IDA PRESENT:

SUE COLLINS, CHAIRMAN
GREG TRUCKENMILLER, VICE CHAIRMAN
MIKE FITZGERALD, TREASURER
DAN ROUNDS, SECRETARY
JOSEPH SEMIONE, MEMBER
DAVID D’AMORE, MEMBER
JOE GILLIS, MEMBER
KARA LAIS, FITZGERALD, MORRIS, BAKER, FIRTH PC
SCOTT HENZE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OTHERS PRESENT:

TOM ROEHL, LIASON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT&ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
SETH BROWN, FCCRG, FMRCC
BETSY EMERY, EMERY DESIGNS (VIA ZOOM)
AMY PEDRICK, WEST AND COMPANY

IDA’S MISSION:

“The Fulton County IDA’s mission is to drive economic growth and prosperity by preparing shovel-ready sites for development including commercial enterprise, diverse housing options, workforce development and tourism”.

MOTION: To approve the minutes to the February 17, 2026 meeting.
MADE BY      : Sue Collins
SECONDED   : Joe Semione
DISCUSSION: None
VOTE              : Unanimous

MOTION :   To approve the budget report as presented.
MADE BY :  Mike Fitzgerald
SECONDED : Dan Rounds
DISCUSSION:  None
VOTE               :  Unanimous

A. Nominating Committee

No report.

B. Audit Committee:

• Monthly Bank Reconciliation Report: Sue Collins
•  DISCUSSION: Sue Collins stated that the Monthly Bank Reconciliation report was in order.

C. Governance Committee:

• No report

D. Finance Committee:

NYS ESD Fast NY Track C Grant:

1. Background:

• Executive Director prepared and submitted a revised NYS ESD FastNY Track C grant for various infrastructure improvements at Tryon Technology Park to include:

1. Water System Improvements: $1,083,125.00
2. Wastewater System Improvements: $   500,000.00
3. Soils Spread/Lift: $3,722,000.00
4. Demolition: $4,690,000.00

TOTAL:                                             $9,995,125.00

• Engineering estimates were provided for each project and used as the basis of the grant application.
• NYS FAST NY Tract C grants will not fund contingencies.
• On December 12, 2025, NYS ESD notified the IDA that it was awarded $8.99M.
• On February 27, 2026, NYS ESD provided a letter formalizing the grant award in the amount of $8,995,612 having a total project cost of $9,995,125.
• NYS goal for Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) is 30%.
• NYS goal for Service-Disabled Veteran Owner Business (SDVOB) is 6%.
• There is a 1% non-refundable commitment fee requirement ($89,956.12).
• Per the Grant Guidelines, the IDA will be required to provide a 10% equity match or approximately $999,512.00.
• The IDA can assume reimbursable costs associated with the four (4) project improvements as of the date of the announcement on December 12, 2025.
• The grant requires that project work commence within two (2) years of announcement.
• During the January 13, 2025 meeting, the IDA authorized contracts with the following:

• All engineering agreements have been executed.
• ADK Bottling Works, LLC has agreed to reimburse the IDA for all engineering costs associated with the Water, wastewater and soils project.
• *See NYS ESD Letter
• The Finance Committee discussed a reimbursement process for engineering invoices at their March 2, 2026 meeting.
• The Finance Committee is comfortable paying initial invoices for services and then seeking reimbursement from ADK Bottling.

DISCUSSION:

1. Demolition Work:

• NYS ESD has agreed to include site demolition work as part of the grant.
• In 2021, Winstanley Enterprises engaged a firm to an asbestos report for the building 3 complex.
• In 2022, Winstanley Enterprises received bids from general contractors to perform asbestos abatement and building demolition.
• *See spreadsheet.
• The Finance Committee discussed demolition of the building 3 complex as part of the FastNY award at their March 2, 2026 meeting.
• The Finance Committee agreed that water and wastewater improvements are to be priority over soils and demolition work.

DISCUSSION:  Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified within the agenda. He noted that the Finance Committee met on March 2, 2026 to review the costs associated with the various scopes of work. He noted that the Finance Committee agreed that the water and wastewater work was essential followed by the soils work and lastly the demolition work.

1. County Report: Tom Roehl

DISCUSSION: Tom Roehl provided an update on the County Owned Fashion Tanning site as it pertains to a Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) grant to remove various drums of liquid within the building. He noted that MVEDD provided $102,700 in grant funding with the County contributing $24,656 toward the effort.

Tom Roehl noted that the new County owned Pump Station as part of Fulton County Sewer District No. 5: NY 30/30A should be online this week. Scott Henze noted that there is a pre-startup meeting on March 16^th and it is expected that the full startup would occur at the beginning of the following week.

2. FCCRG Report: (See attached.) Seth Brown

 DISCUSSION:  Seth Brown reviewed the CRG report as provided as an attachment. Dave D’Amore questioned what a NYS qualified production facility entailed questioning whether or not it was for movies etc. Seth Brown stated that he believes that it is however would clarify with Ron Peters.

3. FMRCC Report:

 DISCUSSION: Seth Brown provided the FMRCC report noting that on March 12 there would be a session on Women in the Workforce at the HFM BOCES facility. He noted that Nicole Walrath has been coordinating an effort with FMCC and HFM BOCES on a workforce survey. Sue Collins noted that she would be attending the workforce session.

• Emery Designs completed the audit of the CRG, IDA and Visitor Bureau websites. Currently working on Workforce Development.
• Emery Designs submitted a draft report “Unifying Economic Development & Tourism Web Experience Fulton County, NY”.
• Updated CDI Interview list sent to Betsy Emory.
• Betsy Emory making contact to those on the list to see who is willing to participate in the interviews.
• Betsy Emory developed the CDI Interview Questionnaire per category (Economic Development, Tourism, Workforce, and Housing).
• CDI Interview Questionnaire circulated to Executive Team for feedback.
• During the September 9, 2025 meeting, the IDA Board reviewed the questionnaires.
• Betsy Emory has completed thirteen (13) CDI interviews to date. Two (2) more interviews to be conducted by the end of the week.
• Betsy Emory has submitted a draft report on the Customer Development Interviews.
• The draft report was provided and discussed at the December 9, 2025 meeting.
• Betsy Emery to present report findings to the IDA.

DISCUSSION:  Betsy Emory provided an overview of the Website Research Project undertaken by the IDA and other organizations noting that there are multiple agencies that support business development, housing and tourism development. She stated that many of the agency websites have duplicate information that creates confusion to users who do not understand what agency should be the lead agency for their particular needs. Dave D’Amore noted that the IDA does not have the authority to regulate any other website noting that the portal idea may influence other organizations to improve their website for better information flow. Scott Henze noted that the IDA and CRG both information on housing and tourism and questioned whether or not the IDA should have any information about Tourism noting that tourism related requests should go directly to the 44lakes website. Betsy Emory explained in general how the algorithms work for google and other search pages in regards to duplicate content etc. She noted that both sites get “marked down” for having duplicate content even though they are providing the same message.

Joe Gillis questioned what the cost of the project was and who participated in the funding of it. Scott Henze stated that the total cost of the study was $25,000 with the IDA funding the majority of it with the CRG providing $2,000.

Sue Collins noted that Betsy should provide the same overview of the project to the CRG Board and the other entities involved. She noted that in regards to funding, it was difficult for Workforce Solutions to participate in that they represent multiple counties and not just Fulton County etc.

Seth Brown noted that he would bring the topic up at the next FMRCC Board meeting as well to have Betsy Emory present to said board.

Dave D’Amore noted that he believes that in order to keep the process moving, it would require the IDA and CRG’s commitment and that all of the entities involved are a part of the Economic Development effort.

1. Background:

• In 2024, the IDA chose to execute a Listing Agreement for 1-year with Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro of Howard Hannah to market 25+/- acres of land within the Crossroads Park for housing.
• The Listing Agreement was due to expire on April 11, 2025.
• At the April 8, 2025 meeting, the consensus of the IDA was to re-list the property with Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro at Gateway Realty Solutions for a 12-month term.

2. Listing Price:

• The original listing price for the 25 acres was $595,000.
• The listing price was then reduced to $550,000.
• At the September meeting of the IDA, Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro discussed reducing the listing price again. The IDA Board agreed to reduce the list price to $375,000.

3. Conflict:

• Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro was recently elected to serve as a County Supervisor to the City of Johnstown.
• On January 2, 2026, Colleen will be officially sworn in.
• County Attorney Jason Brott is requesting that the IDA remove Colleen and Gateway Realty Solutions as the listing agent/firm due to a conflict of interest.
• Per the executed Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement, if within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the Listing Period, the Owner accepts a purchase offer on the property from any person whom the Property has been shown during the listing period, Owner will pay the Listing Broker compensation.
• During the December 8, 2025 meeting, the IDA Board passed a motion to release Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro and Gateway Realty Solutions from serving as listing agent and firm to the IDA’s marketing efforts to the Crossroads Park as of 5:00 P.M. December 31, 2025 and to authorize Executive Director Scott Henze and Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro to determine the list of persons whereby compensation would be provided per Section 13(A)(4)(d) of the executed Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement.
• There was one (1) firm agreed upon, Urban Redevelopment Group, LLC.
• Fulton County Attorney Jason Brott has drafted an Unconditional Withdrawal from Exclusive Listing agreement to execute.
• During the January 17, 2026 meeting, the IDA authorized the Chairman to execute the Unconditional Withdrawal from Exclusive Listing agreement with Gateway Realty Solutions.
• The Unconditional Withdrawal has been executed.

4. Re-listing the 25+/- Acres:

• During the January 17, 2026 meeting, the IDA Board discussed re-listing the property.
• Scott Henze contacted Howard Hannah Real Estate agent Susan Blazejewski who retained the original listing at the time that Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro moved to Gateway Realty Solutions.
• Attached is the information that Susan provided to the IDA.

DISCUSSION:  Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified in the agenda. Scott Henze stated that he was provided a proposal from Howard Hannah to re-list the property. He noted that he has provided that copy of the proposal in the agenda noting that the proposal was emailed on March 9, 2026. Scott Henze noted that the proposal is similar to the initial proposal provided by Howard Hannah. Dave D’Amore and Greg Truckenmiller noted that the proposal does not provide enough information to understand how Howard Hannah would actually be marketing the site. The Board agreed. Joe Semione noted that like previous, there was not a lot of interest from other firms. Scott Henze was asked if Chad Majewski was solicited. Scott Henze stated that he was not but that he would reach out to him. Joe Gillis questioned how many interested parties came to the table during the previous listing. Scott Henze stated that there were a few with the last being a few months prior but he has not heard anything else. Joe Gillis stated that he would like to continue to market the site and that the price should go even lower. The Board asked Scott Henze to reach out to Mr. Majewski to request his interest in marketing the property, as well as Susan Blazejewski at Howard Hanna to request a more systematic Marketing proposal.

C. PROJECT HALE CREEK PRESERVE APPLICATION (PROJECT # 1701-25-03A):

• The IDA was informed that the 2025 application that was submitted to NYS Homes and Community Renewal by 5 Corners Development was not awarded during this round.
• 5 Corners Development to submit the project again in 2026.
• IDA Counsel Kara Lais sent an invoice to 5 Corners Development for legal services provided as part of the project to date.
• Sumeet Guptka of 5 Corners Development confirmed that payment will be made to cover those services.

DISCUSSION: Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified in the agenda. Mike Fitzgerald noted that it typically takes two or three applications to become funded. He stated that there is increased competition in the funding program.

D. DECKER DRIVE, LLC EXPANSION PROJECT APPLICATION (PROJECT # 1701-25-02A):

1. Project Completion Date and Sales Tax Exemptions:

• During the January 13, 2026 meeting, the IDA Board adopted a resolution taking certain actions providing benefits to the proposed Decker Drive, LLC Expansion Project 1701-25-01-A.
• All closing documents have been executed. The property/project closed on February 13, 2026.
• During the February 17, 2026 meeting, the IDA agreed to extend the project completion date and date in which the sales tax exemptions terminate be extended from January 31, 2027 to March 31, 2027.
• IDA received the Administrative Fee due as part of the project application.

DISCUSSION:  Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified within the agenda. Joe Gillis questioned whether or not the construction of a pole barn building on a lot was allowed in any of the park covenants. Scott Henze noted that when he discussed the project with the Wesson Group, he recommended that they combine the lots into one since a pole barn would most likely be considered as an accessory use, which without a primary use is typically not allowed.

• National Grid will be reconstructing their 115kV transmission line from their existing Inghams Substation in Manheim, NY to the existing substation in Rotterdam, NY.
• National Grid has contracted with Canacre to assist them in securing land easements as part of the upgrade project.
• Canacre has identified a 20-acre lot (Lot A) located in the Johnstown Industrial Park as an ideal location to serve as a temporary marshaling (laydown) yard.
• Canacre would also like to include two (2) additional adjacent lots identified as Lot B and Lot C.
• The 20-acre lot is owned by the IDA.
• The Lease Term would include 40+/- months (November 1, 2026-February 28, 2030).
• Canacre has had a market study performed in order to provide a Lease Price for the lease of the entire 20-acre lot to include Lots B and C.
• The Market Study identifies a Lease Price of $293,232.
• The IDA and the City of Johnstown entered into an Intermunicipal Agreement for properties sold or leased within the Johnstown Industrial Park.
• 93% of all proceeds go to the City. The remaining 3% are retained by the IDA.
• In order for the IDA to consider leasing the property to Canacre, the IDA is required to have a commercial appraisal performed.
• A proposal has been requested and provided by CBRE to perform a commercial appraisal based upon a monthly lease for a term of approximately 40 months.
• The cost of the appraisal is $3,500.
  • During the November 18, 2025 meeting, the IDA Board agreed to contract with CBRE to have the appraisal done on the property at a cost not to exceed $3,500 with 50% being paid by the City of Johnstown.
  • Scott Henze notified CBRE on November 19, 2025.
  • CBRE responded on December 2, 2025 to discuss the appraisal.
  • The appraisal will be based upon a yearly land rent.
  • CBRE delivered a Market Rent Study appraisal for the 29.8 acres of land on December 30, 2025.
  • A copy of the Market Rent Study has been provided to the City of Johnstown.
    • Per email dated January 13, 2026, CANACRE is changing the term to a start date of July 1, 2026 (additional 4 months).

Update from February 17, 2026 meeting:

• On March 5, 2026, Scott Henze and Kara Lais attended a Zoom meeting with the Mayor and City Counsel to discuss terms and compensation based upon the CBRE Market Rent Study.

DISCUSSION:  Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified in the agenda.

1. 2025 & 2026 Goals:
   • During the February 17, 2026 meeting, the IDA discussed the 2025 goals established and proposed 2026 goals as follows:

• Based upon the above, additional discussion is required:
  • Commence the implementation of Building Fulton County’s Future: Tryon Residential Incubator Site.

DISCUSSION:  Scott Henze reviewed the revised goals and information as identified in the agenda. Scott Henze noted that in regards to the Tryon Residential Incubator site, given the research that both the CRG and the IDA have taken to find new Industrial type sites within Fulton County that have not really identified any one specific site as being ideally suited, the IDA Board may want to reconsider this piece of land for that use since it is already owned by the IDA, has access to Tryon Infrastructure and is located on a County Road. Scott Henze noted that it may not be best suited for residential as the Tryon Park becomes built out. Mike Fitzgerald asked whether or not the water and sewer infrastructure was at the site. Scott Henze noted that it is not, but it would come from the Tryon Park. Dave D’Amore noted that in the past, there was a concept type layout of the Residential Incubator are that also included some Commercial uses. Dave D’Amore questioned if it made sense to resurrect that initiative as part of a marketing initiative. Scott Henze referenced the initial Fulton County Development Strategy noting that that is where the Tryon Residential Incubator site evolved. There was discussion in regards to a Market Study for the site. Scott Henze noted that as part of the Tryon Incubator site process, a Housing Market study was performed which identified the need for housing and types of housing etc. Scott Henze noted that he believes that all parties involved need to agree on incentives for the site noting that the County and the IDA would agree to certain benefits if a developer were to develop the site in such a way. There continued a discussion on marketing sites etc. Dave D’Amore questioned if the Town of Perth had incorporated the site into their Comprehensive Plan. Scott Henze noted that the Town of Perth is currently updating their Comprehensive Plan and will be sure to discuss the site with the Committee. Dave D’Amore agreed that flexibility of the site needs to be given, to either residential or Industrial uses. He noted that additional research needs to be undertaken. Mike Fitzgerald noted that the majority of industrial site within Fulton County are based upon 100,000 SF buildings. He noted that having the incubator site ready for those sized facilities would be beneficial. Scott Henze stated that he would discuss with Adam Winstanley to see how he is marketing the site as he has primarily been focused on the main Tryon Park. Dave D’Amore noted that it may be proper to rephrase the goal is undertaking a feasibility assessment of the site and that would be the goal that the IDA would consider throughout the year. Scott Henze stated that he could undertake preliminary mapping however he would recommend hiring an Engineering firm to do a deeper dive into the site and propose a layout to include infrastructure etc. It was agreed that the goal would be reworded to a feasibility assessment of the site itself.

1. Upon a majority vote of its total membership, taken in an open meeting pursuant to a motion identifying the general area or areas of the subject or subjects to be considered, a public body may conduct an executive session for the below enumerated purposes only, provided, however, that no action by formal vote shall be taken to appropriate public moneys:

i. matters which will imperil the public safety if disclosed;
ii. any matter which may disclose the identity of a law enforcement agent or informer;
iii. information relating to current or future investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense which would imperil effective law enforcement if disclosed;
iv. discussions regarding proposed, pending or current litigation;
v. collective negotiations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law;
vi. the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation;
vii. the preparation, grading or administration of examinations;
viii. the proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property or the proposed acquisition of securities, or sale or exchange of securities held by such public body, but only when publicity would substantially affect the value thereof.

MOTION: To go into Executive Session for the proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property or the proposed acquisition of securities, or sale or exchange of securities held by such public body, but only when publicity would substantially affect the value thereof.

MADE BY      :  Joe Semione
SECOND        :  Dave D’Amore
VOTE              :  Unanimous
TIME              : 9:45 a.m.

MOTION        :           To go out of Executive Session.

MADE BY      :  Dave D’Amore
SECOND        : Greg Truckermiller
VOTE               :  Unanimous
TIME              :  10:05  a.m.

• Next regularly scheduled meeting is the IDA’s annual meeting  is April 14, 2026.

MOTION        :    To close the meeting at 10:05 a.m.

MADE BY      :  Dan Rounds
SECONDED   :  Greg Truckenmiller
DISCUSSION: None
VOTE              :  Unanimous