Meeting Minutes
FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: June 8, 2021
Zoom Meeting
PRESENT
Christopher Land (C), Christopher Simmler (VC), Paul Burke (T), Thomas Feronti (CK), Michael Galasso, Patti Haney and Samuel Patterson
8:03 am* CALL TO ORDER
A quorum was established. The Chair called the meeting to order.
8:03 MOTION: Simmler made a motion to adjourn the Public Meeting Session and move to Executive Session, to return to the Public Session, to discuss the Station Grill lease and procurement process and revenue sharing agreement with MRECo on the test stand, as discussing these subjects in the Public Session would be detrimental to the EDIC’s negotiation position. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Simmler Aye, Burke Aye, Galasso Aye, Patterson Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye.
8:39 RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION
8:39 PUBLIC COMMENT
None
8:39 FINANCE
Paul Burke
Burke reviewed the financial reports. Total cash on hand is $370,996.80 and total assets are $410,747.44.
Though there is a negative Net Income of $48,545.72, some of this will be mitigated by the forgiveness of the PPP Loan and the CDBG program reimbursement expense.
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to approve the warrant in the amount of $25,783.50. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Simmler Aye, Burke Aye, Galasso Aye, Patterson Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye. Motion passed.
Broderick reported that the note from the Coastal Community Development was recently repaid in full. Galasso requested a report of all the organizations to whom the EDIC loaned funds and how the funds were used. Simmler suggested adding this information to the website.
8:44 CDBG Community Development Block Grant COVID-19
Mike DiGiano, Lynne Broderick
DiGiano reported receiving 33 applicants: 10 approved by the grant committee a total funding amount of $99K. There is $49K in grant funds remaining. There are 7 applications in process; uncertain if all will qualify for a grant award.
Marketing efforts will continue.
At this time, the funds have not yet actually been sent to the Awardees. The Town of Falmouth has recently notified the EDIC that the funds for the 1st five Awardees have been received from the State.
DiGiano stated the EDIC should plan some sort of event with the Awardees, EDIC, local State and Town officials to acknowledge the assistance provided to small businesses in Falmouth. Discussion ensued about an event by the Board.
8:50 MASS DEVELOPMENT TECH. ASSIST.GRANT - FALMOUTH STATION
Mike DiGiano, Chris Simmler, Tom Feronti
DiGiano reported that MassDev just completed the negotiation with the consultant team for the SOW and budget. The grant agreement has not yet been received but is expected soon.
DiGiano said the grant match was in-kind staff services of $25K.
8:52 SEAPORT COUNCIL FUNDING & MERCO/ FEDIC GRANT APPLICATION
Mike DiGiano
No discussion.
8:52 OUTREACH PROJECT – MEETINGS WITH LOCAL COMMITTEES
Galasso inquired about the new Select Board person and the relationship with the Select Board. Patterson stated the new Select Board member has been active with the Affordable Housing Committee as well as at the 2 Select Board meetings attended. She is impressive. Patterson will keep the Select Board current on activities with the Falmouth Station development and other EDIC projects.
8:54 GUEST SPEAKER: Falmouth Affordable Housing Committee
Karen Bissonnette - Committee Member
Ms. Bissonnette referred to a report previously sent to the EDIC Board.
Noting there is not enough funds to support the affordable housing demands in Falmouth. More sources of revenue are necessary.
The housing production plan calls for 375-units over 5 years/ 75 housing units a year. This has goal has not been met. There has been made available 3 single family homes in 3 years.
A problem exists if the developer does not know that funding exists for affordable housing, it is difficult for them to move forward.
New affordable housing development are 40-units on Springs Bars Road and 20-units on Gifford St. Habitat in Waquoit are developing 10 single family units within the next year, and Falmouth Housing Trust has 1-unit under construction now and 3 more if they are approved by the Zoning Board.
Patterson advised the Falmouth Housing Corp. is moving forward on a 50-unit senior housing project on Scranton Avenue.
Galasso advised the only source of funding from the Town came from the Community Preservation Committee. The Town alone cannot solve the housing crisis in Falmouth. These funds must be leveraged along with other Federal and State funds and tax credits. Galasso thinks a focus for funding should be from the sources that somewhat attributed to affordable housing issue.
Ms. Bissonnette said the goal is to approach all the Town Boards /Committees in Town to present the report and obtain feedback.
The sources of potential additional funding are: Bonding, CPC Funds, Town of Falmouth General Funds, Transfer Fees, Hotel/Motel Tax, Short-Term Rental Tax, Restaurant Meals Tax and the Community Impact Fee.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion that the Falmouth EDIC Board support the FAHC plan with a vote and that 50% of the revenue generated from the Falmouth Landfill Solar 1 & 2 be added to the list of potential funding sources for affordable workforce housing and that one of the EDIC Board Members be added to the Affordable Housing Funding Advisory Committee. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Simmler Aye, Burke Aye, Galasso Aye, Patterson Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney Aye. Motion passed.
9:14 COMMITTEE REPORTS
FALMOUTH TECHNOLOGY PARK
Tom Feronti, Patti Haney, Mike DiGiano
DiGiano reported that McGrath & Holmes is still working on the drainage easement issue and will make the filing with the Planning Board this week. Once the drainage easement is reduced, then DiGiano will have a better idea on how to value the lot and proceed with an RFP.
FALMOUTH STATION
Mike DiGiano, Lynne Broderick
DiGiano said the structural load calculations and plans for the deck at the Station were recently received. A building permit will be filed for it – after the fact. John Marcellino will pay the expense for the engineering and plans.
John Marcellino has requested that the EDIC Board consider allowing him a seasonal liquor license. The process begins with the State Building Inspector, the application to be submitted by the Falmouth EDIC. The Fire Dept. will need to inspect/approve the premises and the Town of Falmouth will need to approve the license submitted by John Marcellino.
Patterson said that site control is critical and that it is managed by someone trained in this area. He thinks the deck could be a problem as it is not a contained area, citing the Town Manager’s office would be able to provide direction on this matter. Patterson also noted safety issues will need be addressed.
Galasso said his only concern is that the Station Grill and the Falmouth EDIC are appropriately insured for liquor service liability.
Simmler reported that Marcellino said he would purpose the liquor liability insurance as required, listed EDIC additional insured, beer and wine only, a premise only license, he is tip certified, liquor will be secured in a locked closet, it’s only a seasonal license – summer/winter holiday, 11am- 8pm, serving liquor both inside and on the back patio and deck.
Feronti said there were questions to be worked out i.e. dealing with security, deliveries, policing the liquor service, etc.
MOTION: Simmler made a motion that the EDIC Board supports Chef Marcellino in obtaining a beer and wine liquor license provided it is approved by the EDIC sub-committee, he has provided procedures and plans and has met all the State requirements. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Burke Aye, Galasso Aye, Patterson Aye, Feronti Aye, Haney abstain, Simmler Aye, Land Aye. Motion passed.
Land stated that he wants to ensure that any document/contract that is provided for the Liquor License states that if the EDIC Board, Executive Director or Sub-Committee decides to pull or suspend it, we can do so at any time without any cost or liability associated with doing so.
Galasso inquired if the Station Grill lease needed to be modified, or an addendum added to include the liquor license and the EDIC requirements. The Board agreed it would be.
Galasso suggested for future plans bringing in a club car and having this be the bar area.
Broderick mentioned the tripping on the step at the Station. Simmler said they were ADA compliant, but would check with his engineers for further ideas on how to resolve this matter.
Broderick showed the Board the list of major repairs to be done: brick repair/sealant, electrical plugs added, parking lot repainting, interior wall board repair/painting, the heating boiler. Simmler said the heating system would be a priority – obtain some quotes.
Galasso suggested that the EDIC apply to the CPC for historical building funding. Paul Dreyer advised that the Falmouth Historic Commission has nominated the Station as a historical building. Patterson mentioned that timing was critical to take advantage of current staff that is still in position before retirement.
Feronti thinks that the expense for additional outlets for the Café use should be discussed with the tenant as this is for his operation. Feronti recommended contacting RISE Engineering to research energy efficient boilers.
Paul Dreyer is putting together information regarding adding new historical artwork to the Falmouth Station’s south wall. The goal is to add to Karen Rinaldo’s historical print. Mr. Dreyer noted 4 old photos of the Falmouth Station that are currently in the Bus Ticket Office.
DiGiano suggested that the EDIC put up a sign citing that the building is managed by the Falmouth EDIC to ensure all communication and requests come to the EDIC vs. to a tenant in the building.
DiGiano reported that Plymouth/Brockton Railways is resuming service in Hyannis and wants to begin service in Falmouth to TF Green Airport in Providence within the next 30-60 days. The License agreement was created and put into escrow a year ago due to CV-19. They are waiting for their access agreement with the Steamship Authority. DiGiano said there would be some start up costs/activities: bus bays, installing a kiosk, signing, etc. Simmler said he would like to hold/attend an on-site walk thru with both bus tenants to discuss schedules and resolve any foreseeable issues. Galasso mentioned it was important to hold this meeting before either bus lines posts a schedule. Galasso also inquired if there would be any Public Relations events to advertise this new bus line operating in Falmouth. DiGiano to inquire.
SOLAR LANDFILL PROJECT – PHASE 2
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano reported Citizens has finished mechanical completion on Friday, May 21st. Citizens is working with Eversource to complete the inner connection. Once this done, the EDIC’s rent will commence, but no later than August 1st, 2021.
A performance bond agreement will need to be signed by the EDIC Chair. This will need to be posted annually.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion that the EDIC Board authorize the EDIC Chair to sign the Performance Bond. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Galasso Aye, Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
OPEN CAPE
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano advised there was not a recent update from Open Cape, however, he believes there are approximately 36 connections to date. He mentioned that Open Cape is implementing a new marketing plan to promote sign-ups.
FIBER OPTIC NETWORK STUDY UPDATE
Mike DiGiano
Patterson said the committee is still working on raising money for an engineering design, to use to eventually go to bid.
DiGiano mentioned reading a news article that said the FalmouthNet went to a Select Board meeting, citing their intention was to put an article on the Town Meeting warrant for $200K for an engineering study. He reminded the Board of a previous Board discussion to meet with FalmouthNet to coordinate efforts.
Galasso expressed that if the EDIC was not going to be involved in the project, then he wants the EDIC to request reimbursement of the $50K from FalmouthNet for the funds the EDIC invested for the fiber optic network study. Patterson suggested that Mike DiGiano start this conversation with FalmouthNet.
10:06 EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Simmler announced the Mike DiGiano has resigned his position as the EDIC Executive Director. However, DiGiano has agreed to stay in a limited capacity and with reduced hours to assist with the transition to a new employee. As well, Simmler said he intends to stay on the Board for a few more months to assist thru the process.
DiGiano said he has enjoyed his time with the EDIC, however, his other work responsibilities is demanding too much time for him to be able to provide the required time for his duties as the ED of the EDIC. He will continue his work on a limited basis as a consultant.
Galasso thanked Mike DiGiano for all the time and effort he provided to support the EDIC; citing the EDIC would not be where it is today without his help. Patterson 2nd these comments and said that he thought the EDIC’s reputation in the Town was greatly enhanced due to DiGiano’s contributions.
MOTION: Patterson made a motion to approve the May 11, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes. Haney 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Galasso Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion approved.
Simmler asked the Board to try to reach out to any potential candidates to fill the vacant Board Member positions: Simmler, Burke and possibly Haney’s board positions will need to be filled.
Broderick advised that next month’s meeting will be in person at the Town Hall. Masks are currently required indoors.
10:16 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Haney made a motion to adjourn the Public Meeting Session. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Galasso Aye, Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
NEXT MEETING – July 13th, 2021, 8:30am
*Times listed are intended merely for guidance.
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