Local Development Finance Authority

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY 40555 UTICA ROAD 586-884-9322 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS May 20, 2015 8:00 AM MEETING CALLED TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF April 27, 2015 Special Meeting NEW BUSINESS 1. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Mango Tree Capital, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 2. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Clean Energy Innovations, LLC (dba LogiCoul Solutions) and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 3. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between The Metiss Group and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 4. To approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Vigurus Technologies and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 5. To approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Fluid Power House and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 6. To approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, NFC North America and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 7. To approve the 3-year Master Service Agreement between ComLink and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 8. To approve the Hosted AltiGen Solution phone system by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 9. To approve the purchase and installation of a projector screen and conference calling equipment by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  10. To approve $5,623.00 of funding to support the installation of the MERIT network for the Michigan Cyber Range at Velocity by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). OLD BUSINESS BOARD MEMBERS REPORT PUBLIC COMMENT ADJOURNMENT  CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY Draft MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING April 27, 2015 – 8:00 a.m. 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 586-446-2489 City Council Chambers Phil Hunsberger called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance Members present at roll call: Stephen Cassin, David Corba, Lori Doughty, Stephanie Eagen, Phillip Hunsberger, Richard Kincaid, John Lamerato, Victor Martin, Jill Tomyn Members absent: Laurel Johnson, John Lettang, Paula Sorrell, Orest Zachary Also in attendance: Barry Hicks, Economic Development Manager Motion to Approve the Agenda Moved by Martin, supported by Kincaid, to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. Motion to Approve the Minutes of March 18, 2015 Regular Meeting Moved by Kincaid, supported by Martin, to approve the minutes as presented. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. New Business To approve the Lease Agreement between Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Kincaid, supported by Corba to approve the Lease Agreement between Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between SBDC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Martin, supported by Kincaid to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between SBDC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between The Metiss Group and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Cassin, supported by Martin to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between The Metiss Group and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Logistics Specialties, Inc. and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Cassin, supported by Kincaid to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Logistics Specialties, Inc. and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between KTISIS, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Corba, supported by Martin to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between KTISIS, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Golden Products and Services, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Martin, supported by Kincaid to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Golden Products and Services, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Coupon Wallet, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Corba, supported by Kincaid to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Coupon Wallet, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Coliant Corporation and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Kincaid, supported by Martin to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Coliant Corporation and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between The Automation of Things and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Corba, supported by Martin to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between The Automation of Things and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Mango Tree Capital, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Moved by Martin, supported by Eagen to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Mango Tree Capital, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. To acknowledge receivership of supporting budget documentation. Moved by Hunsberger, supported by Martin to acknowledge receivership of supporting documentation. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. Old Business Mr. Corba requested that Oakland University provide a status update of the tenants on an annual basis. He is requesting the presentation include length of occupancy in the building. Mr. Martin requested to see a success rate on an annual basis. Mr. Hunsberger would like the presentation to include rates and how they are determined. Board Members Report None Public Comment None Adjournment Moved by Martin, supported by Kincaid to adjourn. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 am KQ  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Mango Tree Capital, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Attached for LDFA review is a June 1, 2015 thru May 31, 2016 lease agreement renewal between Mango Tree Capital, LLC and the LDFA. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Mango Tree Capital, LLC and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Clean Energy Innovations, LLC (dba LogiCoul Solutions) and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Attached for LDFA review is a June 1, 2015 thru May 31, 2016 lease agreement renewal between Clean Energy Innovations, LLC (dba LogiCoul Solutions) and the LDFA. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between Clean Energy Innovations, LLC (dba LogiCoul Solutions) and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between The Metiss Group and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Attached for LDFA review is a December 1, 2014 thru November 30, 2015 lease agreement renewal between The Metiss Group and the LDFA. This renewal contains a clause for occupancy terms to be on a month-to-month basis, with a 30-day notification of termination. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the Lease Agreement Renewal between The Metiss Group and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Vigurus Technologies and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Attached for LDFA review is an April 27, 2015 thru September 30, 2015 sub-lease agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Vigurus Technologies and the LDFA. This tenant will occupy the International Landing Zone. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Vigurus Technologies and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Fluid Power House, Inc. and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Attached for LDFA review is an April 27, 2015 thru September 30, 2015 sub-lease agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Fluid Power House, Inc. and the LDFA. This tenant will occupy the International Landing Zone. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Fluid Power House, Inc. and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, NFC Group North America and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Attached for LDFA review is an April 1, 2015 thru September 30, 2015 sub-lease agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, NFC North America and the LDFA. This tenant will occupy the International Landing Zone. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the Sub-Lease Agreement between Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, NFC North America and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the 3-year Master Service Agreement between ComLink and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Currently, the Velocity building is serviced by Comcast and AT&T with those contracts expiring 7/22/16 and 10/26/15, respectively. The proposal is to replace the AT&T service with ComLink, giving the facility increased bandwidth and a 29% cost savings. ComLink would bring the fiber to the building at zero cost. The contract would include: 1) Install the 50M fiber connection through ComLink 2) Splice 2M off the 50M connection and designate that independently for voice traffic. 3) Engineer that 2M connection to deliver a traditional PRI handoff to your phone system. 4) Move the analog/POTS lines from AT&T to ComLink A financial snapshot is included detailing the cost savings. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the 3-year Master Service Agreement between ComLink and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  Financial Analysis For VELOCITY 6633 18 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48314 Current Comcast & AT&T COMLINK Comcast Service Qty EACH Monthly Each Monthly 20M Fiber Access 1 $ 1,269.00 $ 1,269.00 *Keep with Comcast as secondary internet source AT&T Services Comlink Services 6MB IP Flex 2 $ 1,523.50 48M Fiber Access $ 720.00 *36M increase 15 Voice Channels 15 $ 30.10 $ 451.50 23 Channel PRI $ 330.00 DID's* 100 $ 25.00 *estimated POTS Lines 3 $ 65.00 $ 195.00 $ 35.00 $ 105.00 Monthly Total $ 3,439.00 $ 2,449.00 Monthly Savings $ 990.00 Percentage of Monthly Savings 29%  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the Hosted AltiGen Solution phone system by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary The existing analog phones being utilized at Velocity are antiquated and hinder support for new technology at the building. The benefits of updating to an all‐in‐one VoIP solution allows for expansion and technological sophication. The attached proposal outlines the advanced capabilities of the new system. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the Hosted AltiGen Solution phone system by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). 5/15/2015 Program Inc. Connections, NCI Serve Network Proposed Hosted AltiGen Solution AltiGen’s MAX1000 all-in-one VoIP solution includes the following:  Up to 48 user extensions  4500 hours of voice main storage  12-party meet-me conference bridge with scheduling application  Basic Call Center, Forward, Follow-Me and Mobile Extension  On demand voice recording  Call detail reporting (CDR)  [30] VoIP CODEC channels (G.711/G.723.1/G.729AB) for IP phones, IP tie- trunk and SIP trunk service  Dedicated voice processing (VM/AA) and voice recording resource for every trunk, extension, VoIP channel  [2] silent monitor/barge-in/coach channels for workgroup supervisor  Music on hold (input source can be either a file or audio-in port)  Paging (IP paging, audio-out port, trunk/station port paging) NCI’s proposed solution includes: [1] – Hosted MAX1000’s All-in-one VoIP PBX  [15] Polycom VVX 500 IP-Phone  [19] PBX Station License with DID and DID Port)  Premier Support Included  ProSAFE 24-port Gigabit Smart Switch  1,000 Long Distance Minute Bundle (Additional 2.3 cents per minute)  1 Outbound Caller-ID & Diretory Listing  1 Enhanced 911 [15] – MaxCommunicator Licenses  A Windows PC-based client application brings quick and efficient call control, voicemail management and extension configuration to the end user's desktop.  MaxCommunicator can be used as a phone when combined with IP-Talk, allowing mobile workers to work like they were in the office. [1] – AltiConsole License  An easy to use, feature rich software application designed specifically to enable an operator attendant to handle a high volume of calls easily and effectively while maintaining personalized service. Network Connections, Inc. 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite 4 Tel: (586) 948-0030 5/15/2015 Corporate Headquarters Chesterfield, MI 48051 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite sales@nettconn.net Phone: 586.948.0030 / Fax: 586.948.0031 4 www.nettconn.net www.nettconn.net Chesterfield, Michigan 48051 5/15/2015 Professional Turnkey Installation Services Program Inc. Connections, NCI Serve Network Installing, integrating and configuring AltiGen’s MAX1000 PBX takes highly skilled and experienced engineers. NCI will provide these resources and complete the required tasks to provide a turnkey solution. These services will include: Telecom Order / Provisioning  Assigned PM to work with your Telecom provider  Aid in completing order (if needed)  Determine line ports and wiring considerations  Perform hosted PBX Site Test Phone System Configuration  Program user extensions  Provision Hosted PBX Server  Program SIP trunks and extensions  Provide local installation of [15] IP Phones  Setup [1] business and [1] after hours auto-attendant  Install 24-Port PoE Switch Assumptions  All inside analog wiring, network electronics and Ethernet wiring should be provided by customer at each location.  Any additional hardware, software or services not listed in this proposal would be billed on a T&M basis.  Customer will provide table/rack, location and proper power for PBX. Network Connections, Inc. 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite 4 Tel: (586) 948-0030 5/15/2015 Corporate Headquarters Chesterfield, MI 48051 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite sales@nettconn.net Phone: 586.948.0030 / Fax: 586.948.0031 4 www.nettconn.net www.nettconn.net Chesterfield, Michigan 48051 5/15/2015 Associated Costs: 05/15/2015 Program Inc. Connections, NCI Serve Network Direct Purchase: Hardware & Software: $ 5,785.00 One-Time Setup Charge: $ 250.00 Professional Services2: $ 2,400.00 Total Cost: $ 8,435.00 Monthly Cost: Hosted AltiGen PBX and Feature Licenses: $ 605.00 Customer Approval: Company Name: Velocity Date: ___/___/_____ Printed Name: ____________________ Signature: _______________________ Terms:  Proposal does not include additional costs for network wiring if needed  Any customer approved services performed that are not listed on this quote will be billed on a time and material basis NOTE: Please initialize each page of this proposal and fax back to NCI at 586.948.0031. Network Connections, Inc. 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite 4 Tel: (586) 948-0030 5/15/2015 Corporate Headquarters Chesterfield, MI 48051 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite sales@nettconn.net Phone: 586.948.0030 / Fax: 586.948.0031 4 www.nettconn.net www.nettconn.net Chesterfield, Michigan 48051  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve the purchase and installation of a projector screen and conference calling equipment by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary To utilize the facility to its maximum potential with state‐of‐ the‐art technology, it would be most beneficial to have the three conference rooms equipped with modern audio and visual devices. The attached proposals outline the technological improvements. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve the purchase and installation of a projector screen and conference calling equipment by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).  Network Connections, Incorporated 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite 4 Chesterfield, MI 48051 (586)948-0030:p - (586)948-0031:f COST ESTIMATE: Dell Projector & Conference Phone, Ceiling Mics DATE: 15-May-15 Velocity 6633 18 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48314 ATTN: Kathryn A. Quell / 586.884.9322 UNIT DESCRIPTION QTY. PRICE TOTAL Large (Main) Conference Room Dell Network Projector - 7700FullHD 1 3,299.00 3,299.00 NVIDIA GeForce GT 610 1GB CI Express 2.0 Graphics Card 1 49.00 49.00 Standard Warranty Includes: 2-year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-year lamp warranty Includes 24/7 online technical support and telephone technical support8 Conference Phone with Ceiling Microphone (800 sq. feet) Polycom SoundStation IP 7000 (PoE) 1 1,338.00 1,338.00 Polycom Multi-Interface Module 1 209.00 209.00 Polycom Ceiling Mic Array Primary 1 1,394.00 1,394.00 Polycom Ceiling Mic Extension Array 1 1,394.00 1,394.00 Hardware & Software Subtotal: $7,683.00 Total Labor Includes: (Normal Business Hours) UNIT COST TOTAL Professional Services (Projector 7700HD & IP7000) 1.00 645.00 645.00 - Basic setup and programming - Connect to other AV devices (If possible) Professional Services 1.00 3,490.00 3,490.00 Celling mount / Cables / Lift Rental / Labor Conference Room Setup Labor Total: $4,135.00 Total Cost: $11,818.00 Terms: Terms 50% Retainer / Net 30 Please sign and fax back to (586) 948-0031 Customer Signature:_________________________ Date: ___/___/______ PO #: ____________________ Terms & Conditions: Sales tax, shipping & handling charges are not included. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery (subject to change due to backorders, stock rotation, etc.). Software is not returnable once the seal is broken. Page 1 of 1  Network Connections, Incorporated 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite 4 Chesterfield, MI 48051 (586)948-0030:p - (586)948-0031:f COST ESTIMATE: Large Conference Room Items DATE: 15-May-15 Velocity 6633 18 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48314 ATTN: Kathryn A. Quell / 586.884.9322 UNIT DESCRIPTION QTY. PRICE TOTAL Conference Phone and Video Accessories Polycom SoundStation IP 7000 (PoE) 1 1,338.00 1,338.00 Polycom SoundStation IP 7000 (External Mics) 1 309.00 309.00 Universal Projector Ceiling Mount 1 315.00 315.00 119" Draper white matt drop down screen 1 4,225.00 4,225.00 Hardware & Software Subtotal: $6,187.00 Total Labor Includes: (Normal Business Hours) UNIT COST TOTAL Professional Services (SoundStation IP7000) 1.00 340.00 340.00 - Basic setup and programming - Connect to other AV devices (If possible) Professional Services 1.00 2,355.00 2,355.00 Celling mount / Cables / Labor Conference Phone Setup Labor Total: $2,695.00 Total Cost: $8,882.00 Terms: Terms 50% Retainer / Net 30 Please sign and fax back to (586) 948-0031 Customer Signature:_________________________ Date: ___/___/______ PO #: ____________________ Terms & Conditions: Sales tax, shipping & handling charges are not included. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery (subject to change due to backorders, stock rotation, etc.). Software is not returnable once the seal is broken. Page 1 of 1  Network Connections, Incorporated 27322 23 Mile Road, Suite 4 Chesterfield, MI 48051 (586)948-0030:p - (586)948-0031:f COST ESTIMATE: Defense and Small Conference Room DATE: 15-May-15 Velocity 6633 18 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48314 ATTN: Kathryn A. Quell / 586.884.9322 UNIT DESCRIPTION QTY. PRICE TOTAL Defense and Small Conference Room Polycom SoundStation IP 7000 (PoE) 2 1,338.00 2,676.00 Polycom SoundStation IP 7000 (External Mics) 2 309.00 618.00 Hardware & Software Subtotal: $3,294.00 Total Labor Includes: (Normal Business Hours) UNIT COST TOTAL Professional Services 2.00 340.00 680.00 Celling mount / Cables / Labor Conference Phone Setup Labor Total: $680.00 Total Cost: $3,974.00 Terms: Terms 50% Retainer / Net 30 Please sign and fax back to (586) 948-0031 Customer Signature:_________________________ Date: ___/___/______ PO #: ____________________ Terms & Conditions: Sales tax, shipping & handling charges are not included. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery (subject to change due to backorders, stock rotation, etc.). Software is not returnable once the seal is broken. Page 1 of 1  LDFA Business Sterling Heights, Michigan 5/20/15 AGENDA STATEMENT OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04 Item Title: To approve $5,623.00 of funding to support the installation of the MERIT network for the Michigan Cyber Range at Velocity by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Submitted By: Kathryn Quell, Economic Development Management Assistant Executive Summary Q: Who is Merit? A: Merit is a non‐profit, member‐driven organization that has the largest private internet fiber connectivity in the Nation. Merit's goal is to strengthen their members through collaboration, innovation, information technology and member service. Throughout Michigan there is equal access to information, providing educational opportunity and spurring economic development. Merit's community is strong and thriving. Merit's Mission Statement: Merit serves the research, education and public sector communities as a trusted and valued partner. Merit advances member success, research, economic development, collaboration, and professional development by leveraging its network infrastructure, expertise and the value of its member communities. Q: Why Velocity?: A: The Velocity site encompasses many factors that make it the ideal location for Merit fiber connection along with a Michigan Cyber Range extension hub. The Macomb ‐ OU Incubator enables Merit to connect due to the involvement of Oakland University, one of Merit's founding Members. Without OU the cost to "connect" would be much greater than without the OU member discount. Additionally, MEDC's presence with the MI Defense Center (MDC) aligns with Merit's vision of economic development through the focus of workforce / talent development. MDC is offering to pay the one‐time hardware installation costs and first year of service for MI Cyber Range access and Oakland University will pay the remaining two years on the minimum 3‐year contract with Merit to make Velocity the home to Michigan's FIRST Cyber Incubator. The Cyber Incubator will be tasked with contributing to economic development by offering cybersecurity certifications offered by Merit Network, that approached cybersecurity professional certification from a "vocational" perspective to help close the talent gap quickly. Velocity will be the site of multiple cyber programming, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs that will be cyber focused as well cyber training / informational sessions for business startups. MEDC, along with our partners, City of Sterling Heights, Oakland University and Macomb County will develop marketing that highlights the activities to leverage the Macomb ‐ OU Cyber Incubator as a business attraction tool to spur on activity of businesses wanting to locate here both physically and virtually. Q: What is the MI Cyber Range?: A: The Michigan Cyber Range is a secure, unclassified, logically‐ isolated system that leverages Merit's extensive research and education network. Merit currently operates over 4,000 miles of fiber cable throughout Michigan, reaching into the neighboring states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio to connect to other regional research and education networks. Additionally, Merit, a member of Internet2, is able to collaborate with other academic, research, and not‐for‐profit organizations in the USA. This connection will enable Velocity to be one of the newest "nodes" to MCR. The hardware running the Michigan Cyber Range is located (currently) at three physical locations: Eagle, on the campus of Eastern Michigan University; Bulldog, on the campus of Ferris State University; and Wildcat on the campus of Northern Michigan University. Each of these locations is home to a node comprised of state of the art Range and Management Racks, based on the Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI) specifications. These nodes can be scaled to increase capacity by simply adding Range Racks to the configuration. Macomb‐OU Incubator will be the next MCR node and will be different due to its mission to not only educate but to be a place where technologies emerge and are tested, and that grow businesses and talent simultaneously. Q: What is the ask?: A: While MEDC / MI Defense Center our paying for the installation costs and the first year of a three year service contract with Merit, MEDC cannot pay for permanent changes to the building's IT infrastructure. Oakland University will be paying for the  remaining two years of the service contract and investing with IT assets to support the cyber range activity, but since they do not own the property (Velocity building) are not able to make an investment in the property to run conduit and fiber to the building from 18 Mile Road. The MDC has had preliminary conversations with Sterling Heights and Macomb County on this topic and both entities have agreed to split the cost of connecting the conduit and fiber to the building as it will be a value add to the overall infrastructure of the building. Existing Comcast fiber cannot be utilized as Comcast does not have, nor wants a lease agreement with Merit as they are a smaller company and deems Merit a competitor. AT&T does not view Merit as a competitor and has many sites in which Merit "leases" fiber from AT&T to get the Merit connection to a site. The estimated costs for connecting AT&T conduit and fiber to Velocity is $11,246. $5,623 to be paid by Macomb County and the other $5,623 is paid by the City of Sterling Heights LDFA. We are asking the LDFA for a $5,623 investment to contribute to the connection of AT&T conduit and fiber for Merit internet access which is the largest, private ISP for a more reliable internet service to be available to those that work at the Velocity location and to those businesses growing and professionals learning at the Velocity location. Suggested Action: MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: RESOLVED: to approve $5,623.00 of funding to support the installation of the MERIT network for the Michigan Cyber Range at Velocity by the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).