BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
I. Organizational Matters
1. L. Daily called the meeting to order at 4:05p
2. Attendance: L. Daily, (Chair), A. Church (Vice-chair), A. Niles (Secretary), R. Monteverde, C. Carter, A. Schrijver. Others Present: J. Welles (Executive Director), E. Talbott (Project Director)
J. Sidd (Legal Counsel, Hancock Estabrook, LLP) T. Schyve (Auditor, EFPR Group CPAs, PLLC) Absent: D. Duncan, J. Werner, T. Venning (City Manager)
3. Annual Audit FY25 with EFPR: Tim Schyve supervised FY25 Audit and is presenting the results. The field work began on August 6, 2025. Tim reported that staff was cooperative and helpful through the process. There were no disagreements or disputes during the audit). The biggest changes between last year and FY25 include, the sale of (4) renovated properties and an impairment loss, accounts payable increased to $49,000 from $8,000 and $38,000 in accrued expenses at year-end. The impairment loss resulted from funds being invested during construction, increasing the value of the homes, that were then sold for lower prices. Audit Committee composing of A. Niles, R. Monteverde, A. Schrijver (Chair). A. Schrijver made a motion to approve the FY25 Audit, A. Niles seconded, all approved with ayes, none opposed.
4. Review & Approval of Annual Meeting July 2024 Minutes. A. Church made motion to approve, A. Schrijver seconded. All members approved with hand raises, none opposed.
5. Review & Approval of August 2025 Minutes. A. Church made motion to approve, A. Niles seconded. All members approved with hand raises, none opposed
6. Review & Approval of August 2025 Financial Reports: J. Welles commented the draft financial statements have been approved with the audit. One change to the report to note. A new grant (LBI Phase 2 capital ) agreement of $1.4M was added to financial report. Indicated by lines ‘left to receive’, and ‘left to spend’ has been added. Expenses for August 2025 about $31,000 and grant income of $161,000 for the period. A. Schrijver made motion to approve, A. Church seconded. All members approved with hand raises, none opposed.
7. Proposed annual salary increase request for staff: To be discussed in Executive Session.
8. Archtober Festival- Lander Street Walking Tour: Jeff Wilkinson R.A. to participate in Historic Tax Credit workshop on Friday October 3 with fellow local architects. He will also help lead a walking tour of Lander Street on Sunday October 5 with the land bank and discuss the history and architectural design and the strategies the land bank has used to revitalize the block.
II. Property Related Matters
1. Legacy Cities Access Program:
a) Phase II: 140 Chambers, 128 Dubois, 11 S. Miller, 238 First: 4 properties are proposed for full-scale renovation in new round of LCAP Round 2. Exterior building envelope renovations to 140 Chambers & 128 Dubois are complete. ARC and ZBA applications in progress. 11 S Miller- Needs to be cleaned out to be evaluated. 238 First – Jeff Wilkinson, R.A. began taking measurements for drawings.
b) Construction update - 128 Dubois: Exterior building envelope near completion with exception of front façade. Brick pointing, install roof termination bars and fascia boards, garage repair, roof parapet repair and rear deck stabilization & repair all complete. Front façade and ARC approval in progress.
2. Restore NY – Restore NY project: 72-76-78 Lander update
a) RFQ for stabilization and asbestos remediation deadline was on Aug 29: Several contractors submitted proposals. RFQ allows contractors to bid on the abatement work or structural stabilization work or both components. Two contractors submitted proposals for both abatement & stabilization. Two contractors submitted for abatement only and one contractor submitted for stabilization only. Shalom Environmental Inc.’s proposal for Phase I abatement at $128,750.00 was selected as the lowest bid. Carlos Arturo Contracting, Inc.’s proposal of $341,812.50 for stabilization only, was selected as the lowest bid for Phase 2.
3. 44 S. Miller: RFP for full-scale demolition of structure, including repair/parging party wall with 46 Lander, and site work. Anticipating release of RFP in November when new funding opportunity with NYS HCR will open. May add 76 Lander to RFP to get pricing for both potential scenarios.
4. 143 Washington- update on closing: Construction loan closing Friday Aug. 22. Anticipated groundbreaking in late summer or early fall.
5. 146 South – reverter action update: Defendant’s lawyer asked Judge for discovery time. Case is delayed.
6. 34 Lander – purchaser put on notice: Legal notice sent to current owner about project delay. Emergency repair permit granted for roof repair. Submitted Level 3 renovation building permit. Needs to submit sprinkler, electrical and plumbing permit applications.
7. Property Acquisition:
a) Transfer of City owned properties update: Acquired 10 city owned properties on August 25. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh is swapping 80 Lander for 161 Lander, which the land bank acquired last month, to be assembled with Restore NY properties.
II. Executive Session: Executive Session was called to discuss employment history of particular individuals including Executive Director, Jennifer Welles, and Project Director, Eric Talbott.
1. After returning from Executive Session, a motion was made to approve a 10% salary increase for J. Welles and E. Talbott. All voted in favor.
Motion to close the meeting (?), all approved, none opposed. Meeting adjourned at 5:22p.
E. Next Meeting: October 15, 2025, at 4p