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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-05-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 12, 1994 The meeting was convened at 7: 30 p.m. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Bill Burditt, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Cable TV Advisory Committee members Jim Guarente, Mark Guyotte, Richard Cohen, Silva Garrety and Mark Coutier. Present from Continental Cable were Greg Bren- nan, Mike Leone, George Picariello, Bernett Lester, David Brady. Andy Connelly, Reading resident, was also present. Cable TV Hearing The Town Manager read the notice of the hearing. Jim Guarente, Chairman of the Cable TV Committee, reviewed the fact that Continental's franchise began in January, 1981, and expires December 31, 1995. This hearing is to consider information which would lead to a franchise renewal of 5 or 10 years. This is the ascertainment phase and the public hearing is being held in addi- tion to other means to secure input from the community. Greg Brennan, General Manager of Continental Cable spoke. He in- dicated that Continental has not submitted a proposal at this time, but would like to talk about future cable needs. They have been in business in Reading for 14 years, and have 6300 cus- tomers. They pass 8300 homes in Reading. The company is 30 years old and is the 3rd largest cable company in the United States and the largest in Massachusetts. They have 3 million customers in the United States. With regard to performance, this system was constructed 14 years ago, and they continue to do work and upgrade the system. For example, the system was a 300 MHz 30 channel system, and has been upgraded to a 400 MHz 52 channel system. They work hard to main- tain the plant and deliver the quality product. Trouble calls are down 25% because of maintenance. 95% of all trouble calls are dealt with within 24 hours, and 95% of new installations are handled within 7 days. This meets federal requirements. In 1987 Continental installed their first fiber optic link which links Zion Hill in Woburn to Reading. Other communities are now using fiber optics. Their phone service is excellent. During the past six months they have had some overload of the phone system because of the federal regulatory changes. Their standard is to answer the phone within 30 seconds, and less than 3% of their calls are "abandoned. " They have expanded the hours of phone service to -9: OO p.m. and they have 24 hour answering. With regard to their work in the community, they've done work with the Stone Zoo; they've established cable in the classroom, provided materials and $7500 of TV and VCR equipment to the schools . They are participating in the 350th Anniversary Celebration with a float and with TV programming. They've done a great deal of local programming through John Upton and they do training four times a year. Board of Selectmen Meeting - May 12, 1994 - page 2 With regard to the future, Continental is looking at more chan- nels through upgrading to allow greater capacity. He noted that systems now are deploying fiber optic systems which expands capacity and reliability. They are looking at new services like Internet, and over the next year and a half they will be active in the community talking to department heads, School Department and others about community needs. Brennan presented a five minute tape of excerpts of local programming. George Hines indicated that the hearing would stay open for a reasonable amount of time in case someone was watching now and wanted to come down to Town Hall to speak. The Town Manager reviewed concerns that he has received. one resident called and requested that the American Movie Classic Channel be offered. Another called because she was unable to speak with a "live" person at the Continental number. The Town Manager noted that the Town Hall needs a new character generator for inputting the Community Bulletin Board. He also noted that perhaps Continental should be required to televise the School Committee meetings using their own staff rather than volunteers, and that there have been some concerns expressed about Continental's role in relocating wires on poles when poles need to be relocated. He also noted that we need a live drop in the Senior Center, and a drop in the Public Works garage. George Hines noted that he has received a lot of comments about Cable TV since he has been a Selectmen, but there is no one par- ticular problem except perhaps with programming selection. Jim Guarente noted that most comments that the Cable TV Committee has received are with respect to program selection, Senior Citizen discounts, and price. Sally Hoyt noted that the cost has been a problem for some resi- dents of Town. Bill Burditt noted that he would love to see ESPN 2. He did note that John Upton has done a lot for the Town and cited the FinCom discussion on the FY92 budget. A number of members of the Board of Selectmen and the Advisory Committee commented on the outstanding quality and extent of com- munity programming. There was discussion about fiber optics and the Town Manager noted that the RMLD is looking into a fiber op- tic system in the four towns. Continental Cable offered to work with the Town in terms of using the I-Net and will provide con- sulting services to the Town on these issues. The hearing was recessed for several minutes. Y Board of Selectmen Meeting - May 12, 1994 - page 3 The hearing came back to order at 8:35 p.m. Jim Guarente noted that there will be other meetings of the Cable TV Committee, and any resident can write to the Cable TV Committee. He also noted that there will be a telephone survey done by the Cable TV Com- mittee and that their meetings are twice a month. It was noted that cable should work with the Boosters Club on design of the Press Box, and with the Ice Arena Authority with regard of the Ice Rink for purposes of cable tv. Bill Burditt asked John Upton to review what events they will be televising for the 350th Events. Mr. Upton indicated that their broadcast schedule will be as fol- lows: Live - Opening Ceremony, 5/29; Concert, 5/30; Parade, 6/4; Jubileve, 6/4; .Reading Day, 6/10; Tape & Replay - Ball, Trolly and Lectures. The hearing is being rebroadcast on Friday, May 13 . A copy of the tape of the hearing will be given to the Town by Continental Cable. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to close the hearing and adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secret -y