HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-28-CAC-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 28, 2010
Call to order.
CAC Chair Jim Goell called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM in the Legion
Room of Cary Hall.
Present:
CAC Members: Jim Goell, Chair; David Becker, Dorinda Goodman, Maria
Kieslich, Ken Pogran, Linda Roemer, David Buczkowski. Others: George Burnell, Board
of Selectmen; John Rudy; Tom Steel, RCN; Jeff Carlson, RCN; Harry Forsdick,
LexMedia; Florence DelSanto, LexMedia; Jane Lyman, Comcast; Mary L. Frere,
Verizon; and Pat Goddard, Town of Lexington, DPF. .
Absent CAC Members:
John Rommelfanger
1.Approval of previous meeting minutes.
The minutes of the meeting of September
16 meeting were approved.
2.Comcast report.
Jane Lyman reported that the Technology Fund check had been
mailed to the Town, and there was a change in the channel line up that had been sent out
the Town and to subscribers. Ms. Roemer asked a question about mailings.
3.RCN report.
Tom Steel introduced Jeff Carlson as the new General Manager. He has
over 30 years experience in the cable business. The Abry Partners closed on August 26.
Abry has brought in new Jim Polenda as CEO from the Patriot Media Consulting Group.
Mr. Carlson spoke about his experience and how he intends to meet with the local cable
committees. He wants to learn from the bottom up and to hear what customers want. He
will be based in Arlington and lives in Concord. Mr. Becker had a question concerning
the Petition for Waiver to the FCC of the analog test on the digital system. Ms. Roemer
asked if RCN will ever provide ala carte selection of cable channels.
4.Verizon report.
Mary Lou Frere reported that Verizon’s INet funding check had
been sent to the Town. She noted that she had been working with Jim Baker while he was
with LexMedia regarding the broadcast of Burlington high football games
5.Chairman’s report.
Mr. Goell sent a message to Lexington List regarding the need
for new members of the CAC. He stated that the CAC meetings will be moving to Room
111 in Town Hall in January 2011. The next meeting was scheduled for November 18,
2010.
6.Selectmen’s Liaison report.
Mr. Burnell reported that he has met with Sean Hagan
(who then met with Mr. Forsdick), chair of the Lexington High School Fine Arts
department. There was a discussion of whether Mr. Hagan should be invited to join the
CAC or whether it would be better for him to be just a liaison. Mr. Burnell then discussed
whether the CAC should recruit someone to represent Minuteman Tech.
7.Maintenance and set up of PEG Equipment .
Public Facilities Director Pat
Goddard addressed maintenance of the Town-owned equipment in Cary Hall and other
facilities. Chris Gaffron was hired two weeks ago to support the rental program at Cary
Hall. It is a part time position paid out of the Rental Revolving Fund. There was a
question as to whether the CAC would support funding the maintenance from the PEG
Access Fund since the tax levy has not been increased to fund the position. The renter
pays for the maintenance manager for the duration of the event. Mr. Burnell opined that
the intent was to have Cary Hall as a performing arts center to be used 24/7. This matter
will be put on the agenda for the November meeting.
8.Assignment of RCN NOC.
Mr. Becker and Ms. Goodman met with RCN and
LexMedia regarding the usage of in-town fiber and distribution, specifically its
availability. LexMedia is using the fiber that comes into Kline Hall. A discussion was
held regarding multiplexing to reduce LexMedia fiber usage in the future if necessary.
The fiber is sufficient for LexMedia now but LexMedia may go to 4G in the future. RCN
will not be providing additional fiber to the Avalon site. Ms. Goodman stated she is
investigating the installation of a Town owned public safety fiber loop where everything
will be IP based (as opposed to analog antenna). A redundant backbone to the RCN loop
would thereby also be created running a pair of fibers to town buildings off the PS loop.
9.PEG Recommendation to BOS on negotiation.
There was a discussion of the RFP
process that started a year ago. The subcommittee recommended that the CAC vote to
award a contract to LexMedia while keeping certain matters in mind. A response to
LexMedia’s proposals to the RFP was discussed as was payment to LexMedia by the
Town (pay then gets reimbursed by the Town). It was moved that the CAC approve the
subcommittee’s report as amended, seconded and unanimously passed.
10.LexMedia report regarding on-demand availability of programming.
Harry
Forsdick reported for LexMedia that nothing new had transpired since his recent email.
11.Wireless subcommittee report
. Jim Goell reported that there was no activity in the
previous month.
12.September complaints.
Mr. Buczkowski reported that there were no complaints for
September
13.Discussion with prospective CAC member.
John Rudy was introduced to the CAC
by Mr. Goell. A discussion was held regarding the work of the CAC
14.New Business.
There was no new business.
Adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
David J. Buczkowski