Meeting Minutes

FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING:  Jan. 9, 2018

Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Falmouth, MA

PRESENT
Michael Galasso (C), Susan Moran (VC), Christopher Langlais (T), Christopher Simmler (C), Jim Fox, Brooks Bartlett, Christopher Land

8:30am
CALL TO ORDER
Having established a quorum, the chairman called the meeting to order.  

8:30am
PUBLIC COMMENT
None

8:31am
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
TECH PARK
Chris Simmler

  • Simmler advised the Teck Park entrance sign was fabricated and installed except for the solar panel to power the sign.
  • Landscaping around the sign to be completed in the spring.
  • Simmler suggested preserving one of the removed signs for possible use it at the Solar Park.
  • Development agreement:  Simmler spoke to Laura Moynihan who advised that the EDIC extend the agreement for the 12-year period as mentioned at the last board meeting.
  • Land said his understanding was that the Development Agreement was a framework and we could change the Permitted Uses should we need to.  Simmler to advise Moynihan to proceed with extending the Development Agreement.
  • Fox asked what the upside was in investing in a new signage at the Tech Park.  Galasso responded that it was to help promote greater usage, jobs and development in the Tech Park.
  • Bartlett reminded the board that during the sale of one of lots, $25K was designated to maintain the upkeep of the Park.
  • Simmler advised the next steps are to add a Tech Park Business Directory, to improve this visual and make navigating within the Park easier for visitors.
  • Galasso said many developers only built to 50% of the land available on the lot.  Perhaps in the future the EDIC needs to consider land use designation and minimum amounts of square footage they must build upon.  Moran questions if this will narrow the market and suggests we are strategic about this matter.
  • Galasso said we need a new vision for the Park.  The older model is outdated.
  • Fox advised the potential lease on the EDIC land that was discussed in prior meetings has fallen through.  Fox thinks we need to focus on finding another tenant to lease this land.
  • Moran suggests we communicate with the current tenants regarding their development and business plans, suggestions and thoughts on how to improve the Tech Park.
  • Simmler advised Jessica Fox will next work on obtaining all the actual business residents and contact names, so the EDIC can begin to converse with them.

FALMOUTH STATION
Lynne Broderick, Chris Simmler

  • Simmler distributed a draft Station Operating Expense budget/tracking.
  • Broderick updated the Board about the bathroom pipe clog and the plumbing / cesspool activities to resolve the issue.
  • Broderick provided the Republic Waste Service contract for review.  Edits were suggested and noted on the contract.
  • Broderick advised she is obtaining quotes for a camera security system.  Specifics discussed. 
  • Simmler is attempting to set up a meeting with Peter Pan - Frank Doherty, to discuss/share the operating expenses to date.
  • Galasso suggested the EDIC look into Wifi monitoring vs. using Verizon landlines for the Station alarm systems. 
  • Galasso is concerned about the interior and exterior lighting systems and making sure that the automated lights are working effectively and efficiently and are ON at only the proper times to ensure conservative energy usage. 
  • Simmler received the Cape Light Application for an audit at the Station for energy efficiencies, including solar power options.  Broderick to complete and send the application.
  • Broderick suggested the EDIC consider a Station Property Manager.  Mayflower Cleaning Services also offers property management services.  Moran suggested that a Board Member and/or Broderick be the first contact made for issues, then this person directs the Contractor for any action taken.  The Board agreed.
  • Simmler offered to lead the Falmouth Station Sub-Committee, working with Broderick and others to manage the detail regarding operational issues; not sharing the details at the Board meetings.  The sub-committee will suggest spending authorization levels at a future meeting.
  • Land made a motion for Chris Simmler to head the Falmouth Station Sub-Committee, working with Lynne Broderick.  Moran 2nd.  All in favor.  Passed.
  • Simmler still trying to reach and obtain a response from the MassDOT to discuss the Parking Lot Expansion Plan project.  Moran offered to assist in reaching the person in charge of the Park and Ride for MassDOT.
  • Fox advised that nothing is new to report with events.  Land requested that Bill Nies be invited to the next meeting to discuss the next Station event.

LANDFILL SOLAR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Jim Fox
Fox has had several conversations with Citizens Energy and the application is in process for the expansion with NStar for phase 2.  The paperwork has been filed.

REAL ESTATE
Chris Langlais  
Langlais said the EDIC retains 5 parcels of land.  There is an effort to add 2 ground leases to the balance sheet.  Langlais wants the finalized lease with Peter Pan before determining the value of the ground leases. 

FINANCE
Chris Langlais

  • Langlais presented the financials as of December 31, 2017.  Total assets are $1.7M, including $1.165M in real estate, $500K in cash.
  • Liabilities are AP for $17,937.67. Prepaid items via the Debit Card are $2,062.67.
  • Langlais presented the warrant for $20,000.34.
  • A motion was made by Moran to approve the warrant.  Land 2nd.  All in favor.  Passed.
  • Galasso stated he wants to add the 2 ground leases to the EDIC Balance Sheet.  Langlais asked if we needed to obtain a full commercial appraisal for the ground leases.  Fox advised he would provide a value of the ground lease properties.  Fox suggested we put a minimum value on the land at the Station, and then later, once it is income producing, it will be revisited.
  • Langlais reviewed the Operating Statement – noting the Falmouth Station category is broken out from other expenditures.  Capital expense for the Falmouth Station was estimated at $20K. 
  • Peter Pan is currently paying $4,800 a month for rent.  They are deducting some utility invoices.
  • Langlais advised our accountants are working with Roselli & Clark on a few remaining questions regarding the audit.  

OPEN CAPE
Brooks Bartlett
Bartlett advised he will be attending a meeting this week to develop a strategy to move forward with the Internet Survey and an outreach program.  

9:30am
EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS

APPROVE LAST MEETING MINUTES –

  • A motion was made by Simmler to accept the December 12th Public Board Meeting minutes.  Fox 2nd.  Moran and Land abstained.  All else in favor.  Passed.
  • A motion was made by Simmler to approve the November 14th Executive Session Board Meeting minutes.  Moran 2nd.  All in favor.  Passed.
  • A motion was made by Simmler to approve the December 12th Executive Session Board Meeting minutes.  Fox 2nd.  Moran and Land abstained.  All else in favor.  Passed. 

9:33am
ELECTION

  • Moran suggested that the EDIC Board do a voice vote for the election procedure for the interim Chairman position being vacated by Galasso. 
  • Galasso reiterated he enjoyed being the Chairman for the last 7 years.  He will now be able to spend more time at work to develop more affordable and workforce housing, and with his family.
  • Galasso would like the new Chairman to focus more on attracting jobs to our community, growing local business, housing for new workers, and developing the Tech Park.   He thanked everyone for their support during the past years and wished the new Chairman the best of luck.
  • Moran thanked Galasso for his leadership and efforts on behalf of the EDIC and the Town of Falmouth; increasing the profile of the EDIC via crucial projects such as the Solar Landfill and the renovation of the Falmouth Station.  Moran expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Board.
  • Moran made a motion / nomination for Chris Land be the interim Chairmanship.  Simmler 2nd.  Land accepted.  All in favor.  Passed.

9:45am
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS / GUEST SPEAKERS
February:        Simmler to invite the Manager of the Black Dog – Frank Ischecker
                        Land to invite VBikes
March:             Wendy Slate, Cape Cod Hand & Upper Extremity Therapy
                        Barbara Weyand – Falmouth Preservation Alliance
Future:            Ryan Family Amusements
                        Bob Mulcahy – Mulcahy Family Chiropractic

9:48am
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Moran to adjourn the meeting.  Galasso 2nd.  All in favor.  Passed.

NEXT MEETING
February 10, 2018,  8:30am

 
 

Our Projects

Falmouth Station Restoration
Rehabilitation of the Historic Falmouth Station located at 59 Depot Avenue in Falmouth.
Read More & View All Projects >

 

Doing Business in Falmouth

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
Employs approximately 1,200 people, including more than 500 scientists, engineers, ship's crew and technicians.      
View Top Employers in Falmouth >