ACCEPTED BY THE BOARD SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
MINUTES
EDC REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2013
PRESENT
Paul J. Tonna, Chairman
Joanne Minieri, Vice Chair
Peter Zarcone, Treasurer
Steve Rossetti, Secretary
Kevin Harvey, Member
David Rosenberg, Member
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Grant Hendricks, Member
ALSO PRESENT
Anthony N. Manetta, Suffolk County IDA CEO & Executive Director
Anthony J. Catapano, Suffolk County IDA Deputy Executive Director
Daryl Leonette, Suffolk County IDA Administrative Assistant
Amy Illardo, Suffolk County IDA Marketing Associate
Regina Halliday, Suffolk County IDA Bookkeeper
William Wexler, Esq., Agency Counsel
William Weir, Esq., Bond/Transaction Counsel, Nixon Peabody, LLP
William Dudine, Esq., Winston & Strawn LLP
Oksana M. Ludd, Partner, Hiscock & Barclay LLP
Wayne Horsley, Deputy Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislator
Brendan Chamberlain, Aide to the Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislator
Kimberly Scalice, Aide to Legislator Tom Cilmi
Debbie Tinnirello, Aide to Legislator Kara Hahn
Lisa Broughton, Economic Development
David Chauvin, V.P., Zimmerman/Edelson, Inc.
Kathleen Rivers, Director Business Services, Labor Department
James Madore, Sr. Business Writer/Economy Newsday
John Callegari, Reporter, Long Island Business News
The Regular Meeting of the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation held in the Conference Room of the Agency, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, H. Lee Dennison Building, 3rd. Floor, Hauppauge, NY was called to order at 12:45 p.m.
SCEDC MINUTES -2- AUGUST 22, 2013
Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC): Discussion.
Mr. Manetta presented Exhibit A. Mr. Manetta stated the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC) purpose is to promote the physical, economic and social health and well-being of the Long Island region and its residents. Mr. Manetta indicated that the goal of the LIRPC is to educate residents on key issues affecting the quality of life on Long Island. Mr. Manetta stated the EDC has the funds available to fund this request and it would help the County.
Mr. Manetta introduced John Cameron, Jr. of the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC) to the Board. Mr. Cameron stated the Long Island Regional Planning Council is a bi-county agency that serves as the region’s planner and we need to operate as a region. Mr.
Cameron stated that the LIRPC has many significant economic development strategies that they will seek to implement in 2014. Mr. Cameron indicated that some of these strategies that have already taken root, i.e. the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (“CEDS”) and Buy Long Island First. Both of these strategies need further involvement of the Long Island Regional Planning Council to continue. Mr. Cameron stated that he is addressing affordable housing and they are competing with other suburban communities. Mr. Cameron indicated that they have to maintain funding; all of this is revolved around economic development. Mr. Rosenberg asked what is your annual budget and how large is your staff and Mr. Cameron stated his budget is approximately a half million and there staff is currently two people we will need four on staff. Mr. Rosenberg asked where does your funding come from and Mr. Cameron stated from grants. Mr. Harvey asked how much in grants do you accumulate during the year and Mr. Cameron said about $100,000 a year. Mr. Rossetti asked if Nassau County has made a commitment and Mr. Cameron stated yes for $125,000.
Mr. Zarcone asked when did Nassau County commit and Mr. Cameron indicated last week. Mr. Rossetti stated this sounds great although four or five of these strategies are already being done by the IDA and EDC. Ms. Minieri stated the LIRPC is generally geared locally and they have a regional plan they are focusing on our young graduates and affordable housing. Ms. Minieri stated she does not believe what the Long Island Planning Council is doing is redundant. Mr. Rosenberg stated that he believes there is an overlap and he does have concern, this is the largest commitment the EDC has ever made. Mr. Tonna indicated that this organization is regional and he feels it is critical that this is approved. Mr. Rosenberg stated that he is not ready to support this today. Mr. Tonna suggested that the Board vote for $125,000 today to set a precedent. Mr. Rossetti stated he does not like being rushed into this. Mr. Rossetti indicated that we have not had any substantial results. Mr. Tonna indicated that Nassau and Suffolk County working together is great. Mr. Zarcone stated that we are considering $125,000 I think we are doing the right thing by questioning this. Mr. Harvey agreed this is a good idea but we need a system of feedback. Mr. Rosenberg stated this is a significant amount of money he would like to see their 990’s and financials also he is in support of what they do.
SCEDC MINUTES -3- AUGUST 22, 2013
Mr. Tonna indicated we will have to call a Special Meeting to discuss this matter at a later date.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tonna, seconded by Mr. Rosenberg, it was:
RESOLVED, to table the funding request for the Long Island Regional Planning Council.
Unanimously carried 6/0.
Minutes
The Minutes of the July 25, 2013 EDC Meeting were accepted.
After further discussion and;
Upon a motion by Mr. Tonna, seconded by Mr. Rosenberg, it was:
RESOLVED, to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation.
Unanimously carried 6/0.
The Meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
The next Meeting of the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation is tentatively scheduled for September 25, 2013.