HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-16-CAC-min COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THURSDAY,JANUARY 16, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 6 30 by Chairman, Ken Pogran, in the Reed room
Present CAC members Frank Cai, Dorinda Goodman, Maria Kieslich, Ken Pogran, Linda
Roemer, Geoffrey Xiao, Nick Lauriat, Dave Becker
Selectmen Liaison Joe Pato
LexMedia Florence DelSanto
Visitors Rob Addelson (Finance, Town of Lexington), David Kantor(Capital Expenditures
Committee), Pat Goddard (Facilities),Julie Sibert, resident.
Called to Order•6.30pm
Cart/ Hall Renovation and Use of PEG Funds
Pat Goddard presented the audio visual technology requirements for Cary Hall and the possible use of
PEG funds.The numbers are preliminary with contingencies.The justification to use PEG funds for the
renovation is bring more access and ability to broadcast performances and government meetings.
The Committee expressed some concerns about having enough funds for the future uses. Mr Goddard
stated that the needs of the community center would be small compared to the needs/uses for Cary
Hall There are no other future needs currently being discussed
The Committee voted to advise the Board of Selectmen to use$200,820 of PEG funds for AV-related
purposes for the Cary Memorial Building Renovation
Wifi at Cart/ Hall
Mr Goddard informed the Committee that the Town is developing a proposal to include wifi as part of
the Cary Memorial Building Renovation
LexMedia Contract Renewal
Ms. Roemer informed the Committee that the next step in the process is a public hearing and
performance review It will be scheduled for the end of February Dave Becker is to look into the exact
date and getting it on the Town's calendar Linda Roemer will schedule the next meeting for the
Working Group
Ms. Roemer and Ms Kieslich listed a few issues that will need to be addressed in the new contract
including transition items, new requirements and a review of reports. The LexMedia working group will
work with Rob Adelson Mr Adelson will take a look at the contract in preparation of the renewal
LexMedia was informed that a full audit is required for the three years ending 12/13
LexMedia Update.
• Ms. DelSanto informed the Committee that RCN was unable to install the backup server because
the ground was frozen It is assumed they will reschedule for the next thaw
• RCN HD channel repairs RCN is still testing the processor, and looking for replacements.
Crackling audio on other channels was caused by the installation of HD RCN is still very helpful
• Status of Cary Library camera installation fix: A meeting has been set up with HB communication
to resolve this.
• Testing of Fonts for powerpoint presentation at Selectman's room LexMedia recommended to
the Town that presentations need to be in at least 20 point font to be seen on the channel As
part of this investigation Ms Delsanto found the modulator in the Selectmen's meeting room
needs to be replaced It is very old LexMedia will be going to Tom Steele to pursue this issue
• The government coordinator has resigned for a better job A search is on for a replacement.
Selectmen Liaison Report. None
Carrier Reports None
Cell Phone Coverage in Lexington Resident Julie Sibert brought the issue of cell phone coverage to the
Committee.Julie Sibert reported that over the last 5 years the ability to receive a signal in her home as
severely reduced People, regardless of their phone or provider, can no longer reliably use their phone
at her house Ms. Silbert spoke with Verizon about the matter Their first response was to recommend
to her to buy a network extender(approximately$200) They did understand that they were not
fulfilling their end of the agreement and therefore would be happy to waive the switching fee if she
moved to another carrier She pursued the inquiry as to why her coverage had degraded Talking to a
manager, he confirmed that during spring and summer during foliage, she will have worse coverage
Moreover, he outlined that with only a certain number of towers, with a certain power radius, and
increasing data demand, it is likely that this radius is shrinking. He would investigate and get back to
Julie That was in August. She has since emailed but not heard back.
Dave Becker pointed out that there was a movement to limit towers and the power If the citizens want
or need to move in the opposite direction, the Town may need to rethink this sentiment.
Dorinda Goodman will look into the coverage maps with a GIS and see if we can get good coverage
information
Ken Pogran will keep this as an agenda item. He will touch base with a contact formerly of the FCC to see
if he can get some insight into possible next steps.
Chairman's report.
• Extended Complaints Log. Ken Pogran has an action item to consolidate the current report and
send it.
• February meeting. Moved to Tuesday the 11th of February Room 111
• Town Email We are pilot for this program to use a town email to coordinate committee activity
and communicate with the public. Mr Pogran will take a look at it to implement for us. In
essence, it means committee members do not have to use their personal emails any longer to
perform public business.
• Committee Membership Recruitment: No update
• Comcast Negotiations Update Comcast has developed a generic contract that they would like to
use with all communities in Massachusetts. It looks like this may remove features to the
contract that are beneficial to Lexington The negotiations committee will explore if there are
any advantages to Lexington to moving to this new contract form
Town IT Updates
• Redundant Fiber Status The majority is done but there are a few places with capacity issues.
The Town is pursuing consolidation with Verizon conduits or adding another conduit.
• !net Fiber to New Community Center Its all run but not live yet.
• Comcast Bandwidth No update This may be removed from the agenda going forward
Wireless Report: No applications
Complaints None
Motion on Wireless for Town Buildings. The CAC needs to vote on a motion to recommend a direction
on providing wireless communication in town buildings. In the meantime, Selectman Joe Pato is going to
bring the draft to the Board of Selectmen for reaction
Adjourn.8 19pm
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Kieslich