NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority Board Meeting October 31, 2018

Transcription

1 NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority Board Meeting October 31, 2018 Present: Via Skype: Excused: Also Present: Introduction: Agenda: Minutes: President s Report: Pat Barrett, Chairman Andy Fyfe, OPRHP Jeff Stefanko, DEC Bill Beaney Jill Broderick Cliff Donaldson Arthur Lussi John Parete Andy Lack Bob Flacke Steve Hunt, ESD Mike Pratt, President/CEO Peggy Evatt, Director of Finance The presiding Chairman thanked everyone for coming and called the meeting to order at 1:33pm. The Chairman then asked for a roll call to confirm a quorum was present. The Chairman welcomed Jay Rand and Derek Doty, representing the Town of North Elba, Randy Preston, Supervisor for the Town of Wilmington and Tom White from the Commission to Save Belleayre and thanked everyone for attending. The Chairman stated that an agenda was included in the board packet. On a motion by Art Lussi, seconded by John Parete, the minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting held on June 27, 2018 were approved as amended. The Chairman asked Mike to give the President s Report Mike thanked everyone for attending and stated that at the last Board meeting he was asked to update the Board on projects. Mike then gave a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: Ski Jump frost rail project- critical to ensure reliable in-run, increase events and extend the season. The ski jumps were erected in 1978 so must assess existing conditions, comply with new criteria and rebuild to current standards. ORDA developed a concept, evaluated everything and determine entire scope of project on the front end in order to avoid cost increases as we have a short window of opportunity to perform construction so as not to lose an operating season and to ensure the best value of the investment and receive benefits of investment long term. Jill Broderick stated it sounded like it s an entirely new surface. Mike replied that it is- it is a steel structure and we have to keep going down to find something

2 solid to build on. Jill asked if there was an estimate for cost. Mike replied yes- and equipment has been ordered however it takes a lot of time to develop all the ancillary components of the project. Pat Barrett asked if the project was on schedule. Mike replied that it is and we are lined up to start construction in the spring. Art Lussi commented that this is not a typical project as no other place in the US has frost rails and would create more challenges to find contractors etc. Mike stated that was correct, this is a European system which creates its own complexities- ORDA purchased an additional insurance policy to protect the investment. Whiteface Base Lodge- Continually working on the base lodge, some of the challenges include late 1950 s construction, separate fire zones, hazardous material abatement and a short window of opportunity for construction due to operations. Unfortunately many issues such as asbestos abatement, storefronts changed out and roofs leaking requiring a lot of modernization efforts. Master plan goals for Whiteface include a new entranceway, food service area and first aid space need to be modernized. This year ORDA put deadlines on construction contracts to insure contractors are done by ski season. 2 new projects were started the day after Columbus Day to present the lodges in the best possible condition for our guests. Pat Barrett asked about the timeline for completion? Mike answered the 2 projects will be done by opening day and the rest of the projects will be done over the next couple of years. Jill Broderick asked if the master planning began last Spring and Mike said yes. Pat Barrett stated that Randy Preston had greeted him with a Save the mid-station sticker and asked Mike to speak to that project. Mike answered the mid- station building is antiquated and has code and integrity issues. In a previous UMP there was a plan to relocate the building however after an internal cost analysis determined it to be an additional 1.8 million dollars the plan has changed to update and remodel the building where it stands. Andy Lack asked that a small committee be formed to work closely with Mike over the next few months and present to the Board the timetable, deliverables and action plan. Pat Barrett agreed with Andy and will appoint a small committee of the Board to work with Mike and staff to look at the obstacles and opportunities of the projects and bring information back to the Board. ORDA has been developing venue master plans, also looked into infrastructure components and master planning of sport working with other state agencies on capital plans. The schedule requested is based on budget but we can commit to duration of projects. Bill Beaney asked who is involved in the master planning? Mike replied we typically hire an environmental consultant, perform general facility master planning in-house and then take it to architects, engineers or planners depending on the project. A lot of general work is done through the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for environmental permits. SEQRA s are very open, public processes and we ve successfully completed 6 SEQRA s this year with 3 more scheduled for next year for the Olympic Center, Olympic Training Center and a UMP amendment at Belleayre. Randy Preston, Supervisor for the Town of Wilmington, stated that he had been very disappointed in the project planning at Whiteface. Randy had attended an event in the Spring where water was pouring through the roof. He expressed disappointment in the window project as well as the new bar. There has been great concern about finishing this project. Randy stated this was not a personal attack- he just wanted to be honest about the feedback he had received. We want our guests to leave with the best possible experience. Randy stated that he thought the committee suggestion was outstanding and thanked the Board for their time. Bill Beaney asked if Randy was consulted and he stated that he had not.

3 Bob Flacke stated that ORDA did and tries to do too much. There are too many projects that are taking too long to build with the consequence being problems with the construction. Bob stated that the best advice he could give is to listen, and in order to do it correctly- slow down. ORDA is being asked to correct mistakes made from projects being done in a hurry- take your time. Capital planning based on 4 components- health and safety, year round operations, different events such as World University Games and Tramways. The goal is to increase revenue, modernize, embrace technology and enhance the guest experience. Olympic Center Master Plan: Administration has the best views which could be customer space for a sports bar, improved food and beverage and a more vibrant retail area. Potential expansion of the USA Rink to Olympic size ice and have had preliminary discussions with the Lake Placid Central School and Town of North Elba to utilize some of their property for a parking garage. In the 1980 rink the refrigeration system is antiquated and in the basement there is a 13,000 volt sub-station. ORDA is analyzing the best ways to modernize the building. Olympic Training Center: Expanding the Luge building, currently only 186 beds in the dormitory section but due to capacity we haven t had a chance to address deficiencies. The Lake Placid Hospital may potentially be expanded to create new ORDA office space or there is the option of building additions to the OTC for ORDA offices. Olympic Jumping Complex: We have received permits to modernize jumps with new frost rail system, landing hills to be regraded with earth to minimize snowmaking and make us more efficient and to meet current standards. Received approval to install zipline for year round operations. Olympic Sports Complex: received approvals to install a mountain coaster for year round operations, expand start before 2021 World Bobsled And Skeleton World Championships, new hiking trail will expand into the High Peaks, with State Police and DOT efforts to prevent parking on Route 73 and the Adirondack Loj Road ORDA will help to relocate 140,000 cars to Mount Van Hoevenberg and 5k of new trails with snowmaking for Nordic skiers. A new multiuse base lodge will be constructed for athletes, hikers and tourists with food service and retail space. Whiteface: Improvements for beginner and intermediate skiers, lift re-alignments etc. The masonry at the castle is being worked on, received all the steel for the new super structure as well as the elevator- crews will be working through the winter in order to open by Memorial Day Weekend. New windows to be installed. Finishing up Bear Den project, a lot of pipework and some trail work on the mountain, rebuilding pump house 1on a 2 year schedule to increase pumping capacity by 25%. Pat Barrett asked when it would be complete? Mike stated that the full expansion will be complete next year. Gore: Received permits for some subtle trail re-direction and improve connections. The majority of improvements are at the Ski Bowl which is owned by the Town of Johnsburg. Tore down the old pump house and are building a new one, increasing snow capacity by 40%, purchased new compressors, expanded Tannery Lodge by 240 seats and expanded the kitchen to better serve our customers.

4 Gore solar has been online since last September and has reduced electricity costs by $100, in its first year. It is the largest solar array system dedicated to a ski area in North America. ORDA has broken ground on a 2.5 megawatt system for Whiteface and have not found a suitable Location at Belleayre yet. Belleayre: Master plan has been approved for 2 years but it has taken a very long time to get through the SEQRA process therefore a lot of the mountain planning is years old. A UMP amendment is in the early stages to make improvements. Belleayre is building a new Medical Services building which can also be used for regional/county emergency management system as there will be a generator at the facility. An addition was built on Overlook Lodge downstairs for locker space and on the upper level additional outdoor seating on the deck. Installed a longer conveyor lift for the beginner area and purchased compressors which will significantly decrease our operating budget. Gondola opened Christmas week 2017 installed radiant systems on loading and unloading pads and maintenance decks and platforms. Governor Cuomo committed funds to modernize the Discovery Lodge, an undersized, older facility to expand the public space and better serve our customers. It is a challenge to finish in 6 months but utilizing design/build will make construction faster. Art Lussi asked if ORDA is using the old building as the foundation and Mike Pratt replied we are. Art asked why we wouldn t start from scratch as it seems more efficient? Mike replied we could but we would miss an operating season. Through a NYSERDA grant ORDA purchased energy efficient snow guns for all 3 mountains and our Nordic program. ORDA received a 6% reduction in our Worker s compensation policy due to staff commitment to promote safety. Art Lussi stated this was commendable- it is a big deal. Mike replied that it is a savings of over $300, ORDA s new sales system Inntopia is online and will improve the ease of purchasing our products. Our sales team has been very active attending ski shows and consumer shows within a 6 hour radius to promote our facilities. Season pass sales, frequent skier card sales and snow sampler ticket sales are all up. The Max Pass is no longer available so ORDA set up a reciprocal program with smaller mountains in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut and Virginia bringing guests to the Adirondacks and Catskills. Art asked for an explanation and Mike stated you just show your pass and you receive a discount. 90 employees attended our 2nd annual Snow Summit at Gore Mountain to go over expectations, best management practices, guest service results, analyze trends and set up a projection of expectations for the season and the holidays. Mount Van Hoevenberg started making snow October 1. The para-biathlon team will be training and then it will be open to the public. Art commented it produced a lot of snow. Mike replied the Snow factory is a great tool for us. Mike then showed a video of staff making ice at the track and the National Team training. Events Schedule: December December 29 January 3-6 January 6-11 January January FIL World Cup Luge Stars on Ice ISI Figure Skating Competition International Children s Winter Games World Cup Freestyle Moguls and Aerials US Junior Worlds & America s Cup Speedskating

5 January USSA Nordic Super Tour January 31 Feb. 3 Empire State Winter Games February IBSF World Cup Bobsled & Skeleton February Nor Am Freestyle and Nor Am Biathlon March ECAC Hockey Men s DI Championships March IBSF Para-Bobsleigh World Championships January World Cup Freestyle March 8-14 USCSA Ski and Snowboard Championships January World Cup Freestyle February IBSF Bobsled & Skeleton World Championships February NYSPHSAA Skiing Championships Alpine & Nordic March 6-12 USCSA Ski and Snowboard National Championships March NCAA DIII Men s Ice Hockey Championships 2023 January World University Games Art Lussi asked Pat to follow up on Andy s suggestion and appoint an oversight committee. Chairman Barrett replied that was his intention. Old Business: The Chairman then asked Peggy Evatt to present the financial report. (see attached) The Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments? Art Lussi commented that he was happy to hear of the increase in season pass sales at Belleayre. Peggy stated that last season ended with a lot of snow which also helped to drive sales and these are approximately 28% new pass holders. The Chairman asked Bob Flacke to speak on the Audit Committee meeting that he hosted at Fort William Henry. Bob replied it was a vigorous meeting, reviewed a tremendous amount of work and ideas, all venues are operating, so many operations going on- and hope for enough snow for a successful season. The Chairman asked for a motion to go into Executive Session and asked Mike Pratt, President/CEO to remain to discuss a personnel matter. On a motion by Bill Beaney, seconded by Jeff Stefanko, the Board entered into Executive Session at 2:43pm. At 3:16 pm on a motion by Bill Beaney, seconded by Jeff Stefanko, the Board resumed regular session. Adjournment: The Chairman asked for a motion to adjourn. On a motion by Cliff Donaldson, seconded by Jeff Stefanko, the meeting of the Olympic Regional Development Authority Board of Directors was adjourned at 3:18pm.