Present were:

Patrick Gillespie, President	Russell J. Azzarello, Director	Michael Spina
Peter Davis, Vice-president	Larry Redmond, Councilman	Joseph Arena
Mark Proudman, Treasurer	Edward Testino, Councilman	George Koehler
Robin Rosen, Secretary	Tom Galante	John Vincenti

 

 

Absent were:

Mayor Barbara Cannon	Alayne Shepler	Anita Greenberg
Raj Patel	Michael D'Agnes

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Salute to the flag was followed by roll call.

Statement was made that the meeting was held in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act.

A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Peter Davis and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the June 2003 Treasurer's Report.

A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Tom Galante and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the July 2003 bill list.

A motion was made by Peter Davis, seconded by Tom Galante and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the June 11, 2003 meeting summary, with a correction on the first page changing the meeting called to order from 6:40 pm to 7:40 pm.

Mr. Azzarello gave his director's report.

Mr. Azzarello stated that activities for the month were centered on getting in line with a planner for the O&Y parcel.

The corporation will be participating with the Chamber of Commerce and their Business Leader of the Year award program.

Mr. Azzarello stated that there is a business in Staten Island, NY that distributes textbooks for the New York City school system and they are looking for 10,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space in Old Bridge.

Old Bridge Hospital, in their expansion plan, has one concern and that is how do they attract and then keep the additional patients. The expansion program will also attract new doctors.

A meeting was held with the Middlesex County First Aid Squads to offer a better use of Old Bridge Hospital.

Inquiry regarding a hotel on Route 9 and Texas Road was discussed with Katherine Keating, who represents various commercial developers.

Mr. Azzarello stated that he is on the fundraising committee for the YMCA with Rick Robbins.

Mr. Azzarello informed the Board that Double D Caterers is interested in adding a second floor to their property on Rt. 516. He feels we should do what we can to encourage them to stay in town. Offices will be located on the upper level.

Mr. Azzarello is working with Mr. Sam Ashor, owner of a parcel of land between the 7-11 and the Hobby Shop on Rt. 34, to develop some retail.

A motion was made by Peter Davis, seconded by Joseph Arena and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the Executive Director's Report.

Mr. Gillespie informed the board that a sub-committee of George Koehler, Mark Proudman, Mike Spina, himself and Russ Azzarello met with two planners that submitted qualifications for consideration.

Mr. Gillespie stated that Dave Roberts, Schoor DePalma, was very well prepared to discuss the site and talk about the board's goals and objectives. Mr. Roberts indicated he was prepared and committed to bring the resources of their firm to this project and he also indicated that he had done work at the site and knew the site previously. They also have a large body of information, including environmental information that would be relative to our process.

Mr. Testino inquired as to whether the firm of Schoor DePalma was in compliance with the Mayor's "Pay to Play" ordinance. Mr. Vincenti stated they were in compliance.

Documentation of previous work done by the firm was forwarded to Alayne Shepler and to the EDC.

The sub-committee recommended Dave Roberts, Schoor DePalma, be retained as the planner for the O&Y site to develop the plan.

Dr. Koehler stated that Mr. Roberts was clearly superior. He had done a lot of homework on the project, had a great interest and was very well versed on the property. Dr. Koehler feels his familiarity will shorten the process.

Mr. Roberts indicated that the concept plan would take at least six months to prepare - rushing it would be a disservice.

Mr. Vincenti indicated that he feels very confident that Dave Roberts and Schoor DePalma can do a good job.

Discussion was held regarding conflicts that can arise between clients of Schoor DePalma being considered as redevelopers under a redevelopment plan prepared by Schoor DePalma. A memorandum was submitted by Dave Roberts to Mr. Azzarello addressing those concerns.

A motion was made by Patrick Gillespie, seconded by Larry Redmond and unanimously agreed upon to retain Dave Roberts of the firm of Schoor DePalma, and to authorize Russ Azzarello and Tom Downs to negotiate a contract complete with a scope of work for an amount not to exceed $10,000. We would also make it clear that we would exercise our right for Schoor DePalma to recuse themselves as per their memorandum should a conflict issue arise.

A letter of thank you will be sent to Heyer and Gruel for submitting their qualifications.

A motion was made by Mike Spina, seconded by Peter Davis, with Larry Redmond, Edward Testino, Tom Galante and George Koehler abstaining, to change the resolution from the OBEDC on the office building on Marlboro Road and Route 18 to read "support the concept" rather than "support the application". The motion carried.

A motion was made by Edward Testino, seconded by Tom Galante and unanimously agreed upon to cancel the August 13, 2003 meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.