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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-19-CAC-minTOWN OF LEXINGTON COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of May 19, 2011 Attendees -CAC members: Dave Becker, Dave Buczkowski, Frank Cai, Jim Goell, Maria Kieslich, Ken Pogran, Linda Roemer, John Rudy. Selectmen's liaison: George Burnell. Others: Florence DelSanto and David Illsley, LexMedia; Mary Amicangelo, Resident Chairman Jim Goell called the meeting to order at 6:37. Minutes The minutes were approved without correction or addition. Carrier Reports Jim reported on an email exchange with Tom Steel of RCN and that he had told Tom we needed a report. Deleted: conversation ... ... ... ... It was noted that better revenue breakdowns were needed and Dave Becker will draft a letter to RCN. Mary Lou Frere submitted a report that stated that Verizon was doing well. Selectmen's Liaison George Burnell provided a heads up that there was pressure with regard to double poles. The Committee a be asked to contact RCN and Comcast at some time m the future Deleted: again stressed that it had no ... ...... Y. ........... ........:.... ...................... means of speeding up their removal and the lack of legislative action on penalties Chairman's Report was noted. Library Meeting Room — Nothing is happening and it awaits the new Library Director's actions. G 15 improvements are on hold Hartwell Avenue-George Burnell told the Committee that Susan Yanofsky, the Economic Development Officer, will be leaving and the need for ducts was emphasized. Dave Becker suggested talking to the Chamber of Commerce about needs and capabilities along ,Hartwell Avenue. Deleted: at Complaints Because of a guest with a complaint, this item was moved up on the agenda. Mary Amicangelo had contacted Frank Cai, who was the Complaint person this month, about the fact that her Comcast bill for Basic Service was $23.55 and her son's for the same service in Billerica was a little over $9.00. Comcast had also removed two stations in Lexington. Frank had communicated with Comcast about this and with the other carriers as well. After review of the communications that Frank had received about this and extensive discussion, the Committee explained to Ms. Amicangelo that it did not have the authority to regulate rates and that at this time there did not appear to be a cheaper alternative in Lexington. Dave Buczkowski explained that in towns where there was no competition, rates were regulated and that this might be the case in Billerica but was not the case in Lexington where there was competition. Frank, with Jim's help, will draft a letter to Comcast. Ken will check with the state telecommunications policies. The Committee thanked Ms. Amicangelo for coming in and expressed its disappointment that it was not able to help her ..more. LexMedia Promotion of Government Pro Maria said there was nothing to report. LexMedia Quarterly Report Maria reviewed the process and Florence noted that in many cases there were no numbers because the first quarter involved getting set -up for the new contract. There was a discussion about the extent to which old programs had been put into OnDemand and Florence said she would get those numbers to the Committee. With regard to fundraising targets, Florence said it was $10,,000 per year, not including in- kind contributions. The technical problem with the Gantt chart will await Harry's return. There was a discussion about the numbers which the committee wanted with regards to training (hours plus individuals) and clarification of the language on indexing. The School Committee has not been cooperative about marking the times and Jim will write a letter to the Chair of the School Committee requesting assistance and emphasizing the value of this to it. There was also discussion about the archive vs. backup server. Dorinda should be asked to help find a place for this server, perhaps in the DPW building. The Committee congratulated Florence on the good work that LexMedia had accomplished and the strides it had made under the new contract. The new website was commended. Town Meeting Projector Problems Pat Goddard is working on it. WiFi Prod ect Ken is working on it. It was noted that visitors to Lexington might feel very differently about this than residents. Letter to Wireless Carriers As further work needs to be done on the letter and it will not be sent out until September, this was put off until the June meeting. Fall Crhocfi lP The Committee will meet on the dates listed on the agenda and Jim will reserve a room for those dates. The LexMedia working group will need to meet during the summer but the Committee as a whole will not meet in July or August. The LexMedia quarterly report will be circulated and then approved in September. Review of Finances Dave Becker said that while he did not have a complete report, he was positive that there was more than enough money to cover our obligations to LexMedia. Complaints There were no complaints other than the one noted above. Wireless There were no applications. New Business Dave Becker reminded the Committee that the Comcast contract expired on August 31, 2014 and that the clock starts ticking three years ahead, that is August 31, 2011. The first step is an indication from Comcast that they wish to begin negotiations. The Committee does not need to do anything until Comcast starts things moving. The meeting was adjourned at 8:17. Respectfully submitted, Linda Roemer