Meeting Minutes
FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: May 11, 2021
Zoom Meeting
PRESENT
Christopher Simmler (VC), Thomas Feronti (CK), Michael Galasso, Patti Haney and Samuel Patterson
ABSENT
Christopher Land (C), Paul Burke (T)
8:33 am* CALL TO ORDER
A quorum was established. The Vice-Chair called the meeting to order.
8:33 PUBLIC COMMENT
None
8:33 GUEST SPEAKER: John Miller, Executive Director, MERCo https://www.mreconewengland.org
MERCo is a non-profit spin-off of the University of Massachusetts.
Mr. Miller said a primary goal of MERCO was developing a test Infrastructure for Tidal Energy. They built the original structure with funding from the Seaport Counsel. They are now adding some improvements to the existing site on Cape Cod Canal in Bourne, MA.
Mr. Miller spoke thru a presentation about the tidal energy test site project.
Mike DiGiano reported that the Army Corp. of Engineers is requiring a $50K Performance Bond as part of the license for the test stand. The purpose of the bond is if for any reason the test stand needs to be removed, there are funds available for the Army Corp. of Engineers to remove it. MERCo does not have the balance sheet to fund this bond. DiGiano suggested some gap assistance such as a guarantee with the bond issuer until MERCo can generate revenue. There is no specific proposal at this time.
DiGiano reminded the board that the grants funds for the project are primarily being used to bring permanent power to the test stand and to provide internet connection thru Open Cape.
DiGiano advised that the bond quote was $1,000 and cannot be paid out of the grant funds. It is unclear at this time what exactly is requested by the EDIC from the bond issuers.
Simmler inquired if this test site could generate business/jobs to the Falmouth area. Miller said in terms of generating a cluster, it could.
DiGiano requested the EDIC form a sub-committee to work on the bond issue with him. Land and Patterson volunteered to be on this sub-committee.
8:59 FINANCE
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano reviewed the financial statement and warrant. Our April variance report shows an unfavorable negative net balance of $13,760. This is due to PPP loan not yet been reimbursed/forgiven. We expect by next quarter. As well, the CDBG expense reimbursement has not yet been received. Year to date expense is running under budget by $9K.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion was made to approve the warrant in the amount of $26,399.36. Feronti 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Feronti Aye, Galasso Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion approved.
9:03 CDBG Community Development Block Grant COVID-19
Mike DiGiano, Lynne Broderick
DiGiano reported receiving 29 applicants: 8 approved by the grant committee. Total award to date is $79,300. The Town is in the process of drawing down the funds from the State to disburse to the recipients. There are approximately 12 applications in process; expecting a few more to be ready for review by the grant committee next week.
The application date is now open and are being processed on first come first served basis. There is no deadline.
More outreach needs to be done to the small businesses to generate additional applicants.
DiGiano suggested a joint event with the Town / Board of Selectmen and grant recipients which may assist to promote the grant program.
9:08 MASS DEVELOPMENT TECH. ASSIST.GRANT - FALMOUTH STATION
Mike DiGiano, Chris Simmler, Tom Feronti
DiGiano advised that based on the EDIC SOW revisions MassDevelopment was obtaining an updated budget from a new design consultant better suited to Falmouth Station project.
Once this new Budget and Memorandum of Understanding is received DiGiano requested that the sub-committee to review the details and report to the EDIC Chair.
MOTION: Patterson made a motion to authorize the Chair to sign the M.O.U. for the MassDevelopment Technical Assistant Grant project upon the recommendation of the EDIC sub-committee of this project. Haney 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Haney Aye, Feronti Aye, Galasso Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion approved.
9:11 SEAPORT COUNCIL FUNDING & MERCO/ FEDIC GRANT APPLICATION
Mike DiGiano
Discussed during Guest Speaker presentation.
9:11 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT 2021
Michael Galasso
DiGiano reminded the board two things came of the discussion at the last board meeting: 1. That a letter be sent to the Board of Selectmen suggesting that one use of these funds is to set up a small business assistance program for CV-19 relief with less stringent guidelines that the current State CDBG program requires, and 2. A letter of support of the $200K request by the Falmouth Fiber Optic Network Committee to fund an engineering sturdy for a Falmouth fiber optic network.
DiGiano has not communicated to the Selectmen yet.
Patterson reported that the Town of Falmouth has not received any notice of a future receipt of the $3M from the American Rescue Act. At this time, the Town is uncertain if/ how much/ when funds will be available.
Discussion ensued by the Board about whether to communicate now with the Town regarding the disbursement of the American Rescue Act funds under the uncertain recipient situation.
The Board discussed next steps for Falmouth Fiber Optic Network project. DiGiano will set up a Call with Falmouth Community Network Committee and the Town of Falmouth to discuss formalization of roles. Land, Simmler and Galasso to attend.
9:32 OUTREACH PROJECT – MEETINGS WITH LOCAL COMMITTEES
DiGiano reported the EDIC is interacting with other boards with the MassDevelopment Technical Assistance Grant and the Joe-4-Sun Programs.
Simmler questions if the outreach goal was met and if this item needs to remain on the agenda. It was decided this would be discussed further at the June board meeting.
Galasso advised at the Falmouth Housing Authority/ Affordable Housing Committee is working on project that they would like to present at a future EDIC meeting. The Planning Board is discussing a multi-family housing zone in Falmouth which may be something the EDIC wants to learn more about.
Galasso inquired if anyone has met with Town Manager and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to discuss the EDIC role. Simmler suggested this should be an action item for Chris Land.
Patterson said the Falmouth Housing Corp. has been the most active affordable housing developer in Falmouth. The most successful in raising money and building. They just proposed a 48-unit multi-usage senior housing project on the corner of Main St. and Scranton Avenue.
9:36 COMMITTEE REPORTS
FALMOUTH TECHNOLOGY PARK
Tom Feronti, Patti Haney, Mike DiGiano
DiGiano reported that he requested Holmes & McGrath to take a look at the budget / SOW for the permitting plan to reduce the drainage easement for Lot 21 to see if the expense could be reduced. He is awaiting a response.
Clancy Appraisal said that the EDIC would recover the cost of permitting plan/study expense when the lot was sold. Clancy recommends that the EDIC gain a clear understanding of the types of permitted businesses can developed on the lot as this is how the valuation is derived.
Galasso inquired about housing within the Falmouth Technology Park. There could be a permitted use issue as well as there may not be a lot big enough for a development.
FALMOUTH STATION
Mike DiGiano, Lynne Broderick
DiGiano advised the canopy has been approved, however the deck has not yet been approved/ permitted. The EDIC is required be the applicant on the deck as the Tenant installed the deck without approval and structural plans. The State Inspector is requiring that a licensed contractor provide a drawing of the deck with load calculations. The Tenant has agreed to pay for this expense. DiGiano is researching for a contractor. The Additional Insured Certificate was provided by the Tenant for any potential liability claims resulting from the canopy.
Simmler reported he met with Paul Dreyer regarding the artwork within the Falmouth Station. Thinking of going forward, Simmler recommends a historical theme, history of Falmouth Station, research and scientific contributions, Falmouth residents, etc. There is an attempt to have the Museum on the Green the Station to the walking tour and John Marcellino has agreed to recite some historical information.
Paul Dreyer suggests making the south wall more of a historical venue. Several people donated photographs and there is possibility for more. He feels the public will be attracted to the historical aspect of Falmouth and the Falmouth Station. Mr. Dreyer said the Chairman of the Historical Commission advised the commission requested a designation of Historical Site for the Falmouth Station. Mr. Dreyer will come back to the board with recommendations. Simmler, Galasso and Dreyer formed a sub-committee.
Haney suggested that the Historic Commission may be the best group to work on the artwork issue. Haney believes this is a good idea, but the board should be talking more about bus service and other business-related matters at the Falmouth Station.
DiGiano said the EDIC needs to develop an artwork policy for the Falmouth Station. He stated there needs to be a communication with the Falmouth Artist Guild to advise of whatever is eventually decided artwork.
Simmler requested an Executive Session in June concerning the Café tenant.
DiGiano reported that John Marcellino advised he would like a seasonal beer and wine license. He will follow up with the State Building Inspector and the Town of Falmouth.
SOLAR LANDFILL PROJECT – PHASE 2
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano reported construction is well underway and to be completed by the end of May. Then they will have it commissioned by Eversource. It is uncertain how quickly Eversource will get the solar array online.
The rent to the EDIC will begin when the array is commissioned but no later than August 1st, 2021.
Phase 2 Falmouth Solar Array will be a benefit to the Town: half of the energy will be offered to approx. 250 low/moderate income households, the other half goes to the Town in the form of energy payments from Eversource in addition to the $500K received from Phase 1. Overall, the Town of Falmouth will receive in excess of $600K a year in revenue.
Galasso requested that the Joe-F-Sun Program’s Environmental Justice Zone map be published on the EDIC website.
OPEN CAPE
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano informed the Board that Open Cape has reported receiving a lot of interest and some new connection sign-ups.
Open Cape was impacted by staff contracting CV-19 which affected operations. New marketing materials are anticipated.
FIBER OPTIC NETWORK STUDY UPDATE
Mike DiGiano
Discussed earlier in the meeting.
10:08 EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
MOTION: Haney made a motion to approve the Apr. 13, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Haney Aye, Feronti Aye, Simmler Abstained. Motion approved.
MOTION: Haney made a motion to approve the Apr. 13, 2021 Executive Session Board Meeting Minutes and to not release them. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Haney Aye, Feronti Aye, Simmler Abstained. Motion approved.
10:10 NEW BOARD MEETING SUBJECTS OR GUEST SPEAKERS
Galasso inquired about the Mayflower Wind project and if they would be returning for an update. Galasso noted that he heard that the State is issuing their next round of lease on Nantucket Sound and there will be a requirement community impact report to those communities.
Patterson informed the Board that Mayflower Wind presented to the Falmouth Board of Selectmen and Mayflower reported that they are going thru the various processes and the project is in progress.
DiGiano reminded the Board that the EDIC sent a letter to the Select Board asking that they retain a consultant to assist with the economic impact analysis. The Town did not respond and may have taken it under advisement.
Chris Simmler notified the Board that he will be resigning his position on the EDIC Board. He will be leaving in June or July due to conflicting commitments. He requested the Board members to reach out to any qualified persons who may be a good fit. Galasso noted it would be good if it was someone who offered diversity to the current board make-up.
10:15 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Haney made a motion to adjourn the Public Meeting Session. Patterson 2nd. Roll Call: Patterson Aye, Galasso Aye, Haney Aye, Feronti Aye, Simmler Aye. Motion passed.
NEXT MEETING – June 8th, 2021, 8:30am
*Times listed are intended merely for guidance.
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