GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY IDA
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY IDA LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY IDA CIVIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
SEPTEMBER 24, 2015
1.
Call to Order.
The Committee meeting is called to order at 1:05 PM, with Committee members
Staples, LaBaff and Hall. Mr. Patrick Kelly, Mr. Thomas Plastino, and Mrs. Natalie
Sweatland are present. Mr. Todd Amo and Mr. Steve Knight of United Helpers are
presenting information to the Committee.
2.
Presentation. Mssrs. Amo and Knight present information on Sparx, a food hub project.
Questions following the presentation included:
 Clarification of the process: 15.25 to 16 animals per day would be processed. A
hauler would bring in the animals, which are then moved to a holding pen.
Everything is collected, including blood, hides, meat, etc.
 The process is controlled. The horrors of slaughterhouses-past are non-existent.
This is a humane processing facility.
 Canton Industrial Park is the preferred location. If this is not feasible, they will
address their project with the second site (SUNY Canton). Need 8,000 sq. ft
building, but may scale it back to 5,000 sq ft at the beginning.
 The operation can present additional opportunities for the area (e.g. Cabella’s).
 Fifteen direct jobs are projected at the outset, after six months.
 Cows are “constant cash” source for farmers.
 The perceptions by other, potential and current users of the Canton Park are a
concern.
 They wanted to purchase an existing operation, but independents don’t always
keep their facilities up to date, as profits are not always reinvested.
3.
General Discussion.
i.
Dissolution of St. Lawrence County Local Development Corporation.
Mr. Kelly reports that he has spoken to Legal Counsel about ensuring that the
dissolution of the St. Lawrence County Local Development Corporation will go
into effect on December 31, 2015. The SLCIDA-LDC will administer the funds
of the corporation upon dissolution.
ii.
Local Labor Policy.
As a follow up to earlier discussions and a request from a member of the public
to implement a local labor policy, the Governance Committee does not feel that
a specific policy is needed, as the Board works to ensure that its projects pay
prevailing wages; and, if at all possible, the contractors utilize local labor.
4.
iii.
Bylaws Review.
Committee members review the bylaws changes. Chairman Staples directs
SLCIDA staff to consult with Legal Counsel to determine if changes to bylaws
require approval by the State. Committee members also wish to ensure that the
sections on quorum and manner of voting are clear enough to avoid any
problems that may arise should there be unexpected vacancies. Mr. Plastino
notes that the NFP Revitalization Act of 2013 may affect the SLCIDA-LDC’s
bylaws. The Committee, pending review of the issues by Legal Counsel,
recommends the bylaws amendments to the full boards.
iv.
Travel Policy.
SLCIDA staff recommend additional changes to the Travel and Miscellaneous
Expense Reimbursement Policy, to provide additional clarification on meals,
meal allowances; and to include verbiage regarding policy violations. The
Committee recommends the inclusion of additional language that enables the
Chief Executive to make exceptions and only under very strict circumstances.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourns at 3:00 PM.