HOST COMMUNITIES
STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 – 2:00 p.m.
6311 Inducon Corporate Drive
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Representatives Present: |
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Carmen Granto, Superintendent |
Niagara Falls City School District |
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Paul A Dyster, Mayor |
City of Niagara Falls |
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Donald Rappold, Interim Superintendent |
Lewiston-Porter School Dist |
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Rob Daly, Special Advisor, Relicensing |
New York Power Authority |
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William L. Ross, Chairman, NC Legislature |
Niagara County |
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Scott Hapeman, Esq., Counsel |
Niagara Wheatfield School District |
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Fred M. Newlin, Supervisor |
Town of Lewiston |
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Michael Risman, Esq. |
Town of Niagara |
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Guests: |
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Jackie Siegmann |
Town of Niagara |
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Thomas O’Donnell |
City of Niagara Falls |
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Sherry Shepherd Carulli |
City of Niagara Falls |
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Marge Partridge, LA |
MPLA – Lewiston Porter School Dist |
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Lee Simonson |
Historical Association of Lewiston |
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Dave Quattrini |
Lewiston Porter School District |
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Robert Laub |
Lewiston Porter School District |
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Warren Kahn, Esq. |
Lewiston Porter School District |
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Tom Burgasser, Esq. |
Niagara County |
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Angelo Massaro, Esq. |
Niagara Falls City School District |
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Jay Ryan, Esq. |
NYPA |
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Rick Chase |
NYPA |
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Robert Fluskey, Esq. |
Town of Lewiston |
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Michael Risman, Esq. |
Town of Niagara |
Staff Present:
John Baird, Treasurer
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 2:10 p.m.
2.0 Roll Call
Ms. Melloni called the roll; a quorum was established.
3.0 Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Granto led the pledge of Allegiance.
4.0 Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.1 May 28, 2008
Mr. Newlin made a motion,
seconded by Mr. Rappold to approve the meeting minutes of May 28, 2008. Motion passed.
5.0 Project Presentations
5.1 Lewiston- Porter School District
5.1.1 Lewiston-Porter
Recreational Complex
Mr. Rappold indicated that in January 2008 the Lewiston Porter School District presented their Lewiston Porter Recreation Complex project and as a result of that presentation, there were some suggestions from the Committee on how to enhance the project and add some things that were not addressed. That resulted in the generation of a letter from the Host Community Chairperson Carmen Granto that identified a number of items. Mr. Rappold explained that this resulted in the generation of the report [attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes] that enhances the presentation and addresses every question raised by the Committee. Letters of support were sent directly to Chairperson Granto.
Mr. Rappold introduced Steve Rebholz, the architect for the Lewiston-Porter project from SWBR Architects; Tom Dee and Andy Schuler, Construction Manager and Clerk of the works for the project; Marg Partridge, a landscape architect who is coordinating, facilitating and organizing the connectivity of the bike trail with Lewiston Porter Schools, the Town of Lewiston and the Town of Porter; and Dave Quattrini, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for Lewiston Porter schools.
Q. Has
the Greenway Commission been consulted?
A. Mr.
Rappold stated that on June 6 he sent a letter to the Greenway Commission, to
Mr. Kresse and copy to Mr. Belue. They asked
for another copy of the report and the disk which was provided. Lew Port is now working with the Greenway
Commission.
Q. Have
they approved it?
A. No. Lewiston Porter asked for their thoughts on
the project.
5.0 Project Presentations
5.1 Lewiston- Porter School District
5.1.1 Lewiston-Porter
Recreational Complex (Continued…)
Q. Mr.
Daly referred to page 24; he asked for a better break down of what the numbers represent due to the fact that
there was some preliminary work
done prior to September 1. The costs are
just since September 1.
A. Mr.
Rappold indicated that Lewiston Porter used their signing bonus of
$1.2 million for the preliminary costs.
Mr. Daly asked if Mr. Rappold could show
that. Mr. Rappold stated that they are bonding this, therefore, payment over
the next 15 – 18 years is aimed at reducing the debt service of principal and
interest. Mr. Daly explained that he
wants to see the costs broken down…i.e., $900,000 for changing rooms. He would like to see what work was done after
September 1 in more detail.
Chairman Granto asked Mr. Daly to contact Mr. Rappold and let him know the level of detail he would like and Mr. Rappold will get that information back to him.
Chairman Granto stated that the Greenway Commission does not meet until September and he asked Mr. Widger his opinion on how or if the committee should act on this project. Chairman Granto stated that it is his understanding that the Committee reviews any comments received from the Greenway committee before acting on a project.
Mr. Widger read from the protocol, page 6, regarding Consultation: “The proponent has to submit written evidence of consultation with the Greenway Commission…” and the second paragraph goes on to read “The consultation period shall end and the consultation shall be considered complete 90 days after initiated, whether or not a response is received and whether or not the consulting that the project is consistent.”
A discussion followed. Mr. Daly stated he feels Lew-Port has communicated well with the Commission; however, the contacts back in 2006 were not with individuals who were on the Greenway Commission. Mr. Daly stated that there is a process in place that should be followed. Mr. Rappold stated that they did consult with the Greenway architects, Mr. Belue and they also attended every single Greenway meeting. Mr. Rappold stated he feels they have met their obligation at this time to get an approval from this Committee, regardless of what the Greenway does. Mr. Rappold stated he is willing to wait the 90 days for the Greenway decision, but would like approval at this time from the HC Committee.
5.0 Project Presentations
5.1 Lewiston- Porter School District
5.1.1 Lewiston-Porter
Recreational Complex (Continued…)
Chairman Granto asked what would happen if the Greenway Commission found something critical that the HC Committee missed, putting the Committee in the position of possibly having to rescind something they approved. He would like to avoid this possibility, even though the Committee will have the final say.
Mr. Ross made a motion to approve
the project as presented for the Lewiston-Porter Recreational Complex, Project
No. HCSC-08-002, to be funded through the Lewiston Porter School District Greenway
Recreation/Tourism Fund in the amount of $420,000 annually. Mr. Hapeman seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken.
Town of Lewiston Yes
Town of Niagara Yes
Lewiston Porter Yes
City of Niagara Falls Yes
Niagara-Wheatfield Yes
Niagara County Yes
New York Power Authority No
Niagara
Falls Schools Abstained
Motion failed to reach consensus.
5.2 City of Niagara Falls
5.2.1 Riverview Train Comfort Station – Project No. HCSC-08-004
5.2.2 LaSalle Blueway Trail – Project No. HCSC-08-005
Mr. O’Donnell introduced Sherry Shepherd Carulli to make the presentations.
Ms. Carulli explained that these
are two components of an overall plan for the LaSalle area and the last piece
of public property on the riverfront in LaSalle. She explained that the LaSalle Blueway Trail
includes the installation of a canoe launch next to the Century Club property,
which will constitute the first part of the Blueway Trail. This will also include new lighting and
landscaping, and signs will be posted along the shore identifying the Blueway
Trail. This project was approved by the
Niagara River Greenway Commission on March 18, 2008. The request is for $105,500 from the City of
Niagara Falls’ Greenway funds. [A copy of
this presentation is attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes.]
5.0 Project Presentations
5.2 City of Niagara Falls (Continued…)
5.2.1 Riverview Train Comfort Station – Project No. HCSC-08-004
5.2.2 LaSalle Blueway Trail – Project No. HCSC-08-005
The Riverview Train Comfort
Station project involves the renovation of a comfort station that was erected
but never completed back in 1994.
Lighting and landscaping will also be done. This is located at 6611 Buffalo Avenue, commonly
known as the former “Century Club” property and it is at the terminus of the
Niagara Riverview hiking/biking trail. This project was approved by the Niagara
River Greenway Commission on May 20, 2008.
The request is for $76,475 from the City of Niagara Falls’ Greenway
funds. [A copy of this presentation is
attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes.]
Q. Does the City of
Niagara Falls own the Century Club site now?
A. Yes.
Q. Will there be any
further development on that property?
A. The City
Council voted earlier this year to declare the Century Club site
a public park, therefore if
there were any development on the site it would be a concession and that would
be part of the public planning process.
Mr. O’Donnell made a motion to
approve the project as presented for the Riverview Train Comfort Station,
Project No. HCSC-08-004, to be funded through the City of Niagara Falls
Greenway Recreation/Tourism Fund in the amount of $76,475. Mr. Newlin seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken.
Town of Lewiston Yes
Town of Niagara Yes
Lewiston Porter Yes
City of Niagara Falls Yes
Niagara-Wheatfield Yes
Niagara County Yes
New York Power Authority Yes
Niagara
Falls Schools Yes
Motion
passed 8 – 0.
5.0 Project Presentations
5.2 City of Niagara Falls (Continued…)
5.2.1 Riverview Train Comfort Station – Project No. HCSC-08-004
5.2.2 LaSalle Blueway Trail – Project No. HCSC-08-005
Mr. O’Donnell made a motion to
approve the project as presented for the LaSalle Blueway Trail, Project No.
HCSC-08-005, to be funded through the City of Niagara Falls Greenway
Recreation/Tourism Fund in the amount of $105,500. Mr. Newlin seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken.
Town of Lewiston Yes
Town of Niagara Yes
Lewiston Porter Yes
City of Niagara Falls Yes
Niagara-Wheatfield Yes
Niagara County Yes
New York Power Authority Yes
Niagara
Falls Schools Yes
Motion passed 8 – 0.
5.3 Town of Lewiston
5.3.1 Freedom Crossing Monument
Lee Simonson, a volunteer with the Historical Association of Lewiston was introduced. Mr. Simonson explained that the Freedom Crossing Monument is a monument that is going to commemorate the courage of both the fugitive slaves and volunteer people of the Underground Railroad who helped the slaves to freedom in Canada. The bronze life-size monument will be placed in a Village park. Mr. Simonson stated that this was the first project ever approved by the Niagara River Greenway Commission, they received unanimous approval from the Village of Lewiston, unanimous approval from the Town of Lewiston; and they are seeking the unanimous approval of the Host Community Standing Committee. Mr. Simonson stated that they are anxious to get this project underway as copper is a major element in bronze and with copper prices increasing they would like to lock in some of the pricing before they increase any further.
Mr. Simonson stated that they feel this will be an iconic symbol on the lower Niagara River as this is where it happened and where hundreds of slaves actually escaped. It is also called “Freedom Crossing” because there is a book written by Town of Niagara author, Margaret Goff Clarke, of that same title. This is required reading in 5th grades across the United States and they do have permission from the publishers to use the name.
5.0 Project Presentations
5.3 Town of Lewiston
5.3.1 Freedom Crossing Monument (Continued…)
Q. Which Park will the
statue be placed in?
A. A little south of the Silo Restaurant in the green space of the park.
Q. Were there any
comments provided by the Greenway Commission – adjustments
or amendments to your proposal?
A. No.
Supervisor Newlin stated he would like to commend Mr. Simonson and Diane Finkbeiner from the Town Historical Society for their terrific work on this project as it will play a critical part in developing historical tourism in Lewiston.
Mayor Dyster indicated that the City of Niagara Falls provided a support letter for this project.
Mr. Newlin made a motion to
approve the project as presented for the Freedom Crossing Monument, to be
funded through the Town of Lewiston Greenway Recreation/Tourism Fund in the
amount of $180,000. Mr. O’Donnell
seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken.
Town of Lewiston Yes
Town of Niagara Yes
Lewiston Porter Yes
City of Niagara Falls Yes
Niagara-Wheatfield Yes
Niagara County Yes
New York Power Authority Yes
Niagara
Falls Schools Yes
Motion
passed 8 – 0.
6.0 Greenway Update
6.1 Greenway Commission Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2008
Mr. Ferraro stated that his staff continues to attend the Greenway Commission meetings, as evidenced by the attached minutes provided for the Committee’s review and information.
7.0 Other Matters
7.1 Host Community Standing Committee Fund
Entity – T. Burgasser
Mr. Burgasser indicated he met with HSBC and the fund accounts are set up and at this time they are just waiting for the monies to arrive. He indicated that the collateralization documents have been received by Ms. Melloni. Ms. Melloni indicated that the bank is asking when the money will be deposited in the main account. Mr. Daly indicated that the money will be transferred ($6 million) by July 1, 2008. Mr. Burgasser asked who the Committee should contact regarding the interest the money earned. Mr. Daly stated that he forwarded the email to Mr. Chase who was looking into it; Mr. Chase is on an extended leave at this time so Mr. Daly will have to follow up on it.
7.2 Host Community Project Review Process
– S. Ferraro
Mr. Ferraro made a presentation to recap where the Committee is relative to the Greenway. He indicated that the Recreation/Tourism fund also includes other stakeholders in addition to this committee. The presentation includes the map of the Greenway boundary approved by the Greenway Commission, which include the trail extensions that were recommended to the Commission by the NPC members. Mr. Ferraro reviewed the application requirements (guiding principles); Greenway goals, and the Action Plan Criteria. Mr. Ferraro reviewed the Project Review Form and Steps for the Review Process which are also included in the presentation handout.
[Presentation is attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes.]
Mr. Newlin asked, for future reference, if the packet could also include the actual language from the HC Agreement, as well as the signature pages.
Host Community
Standing Committee Protocol
Mr. Widger referred to the fact that there were some subtle
grammatical changes that he has suggested for the final protocol; and it is
necessary to revise a small portion of the protocol referring to the General
Audit. The State Comptroller’s Office
had some concern with the way the statement read. The original language made it look like it
was mandatory for the Comptroller’s office to perform an audit, and they were
concerned that we would be requesting them to complete an audit. Therefore, Mr. Widger made a change to the
language to indicate that the Audit by the Comptroller’s Office is essentially
their option. Mr. Daly made a suggestion
for modifying the language in that provision starting with the second sentence,
as follows: “The Audit shall be conducted by the Office of the New York State
Comptroller (OSC), or in the event that the OSC declines, an independent
auditor agreed upon by all members of the Standing Committee.”
8.0 Next HCSC Meeting:
Date: To Be Determined
9.0 Adjournment
Mr. Newlin made a motion, seconded by Mr. O’Donnell to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Respecfully submitted,
__________________________
Mary P. Melloni
Recording Secretary