Redevelopment Agency

Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #1 Redevelopment Agency Re-Organization Meeting Monday, December 16, 2019 8:30 a.m. City of Passaic, Mayor’s Conference Room Commissioners Present: Arthur Soto, Peter Cedeno-Castro, Ruth Perez, Kimberly Perez, and Chaim Munk Commissioners Absent: David Spector and Angel Torres Staff Present: Ricardo Fernandez/Executive Director, Eric Bernstein, Esq. /Attorney, Joe Buga/Project Manager Proper Notice: Adequate notice of the meeting was provided by notice to the Herald & News and Bergen Record, and by posting on the City Clerk’s bulletin board specifying the time, place and known agenda I. Roll Call II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Swearing-In of Commissioner Arthur Soto IV. Public Session V. Minutes of the meeting for October 17, 2019 Moved: Ruth Perez Second: Kimberly Perez For: 3 Against: 0 Abstain: 2 Not Present: 2 Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #2 VI. The bill list for December 16, 2019 in the amount of $3,452.88 was reviewed and approved. Moved: Peter Cedeno-Castro Second: Ruth Perez For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Present: 2 VII. RESOLUTIONS PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RESOLUTION NUMBER 19-23 Resolution Designating AP Inc. as the Redeveloper for Property located at 711-729 Main Avenue, Passaic, New Jersey Block 2058, Lots 10 and 18 and Authorizing an Interim Costs Agreement WHEREAS, AP Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Redeveloper”) is the owner of properties located at 711-729 Main Avenue in the City of Passaic, Block 2058, Lots 10 and 18 (hereinafter referred to as the “Property”), which is located within the boundaries of the City of Passaic (hereinafter referred to as the “City”) in an area that has been designated by the City as an area in need of redevelopment by City Council Resolution Number 2115-17, which property is included in a duly adopted zoning plan known as the Redevelopment/Rehabilitation Plan “Ward Four, Block 158, Lots 10 and 18, Main Avenue” (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”); and, WHEREAS, the Redeveloper submitted a redevelopment proposal on or about September 30, 2019 (hereinafter referred to as the “Proposal”) to the City of Passaic Redevelopment Agency (hereinafter referred to as the “Agency”) for the Property for uses in conformity with the Plan as amended; and, Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #3 WHEREAS, the Redeveloper proposes to construct a mixed use building as set forth in the Plan, consisting of commercial units as permitted in the Plan on the first (1st) floor, office spaces as permitted by the Plan on the second floor and as detailed in the Plan, a total of fifteen (15) apartment units on floors 2 thru 4 floors consisting of a maximum of three (3) one (1) bedroom units and the rest, a minimum twelve (12), two (2) bedroom units. Three bedroom units as stated in the plan are prohibited. (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”); and, WHEREAS, a committee of the Agency’s Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Proposal and found same to be generally consistent with the intent of and uses set forth in the Plan as amended; and, WHEREAS, the Redeveloper shall comply with the Plan and/or shall apply to the Planning Board for all necessary variances, approvals, and/or permits as may be required under the Plan and/or or may seek an amendment of the Plan by request to the Agency and the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Passaic Redevelopment Agency that: 1. The above recitations are incorporated herein as if set forth at length; and, 2. AP Inc. is hereby designated as the Redeveloper for the redevelopment of the Property; and, 3. This designation is expressly contingent upon an amendment, if necessary, to the Plan and/or variances and approvals from the Planning Board; and, Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #4 4. This designation is expressly contingent upon the Redeveloper being responsible for and assuming all costs incurred by the Agency, including, but not limited to legal, appraisal, title, environmental, financial, engineering, etc.; and, 5. This designation is also expressly contingent upon the Redeveloper providing all funds for the acquisition, relocation, property maintenance and demolition, if necessary, at the Property and construction of the proposed Project; and, 6. This designation is also based upon the Agency’s financial due diligence into the Redeveloper, including the Redeveloper previously providing the Agency with a non-refundable Application Fee of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and the Redeveloper receiving a positive recommendation from the Agency’s financial consultant; and, 7. This designation is also expressly contingent upon payment by the Redeveloper to the Agency of an Escrow, under the terms of the Interim Costs Agreement, in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00), such escrow fee to be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the execution of this Resolution; and, 8. This designation is also expressly contingent upon payment by the Redeveloper to the Agency of a one (1) time non-refundable Administrative Fee of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the execution this Resolution; and, 9. The Interim Costs Agreement between the Agency and the Redeveloper is approved for signature by the Agency, subject to the final approval of the Agency’s General Counsel and Executive Director; and, Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #5 10. Once the Interim Costs Agreement is approved and payments are made by the Redeveloper as required hereunder, the parties will commence the negotiation of a redevelopment agreement, which is subject to review and approval by the Agency and its professionals; and, 11. The designation herein is for a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days, which period may be extended if necessary at the sole discretion of the Agency’s Executive Director for an additional period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairman, Vice Chairman and/or Secretary of the Agency are hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate this Resolution subject to review and approval of the Agency’s General Counsel and Executive Director. INTRODUCED BY: _Ruth Perez______ SECONDED BY: _Kimberly Perez___ For Against Abstain Absent Chair Arthur Soto X Vice Chair Ruth Perez X Commissioner Peter Cedeno-Castro X Commissioner Chaim Munk X Commissioner Kimberly Perez X Commissioner David Spector X Commissioner Angel Torres X Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #6 Adopted on December 16, 2019 PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY _ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE__ Ricardo Fernandez, Executive Director 2020 ADOPTION CERTIFICATION Passaic Redevelopment Agency (Name) AUTHORITY BUDGET FISCAL YEAR: FROM: January 1, 2020 TO: December 31, 2020 It is hereby certified that the Authority Budget and Capital Budget/Program annexed hereto is a true copy of the Budget adopted by the governing body of the Passaic Redevelopment Agency, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:31-2.3, on the 16th day of, December 16, 2019. Officer’s Signature: ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE Name: Ricardo Fernandez Title: Executive Director Address: Passaic Redevelopment Agency 330 Passaic Street Passaic, NJ 07055 Phone Number: 973-365-5514 Fax Number: 973-365-5567 E-mail address rfernandez@cityofpassaicnj.gov Page C-6 Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #7 2020 ADOPTED BUDGET RESOLUTION 19-18 Passaic Redevelopment Agency (Name) AUTHORITY FISCAL YEAR: FROM: January 1, 2020 TO: December 31, 2020 WHEREAS, the Annual Budget and Capital Budget/Program for the Passaic Redevelopment Agency for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending, December 31, 2020 has been presented for adoption before the governing body of the Passaic Redevelopment Agency at its open public meeting of December 16, 2019; and WHEREAS, the Annual Budget and Capital Budget as presented for adoption reflects each item of revenue and appropriation in the same amount and title as set forth in the introduced and approved budget, including all amendments thereto, if any, which have been approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services; and WHEREAS, the Annual Budget as presented for adoption reflects Total Revenues of $ 10,000, Total Appropriations, including any Accumulated Deficit, if any, of $100,000 and Total Unrestricted Net Position utilized of $90,000; and WHEREAS, the Capital Budget as presented for adoption reflects Total Capital Appropriations of $-0- and Total Unrestricted Net Position planned to be utilized of $-0-; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing body of Passaic Redevelopment Agency, at an open public meeting held on December 16, 2019 that the Annual Budget and Capital Budget/Program of the Passaic Redevelopment Agency for the fiscal year beginning, January 1, 2020 and, ending, December 31, 2020 is hereby adopted and shall constitute appropriations for the purposes stated; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Annual Budget and Capital Budget/Program as presented for adoption reflects each item of revenue and appropriation in the same amount and title as set forth in the introduced and approved budget, including all amendments thereto, if any, which have been approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. _ ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE ___December 16, 2019___ (Secretary’s Signature) (Date) Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #8 Governing Body Recorded Vote Member: Aye Nay Abstain Absent Governing Body Member: Aye Nay Abstain Absent Chairman Arthur Soto X Vice Chairwoman Ruth Perez X Peter Cedeno-Castro X Chaim Munk X Kimberly Perez X David Spector X Angel Torres X PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RESOLUTION # 19-19 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR GENERAL COUNSEL SERVICES IN 2020 WHEREAS, proposals were received by the Director of Purchasing on November 20, 2019 for the Passaic Redevelopment Agency General Counsel Services; and, WHEREAS, the proposals were solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et. seq.; and, WHEREAS, proposals were received from the following vendors: a. Eric M. Bernstein and Associates, LLC WHEREAS, Eric M. Bernstein and Associates, LLC has been performing these services for the Redevelopment Agency for the prior year in a satisfactory manner; and, WHEREAS, the Executive Director has reviewed the responses and has recommended based on qualification, past experience and cost; and, Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #9 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Passaic Redevelopment Agency that the contract for General Counsel Services 2020 be awarded to Eric M. Bernstein and Associates, LLC. as specified in the attached contract. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairman is authorized to execute a contract for General Counsel Services 2020 not to exceed $15,000. . CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Account # _____________________ I certify that funds are available in the Redevelopment Agency Account. __ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE___ Chief Financial Officer INTRODUCED BY: _Peter Cedeno-Castro____ SECONDED BY: ___Kimberly Perez ________ Commissioner For Against Abstain Absent Chairman Arthur Soto X Vice Chairwoman Ruth Perez X Peter Cedeno-Castro X Chaim Munk X Kimberly Perez X David Spector X Angel Torres X December 16, 2019 ___ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE__ Date Ricardo Fernandez, Executive Director Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #10 PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RESOLUTION # 19-20 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR BUDGET, AUDIT AND FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019- 2020 WHEREAS, proposals were received by the Director of Purchasing on November 20, 2019 for the Passaic Redevelopment Agency Budget, Audit and Financial Advisory Services; and, WHEREAS, the proposals were solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et. seq.; and, WHEREAS, proposals were received from the following vendors: a. Lerch Vinci & Higgins, LLP WHEREAS, Lerch Vinci & Higgins, LLP has been performing these services for the Redevelopment Agency for the prior year in a satisfactory manner; and, WHEREAS, the Executive Director has reviewed the responses and has recommended Lerch Vinci and Higgins, LLC based on qualification, past experience and cost; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Passaic Redevelopment Agency that the contract for Budget, Audit and Financial Services be awarded to Lerch Vinci & Higgins, LLP. as specified in the attached contract. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairman is authorized to execute a contract for Budget, Audit and Financial Advisory Services to Lerch Vinci & Higgins, LLC an amount not to exceed a total of $7,500 for a the 2020 Budget ($1,300) and 2019 Audit ($6,200). . CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Account # _____________________ I certify that funds are available in the Redevelopment Agency Account. __ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE_ Chief Financial Officer Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #11 INTRODUCED BY: _Kimberly Perez___ SECONDED BY: ___Ruth Perez___ __ Commissioner For Against Abstain Absent Chairman Arthur Soto X Vice Chairwoman Ruth Perez X Peter Cedeno-Castro X Chaim Munk X Kimberly Perez X David Spector X Angel Torres X December 16, 2019 __ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE__ Date Ricardo Fernandez, Executive Director PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RESOLUTION # 19-21 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR PLANNING SERVICES WHEREAS, proposals were received by the Director of Purchasing on November 1, 2019 for the Passaic Redevelopment Agency for Planning Services; and, WHEREAS, the proposals were solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et. seq.; and, WHEREAS, proposals were received from the following vendors: Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #12 a. Plan 2 Consultants b. Neglia Engineering Associates WHEREAS, the Executive Director has reviewed the responses and has recommended Plan 2 Consultants based on qualification, past experience and cost; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Passaic Redevelopment Agency that the contract for planning services be awarded to Plan 2 Consultants as specified in the attached contract. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairman is authorized to execute a contract for a Planner to Plan 2 Consultants at hourly rate of $100 and not to exceed $10,000 for a period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS I certify that funds are available in the Redevelopment Agency Account. _______________________________ _ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE___ Chief Financial Officer INTRODUCED BY: _Kimberly Perez_________ SECONDED BY: ___Ruth Perez_____________ Commissioner For Against Abstain Absent Chairman Arthur Soto X Vice Chairwoman Ruth Perez X Peter Cedeno-Castro X Chaim Munk X Kimberly Perez X Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #13 David Spector X Angel Torres X December 16, 2019 __ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE___ Date Ricardo Fernandez, Executive Director PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RESOLUTION # 19-22 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MEETING DATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 WHEREAS, the Passaic Redevelopment Agency needs to establish meeting dates for 2020. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Passaic Redevelopment Agency that the following are the Agency’s regular meeting dates. All meetings are to be held at 7:00pm in the Passaic City Hall, 2nd Floor, Mayor’s Conference Room, 330 Passaic Street, Passaic, NJ. February 13, 2020 August 13, 2020 March 12, 2020 September 10, 2020 April 23, 2020 ** October 15, 2020 ** May 14, 2020 November 12, 2020 June 11, 2020 December 10, 2020 July 9, 2020 INTRODUCED BY: __Ruth Perez_______ SECONDED BY: ___Kimberly Perez_____ Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #14 Commissioner For Against Abstain Absent Chairman Arthur Soto X Vice Chairwoman Ruth Perez X Peter Cedeno - Castro X Chaim Munk X Kimberly Perez X David Spector X Angel Torres X December 16, 2019 _Original Signature on File________ Date Ricardo Fernandez, Executive Director RESOLUTION 19-22 TABLED UNTIL JANUARY MEETING VIII. UPDATES BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RICARDO FERNANDEZ Main Avenue Concept Design Shared flyer and posters with the concept design as shared at the first local officials meeting held. This is the big project that we want to obtain approximately $40 million dollars through County and Federal funding programs. The County has taken the lead in the application process with the hopes that now that we are in the pipeline we can get funded in the anticipated timeline which will be a 5 to 8 year process. We anticipate to have two other local officials meeting and two other stakeholder meetings that we encourage your participation. They will also have a local demonstration project sometime in March, April or May with renderings of the projects to test the ideas. They also have a website for you to take a look at your convenience. There is also an investigation underway to focus on parking and parking feasibility in the area and the potential Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Page #15 addition of a parking deck on the Home Liquors lot. They are also considering the deck that will be built on Passaic Street. PARKING DECK ON PASSAIC STREET Plan is already developed for the upcoming parking deck on Passaic Street and State Street and the design will be shared at the upcoming council meeting tomorrow in the Parking Authority Presentation that will be taking place. They anticipate to have an additional 300 to 340 parking spaces depending on funding for consumers and residents in the area. NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION PROGRAM GRANT This morning we had a focusing discussion on the additional grant from the Neighborhood Preservation Program that the city won in the amount of $125,000 per year for three years with a requirement that we do focus groups and fill out the survey which we are sharing the link on the city website for everyone’s convenience. The money will not be accessible until we complete these steps. We have a planning firm called Topology to work with on the public outreach but we will need to complete this process in order to award them the contract. Our goal is to have them do a full redevelopment plan of the site to incorporate a store front improvement program, outdoor dining, and murals. XI. ADJOURNMENT Moved: Chaim Munk Seconded: Arthur Soto For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Present: 2 Respectfully Submitted, ORIGINAL SIGNATURE ON FILE Asenett Martin Secretary