2009-12-17-CAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Communications Advisory Committee December 19, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 2 order of October 19, 2009 granting RCN relief from FCC requirements for system performance tests for its digital cable system. Montgomery County argues that neither RCN nor the FCC properly notified RCN franchising authorities of its petition, resulting in the FCC receiving no comments in opposition to the petition. Dave Becker confirmed that RCN's license would require RCN to notify Lexington of such a filing; no such filing was received by the Town. The committee decided to contact RCN representative Tom Steel via email to inquire how this would impact Lexington and to remind him of the license requirement. c. LexMedia RFP. The Town has determined that a full RFP process will be required for a new public access corporation contract, rather than a simple new contract negotiation with LexMedia, due to State requirements for "goods and services" procurements. This process requires obtaining input from the community served by the public access provider, including citizens, schools, and community groups. The LexMedia subcommittee expressed its concern over the amount of time available to conduct a formal RFP process. The committee discussed the amount of effort involved, and considered the possibility of entering into a contract with a term longer than five years. The following motion was approved: That the Committee request permission from the Town to commit to a term of up to ten (10) years in a new contract with a public access corporation. 6. Selectmen's Liaison report. George Burnell had no additional comments. 7. Report from the Town Director of IT/MIS. Dorinda Goodman reported on progress in getting fiber connections to the Town's new network head end in the DPW building, as well as Town needs for fiber connectivity to Town -owned locations including the golf course and the water tower. Goodman pointed out that Verizon "copper wire" connectivity to the water tower, which has a major municipal radio network facility, has been unreliable. Goodman also reported on an issue the Town had with its internet connectivity from RCN. All broadband connectivity was lost for several days, and restoral efforts and escalation by RCN were inadequate. Jeanne Canale will inform RCN representative Tom Steel of the Town's concerns. The committee also discussed the possibility of LexMedia obtaining some internet bandwidth from the Town's allocation from RCN to provide greater uplink speeds for LexMedia's program streaming to town residents. 8. LexMedia report. Florence DelSanto reported she will be providing LexMedia's next financial report to the Town Manager in January. She reported that the underwriting campaign is progressing. A consultant was hired to put together an underwriting package. Shire Pharmaceutical has committed to underwrite a series of science programs. Similarly, In Shape will underwrite health and fitness tips.