February 15th, 2022
Brian LaFountain discussed a labor exemption request for the 30 West Broad Street LLC project. The average local bid for metal roof replacement work was significantly more than 25% higher than a bid from a firm in Tonawanda; therefore the exemption was granted under COMIDA policy. As of last week, 61.4% of workers at the Amazon Manitou site were local. The delay in getting to the 70% requirement is attributed to the continuation of steel work. Board member Milne reported that non-local workers are involved in roofing, mezzanine construction, security system installation and loading dock construction as well as other areas and these could be an opportunity for local labor. Mr. LaFountain was asked to request a monthly projection of local labor from the site so that the Board can stay on top of this issue. If the project is not at 70% by the end of construction, actions such as recapturing of benefits can be taken.
Gregg Genovese reviewed the current budget and the projected revenue for 2022 based on new projects in the pipeline. By year end, a revenue estimate in excess of $4 million could be anticipated.
Application Review: No new applications were received.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The following request was approved: Innovation Partners ROC LLC requested an increase in the mortgage recording tax exemption for their renovation of the Xerox Square property due to an increase in their construction loan amount.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Motions to appoint Ann Burr as chair of the finance committee and as a member of the governance committee passed. An executive session was called; the reason was not given.