HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-20-CAC-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2025
PARKER ROOM, TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
(Conducted in hybrid mode: in person and by remote participation over Zoom)
.® Call to order In irolli call1l: I(ein Pograin
CAC Chair Ken Pogran called the meeting to order and conducted roll call at 6:36 PM.
CAC Members Present in Person: Ken Pogran, Bob Avallone, Dave Buczkowski, Steve
Kaufman, Nick Lauriat, Rita Vachani
CAC Members Attending Remotely: Dave Becker, Dorinda Goodman, Shabbir Bagasrawala
CAC Members Absent: Smita Desai
Quorum:A quorum of members was present. (Mr.Avallone let the meeting at 7:05 P.M.)
Others Attending in Person: Savvas Kosmidis (AT&T)
Others Attending Remotely: Kerry Morris (Comcast), Florence DelSanto (LexMedia)
Materials Referenced: Draft minutes of the January 1, 2025 meeting, February 2025 PEG
financials update, LexMedia Q2 report,draft CAC response to LexMedia Q2 report
® Review aind AIiroval of CAC January 2025Meetfing Minutes
The minutes were approved unanimously.
® Review of LexMedia FY25 Q2 Report
The report was reviewed and approved unanimously.
® Se111 Board Report
Mark Sandeen was not present. No update was provided.
S. Pireseintatioin Ib TRepireseintative: Savvas Kosimidis
Savvas Kosmidis presented AT&T's FirstNet service,designed to support communications
for first responders.The devices utilize Band 14 and can connect with iPhones.The setup
involves installing a FirstNet device in each vehicle, at a cost of approximately$1,000 per
vehicle.Assuming two dozen vehicles,the total estimated cost was discussed. During the
Q&A,the committee asked whether adopting FirstNet could lead to improved service levels
town-wide. Mr. Kosmidis indicated that AT&T would investigate the possibility.
® LexMedia Update: Florence ID ITIS int
Florence DelSanto shared that LexMedia is actively preparing for the 250th Patriots' Day
celebrations.They are partnering with media and event organizations and broadcasting
related content. Recent activities include a Special Town Meeting broadcast,a 10-part series
on Black citizens of Lexington,Minutemen drills,the Chamber Gala, Ramadan and cooking
classes,TMMA meetings,and a bus tour. Ken Burns is scheduled to present at Kerry Hall.An
awards ceremony hosted by Rachel Dratch is planned for April 17.
® LexMedia I iiiin iirm w Rita Vachaini
Rita Vachani reported that the FY2024 revenue-expense gap was $145K,an improvement
over the projected $185K. For FY2025,the expected shortfall is $250K.While revenue is
declining at 4%annually,subscriber count is dropping by 10%. LexMedia is currently
compensating with increased per-subscriber revenue.An additional$150K in funding is
anticipated for FY2026. Reserves are being used to cover deficits,and these are expected to
be depleted by the end of 2029 without new supplemental funding.
® Verizoin Liceinse Reinewall: Ken Pogiir in
Ken Pogran reported that the committee's legal advisor recommended using an informal
process to renew the Verizon license,as this avoids triggering legal requirements.The
committee plans to initiate community ascertainment ahead of the renewal,potentially in
June.The committee voted to request formal authorization from the Select Board to begin
the renewal process.The motion passed with all in favor except for one abstention (Rita
Vachani).
9. CornIpIlaiints
No formal complaints were reported for March. Bob Avallone will handle complaints for
April; Ken Pogran will be the contact for May.
10. Adjouinirurneint
The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Kaufman
Recording Secretary