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Board authorizes limited payment to grant consultant as incubator funding pursuit continues
Summary
Facing EDA delays on kitchen incubator awards, the board authorized an interim payment and approved up to $5,000 to pay grant consultant Lynn Knight for work to date and to continue limited search for additional funding sources.
Board members heard an update on the kitchen incubator project’s funding status and authorized short‑term consultant support to pursue additional grants and bridge the local share. Staff reported that the EDA declined to award parts of the equipment contracts immediately and asked for demonstration of the local share; staff are pursuing other funding sources including HUD referrals, Empire State Development, and potential federal disaster-relief allocations tied to construction.
Lynn Knight, who previously worked under Westchester County procurement, was proposed as a consultant to research opportunities and prepare applications through December under a contract structure that limits exposure. Staff proposed a $10,000 engagement for research and outreach and additional fees if specific applications are pursued. The board discussed pacing and requested a reporting cadence and an off‑ramp if federal agencies do not respond favorably.
To recognize work already completed and to get the consultant paid for recent tasks, the board authorized an interim payment of up to $5,000 (motion passed by voice vote) and asked staff to memorialize the arrangement in a contract with reporting requirements and an evaluation point in early September. Members emphasized the need for written status reports and for staff to prioritize applications that could replace the city’s local share requirement.
The board also discussed cost‑control measures with contractors and the possibility of state procurement to obtain equipment at lower cost if bids remain high. Staff said they will continue outreach to HUD and other agencies and return with a revised funding plan.
