HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-13-CAC-min.pdf MINUTES OF MF.EI ING September 13, 1995
CATV AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMTFIEE
TOWN OF LE,QNGTON
The meeting was called to order by Gharibian. Present were Spencer,
Mairson, Bussgang, Gharibian, Stanton, Liu, Ellis, associate member Warner,
and David Green from Cablevision. Guests were David Kanter and Gerry
Moloney
The Minutes were approved with two clarifications a) from David Green:
change paragraph 3 to policies made independently and based on business
judgment and b) from C. Warner further clarification: Ashland regulations
never thrown out, in other towns by-laws were thrown out by court
challenges.
Warner/Gharibian suggested that prices on equipment are needed for
negotiating team if we wish to go the route of a grant from Cablevision. A
statement of intent as to how to use cable and related facilities and equipment
is needed from Library, Town Offices and Schools. Spencer and Ellis will meet
for one part of that item. Technology vision statement from the Town is
excellent but now need the Cable-related costs for equipment, etc.
Several committee members terms expire this month and Gharibian asked that
they submit applications for reappointment to the Board of Selectmen, if they
wish to be appointed.
Gharibian asked for volunteers to take over Secretary responsibilities. minute
taking, as a replacement to Julie Treissl. As there were no volunteers, a
rotating Secretary will be appointed at each meeting. Julie Longcope served as
note taker for the meeting. Note takers will be expected to submit the Minutes
to the Selectmen's Office at least 10 days before the next meeting date.
Bussgang reported on negotiating team progress. Team has met several times,
with Lucas now serving as an advisor only Process is in the Formal mode - 4
month term. Discussed with Cablevision extension of deadline to December
Green of Cablevision has agreed to extension. Leo McSweeney reported that
Selectmen have agreed. Peter Epstein will prepare document. Negotiations
need to move with speed because lawyer exchanges after draft will take at least
1 month. Negotiation deadline: October 16, 1995.
Bussgang reported that external costs of PEG have not been resolved. Once
those are resolved much else will follow FCC and State Commission have been
asked by Lexington how much of costs can be passed on to the consumers as
rate increases. Cablevision believes all costs of a new license period are
subject to pass through. Lexington believes that only costs of new items and
incremental costs above previous costs can be passed through. Ruling should
be made soon. Lexington feels many of the costs are maintenance costs which
cannot be passed through. Cablevision feels all capital costs should be
recoverable. Will need compromise on this.
Green promises tables of expenses for nese negotiation meeting which will
show costs over 5, 7 and 10 year license periods. We have been given tables
only for 3 years which are not helpful. Green asked for feedback from town.
Negotiating team has been concentrating on big ticket items, leaving many
areas untouched. Warner feels time pressure and wants Committee members to
divide up the REP and take areas and match with Cablevision proposal.
Members can analyze which items agree, which need only some work and
which are problem areas of disagreement. Volunteers were solicited to do this
work and to turn around in 7-10 days. Lui will do library; Spencer, Stanton
and Ellis will do schools, Gharibian will do admin. regulations; Schoman will do
Access/LO; Longcope, the municipal; Mairson and Spencer, I-net; and it was
suggested that a member of the Community he asked to do Consumer issues
(David Kanter an interested party, was asked to do Consumer Issues and
accepted. Warner provided him with the necessary papers.) Turn around time
is by 9/22/95 with results going to Gharibian.
Mairson asked if we are passing on document to Selectmen. Warner suggested
a schedule for completion as: Negotiations completed by 10/13, Document draft
by Epstein by 10/27, Committee review by 11/10; Approval by Lawyers on both
sides by 12/11, Selectmen signed by 12/29.
Green advised that we could still move out of the Formal mode should we need
to. Warner emphasized that deadlines should not be considered "soft" We need
to finish! Bussgang will be leaving and Lucas has left already
Mairson asked for information on 1-net priorities and Warner answered that a
technician and truck will be provided full-time for I-net maintenance.
Bussgang noted that Residential net emergencies will take priority if both are
out. Bridge maintenance is still unsettled, as is Ethernet to residential. Green
answered that Ethernet to residential is a business decision and will not be
free. They are not yet prepared to commit to that as part of the license
agreement.
Green reported on complaint issues. Mrs. Brooke will get a visit with
information in response to her letter Rate adjustments for converters made
August 15 but subject to rate approval. Kanter reported for Condominium
groups that Cablevision has not completed all items on list and Condo groups
have had no recent response on Condo bulk rates. Green will follow-up.
Bussgang has filed with the Commission for clarification on several issues,
including converter rate changes, pass through costs in renewal.
Discussion moved to management of the Ethernet and Internet led by Mairson.
It was agreed that professional staff is needed. Mairson will meet with Ellis
and Stanton for further information and development of plans to be presented
to the Committee regarding management of the Ethernet and the Internet
throughout the Town. All agree that this is a very important area that needs
considerable discussion and research. Mairson will work on it and the item
will be placed early in the Agenda for the next meeting.
Submitted from notes by Julie Longcope,