HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-12-17-CAC-min.pdf Cable TV and Communications Committee
Minutes of December 17, 1998
Attendees: Jane Gharibian (chair), David Balsom, David Carver, Steve Ellis, David
Kanter, Bret Kinsella, Ted Mairson, Raul Marques-Pascual, Julie Triessl. Rob Travers
representing Cablevision
Ellis was named secretary for this meeting.
Minutes from meeting of November 17th were approved with corrections.
Kanter reported that there are still 2 open issues from Cablevision performance
evaluation. Gharibian reported on performance evaluation to Selectmen and promised
final report for January
Triessl presented a draft of a survey for the Cablevision renewal process, and asked for
comments. Survey will be published in the newspaper and on the web (Ellis) after the
holidays.
RCN public hearing will be held December 21s` , at 7.15 PM, in Estabrook Hall.
Jeanne Krieger will open the hearing for the Selectmen. RCN hired a court reporter to
record proceedings. Kanter explained purpose of hearing is determine RCN's
competence to run a cable franchise in 3 areas: financial,management and technical.
Once hearing is closed, Selectmen have 60 days to decide to proceed on granting a
provisional license to RCN.
Kanter expressed hope that negotiating team will be able to have the provisional license
be the same as final license.
Marques-Pascual questioned what the impact of the "meter reading" provisions in the
RCN license would be on what Lexington would receive from RCN. He also reported on
discussions he had with DPW Director George Woodbury Kanter reported that this
would not affect amount available for the town. Comments from Carver, Kanter and
Ellis explained that all we've done is to ensure the capability exists and the RCN is
willing to discuss such a project. Kanter also pointed out that this issue has been on the
table since the Issuing Authority report.
Mairson questioned how town money from Cablevision was handled and how accessible
those funds are.
Gharibian reported for Becker on EAS training. Scheduled session was cancelled due to
outside events. It will be re-scheduled.
Kanter reported on Towers/Antennae
Town Counsel reviewed draft instructions
Cable Committee will be required to review applications
Sec 15 of the Zoning By-law (pertaining to towers) needs some work on
technical corrections.
Sprint and Omnipoint have a December 31s`deadline for moving off Carroll
property Due to problems at the MWRA tower, Omnipoint may not be able to
move in time. They are planning on asking Board of Appeals for a delay Kanter
believes they are acting in good faith on this issue.
Ellis reported on status of I-Net and provided an explanation of how problems are
identified by Lexington,prior to requesting support form Cablevision.
Gharibian reported the she got no feedback yet from Selectmen on names for an Access
Corporation board.
Travers reported for Cablevision:
Rate adjustment letter has been received, 1 % inflation with remainder of
increase due to programming costs.
Rate cards are being printed and should be available around January 1s` They will
also be mailed.
Cablevision is awaiting response from Drummer Boy board.
Kanter asked about seeing onscreen commands when character generator is being
used. Travers reported that in the future this will be done when other
programming is onscreen.
Other business: Kanter raised issue of how we handle recommendation from RCN
hearing. It was agreed that the committee will deal with this after the hearing is closed.
Next meeting set for January 21s`, 1999 at 5:45 PM
Adjourned at 7 15 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Ellis