HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-14-CAC-min.pdf Cable TV and Communications Committee
Minutes of January 14 1999 Meeting
Attendees: Jane Gharibian (chair), David Balsom, David Kanter, David Becker,
Julie Triessl, David Buczkowski, David Carver, Rob Travers representing
Cablevision
Balsom was named secretary for this meeting.
Minutes from December 17 meeting were approved as presented without
change.
Kanter reported that Cablevision would present its response to the proof of
performance report by next week. It was also reported that the Cablevision
response to the Massachusetts Rate Commission issue was satisfactory The
committee expects to present its recommendation on Cablevision's renewal by
the Jan. 25 meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
Triessl is processing feed-back from committee regarding the survey for the
Cablevision renewal. That will be completed by Jan. 15, and the survey is to be
published in the next available issue of The Lexington Minute Man. Citizens will
have two weeks following publication of the survey to submit responses. It was
suggested that the Chair submit a letter to the editor of the Minute Man
concurrent with the release of the survey
Kanter reported that the RCN public hearing resulted in three items which
required committee action.
Item 1 The team receive assurances that RCN would assume all responsibilities
regarding this contract in light of its joint venture with BECO
Item 2. RCN needs to clarify where the hub location will be. Ellis is working with
RCN on this issue.
Item 3. The negotiation team was to solicit references from towns which
currently have contracts with RCN. The references are below
Somerville-Overall grade B There seems to be an issue of expectation
management" following initial marketing activities. This has resulted in some
customer service/customer relations issues.
Boston-Overall grade A. Additional reports of advance marketing leading to
inflated service expectations.
Arlington-Overall grade B+ (from engineering, since system is not on-line to
date). Arlington recommended that Lexington create a 'working group during
construction phase to efficiently deal with issues which might arise. They also
were quite impressed with one of the sub-contractors, P&P Paving.
Newton-Overall grade B. Newton too is only in construction phase.
Brookline-No grade given, though reference stated that most problems seem to
be with less than perfect customer service.
Kanter summarized that based upon these references, it appeared that RCN
was qualified as a provider
Carver raised a concern that, in his opinion RCN's business projections didn't
make sense, and therefore would fail to achieve the committees stated goal of
increased competition for Lexington residents. He will report back to the
committee on what relevant actions the committee could take should that be the
case.
Becker reported the objectives of RCN negotiations as follows:
1 Bring real competition in cable and wireless service to Lexington as soon
as possible.
2. Get a good deal for the town, i.e. the municipality vs. citizens
3 Provide a modern system with added services for subscribers
4 Meet level playing field requirements
5. Set new higher expectations for future negotiations
Vote was taken and Committee recommended to Board of Selectmen, subject to
RCN's satisfactory response to above-mentioned outstanding issues as
determined by committee chair, to approve RCN's application for a provisional
license, and that the Board of Selectmen direct the committee to prepare a
provisional license consistent with the Summary of Material Provisions.
Motion carried 7 aye, one abstention (Carver). Becker and Kanter will present
said recommendation to Board of Selectmen.
Ellis presented request to approve funding for $978 to upgrade equipment in the
LHS TV studio, and $2700 for the SCOLA subscription fee. The first item was
approved unanimously, the second 7 aye, one nay (Kanter).
Becker reported that EAS meetings and training will happen this month
(January).
Kanter reported that the Board of Appeals denied an extension on removal of
tower from the Carol I property, and approved a temporary pole adjacent to the
water tower
Kanter will attend a conference on Technology and Municipalities in Worcester
Travers reported that the Cablevision system-wide rebuild on is schedule, and
anticipates Lexington will be early in the next phase. I-Net will not be part of this
upgrade.
All remaining agenda items were tabled to next meeting.
Next meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 11