HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-15-CAC-MIN
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 MINUTES
Attending: Connie Rawson, Jim Baker, Steve Ellis, Ed Vail, Jeanne Canale, Jeanne
Krieger, Jim Akimchuk, Maria Kieslich, Miriam Boucher, Dave Becker and Dave
Buczkowski Visitors: Tom Steele (RCN), Jane Lyman (Comcast) and Jack Cunha
1. Approval of Minutes
a. May 19, 2005 – approved
b. June 16, 2005 – approved
2. CAC/Cable Operators Outstanding Issues
a. Lexington Payment Center
Jane Lyman reported that Comcast as not yet found a third party payment
center. Ms. Lyman will provided Jeanne Krieger with a list of all
businesses solicited for a payment center.
b. PEG/Town License Fee payments
Dave Becker will contact the cable operators to advise them about late
payments. Lynn Pease will stamp the payment cover letters.
c. Status of cost/schedule estimate for PEG distribution plan (Comcast)
A discussion was held about the high cost of Comcast’s estimate. Dave
Becker proposed a cheaper alternate plan.
3. Comcast Report
A new digital service has been launched.
4. RCN Report
RCN has the INET map. A short discussion was held regarding RCN’s refusal to
complete its license requirement to complete the build-out. It has proposed an in-
lieu-of payment.
5. CAC Charter
The revised charter was passed on a voice vote.
6. Chairman’s Report
The chair accomplished the following matters
a. Contacted Tom Steele for reporting requirements
b. Contacted Comcast regarding the payment center
c. Attended a meeting on the INET
d. Reviewed the RFP for the Access Corp.
e. Fielded June Complaints
f. Fielded questions on wireless antennas
g. Met with the Access Corp. Board of Directors
7. Cable Contract Oversight Committee
Mr. Baker reported on his efforts at contract payment compliance specifically
about RCN’s quarterly payments.
8. Verizon Update
Mr. Ellis reported that as of August 31 2005 Verizon had 90% of the overhead
wiring complete but no underground or multifamily wiring. On August 29, 2005
the Selectmen approved the Issuing Authority Report. A discussion was had about
matters which should be included in the license along with the pending federal
legislation.
9. Studio Operations Update
Mr. Akimchuk reported that 2 Open house Forums (Rep. Kaufman) have been
aired, one new show about alternative music is being aired on tape (due to potential lyrics
issues) and the Lexington Blue Sox Championships were aired. Equipment failures in the
subtitling machine, playback systems and linear device as well as other equipment are a
critical issue. Mr. Akimchuk presented a budget and suggested replacement order for the
much needed equipment. A motion was made and passed that, if there are funds in the
account, a Chyron subtitle machine be purchased.
10. Access Corporation Update
Lexmedia and the Town signed the contract. Takeover will be on October 1,
2005.
11. Board of Director’s Update
The Board went on a retreat. The Executive Director listing will be posted. Jim
Akimchuk is Acting Executive Director. The next meeting of the Board is September 26,
2005.
12. CAC Financials Update
A discussion was held concerning the estimated PEG account.
13. Complaint Reports.
Several complaints were received in June all Verizon related. August complaints
concerned one for RCN and one for Verizon (request for information).
14. Wireless Update
Ed Vail attended a meeting on the use of state land for antennas in which the
carriers would build monopoles themselves. Mr. Vail answered questions for the Appeals
Board. He is considering suggesting that an application fee be charged to wireless carriers
of $5,000.00. There is one application in progress. Mr. Vail will craft a map of wireless
site in Town.
15. Town/Library Liaison report
This matter was tabled until the October meeting.
16. New Business.
The Transition Subcommittee was disbanded.
Next Meeting October 20, 2005