HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-28 Cable TV Advisory Committee Minutes(f
Cable Advisory Meeting, Reading, MA
6:30 p.m., Conference Room
Attendees:
Bernie Svedlow
Jim Biller
Jim Guarente
Brenda Smith
Rich Cohen
Wednesday, October 28, 1998
C-PI
I) Discussion with school Superintendent: `P'
School Superintendent Harry Harutunian and Reading High School Principal Frank
Orlando were also in attendance. Dr. Harutunian presented the concept of a partnership
between the town (schools) and RATV. The access corporation could possible'receive
free rent and a studio renovation at 66% State reimbursement if the school can have use of
the facility between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. He indicated that the schools would need
representation on the access corporation. Harutunian outlined how the studio could be
central for communication in all classrooms as well as offer educational programming for
the community at large (for example, foreign language classes).
Additional points of discussion included:
• For security reasons, input needed for who has access to the facility if located at the
High School
• Needs to see a blue print of the layout
• Needs to know what items the access corporation needs
• A certified teacher and aid to teach TV production classes for high school students
would be needed.
• Currently MediaOne is only committed to teach until Jan. 26, 1999; a teacher is
needed to keep that class going second semester
The Cable Advisory Committee wants to find someone to teach the second semester.
John Upton may be approached as to his availability.
11) Other business
• Brenda Smith discussed the status of the current negotiations with MediaOne and
gave a timeline of events
• A revised transitional financial plan was presented
• Item number #12 regarding Wilmington vs. N. Reading language needs to be rewritten
• Brenda Smith is to submit a list of tapes that the access corporation wants to keep
• Issue of two channels vs. three channels needs to be addressed. We require a formula
stating when Reading would receive a third access channel
• Monies received from MediaOne should be placed in an interest bearing account
• Committee needs the latest contract to review
III) Information Night
An information night has been set for Wednesday, November 11, 1998 to address the
community at large concerning the new cable access channel for Reading
• An informational presentation will be given
• A seed board needs to be formed with interested parties
• Volunteer questions and answers will be addressed
• Applications and handouts will be available
Those interested in being part of a seed board will be interviewed at a later Cable
Advisory meeting and recommendations will be made to the Selectmen
Respectfully submitted,
]Bernie Svedlow, Vice Chair ,