October 13th, 2026 Meeting Minutes-

Download the September 11th, 2026 Agenda (PDF)

IDA PRESENT:

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

OTHERS PRESENT:
TOM ROEHL, LIASON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
JACK WILSON, FCCRG
JENNIFER LAUBENSTEIN, FMRCC
TRAVIS MITCHELL, ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN PARTNERSHIP
SUMEET GUPTKA, 5 CORNERS DEVELOPMENT

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 September 11, 2026 meeting.
MADE BY      : Joe Semione
SECONDED   : Sue Collins
DISCUSSION: None
VOTE              : Unanimous

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

A. Nominating Committee

No report.

B. Audit Committee:

• Monthly Bank Reconciliation Report: Mike Fitzgerald
•  DISCUSSION: Mike Fitzgerald stated that he reviewed the report and all was in order.

C. Governance Committee:

• Established recommended 2027 salaries for Executive Director and CFO.

D. Finance Committee:

• The Finance Committee met on September 3, 2026 to continue to discuss the following:

1. IDA investments.

• Continue to track. T-Bill No. 2 matures 10/29/26.
• Interest rates have been climbing.

2. FastNY Track C grant award.

• GDA received.  Recommended IDA Board Execute GDA.
  3. PowerUP Grant award:

• ESD Project Manager assigned on September 15, 2026.
• ESD Award Letter received on October 5, 2026.
• Waiting on GDA.

4. TTP Water System Improvement Project award:

• Reviewed bidders list. Recommending an award to Borderline Excavating and Fence as low responsible bidder.

5. IDA 2027 Budget:

• Reviewed proposed budget.
• Recommended a decrease in investment earnings from $130,000 to $65,000 based upon Tryon Infrastructure Project work.
• Add balance of FCCRG Expertise Reimbursement – $39,462.92.
• Add $25,000 in expense per Line of Credit to FastNY Track C Tryon Infrastructure work.

DISCUSSION:

Scott Henze reviewed the items identified above in the agenda. There were no questions.

1. County Report: Tom Roehl

DISCUSSION:

Tom Roehl stated that the full Board of Supervisors meets today so the items that he will be reviewing have not been acted upon. He stated that the Board would consider awarding a contract for drum removal at the County-owned Fashion Tanning property. He stated that Precision Industrial Maintenance bid $169,000 and that the next lowest bidder was $487,000. He stated that there are 319 drums to be removed. He stated that in August, the County received another $388,000 in County-Wide Infrastructure Grant funding to continue Inflow and Infiltration removal in the Cities to support Fulton County Sewer District No. 5: NYS Route 30/30A. He stated that lastly, the County has an election item on November’s ballot to change the County Treasurer’s position from elected to appointed.

2. FCCRG Report: (See attached.) Jack Wilson

 DISCUSSION: Jack Wilson reviewed the CRG report with the board. There were no questions.

3. FMRCC Report: Jennifer Laubenstein

 DISCUSSION: Jennifer Laubenstein reviewed her report with the board. There were no questions.

1. • Executive Director and Mike Fitzgerald coordinated with a representative from NBT Bank to discuss a Line of Credit.
   • During the September 3, 2026 meeting of the Finance Committee, the Committee recommended that the IDA Board authorize the acceptance and execution of the conditions within Term Sheet with NBT Bank.
   • During the September 11, 2026 IDA Board meeting, the Board authorized the Chairman to execute the Term Sheet with NBT Bank for a Line of Credit in support of the FastNY Track C project work at the Tryon Technology Park.
   • The Finance Committee is to monitor the project work and invoices to be paid in order to determine whether the Line of Credit is to be used.
     1. NBT Bank Line of Credit:
        • A quote was received from Shrier-Martin Process Equipment as a sole source provider totaling $34,200 to install the controls. * See proposal.
          • The sole-source pumps have been ordered and will need to be installed.
          • Proposals were solicited from three (3) firms for the installation of the pumps.
          • The sole-source pumps will require the purchase and installation of controls.
          • A quote was received from Shrier-Martin Process Equipment as a sole source provider totaling $34,200 to install pump controls.
            • The existing Wastewater Pump Station at the Tryon Park is rated to pump 300GPM.
            • Based upon the analysis of the existing wastewater pump station at Tryon and the analysis of the NYS sewer infrastructure, EDP has determined that the existing pump station is not pumping to the design capacity.
            • EDP recommended that two (2) new wastewater pumps be purchased and installed.
            • Based upon the standards set for Fulton County sewer districts, the utilization of Sulzer pumps is required.
            • The sole location to purchase Sulzer pumps is via Shrier-Martin Process Equipment Co.
            • Shrier-Martin Process Equipment is the sole source for the purchase of Sulzer pumps.
            • EDP recommended that the IDA purchase two (2) Sulzer pumps that could be used in the existing Wastewater Pump Station in order to be assured that the existing station is pumping at 300 GPM and then be re-installed in the new Wastewater Pump Station.
            • A quote was received from Shrier-Martin Process Equipment totaling $76,184.00.
            • During the August 5, 2026 meeting of the Finance Committee, the committee recommended that the IDA Board authorize the purchase of these pumps.
            • 1. Purchase of new Pumps for Existing Wastewater Pump Station:The IDA Board discussed the recommendation and approved the purchase at the August 11, 2026 board meeting.
                 1. • At the September 3, 2026 Finance Committee meeting, the committee recommended an award to Borderline Excavating and Fence in the amount of $923,470.
                    • At the September 11, 2026 IDA Board meeting, the board authorized an agreement with Borderline Excavating and Fence.
                    • At the September 11, 2026 IDA Board meeting, the board authorized the Executive Director to sign easements with Bon Brown Bus and NYS DOCCS.
                    • Waterline easements with Don Brown Bus have been executed.
                    • NYS DOCCS easements are being finalized.
                    • Contractor Bonds and insurances are being finalized.
                    • AIA agreement has been executed with Borderline Excavating and Fence.
                    • Borderline to commence work soon.Wastewater System Upgrade Project:
                      • The Water system Improvement work includes:
                        1. Installation of 3,100 LF of 12” ductile iron water main.
                        2. Improvements to the water booster pump station.
                        3. Disinfection of the 300,000-gallon water storage tank.
                           1. Water System Upgrade Project:
                              • Per the Purchase and Sale Agreement between Winstanley Enterprises and Niagara Bottling, Niagara is to reimburse the IDA for all local match expenses.
                                • Current Bid Results and Engineering Estimates total:
                                  • ESD sent the final GDA on September 24, 2026 for execution.
                                  • ESD confirmed that the grant award was $8,995,612.
                                  • A 1% Commitment Fee via wire transfer is required at the time the GDA is executed in the amount of $89,956.12.
                                  • An additional $135.83 is also required to cover ESD’s Public Hearing expenses.
                                  • ESD Approval Date was June 25, 2026.
                                  • Public Authorities Control Board (PACB) Approval Date was July 22, 2026.
                                  • • All engineering agreements have been executed and include both Construction Administration and Construction Management services.
                                    • ADK Bottling Works, LLC has agreed to reimburse the IDA for all engineering costs associated with the Water, wastewater and soils project.
                                    • A project manager has been assigned to the IDA.
                                    • Executive Director has been communicating with the project manager on the grant.
                                    • ESD Board provided formal approval of the Grant Disbursement Agreement (GDA) on June 25, 2026.
                                    • The GDA will identify the terms of the grant to include progress reimbursement payments.
                                    • ESD has agreed to proceed with progress payments if the IDA desires.
                                    • The GDA will be finalized and executed in August 2026.
                                    • It is expected that the IDA will award construction contracts in September/October for the Water and Wastewater construction work.
                                    • The IDA wished to utilize progress payments to finance the projects identified above.
                                    • ESD Project manager included progress payments.
                                    • ESD provided a draft GDA to the IDA on June 26, 2026.
                                    • ESD conducted a Public Hearing on the grant on July 17, 2026.
                                    • ESD informed the IDA that a final GDA for executive should be received the week of September 7, 2026.
                                    • Once the GDA is executed by the IDA, the 1% commitment fee will be due.Expiration Date is December 31, 2028.
                                      • 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 ($9M per GDA) 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 ($90,000).
                                      • Per the Grant Guidelines, the IDA will be required to provide a 10% equity match or approximately $999,125.00.
                                      • 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:
                                        • Executive Director prepared and submitted a revised NYS ESD FastNY Track C grant for various infrastructure improvements at Tryon Technology Park to include:
                                          1. Background:
                                        1. Wastewater System Improvements: $2,715,365.00
                                        2. Water System Improvements: $1,083,125.00
                                        3. Soils Spread/Lift: $3,037,000.00
                                        4. Demolition: $3,159,635.00

                                        TOTAL:                                             $9,995,125.00

                                       

                                      FIRM	ENGINEERING	COST
                                      Bohler Engineering	Soils Construction	$45,000
                                      CT Male	Water System Improvements	$200,000
                                      Environmental Design Partnership	Wastewater Improvements	$108,500
                                      TOTAL		$353,500

                                       

                                    FINAL GDA:

                                  • Project cost and financing sources are as follows:

                                  Financing Uses	Amount
                                  Water, Wastewater, Pipes, Valves, Pumps	$3,500,000
                                  Testing, Survey, Mobilization	$350,000
                                  Hauling, Grading, Compaction, Restoration	$3,000,000
                                  Abatement/Demolition	$3,000,000
                                  Soft Costs	$145,125
                                  ESD GRANT	$8,995,612
                                  LOCAL MATCH 10%	$995,125
                                  TOTAL	$9,995,125
                                  COMMITMENT FEE 1% + Public Hearing Exp.	$90,091.95

                                   

                                Project	Amount
                                Water System Upgrades (Bid)	$923,470.00
                                Wastewater System Upgrades (Eng Est)	$2,779,320.00
                                Hauling, Grading, Compaction, Restoration	$3,000,000
                                Abatement/Demolition	$3,000,000
                                TOTAL	9,702,790
                                ESD GRANT	$8,995,612
                                LOCAL MATCH 10%	$899,561
                                GRANT + LOCAL MATCH	$9,995,125
                                BALANCE	(+) $292,335.00

                                 

                              DISCUSSION: Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified in the agenda. Scott Henze noted that the Finance Committee has discussed the option of not continuing with the building demolition work and re-appropriating the grant funds to invest in the installation of infrastructure to the Building A 60 acre site on the Tryon Site Plan that currently is not services by utilities.

                              Mike Fitzgerald questioned when the IDA would be to the point when we would bid out the Wastewater upgrades. Scott Henze stated that Travis Mitchell would review the schedule.

                              MOTION: To authorize the Chairman to execute a Grant Disbursement Agreement with NYS Urban Development Corporation and to issue payment of a 1% Commitment Fee and Public Hearing expenses in the amount of $90,091.95 per requirements of the FastNY Track C grant award received in the amount of $8,995,612 for infrastructure and site work upgrades at the Tryon Technology Park.

                              MADE BY:     Dan Rounds

                              SECONDED:  Greg Truckenmiller

                              DISCUSSION: Mike Fitzgerald noted that the IDA approved adding utility easements   within the site plan for the Tryon Park that would provide the access to the 60-acre lot for utilities to be extended.

                              VOTE:            Unanimous

                      • The IDA received bids on August 26, 2026.
                      • Six (6) bids were received.
                      • The original engineers cost estimate provided by C.T. Male was $1.2 Million. The low bids came in under budget.
                      • T. Male performed an extensive review and analysis of the bids received and have determined the final bidders list to be:

                       

                      CONTRACTOR	TOTAL BID
                      Borderline Excavating and Fence	$923,470.00
                      Dejong Brothers Companies, LLC	$925,300.00
                      CFI Contracting Inc	$1,169,420.00
                      JHK Trucking and Excavating, Inc	$1,198,760.00
                      Jablonski Excavating, Inc	$1,291,000.00
                      Peter Luizzi & Brothers Contracting, Inc	$1,796,505.00

                       

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

                     

          • The IDA has received the following proposals for the installation of the pumps:

          FIRM	COST
          MCJ Construction, LLC	$14,750.00
          Adirondack Septic Tank	$3,980.00
          —	—

           

          DISCUSSION: Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified in the agenda. Travis Mitchell reviewed the overall wastewater layout within the Tryon Park. He noted that with the installation of two (2) new wastewater pumps within the existing pump station, the station will be able to accommodate Niagara’s Phase I demands. He noted that improvements to Phase II include the installation of a new 8” forcemain parallel to the existing 6” forcemain. He stated that the original plan was to install a new pump station above the existing control building however as engineering has advanced along with the effort’s being made at the existing pump station, it makes more sense to utilize an existing wet well as part of the storage and install a second wetwell adjacent tying the two together and add a 3^rd pump. He noted that the existing control building will be upgraded. He stated that the station will have access to both the existing 6” forcemain and the new 8” forcemain. He stated that the pump station is being maximized to handle Niagara along with future businesses. Travis Mitchell noted that the pump station is also being designed to maximize the existing NYS owned infrastructure along Maloney Road and NYS Route 29.

           

          Travis Mitchell noted that also being included in Phase II is to install a new section of line above the pump station between Niagara’s connection and the station itself. He noted that in 2014, the IDA installed a small portion of new sewerline in this area, and this new project will install the remainder.

          Mike Fitzgerald asked how much capacity will the improvements will provide. Travis Mitchell noted around 1,000 GPM noting that Niagara will be utilizing around 500 GPM and Vireo around 40 GPM.

          Travis Mitchell noted that he would like to bid the project over the winter months and that the project needs NYS DEC approval, which could take some time.

        DISCUSSION: Scott Henze noted that he would like to also include some alternate bids within the bid documents to include the demolition of an existing un-used building, paving of the access road and the installation of a new sewer line to provide sewer to the property on the opposite side of CR 107 that is within the Fulton County Sewer District No.4: Hales Mills. He noted that it makes sense to include these as alternate bids to get pricing and that it would be up to the IDA Board as to whether or not to award those alternate bids.

         

        MOTION: To authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement for the purchase and installation of Sulzer Pump controls and relays with Shrier-Martin Process Equipment as a sole source provider at a cost not to exceed $34,200.00 upon review and approval by IDA Counsel and Executive Director.

         

        MADE BY:       Joe Semione

        SECONDED:    Mike Fitzgerald

        DISCUSSION: None

        VOTE:              Unanimous

        MOTION:  To authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with Adirondack Septic Tank for the installation of the Sulzer pumps upon review and approval by IDA Counsel and Executive Director.

        MADE BY:       Greg Truckenmiller

        SECONDED:     Joe Gillis

        DISCUSSION:  None

        VOTE:               Unanimous

   DISCUSSION: Scott Henze reviewed the background information identified within the agenda. He asked Mike Fitzgerald what the next step would be in obtaining the Line of Credit. Mike Fitzgerald noted that currently the underwriting is being performed and then an approval document would be executed.

    

• • The IDA submitted a grant through NYS Empire State Development’s PowerUP grant program to bring transmission level power into the Tryon Technology Park.
  • On April 24, 2026, the IDA was notified that NYS ESD had awarded the IDA $15.3M is funding in support of the $17.3M anticipated project cost.
  • • An initial payment in the amount of $510,000 is required to perform the services. Additional payment may be required.
    • • 1. National Grid SSA Agreement:
           • The IDA was assigned a Project Manager on September 15, 2026.
           • The IDA received an award letter on October 5, 2026.On October 7, 2026, the IDA received a Support Services Agreement from National Grid for the following scopes of work:Upon completion of the services, National Grid will refund the IDA for any remaining dollars not expended.

           DISCUSSION: Scott Henze reviewed the background information as identified in the agenda. He noted that the Grant Disbursement Agreement make take some time to receive.

      Scope 1 – Engineering Design required to upgrade the 13.2kV distribution service.

      Scope 2 – Conduct a Facilities Study to determine scope of the 115kV Transmission project. Study will identify estimated costs for engineering and construction.

       

    DISCUSSION:

    Scott Henze noted that the IDA received a Support Services Agreement from National Grid for the above scopes of work. He noted that the IDA will need to make an initial payment in order for National Grid to proceed. Joe Gillis questioned whether or not National Grid would reimburse the IDA for any unspent funds. Scott Henze stated that they would be required to do so but it would be unlikely. It was noted that it would take approximately 12-months to complete both scopes of work. Joe Semione questioned whether or not a cap could be placed upon the dollar amount. Scott Henze stated that it is unlikely that National Grid would proceed with any monetary restriction.

    MOTION:          To authorize the Vice Chairman to execute a Support Services Agreement with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation D/B/A National Grid to include an initial $510,000 payment for engineering and design activities to upgrade distribution and transmission electrical service to the Tryon Technology Park.

    MADE BY:        Mike Fitzgerald
    SECONDED:     Joe Gillis
    DISCUSSION:  None
    VOTE:               5-0-1(Sue Collins abstained)

   

• IDA Board must adopt and file in PARIS a 2027 Budget by November 1, 2026.
• Executive Director and CFO have developed the draft budget.
• Governance Committee has recommended salaries for the ED and CFO for 2027.
• *See proposed 2027 budget attached.

DISCUSSION:

Scott Henze reviewed the proposed 2027 budget.

MOTION:         To approve the IDA’s 2027 Budget as presented.

MADE BY:      Greg Truckenmiller

SECONDED:   Dan Rounds

DISCUSSION: Joe Semione noted that the salaries for the Executive Director and CFO have increased significantly more than in the past. He noted that the IDA has used a % based upon what the County has used in the past. Dan Rounds commented that given the salary of the CFO, a 4% increase is not much of an increase. Dan Rounds noted that the Executive Director and CFO will have a greater amount of work to do in 2027 and beyond given the two (2) grants received and the amount of work that will be undertaken at the Tryon Park. There continued a discussion on the salaries.

VOTE:  Unanimous

• • In the past, the IDA has considered providing a percentage of lot sale proceeds from the Tryon Technology Park to the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth for assistance provided.
  • In order for the IDA to entertain this, an agreement must be executed.
  • Executive Director and IDA Counsel has drafted an agreement for IDA Board consideration.
  • See attached Agreement.

  MOTION:  To authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth for services provided to successful lot sales at the Tryon Technology Park.

  MADE BY:  Joe Semione
  SECONDED: Greg Truckenmiller
  VOTE:  Unanimous

1. Sumeet Guptka – 5 Corners Development

Sumeet stated that he has submitted his application to the State for a second round of 9%. Sumeet noted that if the project is awarded the 9% from the state, he would like to propose a new structure to facilitate the land improvements, land transaction and remediation work. In summary, Sumeet noted the following:

1. Prior to closing 5 Corners Development will look to subdivide the land as roughly shown within the revised site layout.  This will need to be coordinated with the IDA since the IDA holds title to the property.
2. 5 Corners Development will thereafter close on the Development Site (red parcel on revised site layout).
3. 5 Corners Development will request an Access Agreement (and all the necessary documents to facilitate this) for the remaining yellow parcel (on revised site layout) that the IDA will still hold. This agreement will allow 5 Corners Development to construct improvements to the walking trail and rebuild the vehicular bridge that provides the ingress/egress to the Development Site.
4. Once the improvements are complete, 5 Corners Development will assist the IDA in facilitating the remaining (yellow) land transfer to the City of Johnstown.
5. The City of Johnstown is aware of remediation work required on the yellow parcel.  They have been awarded a $500k EPA grant to facilitate this work. It is unsure if the City plans to do the remediation work before or after receiving title from the IDA.

Mike Fitzgerald questioned the bidding process for the project in comparison the States award. Sumeet noted that he increased the overall cost to hopefully cover cost increases. Mike Fitzgerald noted that the State has been increasing the overall award based upon any increase to the bid amounts.

1. Gateway Realty Solutions

Knicklas Emden a local developer and real estate agent of Gateway Realty Solutions discussed housing projects within Fulton County particular small residential units. He discussed Senior Housing types and affordable housing. He noted that he has developed a process of developing small units around the $150,000 range. The IDA Board noted that a diversification of housing types is needed within Fulton County and wished Knicklas luck in his efforts.

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 vii above.

MADE BY:        Joe Semione
SECONDED:     Greg Truckenmiller
DISCUSSION:  None
VOTE  :              Unanimous
TIME  :              9:25a.m.

MOTION:         To go out of Executive Session

MADE BY:       Sue Collins
SECONDED:    Dan Rounds
DISCUSSION: None
VOTE:             Unanimous
TIME:             10:02a.m.

• Next regularly scheduled meeting is the IDA’s annual meeting is November 10, 2026.

MOTION:         To close the meeting at 10:16a.m.

MADE BY:       Sue Collins
SECONDED:    Dan Rounds
DISCUSSION: None
VOTE:              Unanimous