Industrial Development Agency

Minutes of the City of Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency December 21, 2022 A meeting of the Board of Directors (“Board”) of the City of Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency (“Agency”) was held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 in the Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall, 1 Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, New York 10550 and via video conference. Present: Hon. Shawyn Patterson-Howard Darren M. Morton, Ed.D Brian Johnson Stephanie Vanderpool Excused: None Absent: None Also Present: Michael Curti, Esq., Harris Beach PLLC Julie Marshall, Harris Beach PLLC Andrea Haynes, Director of Economic Development, City of Mt. Vernon Robin Mack, Director of Business Development The meeting was called to order at 11:20 AM by Chairwoman Patterson-Howard. A quorum of members was present. Minutes Minutes of the November 10, 2022 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved. Financial Report D. Morton reviewed the financial statements for the period ending November 30, 2022. He noted that other than operational costs, there is limited activity. Only one (1) annual administrative fee payment remains outstanding. The finance staff is diligently following up on PILOT payments and administrative fees owed. Mr. Curti stated that the draft 2020/2021 audit is expected to be available for review at the January 2023 meeting. Business Development Report R. Mack reported that the Community Health Needs Assessment is available on the City of Mt. Vernon website for city residents to complete. The purpose of the survey is to help prioritize the public health issues and alignment with resources. A Community Conversation on Cannabis was held on November 29th. Topics included MRTA, license types, adult use and workforce development opportunities. Business Development is working to collaborate with auto repair shops in an effort to mitigate catalytic convertor thefts. More information will be forth coming. Grant funding for business façade improvements, interior renovations and repairs will be available in January 2023 through ARPA funds. Low interest loans may be available through local banks. Application review and approval will be undertaken by City leadership. Chair Patterson-Howard discussed the need for name-brand hotels in the City and potential new tenants at the Bed Bath & Beyond location on East Sandford Boulevard. While attending the African American Mayor’s board meeting in Seattle, Mayor Patterson-Howard met with several national businesses to discuss expanding operations in Mt. Vernon and outreach programs available around homeless and mental health issues. Workforce development issues regarding skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling the workforce to secure a living wage job were discussed. Economic Development Report A. Haynes reported that the LISC project to undertake strategic intervention and revitalization projects in the South 4th Avenue corridor is coming along. Together with the Westchester County Community Foundation a $150 grant application was submitted and they await an award letter. Additionally, A. Haynes is working to grow a database of small business. The database currently contains 488 businesses. She would like to collaborate with others to continue to grow database to at least 1000 businesses and provide information to job seekers. The National League of Cities has approached the City of Mt. Vernon to work on the City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Network. This is a network of Mayors across the country who are committed to working to accelerate small business networks by creating an a la carte menu of technical assistance supports that drive inclusive entrepreneurship-led economic growth in the community. The initiative will launch in 2023. Resolutions Resolution 12/2022-1 Authorizing Payment of Invoices The resolution was reviewed and unanimously adopted. Resolution 12/2022-2 Authorization Commencement of Litigation The resolution was reviewed and unanimously adopted. New Business None Report of Agency Counsel M. Curti stated that a long term lease agreement between the IDA and National Gear and Piston is expected to be finalized in Q1 2023. D. Morton stated that the Agency board is 3 years in and still cleaning up matters from the prior administration and board. It is anticipated that the board will need to consider leave and disability coverage for employee(s). D. Morton stated that 2019 was a challenging year for the IDA. There were 2 different IDA chairs, boards, staff, and accounting platforms which the current board continues to address. Chair Patterson-Howard stated that the transfer of information was poor. She stated that 2020 and 2021 audits are finally near completion which will enable the Agency to move forward with new projects. A motion was made by B. Johnson, seconded by S. Vanderpool to enter into executive session at 11:59AM to discuss litigation matters. The motion was unanimously approved. Motion by B. Johnson, seconded by S. Vanderpool to exit executive session and return to regular session at 12:18 PM. The motion was unanimously approved. No action was taken during executive session. A motion was made by D. Morton, seconded by S. Vanderpool to adjourn the meeting. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent at 12:20 PM. Respectfully submitted by Julie Marshall