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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-09 Board of Selectmen Packet~.~C Hechenbleikner, Peter 1^ From: peter.t.bowman@verizon.com Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 1:26 PM To: canthony@ci.reading. ma.us; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; James Bonazoli forwarding account; jduffy@ci.reading.ma.us; Ben Tofoya Cc: Town Manager Subject: Verizon Update Dear Chair Anthony and Members of the Reading Board of Selectmen: On behalf of Verizon, I want to stress our appreciation for all of your time and effort to ensure that you provide the best possible alternative for video services to your community. We know that once this license is approved Reading citizens will be satisfied with your action, as they will.be able to benefit from the most advanced fiber-optic network in the nation for video, Internet and voice services. As you stated at the hearing, we strongly agree that it is important to bring more cable choice to the residents of Reading to introduce competitive services and pricing. I want to take this opportunity to address some concerns that the Board of Selectmen raised at the public hearing on December 19, relative to service availability to residential customers and the local business community. Verizon engineers responsible for the design and construction of our fiber network in Reading confirmed that more than 80 percent of the community currently has access to our FiOS data products and will have access to FiOS video services soon after the video license is signed. The remainder of the town consists of buried developments or multiple dwelling units (MDUs) and we are making progress in those areas. In fact, we have already extended the network to several private developments in the community, and will approach all remaining building owners in 2006 to bring FiOS service to their occupants. Currently, local businesses passed by the fiber network can access FiOS services and more businesses will have access as we continue to extend the network. Some new services have been developed to provide broadband solutions that address business needs. We are committed to making our FiOS services available to as many customers as soon as possible.' We have made a significant investment in our network in Reading, and it is our plan to provide service to the entire town. We know your constituents want choice and will be pleased to be among the first to have access to the most competitive packages on the market for video, Internet and voice services. On Monday evening, we will provide additional information on these topics. I look forward to meeting with you on January 9th. Prior to Monday's meeting, if you have any questions or other topics that you would like me to further research, please don't hesitate to contact me on 617-743-8874. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Peter Bowman Vice President - MA/RI External Affairs cc: P. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager /a-I 1 To: Selectman Camille Anthony From: susan darling-true Subj: Please approve Verizon's video franchise license Dear Selectman Anthony As a resident of Reading, I'm writing today to ask that you please approve Verizon's video franchise application. The reason is quite simple having another video set-vices provider in town will mean more competition and more choice for residents. This license will put Reading on the cutting edge as one of the first towns in the country to encourage local cable competition. Granting Verizon's video license will benefit residents by resulting in more technology offerings, improved customer service and hopefully lead to better prices. In addition, Verizon has invested in its state-of-the-art voice, video and data network that will provide the community with the most robust service offerings and reliability available in the nation. Please allow Reading residents the opportunity to take advantage of the frill benefits of this next generation fiber optic network. After all, we deserve another choice in video programming. Please vote to approve Verizon's video franchise license. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, susan darling-true 22 Chapin Ave Reading, MA 01867 / CLL To: Selectman Camille Anthony From: laurence darling Subj: Please approve Verizon's video franchise license Dear Selectman Anthony As a resident of Reading, I'm writing today to ask that you please approve Verizon's video franchise application. The reason is quite simple having another video services provider in town will mean more competition and more choice for residents. This license will put Reading on the cutting edge as one of the first towns in the countrv to encourage local cable competition. Granting Verizon's video license will benefit residents by resulting in more technology offerings, improved customer service and hopefully lead to better prices. In addition, Verizon has invested in its state-of-the-art voice, video and data network that will provide the community with the most robust service offerings and reliability available in the nation. Please allow Reading residents the opportunity to take advantage of the frill benefits of this next generation fiber optic network. After all, we deserve another choice in video programming. Please vote to approve Verizon's video franchise license. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, laurence darling 69 hancock st reading, MA 0186 7 3 / A Board of Selectmen Meeting December 19, 2005 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli, Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Special Counsel William Solomon, Peter Bowman representing Verizon and the following list of interested parties: W. J. Carroll, Ed parish, Philip Rushworth, Richard Curtis, Paul Feely, Harry Wheeler, Keith Baker, Pat Harry, Mary Rafferty, Paul Boudette, Nancy Wolff Leary, Susan Darling-True, Peter Bowman, Maria Lasota, Tom Antonucci, Paul Trane, Jim McGrail, Ruth Kennedy, Marcel Dubois. Hearine - Verizon Cable TV Franchise The Town Manager gave the background of the application for a cable TV franchise by Verizon. He noted that the negotiation process has been conducted fairly and professionally by Verizon. There is agreement on the part of both parties on most issues. This agreement is based on compromises assuming a final agreement to the franchise. Peter Bowman, Vice President of Government Relations in Massachusetts and northern New England representing Verizon. He noted that Verizon has invested $7 million in Reading in building the system that will carry the cable TV service. There are 75 Verizon employees and retirees who live in Reading. They give back to the community in a number of ways and were a recent sponsor of a Library Foundation event. The system that they have built has limitless capacity. A Reading license, if it were issued today, would be the second in Massachusetts. Woburn has granted a license. Reading is in a leading position. Bowman introduced Paul Trane and Tom Antonucci who were the negotiators for the Reading license. Paul Trane noted that the proposed franchise brings competition in the cable industry to Reading, which will have the effect of stabilizing rates, improving customer service, providing a choice for residents. The Town has done its due diligence. There have been over 100 changes to the initial proposal. The major points include $245,000 for PEG and wide area equipment, and 5% of the gross revenue to support the PEG access operation. The Town Manager noted that the major issue that is outstanding has to do with Section 1.6 - the definition of a cable system. The Town's position is that the definition should reference the Federal Law only. Verizon has proposed modifications to that, the effect of which in the Town Manager's opinion to be a definition that concludes that there is no such thing as a cable system in Reading. This effects things like gross revenue. Camille Anthony asked what Title 2 is. Bill Solomon noted that Title 2 regulates telephone and data services. These things are regulated pursuant to State Law Chapter 166. Solomon reviewed the recent Massapequa Park decision and its effect on this issue. Ben Tafoya asked how much of the community is currently wired for cable. The response was that 83% is wired. Tafoya then asked why it would take three years to wire the remainder of the lay Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 19. 2005 - rage 2 VAA dOOOV I'll community. Paul Trane noted that under State law the cable system has six years to wire the system. The three years proposed in the franchise agreement is consistent with past practice. Even though the. entire aerial service is installed, they need time to build the underground system where that is required by the Town and to provide service in multiple dwelling units. The estimate is that 4% of the system is underground, and 13% is in multiple dwelling units. Trane also indicated that it is in the company's interest to complete the build out as quickly as possible, because that is how they will get customers. The main feeder lines throughout the community are built - for example the lines exist on the streets in front of all multiple dwelling units. Trane also noted that the Comcast license provided for six years for their full installation. Tafoya asked about the density requirement and whether there are any areas that do not meet the density requirement. The opinion is that all of the community meets the density requirement. This language is in the incumbent agreement with Comcast. Finally, Tafoya asked about Section 3.3 on providing services to businesses. He asked if Verizon is currently offering FIGS to businesses. The response was that it is primarily to the residential community. Tafoya asked if there were other substantial differences between the Comcast agreement and Verizon. It was noted that the Verizon agreement had a greater amount of gross revenue to go to PEG support, there is more capital money involved, and there are differences in the term of the agreement and in serving multifamily dwellings. Tafoya asked about multifamily dwellings. Verizon responded that there may be technical reasons why it's difficult to serve some multiple dwellings. Comcast has no provision for commercial services. Comcast has a local office for bill payment. Richard Schubert asked about the effect of the license on RCTV. The 5% of gross revenue to go to PEG access operating cost is greater under the Verizon license than the flat rate is under Comcast. Camille Anthony indicated that she hoped that the customer service standards would have better response time than Verizon has for telephone. Trane noted that there are State regulations that address this. Their goal is to resolve issues within 24 hours. There was discussion about Section 4.2.2 connecting to other communities. The Town Manager explained the circumstance under which we might want those connections. James Bonazoli noted that he would like to see Section 5.8 and 5.9 tightened up. Verizon responded that these are technologies including video on demand that are not yet available for PEG access, but that they would hope to be able to have available system wide. The following residents, who are also employees of Verizon spoke: Nancy Wolf Leary of 23 Jessica Lane, Harry Wheeler from 51 Ash Hill Road, Keith Balser, Paul Boudette from 48 Lothrop Road, Bill Santino from 15 Autumn Lane, Walter Carrol from 36 Chequesette Road, Bob Hunt from Winter Street, Susan Darling True from 22 Chapin Avenue. Phil Rushworth and Marcel Dubois from RCTV also spoke, indicating that the PEG access support is very good and excited to have a second provider. Regarding video on demand, this I M-5 Board of Selectmen Meetiniz - December 19. 2005 - pate 3 ~-r 100000, would be good to have. They feel it is basically a good agreement. Marcel Dubois asked if Verizon will have to run new wiring within the house. Verizon explained that it depends on the situation but generally they just need to bring the wiring into the house and most of the coaxial cable in the house is adequate. Ben Tafoya noted that he is not happy with the three years for completion of the residential build out and would like better service to businesses - this would be an advantage to the community. Verizon agreed to address outstanding issues. On motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya the hearing was continued until January 9, 2006, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:00 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary I CL (P Reading Design Review Team Minutes Date: November 21, 2005 Location: Conference Room Organizer: Chris Reilly Attendees: Chris Reilly, Peter Hechenbleikner, Tom Murphy, Chief Cormier, Joe Delaney, Fran Fink, Paul Carson, Bob Keating, Ted McIntire, Chief Burns, Jane Fiore Applicants: Project: Preliminary Site Plan Review re: Boston Stove Location: WBC Applicant: Dickinson Counsel: Engineer: VHB Applicant Town PLANNING Landscaping will need to be developed in the parking lot and along NCR and WBD; 2 long landscape~islands should be added from front to back to accommodate more shade trees Tree species on NCR will need to match existing-advise Linden tree Drought tolerant plantings and underground drip a must Facades/buffering will need to be developed on all 4 sides Want berming or similar treatment on WBD and NCR On WBD will want slip in and out at more 1)01 DRT Minutes 11.21.05 westerly location Want connecting sidewalk on full length of NCR-should be integrated into a pleasant landscape setting Pedestrian plan needed NCR is DPW access -no truck backing on street Require designated parking Deliveries should be restricted to rear access Freestanding sign location/design needed Detail of lights on and off building-lighting consultant will be required Traffic calming needed at front access Cart enclosures should be decorative and murals celebrating site's history should be considered. Open storage will need designation/design Front sidewalk should have decorative elements Mechanicals on roof will need screening FIRE Preliminary awaiting formal app WBD access 18' on each side Hydrant on NCR should be closer to the access Want central station and panel Knox box DPW/ENGINEERING Looking at tying in so no overtopping in southerly corner Existing fills create overtopping, particularly at southerly boundary Abandon sewer line and come out the back Drainage issue should be addressed at corner of NCR and WBD Traffic study required Open curb cut on WBD needs to be westerly Drainage calcs needed DEP Stormwater regs apply On WBD will want slip in and out at more I 6-&w DRT Minutes 11.21.05 easterly location Want connecting sidewalk on full length of NCR HEALTH External freeze and dumpster enclosure/ location need review Enclosed compactor units HISTORICAL Hate to see old building go Would like opportunity to document structure CONSERVATION Wetlands- will need to file notice of intent Stream Parking gets into BVW More parking than zoning requires-reduction possible? 21 E found minor petroleum leak Drainage creates standing water A lot of detention in present storm events Want soil tests/borings Infiltration? Contaminated soils? 163 DIRT Minutes 11.21.05 POLICE RMLD 16q Board of Selectmen Trackinq Loq for Current Issues/Projects Date Issue/Project/ Identified Problem Resp. Select. Action Needed Follow-up Dept. Liaison Date }iii...............................................................................................,........................................................................,............................ Traffic Issues i ne I own snould nave an extablished policy on detours per Develop a draft as a Board of Selectmen Policy on Detours Chief Cormeri's memo Twn. Mgr. Anthony policy, or as a TM working procedure, 03/31/06 uaevelop a process to acquire land and build new connection directly between Ash and Main Street, eliminating the grade Contact new property owner; work Ash Street at Main crossing Twn. Mgr. Anthony with MBTA 12/31/05 ueveiop a comprehensive traffic study for the Woburn Street, High Street, Lowell Street, Main Engineerin 11/29/05 Street area g Bonazoli 12/31/06 3 accidents in recent months - can We get 3 way stop at Forest, and/or 25 MPH speed. 1/3/05 Grove Street limit Police Bonazoli Review with PTTF 03131106 1/612006 1 Board of Selectmen Trackinq Loa for Current Issues/Proiects Date Issue/Project/ Identified Problem Resp. Select. Action Needed Follow-up Dept. Liaison Date Development Proiects uvernow of detention basin - flooding has occurred in neighborhood during severe Follow up with developer; hire 1/1/90 Gazebo Circle storms Engineer Bonazoli F consultant 12/31/05 Release of State I-unds - State has funded in previous 1/1/00 Pitman Bike Path park/recreation bond bill Planner Tafoya S Need for Town to access funds 06/30106 i rarric study submitted y 14-ub; Peer review complete by early October; Then schedule Board of Selectmen meeting with notice to 1/1/05 Addison Wesley Complete Traffic Presentation - Planner Tafoya T public Anthony I own has hired a lighting Lighting has impacted neighbors and consultant. Report to the Board of Jordan's Furniture due to height of fixtures Town Mgr. Bonazoli Li Selectmen Status of 100% design 100 % Design October 14. MHD submission and approval; review. ENF submission. Tree determination of what if any items Hearings. Bidding. Construction 1/1/85 Downtown Improvemen will not be funded by the State Engineer Anthony April 2006. ueciae a location Tor the vv ater Treatment Plant, or whether to buy in to MW RA in total for water Review cost and benefot of plant Water Treatment Plant supply DPW Bonazoli location or full MW RA buy-in Draft regulations; meet with Downtown Parking lack of parking PTTF Tafoya businesses; hold hearing Monitor and advocate for Reading's interest in keeping any improvements to the interchange Anthony & Rt. 128/1-93 Interchange to a low impact for Reading Schubert Imagination Station Needs to be refurbished Recreation Bonazoli rlow do we avoid anomer gasoline spill impact on 1-93 Containment Reading's wellfields DPW Bonazoli RHA wants to demolish historical Town 75 Pleasant Street house Manager Tafoya Try to establish a citizens committee to take this on uonsultant presentation to the Board of Selectmen on 10-18-05; follow up 2-17-06 KNA given the -go aneau by the Board of Selectmen to build 4 units - house to be resolved at later date. RHA to develop paperwork for land swap. 11115/2005 and 12-6-05 11/01/05 04/15/06 02/28/06 12/31/05 ongoing 06/30/06 02/07/06 12/01/05 JC2. 1/6/2006 2 Board of Selectmen Tracking Loq for Current Issues/Proiects Date Issue/Project/ Identified Problem Resp. Select. Action Needed Follow-up Dept. Liaison Date Policies/Requlations Tire & Town 4/1/04 Petroleum Bylaw Regulations to be formulated Counsel Duffy BOS delegated approval of stop Stop Signs signs to Town Manager PTTF Anthony Town Memorial Park Controversy over allowed uses Counsel Anthony Dogs Regulations Re: Dog Bites Currently only regulated by CPDC - if Police are to Hours of Constructiol enforce, it needs a bylaw Health Anthony Write draft regulations for the H Board of Selectmen to consider 03/31/06 Criteria and Plan need to be developed 03/31/06 Find heirs and get approval or file a petition for a Cy Pres 11/01/05 Develop draft bylaw; drafted - to be included on the ATM warrant 02128106 Town Develop draft bylaw for Board Manager Tafoya of Selectmen hearing 01131106 Hearing to get public input. Consideration of Bylaw requiring Hearing held 1-3-06 - to be placed 9/9/05 Solicitors registration of solicitors Police Duffy on 2006 ATM warrant 02128/06 Mandate landscaping Should the Town develop a bylaw 9/20105 to save water or subdivision regulations Planning Tafoya 01/01/061 and 6 and Fnedify,-else establish Update ef-43eard ef- pelisies en lesal-pre€eFeRG&fer- Tewn 9127105 SelesN ren-pelieies af#erdable housing. ManageF . Anthony Develop an Economic Master Plan will recommend an Development Economic Development Commission Commission Planner Tafoya roiicy on board of Selectmen appointments - Town Accountant Tafoya uevelop a process Tor adarssing the issue of dealing with lost" 'lost' dogs on dogs when the ACO is not Chief 11/1/05 weekends available Cormier Duffy Oeve 69 Ftd- Tewn- 121A3185 Summit alseMel abuse ManageF Anthony •Aewn-ManageF- RBViSIB feFFn-aRd-get-BeaFd-ef- Antill aRd- 111U05 EVaIFJatien aeleCtmen inpu Benazell Set up meeting at Board of Town 1/3/06 DEP re Water Supply ( Selectmen or at DEP Offices Manager Anthony 1/6/2006 3 Establish by bylaw or Board of Selectmen Police Develop procedure Develep pFes=-- s*.eedng semFnittee Set up meeting 1-118~-FOr2 03101/06 03/31/06 4213-1185 1212818b 01 /31 /06 Board of Selectmen Tracking coq for Current Issues/Proiects Date IssuelProject/ Identified Problem Resp. Select. Action Needed Follow-up Dept. Liaison Date Citizen Complaints Review witn H i i r - letter sent to Crosswalk - Summer Town abutter saying that we would keep Ave. at Fairview Abutter doesn't want it anymore Manager Anthony the crosswalk in place. 1/6/2006 12/31/05 Icy Hechenbleikner, Peter From: peter.t.bowman@verizon.com Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 1:25 PM To: canthony@ci.reading.ma.us; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; James Bonazoli forwarding account; jduffy@ci.reading.ma.us; Ben Tofoya Cc: Town Manager Subject: Verizon Update Dear Chair Anthony and Members of the Reading Board of Selectmen:. On behalf of Verizon, I want to stress our appreciation for all of your time and effort to ensure that you provide the best possible alternative for video services to your community. We know that once this license is approved Reading citizens will be satisfied with your action, as they will.be able to benefit from the most advanced fiber-optic network in the nation for video, Internet and voice services. As you stated at the hearing, we strongly agree that it is important to bring more cable choice to the residents of Reading to introduce competitive services and pricing. I want to take this opportunity to address some concerns that the Board of Selectmen raised at the public hearing on December 19, relative to service availability to residential customers and the local business community. Verizon engineers responsible for the design and construction of our fiber network in Reading confirmed that more than 80 percent of the community currently has access to our FiOS data products and will have access to FiOS video services soon after the video license is signed. The remainder of the town consists of buried developments or multiple dwelling units (MDUs) and we are making progress in those areas. In fact, we have already extended the network to several private developments in the community, and will approach all remaining building owners in 2006 to bring FiOS service to their occupants. Currently, local businesses passed by the fiber network can access FiOS services and more businesses will have access as we continue to extend the network. Some new services have been developed to provide broadband solutions that address business needs. We are committed to making our FiOS services available to as many customers as soon as possible. We have made a significant investment in our network in Reading, and it is our plan to provide service to the entire town. We know your constituents want choice and will be pleased to be among the first to have access to the most competitive packages on the market for video, Internet and voice services. On Monday evening, we will provide additional information on these topics. I look forward to meeting with you on January 9th. Prior to Monday's meeting, if you have any questions or other topics that you would.like me to further research, please don't hesitate to contact me on 617-743-8874. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Peter Bowman Vice President - MA/RI External Affairs cc: P. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager 1 aa.