Meeting Minutes
FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: October 8, 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), Michael Galasso, Patti Haney
8:33 am
CALL TO ORDER
Having established a quorum, the Chair called the meeting to order.
8:34 am PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
8:34 am BOARD MEMBER APPLICANT INTERVIEWS
Moran provided a brief overview of process thru Board of Selectmen decision. Moran reiterated that Town Counsel advised that as long as the makeup of the EDIC Board covers the statutory requirements, there is flexibility in the choice of addition members and their skills and experience.
Robert Ripley
Has been a banking and finance executive for 30 years.
Founded a national company that he eventually sold.
Robert decided to slow down and do some community work. He moved to Falmouth full time, and joined the Falmouth Finance Committee, was Chair for a period. No longer on this board.
Has served on many non-profit boards including the Falmouth Public Library Support Fund Board 501(c)3, working on various town beautification projects at no cost to taxpayers.
Works with Belonging to Each Other – mission is to provide housing to homeless persons in winter, the Mass Historical Society in Boston, as well as the Falmouth Museums on Green.
Moran asked what he thinks is the single most important key to economic development in Falmouth. Robert responded “buy-in and awareness”. Infrastructure is important to the community. Businesses are key to development and they need infrastructure. Said that issues business owners mention are beaches, parking, affordable housing, commutability/transportation off Cape.
Galasso is working with Robert on the No. Falmouth Library renovation; stated he is doing a great job.
Simmler asked if Robert felt he has the time to dedicate to the FEDIC considering all his other board work and employment. Robert responded yes, and that he will be a hands-on contributor.
Courtney Bird
Courtney describes himself as a Generalist/ Renaissance Man.
He was a teacher for 16 years: coached hockey, taught history, taught constitutional law, ran the schoolwork program, etc.
He moved to Falmouth full time 40 years ago. Became involved in the Falmouth Track Club.
Courtney started a Construction Co., to develop and build houses.
Directed the Cape Cod Marathon for 30 years – since retired from this role.
Courtney is currently involved with the Falmouth Community Broadband Network research project.
Simmler stated that Courtney has done a great job with assisting with the RFP for the feasibility study for the broadband network.
Galasso suggested that the Board consider expanding the Board Member total from 7 – 9 to accommodate the large number of projects the EDIC is undertaking. He would like to see more diversity on the Board. He also mentioned that the Charter Review Committee is doing a Town Charter review and the Town is making some revisions to the EDIC’s relationship to the Town of Falmouth.
8:58 am EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano distributed an overview report.
Several board members mentioned their appreciation of all the work done by Michael DiGiano.
Moran suggested adding the Executive Director Reports to the EDIC website.
9:03 am COMMITTEE REPORTS
TECH PARK
Patti Haney, Paul Burke, Mike DiGiano
DiGiano advised that the EDIC communicated with all the Tech Park owners regarding the rezoning petition for 64 Technology Park Dr. Some feedback was provided by Dan Webb and others citing some of the issues with Tech Park marketability.
DiGiano intends to investigate future development opportunities in the Falmouth Technology Park, and as well, attempt to determine the perception of why businesses are not willing to bring their business to the Park.
Galasso again cited the statistic that only 50% of the park is built out. Though the EDIC added some new signage which was helpful, he believes the greater issue is Housing for Employees, which is not allowed within the permitted uses within the Park. He thinks a comprehensive look at the Park needs to be done.
Moran suggested to contact the CCC about ideas on where to start with this plan to investigate what the CCC can offer to assist the EDIC with this effort of place-making and adding amenities.
Simmler stated that the CCC 3 Year Extension Agreement is now halfway thru, and the Board needs to determine what position they will take regarding this agreement and their involvement in the Park before a development plan should be created.
FALMOUTH STATION
Chris Simmler, Lynne Broderick
Simmler thanked Karen Rinaldo for the painting artwork donation of the “The First Thanksgiving 1621”. It is a depiction of the first thanksgiving at Plymouth and a 2nd print with a key naming all the people present – both Pilgrims and Native Americans.
In the process of renegotiating the Station Grill lease with Chef John Marcellino.
In discussion with Jim Fox and Chef John for the Christmas Stroll – music, food and beverages. Simmler requested that the Station fund $500 for the event.
Broderick advised of the current need for tree removal and pruning around the parking parameter at the Station. Two quotes were obtained; Grant Tree providing the lowest quote at $4,200.
MOTION: Moran made a motion to approve the $4,200 expense for tree removal and tree pruning at the Falmouth Station and that we move forward with the work. Haney 2nd. All in favor. Approved.
Broderick advised that the Station foyer is almost ready for public use as a sheltered area to stay inside during cold and inclement weather. New panic push bars are the last element to be installed before opening the foyer for use – this should be done within next 1-2 weeks.
Moran inquired how the Station will let the public know that the foyer will now be open for shelter. Broderick advised that she will produce a sign to communicate this message.
FINANCE
Paul Burke
Burke stated it was recently noticed that while all Station revenue was being added to the Station bank account, none of the expense was being removed from it. Rather all expense was being taken from the main checking account. In the future, a transfer will be done from the Station bank account into the main checking account.
Burke presented the October 8th, 2019 financial statement and the warrant in the amount of $19,722.31.
MOTION: Moran made a motion to approve the October 8th, 2019 warrant in the amount of $19,722.31. Simmler 2nd. All in favor. Approved.
It was requested that the EDIC develop a budget vs. actual for the both the EDIC Corporation and the Falmouth Station, and that everything is on a calendar year.
Land requested a full EDIC forecasted budget for 2020 for the next board meeting.
Moran requested that Land present a brief overview of projects and project expense at the next Town Meeting.
OPEN CAPE / MAIN STREET HIGH SPEED INTERNET PROJECT
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano showed a graphic of the infrastructure installation of the project – contractor should be finished by the end of October. First businesses connections be begin starting the first of November.
There is an intensive effort to contact the Main Street Businesses to sign-up to connect, as well as other areas where the backbone is already in place.
The price is $117 a month to the Business Owner, $80 will go to Open Cape, $27 to the Debt. Service Payment for the Mass Development Loan, and $10 will go into an EDIC Connection Fund which will be used to further subsidize more business connections. This will continue as long as the Mass Development Loan is outstanding. The subsidy connection fund details will be defined at a later date.
It is being encouraged that businesses outside of the established backbone area to contact Open Cape as they may be able to expand the infrastructure.
Galasso inquired if Open Cape can provide bundled services i.e. telephone and television. Art Gaylord advised that telephone - yes, television – no.
Moran advised the Board of Selectmen has had repetitive meeting agenda items for the High-Speed Fiber Optic studies and project. The BOS is considering appointing 2 members on a sub-committee for this project reporting – to enable face to face communication at meetings to accommodate open meeting laws.
DiGiano will check with the sub-committee members and will follow up with Town Counsel / Town Manager regarding Town Meeting Law and will report at the next meeting.
COMMUNITY BASED FIBER OPTIC FEASIBILITY STUDY
Chris Simmler, Patti Haney, Mike DiGiano
Simmler advised there was an impressive assortment of proposals to the RFP request – 9 in total.
The proposals have been narrowed down to 3 potential candidates to be interviewed later in the month.
Hopeful to have a recommendation of a vendor for the next board meeting.
MIXED USE / CO-WORKING SPACE STUDY UPDATE
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano advised the sub-committed interviewed 4 consultants and will review contract negotiations in executive session.
COMMUNITY BASED FIBER OPTIC STUDY UPDATE
Mike DiGiano
DiGiano advised that the sub-committee interviewed several consultants and will review the contract negotiations in executive session.
UPDATE ON PROPERTY LOTS: RAYMOND PARK & TECHNOLOGY PARK
Michael DiGiano
DiGiano advised he filed the petition for the rezoning of 64 Technology Park Drive: to be changed from public use LIB to LIC - to allow for ground mounted solar as a primary use.
Tom Bott advised that the Planning Board’s first vote denied the motion, however the 2nd vote was for indefinite postponement and that passed 3:2.
A group was concerned about removal of the trees. As well, the Tech Park Assoc. would like to see the entire Tech Park rezoned for ground mounted solar use or LIC. As the interested Leasee of the EDIC lot did not have a specific construction plan completed, the Planning Board voted for a postponement.
The EDIC has a choice to proceed with the article on the warrant, but if it’s not successful there will be a 2-year prohibition to resubmit the same article.
Moran suggested it might be wise to consider a more comprehensive study and development of a plan, and likewise speak with the CCC about their thoughts and concerns.
Much discussion ensued about this issue by all Board Members.
Tom Bott advised that resubmitting the article at some later date, with a more comprehensive plan may result with better results. He detailed the issues with the removal of trees and some of the CCC requirements of same and other matters of concern. He also provided an overview of a few other similar local rezoning requests.
Simmler suggested that Jim Fox inquire with the potential Leasee if they will accept a 6-month delay for a decision.
DiGiano to consult with Jim Fox on this subject, and to perhaps bring this issue to Town Meeting in November.
10:03 am
EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Broderick advised of the Malloy & Co. CPA letter advising of a rate increase. The Board requested that Broderick do some competitive pricing prior to signing the new contract.
Galasso reported that one of the non-profit businesses he is involved with also uses Malloy & Co., CPA. He reported to ensure there was no conflict of interest issues in the future.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the August 13th, 2019 Board Meeting Minutes. Simmler 2nd. Moran and Haney abstained. All others in favor. Approved.
MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the September 10th, 2019 Board Meeting Minutes. Simmler 2nd. All in favor. Approved.
MOTION: MOTION: Galasso made a motion to approve the September 10th, 2019 Executive Session Board Meeting Minutes. Simmler 2nd. All in favor. Approved.
10:05 am FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS / GUEST SPEAKERS
Mike Faloon, Neighborly
Eminent Domain / Liberty Green – DiGiano to report on Town Counsel’s opinion if it is legally feasible.
10:08 am
ADJOURNMENT AND MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION: Moran made a motion to adjourn the open session meeting and move into Executive Session in respect to the Co-Working Space and Community Network FO Broadband studies contract negotiations. Haney 2nd. All in favor. Approved.
NEXT MEETING
November 12, 2019, 8:30 am, Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Falmouth Town Hall
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