Meeting Minutes
FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: August 11, 2020
Zoom Meeting
PRESENT
Christopher Land (C), Christopher Simmler (VC), Paul Burke (T), Thomas Feronti (CK), Paul Burke (T), Michael Galasso, Samuel Patterson
8:34 am* CALL TO ORDER
A quorum was established. The Chair called the meeting to order.
8:34 PUBLIC COMMENT
None
8:35 GUEST SPEAKER – Marco Li Mandri, President, New City America, Inc.
Mr. Li Mandri postponed his presentation for another meeting that will allot more time on agenda.
Galasso reported that New City America is a consulting company that assists community’s business districts to develop and prosper. Mr. Li Mandri came to Falmouth a few weeks ago to discuss the current business issues with various business owners.
8:38 FINANCE
Paul Burke
Burke to open a new bank account for the Open Cape Connection Fee Fund.
Burke referred to the budget overview report as well as the warrant and financial reports sent to the Board previously, noting a - $92,453.11 net income loss year to date.
Land questioned some of the larger invoices. He wanted to know if some of the repair and maintenance expenses could be charged back to the Station tenants. Simmler advised that the current lease structures did not permit for this.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the warrant in the amount of $47,779.94. Haney 2nd. All in favor by roll call: Patterson Aye, Simmler Aye, Galasso Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney, Burke Aye, Land Aye. Motion passed.
8:49 FALMOUTH RECOVERY LOAN FUND PROGRAM
Chris Simmler
Simmler reported that the sub-committee met and discussed the Small Business Recovery Loan program. They discussed the time / resources commitment as well as if the BOS would ultimately support the EDIC’s efforts of a loan program, and the potential success of a loan program considering the restraints of all the added steps that will need to be taken. They concluded that the EDIC’s ability to quickly put together a program at this point is limited. The sub-committee recommends that the Board cease pursuing the recovery loan project and look for other ways to assist the small businesses in Falmouth; projects can be be executed with more efficiency.
The sub-committee does recommend that the Board proceed with obtaining the special legislation to clarify all EDIC permitted authority.
Discussion ensued by Galasso and Simmler regarding the opposing attorney opinions regarding special legislation requirements. Simmler stated that though he personally agreed with the EDIC’s Counsel, the BOS does not. There exists an impasse.
Feronti stated that it simply came down to looking at the calendar; citing the only way to move the program forward is to appease Town Counsel and BOS. The time it would take to do this would be lengthy, as well as the EDIC would need to make a significant investment of time and money. If Town Meeting approved the article, the earliest the funds would be available would be March 2021 - 1 year after the EDIC started the process. This will be too late for many of the businesses that need funds.
Galasso thinks things will change drastically after Labor Day and he is very concerned about what is not being done to assist the Falmouth small businesses. He said he is hoping the sub-committee will consider other options such as using some its own funds for grants or marketing. He wants to stop talking about helping small businesses and start doing something. Galasso stated he was disappointed with the Town and the stand they took regarding the recovery loan program.
DiGiano reiterated the sub-committee should continue to pursue fund supporting and other avenues to assist small businesses; ones that can be executed quickly.
Patterson stated that the Town worked diligently to assist small businesses with relaxing permitting requirements for restaurants and the sale of alcoholic beverages. The Health Agent was swamped with calls for various exceptions to keep small businesses open under what was permitted under the Governor’s regulations. He stated that Atty. Duffy is invested in this community and if there was a way to move forward with the small business loan program, he would have supported it.
9:01 MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY GRANT APPLICATION UPDATE
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano reported that the application was not approved for funding by the Seaport Council, however, they directed the EDIC to other funding sources. John Miller (MRECo) and DiGiano to follow up.
9:03 DHCH – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COVID-19
Michael Galasso
Galasso advised that the application did not arrive to the DHCH. The Town Manager and the Legislators are trying to revive it, but there is no further information at this time.
9:04 CWATER PROJECT AT WHOI
Feronti advised this is a community advisory board for the CWater Project at WHOI. Members from different businesses in Woods Hole, and committee members engage with community on behalf of WHOI to review and discuss their proposed project for the waterfront.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to appoint Thomas Feronti to the advisory board for the WHOI CWater Project. Haney 2nd. All in favor by roll call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
9:06 COMMITTEE REPORTS
FALMOUTH TECHNOLOGY PARK
Tom Feronti
Feronti said he reviewed the various versions of the Tech Park Development Agreement (DA) and the overview/recommendation letter regarding same by Atty. Laura Moynihan and found he agrees with EDIC Counsel on this matter. The DA system is in place to be a benefit to both the landowners and the Cape Cod Commission (CCC). At this point in time, with few parcels left, he doubts the CCC would find a benefit to them. Additionally, with their Regional Policy Plan Update in 2018, they identified industrial activity centers to promote business growth, mentioning the Falmouth Tech Park; citing there may be an opportunity with this Policy to be pursued by the Tech Park owners for a path forward. Feronti does not believe it to be necessary to ask the CCC for another extension to the current DA.
Simmler agrees, stating our past role was to assist to fill the Tech Park. The EDIC needs to define what their role will be now in terms of continued development.
Mike DiGiano sent a letter to all the business and property owners within the Tech Park, inviting them to meet together and with the EDIC to have a discussion regarding the path forward in the Tech Park. To date, 3 people responded. The next step will be to organize a meeting and see what results come from this discussion before establishing next steps.
Galasso stated the Tech Park looks old and a bit outdated, suggesting the EDIC should consider profession help to move to the next stage. MassDev just issued an RFP for a grant that could help study the Tech Park and Falmouth Station to plan for the future of them. Galasso to take the lead on the grant application but will send to the Board for their input. Patterson volunteered to assist.
DiGiano reported there was a continuance for the Spring Town Meeting for September 14th. It is hopeful that that EDIC re-zoning articles will be on this agenda.
FALMOUTH STATION
Mike DiGiano, Chris Simmler, Lynne Broderick
DiGiano and Broderick met with John Marcellino to review the excessive number of signs he has posted at the Station. He was told to adhere closely to the Town Sign Code – 3 exterior signs. He is to submit to the Board the signs he wishes to keep.
New Plymouth & Brockton Bus (P & B) signs will likewise need to adhere to Town Sign Code as well as approval by the EDIC Board.
The P & B lease agreement is completed but not yet executed as they have not yet decided when to begin service; Covid-19 has greatly impacted the transportation industry.
Feronti and DiGiano will resume planning and design for bus parking/ bays to include the additional P & B bus service.
Galasso stated that Open Cape notified him that there was not enough room to run a fiber optic cable in the current underground conduit, requesting permission to run the line overhead. This was not viewed favorably by the Board. Galasso and DiGiano to meet with Open Cape to discuss how/where to run the line underground.
SOLAR LANDFILL PROJECT – PHASE 2
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano advised all the documents were approved and signed by the Town, EDIC and Citizens.
Citizens reported their scheduling plan: arranging financing in September, a construction start date in November, mechanical operations are estimated to begin in March/April 2021. Commercial operations require utility approval potentially in April or a few months later due to the delays caused by Covid-19.
OPEN CAPE
Mike DiGiano
Broderick worked with Open Cape and MassDev to arrange for the final payments for the project.
Broderick reported 35 business customers were installed with 5-7 waiting to be installed.
Open Cape reported that they are in process of completing a Check List of equipment/conditions, to review with customers to ensure optimal performance of their internet service.
Open Cape has hired an Ambassador to work with current and prospective customers to assist them, make suggestions for the best possible internet connection and to answer any questions.
Open Cape has provided a report and an ongoing schedule of all connection fees collected. These funds will be put into a special EDIC bank account to fund future subsidies for connections for Falmouth businesses. The details of how these funds will be distributed are to be determined.
COMMUNITY BASED FIBER OPTIC FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mike DiGiano
Simmler requested all members of the Board to take the speed test. As well, as perhaps placing an ad in the local paper and to ask friends and neighbors to take the test.
DiGiano advised CCG is interviewing local businesses and received a great response.
CCG reported the engineering cost assessment is almost complete.
Carol Chittenden said she would ask the Falmouth League of Women Voters to take the speed test.
Patterson said he would promote this test at a BOS Meeting, and suggested that this be brought to FCTV to post on their bulletin board; citing a multi-media approach would be beneficial.
9:40 EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
The board agreed to start with Chair Land to determine a block of time for the Strategic Planning Session meeting. Broderick to coordinate with the board members. Simmler requested the Board Members to submit any topics to be discussed to DiGiano and Broderick.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the June 9th, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Burke Abstain, Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the June 9th, 2020 Executive Session Board Meeting Minutes and to not release. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Burke Abstain, Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the July 14th, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Abstain, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the July 31st, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Abstain, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the July 31st, 2020 Executive Session Board Meeting Minutes and to not release. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye, Simmler Abstain, Burke Abstain. Motion passed.
9:50 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Haney made a motion to adjourn. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
NEXT MEETING – September 8th, 2020, 8:30 am, Zoom Meeting
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