Minutes of the Board of Selectmen
January 18, 2007
Board of Selectmen’s Hearing Room at Town Hall
Present: Frank Muscato, Chair, Frank Casey, and Mike O’Donnell.
Absent: Jim Grimes and Jack Angley
Meeting opened at 7:15 with Pledge of Allegiance
Muscato stated that this was a public hearing in order to receive comment pertaining to the cable negotiations. He introduced Attorney William Solomon who is representing the town with the negotiations with Comcast.
Solomon explained that the comments of the public have a great impact on the ability of the town to achieve its goals and encouraged as many comments as possible.
During the public hearing thirty six individuals from students, teachers, public safety officials, CCAT staff and volunteers, citizens and community leaders at large, as well as school and town administration stated their concerns regarding the re-licensing process.
Most of the concerns were focused on the value that CCAT has brought to the local community and school. The need to enhance the ability of CCAT to operate both financially and through equipment and technology enhancements were viewed as essential to a new contract being agreed upon.
Some other concerns included the maintenance of the I-Loop that connects town facilities, the need to have outlying municipal buildings (particularly public safety) connected at no or low cost to this loop, and the question as to whether or not another ten year contract was too long.
Solomon maintained a record of the speakers and stated that a transcript will be prepared of the comment made at the public hearing. Both documents will become part of the record of the meeting.
Muscato stated that 36 people testified at the hearing and that he was impressed by how each articulated their concerns concisely. He stated that he hopes that Comcast is willing to invest in the community.
Solomon stated that the Cable Advisory Committee is putting together an RFP to Comcast on behalf of the Selectmen. He discussed both the formal and informal process for achieving a new contract and that Comcast’s new representative for negotiations is a quality person with a sense of the importance the issues discussed.
Solomon raised issues on behalf of the Cable Advisory Committee to ensure that the Board agreed with principles and initiatives:
1. Everyone in town should have access to service. There should not be haves and have-nots and universality of access should exist.
2. Video on demand should apply to local access programming.
3. Local access programming should be included on program guide
The Board unanimous and enthusiastically agreed with the Cable Advisory Committee on these points.
Solomon explained the history of cable companies and the need for long contracts in order to borrow money when they were small family owned. Traditional response is that without a 10 year license they don’t want to give capital package. This is no really the same anymore with these huge telecommunications companies dominating the market. In his opinion a ten year contract is not too lengthy as long as it is a positive contract for the town.
The Chair closed the public hearing.
Solomon discussed Verizon’s legislative attempt for statewide licensing as well as federal legislation that may impact local telecommunications . He advised that the proposed state legislation is bad for cities and towns.
Motion by O’Donnell to adjourn (9:50 p.m.)
Second by Casey
Unanimous Vote
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