HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-18-CAC-min.pdf Minutes of Communications Advisory Committee Meeting—November 18,2004
Attendees:Akinchuck,Baker,Becker,Boucher,Canale,Counihan,Ellis, Greene,Krieger,Lyman
(Comcast),Steel(RCN)
Comcast report:
• The Inet hub will be moving from Walnut St to Bowman School.
• The$50,000 check has been mailed in against PEG advances for Q3 and Q4
• Rates are being updated;senior rates are being grandfathered.
• Kite s End transition is being planned;an alternative service center has not been identified.
The meeting was called to order with Counihan as scribe.
Minutes from October were approved with a spelling correction.
Jim Baker and Jim Akinchuck were welcomed to the Committee as new members.
RCN report:
• RCN will be out of bankruptcy 12/21/04.
• New rates will be effective 1/22/05
• RCN is beginning preparations to broadcast the Town Meeting.
• There was discussion regarding RCN's obligation regarding underground buildout.Mike Green made
the following motion: The CAC recommends that the Selectmen approve amending the Town's
contract with RCN to forgo the completion of underground buildout throughout the Town and
the reduction of the existing RCN bond from$700,000 to$300,000.The exception to this
underground requirement shall be if said buildout shall be under$500 per location or shall be
facilitated by other construction or new technologies.In return for the above considerations,
RCN shall pay the Town$50,000 plus$500 per month for the duration of the contract to offset
additional bandwidth costs currently being incurred by the Town.
• The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with one abstention.
Complaints:
• The Cotting School requested free cable.The recommendation from the Committee was that they
make their request of Comcast.
Financial report:
• A Year-to-date Budget Report was distributed.While it showed recent financial activity it did not
seem to show balances.These will be requested and reviewed at the next meeting.
LexMedia:
• By-laws have been approved by the convenors.
• The Board will consist of 3 from the membership, 1 from the TMMA, 1 from the School Committee,
one from the CAC,and 3 ad hoc with experience in relevant disciplines.
• Transition planing is underway
Antennas:
• David Hughes spoke on behalf of increasing cell phone coverage within Lexington.As the Committee
does not actively solicit applications,and is not adverse to requests,it was suggested that he encourage
his carrier to apply for increased antenna coverage in Town.
The next meeting was scheduled for 6:30 on 12/16/04 in Room 111 of the Town Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM.