecfully submitted,

__________________________

Mary P. Melloni

Recording Secretary