HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-20-CAC-min.pdf FROM THE GHPRIBIPINS PHONE NO. 617 862 2483 P03
Cable TV and Communications Advisory Committee
Minutes of May 20, 1999
Members present: Bob Wershewer, David Kanter Steve Ellis, Jane Gharibian (chair),
Dave Buczkowski, David Becker Raul Marques, Julie Triessl, David Malcom, Ted
Mairson. Former member Caleb Warner, Representing Cablevision: Rob Travers and
Ron Rego.
Minutes were approved with the following changes: spelling of McSweeney corrected.
Correction to statement attributed to David Kanter in final sentence of third paragraph
"RCN has to complete subscriber network no later then 24 months alter the final license
is approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Announcement of new member delayed until candidates are notified of the results of the
vole. The nerve of Gustavo Gotten will be submitted to the Selectmen for confirmation.
Emergency Alert System: The Fire Chief is able to have his voice on the air with a
remotely input message. System is still being tested. Representative of FEMA will be
providing information,
Raul Marques is complaint person for May Jane for June.
David Kanter pointed out the memo that will be presented to the Selectmen for their
approval al the May 24th meeting. Signatures to the document are expected that
morning. Documents in hand are the Insurance Certificate, the Letter of Credit, the
Performance Bond, and an affirmation from RCN stating that they believe they have
complied and are in good standing with the state.
David Kanter reports nothing new In antenna applications. Discussion followed about
the permitting and review process for applicants and the Order of Conditions mandate.
David Becker reported on his investigations into the Cape Cod Community TV access
corporation and that operating in Plymouth end Kingston. Jane is making calls to board
members regarding the development of an access corporation for Lexington. Discussion
followed. Rob Travers pointed out that Cablevision sees itself as a strong supporter of
local programming_
Steve Ellie reported that there had one I-net failure at Marred Rd. during which both
video and data service went down. Steve and Connie Rawson present a discussion of
the Town's technology needs to the Senior Management Team. Steve will send out final
license digitally.
Ted Mairson spoke on the emerging technologies to which the committee should be
paying attention. The future of convergence was discussed.
Rob Travers reporting for Cablevision spoke of the filing of forms,the estimated costs of
a system rebuild and the justification for a rate hike on the basis of the rebuild. Local
programming has benefited from a new production truck and other equipment. Members
commented that the look of the bulletin board is much improved. It was requested that
FROM THE GHRRIBIANS PHONE NO. 617 862 2483 PO4
Cablevision synchronize the cable box with the Preview channel. They have been at
variance since the daylight savings time change.
Rebuilds are complete in Braintree and sections of Boston. They are underway in
Norwood and Westwood and about to begin in Peabody, Danvers, and Lynnfield.
Ron Rego reported on improvements to the studio which make it more modern,
attractive and effective.
Cablevision was asked for assurance of Y2K capability to be provided by June 30.
Discussion was held on the request of a legally blind person for a rate cut.
HDC has raised issue regarding burying of cable near the Green. Committee believes
the answer lies in the design diagram on file with the town.
The next meeting will be Thursday June 17th at 5:45 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Triessi