HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-10-CAC-min (Negotiating Subcommittee)COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NEGOTIATING SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Room 111, Town Hall
June 10, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 PM.
Attendees
Negotiating Subcommittee members David Becker, Nick Lauriat and David Buczkowski;
Jane Lyman from Comcast.
Mr. Becker outlined the final Request List for Comcast for Ms. Lyman. Since Ms. Lyman
had previously informed the Subcommittee that Comcast would not provide any in -kind
services to the Town, any such requests such as for additional internet bandwidth were
eliminated.
First was the designation by Comcast of a person to identify the owner of downed wires
in an emergency. Ms. Lyman stated that there already is an 800 number that rings in
Chelmsford where it is covered 24/7/365. Municipalities press "3" on the choice list.
Apparently Comcast has sent letters to the Town advising it of this service, and Ms.
Lyman said that she occasionally sends reminders of this number to the Town. She
provided the number to the Subcommittee.
The second item discussed was a side letter similar to the 2009 RCN letter regarding
double utility poles. Ms. Lyman indicated that she had to talk to "management" about
this item. She spoke of how responsive Comcast is to responding to requests to move its
wires when poles are being replaced and wondered why there was a need for the side
letter. Mr. Buczkowski advised Ms. Lyman that there were no known complaints about
Comcast but that the Town wanted all users of poles to be on board in resolving the
ongoing problem.
Third, Mr. Becker stated that he thought 33 cable boxes for the schools may be the total
of what is currently needed though he couldn't state this with certainty. Mr. Lauriat stated
that the six elementary schools need three each for a total of 18, the two middle schools
need four each for a total of eight and the high school needs seven (due to the numerous
buildings on the campus) which totals 33 boxes. Ms. Lyman stated as before that we
don't have to wait for the renewal license for Comcast to provide needed boxes. She
further stated that set top distribution boxes (up to three) could be provided that would
enable the schools to add more than three televisions. Ms. Lyman stated that Comcast's
"corporate standard" was to provide three boxes for each municipal building where they
provide cable television service.
Fourth, the Subcommittee requested an HID PEG channel and informed Ms. Lyman that
RCN would soon go live with its HD PEG channel.
Fifth, a request that service be provided to the proposed new Senior Center at 39 Marrett
Road was made to Ms. Lyman. She responded that she thought there may already be
service to the facility. She also mentioned that much of the service is underground which
Mr. Lauriat confirmed. The Subcommittee indicated that, depending how old the service
is, Comcast may want to lay new conduit which means they need to be involved early in
the planning process.
Sixth, the Subcommittee advised Ms. Lyman that the town desires to have the $17,606.00
payment in lieu of providing an I -Net be continued. A discussion then ensued regarding
the need for the payment and whether ascertainment was required. Mr. Becker informed
Ms. Lyman that the funds were or would be used to provide additional internet bandwidth
for the Town since Comcast refuses to provide it in -kind.
Seventh, Ms. Lyman was advised that the Town wants to continue receiving the annual
5% payments.
Thereafter, a discussion was held regarding using Federal and State statutes and
regulation citations in the proposed license instead of including the language in the text in
the license, which can be voluminous. Mr. Becker suggested that the full language of the
statutes and regulations referenced be included as exhibits to the license, out of the main
body.
The next meeting with Jane Lyman is scheduled for a date to be determined in September
2013.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
David J. Buczkowski, Secretary