HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-19-CAC-min.pdf Cable TV and Communications Committee
Minutes of November 19, 1998
Attendees: David Becker, Dave Buczkowski, David Carver, Steve Ellis, Jane
Gharibian (chair), David Kanter, Ted Mairson, Julie Triessl, Caryn Werlin. Rob
Travers representing Cablevision. Guests: Mirko Matejic and David Balsom.
Triessl was named secretary for this meeting
Carver was assigned to handle complaints during December
Guests, who had previously submitted resumes, introduced themselves and
spoke of their interest in joining the committee and their relevant experience.
Minutes of October 15th were approved.
Voted that Gharibian, in scheduled meeting with Selectmen on November 30 will
propose two candidates for committee membership.
Gharibian reported that the Selectmen have voted to proceed with license
renewal process.
Kanter led discussion of compliance review
Becker raised issue of Cablevision's inability to accurately measure telephone
response time.
Additional issue raised concerning determining the accuracy of dollar amount
received by Town if Cablevision insists information on which it is based is
proprietary
Kanter was authorized to pursue confirmation of rate setting statements as
expressed on page 7 of the report and the issues raised in paragraph 3.2.4 re
test data.
Buczkowski, Mairson, and others reported disappointment in the tone of
Cablevision's response, noting it was not supportive of a positive relationship
Discussion of performance and compliance issues was held with agreement that
performance issues are important and essential information for the Selectmen to
have when making decisions.
Vote was taken saying that the Committee finds Cablevision to be substantially in
compliance with the license.
Discussion of renewal process. Either party can request the formal process. It
was voted that the Committee will proceed with informal process.
Ellis indicated that on the basis of past experience the budget for legal expenses
may need to be increased.
Ascertainment period includes the public hearing and questionnaire.
Gharibian asked that complaint takers submit reports to her
Public hearing to follow questionnaire. Ellis will post in electronic format.
Report of negotiating group: RCN reluctant to agree to anything that might be
held as a precedent for them in other negotiations.
Sixty day clock starts when public hearing is held.
Review of requirements of Open Meeting law
Becker reported for EAS that there was nothing new
Kanter reported awaiting legal response re: towers/antennae.
Ellis reported on I-net that an amplifier had been replaced, failed immediately and
was itself replaced. SCOLA is still under discussion. License calls for upgrade
of subscriber network but not the I-net. Discussion followed.
Travers reported for Cablevision. There will be a rate adjustment announced. Its
impact on Lexington subscribers will be minor Channel card will be reprinted.
Travers announced that there will be programming on Sundays.
Gharibian reported on customer request for Noggin.
Next meeting set for December 17, 1998.
Adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Triessl