Meeting Minutes
FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: March 9, 2021
Zoom Meeting
PRESENT
Christopher Land (C), Christopher Simmler (VC), Paul Burke (T), Thomas Feronti (CK), Michael Galasso, Patti Haney and Samuel Patterson
8:31 am* CALL TO ORDER
A quorum was established. The Vice-Chair called the meeting to order.
8:31 PUBLIC COMMENT
Michael Galasso, EDIC Board Member, advised that there is to be $3M in CV-19 relief funds awarded to Falmouth thru the American Rescue Plan Act to help communities economically recover from CV-19. He would like the EDIC Board to consider writing a letter to the Falmouth Board of Selectmen and Town Manager requesting that $1M be allotted to the EDIC for the purpose of assisting and supporting small businesses in Falmouth. To be added as an agenda item and discussed at the next EDIC Board Meeting.
8:35 GUEST SPEAKER: Seth Kaplan - Director of External Affairs, Kelsey Perry - Community Liaison Officer, Mayflower Wind www.mayflowerwind.com
Mayflower Wind is a joint venture between Ocean Winds, NG, EDP Renewals, headquartered Houston, TX.
Mayflower is affiliated with Shell Corp.
Core values are investing in community, safety, innovation and industry development.
Has commitments the Clean Energy Ctr. to fund various programs; hoping Woods Hole can take advantage of.
Lease area was acquired for $135M plus for areas south of Nantucket and near Martha’s Vineyard.
Underground cables run from the Wind Turbines to Falmouth landfall, in a beach parking lot. From there cables are fed to sub-station and fed thru overhead lines to a larger transmission system that serves the region.
Federal offshore wind legislation is driving the project to address global warming.
This wind power project expects to save to customers over $2B over the life of the contract.
Mayflower Wind is in discussion with the Town of Falmouth. Construction jobs will be brought to Falmouth thru the electrical contractor located in Falmouth.
They have made a commitment to provide $5M to Cape Light Compact for strategic electrification for low-income households to reduce their carbon footprint; as well that 75% of the operational maintenance jobs will be in MA.
There will be opportunity for Public input and engagement.
Galasso stated that he hopes that the Falmouth community benefits economically from this project in terms of jobs, labor, supplies/inventory purchases, etc.
DiGiano asked if there was a criteria/process to determine where the O&M base would be and would Falmouth be a consideration. Kaplan did not commit, other than stating it would be in MA and saying there would be a hard look at Falmouth; noting that traffic and parking would be an issue.
Galasso suggested that the Falmouth EDIC send a letter to the Falmouth Board of Selectmen requesting that the FEDIC be allowed to comment on host contract agreement discussions/negotiations with Mayflower Wind, to try to ensure that the small businesses in Falmouth receive some of the economic benefits of the project.
9:07 FINANCE
Lynne Broderick
Broderick referenced the financials reports noting the year start with Assets in the amount of $521K, Cash Assets $396K, and Liabilities in the amount of $24K. There is still little to no return on Interest Rates at 2/10th of a percent. Net income Loss - $29,138.56. This was mostly due to timing issues regarding delayed income receipts; in particular PPP Loan Forgiveness of 18K due next quarter.
The warrant and invoices and were reviewed.
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to approve the warrant in the amount of $32,572.31. Haney 2nd. Roll Call: Galasso Aye, Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Simmler Aye, Burke Aye, Feronti Aye. Motion passed.
9:14 CDBG Community Development Block Grant COVID-19
Mike DiGiano, Lynne Broderick
DiGiano reported that the grant application portal opened on March 1, 2021.
There are 4 completed applications and approximately 13 in progress.
DiGiano and Broderick are looking at the applications for an initial review to ensure all required documents were provided. Then they are recommended to the grant committee: Michael Galasso/ FEDIC, Michael Kasparian/ Chamber of Commerce, and a SCORE representative – Mark Lowenstein for final review, guidance and approval.
There were 2 ads put into the Falmouth Enterprise, and FCTV promo, a Falmouth Chamber email on 2 occasions, and over 225 emails to local small businesses. This will be continued with emails to local banks and accountants.
There will be Public Meeting session for potential applications scheduled soon, with a Q & A.
The Falmouth EDIC will receive an administrative fee of $11,160. for the Neighborly software, marketing and EDIC staff hours/wages.
Simmler inquired if the Neighborly Software application we are currently would be easily adaptable/modifiable to a new grant program if more funds became available. DiGiano thinks it may be but would a discussion with Neighborly regarding whatever changes would be required.
9:22 MASS DEVELOPMENT TECH. ASSIST.GRANT - FALMOUTH STATION
Mike DiGiano, Chris Simmler, Tom Feronti
DiGiano had additional conversations with MassDev regarding scoping. The next step is to have a meeting with MassDOT to review the scope of work with them.
There was a couple of outreach sessions. One was with Falmouth Planning Board to discuss the project. Feronti advised that the Planning Board had many specific questions, that will help inform the process as the project moves forward. It was good to obtain their feedback and direction. The sub-committee also met with the Bikeways Committee, Simmler advised it was a great meeting and they offered many great ideas and a lot was learned from them.
9:26 SEAPORT COUNCIL FUNDING & MERCO/ FEDIC GRANT APPLICATION
Mike DiGiano
Land did a presentation of the project at the Seaport Council Meeting on Feb. 24th.
They formally voted to fund the Bourne Tidal Test Platform application from MERCo and FEDIC.
One of the next steps is to obtain a survey to find the right of way of the location of power sources.
9:29 OUTREACH PROJECT – MEETINGS WITH LOCAL COMMITTEES
Land requested that Broderick resend the committee assignments to the EDIC Board as a reminder.
Simmler requested that we now invite some of these committees to present to the Board.
Patterson advised he announced the Joe-4-Sun program at the last Selectmen’s meeting. DiGiano requested that he update the Select Board on the CDBG program progress.
9:32 COMMITTEE REPORTS
FALMOUTH TECHNOLOGY PARK
Tom Feronti, Patti Haney, Mike DiGiano
DiGiano advised that he is still working with Holmes & McGrath to finish the engineering on the drainage easement issue at 64 Technology Park Dr. McGrath expects to meet with the Town Engineer next week with the plan that the easement can be reduced. Once this is done we can proceed with the sale/lease of this property.
FALMOUTH STATION
Mike DiGiano, Lynne Broderick
DiGiano advised that MassDOT approved the grant application for EV charging station installation.
Working with Rise Engineering regarding the EverSource portion of the grant funding/ EV station placement and engineering.
It was reiterated that the board decided to defer a Café lease renewal until bus service resumes.
The Falmouth Station has returned to being open 5 days per week as of March 1st.
John Marcellino has requested that he install a canopy/covering over the outdoor deck area. Discussion ensued by the Board; citing there will be rules/Town and State regulations. It was agreed that the EDIC would advise Mr. Marcellino needs to speak to the Town of Falmouth and the State to investigate the Town/ State requirements and permitting. Then he will be required to present these findings and a plan/ proposal to the EDIC in April for discussion.
Patterson reminded the Board that the Town of Falmouth instituted expedited processes to assist restaurants during this time. He recommended Mr. Marcellino contact Diane Davidson.
SOLAR LANDFILL PROJECT – PHASE 2
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano advised survey crews are working on site, and construction is imminent. He is hopeful commercial operation date will remain for August 2021.
OPEN CAPE
Mike DiGiano
Steve Tom reported to DiGiano that business sign ups have not increased since last month. He provided a schedule of follow up times to market the program, and leads to contact.
Simmler inquired if Personal Residences could connect to Open Cape. DiGiano advised Open Cape is not allowing it at this time. DiGiano is to inquire if Home Based Businesses could be connected.
FIBER OPTIC NETWORK STUDY UPDATE
Mike DiGiano
Patterson met with the COO from Ting to determine if the Falmouth fiber optic network project would be attractive to them. They will respond within the next month once they’ve reviewed the feasibility study. Patterson thinks that private funding from a business similar to Ting is the best way forward.
DiGiano advised that the Falmouth Community Network Committee established a board and is meeting regularly as well are communicating with the public to educate them about the project. Patterson advised the Community Network Committee are fundraising as well.
Feronti suggested a formal process to work thru this project, provide a matrix and a standard and consistent list of questions that are asked of each potential ISP contacted.
Discussion ensued about this project.
10:02 EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to approve the Jan. 12, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes. Haney 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Aye, Simmler Aye, Feronti Aye. Motion passed.
MOTION: Feronti made a motion to approve the Feb.9, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes. Haney 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Aye, Simmler Aye, Feronti Aye. Motion passed.
MOTION: Haney made a motion to approve the Feb. 9, 2021 Executive Session Board Meeting Minutes and to Hold from public release. Simmler 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Aye, Simmler Aye, Feronti Aye. Motion passed.
10:07 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Haney made a motion to adjourn the Public Meeting Session. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Burke Aye, Simmler Aye, Feronti Aye. Motion passed.
NEXT MEETING – April 13th, 2021, 8:30am
*Times listed are intended merely for guidance.
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