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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-20 Board of Selectmen PacketMIIA Metuber Services 12 Gill Street - Suite 1600 Woburn, MA 01801-1728 TEL (800) 526-6442 FAX (781) 376-9907 Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 RE: Indemnification/Hold Harmless Language in proposed cable television contracts Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: Please allow this letter to respond to your recent inquiry concerning the construction of indemnification agreements and/or hold harmless language frequently contained in cable television contracts. It is my understanding that you are reviewing art agreement on behalf of the Town of Reading. As you know, MIIA provides insurance protection to more than 300 municipal entities throughout Massachusetts; including the Town of Reading. In our capacity as insurer to those communities, we are frequently asked to review the insurance and indemnification provisions of various municipal contracts. .MIIA has seen an increasing trend in which providers are attempting to limit or reduce the indemnification/hold harmless provision of a standard service contract. In particular, providers are attempting to place restrictive time frames or notice provisions into the indemnity provision of the contract. These requirements seek to limit or void the indemnity obligation of the provider if notice is not provided within a short window of time. While these restrictions may not be unreasonable in a conforming commercial application, they are not-favorable to municipal entities. In general, the modified indemnification agreements seek to hold the.parties to a ten-day notice provision. The contract suggests that if notice is not provided to the service provider within ten days of receipt of a claim, the provider has no obligation to indemnify the municipality. The wide range of responsibilities, obligations, departments and personnel with which municipalities must deal makes acceptance of such a short notice window ill advised. In addition, it is possible that a municipality could receive a•very general notice of loss and not be aware of the potential indemnity due from a contractor until well after this short notice period has lapsed. Finally, claims for insurance subrogation or contribution against the service provider may be compromised if a municipality fails to recognize the short notice provision. In such circumstances, that notice provision may lapse months or years before the subrogation or contribution claim matures. An Interlocal Service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association D 0 I believe it is prudent for municipalities to seek to remove, wherever possible, restrictive notice provisions from contracts with their service providers. Thank you for taking the time to discuss this issue with me. If I can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, M chael E. Cusack Vice President Claim Operations C: Attorney William Solomon 319 Main Street Stoneham: MA 02180 Massoch"etts interimt Inmrance Amcisdon Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Phil Rushworth [phil@rctv.org] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 11:57 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: LeLacheur, Bob; Connors, Bill Subject: Fwd: Invoice # 20080224 Attachments: image001.jpg; ATT12078.htm; Reading 3-14-08 20080224.pdf; ATT12079.htm Peter, This is the equipment RCTV needs to broadcast over the WAN. RCTV is paying for this, but I just wanted you to be aware of the cost considering the contract renewal. Philip Rushworth Executive Director, RCTV Reading Community TV www. rcty :off 781944-8888 TV Made By Youl The Cultural Connection www.theculturalconnection.info Begin forwarded message: From: "Donna Baker" <donnaO.accessavnh.com> Date: June 13; 2008 10:45:54 AM EDT To: <ohil aC7rctv.orq> Subject: Invoice # 20080224 Phil, The invoice we spoke about yesterday is attached. If you have any questions, or if you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks! J✓on,t z JOa lcvz Access A/V, LLC 41 Terrill Park Drive Concord, NH 03301 (603) 224-2300 / phone (603) 224-2308 / fax donna@accessavnh.com www.accessavnh.com 0 6/13/2008 .acc~.ss .avv 41 Terrill Park Drive - Concord, NH 03301 Phone: 603-224-2300 • Fax: 603-224-2308 Bill To Reading Community.TV ATTN: Phil Rushworth 224 Ash Street Reading, MA 01867 Ship To Reading Community TV 224 Ash Street Reading, MA 01867 Invoice Date Invoice # 3/14/2008 1 20080224 P.O. Number Terms Rep + Ship Via F.O.B. I Project Municipal Light Net 15 KL 3/12/2008 UPS I Quantity Item Code Description Price Each Amount 1 9715DR-L-ST Optelecom Digital Rx 1 Video-2 Stereo Audio 997.00 997.00 1 9715DT-LD-ST Optelecom Digital Tx 1 Video-2 Stereo Audio 1,174.00 1,174.00 2 Power Supply Optelecom 120V/1 2V Power Supply 42.00 84.00 2 Custom Custom Fiber 39.00 78.00 1 Shipping Shipping / Delivery charges 21.00 21.00 Thank you for your business! Total $2,354.00 18% APR interest charged on past due invoices. Accounts turned over to a 3rd Payments/Credits party for collections will be liable for a ll pursuit costs including reasonable attorney $0.00 fees. Balance Due $2,354.00 Phone # I Fax # (603) 224-2300 (603) 224-2308 I V Page I of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Connors, Bill Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 1:09 PM To: Phil Rushworth; Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: LeLacheur, Bob; Furilla, Kevin; Cain, Joe; Wilson, Matthew Subject: RE: Invoice # 20080224 Phil/Pete, Based on what we paid to pull fiber thru the library the cost of the equipment, the fiber and the labor is about $5,000.00 per building. We talked about the senior center, library, Parker, Coolidge, as priority sites and the high school press box and Burbank as secondary sites. Bill From: Phil Rushworth [mailto:phil@rctv.org] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 11:57 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: LeLacheur, Bob; Connors, Bill Subject: Fwd: Invoice # 20080224 Peter, This is the equipment RCTV needs to broadcast over the WAN. RCTV is paying for this, but I just wanted you to be aware of the cost considering the contract renewal. Philip Rushworth Executive Director, RCTV Reading Community TV www.rctv.org 781-944-8888 TV Made By Youl The Cultural Connection www.theculturalconnection.info Begin forwarded message: From: "Donna Baker" <donnaO-accessavnh.com> Date: June 13, 2008 10:45:54 AM EDT To: <p_hil@rctv_.om> Subject Invoice # 20080224 Phil, The invoice we spoke about yesterday is attached. If you have any questions, or if you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks! C-17)o~2hcz JJu~/cerc Access A/V, LLC 6/13/2008 James W Cormier Chief of Police READING POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF 15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Emergency Only: 911 All Other Calls: 781-944-1212 Fax: 781-944-2893 F-Mail: JCormier@ci.reading.ma.us Honorable Board of Selectmen June 17, 2008 Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Honorable Board of Selectmen: On behalf of the Reading Police Department, I would like to voice support for the Emergency Notification System that could be provided by cable television. In today's world of unknown threats and natural disasters, instant communications is the best means to deal with major catastrophic incidents. We all hope that we never need to use the Emergency Notification System. But, it would be best to have it in place and never need it, than not have it and need it. In a true emergency, the ability to contact every household in town is vitally important. We cannot predict where, how or who an emergency may impact and the ability to instantly notify all households in town would be imperative. The access provided by cable television into the homes is important today more than ever. With many homes moving away from traditional land line telephones, and seeing in emergencies cell phones becoming overloaded, Cable Television could be our only means of communications with the majority of our residents. Another aspect regarding Emergency Notification System is the immediacy of it: There are no delays and no answering machines, it is right into the living room. It is my understanding that we utilized this system when the gasoline truck overturned on Route 93. The system worked effectively to communicate emergency information to the community. I could only imagine that the communication abilities today would be greatly enhanced from what they were when that accident occurred. The Reading Police Department takes a position that strongly advocates for the Emergency Notification System in the Town of Reading. The public will not accept explanations after the fact as to why we were not prepared. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Sincerely, Jam . Cormie Chie of Police Jarred W. Cormier Chief of Police READING POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF 15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Emergency Only: 911 All Other Calls: 781-944-1212 Fax: 781-944-2893 E-Mail: JCormier@ci.reading.ma.us Honorable Board of Selectmen June 17, 2008 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Honorable Board of Selectmen: On behalf of the Reading Police Department, I would like to voice support for the government accessibility provided by cable television. The Police Department regularly uses the cable access provided by RCTV for public service announcements and public information updates. We also use RCTV as one way to keep ourselves up to date with current events within the community. We have worked with the RCTV staff to provide information and create Public Service Announcements on a variety of topics. The sight impaired pedestrian crossing indicators were new to our area and RCTV worked with our Community Service Officer to create a PSA informing the public about the use of these signals and how they operate. When we were exploring our new Police Station, we were able to show tours of the old building on television. We felt these were very effective means of communicating this information. The Police Department would like to work with the RCTV Staff to provide more information, but we understand RCTV resources are limited. If we can increase their resources to provide better service to the community, I would suggest we do that to the maximum level. In today's world of instant information, communications with the public is at a high demand. Anything we can to do to increase our abilities will provide the best opportunity to distribute proactive information and positively impact the town governments relationship with the community. There are many areas we would like to expand our information services with RCTV going forward, but they will need the resources to provide those opportunities. The Reading Police Department takes a position that strongly advocates for the cable Government Access in the Town of Reading and to maximize the resource commitment to the town from the cable provider. The public will not accept explanations after the fact as to why we were not prepared. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. V mier e OF A READING POLICE DEPARTMENT y - ~ OFFICE OF THE CHIEF a esa. INCORQO 15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Jamed W. Cormier Emergency Only: 911 All Other Calls: 781-944-1212 Fax: 781-944-2893 Chief of Police ?-Mail: JCormier@ci:reading.ma.us June 17, 2008 Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Honorable Board of Selectmen: On behalf of the Reading Police Department, I would like to voice support for the Expanded Basic service channels be provided to municipal buildings. It is important for the Police Department to have the ability to access emergency information. Television stations provided under the expanded basic, such as CNN, The Weather Channel, and New England Cable News, to mention a few, would assist the Police Department in keeping up with news and weather during emergencies. These stations are not available on basic service or through non-cable abilities. The Police Department houses the communications center that will be responsible in an emergency situation to communicate essentially with all town departments. This will include Fire, Police, Public Works, and Reading Light. It would be essential for the communications center to have access to these news and weather stations in an emergency to provide adequate service to the community. The Reading Police Department takes a position that strongly advocates for the Expanded Basic in Municipal Buildings in the Town of Reading. The public will not accept explanations after the fact as to why we were not prepared. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Sine ely r UV / Jam . Cormier Chie of Police N OFgO HEADQUARTERS ( o READING FIRE DEPARTMENT rs Reading, Massachusetts 01867 a9 rx_ con4°¢ GREGORY J. BURNS, Chief 757 Main Street BUS. Phone: 781-942-9181 STA. Phone: 781-944-3132 Fax: 781-942-9114 June 16, 2008 Mr. James Bonazoli, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Bonazoli, As Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director for the Town of Reading, I believe government access to local cable television is critically important. RCTV is an , invaluable tool in educating and informing the citizens of Reading on local issues. Secondly, in the event of a large scale emergency incident that directly impacts Reading, RCTV has a unique ability to allow local officials to get out valuable public information. Examples include using the cable television override feature, scrolling messages, providing information on the opening of emergency shelters or announcing the location of local mass inoculation site or sites. The Reading Fire Department has used RCTV to educate and inform the citizens of Reading on fire protection issues, impact of proposed budget reductions and to provide information on the services we provide. For the reasons stated above I believe it is important that government access to cable television be preserved and for RCTV to be properly supported. 2 S' rely, e . Burns Chi f Department We're Your Friends for Life r o~N OBBF~~ HEADQUARTERS READING FIRE DEPARTMENT Reading, Massachusetts 01867 s P Jy+INCORL'~~ GREGORY J. BURNS, Chief 757 Main Street BUS. Phone: 781-942-9181 STA. Phone: 781-944-3132 Fax: 781-942-9114 June 16, 2008 Mr. James Bonazoli, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Bonazoli, I would like to take this opportunity to request and highly recommend that expanded basic television services be maintained and provided to all Town and School buildings and be incorporated as part of the next Comcast cable television license renewal. During major storms the Fire Department uses the Weather Channel and New England Cable News to track and estimate the impact to Reading. We use this information to determine if our staffing and deployment of Firefighters will be sufficient for the event and to scale down when necessary. Secondly, CNN gives us important national information on a continual basis. Together these channels provide us with a window on the world. All these channels are not available via an over 'the air television and the loss would have a negative impact on our operations. l. qChie kofDepa!rtment ur Friends for Life We're Yo e OFR6 HEADQUARTERS ( : - J READING FIRE DEPARTMENT ,6't9; p4P~ Reading, Massachusetts 01867 INco GREGORY J. BURNS, Chief 757 Main Street BUS. Phone: 781-942-9181 STA. Phone: 781-944-3132 Fax: 781-942-9114 June 16, 2008 Mr. James Bonazoli, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Bonazoli,. As Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director for the Town of Reading, I believe it is critically important that the local cable television license holders provide cable service to the whole community. RCTV has a unique ability to provide emergency communications directly to Reading residents during an emergency. Examples would include using the cable television override feature, providing information on the opening of emergency shelters or announcing the location of local mass inoculation site or sites. Reading is at the crossroads of several major transportation routes. Specifically, interstates Route 93, Route 128, a major commuter rail line, Route 28 and Route 129. These are major transportation routes that routinely carry significant amounts of hazardous materials. In recent memory we have had accidents with trucks carrying liquefied natural gas and gasoline. In Reading we have the ability through Comcast to override all cable television channels with a voice message. This is a critically important feature for us to use to inform and enhance the public safety of Reading residents during an emergency. Additionally I believe that funding support for RCTV directly impacts their ability to get their message out. Poor audio or visual quality significantly impacts the number of viewers who will use this communication tool. For the reasons stated above I believe it is important that all residents regardless of their geographic location have access to local cable television service and for RCTV to be properly supported. m erely, Gr y J. Burns f of Department We're Your Friends for Life l G/ Board of Selectmen June 16, 2008 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Selectmen, During your negotiations with Comcast, I urge you to support increased funding of RCTV and community access television, Twenty years ago, I initiated and produced cable access coverage of School Committee meetings. At that time, covering a meeting required several volunteer crew members and hours to set up and break down equipment, in addition to the actual coverage of the often protracted meetings. It was a difficult, time-consuming effort for several years until Continental Cable consented to fund coverage of School Committee meetings. Eventually, through careful allocation of scarce resources and selective equipment purchases, the process of covering public meetings became simplified, which enabled more residents to become involved in public access television production For example, as cameras decreased in size and audio improved, I covered nearly all School Building Committee meetings (and an occasional Historical or Conservation meeting), often using only the microphone on the camera and a tripod. Now, with improved equipment and permanent installation of cameras and microphones in some public meeting rooms, a single volunteer may facilitate cable coverage of meetings; in the studio, one may produce programs using robot cameras and one or two crew. I attribute much of this change in ease of program production to long time director Phil Rushworth's care, dedication and vision. A Reading native, Phil has worked hard to make RCTV a truly community accessible station, in spite of severe limitations in funding. He has remained in Reading, working for years with far less than the majority of neighboring communities receive from their cable providers. I firmly believe that RCTV as a public access television station contributes greatly to Reading residents' support of , understanding and involvement in their community. As a result, our democratic form of government is strengthened. This period of negotiation with Comcast is crucial to the future of RCTV and the public's right to know and understand their government in action. As you negotiate, I urge you to imagine the needs of this ever changing community in the next decade. Do not sell Reading short. Five percent of behemoth Comcast's profits in Reading is not too much to ask, considering the proposed ten year commitment. RCTV is a singular gem that deserves your support. Sincerely, Kendra Cooper 20 Covey Hill Rd. 85- :21 Wd 91 Nnr 8MZ 13 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Administrative Offices 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 781 944-5800 June 17, 2008 Reading Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Charles R. Robinson, Chair Christopher Caruso, Vice-Chair Lisa F. Gibbs Karen Janowski David C. Michaud Elaine L. Webb Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools Re: Comcast License Renewal - Expanded Basic Coverage I am writing to inform you that the School Committee unanimously passed to motions at our June 16th meeting regarding the captioned. They are as follows: "Move that the School Committee needs and supports the provision of Expanded Basic Cable TV service to all of the school buildings in Reading as an essential educational and safety tool for the employees and students of the Reading Public School System." "Move that the School Committee requests and supports full maximum funding of the Community Access Corporation (RCTV) by Comcast, matching similar funding by Verizon, for capital and operating purposes." The Reading Public Schools depend on RCTV to broadcast School Committee meetings and hearings, sporting events, and a range of other school programs at all levels. While RCTV does a credible job at providing all of these services, the community demands more. Delays in editing and producing a recent program by the Superintendent of Schools, as and example, could be resolved with additional staff and funding. Finally, it would be extremely helpful if the Cable Guide would have the information on the programming for each of the PEG channels, and further it would be very valuable to have all PEG programming available "on demand". Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Charles R. Robinson, Chairman Reading School Committee O(L June 17, 2008 TO: Board of Selectmen N 8 Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 FROM: Board of Library Trustees Reading Public Library lip Middlesex Avenue oa Reading, MA 01867 RE: Comcast Hearing At a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Reading Public Library, it was brought to our attention that there is concern about the future funding of RCTV. The board has found the Bulletin Board on RCTV to be a very effective means of communication and has discussed the possibility of creating a regular program that would help the citizens of Reading better understand the many functions of the library. The station is a valuable asset to this community and a very effective way to reach such a high percentage of the residents. We hope that the Board of Selectmen will be able to renegotiate the contract with Comcast so that proper funding will be available to maintain the high standards that have been set by RCTV. Sincerely, Susan Axelson, Chair Board of Trustees Reading Public Library l'; Hechenblefter, Peter From: Lois V Erikson [erlo1@juno.com] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 3:49 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: reading cable t.v. To the board of Selectmen: My husband and I do watch our local cable station. We listen to interviews with our town manager, church services, presentation by Janice Hart, gardening with a Hart. We recently enjoyed watching the Reading Symphony Pop's concert. The filming of some of these programs is great. Please see that they continue. Thanks, Lois and Erik Erikson 15 Kieran Rd. Reading, Mass. 01867 Tel. No. 781-944-5926 It's never been easier to change your name. Click now,! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3nf7hswtuNHbNuxoSHRJTTElR wVQpgg9G31ysH3f5MArjxpF/ i ( DO Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Sullivan, Mark [MarkSuil!van @WeberShandwick.coml Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 11:14 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: RCTV Dear Selectmen, As a 16 year resident of Reading, both my wife and I watch dial in to RCTV each week. We used it to stay on top of the Mall situation, the Keno debate, as well as the taping of school & sporting events. As our school aged children get older we find we lean on RCTV more as a local information source. Please use our interest during your negotiations with Comcast. Mark Sullivan Beaver Road 6/16/2008 n Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: pkoppelp@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 8:10 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Folopoulos, Dawn; Bonazoli, James Subject: RCTV Attention Board of Selectmen: I'm writing to express the importance of RCTV programming in Reading prior to the public meeting on June 18, 2008. Unfortunately, I will be out-of-town and unable to attend the hearing but feel it is important for you to note the significance role RCTV has in our community. I am hopeful that this role will not only continue but expand over the coming years. Personally, I enjoy watching Reading @ Large and frequently monitor Selectmen and School Committee meetings on RCTV. RCTV coverage also allows me to watch any of the church services that I am not able to attend on Sundays. These programs allow me to stay connected to my community even when I am not able to attend meetings in person. It is a valuable resource for me as a busy and working parent in Reading. In addition, as. a geriatric nurse practitioner I know that RCTV provides a vital link between the community and Reading's senior residents. Many seniors are not comfortable driving at night or in the winter and RCTV coverage of community meetings and church services as well as other senior programs allows these seniors to stay connected. Reading's Elder/Human Services Administrator is interested in taping programs at the Senior Center to provide additional outreach. Many of our seniors have enjoyed being involved in the production of RCTV programs. This is a wonderful win-win opportunity, providing seniors with new skills and the community with new resources. RCTV is an important resources for parents and seniors in Reading. In a time when parents are becoming increasing disconnected because of multiple obligations and our senior population is growing, RCTV should be a cornerstone for our community--facilitating connection and communication. Paula Koppel 60 Lilah Lane Reading 6/17/2008 Colon al torus s Playe 0 U 0 s U J 4 Z 0 0 u O w N a a h 10 co a a ~a z 0 a w M a X 0 co 0 a UJ w VI Z a o, a N June 16, 2008 Attention Board of Selectmen, We are writing on behalf of Reading Community Television and their relationship with the Colonial Chorus Players here in Reading. The Colonial Chorus Players are a non-profit organization dedicated to "bringing musicals of a more advanced type" to Reading and surrounding communities. Our main financial support comes from ticket sales to these shows which cannot be successful without a great deal of publicity on our part. Press releases are not always a guarantee in the local papers, RCTV, however, has always guaranteed our postings on the bulletin board and has never let us down. In the past few years our relationship has grown even stronger. RCTV has helped us to create a show, "Colonial Chorus: Behind the Scenes." This has shown to be a great tactic for us to get the community excited about our upcoming show. Our past board President, Thomas Coffin was aired on an episode of "The Cultural Connection" where he was allowed to speak about Colonial Chorus and how important our organization is. RCTV has taped some of our events beautifully. Lastly, we are in talks of producing PSA's. Without the help and support of RCTV, the Colonial Chorus Players would not be the active Reading organization that it has become. Please encourage Comcast Cable Television to do whatever they can to support such great programming and the true Reading treasure that RCTV is. Sincerely, Pamela Denning, Board President Angela Merrill, Public Relations Chair 0 Page 1 of 2 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Rita ROBERTSON [rrobertson01 @msn.com] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 7:55 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: RCTV Upcoming Negotiations June 16, 2008 Board of Selectman Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, Massachusetts 01867 To the Board of Selectman: We are writing in support of the Reading Community Access Television station. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the community meeting this Wednesday but wanted our position to be heard and recognized. We have lived in Reading for fifteen years and are both currently active Town Meeting members, representing Precinct 2. We strongly support the RCTV and the television coverage it supplies. We enjoy watching the light programming it offers and we appreciate the' access and availability it provides to important meetings that impact our town. Often, it is difficult to attend evening meetings but it is a true convenience and an important resource to be able to view them at home. The RCTV also acts as a critical town wide message board which greatly serves this community. We are greatly concerned that the RCTV be properly funded and would ask that our elected Board of Selectman do all in your power to assure a fair and reasonable contract that will allow the RCTV to continue to serve this community in the future. While the negotiation process can be a challenging one, we are hopeful that you will not lose sight of the goal of maintaining a viable RCTV which will continue to serve and enhance our town. Sincerely, Rita Cunningham Robertson 6/17/2008 UTO Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Anne Mark [anne_mark@verizon.net] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 5:47 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: phil@rctv.org Subject: RCTV PEG funds endorsement Attachments: RCTV 6.16.08.doc To the Members of the Board, During my tenure as Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, HfHGL volunteers built two homes in Reading. John Surette filmed the whole process--from tree felling in June, through brush clearing, framing, siding, and painting, all the way to the house dedication the following June. He captured the hard work of the construction volunteers, the good fellowship brought by the coffee break and lunch providers, the camaraderie between the Habitat partner families and the volunteer builders as they all worked together, and the joy as town officials, church leaders, businesspeople, the families, Habitat committee members, and over a hundred well-wishers shared in dedicating the houses. He carefully and thoughtfully put together 4 one- half-hour shows for RCTV about this community house- and home-raising. What a wonderful way for more people in Reading to learn about the mission of Habitat and how they can help!. And what a wonderful way to celebrate and lift up what the Reading community--individuals, businesses, church groups, and organizations like scouts-can do together. This was a great series of shows, from many points of view, and expanding this sort of coverage of community events would be a boon. Speaking personally, my husband and T have enjoyed other RCTV offerings, especially about Reading's natural environment (the walk in Kurchian Woods, for instance) and history (who knew that Reading once had a race track or was home to a circus owner?). Making this type of program available can only deepen the community's love of place and the townspeople's desire to preserve and care for it, it seems to me. As a volunteer and a resident, I'm strongly in favor of an increase in the public, education, and government funds for RCTV. Sincerely, Anne P. Mark 284 Summer Ave., Reading 6/17/2008 Z2 v June 15, 2008 Board of Selectmen Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Member of the Board of Selectmen: 2Q18 BUR 16 PM 12= 58 This letter is in support of Reading Community Television. In the mid 1980's, I helped with the first cable access coverage of school committee meetings, a totally volunteer effort using Continental Cable equipment. I have watched community television grow over the past 20 years and I strongly believe RTCV's coverage of government meetings provides an essential service to the community. In fact, the only reason I have signed with Comcast is to have access to the community broadcast channels. The level of funding that Comcast has provided over the past contract period is shameful.. Nevertheless, through the enthusiasm and commitment of RCTV's executive directors as well as the dedication of a core group of volunteer producers, RCTV has provided wonderful and plentiful programming, often outpacing the efforts of better funded community stations in the surrounding towns. It is now time Comcast shoulder its fair share of the RCTV's financial support. Funding community access television is much more important than other Comcast "public relations" spending. Specifically, Comcast spent millions on the naming rights for the former Tweeter Center and the funding of City Year; these dollars come from the amounts charged Comcast customers. If Reading residents were surveyed in an unbiased manner, they no doubt would prefer increased funding for RCTV over those Comcast Center and City Year expenditures. Comcast claims it only wants "level playing field" language in their contracts with public access stations. However, their definition of "level playing field" appears to apply only when that would lower Comcast's support obligations. While Comcast has benefited greatly from the audience RCTV draws, Verizon has been contributing far more as a percent of revenue than Comcast to the running of RCTV. This does not constitute a "level playing field." Comcast also should reallocate funding for local customer service. In a recent attempt to communicate my concerns to Comcast, I used the customer service email address included in my last Comcast bill. I asked for a clarification of Comcast's position on the level of funding they propose and requested that Comcast fully support RCTV. I received a computer generated email response suggesting I contact Amy Brough at RCTV. Amy has not been the RCTV director for at least five years. I conclude that Comcast has little interest in customer service, is clueless about the management of local cable stations and has no commitment to public access television. 23 Comcast needs to care more about the residents of Reading. RCTV producers should not have to purchase their own video cameras, editing equipment and software, a necessity at times because Comcast has not provided an adequate level of funding to community access television. If Comcast persists in refusing to supply a reasonable and fair level of support, I would urge Board to reject Comcast's license renewal. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the residents of Reading. I urge you to insist that Comcast improve their customer service and increase support of community access television. Sincerely Bruce Coop r 20 Covey Hill Road Treasurer, RCTV Board of Directors Cc : Phil Rushworth, Executive Director, RCTV zH 2,75. TA UMV)1:01 11 ~ l v cam-, S--x r 2M JUN 16 AM lit 01 June 14, 2008 Reading Board of Selectmen Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, Ma 01867 RE: RCTV funding Dear Board of Selectmen: On behalf of Reading Community Singers we would like to voice our support for continuing the Comcast funding of 5% for RCTV. Over the years RCTV has been invaluable in bringing local events into our homes, including the Reading Community Singers concerts. As many of our Reading friends have told us they have seen our concerts on the local station and we in our converstaioins with fellow Reading community singers we know n see that the viewership is out there. To cut any funding to this invaluable community resource would just be wrong. We hope you will consider these thoughts in making your decision regarding the funding of RCTV. Since ly, oanne Coughlin & Kathleen Carlo Co-Presidents, Reading Community Singers cc: Phil Rushworth, RCTV 2 A08 JUN 16 AM 11:01 84 Batchelder Rd. Reading, MA 01867 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 To the Board of Selectmen, We are writing to request that in your negotiations with Comcast, RCTV receives the necessary funding to provide the coverage that we have all come to expect. RCTV provides a valuable service in helping Reading residents remain connected to their community. The viewing of meetings of the various governmental bodies provides a transparency in government that reading the local papers does not. We can view the finer nuances of town government for ourselves without having the information screened through a reporter's eyes. RCN's Community Bulletin Board is an important service whereby the various groups and organizations have an opportunity to inform the public of their events. Many of these organizations have no money to advertise. In your negotiations, we hope you will remember how important RCN is to the Town. Sincerely, Carol Lucyniak Dennis Lucyniak vj M3 JUN 16 AM 11:01 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Board Members, As a member of the St. Agnes and St. Athanasius Adult Education Committee, I am writing to advocate your strong support for increased funding from Comcast for RCTV, our local public access television station. RCTV is so important to our churches and ministries. We often have need to publicize our religious adult education programs and have no money to spend on advertising. RCTV's Community Bulletin Board has proven to be invaluable in getting the word out. Luke Schneider of the RCTV staff has been very responsive but needs more help. Some of our members have requested training from RCTV's staff so that we can operate the cameras ourselves to provide coverage of our events. RCTV staff has been very cooperative but there are so few of them. They are stretched so thin. I believe they have only 2 fulltime staff. RCTV is so popular that they don't always have enough equipment to loan out. RCTV needs more money to provide the equipment so high in demand. With increased financial support from Comcast, that may be possible. Sincerely, Miriam M. Nigro Member of the St. Agnes and St. Athanasius Committee Richard H. Curtis 15 Holly Road, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 June 15, 2008 8 Board of Selectmen Re: Comcast Hearing 0. Town Hall :MV. =C 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 y 014. I regret that I am unable to attend the Comcast hearing on June 18 but wish to express my thoughts. As the producer of "Reading @ Large" and "Gardening with a Hart' for RCTV, I am deeply concerned with the negotiations between Comcast and the Town of Reading. Although my efforts are voluntary, I am dependent on RCTV equipment and the limited fWl-time staff for technical advice. Those who have viewed other local access stations in the area are amazed at the quality and extent of programming produced for Reading Community Television. There is no accurate means of identifying the cxtent of the viewership. Yet the number of people who stop me on the street to comment on my productions leads me to believe that viewer interest with RCTV is very high. _ The station must continue to expand with newer equipment and larger facilities. It cannot merely maintain the status quo. Any organization that does not grow will eventually fade from the scene. RCTV has set high standards, and this community expects great things from its local access station. RCTV relies on the financial support from its two major sources - Comcast and Verizon. That support will allow the station to continue to grow, and the beneficiary will be the local community. Verizon agreed to pay five percent. Comcast cannot afford to settle for anything less, for it would put Comcast in an awkward position of being a minor league player in the Reading community. As a current Comcast subscriber, I would be one who would reconsider my choice of cable provider if Comcast does not think RCTV is worthy of support. RCTV is a vital part of this community. Comcast should realize that fact. Sincerely, Richard H. Curtis READING PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION, Inc. P.O. Box 96 Reading, Massachusetts 01867 June 14, 2008 James Bonazoli Chairman Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Bonazoli: The Reading Public Library Foundation, as you know, depends upon outreach to our community to maintain its visibility as an advocate for the Reading Public Library. N co 0% 0 The Foundation has consistently relied on RCTV to provide valuable information to Reading citizens in a number of ways. For example, the Community Bulletin Board enables us to notify residents about the events that we host to enrich community life. The Reading @ Lange television program highlighted both the Library and those groups who work to support its mission. In addition, several of our speaker series events have been taped by RCTV for later use in the community. RCTV does an excellent job. providing the community with local outreach and information. We urge the Selectmen to continue to support RCTV for the benefit of all of Reading's citizens. Thank you very much. Sincerely, um- Neil Cohen Vice President Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Merel Abruzzese [merelabru@gmaii.com] Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 10:32 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Local Cable Programming Dear Selectmen - am writing to express my support for local cable programming. As a mother of young children, it is difficult to get out at night to attend meetings, and it is incredibly useful to be able to watch things like the school committee meetings on the TV. The local channel helps me stay connected to what is going on in the town without having to leave the house. Thank you, Merel Abruzzese 31 Autumn Lane 6/16/2008 ~p Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Dogtoon Media [dogtoonmedia@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 9:54 AM To: Town Manager Subject: In Support of RCTV Dear Board of Selectmen, I am writing you to support the invaluable coverage provided by RCTV (Reading Community Television) As a student at Reading Memorial High School, I enrolled in the classes provided by RCTV and enlisted as a volunteer. The experiences I learned wile a student of RCTV have proved the building blocks for my professional career in my endeavors as a freelance videographer, as a citified Apple Creative, as a supervisor for Studio Operations at the New England Institute of Art, as a teacher of digital editing and digital post effects for the same institute and as the head of my own start up production company. RCTV has not only provided the lessons I would build from but has also continued to support and display my work. Like many, RCTV has given, and continues to give the people of Reading the ability to make their own television, to express themselves and learn in the process, I would very much appreciate it if you informed Comcast of the integral role RCTV has had on the community of Reading. Thank you Douglas Cowell Director 617-771-8983 http://www.dogtoonmedia.com 1 tfi~ Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: wyerfam ily@comcast, net Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 9:33 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Cable renewal Dear Board of Selectmen: I am writing in support of an increase in the amount Comcast supports and pays for local programming here in Reading. My family and I use the local cable channels to keep informed with current issues in Reading. My children are very involved in sports here in town. We are out many nights at games and school functions and must depend on the rebroadcast of the many public meetings to stay informed. School committee and selectmen meetings are very important to us. We also enjoy the programs produced by local Reading residents - Face the .Facts, Sports Talk, Mr. Vaccaro's programs, as well as Ask the Manager, and the Selectmen's occasional round table discussions. We have also been able to watch sporting events that we don't usually get to see, such as wrestling matches and lacrosse games. We would like to see an increase in the programming on the local cable channels with the support of Comcast if their contract is renewed. Ple ase co ntinue to require and support this valuable local access. Thank you. Denise Wyer 228 Forest St. Reading 6/16/2008 C(42~) Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Janet Breen Banetob@comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 3:59 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: PEG (Public Access TV) Dear Reading Board of Selectmen, I am a Reading resident who hopes very much to see the PEG programming continue in this town. As a citizen and parent I appreciate having the school committee meetings televised, as well as FInCom and the Board of Selectmen meetings. I also enjoy watching locally produced programs such as "Reading at Large" and like that members of the town are able to participate in their own production and airing of content. I enjoy seeing coverage of school events including talent shows, graduations, and holiday celebrations. Finally I use the local coverage to find out election results and local information through the community notices. I would like very much to see support of this type of programming continue in Reading over the next 10 years. Sincerely, Janet Breen 109 Oak Street Reading, MA 01867 1 9 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Bo or Gina [bog ina03@earthlin k. ndt] Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:23 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: LeLacheur, Bob; Michele Benson Subject: Reading Cable Public Education Dear Reading Board of Selectmen, I would like to encourage you to make sure that local access cable TV is fully supported in Reading. There is an enormous need to educate citizens not only on town government issues, but on issues of critical importance that the town is working on. The town appointed our committee to address climate change through the Cities for Climate Protection program. Under this program, as you know from our Reading Climate Action Plan, we are planning to include a local cable show in our outreach, to let citizens know what they can do to address the critical issue of energy reductions at a local level. Local access programming, services and facilities will be essential for this to be successful. The Cable TV bulletin board has also been critical in advertising some of the valuable services we have offered, the Earth Day Fair and Reading,Recycles appliance collection is the most recent example. We must all do our part to tackle this issue. Comcast should be doing their part too. Thank you, Gina Snyder Citizen and member of Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection 1 0 Page 1 of I Hechenbleikner, Peter From: crwhit99@aol.com Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 4:00 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Comcast Hearing Next Week Dear Members of the Reading Board of Selectmen: I am writing just in case I am unable to attend the Comcast hearing next Wednesday. I like to watch a variety of programs on RCTV, such as the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading services, nature programs producted by John Surrette, such as the ones about the Town Forest/Ipswich River, programs produced or provided by Bob Connor, Reading at Large, etc. I hope that Comcast will increase their financial support. Thank you for your consideration. Carolyn Whiting 17 Chestnut Rd Reading MA 01867 Get the Moviefone Toolbar. Showtimes, theaters, movie news, & more! 6/13/2008 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Deborah Gilburg [debgilburg@verizon.net] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 1:41 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: RCTV Dear Selectmen: I am an avid supporter of RCTV and all that they bring to Reading. Not only does RCTV serve as a valuable communication resource, it has become a cultural mainstay in this community. Please share my perspective with any and all who are interested, and lets keep their funding alive! Thank you, Deb Deborah Gilburg debailbura a0verizon.net 103 Oak Street Reading, MA 01867 (781) 942-9427 6/13/2008 D Page 1 of 2 Hechenblefter, Peter From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 12:49 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: LeLacheur, Bob; LaPointe, Gail Subject: Comcast license renewal - government access Reading Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 We are writing to express the opinion of our Finance and Accounting departments that our PEG access needs to improve substantially in order to serve the Reading community. The quality and quantity of public meeting coverage must improve. Residents often complain that they cannot get live coverage of meetings. A few locations in town have been wired for live meeting coverage and connected to the Town's wide-area network. Because of the huge amount of volunteerism in Reading, even these locations cannot always broadcast live because there are simply not enough channels available. Many residents have complained about the sound quality of meetings - this is most often caused by moving broadcast equipment from location-to-location, because RCTV simply cannot afford to buy multiple pieces of equipment. Residents also note that many meetings are not even taped and replayed at a future time, because RCTV simply does not have the staff or equipment. Several residents have requested that we provide streaming video on our website from these taped meetings. The community bulletin board serves as a vital communications tool for some of our residents. Many of our residents have internet and email access, but a significant portion rely only on cable to be alerted to the many activities and functions on town government. Here is a sample of how we use the community bulletin board today: o all aspects of Finance and Accounting use the community bulletin board (ebb) to direct residents to the Town's website for important updates and details; o the Assessing function relies on the ebb to alert residents when staff will be calling to make appointments for home inspections; o the Treasurer/Collectors office uses the ebb to remind residents about the due dates of quarterly tax bills, water, sewer & stormwater bills, and excise taxes especially valuable since the cost of postage reduces the amount of reminders sent by mail; o the Town Clerk's office relies on the ebb to provide updated election information - including registration deadlines, absentee ballots information, poll information such as rides for seniors, and finally immediate election results o the Town Clerk's office uses the ebb to inform residents about license (marriage, hunting, dogs) and permit (such as raffles) requirements; o the Town Clerk's office uses the ebb to alert Town Meeting members on meeting dates & locations; o the Human Resources department uses the ebb to communicate with employees and retirees about benefit changes and updates. As a community, Reading has a significant amount of highly involved residents. Many volunteer their time for a variety of government and school activities, and need to receive constant communication from the Town. PEG provides a vital link to these residents. The younger generation is growing up in a world with much more sophisticated technology than many of us had. Considering that this Comcast contract will extend for ten years - RCTV as currently funded simply cannot keep up with the changing demands that our current and future residents will place on them over this period of time. 6/13/2008 C6~J Page 2 of 2 Thanks for your consideration, Bob Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr., CFA Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 (781) 942-6636 (781) 942-9037 fax finance0ci.readina. ma.us Gail Gail LaPointe Town Accountant Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 (761) 942-6604 (781) 942-9037 fax financercDci.readina.ma. us 6/13/2008 b~ OFR y Town of Reading . ! 16 Lowell Street °rs~9 40~° Reading, MA 01867-2683 INCO.R,~ June 13, 2008 Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Selectmen, Dawn Folopoulos Administrator Elder/Human Services Phone: (781) 942-6608 Fax: (781) 942-9071 Email: dawn@ci.reading.ma.us Website: www.readinwma.aov Reading Elder/Human Services requests that you recognize the importance of cable TV as a means of community involvement, entertainment, and information for Reading Seniors. Many seniors have told tell me about the local cable shows they enjoy watching including, Reading C Large, the Selectmen's meetings, school performances, cooking shows, church services, Ask the Town Manager, and others. Hopefully, they will soon be able to add informative and entertaining Senior Center programs to that list. The Etder/Human Services division is currently working on taping and airing various some senior center programs for those seniors who are unable to come to the senior center. Specifically, I have been told about the desire to have more broadcasting of Town events and board meetings. Many seniors do not drive after dark or do not drive at all and the viewing of government and community programs keeps them involved in the Town many of them helped build. The community bulletin boards are much appreciated by the seniors as a means to find out about local happenings and up-to-date information. When weather becomes a concern, the. seniors know they can turn to the bulletin boards to learn about home delivered meat delays or community closings. For many seniors and disabled residents, the bulletin boards area life line. Thank you for the opportunity to express the views of the senior community. Sincerely, Dawn Folopoutos Elder/Human Services Administrator 0 1334tabing *pmmpbonp Orrbe!Wa V. 38ox 165 'ReAtm, f:OI OIS 7 Eugene R. Nigro - President Gene Martin -Vice President Herlinda Charpentier Saitz - Secretary Marcus Chanonhouse Marcia Cutlip Raymond Gagnon Arthur E. Knapp Alan Mosier Dr. Roland Vazquez - Music Director r-.,a Ea 00 VII June 12, 2008 Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner, I may not be able, to attend the hearing with Comcast but want to express my support for RCTV in its need for increased funding to provide television coverage of cultural events to the benefit of the Reading community. W GQ w c;n Reading is so fortunate to have a large number of musical and arts organizations. RCTV does not have the needed space, staffing or equipment to adequately provide coverage of them all. It desperately needs a new facility and additional staffing. The Reading community will truly benefit. Thank you and the Selectmen for their kind attention. Sincerely, ti e Eugene R. Nigro President C17) 29 Evergreen Rd. Reading, MA 01867 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street _ Reading, MA 01867 w Dear Board of Selectmen, Q ; -o I am writing to support the invaluable coverage RCTV provides our community. There are many of us who do not receive the local papers and depend on the coverage RCTV provides of the meetings of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and other governmental bodies. It was one of the reasons I subscribed to Comcast. I also enjoy the various programs produced by my friends and neighbors. They are entertaining and instructional. I find the gardening program with fan Hart and Dick Curtis particularly helpful in my managing my own garden. I would appreciate it very much if you informed Comcast of the integral role RCTV provides in our community. Sincerely, v Eleanor N. Merrill ~Z Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Fran Sansalone [fran.sansalone@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 10:56 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Comcast license renewal. Dear Board of Selectmen - I am writing to express some views on the proposal license renewal for Comcast. Out-of-town business travel will prevent my attendance at next Wednesday's meeting. Although RCTV does an admirable job in delivering local programming to Reading, much more could be done. Additional programs could better populate the schedule, offer a greater variety, reduce the number of repeated programs, and better serve the people of Reading. In this era of proliferating electronic communication, our local TV offerings should be energetic, timely, varied, and of interest to a broad spectrum of Reading citizens. Our limited town financial resources constrain the breadth of programs offered to the citizens of Reading. Just a few ideas for additional programming, were additional funding available: . In addition to broadcasting Selectmen meetings, Town Meeting sessions and School Committee meetings, it would be wonderful to provide some analysis of local government meetings, issues, events. • Richer, more vibrant coverage of local elections would be terrific. . Additional educational programming, instructional programs, cultural offerings would be most welcome. o Offerings from area colleges and universities, as well as broadcasting Reading's adult education would greatly enrich the slate of programs. • Broadcast how-to programs on various skills (computer applications, video, production, arts and crafts) . Programs about local history, geology, meteorology, in addition to current environmental education efforts would strengthen the schedule. • Coverage of local clubs, organizations, community groups. • Broadcasts by town departments (police, fire, Health Dept., schools, Town administration) could inform and educate citizens on the mission and services of town government. • Programs directed toward military veterans and their families would be more than timely. • Recreational offerings that pertained to town recreational sports programs - beyond announcements of sign-ups and registration information would be valuable. • More personal interest, interviews, profiles, local interest stories would also be welcome. • Programs on hobbies, do-it-yourself projects, cultural events, movie reviews, additional cooking instruction, nutrition and health programs... the list goes on. Reading is an incredibly frugal town. As a Town Meeting member for some 15 years, I've seen the town struggle to use its limited resources creatively, responsibly and fairly. I served on Reading's Cable TV Commission and understand the need for cooperation and common goals. When I served, we had only one cable TV provider in Reading; today we have several providers, some of whom provide more generous financial support to the town. I encourage the Selectmen to hold Comcast to a greater financial obligation to Reading. The need is apparent. Sincerely, 6/13/2008 (Vi Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Tucci, Ken R [krtucci@wbztv.coml Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 9:26 AM To: Town Manager Subject: RCTV letter Hello Peter, Here's a letter of support for RCTV for the Selectman. Thanks for. passing it along. Hope all is well. Best, Ken Tucci Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA'01867 June 13, 2008 Board of Selectmen: I am writing in support of Reading Community Television. As someone who has produced programming through RCTV, and who watches a variety of programs on the local channels, I find RCTV to be a valuable resource for our town, worthy of support. The fact that RCTV cablecasts Town Meeting, Selectmen's meetings, School Committee meetings, town election results, etc. is proof enough of the service the outlet provides. But of special interest is the local programming that RCN members create. From a simple studio 'talk show or a field produced program, to a church service or opinion program, the content adds to the texture of our community and can also add to the debate that inevitably occurs over many local issues. The idea that there is an "electronic soapbox" available to all residents is also an exercise in the value of the First Amendment. I have personally found the work of Phil Rushworth and his small staff to be exemplary. In my own experience I found it easy and convenient to get training on camera and editing equipment, and I was treated politely and professionally. Phil encourages and supports people who choose to do work through RCTV, and is always available to provide advice or a helping hand. . Of course to sustain and grow the coverage and services RCTV provides requires consistent and growing support. Equipment is expensive to buy and maintain. Updates are periodically necessary. I understand you are about to undertake the no doubt difficult task of negotiating with Comcast over whether to grant that company a new 10 year deal. I also understand that Comcast now supports RCTV to the tune of half of what Verizon contributes on a percentage basis. As a Comcast customer and Town Meeting member, I find that insufficient. To be clear, I am not enamored with any cable company. My dealings have 6/13/2008 05- Page 2 of 2 usually been negative, and I've found customer service to be sorely lacking in the "service" department. I'm sure you've received many.complaints in the past. But that's what you get with a monopoly. Until recently Comcast had that monopoly in Reading. Since Verizon began providing competition I've found Comcast to be easier to deal with. However, Comcast is a massive and wealthy company that looks at supporting the community as simply the price of doing business, not as an end in itself. They do it only because they have to, in my opinion. I urge you to play hardball with Comcast for more adequate support for RCTV. You only have their attention once every ten years. After that, the town loses all real leverage. There's no reason to be patient or polite with Comcast representatives if they do not pony up. Cable in Reading is not in danger of "fading to black." You should flip them upside down and shake them until the money falls from their fat pockets, or send them packing. Verizon will be only too happy to pick up the slack. I hope you have fun with this negotiation. For once the town holds the best cards. Sincerely, Ken Tucci 8 Buckskin Dr. Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8 17( 6/13/2008 CP) Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 12:03 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Comcast license renewal - expanded basic coverage Reading Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 I am writing to express my opinion that one of two financial channels should be included as in the basic cable package. Either CNBC or Bloomberg TV would be adequate in the event of time-critical financial information. Many communities during the past year have encountered severe financial hardships - ranging from drawing down free cash to skipping payrolls - because of poor financial performance. Prudent financial management begins with the raw financial data that is available on these two channels cited above. By the time the mainstream media (such as CNN or Fox News) understand the impact of a financial development, it is usually too late for market participants to react to protect their interests. Thanks for your consideration, Bob Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr., CFA Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 (781) 942-6636 (781) 942-9037 fax financerccD oi. readina. ma. us 6/13/2008 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Ruth and Jack Goldberg Oacobgoldbergl l@comcast.net] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 11:58 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Comcast broadcast To the Board of Selectman,Town of Reading: Dear People, We are big fans of RCTV and we watch frequently. We would like to have more programming and coverage of local events. We are both retirees,and would appreciate having the current exercise programs aired so that in inclement weather we could exercise at home.The longer we stay healthy,the less possible need of town services is the way we look at it. Jack and Ruth Goldberg 6/13/2008 June 12, 2008 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Board of Selectmen, I am unable to attend the public hearing with Comcast, scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 but I would like to voice my support for RCTV and the television coverage it provides. Town Meeting, the legislative body of the community, is where the major decisions facing residents are resolved. Issues, such as bylaw amendments, capital spending, the setting of the operating budget - ultimately determining the tax rate and quality of our schools and infrastructure - are decided on the town meeting floor. By covering every session on television, those meetings are delivered directly to our citizenry. The population remains informed and a transparent government is maintained. In short, RCTV contributes to the maintenance of a healthy democracy. Additionally, of course, the local cable channel covers meetings of the board of selectmen, school committee, and other town bodies, helping to assure that everyone can remain involved whether or not they have the time to volunteer. I add my voice to those that hope to see local access television maintain its financial support and remain a vital part of our community. During your negotiations with our cable providers I urge you to make that a priority. Sincerely, Alan E. Foulds Moderator 2 Elderberry Lane Apt. 014 Reading, MA 01867 June 6, 2008 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall Reading, MA 01867 Please vote RCTV to get at least 5% funding from Comcast. I watch RCTV channels every day and appreciate the excellent programs which are entertaining and informative. In addition 1 have used their equipment and made use of the excellent instruction RCTV staff provided. This has allowed me to air travel programs which were so popular when my husband Bill was able to give slide shows at the Reading Public Library and nursing homes. The wonderful varied programs that Dick Curtis and John Surette produce are very popular as well so many others that keep us informed about the town and flown meetings. Sincerely yours, f 041.1.c. . Rose McLaughlin a r ..r to 0 Re a cr Lh 9- CO-OPERATIVE BANK June 17, 2008 Board of Selectman Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA RE RCTV To Whom It May Concern. As a representative of your community Bank that employs residents of this community, I am familiar with the benefits provided by not for profit access programming. The local benefits are informational, cultural and educational, and some expand beyond just programming to hands on technical learning. I regularly hear about local events, issues and meetings based on what my staff has learned watching RCTV. The Reading Cable Channel is the perfect uncompromised venue for residents to tune in and find out what is happening in their town. More importantly the broadcasting of Selectman, CPDC, ZBA and other committee meetings allows for participation by and transparency for all. Finally, I am most certain that broadcasting this information in this medium cultivates future participants in a voluntary town government. I encourage the Board of Selectman to support RCTV in this contract renegotiation so they can continue to provide local programming to the Reading community. Jullenn M. Thurlow Presi em& CEO gi Schena, Paula From: James J. Dwyer ojdwyerw4@yahoo.com) Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 4:38 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: Re: Cable TV Hearing Good afternoon Paula, Thank you for forwarding to me the meeting regarding Public Access. I will not be able to attend, I have a previously scheduled City Council obligation, but will send a letter of support. I have supported our Public Access, and know first hand the importance in creating a Community feeling and discussion of local topics. Again, thank you for bringing this meeting to my attention, if I am elected, I will do my utmost to continue the support of local programming. Jim. OFRTown of Reading } 16 Lowell Street o. Ewa Reading, MA 01867-2683 rs39UNCO R°4P~ Z. c: (781) 942-5441 ,bsite: www.ci.reading.ma.us June 17, 2008 Mr James Bonazoli Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell St Reading MA 01867 Dear Mr. Bonazoli: PUBLIC WORKS (781) 942-9077 It is important that Comcast provide Government access to the Community. It is particularly important as an emergency notification system for the Town. On September 30, 1992 a Gulf tanker truck carrying approximately 11,000 gallons of gasoline was involved in an accident on Interstate Route 93 adjacent to the Town's water supply, spilling over 10,000 gallons into the Towns' aquifer. It was necessary to shut down our water treatment plant and receive water from surrounding communities. The Town Manager was able to override programming through the cable system and notify residents of the accident and its effect on supplying the community with potable water. He was able to inform the citizens of an emergency water declaration by the Board of Selectmen, prohibiting outdoor use of water. One very important message to thousands of households in the community. This is only one example of the importance of having this access to the community. Through the community access channel and the bulletin board, we have been able to notify residents of construction projects such as water main construction and roadway projects, including updates as the projects proceed. By broadcasting meetings of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Finance Committee officials are able to provide the facts to help citizens make the right decisions at our annual and special town meetings. RCTV has also broadcast many meetings and hearing related to water conservation programs, water, sewer, and storm water utility rates and discussions related to the development of recreational parks and sports facilities throughout Town. This department has been involved in the taping and broadcast of informational meetings on our yard waste composting area and program, and one of the most important decisions that was made by this community - deciding whether the Town of Reading should continue to produce its own water or to join the MWRA water system. These broadcasts provided a tremendous amount of information so that we would have an informed community to move ahead and make this important decision. This is a very important tool for municipal government to disperse information to its citizens and important for the operation of our department. For these and many other reasons, please work to maintain and approve the public access programming component of the up coming cable contract. Sincerely, v ~~o / Edward D McIntire, Jr Director of Public Works 83 OF Town of Reading r 16 Lowell Street r Reading, MA 01867-2683 cp ~ . ~~p r63'9. INCOAQ~~P Fax.- (781) 942-5441 Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us June 17, 2008 Mr James Bonazoli Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell St Reading MA 01867 RE: Strand Map, Cable Services, Town of Reading Dear Mr. Bonazoli: PUBLIC WORKS (781) 942-9077 I am writing to express my strong support for a detailed strand map of Comcast's cable system for use by the Reading Public Works Department. I request that this town-wide strand map be available in both paper and electronic format to allow easy manual data retrieval as well as maximum compatibility with the Town's existing GIS system. The current lack of clear documentation of the location of cable system strands poses numerous problems for Public Works. I require accessible and reliable data regarding the location of cable infrastructure so that I may make prudent and informed decisions for maintaining, repairing and improving public ways and public facilities. Digging, regrading and general construction all pose a risk to existing but poorly identified cable infrastructure, and our normal course of work brings us into inherent conflict with conduits, cable, fiber, lines and pipes located within public ways. Access to the cable network is of great importance to our community. Sincerely, Edward D McIntire, Jr Director of Public Works (PY oFTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street two Reading, MA, 01867-2683 s,9. txcoue°~P Fax: (781) 942-5441 Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us June 17, 2008 Mr James Bonazoli Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell St Reading MA 01867 Dear Mr Bonazoli: PUBLIC WORKS (781) 942-9077 The Reading Public Works Department request that the Board of Selectmen do everything possible to maintain the expanded basic channels in Reading. Channels such as CNN, the Weather Channel and other informational channels should be kept as the basic package for they are very important to us in our daily work schedule. The Weather Channel is important to maintain the safety of the citizens of Reading. We continually monitor this channel to prepare for snow and rain storms, hurricanes and other natural disasters. We appreciate your assistance to our needs. Thank you. Sincerely, a "M Edward D McIntire, Jr Director of Public Works C~ Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading Rev. Tim Kutzmark, Minister N oQ June 17, 2008 James E. Bonazoli and Members °O Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Town of Reading Massachusetts 01867 Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board of Selectmen: On behalf of the people of The Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, I write to strongly encourage your full support of Reading Cable Television in the current contract negotiations with Comcast. Reading Cable Television provides an invaluable service to this community. I am always impressed by the number of people who mention to me that they watch RCTV. They clearly value the various religious services and other community events that are broadcast through RCTV. The includes members of this congregation, residents in the town nursing homes and assisted living residences that I visit, and non-church members who watch services on a regular basis. Reading Cable Television is seen and heard in the community, and is a creative communicative outlet for our town. Media and communication are essential components for a thriving community. To lose Reading Cable would be to lose a key element of what makes Reading an attractive place to reside and do business. Our church values Reading Cable Television, as do I. I hope we can continue valuing RCTV for many years to come. Sincerely, Rev. Tim Kutzmark Minister Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading Aileen Dashurova, Director of Religious Education Dr. Mark Bennett, Choir Director 239 Woburn Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 781-944-0494 uucr(cV uureadinq.orq http://www.uureadinq.orq Church of the Good Shepherd 95 Woburn Street Reading, MA 01867 781-944-1572 admin@goodshepherd-reading.org The Rev. Deborah M. Woodward Priest-in-Charge priestincharge@goodshepherd-reading.org June 17, 2008 James E. Bonazoli and Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Town of Reading Massachusetts 01867 Members Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board of Selectmen: On behalf of the people of The Church of the Good Shepherd, and on behalf of the Reading Clergy Association, I write to strongly encourage your full support of Reading Cable Television in the current contract negotiations with Comcast. RCN provides an irreplaceable communications medium for the town of Reading. Complex 21St century life styles isolate individuals, families and organizations. Rapidly changing demographics compromise our ability to communicate effectively. RCN allows information to be exchanged widely and clearly. For the religious community, RCN allows us, as individual parishes, to broadcast our worship services, reaching many who cannot attend. RCN allows the Reading Clergy, as an association of parishes, to broadcast our joint services such as our Martin Luther King Celebration and the Reading Baccalaureate service. Clearly, Reading needs this crucial resource to move forward as a well informed, integrated and creative community. With encouragement, The Rev. Deborah M. Woodward Priest-in-Charge - Good Shepherd _ Treasurer - Reading Clergy Association co -ca The Churches of the Reading Clergy Association: St. Athanasius Parish Korean Church of the Nazarene St Agnes Parish The Church of the Good Shepherd First Baptist Church Unitarian Universalist Church First Congregational Church Old South United Methodist Church VP it . S w SENATOR RICHARD R. TISEI MIDDLESEX AND ESSEX ROOM 308, STATE HOUSE (617) 722.1206 DISTRICT OFFICE 979 MAIN STREET WAKEFIELD, MA 01880 (781) 246-3660 June 13, 2008 Mr. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager c/o Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: Thank you for forwarding me the notice for the Board of Selectmen's June 18 public hearing to discuss the renewal of Reading's cable service contract with Comcast. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the hearing due to a scheduling conflict. However, I am submitting the enclosed letter to the Selectmen asking that they take steps to ensure the new contract includes funding for local public, education and government (PEG) access programming. I hope the ongoing contract negotiations between the town and Comcast will produce positive results for PEG access programming in Reading. If I can be of any further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sin Richard R. ei STATE SENATOR Enclosure COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SENATE MINORITY LEADER STATE HOUSE. BOSTON 02133-1053 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SENATE MINORITY LEADER STATE HOUSE. BOSTON 02133-1063 SENATOR RICHARD R. TISEI MIDDLESEX AND ESSEX ROOM 308. STATE HOUSE (617) 722 1206 June 13, 2008 Honorable Reading Board of Selectmen c/o Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Dear Honorable Selectmen: DISTRICT OFFICE 979 MAIN STREET WAKEFIELD. MA 01880 (781) 246 3660 I understand the Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on June 18 to discuss the town's contract renewal talks with Comcast. Although I had hoped to attend the hearing in person, I am unable to do so due to a prior scheduling commitment. However, l would like to goon record in support of a contract that includes continued funding for local public, education and government (PEG) access programming in Reading, at an amount that matches or exceeds current funding levels. I know first-hand the value of having a strong public access channel operating in the community. For many years, Reading Community TV (RCTV) has broadcast my Legislative Report show, allowing me to reach out to my constituents in. Reading and provide them with timely information about state legislation that could have an impact on their lives and their community. Public access television provides a vital connection between private citizens and their local elected officials, and offers a creative outlet *for residents who want to produce and direct their own original programming to share with a larger audience. It is crucial that any new contract the town negotiates with Comcast include, at a minimum, the 5 percent funding share that RCTV currently receives. This, funding is needed to address future equipment and facility needs so that RCTV can continue to provide an essential service to the community. I urge the Board of Selectmen to support RCTV and ensure that it is adequately funded in the new Comcast contract. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance in this matter. QR. ichSTATE SENATOR Hechenbleikner, Peter From: John and Mary Ellen O'Neill [mjconeill@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 1:18 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Comcast Contract Dear Ben, Camille, James, Steve, and Rick, Due to a meeting at the RMLD this evening I, will not be able to attend the public hearing on the renewal of the town's contract with Comcast. John and I, however, wish to express our strong support for the continued support of local cable programming through RCTV and for increased funding from Comcast for that programming. Over the past years, community television has grown significantly and opened up opportunities for education, information, cultural enrichment, and participation in civic affairs that have been a benefit to many here in Reading, including ourselves. We would like to see these opportunities expand and would like to see an increase in funding from Comcast to help achieve this goal. I am particularly interested in seeing expanded coverage of high school sports, an addition of at least one environmental awareness program, and support for innovative/experimental programs created by Reading residents. Thank you for your consideration of our comments. Mary Ellen O'Neill 1 ao 16 June, 2008 Matthew McWilliams 1 Virginia Circle Reading, MA 01867 Town of Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Board of Selectmen, As a resident of Reading, as well as a member and volunteer at RCTV, I am writing to express my concerns about Comcast s proposal to make cuts in its funding for the station. RCTV is not only a community resource that has proven its value time and time again-it is also a factor that causes many residents to subscribe to cable services. While telecoms have been trying hard to cut funding to non-profit entities with a renewed fervor in the past several months, it is important that people recognize that these firms are not just taking money away from public-spirited organizations-they are taking away from the very communities that comprise their revenue. It seems that Comcast's decision to roll back its support of RCTV, falling below the current level of funding provided by Verizon, mirrors the comparable quality of their services. My first real contact with the studio was through an RMHS Video Production class. It was because of funding from Comcast that the class was able to run, and I was fortunate enough to become very involved in the station as a result. RCTV has given me and several others opportunities to become active in media production and has spurred an interest that, for me, led to film school. I am writing a letter, rather than showing my support in person, only because I will be shooting a film in Providence at the time of the hearing. RCTV acts as a hub for several Reading's important grassroots organization. As an member of the station, I worked closely with members of the Reading Technology Education Fund to produce programming for their fundraising events. Several of the town's churches, musical groups and art-oriented organizations rely on RCTV to raise awareness of their events and exhibit programming. I hope that the Selectmen recognize that allowing Comcast to lower its current rate of funding sets a unsettling precedent that undervalues not just the contributions of Reading Community Television, but those of nonprofit organizations in the community at large. Sincerely, Matthew McWilliams Reading Technology and Education Foundation, Inc. 62 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 June 18, 2008 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: Comcast cable contract Reading Board of Selectmen: On behalf of the Reading Technology and Education Foundation, Inc., RTEF, I would like to offer our support for Reading Cable Television, RCTV. RCTV has been a very important partner with the RTEF in not only publicizing our fundraising events, but in keeping our mission alive through telecasts of our fundraisers. If it were not for the commitment of RCTV to the RTEF, we would not have been able to raise over $250,000 for the Reading Public Schools. If RCTV does not receive the current level of funding by Comcast, I fear for the future of the RTEF, because without the ability to reach the viewers of the Town of Reading, support of our foundation will be greatly diminished. Please feel free to contact me with further questions. Sincerely, Debra M. Boschetti President (6i Z 301 Ash Street Reading, Massachusetts 01867 June 18, 2008 Philip Rushworth RCTV 224 Ash Street Reading MA 01867 Dear Phil: The consolidation of the main stream media underscores the need for an independent forum so that each community can have meaningful discussions of local issues that result in resolution of conflicts. The time for a virtual town meeting has arrived. You and your staff, including many Reading volunteers have made a good start in that direction. You provide us with unfiltered and uncensored news of the community events, such as town government meetings, school, church and business functions and activities to name but a few of the many services you provide our town. Looking to the future the need for public access services will expand as we (the subscribers) become more used to digital media and use it increasingly to network our neighborhoods. This means that we (town, cable companies and citizens) must budget to greatly expand RCTV resources. The technology will continue to evolve and RCTV must keep pace with it. That does cost money. You can no longer run RCTV on a shoe string depending mainly on volunteers. You will need at a minimum, enough staff to coordinate all your functions and lead the volunteer efforts. I would say that each function must have a permanent staff member assigned to it. This of course means that RCTV have outgrown their "garage" on Ash Street and new quarters must be found. Hopefully, through partnership with either business or non-profit town organization this could be achieved and soon. I would like to volunteer my services for helping RCTV in outreach and fund raising activities. My e-mail is libdver(@,comeast.net. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for a job well done and I wish you all the best for the future. Sincerely, Helen Dyer q3 June 14, 2008 Reading Board of Selectmen My name is Eric Altbush. 1 grew up in Reading, and graduated from RMHS with the class of 2002. Throughout high school I've spent a lot of time with RCTV and it has been - and still is - an important piece of my life. My relationship with RCTV first started when my friend and I wanted to make our own TV show, and it soon led to the class they taught at the HS, a job at the station, and a lot of great friends. There are a lot of things RCTV does for the town that are indispensable, but for the sake of this letter I am going to focus on why RCTV is so important to me. I was initially driven to the station for the same reason I'm sure many young members join. Simply put, I was a bored kid desperate for something to do with my creativity. In a town with so little to do for fun, RCTV is playground for anyone inspired to create something, and share it with their community. Outlets like YouTube have added new ways for people to share their creations, but a website could never replace what goes on within the walls of the RCTV studio. First of all; to be able to use, get familiar with, and be a part of a TV station is an unbelievable opportunity for anyone interested in any number of creative fields. After high school I went off to art school, and am now a graphic designer and art director. The things I learned at RCTV are still with me today, and have only made me a more well rounded and valuable asset. It wasn't until I moved to NYC though, that the most important part of RCTV really became clear to me. Even here in the city with "everything," I have not been able to find the type of community and group of people that attract to RCTV. It draws together like- minded people, and serves as a kind of club house. This creates the kind of environment that is not only a great place to make new friends - but one where learning is fun and easy, and creativity can truly flourish. Not to get overly nostalgic here, but I remember the morning of September 11th. People were going crazy and things were all over the place. I decided it really didn't make much sense to sit around in class wondering what the hell was going on, so I left. I went to RCTV. Phil had different news channels up on all the monitors, and we just watched as events unfolded. I don't think there is anywhere else I would have gone, that is the kind of place that RCTV is. I'm not the only person who grew so much, in so many ways, from my time at RCTV. 1 know because a lot of them are still my friends today. It would truly be a shame if RCTV wasn't able to feed all those bored and creative kids like it did for me. Because chances are; without a place to flex their creativity, most of them would just turn into bored kids. Eric Altbush Dear Reading Board of Selectmen I have been involved with RCTV for the last 10 years, as a student, a volunteer, and member. I started out by taking a summer TV production class and have since been involved in countless cable shoots, covering events all over town. I feel that RCTV is an invaluable asset to our community-, it promotes creativity and provides an opportunity for kids in Reading to learn about TV production and technology in general tat- beyond what is offered by RMHS. Many of my friends ended up going to school to study communications after being involved with RCTV for many years, RCTV provided them with a direction, it helped them to realize what they really lilted to do and what they wanted as a career. I myself considered going to school for communications, but decided against it after working at the studio, and understanding al.l that the field entails. For me, RCTV helped to guide me to where I am today. For the community, RCTV provides insight as to what is going on in town, I often watch meetings and presentations on RCTV about what projects are being carried out in town. In my time at RCTV, I have always seen a need for more space, more equipment, and replacements for out of date equipment. I think RCTV is growing, and needs better funding to do so, I think that it is also something that is very valuable to the town and should not be limited by funding. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sean McEachern ,ter qs Laura e. Crook 731 South Plymouth Ct, #314 Chicago, IL 60605 April 1, 2008 RCTV Board of Directors: Reading Community Television is an essential organization. As a high school senior, I completed my internship-a graduation requirement--at RCTV under the guidance and sponsorship of Phil Rushworth and Luke Schneider. I am currently attending Columbia College Chicago-home of one of the largest film schools in the country-and the knowledge they have imparted to me has been extremely beneficial. RCTV provides a valuable community service. Members have access to a world they have never seen-the world of television. During my internship, I learned how to use a camera, edit both the video I had shot and a community access show. Phil taught me how to use the broadcasting equipment and he allowed me to direct a community access show. Everything I learned during my six-week internship was everything that is available to RCTV members. As a college student looking to break into,the television industry, the inside glimpse that RCTV offered me will be infinitely helpful in my future undertakings. T n}~ro o (yrnnU i7. a IN,,, X10 r Board of Directors CREATIVE ARTS Deborah Gilburg, inspire - enrich • connect President Katherine McKie, Vice President June 17, 2008 Norman Blanchard, Treasurer Bill Rounds, Dear Comcast Executives and Reading Board of Selectmen: Clerk Kathleen Bracken Please accept this letter in support of Reading Community Television (RCN) and as encouragement for Alex Carr Comcast to fund RCN to the full extent possible. The many good things done by RCN should not go Sandy Giaquinto unnoticed, but should be recognized and applauded. Jennifer Loo Laurie Trifone Simpson Creative Arts is a nonprofit community school for the arts and has worked with RCTV on various projects, Advisorv Board including building a stronger cultural community base in Reading. Without RCN we would not be able to do Marie Brennan-Taylor the following: Carl D'Ang!o Carol Dehne Eugene R. Nigro The Cultural Connection - RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth was instrumentel in creating The Eugene A. Nigro, III Cultural Connection (TCC) and continues to take a leading role as Co-Chair. TCC was formed in response Judy O'Hare to a need for a more unified arts and cultural community in Reading. The goal of TCC is to bring local arts Wendy Putnam and cultural groups together to spur greater collaboration and coordination to improve their collective Karin Samatis impact thereby increasing benefits to the community. Jean Pagliuca Smith Peter Stickel TCC Web-Based Calendar - One of the first projects of TCC was to create a web-based calendar with all Nancy Twomey the local arts and cultural events in the community. RCTV helped to launch this site and continues to help Administration maintain it. Jennifer Hart, Executive Director TCC TV Program / Local. Programming - Community Television gives the public a chance to create and Kathryn Zak, air their own programs on TV. The Cultural Connection created a TV Program to highlight local arts and Office Manager cultural organizations through the help of RCN. Sheryl LaFayette, Music Director Joint Classes - Creative Arts is honored to be able to jointly offer TV Acting classes and summer camp Lee Hadden, programs with RCTV. We would not be able to offer these classes or camps for the youth in the Music Coordinator community without the physical RCTV location or the technical support. Jamie Maclnnes, Art Director Filming of Events - Filming of local events, concerts, and meetings by RCN allows a wider audience to Angela Merrill, become involved in the community. RCTV has filmed and aired many of Creative Arts events allowing Theatre Director those unable to attend to still participate and appreciate concerts and other performances. Ann Carter, Bookkeeper Calendar - The community calendar is extremely helpful in keeping up with all the activities going on in Alice Webb, town. It is also a very important marketing instrument for organizations, especially nonprofit organizations Office Volunteer such as Creative Arts that have very small (or none at all!) marketing budgets. Facultv Joseph Beninati Meeting Coverage - Being able to watch town and school committee meetings on RCN is very helpful Judy Braude since I am often unable to attend. It allows me to stay in touch with what is happening in town without Diana Brewer taking me away from other work related meetings or my family. Elizabeth Brown Kirsten Brown I find it amazing that RCTV is able to do all of this (and more!) with the limited resources it has. They are Ruth Canonico bursting at the seams in their current location and are in need of new space. Without increased funding, RCTV James Conner will not have the resources needed to acquire or lease new space, maintain programming at the current level Tatyana Foaksman or expand programming, nor will they be able to increase personnel to sustain the quality of programming that Laura Fredericks we have all become accustomed to and love. Lee Hadden Tanya Hambourg Lambert An increase in funding for RCN is needed to provide quality programming and services and to meet the Dennis Hart demands of the community. By supporting RCN you are also supporting other nonprofit organizations, small Sheryl LaFayette businesses, the town and the individuals within the community. Nathan Lafontaine Andrea Loretz-Frey Creative Arts looks forward to continuing a collaboration with RCN. We hope that Comcast will join us in that Jamie Maclnnes collaboration and help us build an even.stronger cultural community by supporting RCTV. Jacob Mathews Angela Merrill Sincerely, Chris Mullins Brian Ocock Carl Phillips Scott Pittman Jennifer L. Hart Tracey Putnam Executive Director Elena Raucci Rick Shaffer Cc: Reading Community TV Monica Wallace Creative Arts . 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA 01867. 781.942.9600 Roald Wilson www.creativeartsforkids.org . creativeartsforkids@hotmail.com INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: BOARD OF SELECTMEN, PETER HECHENBLEIKNER FROM: BEN TAFOYA SUBJECT: COMCAST RENEWAL DATE: 6/18/2008 CC: DEAR COLLEAGUES: I will be delayed getting to the hearing this evening so I want to make sure my comments are available in writing for the meeting record. Public access cable through RCTV is a very valuable resource to our community. It is one of the most significant `channels" we have as a community to communicate with each other. The protection and expansion of this resource is a high priority for our civic life. The broadcast of local governmental meetings including our board, the School Committee, CPDC, Town Meeting and other bodies is a major way our residents stay informed about what is under discussion by our town government. It also provides informal ways for people to ask questions and provide input through "Ask the Town Manager" and the semi-annual Selectmen's Forums. RCTV provides an important creative outlet for our students and adults alike. It is a truly democratic institution requiring little more than some training and imagination for residents to share their thoughts, talents and activities to a larger audience. This aspect of its operation deserves nurture and support to expand opportunity for local programming. There is also excellent programming created by RCTV staff and volunteers. Reading-At-Large is an excellent example of what the group is capable of sharing with the community. The humor and quality of recent "Save the Dummy" presentation was a well received take on recent town events for all of us active in the community. The wide variety of programming represents the depth of commitment by the community for public access. But this only succeeds if we have the proper resources to build upon what has been done in recent years. As we move through the process of granting cable franchises we should make sure we provide the maximum possible support for our local public access organization, RCTV. q~ 124 Belmont Street Reading, MA 01867 2(0$ JUN 18 PH 3. 50 June 18, 2008 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, Mk 01867 Subject: Comeast Funding of RCTV Ladies and Gentlemen of the Board of Selectmen: I am writing to express my support of RCTV and my appreciation of the positive impact the station has had on our community. For the past five years I have worked with the station and the dedicated members of the Friends of Reading Wrestling to televise most of the wrestling meets the RMHS team participates in. High School Wrestling is a demanding sport and the young members of our community who participate deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work. RCTV has provided us the equipment, technology, training, support and most importantly the broadcast time to showcase the remarkable efforts of these young Reading athletes. RCTV's support for our efforts has been outstanding, especially given their limited resources. I believe that Comcast should support RCTV at the highest level. They have been granted a monopoly in our community and should be forced to partner with the town to the fullest extent possible. Thank you in advance for your support of RCTV. Sincerely, / V ohn B Sullivan cc: Phil Rushworth, RCTV V YMCA of Greater Boston ® Keeping Families Strong June 13, 2008 To Reading Board of Selectmen, 2m8 jum 18 Pty 3. 50 Over the years the YMCA and RCTV have had a wonderful partnership. RCTV has provided many benefits for the YMCA ranging from technical support to community awareness. One of the aspects of RCTV that we use regularly is the community bulletin board. This is a great benefit to us as it provides a quick and easy way to get information disseminated to a large portion of the community. We have also produced a number of shows and PSAs to be shown on RCTV which have promoted both our programs as well as various seasonal safety information for the community. This is a benefit for the town as they are better informed on how to be safe during certain seasonal activities. It is also a benefit for the YMCA as it gets our name associated with safe family practices and encourages people to come to us for the various programs we offer. The third way that RCTV has benefited the YMCA is through various trainings and technical support that RCTV has provided for the YMCA over the years. They have helped to train some of our employees and volunteers in how to produce shows as well as. they have been "on call" for panic phone calls when something is not working. Once again we would like to reiterate how valuable RCTV is, not just to the YMCA, but to the community as a whole. Thank you for your attention. Since ely, r i JKa e W Executive Director Burbank YMCA 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive Reading, MA 01867 Burbank Branch-Reading 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive, Reading, MA 01867 • 781-944-9622 • 781-942-1130 Fax • wvwv.ymcaboston.org O Branches Way Black Achievers • Burbank • Camping Services • Central • Charles River • Dorchester • East Boston • Education and Training • Unite Way Hyde Park • Metropolitan Office • North Suburban • Oak Square • Roxbury • Walpole • Waltham • Wang • West Roxbury/Roslindale o,M.... h~,.„o.Y