Note to site Visitors: As PARC's mission winds down, press releases will be fewer and fewer. Nevertheless, this page will continue to publish, sequentially, minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors -- as they are approved -- for the current calendar year beginning with the first meeting of that year. The minutes are posted as the bottom items on the page. Board meeting minutes dating to PARC's founding in 1995 are available for review in the corporation's offices at 130 Arizona Avenue on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

 

For a "chronological review of events and activities at PARC" from its establishment in 1995 through 2007, click the Timelime link above, or click here.
 

 

 

 

231 New York Road

Plattsburgh , NY 12903
For Immediate Release

Date: April 3, 2006

Contact: Dennis R. Doyle
Tel.: (518) 561-0232

PLATTSBURGH -- The Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corp. (PARC) has contributed nearly $3 million in taxes to local taxing jurisdictions since its voluntary Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) program went into effect in calendar 2001 and PARC began paying special district taxes on New Base property three years ago.

A report compiled by PARC's Finance Department, issued today at a meeting of the organization's Board of Directors, shows that the Plattsburgh City and Peru Central School Districts , the City of Plattsburgh and Clinton County have shared in $1,867, 405 in tax monies generated via the PARC PILOT. Since 2004, meanwhile, PARC has paid $959,781 in special district taxes to the Town of Plattsburgh , which ratified the PILOT agreement but does not receive payments under it. Virtually all of the New Base lies within Town boundaries.

Only properties owned, occupied or leased by PARC produce tax revenue under the PILOT. The total does not reflect additional and substantial tax proceeds collected by the taxing entities from businesses operating at PARC that own their land and buildings or from residential property owners and landlords who live on or rent former base property.

“We believe that PARC's accomplishments in expanding and improving the community's tax base will be a cornerstone of its legacy,” commented Board Chairman Gilbert Duken, “so we asked for a review of PILOT data up to the current time. We feel the information demonstrates in another tangible manner that PARC has met its longstanding commitment to strengthen the North Country economy.

“Some may forget that PARC took the initiative in negotiating the PILOT agreements with the local taxing jurisdictions,” Duken continued. “The result of that effort is a new and ongoing stream of revenue from property that had never before been on the tax rolls.”

According to the report, PILOT payments are made in mid-year annually to the Peru and Plattsburgh school districts and annually to the City and County towards the end of the year.

PARC PILOT payments totaled $170, 638 in 2001, $382,711.94 in 2002 and peaked at $423,928.95 in 2003. They totaled $375, 896.53 in 2004, $337,952.19 in 2005 and $176,277.74 thus far in 2006, with payments to the City and County due before the end of the year.

The gradual decline, Duken said, reflects the upward trend in property sales and transfer to new owners. However, he added, the drop in no way diminishes the overall tax impact since businesses and developers who purchase property at PARC automatically assume the tax burden.

A breakdown shows that the Peru Central School District is the leading beneficiary of PARC PILOT payments with $959,585.43 in receipts covering the period of January 1, 2001 through June 30 th of this year. The Plattsburgh City School District has received $403,697.32 over the same span while payments to the City and County -- excluding those due at the end of 2006 -- have totaled $504,122.60.

PARC makes its special district tax payments to the Town near the beginning of the year. They totaled $316,622 in 2004, $309,420 in 2005 and rose to $333,379 for the current year.

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231 New York Road

Plattsburgh , NY 12903
For Immediate Release

Date: Monday, July 24, 2006

Contact: Dennis R. Doyle

Tel.: (518) 561-0232

PLATTSBURGH – As the mission of the Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corp. (PARC) winds down, more details about its long-term economic impact on the regional community are coming into focus.

That was the central theme today at the July meeting of PARC's Board of Directors, where Board members and PARC administrators discussed the results of two internal studies.

One shows that the City of Plattsburgh and Town of Plattsburgh combined gained $73 million in the assessed value of former federal property placed on their tax rolls over a 10-year period through PARC's economic development efforts. The second illustrates that PARC invested and managed more than $24 million in airport maintenance and capital improvements from 1996 until 2005, when Clinton County assumed responsibility for airfield operations.

During his remarks, Gilbert Duken, PARC's Board Chairman, said that, as of May 1, 2005 , property sales and new development within city boundaries had generated $52 million in new assessments. The tally for New Base property within the Town -- exclusive of the airfield -- was $21 million, he said.

The base closed in September of 1995. None of the property comprising the 5,000-acre federal complex had ever before been on the tax rolls.

During his report to the Board, Marc Poirier, PARC's chief financial officer, pointed out that the assessment information on the City was provided by the Clinton County assessor. Data on the Town came from that municipality's assessor.

“The greater part of the assessed value of former base property within the city can be attributed to residential sales,” Poirier said. “The assessed value of New Base property in the Town is based almost exclusively on sales to commercial and industrial tenants.

“We expect that value will increase dramatically,” he continued, “as we sell and close on more buildings and we are able to market and sell vacant parcels and others that will come on line after current and planned demolition projects end. We look forward to continuing our mission and to helping the City and Town improve their overall assessed values.”

During its nearly 10-year term as caretaker of the aviation complex, PARC oversaw the expenditure of more than $13 million to maintain and operate Plattsburgh International Airport, including for upkeep, repairs and upgrades to facilities within the Public Benefit Conveyance (PBC) now occupied by tenants. An additional $11 million was spent on capital improvements, and they included expansion and renovation of aircraft hangars and nosedocks, installation of a fuel farm, construction of a tail enclosure facility for the large hangar, and the acquisition of additional assets for airfield operations.

“Our goal,” Duken said, “was to maintain the airfield as near as possible to FAA standards until Clinton County could take it over for posterity. PARC not only met that objective, it also conveyed a property that was turning a considerable profit at the time.”

Poirier noted that the funds spent by PARC in the PBC came from grants from the Economic Development Administration, the Empire State Development Corporation and from tenant income generated by PARC.

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Milestones

A chronological review of events & activities at PARC from fall 1995 through 2005

1995

* PAFB closes on September 29. Plattsburgh Intermunicipal Council dissolves as PARC is created to manage redevelopment of the former base.
* Seven-member Board of Directors (appointed by elected officials on the national, state and local levels) established to oversee redevelopment effort
* Board retains David Holmes as PARC's first President & CEO; Holmes recruits senior staff (attorney, administrative assistant, finance officer, marketing specialist) and caretaker staff (PARC's payroll, at one point in the early stages of its existence, exceeded 130 employees)
* PARC receives initial grants from New York State and the Office of Economic Adjustment
* PARC negotiates fire support contracts with City of Plattsburgh Fire Department (Old Base) and South Plattsburgh Fire Department (New Base)

1996

* Comprehensive Base Reuse Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement completed
* PARC, USAF negotiate initial caretaker agreement
* Aviation feasibility study initiated
* Wood Group Aero leases former Test Cell for repair/overhaul of industrial & aviation jet engines; becomes PARC's initial aviation-related tenant
* Marc Barie appointed CEO (succeeding Holmes)
* PARC receives NYSDOT grants to begin certification of airfield for charter and general aviation operations

1997

* Air Force Record of Decision designates PARC as the planning LRA (local reuse agency)
* Community debates Authority issue
* PARC holds first auction to dispose of surplus Air Force property; similar auctions would occur in 2001, 2003 and twice during 2004; all auctions combined generated $728,896.20 for investment in PARC's redevelopment efforts
* PHISH concert in August attracts thousands; has significant economic impact but creates major airfield cleanup headache for PARC

1998

* Authority initiative fails; CCIDA designated “eligible applicant” for Economic Development Conveyance (EDC)
* Ice Storm support (PARC provides machinery, equipment, vehicles and supplies for relief effort; opens dormitories and gymnasia that eventually house more than 1,000 National Guard troops, utility workers, Red Cross personnel and other volunteers)
* Central Heat Plant closes; PARC negotiates with USAF to convert 25 buildings to independent heating systems; NYSEG brings natural gas to the former base
* PARC designated as Economic Development Zone (EDZ)
* Rail link project funded by PARC-negotiated NYSDOT grant
* Marc Barie resigns; Dan Wieneke appointed CEO (Wieneke creates PARC “management team” concept)
* 15 Capehart residences on Old Base demolished, paving the way for groundbreaking for Lake Forest Senior Retirement Community
* USAF Thunderbirds headline two-day Air Show; event loses money but proves to be valuable marketing tool

1999

* Select Group memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed
* Hamilton Street and Arizona Avenue gates open
* PARC hosts 1 st community open house program
* Groundbreaking for 1 st new industrial building (76,500 s.f. structure occupied today by Multina Corp.); four others – including the 50,000 s.f. spec building that houses Ayerst Labs' warehouse operation and the 80,000 s.f. Cornell Trading building – would follow
* PrimeLink agrees to bring fiber optic technology to PARC and its tenants, providing a major boost to PARC's marketing efforts
* Rail link constructed
* PARC maintains NASA certification as inactive runway for space shuttle support
* Former bowling alley renovated (largely in-house) for occupancy by Northern Parts & Service
* Above-ground heating pipe removal and asbestos abatement project begins
* Macro International joins PARC's tenant fold
* Pratt & Whitney delivers signed lease to PARC on Christmas Eve

2000

* PARC staff complete and submit first EDC application
* Aircraft operations begin; PARC and Clinton County launch discussions on future airport move
* Caretaker agreement extension approved by USAF
* Nexia Biotechnology moves into former weapons storage facilities
* Pratt & Whitney moves into newly renovated main hangar and nearby maintenance building
* Site Selection magazine names Plattsburgh as #7 on its list of America 's Top 100 Small Cities for Corporate Facilities, identifies PARC as the catalyst for the ranking
* PARC initiates PILOT agreement negotiations with five local taxing jurisdictions
* Select Group rehab project begins
* Clinton Community College announces plans to occupy two former PAFB dorms by fall
* Heritage Trail opens along shoreline of historic Lake Champlain
* Two-square-mile area at PARC designated as Empire Zone
* PARC reports it has achieved financial self-sufficiency
* PrimeLink and Northeast Group occupy facilities at PARC
* Massive subdivision of Old Base and New Base properties begins

2001

* CCIDA approves PILOT, its straight-lease agreement with PARC and a Lease in Furtherance of Conveyance with AFBCA
* PARC takes title to first parcels of former base, transfers land and buildings to Select Group
* Demolition (financed by proceeds from the Select Group housing sale) begins on dilapidated housing on both the Old Base and New Base
* Plattsburgh moves up to #5 on Site Selection magazine's list of America 's Top 100 Small Cities for Corporate Facilities
* PARC reaches agreement with CVPH to lease (and subsequently acquire) the former Fitness Center for conversion to a physical therapy facility
* Charter aircraft land at PARC in support of ORDA-sponsored winter sports activities
* PILOT agreement reached; PARC makes first payment ($77,000) to local taxing jurisdictions in April; payment total would reach $400,000 before the end of the year
* Workforce Investment Board announces plans to open a business-employment resource center (known today as “OneWorkForce”) in Building 104 on Old Base
* Select Group launches Phase I (116 units) of its housing sale in a community renamed “Lake Country Development, LLC”; project sells out in less than one month
* 2000-acre FTZ established at PARC
* Pratt & Whitney adds 747 aircraft to its jet engine testing fleet
* Peru Central School closes Northside School ; moves faculty and students to Peru campus
* In wake of terrorist attacks on 9/11, PARC loses $2.5 million in state funding

2002

* City of Plattsburgh takes over Old Base infrastructure; moves its Public Works Department to the New Base Vehicle Maintenance Building (to allow Bombardier to expand operations)
* Clinton Community College announces plans to open second dorm, convert former base library to satellite student union & cafeteria facility
* Developers purchase 17-acre site on Old Base for Heritage Heights housing project
* Pending approval of the subdivision of 70 parcels on 350 acres, Town of Plattsburgh makes clear its intent to take of the New Base infrastructure by January 1, 2003 ;
* Brownstones go on the market as centerpiece of Planned Unit Development; attract bids ranging to $2 million
* Phase II of Select Group housing sells out in a matter of weeks
* The City of Plattsburgh adds Sailors Beach and Marina to its recreational inventory
* The Battle of Plattsburgh Association and PARC ink agreement allowing BOPA to take over one building on the Old Base with an option to lease eight more of historical significance
* Clinton County opts to apply for Public Benefit Conveyance to take possession of PARC airfield
* Oval West LLC of Burlington , Vt. Wins bid for Planned Unit Development (including 17 Brownstones)
* For the 4 th consecutive year, PARC shows an increase in rents, profits and net assets as well as a clean audit report
* Clearing of land begins for nine-hole expansion at the Barracks Golf Club

2003

* Seton Catholic Central School announces plans to purchase former Northside School
* PARC and the Town sign agreement on the transfer of the New Base infrastructure, effective January 1, 2004
* Plans to move Canadian-Pacific rail yard from downtown Plattsburgh to New Base solidified, clearing the way for waterfront revitalization
* City of Plattsburgh takes ownership of Old Base gym, chapel and US Oval
* Plattsburgh advances to #3 on the Site Selection list
* Clinton County takes deed to flight line
* PARC reaches sale agreement with private developer for 22 US Oval; begins planning for move to Southside School to make room for new City Court and office facilities
* BOPA exercises its option to expand its holdings on the Old Base as well as adjacent land
* Town of Plattsburgh approves subdivision plan for 350 acres on New Base
* Last of renovated base housing in Select Group project (316 units total) is sold
* PARC creates $100,000 scholarship endowment fund with the Plattsburgh College Foundation
* Cornell Trading announces plans to build an 80,000 s.f. warehouse and product distribution center on the west side of the airfield at PARC

2004

* PARC invites Clinton County and representatives of other local taxing jurisdictions to participate in negotiations with Precision Jet Management (PJM) to open a proposed full-service, one-stop aviation center (e.g., aircraft refurbishing & painting, aircraft sales, refueling, pilot & mechanic training) on the airfield; project would dominate PARC operations as well as regional news coverage throughout most of 2004
* Seton Catholic breaks ground for new gym adjoining former Northside School
* PARC board authorizes demolition contract to remove Capehart housing on southeastern side of Old Base to spur development of Pine Harbour project (a proposed 60-unit “enriched-living center and memory-care facility” planned jointly by Lake Forest and CVPH)
* Homeland Security announces plans to station surveillance aircraft at PARC
* PARC and Clinton County sign MOU with PJM
* PARC petitions state for revision of Empire Zone boundaries
* PrimeLink purchases former communications building on Kansas Avenue
* City Court relocates to PARC
* PARC makes first installment in three-year, $50,000 gift to the Clinton Community County Foundation Scholarship Fund
* PARC named “Economic Development Partner of the Year” by the Plattsburgh- North Country Chamber of Commerce
* PARC implements employee retrenchment program; downsizes from 56 to 36 staff immediately and shrinks to fewer than 25 within a year's time
* Lake Forest purchases its 15-acre complex
* Plattsburgh occupies the #2 spot on Site Selection magazine's list of top small cities for economic development largely on expansion at PARC, specifically the Ayerst Labs and Cornell Trading projects
* PARC donates hundreds of items of surplus medical equipment and supplies to the Plattsburgh-base Mission of Hope project
* Cornell Trading formally dedicates its new facility; opens with 42 employees
* County rejects PJM deal
* PARC and NYSEG complete agreement for takeover of New Base utilities
* County ends contract with PARC to market the flight line
* Homeland Security begins Plattsburgh mission in October
* Final audit of caretaker agreement between PARC and AFBCA is declared free of all abnormalities

2005

* In January, Board approves transfer of 25 properties on former base to new owners
* PARC outlines $9.3 million in projects remaining to complete its mission (they include asbestos abatement and demolition of the former base hospital and central heating plant and the demolition of four dormitories and 81 residential buildings)
* PARC advertises and initiates public sale of remaining Air Force surplus property via bid procedure
* PARC announces plans to move Clyde Lewis Park to east side of Route 9; budgets more than $200,000 to support the move and establishes $50,000 annuity for upkeep by the City of Plattsburgh
* Larkin Realty of Burlington undertakes renovation of former ROTC building on Old Base for luxury condominiums
* PARC contributes $50,000 -- payable over two years -- to the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts in support of the Strand Theater restoration project
* The Barracks Golf Club opens new nine holes
* PARC dedicates significant portion of state funding to support proposed Pratt & Whitney expansion of main aircraft hangar
* Clinton County takes over marketing of flight line
* PARC and Clinton County reach agreement on terms for land sales within EDC2 boundaries
* Dan Wieneke resigns as PARC CEO; Board implements shared leadership structure
* PARC initiates a second phase of staff reductions with the intent to downsize to fewer than 15 employees by October of 2006
* Four additional residential properties on Old Base go on sale at asking prices ranging from $200,000 to $575,000
* Pine Harbour breaks ground for new facility on former Old Base property

 

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Executive Summary
of the PARC Board of Directors Meeting
February 25, 2008

Directors Present: Gil Duken and Jim King

Directors Present by Phone: Henry Fortin Jr, Marion Bourdeau and Kevin Carroll

Directors Excused: Don Garrant and Stephen Bouyea

Others Present: Bruce Steadman, Lee Mitchell, Bob Davis, Randall Beach, and Dennis Doyle

Call to Order: Chairman Duken called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance:

Public Welcome and Invitation to Comment: There was no public comment.

Prior Minutes:

Chairman Duken asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the November 5, 2007 meeting. Motion to approve by Mr. King, seconded by Mr. Fortin. All in favor thereof.

Chairman’s Report: Noting that the meeting is the first for the Board in 2008, Mr. Duken began by extending greetings and best wishes for the New Year. He expressed pleasure in renewing his association with his Board colleagues. The seven-member group, he asserted, is as diligent and community-minded as any he’s served during his career, adding that its members’ hands-on contributions individually and collectively are genuinely appreciated.

Mr. Duken noted that calendar 2008 is shaping up as an exciting year for PARC. It began with great news from the Air Force that the Finding of Suitability for Early Transfer, commonly referred to as a “FOSET,” is moving forward. CEO Bruce Steadman, he said, will have more to say on this topic, but he wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the help received on the effort from Congressman John McHugh, State Senator Betty Little, and Assemblywoman Janet Duprey. Looking ahead, he continued, the remainder of the year will be crowded with additional closings, construction projects and marketing initiatives.

He noted that productive economic activity is taking place in other corners of the community. He said that new carriers are offering more flights out of Plattsburgh International Airport, and that will translate to explosive growth in tourism for our region. He said that Garry Douglas and his team at the Chamber of Commerce deserve plaudits for championing the airport’s potential. Meanwhile, he added, it appears that hundreds of jobs at the Wyeth Pharmaceutical plant in Rouses Point will be saved. Nova Bus is reportedly ready to break ground for a new manufacturing facility in the Town of Plattsburgh. Canadian shoppers are once again flocking to our community, and new retail stores are coming to our malls. Finally, he said, we’re holding onto hope that the Laurentian Aerospace project will go forward. He observed that the national news media are feeding steady daily diet of economic gloom-and-doom to the American public. We certainly have plenty of problems locally, he said. All-in-all, he concluded, now is a good time to live and work in the North Country.

Committee Reports: None

Chief Executive Officer’s Report: Since there were no committee reports, Mr. Steadman requested department reports.

Engineering Department Report: Mr. Davis began his report by stating that PARC continues to support remaining tenants. Also, efforts continue with the Air Force Real Property Agency (AFRPA) to complete inspections of buildings under lease. The main initiative, he said, is the upgrading of 130 Arizona Avenue in an effort to attract additional tenants, and, most notably, for a future sale. Completed work includes a new kitchenette on the first floor in the common area, fresh painted hallways, and new signs. Upcoming work includes the installation of ADA-compliant doors on the north end and front end of the building, upgrading in Simulator Bay 3 to include installation of a new overhead door, new electrical work, and general improvements to the space for a new tenant.

Finance Department Report: Mrs. Mitchell reported that rents for the month of January totaled $41,992, and the rate of collection was 99.7%. Other highlights included:
• There were no property sales in the month of January.
• The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) Phase 12 Grant application for $1 million was approved. PARC appreciates the support of our Regional ESDC Office in helping us obtain the grant and extends thanks to Randy Beach, ESDC Regional Director. PARC executed and returned the Grant Agreement with the required paperwork in January and should now be able to draw down these funds as related expenses are incurred.
• The list of closings and transfers for the month of December has been updated to reflect the entire month since only a partial month’s information was available at the December 11th Finance Committee Meeting.
• In accordance with PARC’s staff reduction plan, there are currently seven full-time employees.

Mrs. Mitchell stated that, in addition to the day to day tasks, the following are other items worked on throughout December and January. (She noted that these items represent the collective effort of several PARC staff, and she especially acknowledged the efforts of Lisa Conto and Rocky Harfield on many.)
• Required tax reporting following calendar year end such as processing W-2s, 1099s and associated tax filings have been completed.
• Significant activity centered around setting up changes in the Accounting and Property Management software for 2008 which included software upgrades, new tax rate downloads, and annual changes to employee records.
• Insurance audits were conducted to review and reconcile PARC’s prior year insurance coverages against actual results, and 2008 policies have been reviewed and are in place.

Mrs. Mitchell concluded saying that PARC continues to look forward at the work that still lies ahead including the revision to the budget to the balance of this fiscal year, next year’s budget, and the related time frame for completing the balance of work in PARC’s mission.

Chief Executive Officer: Echoing Mr. Duken’s comments, Mr. Steadman said it is good news indeed that the final group of deeds from AFRPA is now in the process of being reviewed and approved. He said it’s been a long process to get to this point as these deeds are part of the Finding of Suitability for Early Transfer (FOSET), and require the approval of the USEPA, NYSDEC, and the NYSDOH. He cited Dexter Cochnauer, the new Chief Operations Officer at the AFRPA Office in San Antonio, as well as Steve Gagnier and Dave Farnsworth, the local AFRPA representatives, as great people to work with. In addition, he acknowledged the help PARC has received from Congressman John McHugh, Senator Betty Little, and Assemblywoman Janet Duprey in helping to move the process forward. Unfortunately, he continued, the process is taking longer than expected. It now looks like it will be September or October of 2008 before PARC receives the FOSET, and that time frame is a year and a half later than anticipated. Naturally, he said, that just further delays property closings and means PARC will be in business longer than expected. PARC cannot end its mission, he said, until it receives all of the deeds which could take 60-90 days after the FOSET.

Mr. Steadman acknowledge ESDC Regional Director and former PARC Board Chairperson Randy Beach. Randy, he said, has been an effective partner of PARC over the years, not only through Board service, but also in his most recent role with ESDC. His foresight and understanding of PARC has been invaluable, Mr. Steadman said, and thanked him for his part in helping Senator Little and others to put the Phase 12 Grant in place. Mr. Steadman said that a number of projects are underway and several others will begin over the next several months.

Legal Report: None

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

Public Comments: None.

Chairman: Mr. Duken asked for adjournment to retire to Executive Session. Motion by Mr. King; seconded by Mr. Fortin. All in favor thereof.

Call to Order: On a motion by Mrs. Bourdeau, seconded by Mr. King, Mr. Duken reconvened the public meeting.

Mr. Fortin moved to adopt a resolution on the topic of Expenditures for Charitable, Cultural and Community Activities, seconded by Mr. King. All in favor thereof.

Mrs. Bourdeau moved to adopt a resolution on the topic of a new lease for a perspective tenant, seconded by Mr. Carroll. All in favor thereof.

Mr. King moved to adopt a resolution related to the EDC, seconded by Mrs. Bourdeau. All in favor thereof.

Mr. Carroll moved to adjourn the public session, seconded by Mrs. Bourdeau. All in favor thereof.

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Executive Summary
of the PARC Board of Directors Meeting
April 28, 2008

Directors Present: Gil Duken, Marion Bourdeau, Steve Bouyea, Jim King and Kevin Carroll

Director Present by Phone: Don Garrant

Director Excused: Henry Fortin

Others Present: Bruce Steadman, Lee Mitchell, Bob Davis, Randall Beach, Dennis Doyle and Randy Beach

Call to Order: Chairman Duken called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance:

Public Welcome and Invitation to Comment: There was no public comment.

Prior Minutes:

Chairman Duken asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2008 meeting. Motion to approve by Mrs. Bourdeau, seconded by Mr. Bouyea. All in favor thereof.

Chairman’s Report: Mr. Duken noted that it had been his routine to emphasize the positive during his remarks at the beginning of PARC Board meetings. However, he said, he couldn’t sidestep the recent announcement that Pratt and Whitney will cease operations on the former base this fall and move its jet engine testing program to Mirabel Airport north of Montreal. It is, he continued, a sad development for all associated with PARC. He recalled the joy and excitement when Pratt’s Doug Fage delivered a signed lease to PARC headquarters on Christmas Eve of 1999. PARC had landed its anchor tenant in aviation. It meant brand name recognition for PARC throughout the aerospace industry in its bid for additional tenants and investors. He stated that while Pratt’s business decision may be understandable, it is nevertheless a major disappointment all at PARC feel deeply. He wished the County good fortune in filling the void.

On a brighter note, Mr. Duken said, it’s a pleasure to congratulate the County on the continuing growth and smooth operations underway at Plattsburgh International Airport. He stated that he has had the pleasure of flying round-trip to Florida on Allegiant Airlines on more than one occasion, and it can’t be beat in terms of price, service and convenience. He said that comments from friends and neighbors regarding travel experiences offered by Myrtle Beach Direct and Cape Air are similarly agreeable. Considering the bad press that has plagued the airline industry in general recently, he continued, we are truly fortunate to have the carriers and options currently available at Plattsburgh International Airport.

Mr. Duken noted that the PARC staff is stepping up its campaign to market the remaining available properties in its inventory. A new printed piece on the theme, “You’re in Fast Company at PARC,” will be in circulation soon. The four-color direct mail publication will emphasize PARC’s attractive multi-modal features as well as advantageous site highlights and the community’s quality of life characteristics.

Mr. Duken acknowledged that C. Randall Beach, a good friend and former Board colleague, who recently retired from his post as Regional Director for the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), was in attendance. He said that PARC couldn’t let Mr. Beach “fade into the sunset without a few kind words,” and asked him to “stay put.”

Committee Reports: None

Chief Executive Officer: Since there were no committee reports, Mr. Steadman requested department reports. He asked that Randall S. Beach Esq., of Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, LLP, present the Legal Report first. C. Randall Beach was asked to step up to the podium also.

Legal Report: Attorney Beach stated he had a resolution that had been passed unanimously by the Board a few weeks prior, and he proceeded to read the resolution in its entirety. Citing his many accomplishments, the resolution commended Randy Beach for his outstanding career achievements and his superb record in community service, thanked him for his friendship and guidance both as a PARC Board colleague and as ESDC’s top administrator in the North Country, and wished him excellent health and every success in all future endeavors. Mr. Steadman presented Mr. Beach with a framed copy of the resolution. The recipient acknowledged the honor, and credited his family as well as the PARC Board and staff for his success. He stated that, “You can’t make anything happen unless you have a fantastic team behind you and with you.” When considering all the projects he’s worked on over the years and all the places he’s been, he said, PARC has been the greatest team, the greatest Board, and, certainly, the greatest success.

Attorney Beach had no further legal business to report.

Chief Executive Officer: Mr. Steadman affirmed the contents of the resolution and personally thanked Randy. He said that when he thinks of Randy, two words come to mind: “Enthusiastic” and “details.” Whenever he had a meeting with Mr. Beach, there was always a point when the latter would get a smile on his face and be ready to go somewhere and get something done. He also noted that Randy has a great memory for details. He could always recall where things were located on the base. Mr. Steadman concluded by acknowledging Randy Beach as the father of PARC’s attorney, and by wishing him the best of luck in the future.

Chairman’s Comments: Mr. Duken also thanked Mr. Beach on behalf of the Board. He recalled when he joined the Board during Mr. Beach’s term as Chairman, saying he was very impressed with the latter’s dedication, leadership and the number of hours he dedicated to PARC’s redevelopment effort and to other North Country service organizations. He commended him for all his service over the years.

Chief Executive Officer: Mr. Steadman noted that he also wanted to say thank you and farewell to Mike Beaudin, Senior Vice President of NBT Bank, who was retiring at the end of the week. Mr. Beaudin, he said, was the first local financial person to stand up for and partner with PARC. He lauded Mr. Beaudin for his tremendous integrity and his willingness to listen, and said that he has been a great friend over the years. Mike Beaudin, he said, will be missed by PARC and by the banking industry.

Engineering/Environmental Department Report: Mr. Davis stated that some changes to a large space in 130 Arizona Avenue had been completed to accommodate a new tenant. They included removing IT flooring, painting, construction of a satellite room, and installation of two new electrical outlets. Mr. Steadman pointed out that PARC was willing to spend time and money on the building since it is the last of the “serious” buildings PARC has to sell. The 40-year-old building has required some upgrades to attract an investor. However, the work accomplished in the facility would have been necessary irrespective of occupancy by a new tenant.

Finance Department Report: Mrs. Mitchell reported that rents for the month of March totaled $43,422, and the rate of collection was 96%. The outstanding March rent was collected in full by early April. There were no property sales in the month of March. The first payment request under the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) Phase 12 Grant was submitted. Approximately 40% of that grant budget was spent as of March 31st, and PARC requested reimbursement for the costs paid. In addition, the final reimbursement request to close out the last remaining open payment item of $13,000 on an earlier grant was submitted at the same time. All grant phases prior to the current Phase 12 Grant are completed and closed out. The reimbursement request package has been reviewed by both PARC’s program and project managers. PARC’s ESDC Project Manager has received the requested follow-up materials. Following a meeting with PARC’s Site Manager, Finance staff will confirm that all review items are addressed satisfactorily. Thereafter, the approved request will be forwarded to ESDC’s payment office.

Chief Executive Officer: Mr. Steadman recognized Steve Gagnier, Site Manager, and Dave Farnsworth, Environmental Site Coordinator, of the Air Force Real Property Agency (AFRPA), as well as Dexter Cochnauer, Chief of Operations, AFRPA, in San Antonio, and thanked them for their help and support over the last few months.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

Public Comments: None.

Chairman: Mr. Duken asked for adjournment to retire to Executive Session. Motion by Mr. King; seconded by Mrs. Bourdeau. All in favor thereof.

Call to Order: On a motion by Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. King, Mr. Duken reconvened the public meeting. All in favor thereof.

Mr. Bouyea moved to adopt a resolution on the topic of the conveyance of Lot 31 to MEHO, LLC, seconded by Mr. Garrant. All in favor thereof.

Mrs. Bourdeau moved to adopt a resolution on the topic of closing an obsolete checking account with NBT Bank, seconded by Mr. King. All in favor thereof.

Mr. Bouyea moved to adopt a resolution on the topic of modifying PARC’s long term investment strategy, seconded by Mrs. Bourdeau. All in favor thereof.

Mr. Garrant moved to adopt a resolution on the topic of contributing financial support to the City of Plattsburgh’s 2008 Mayor’s Cup Celebration, seconded by Mr. Bouyea. All in favor thereof.

Mr. Garrant moved to adjourn the public session, seconded by Mr. King. All in favor thereof.

-0-

Executive Summary
of the PARC Board of Directors Meeting
June 16, 2008

Directors Present: Gil Duken, Henry Fortin, Don Garrant, Steve Bouyea, Jim King and Kevin Carroll

Director Excused: Marion Bourdeau

Others Present: Bruce Steadman, Lee Mitchell, Bob Davis, Randall Beach, Dennis Doyle, Randy Beach, Marie Winterkorn

Call to Order: Chairman Duken called the meeting to order at 8:07 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance:

Public Welcome and Invitation to Comment: There was no public comment.

Prior Minutes:

Chairman Duken asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the April 28, 2008 meeting. Motion to approve by Mr. Fortin, seconded by Mr. King. All in favor thereof.

Chairman’s Report: Mr. Duken noted that accolades continue for Flying High Again, the book published in May that tells the story of the redevelopment of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Praise for the book has been universal, he said, and it has been especially gratifying to receive positive comments from friends and acquaintances who underestimated PARC’s chances to succeed. Furthermore, he continued, it has been rewarding to hear readers extol the book, not only for its thoroughness and readability, but also for its accuracy. That, he stated, is a tribute to the talent, tenacity, charm and research abilities of Marian Calabro, author of Flying High Again. It also acknowledges the PARC Board and management team for their insistence on candor right from the start.

Mr. Duken said he takes great satisfaction in congratulating the PARC team for planning and staging a memorable event on May 15th to herald the publication of Flying High Again. The program was well conceived and executed, he said, and Mr. Steadman and Mr. Davis deserve special recognition for their efforts. The occasion brought together a wonderful mix of people, he continued, and attendees included current and past PARC employees and Board members, political and community leaders, Air Force representatives and business partners who played a role in base redevelopment. He added that it was a celebration of achievement as well as a glorious way to introduce a written account of PARC’s legacy to the North Country.

Mr. Duken stated that Flying High Again has been distributed widely throughout our region as well as to appropriate Department of Defense agencies and communities now coping with BRACC-mandated base closures.

In summation, Mr. Duken said that PARC looks forward to an exciting and busy summer with an assortment of marketing activities, property closings, and projects. PARC’s fiscal year ends on June 30. The annual meeting will be held in September.

Committee Reports: None

Chief Executive Officer: Since there were no committee reports, Mr. Steadman requested department reports.

Engineering Department Report: Mr. Davis stated that PARC continues to respond to tenant needs as they arise. A summertime crew of three has been hired to take care of mowing, weed whacking and litter patrol. In addition, he said, a contractor has been hired to mow approximately 53 acres of undeveloped property still under PARC control. Recent upgrades to 130 Arizona Avenue include the installation of a new overhead door in the northeast storage bay, ADA compliant doors on the west side of the building, and renovation of the north entrance to enhance efforts to market the building. He noted that PARC continues an aggressive marketing campaign. The website is being updated to include the “You’re in Fast Company at PARC” ad campaign that spotlights remaining properties still available, as well as links to information on Flying High Again.

Chairman Duken asked whether PARC is still responsible for the area south of the Clyde Lewis Park and expressed concern that the area “doesn’t look very good right now.” Mr. Davis replied in the affirmative. He pointed out that tarmac that had been put down to make a parking lot there when an old building was razed years ago had been removed last fall. Since weather conditions haven’t been conducive for growing grass to this point in the year, the area doesn’t look good at the present time.

Finance Department Report: Mrs. Mitchell reported that rents for May totaled $46,382 with the collection rate for the month at just over 99%. Other highlights included:
• There was one property sale in the month of May.
• PARC is currently waiting receipt of the reimbursement payment from the Empire State Development Corporation for project costs spent through March 31st.
• Grant expenditures from the second quarter of the calendar year will be compiled at the end of June, and these costs will be submitted to PARC’s program manager in July.
• As of May 31st, PARC has completed 47% of the Phase 12 ESDC budget to grant projects. These costs were spent on roof repair work, site clearing, asbestos abatement, minor utility work and a variety of lease hold improvements.
• The current staff level remains at seven full time employees.

Preparations are under way for the upcoming fiscal year close and related annual audit preparation. Results of the audit will be presented during the September PARC Board meeting. Work continues on the budget process for the balance of 2008 and 2009, she said, and will be presented at the next Finance Committee Meeting.

Mr. Garrant asked Mrs. Mitchell if all the local banks were contacted relative to awarding the CD’s, specifically the Tupper Lake National Bank, Community Bank, Key Bank and NBT. Mrs. Mitchell responded that the Tupper Lake National Bank was not contacted. She noted a list of several banks contacted for quotes. All banks contacted quoted a rate, she said, and the four having the best rates were the banks selected.

Legal Report: None

Chief Executive Officer Comments: Following up on Chairman Duken’s comments regarding the book event, Mr. Steadman said that PARC has received a number of thank you notes mostly from former Air Force people who attended the ceremony on May 15th. In addition to the Air Force folks, there were former PARC employees and former civilian employees who had worked for the Air Force in attendance, and it was a “terrific afternoon.” Mr. Steadman thanked Gordy Little and Calvin Castine for producing the video for this event and doing such a nice job. Chairman Duken asked if there had been any distribution of the books to area schools and educational institutions. Mr. Steadman said that distribution of the book is continuing, but it is a slow process due to other business activities. Books have been sent to Bryant Monroe at the Office of Economic Adjustment. Mr. Monroe has agreed to distribute them to 25 to 30 other base closure communities around the country. In addition, books have also been sent to the Association of Defense Communities, the trade group for all base closure communities, as well as to former PARC employees, politicians, economic development groups, and regional libraries.

Mr. Steadman stated that PARC has a busy summer planned. The workload includes property closings and numerous projects. PARC is expecting the FOSET to be delivered sometime this fall. The formal transfer will mark one of the final milestones to be achieved between the Air Force and PARC.

Mr. Steadman thanked Clinton County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Adore’ Kurtz for her role in facilitating the title transfers and other related correspondences between PARC and the Air Force over the years.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

Public Comments: None.

Chairman: Mr. Duken asked for adjournment to retire to Executive Session. Motion by Mr. Garrant; seconded by Mr. Fortin. All in favor thereof.

Call to Order: On a motion by Mr. Fortin, seconded by Mr. Bouyea, Mr. Duken reconvened the public meeting. 5-0 in favor thereof (Mr. Garrant excused).

Mr. King moved to adjourn the public session, seconded by Mr. Carroll. 5-0 in favor thereof.

 

 
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