Larry Burns

The board discussed the Executive Director's report concerning the demolition project at the Shelby Apartments, specifically regarding project scope, site preparation, and bidding advertisement procedures. Financial approvals were granted for operating expenses, project costs, grant disbursements to various entities, and shuttle bus operations. Furthermore, the board formally authorized the solicitation of bids for the demolition services at the Shelby Apartments property.

The meeting commenced with the election and appointment of authority officers for fiscal year 2026, including the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The board unanimously appointed Mary Eberle and Kelly Eberle as the MIRIA solicitor for fiscal year 2026. The Executive Director reported on the recent $12.3 million MIRP award, noting that $11.331 million was approved for 8 MIRIA grants, with a smaller percentage designated for MIRIA-undertaken projects compared to previous years due to workforce reductions at some zone employers. Updates were provided on property decommissioning, specifically the Shelby Apartments property at 124 Easton Road, which requires demolition including HAZMAT remediation, and ongoing engineering for the Blair Mill Road widening Phase 3. The removal of asphalt and planting of grass seed at 401 Norristown Road is anticipated in the spring or early summer. The board approved several financial motions, including operating expenses, shuttle bus operations payments, and the transfer of accrued interest from PLGIT to a reserve account. The proposed 2026 meeting schedule was approved, and the board unanimously approved the MIRIA 2026 Disposition of Records Resolution #2026 -- 1, intended to compliment the confidential tax payer information policy.

The board meeting included an executive session to discuss real estate matters prior to the public session. Key discussions centered on presentations from several grant applicants, including Ambler Borough, Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority, Horsham Township, Horsham Water and Sewer, North Wales Water Authority, Upper Southampton Municipal Authority, Warminster Municipal Authority, and Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority, detailing their respective 2025 grant applications for infrastructure and remedial projects. The Executive Director's report summarized the 2025 funding cycle, noting that the awarded amount was lower than in previous years due to employer changes in the zone, resulting in a lower overall award multiplier for local efforts. The board unanimously approved the operating budget and designated funding for 2026, alongside Resolution #2025-9 concerning the designation of funds for future uses. Multiple MIRIA grants were unanimously approved for the listed applicants based on their submissions.

The meeting includes presentations by grant applicants, followed by the Executive Director's report. The agenda covers the approval of the list of checks, consideration for approval of MIRIA grant applications, consideration of Resolution #2025 -- 8 and approval of the 2026 MIRIA Budget, and consideration of Resolution #2025 -- 9 and approval of designating and budgeting funds for economic development and infrastructure projects.

The meeting included discussion of the Executive Director's report, which highlighted the ratification of the October 27th list of checks, confirming the acquisition of the Shelby Apartments. Hazardous materials survey was conducted, and the demolition project will require MIRIA to go out to bid. The upcoming key meeting on December 12th will confirm the MIRP award from Harrisburg and award MIRIA grants to various applicants. The board approved the October 27, 2025 and November 7, 2025 lists of checks, as well as checks related to shuttle bus operations. The board also approved engaging Maillie LLP as the auditor for fiscal year 2025 and approved Resolution #2025 -- 07, which sets forth security protocols and records retention standards regarding confidential tax information.