Auburn Economic Development Zone Board
November 12, 2009
Present: Arlene Ryan, Mike Trapani, Tom Ganey, Sally Widmer-Post, Rick Hansinger, Judy Wright, Anne Kubarek
Absent: Jeff Delbel, Tom McNabb
Staff: Jennifer Haines, Tiffany Edwards, Alicia McKeen
Guests: Mark Palesh, City Manager
Chair calls meeting to order and asks for a motion to approve the minutes of August 10, 2009. So moved by Tom McNabb, seconded by Bruce McBain. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Jennifer Haines – this is the first application under the new laws. It meets the cost benefit analysis ratio of 20:1, it meets the development plan and staff recommends approval.
Elaine Buffington of Buffington and Hoatland, CPA’s – had been partners with BMC which was located in 5 states and had 14 offices. The economic decline hit the business hard and they consolidated offices. The Auburn office was closed and moved to Syracuse. We did not want to lose the employees and accounts in Auburn so decided to stay and open our own office. We hired the previous employees, 5 full time with seasonal and temporary. The plan is to hire more permanent and part time in the future. Community reception has been positive.
Judy Wright – questions any conflict with BMC certification.
Jennifer Haines – they have been decertified due to moving out of the zone.
General discussion by Board members.
Jennifer Haines – explains the change in the law that the Board vote is a recommendation for approval.
Motion to recommend the application made by Arlene Ryan, seconded by Judy Wright. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Jennifer Haines – Saratoga Cheese has been approved as a Regionally Significant Project by the State. Land has been designated for their use only also. They will be moving forward with an application in January.
Next meeting TBA.
Chair asks for a motion to adjourn. So moved by Arlene Ryan, seconded by Rick Hansinger. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Recorded by Alicia McKeen.
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