Meeting Minutes

FALMOUTH EDIC OPEN MEETING: Mar 15, 2016

Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Falmouth, MA

8:30am
CALL TO ORDER
All members present. Quorum established

8:35am
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.

8:40am
PRESENTATION
Steve Johnston, Executive Director of OpenCape invited to refresh EDIC on status of the broadband and the opportunities for municipalities on Cape Cod to expand its capacity to include the business sector and residents. After an extensive overview of the area coverage and system capacity and capabilities, OpenCape is focused on providing options that delivers more bandwidth to telecommuting workers and small businesses. Lacks data at municipal level and is looking at “pockets of density” like Falmouth and PTown for incubator opportunities. Currently using only 5% of capacity. Need is growing. Costs $50K per mile to run fiber infrastructure. Will initiate “demand study.” Pilot study with healthcare focused on keeping elders at hoe with technology assisted services. Will be conducting “demand study” cape wide within a few months. Will keep FEDIC informed. Karen Gardner, Community Health Center, overview of services provided on Upper Cape. Services continue to grow. 165 employees, Demographics, 20% over 65 and 55% between 26-65, regardless of ability to pay. 1 in 5 is from Falmouth. 80% have some form of insurance. Seeking more office space – in Falmouth.

9:00am
WORKING GROUP UPDATES: BOS 5-YR STRAT PLAN
Bartlett wants to have a presentation during Fall town meeting.

HOUSING ISSUES UPDATE
Galasso informed the board about the EDIC having a role in 40B project on Main Street. Ability to create bond for developer for a better project. Fox spoke to Accessory Apt. Project. Scheduling for Fall Town Meeting. Multi Family. Bylaws being revised. Currently allows 4 units.

9:20am
COMMITTEE REPORTS: FALMOUTH STATION
Mike/David/Jim Falmouth Station Subcommittee Report – Eldredge said hiring a civil engineer to advise architect. Cornice has structural as well as aesthetic implications. Falmouth Station Advisory Committee Report – Zavala reported that FSAC report was sent to board in order to meet April deadline. Includes proposals, concerns, questionnaire. Requests meeting with FSC and architect. Eldredge said construction completion of Phase I is scheduled for December 2016. Galasso said Architect charged with developing a vision plan for Phase 2. Eldredge said that vision will be based on input from several sources. Galasso stressed they must be “transportation related.” Eldredge said the EDIC needs a speedier invoice system with MASSDOT funding source. Also MASSDOT slow to inform abutters and respond. Zavala stressed importance of meeting with Advisory Committee before next month.

LANDFILL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Mike/David/Jim Two agreements being finalized; BOS gave 100% to EDIC for two years; Solar panels up in early summer; in use by year-end. Motion Allow chairman to sign agreements. Passed.

AQUACULTURE
David/Brooks None.

REAL ESTATE
Sue/Chris Five parcels of land presumed to be owned by EDIC. Being verified by attorneys.

FINANCE
Chris (attachment). Warrant submitted for $14,473.15. Discussion on consultant contract extension and the need for the civil engineer for the Station. MOTION to accept the Warrant as submitted. Passed.

TECH PARK
Brooks/David/Jay Eldredge reported signage damage. Sent to Locust Street Signs. Hoping to get Tech Owners Association to pay for new sign.

MUNICIPAL BROADBAND
Jay/Brooks (Taken Out of Order) Zavala reported on meeting with local and regional attendees on topic of Municipal Broadband initiative. Discussed survey funding and agreed to take advantage of OpenCape survey and promote it on the EDIC website. Johnston said online survey will enable EDIC to analyze data about Falmouth. Should be available in three weeks.

OLYMPIC VILLAGE CONCEPT
Jay Cape Cod Commission report is online on town’s website. Town leadership will schedule a discussion on it at some time in the future.

9:50am
EDIC ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Jay

MEETING MINUTES
Minutes for December 8, 2015 Executive Session and February 9, 2016 Public Session held for next meeting

WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS
Update – Jay/Sue Proposal to be submitted to board.

RECORDING SECRETARY
Warren Not present.

10:00am
CORRESPONDENCE
“In the News”

10:10am
NEW BUSINESS
Other issues before the Board Galasso mentioned webcams at Falmouth Station and Solar Energy Landfill site. Pitched opportunity for young entrepreneurs. Designated Bartlett to follow up for next meeting. EDIC to sponsor or co-sponsor. Moran said criteria should include a local benefit.

10:30am
ADJOURNMENT

NEXT MEETING DATE
April 12, 2016, 8:30AM

 
 

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