Meeting Minutes
FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: July 9, 2019
Falmouth Town Hall
Selectmens Meeting Room, 59 Town Hall Sq. Falmouth, MA 02540
PRESENT
Christopher Land (C), Susan Moran (VC), Christopher Simmler (Ck), Paul Burke (T), Patti Haney
ABSENT
Michael Galasso
8:35 am
CALL TO ORDER
Having established a quorum, the Chairman called the meeting to order.
8:35 am PUBLIC COMMENT
None
8:36 am AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUEST
Ed Curley, Chair, Affordable Housing Committee
Mr. Curley requested that the Falmouth EDIC Board support the Falmouth Housing Committee in the notion to encourage the Selectmen Board to make use of the new Occupancy Tax / Air B & B Tax in Falmouth for the use of affordable housing in Falmouth.
Moran advised that there is ongoing discussion by the Town and Selectmen on on/where to spend Town money. There are always a number of choices and considerations of where to apply the Town funds. Affordable Housing has always been a top consideration of the Board of Selectmen for a very long time. Other organization also have advised of their need: Broadband Service, Water a New Fire Station, etc. Mr. Curley advised that a letter from the AHC would be sent to the Board of Selectmen detailing their request and position on this matter.
Karen Bissonnett, a member of AHC, advised there would be a Housing Forum on October 2nd, 2019; she invited the Falmouth EDIC Board to attend and participate in discussions.
Land stated that affordable housing as long been considered as very important to the interests of Falmouth EDIC in their efforts in economic development.
8:42 am COMMITTEE REPORTS
TECH PARK
No update.
MIXED USE / CO-WORKING SPACE UPDATE
Michael Galasso, Chris Simmler, Patti Haney
Mike DiGiano advised that the RFP for the Feasibility Study for a Co-working Space was completed and sent to the 3 consulting firms recommended by the Justine and Michael Galasso. They are also looking into a few other firms that are potential sources for proposals.
Proposals are due by August 5th.
Simmler suggested that the existing, soon to be vacated, Senior Center be a location to consider for a co-working space facility, and requested it be included during the study research.
Art Gaylord advised of 3 co-working facilities on Cape Cod named Cape Space – in Hyannis, Mashpee and Orleans. He reported that all facilities are booked year-round.
Haney reminded the Board that this project has a sub-committee: Galasso, Simmler and Haney. She suggested that in the future all members of the sub-committee are involved in discussion regarding the project.
FALMOUTH STATION
Chris Simmler, Lynne Broderick
Simmler advised due to budget issues, the pedestrian crosswalk will be removed from the future agendas. However, the bandstand built for the ice cream social will remain and there exists the possibility of extending and refitting it slightly to make it a crosswalk.
Air-conditioning to be installed at the end of this week.
Broderick investigated the stone wall repair and tree work. It is going to be very costly. Simmler’s State contacts advised this was a good time to ask the State for money. Perhaps the State may have contractors to assist with these projects. Simmler to send a letter to MassDOT to see if there exists a possibility for financial support with these projects.
Approximately 300 people showed up. The bank was terrific, the food was good. The social was a success.
Simmler noted Paul Dreyer’s historical bulletins. It was discussed that this information be included in the story boards in progress with the Preservation Alliance – if possible. It was requested that Broderick contact the Preservation Alliance for an update and commitment on completion date. If they no longer have interest in this project, then the EDIC will develop Paul Dreyer’s documents into something displayable at the Station.
The Peter Pan’s lease is in the final reviews by attorneys. It is a 10-year lease. Simmler thinks it will meet the Station growth needs.
A new lease will be developed on for Chef John Marcellino. Chef Marcellino will be taking over the Peter Pan ticketing booth.
Land inquired if the Friends of Falmouth Station received their incorporation and tax status. Simmler advised that he thinks it is close, but not yet completed.
LANDFILL SOLAR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – PHASE 2
Susan Moran
Moran advised that Town management is moving ahead, along with Citizens Energy on what is needed to be done for Phase II Solar development. They are the putting together the updated documents required for the project.
FINANCE
Paul Burke
Burke presented the July 9th, 2019 warrant in the amount of $30,517.97 and requested the Board to approve it for payment.
Burke mentioned the large Air-Conditioning expense of $20, 699. Discussion ensued about capitalizing the expense. Land questioned 501(c)3 accounting rules. Burke to discuss with accountants and advise at the next board meeting.
A new CD higher interest account was established and $250K was moved into it.
MOTION: Haney made a motion to approve the July 9th warrant in the amount of $30,517.97. Moran 2nd. All in favor. Approved.
OPEN CAPE / MAIN STREET HIGH SPEED INTERNET PROJECT
Mike DiGiano
Mike DiGiano is working to obtain the agreement between Open Cape and the EDIC. It was submitted to Mass Development – who requested some changes on the structure. Mass Development is considering that Open Cape and FEDIC become co-borrowers to meet loan structure requirements.
The loan documents must be completed and the loan closed by the end of July to file a final draw request to MOBD for the $80K funds.
Moran asked how the funds will be distributed. DiGiano was uncertain, with the co-borrower structure. Moran advised this is a key element that will need to be understood; Atty. Moynihan to be directed to ensure this is addressed.
COMMUNITY BASED FIBER OPTIC FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano and Bartlett met with network group and attends some working sessions to develop the RFP for the feasibility study.
The next steps for the Board is to establish a sub-committee to work with the network group and approve the RFP.
It is hoped that the study will be completed within the next 6 months, so it can be brought to the spring Town Meeting.
The study will be done in phases. It will allow information to be shared as it arrives and share it with the public in real time.
Simmler suggested that himself, Galasso and Haney will compromise the sub-committee.
MOTION: Haney made a motion that Chris Simmler, Michael Galasso and Patti Haney form the EDIC component of the Community Based Fiber Optic Sub-Committee. Moran 2nd. All in favor. Passed.
DiGiano requested that the RFP be approved as soon as possible so it can be issued immediately.
Land suggested further sub-committee review of the RFP by the EDIC members and suggested methods to vote to approve the RFP. Moran stated it is important the RFP is tight and questioned if legal counsel should also review it. Simmler to review it closely to ensure there are no protestable elements.
MOTION: Moran made a motion that the Board approve the RFP for the Community Based Fiber Optic Feasibility Study, subject to the voting members of the sub-committee’s meeting, review and approval of it. Haney 2nd. All in favor. Passed.
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
Susan Moran, Chris Land
Moran advised that she and Land met to review the bylaws. Land advised they added a few minor items and simplified the committee creation procedures.
MOTION: Moran made a motion to approve the Amended and Restated Bylaws subject to the minor changes described that Atty. Laura Moynihan will execute on the document. Simmler 2nd. All in favor. Passed.
9:32 am
EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to approve the June 11th, 2019 Meeting minutes. Haney 2nd. Land and Moran abstained. All others in favor. Approved.
9:33 am FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS / GUEST SPEAKERS
Mike Faloon, Neighborly – July or August
9:34 am
ADJOURNMENT
MOTON: Moran made a motion to adjourn the meeting session. Haney 2nd. All in favor. Approved.
NEXT MEETING
August 13, 2019, 8:30 am, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Falmouth Town Hall
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