Meeting Minutes
FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: October 12, 2021
Falmouth Town Hall, 59 Town Hall Sq., Falmouth, MA 02540, Select Board Meeting Room
PRESENT
Christopher Land (C), Christopher Simmler (VC), Thomas Feronti (CK), Kevin Holmes (T), Michael Galasso, Samuel Patterson
8:30 am* CALL TO ORDER
A quorum was established. The Chair called the meeting to order.
8:30 PUBLIC COMMENT
None
8:30 GUEST SPEAKERS
Dr. Olivia White, Steering Committee Member: No Place for Hate
Broderick Introduced Dr. White. She came to the U.S. in 1962 to go to college in TX and currently holds 5 degrees including a Master’s Degree in Religious Education and a PHD in Human Genetics. Dr. White is very active in the Falmouth community and local organization such as past President of Falmouth Newcomers Club and current board member of Cape Cod Counsel of Churches, Falmouth Historical Society, League of Women Voters, SWIFT, Falmouth Homeless Initiative and several others. She also volunteers at the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce and Highfield Hall.
Dr. White told the board that No Place for Hate is a national organization that started many years ago to address the negative treatment of Jewish people. It started in Falmouth by an African American woman, a teacher who lived in Woods Hole, Emma Barrell. When the school closed, she started teaching in Falmouth. In 1960, when she was not considered for the Principle position, she filed a race discrimination lawsuit against Town of Falmouth. The lawsuit was unsuccessful; however, they awarded her $19K. Due to this the Town of Falmouth created a Racial Equality Committee and later that name changed to No Place for Hate. This organization focuses on discrimination against any race, color, creed, religious affiliation or bias. Leadership issues arose after many productive years and program activity declined for some time, however, in recent years new board members have joined and the organization has increased its outreach.
The mission of Not Place for Hate is a community organization whose purpose is to build bridges to combat bias based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and to promote respect for all people thru advocacy and education.
It is not a membership organization, but rather a community organization. Donations are welcome and accepted, but not required to participate in meetings, films, speakers and workshops.
Two major functions by the organization are the Martin Luther King breakfast and the Cape Cod Pride event in June. During the pandemic the only event they regularly scheduled was the Weekly Kneel Down – meeting at the Village Green at 12 pm and silently kneeling down for 9:28 seconds to represent the time the police officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck.
Dr. White mention a new Town D.E.I. position – Jackie Hartmann and requested the EDIC assist Ms. Hartmann to bring diversity and inclusion in the Town of Falmouth.
Art Gaylord: FalmouthNet Update
Mr. Gaylord said that FalmouthNet started about one and a half years ago by an informal group of volunteers with an idea that Falmouth deserved a better internet experience; one that worked for both residents and businesses.
The first thing FalmouthNet did was to propose a feasibility study to determine if the concept had any merit. They were very grateful that the Falmouth EDIC provided the $50K to do this study.
FalmouthNet has incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and created an advisory board.
They are currently working on refining the design and issuing an RFP for an engineering study/design. With the assistance by State Legislators, this work is being funded by the State - $150K. The goal is to obtain a detailed high-level engineering design with costing.
FalmouthNet has Article 22 on the Town Warrant which asks the Town to take the first step in establishing a municipal light plan. This is Chapter 164 of MA Law, established in the late 1800’s which allows Towns to offer services within their boundaries to their residents. Initially it was for lighting but now encompasses other utility services as well. This is an organizational mechanism to create a semi-public organization which can offer services to the Town. If the article is approved, (2/3 vote at two Town Hall Meetings) the next step would be to create municipal light plan board – either public or private. This board would then hire a municipal light plan Manager. Taking these steps does not commit the Town to any action other than allowing the board to continue to research and study the project. If a new Network is determined to be feasible and desired, it could be managed with by the Town or by a private entity. The Town could have as much or as little involvement in the Network creation and operational management as it chooses.
FalmouthNet is paying close attention and working with State Legislators regarding the Federal funding awarded to the State of MA 5.3B for CV-19 relief; some of which is slotted for Broadband, in the hope some of this funding may be used for the Falmouth network project.
A working group has been established in Town to address issues that are of interest to the Town. FalmouthNet felt it was important to include various Town administrators and managers to obtain their thoughts and feedback.
Galasso inquired when FalmouthNet would be able to reimburse the Falmouth EDIC for the $50K feasibility study. Gaylord said he did not believe it was part of the agreement, but it would be something that the municipal light board would need to address. Galasso said he does not think the Falmouth EDIC has been included/invited to be involved. Patterson disputed Galasso’s comment citing that he and ED Mike DiGiano has been involved all along. Patterson said that the primary mission of an EDIC is job creation which is what the network project will support, especially considering all the Falmouth residents now and in the future that will work from home. Patterson stated that taking $50K from FalmouthNet at this time would be cutting the growth opportunity; citing he believes the $50K the Falmouth EDIC provided was an excellent investment to promote the economic vitality of the Falmouth community. Galasso said he supports the Falmouth EDIC mission but he thinks as the EDIC was not offered a position on the FalmouthNet board then the $50K funding for the feasibility study should be reimbursed. Gaylord said this should have been stated as a provision and put into an agreement, but it was not, however, once/if the network is formed and operational it may be considered sometime in the distant future.
9:04 EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
New Board Member Recruitment
Chairman Land inquired on where new recruitment stands. Broderick advised that the prior Open Board position was posted by the Town months ago and Simmler’s soon to be vacant position would be posted sometime in the next few weeks. No applicants were received. Broderick reminded the board that typically the Board Members themselves recruit and advocate for board member applications.
Galasso advised that he has reached out to the Falmouth Housing Authority for potential recruitment.
Lingafelter noted that the board is heavy with real estate experience and suggested that the board focus on diversity but as well look to expand on skill sets such as IT, project & business management, blue economy, etc.
Land requested that all board members think about who they may approach for recruitment and staff to place some ads to promote board membership interest.
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to approve the August 10, 2021 Public Session Board Meeting Minutes. Patterson 2nd the motion. Feronti abstained. All others voted in favor. Motion approved.
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to approve, but not release, the August 10, 2021 Executive Session Board Meeting Minutes. Patterson 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion approved.
MOTION: Feronti made a motion to approve the September 14, 2021 Public Session Board Meeting Minutes with noted amendments. Simmler 2nd the motion. Land and Patterson abstained. All others in favor. Motion approved.
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to approve, but not release, the September 14, 2021 Executive Session Board Meeting Minutes. Feronti 2nd the motion. Land and Patterson abstained. All others voted in favor. Motion approved.
9:17 FINANCE
Kevin Holmes
Holmes referred to the financial reports. The cash position is $357,158.74, assets consist of cash and parcels of land. The EDIC is slighting below budget on Income due to the timing of some payment receipts for Solar 1 & 2. Expense is under budget primarily due to lower operation costs at the Falmouth Station i.e. landscaping, supplies, etc. The EDIC is running close to overall budget even though income is down.
Galasso inquired why the ground lease for the Falmouth Station property was not included as an asset on the financial reports. Holmes and Lingafelter to inquire with the EDIC CPA and advise.
Simmler reminded the board that $250K was the minimum amount that the EDIC would allow the cash assets to reduce to.
MOTION: Holmes made a motion to approve the warrant in the amount of $29,745.79. Galasso 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
Lingafelter made a recommendation for a two-signature requirement for checks in the amount of $5K or greater. The Treasurer or ED will be the second signatories after the CPA.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to require two signatures on any checks over $5,000. Patterson 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
9:25 CDBG COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT UPDATE
Lynne Broderick
Broderick advised that the Falmouth Service Center could not distribute all the funds awarded to them and the Town offered the EDIC the remaining $25K to award to approved CDBG applicants. The sub-committee will meet to determine how to proceed with these extra funds. Including these added funds, there is a total of approximately $45K in funds available to be awarded.
Feronti inquired about the outreach for the program. Broderick advised that no individual contacts are being made, other than advertisements in the Falmouth Enterprise. Galasso advised he sent out emails to local small business organizations with a focus on minority owned businesses, attaching the CDBG flyer.
Lingafelter reminded the board that the CDBG requires that all funds are awarded by 12/31/21; noting the limited time remaining.
9:28 SEAPORT COUNCIL GRANT UPDATE - MRECo
Wayne Lingafelter
Lingafelter advise Phase 1 is complete and permission was received to commence to Phase 2 – the execution phase. The majority of funding will be distributed in the Phase 2; approx. $193K.
9:31 ARPA FUNDS FOR FALMOUTH SMALL BUSINESSES
Wayne Lingafelter
Lingafelter mentioned the letter drafted to the Town of Falmouth requesting $500K of the ARPA funds awarded to the Town for small business assistance.
As requested by Land, Lingafelter spoke with M. Kasparian at the Chamber of Commerce. Kasparian shared with Lingafelter that that Chamber membership has recovered well from the pandemic, businesses within their membership are reporting experiencing some of their best results. Kasparian noted that workforce issues, including housing, are the primary concern of local businesses.
Patterson advised that the CCC reported collected statics that no more than 6% of businesses on CC failed due to CV-19.
Galasso mentioned using some of the funding to assist with workforce housing making note that other organizations have assisted with workforce housing by providing incentives for this expense to critical employee categories i.e. healthcare, fire, etc.
The board discussed the current status of workforce and housing issues and submitting a letter to the Town and how to approach the request.
Land suggested submitting a letter to reflect the EDIC requesting involvement and suggesting programs and/or other Town committees the EDIC can partner with or assist with.
Lingafelter said he would edit the letter including Feronti’s comments to remove a reference to a specific dollar amount.
9:38 SSA LONG RANGE PLANNING TASK FORCE
Chris Land
Land reported that Doug Brown, Chairman of the Falmouth Select Board advised him that the Steamship Authority Long Range Task Force may want a member of the EDIC to join their task force. Feronti volunteered for the assignment.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to appointment Thomas Feronti to become a member of the Steamship Authority Long Range Planning Task Force. Patterson 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
9:40 MOTION: Patterson made a motion to move into Executive Session, to return to the Public Session, to discuss the Falmouth Station cafe lease and procurement process as discussing this subject in a Public Session would be detrimental to the EDIC’s negotiation position. Galasso 2nd the motion. Feronti Aye, Galasso Aye, Land Aye, Simmler Aye, Patterson Aye, Holmes Aye. Motion passed.
9:55 MOTION: Patterson made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session Meeting and return to the Public Meeting. Simmler 2nd. All in favor. Motion passed.
9:57 COMMITTEE REPORTS
Technology Park Lot 21 - Drainage Easement Update
Wayne Lingafelter
Lingafelter said he is continuing to work with Holmes & McGrath on the Lot 64 easement plan.
They recently did a visual inspection of the site and there is fairly significant erosion within the easement area which they think may be attributed to the water tower flushing. This will need to be investigated further.
Lingafelter hopes to have a new H & M perspective plan soon and will meet with the Town Water Dept.
Falmouth Station Update
Wayne Lingafelter
Lingafelter is continuing to work on the Falmouth Station Master Planning. An invitation was sent to various local property owner abutters and community leaders to attend a stakeholder meeting on Oct. 20th. This is to gain their views on future Station property development. This session will be led by the VBH Consultant team.
It was noted that Galasso attended the CPC committee meeting to present the EDIC application for funding for the brick repair work at the Falmouth Station. A tour is schedule on Monday with members of the CPC committee to inspect the project. There are a few issues that need to be addressed relating to the work itself as noted in a report done by the CPC consultant. Lingafelter will respond to these issues.
Lingafelter and Broderick met with a heating contractor to obtain quotes on replacing the very old heat boiler. An issue that arose is the asbestos materials found wrapped around the pipes in the basement. Simmler recommended that the EDIC have an abatement survey done to inspect and assess the issue.
Galasso said that the MassDOT did an extensive study of the building prior to EDIC obtaining the lease. Galasso suggested looking for this document to determine if an abatement study was already performed.
Galasso inquired about when the parking lines were going to be repainted. Lingafelter said the intention was to wait until spring, however, painting some of the high traffic areas will be considered.
Landfill Solar Phase 2
Wayne Lingafelter
The initial rent for August for Phase 2 was received and are still waiting for September rent.
Citizen’s Energy will be hosting the Phase 2 dedication ceremony to be held Thursday. Chairman Land will be speaking at it. All board members are invited.
OpenCape Main Street Gigabit Project
Lynne Broderick
Broderick reported OpenCape is still placing ads in the Falmouth Enterprise. OpenCape has 43 businesses connections to date.
There is $2K left of the $50K earmarked for free business connections, as well as collected another $5.5K in the $10 Connection Fees from current customers, totaling approximately $7.5K available for future free connections.
Lingafelter met with Steve Tom from OpenCape and reported they are looking strategically on how they can expand OpenCape service.
10:13 NEW BUSINESS
Southeastern Economic Development Organization has requested the EDIC to provide a letter of support in their attempt to obtain an additional $3.5M in CARES Act Funds. These additional funds will be used for their SEED program – loans to small businesses that have difficulty obtaining loans from more traditional lending organizations.
MOTION: Holmes made a motion to permit Wayne Lingafelter to provide a letter of support to the SE Economic Council. Simmler 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion approved.
10:16 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Simmler made a motion to adjourn the Public Session. Patterson 2nd. All in favor. Motion approved.
NEXT MEETING – November 9th, 2021, 8:30am
*Times listed are intended merely for guidance.
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