HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-15-CAC-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 15, 2018
Call to order. CAC Chair Ken Pogran called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM in the
Parker Room (G-15), Town Office Building.
Present: CAC Members: Ken Pogran, Chair; Ben Moroze; David Becker, Nick Lauriat;
Steve Iverson; Rita Vachani; Smita Desai, Bob Avallone, Dorinda Goodman and David
Buczkowski. Others: Tom Steel- RCN
Members absent: Ramin Taraz
Materials passed out: Draft Meeting Minutes for February 15, 2018; Request for
Motion on Negotiating Renewal License with RCN 9/26/16, email to Mary Czajkowski
and Carl Valente regarding RCN requests and meeting agenda,
Though some of the items were discussed out of order to accommodate Mr. Steel they are
presented in the order of the agenda.
1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes:
The minutes of the meeting of February 15, 2018, upon motion by Mr.
Buczkowski to approve and second by Mr. Avallone were unanimously approved.
2. Service Provider Reports:
Mr. Steel advised the Form 500 had been submitted. He asked about the license
renewal time line wherein a discussion was held.
3. Selectman's Report—Joe Pato:
Mr. Pato was not present so no report.
4. Chairman's Report
The Chairman set the next meeting for April 19, 2018.
5. Comcast Payment Update
Mr. Becker reported that the February 2018 payment was made by two direct
deposits. Combining the two payments should happen in April 2018.
6. LexMedia Update
Ms. DelSanto was not present so there was no report.
7. RCN 2019 License Renewal:
Mr. Steel reported that the Form 626 was submitted commencing the Formal
Process though he is optimistic that we will successfully negotiate a new license
informally. A discussion of the ascertainment process was held including the
timeline for it. It is hoped that the process, including the public hearing will be
completed prior to July 1, 2018. Mr. Steel said RCN would provide a Form 100
along with a $100.00 check. It is anticipated that the license will be for 10 years.
8. 5G Wireless and "Fixed Wireless Technology":
The Chair gave an overview of what 5G is. It is faster and can handle more
subscribers than 4G. In the next year or so we will start seeing more infrastructure
supporting 5G being erected. Fixed wireless eliminates the drop to a building.
There are unknown ramifications for the cable industry and consumers. The
discussion also included comments on the Concord/Carlisle and Bedford Media
Centers.
9. Discussion of"Net Neutrality":
Mr. Steel avowed that RCN does not "throttle" internet capacity nor does it
intend to in the future despite changes in federal regulations. A discussion was
held regarding whether the internet should be subject to Title II regulation like
telephones. Also discussed was whether the Committee should weigh in on this
subject with the Selectmen, state or federal government regarding net neutrality.
Mr. Avallone volunteered to contact our State Representatives their positions as
well as the Comcast and Verizon websites for statements on the subject.
10. Town IT Updates:
Ms. Goodman reported that Verizon is terminating 3G service. It is a Town
concern because about Town 50 cellphones use 3G service because, ironically,
there is better coverage because less people use it.
11. Wireless Applications:
There were no new cell site applications not any updates on previously filed
applications.
12. Complaints
No new complaints. The upcoming complaint persons are as follows: Mr. Becker
(March), Mr. Pogran (April) and Mr. Iverson (May)
13. New business
None.
14. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned relatively on time.
Respectfully submitted,
David J. Buczkowski