HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-27 Cable TV Advisory Committee MinutesCable Televison Committee
Meeting Minutes I0/27/94 - Page 1
October 27, 1994
Called to order: 7:15 PM
Adjourned: 10:10 PM
Location: Arnold Berger Meeting Room, Town Hall
Present:
Mark Cloutier
Richard Cohen, Vice Chairman
Silva Gerety
Jim Guarente, Chairman
Marc Guyott, Secretary
Jim Liston
Mike Longo
Absent:
Also Attending:
Greg Brennen, Continental Cablevision
Catherine Maloney, Continental Cablevision
Cathy Maloney presented a proposed questionaire to the committee base on
the committee's original questionaire proposal. Greg, Cathy and the
committee discussed the proposed questionaire. The committee decided to
have the Survey Subcommittee meet with Greg and/or Cathy to create a
survey questionaire to be submitted to the full committee for an up or
down vote. The subcommittee and the appropriate continental Cablevision
representatives were tentatively scheduled to meet on November 2nd at 2:00
PM at Greg Brennen's office at Continental Cablevision in Wilmington.
2) Greg Brennen made an informal presentation dealing with technical issues
related to license renewal. The topics covered are listed below:
A) We currently have a 400 MHz system carrying 52 channels.
With our existing physical plant we could upgrade our system to a
450 MHz system.
Greg felt that beyond 450 MHz the physical plant would need to be
upgraded with all new electronics and the systems amplifiers would
need to be respaced. A 400 MHz system has an amplifier every 2~
feet. A 550 MHz system has an amplifier every -194)t feet. ~~e
I~
Typical system upgrades are to 550 MHz systems carrying 77 channels.
Digital compression could be added to get even more channel capacity
out of a 550 MHz system.
Cable Televison Committee Meeting Minutes 10/27/94 - Page 2
Greg said that he would find out for certain if our current physical
plant could support a 550 MHz system and if our current physical
plant could support digital compression.
750 MHz system exist today. These are the current high end of the
technology spectrum.
B) Greg said that Continental Cablevision will provide us with
non-binding good faith estimates as to potential costs of changes
and additions to the existing Reading cable system. These estimates
will be provided as the process progresses and our objectives become
more clearly defined.
A proforma, listing actual costs of proposed changes, will be
included with Continental Cablevision's actual proposal.
Greg said that he would provide us with a sample proforma.
C) Construct an expanded fiber optic trunk.
The existing fiber backbone could be moved further out into the
community. This would create a group of sub cells instead of the
large single cell that currently provides cable service to all of
Reading. This would also reduce amplifier cascading. The existing
system has up to 23 amplifiers cascaded. Todays standards are not
to have any more then 8 amplifiers cascaded.
This would also be a platform for additional new services or products.
D) Implement a signal security system.
This would include addressability and interdiction.
E) Integrate the town's cable system into the New England regional
network.
F) Change out all converter boxes for a newer technology convert box.
G) Increase the amount of stand by power so the system could run for
a longer period of time without electricity. The percentage of the
system that has backup power available could be increased. The amount
of stand by power could also be increased so that the system could
run longer on stand by power.
H) Add new channels.
Continental Cablevision will commit to adding broad categories of
channels only.
I) Upgrade studio equipment in Reading.
Cable Televison Committee Meeting Minutes 10/27/94 - Page 3
`J) INet upgrades.
Add additional origination points. Adding a modulator to a normal
INet drop can temporarily turn a normal INet drop into an origination
point.
Greg recommended a separate cable system for data transmission (that
is, he did not think it would be a good idea to use the town's
current cable system, which goes to many of the homes in Reading, to
transmit data). The town's INet is a limited separate cable system
that would be:appropriate for data transmission.
3) The committee discussed getting printed copies of statistics presented
at the quarterly meetings with Continental Cablevision. These printed
copies used to be`provided at quarterly meetings but were discontinued
due to staffing cutbacks at Continental.
Greg said he would do what he could.
4) The committee approved the meeting minutes from 9/29/94.
5 - 0 - 2. Silva Gerety and Jim Liston abstained.
5) The committee discussed requesting a charter change so that the
".Cable TV Committee would become the Town's Technology Committee.
b)- The committee discussed who, on the towns part, would attend the
license renewal negotiations.
Greg related his experiences. He said involvement of different
committees and government officials has spaned the entire range.
The committee voted 7 - 0 to direct the secretary to send a letter to the
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and cc the Town Manager asking the
Board of Selectmen to address the issue of the makeup of the license
renewal negotiating team. The following language was to be used in that
letter:
The committee'is 14 months away from having a completed contract.
The committee feels it would be beneficial to identify who will be
on the negotiating team so that these individuals can be kept
informed of developments in order to avoid duplication of effort
at a later date.
Could the Board of Selectmen please let us know what the makeup
of the negotiating team will be?
7) The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 by a vote of 6 - 0.
Marc Guyott
Secretary
FMS
Telecommunications
DRAFT
Submitted By;
Carl Fleischer
FMS Telecommunications, Inc.
314 Walnut Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02181
Telephone: (617) 235-2245
FAX: (617) 235-9337
Internet Mail: cflei'scher@mciniail.com
Reading Municipal Light Department
Page 1
FMS
Telecommunications
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0
Executive Summary .
3
2.0
I
Statement of Objectives . • .
- 4
3.0
Description of the Process .
4
. .
4.0
I
Findings . .
4
.
5.0
Network Description . . . . . . . . 11
6
6.0
Cost
..8
7.0
Competition . . . . . .
8
8.0
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 9
Appendix 1 - Interviewees
Appendix 2 - List of Municipal Facilities
Reading Municipal Light Department
10
11
Page 2
FMS
1.0 Executive Summary.
Telecomm
FMS Telecommunications, Inc. consultants, working closely with RMLD Fiberoptics ' ~ask Force
members Carl Benson and Dan Merritt, have developed an analysis which;
• determines the anticipated technology requirements of RMLD and its
customers,
• identifies the network requirements to provide for those requirements,
• anticipates the offerings of possible competition, and
• develops the costs associated with acquiringrnstalling necessary technolo and
staffing the support organization. ..I I
Findings
The results of the investigatory work show that RIvf.D will not require a fiber optic q
work to
meet its own anticipated requirements until a decision to acquire automated meter read
ing/
demand side management systems is made. The four Towns in the KNILD serving ar i
a have a
need for a network which provides certain services such as electronic mail and Intern
access.
Other services such as GIS, water meter reading and water system monitoring would
a seriously
considered. However, the Towns will need substantial support to take advantage of
ch a
service oriented network, as buildings and computers are not network ready. i
Competition/Alliances '
Possible competition includes the CATV cable system franchisees and the transmissioi system
common carriers (e.g. WS, Teleport, NYNEX). None is in a position to provide thel services
required before RMLD can act if it so elects.
Negotiations with MFS to provide fiberoptic cable, materials, termination and testing;n exchange
for RMLD crew labor to pull the cable are underway. As none of the CATV cable systems use
fiberoptics, it may be possible to negotiate additional similar reciprocal arrangements th them in
inchange for crew labor to install and maintain fiberoptic cable plant.
Costs
Rough network and services costs for the project range from $563,000, if an anticipa ed -
arrangement with MFS is successfully negotiated to $1,262,620, if RMLD has to foo the entire
expense. Aggressive purchasing practices should be able to reduce the estimates by en to fifteen
percent for cable and cable equipment.
Recommendations
RMLD must pursue partnership arrangements to make the costs of building the
palatable. The Towns will buy-in to the RNED network if costs to them are rej
RMLD line crews and hiring proper technical management are keys to success.
Reading Municipal Light Department
Training
Page 3
FMS 11 Telecomm nications
2.0 Statement of Objectives. The Reading Electric Light Department Fiber opti Is Task
Force selected FMS Telecommunications, Inc. to conduct a feasibility study to develo
requirements and costs for the Department to install a fiber optics based network for he
following purposes.
® To construct a telecommunications system to meet utility needs.
® To evaluate the extension of the network to provide for the four town' municipal
needs. -
® To examine the possibility of selling and/or leasing capacity to private
exchange carriers (e.g. telephone companies, alternative transmission
cable television franchises etc.)
The possibility of developing a network to carry video programming which would co pete
directly with existing cable franchisees was not considered. t '
3.0 Description of the Process. Beginning in December of 1993 Carl Fleischer, a FMS
consultant assigned to the project, working closely with Carl Benson and Dan Merrit 110 f the
RMLD, completed the following tasks.
• Performed a preliminary needs analysis whose objective was to deveio RMLD
telecommunications requirements.
• Reviewed the fiber optic cable path developed by Dan Merritt.
• Reviewed the cable franchise agreements of the four towns.
on, and
• Met representatives of the Towns of Reading, North Reading, Wilminri
ex
Lynnfield, and common carriers NYNEX, Teleport and Metropolitan b
Systems. A complete list of interviewees is contained in Appendix 1.
• Developed costs associated with constructing a fiber optics network.
The findings and recommendations of this report are based upon the information gattl'[red during
these steps.
4.0 Findings. The results of the investigatory work are summarized for three are ; RMLD
requirements, municipal requirements and possible partnership arrangements with co on
carriers.
Reading Municipal Light Department I Page 4
FMS
Telecomm' nications
4.1 RMLD requirements. The RMLD currently uses NYNEX to provide connection of the
substations and switching stations for SCADA and physical alarms. The total cost of lie service
is less than $15,000 per year. The ability ofNYNEX service to isolate and repair line roblems is
poor. NYNEX facilities are generally available. There are no known functions pl 'd for
implementation within the next two years which will require contracting for additio
communications facilities. This could change if demand side management/load control or
automated meter reading projects are actively pursued beyond anticipated goals.
The installation of a fiber optic network by RMMD to meet its current and known pro pective
requirements will be an anticipatory move based on future unspecified projects.
4.2 Municipal requirements. After meeting with representatives of Reading,
Reading, Lynnfield and Wilmington several common requirements emerge.
1. The installation of just fiber connections without providing services (eg. e-mail an
consulting)
will not be well received by the Towns. Each municipality already has access to dedi
ed
a,
networks provided without exception by their cable franchises called Institutional Ne
i
orks (I-
Net, I-Loop). These networks are not being used except for occasional broadcast of
deo
programming from local high schools. Most Town buildings are not ready to take ad
nta
ge of
fiber networking as they are not cabled, and their computers are not network ready.
T
o be
successful, R1VII.D must be in a position to provide consulting support to municipaliti
swishing to
take advantage of the fiber capabilities.
2. Internet access for libraries and schools is a universal requirement. Limited connections exist
in various forms in all Towns. A high speed connection would be valuable to all.
3. E-mail is a ubiquitous requirement. The ability to facilitate interdepartmental
is perceived as an important enhancement.
4. Interest in water meter reading and water systems monitoring was expressed in mingtor
Reading and Lynnfield. North Reading was interested in just meter reading as phone Ines are
used to help monitor water systems. 11
5. GIS interest was expressed in Reading and Lynnfield. Wilmington has a GIs sysi'm but does
remote processing and would be willing to consider an alternative. North Reading h a GIS
system and is satisfied with its level of service.
6. Connection of PCs, terminals and printers scattered in various buildings to fiscal/mini
applications located in Town Hall was mentioned in Wilmington, Lynnfeld and Read g.
7. Possible other network resources could be such databases as CASEBASE, a CD-'OM version
of Massachusetts case law and state regulations.
Reading Municipal Light Department
Page 5
FMS 11
Telecom ~unications
4.3 Partnering Opportunities. Several communications carriers were approach d in order
to determine their interest in co-developing a high speed network. i
4.3.1 NYNEX is interested in leasing its fiber to RMLD for its use. Based 6 the
design of the proposed loop and the number of substations, NYNEX provided a budgetary
number of $4,000 per month per substation for the basic ring. 11
4.3.2 Teleport, an alternative common carver to NYNEX for transmission s stems, is
not interested in a partnering relationship with RMLD.
4.3.3 Metropolitan Fiber Systems WS) is very interested in access to co ercial
accounts in the RMLD serving area, and in extending their current Burlington loop t ough
Wilmington/North Reading to Andover. MFS is an alternative (to NYNEX) cornmo carrier
whose primary business is providing dedicated fberoptic based connections between arge
businesses and long distance carriers such as AT&T, MCI and Sprint. Initial discuss ons indicate
a potential arrangement which would include fiber provided by MFS and run on RMIf poles by
R.MLD crews. Discussions are ongoing.
4.3.4 Cable System Franchises were not approached as all contracts will ex re in the
near future. These discussions could be included as part of license agreement renew i processes.
Since none of the four systems are fiberoptics based, a possibility of a joint operation etween the
succeeding franchise and RMLD to install and maintain fiberoptic cable plant is possi le.
- Reading - Continental Cablevision - Agreement expires December, 995
- Wilmington - Continental Cablevision - Agreement expires Febru 1997
- Lynnfield - Cablevision - Agreement expires June, 1997
- North Reading - TCI - Agreement expires December, 1997
4.3.5 Internet access provider NEARI`'ET was approached to see if conside ation will be
given to shared network access at discounted rates. Preliminary indications are positi. e.
5.0 Description of the Network. There are three basic network components. Fi st, there are
the fiberoptic cable, the components required to install the cable on poles and the har ware
required to terminate the fiber in each location. Second are the electronics which att h to the
fiber, and which provide the ability to attach computers, telephones etc. to the fiber. hird are the
services which will run over the fiber such as SCADA, electronic mail and geographi
information systems (GIS).
Reading Municipal Light Department
Page 6
FMS I
Telecomm nications
i
I
5.1 Fiberoptic Cable Requirement. The initial design calls for a fiberoptic backbone loop
terminating in the central station, each substation (4) and each switching station (3). order to
anticipate demand, the cable should contain 72 individual fiber strands. FMS recomm nds
installing no less than a 36 strand cable in any case. Extension of the network to a mu 'cipality
will be accomplished by splicing in a 12 strand cable terminating in a single location p I town,
possibly Town Hall or the High School.
About twenty five miles of backbone fiberoptic cable is required to link the five substations and
three switching stations in a large ring. The cable will be installed on existing poles conduit
by Riv1LD lineman. Training of the lineman will be required. Termination and testin ~ of the
fiberoptic cable will be performed by qualified contractors. This ring is required to m ~ et RMLD's
own requirements. To extend the ring to municipal customers, a twelve strand cone 'on will be
run to a selected location in each Town. Approximately 1.5 miles of 12 strand cable s required
for this design, Design of fiber access to other town buildings will vary. An alternative way to
service each town is to connect to the cable franchise institutional network at that location.
R ALD could provide the equipment necessary to include each municipal building in t e town
network.
5.2 Electronics. The equipment required to extend high speed connection to coni,'puters,
telephone systems and video systems will be located in the central station, each subst Lion and the
municipal points of presence. Braintree Electric Light Department is currently instei g such
equipment to provide telephone connection. Additional components in that equipme t will be
added to provide Ethernet and video capacity at some point in the future.
A computer system to help manage the network must be purchased along with the e
A network management system monitors the equipment, provides alarms and tracks
characteristics of the network. It is essential to providing quality service.
5.3 Services. At a minimum, electronic mail (e-mail) and bulletin board functio , "ty should
be provided as part of the initial network offering. This capability in conjunction wi Internet
access will provide the Towns with incentive to seriously consider utilizing the netwo k.
Initially, this unit will need to be staffed with one full time employee who has the tee cal skills
necessary to manage the network and support network services.
Reading Municipal Light Department
Page 7
FMS
Telecomai ications
.
6.0 Costs. FMS's best estimate of cost is as follows:
6.1 Fiberoptic Cable System
a. 132,000 f1. of 72 strand fiber optic cable . . .
. $528,000
b. 7,920 ft. of 12 strand fiberoptic cable . . .
. .
$7,920
c. Attachment for 1,100 poles (175 corners) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . $37,000
d. Termination hardware (1,200 terminations) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . $90,000
e. Labor to splice, terminate and test fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$201,000
f. Labor to run fiber . . . .
crew
g. Equipment to pull fiber cable .
. $503000
Total subsystem
$699,620'
NOTE: A 36 strand backbone would cost approximately $420,000
6.2 Electronics and Network Management System
a. Nodes in 5 stations & 4 Towns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '
. $135,000
b. Network management system . . . . . . . . . , .
$20,000
c. Electronics to connect to I-loop in each building (34 buildings) . . .
. $238,000
Total subsystem
$393,000
6.3 Services System
a. E-Mail, bulletin board system, dial-up access . . .
. . $60,000
b. Internet access . . . . . . . . to b
determined
Total subsystem
$601000
6.4 Staff
a. Technical Manager . . . . $65,000+ enefitslyear
1(
b. Training (cable pulling, termination) . . . . . . $ 103,000
c. Consulting serviccs (technicai/legaVother) . . . . $1003,000
7.0 Competition. From a connectivity standpoint, the cable franchisees Instituti~
Networks can compete directly with RMLD's municipal network offering. Continent'
Cablevision is currently testing Internet access in Cambridge. Internet access to Rea ng is not
planned (to my knowledge) at this time. Other network services (e.g. e-mail) are note lanned, but
I expect them to be offered at some point. KNILD can encourage the Towns to join c network
by making these services available with the initial network product. f
Alternative common carriers such as Teleport or MFS can provide competition if th elect to
apply for Town rights-of-way and pay pole attachment fees. They both will soon be apable of
providing data and voice services to downtown Boston customers. If a relationship etween
RMLD and MFS is finalized, MFS will use their fiber to provide data and voice servi es to
RNILD serving area customers.
Reading Municipal Light Department 11 page 8
FMS
Telecomm
NYNEX is prohibited from offering comparable services by regulation and the terms if the
modified final judgement which split up AT&T in 1983. This will probably change wi h the
passage of new federal legislation. The timing and content of that legislation is in qu Lion.
8.0 Recommendations.
a. RIviLD should actively pursue a joint venture with MFS, The end result of the negotiation.
should be a substantially reduced cost for a minimum 36 strand fiberoptic cable infi-as cture
linking substations and switching stations. Extension of the fiber to each Town point' )f presence
would be a plus.
b. If the MFS discussions are not positively concluded, a decision to fund the project ely
RMLD must be made.
i
c, When a decision to build the network is made, the following should take place.
I
1. _ Discussions with the Towns for connection of buildings via Institutional N works br
fiber. Given reaction by various Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committees, espec ally
Reading, serious consideration should be given to the use of the 1-nets. Providing eq ,pment
directly to the Towns for I-net access will keep the cable franchisees at arm's length. j
2. Hiring of Network Manager as quickly as possible to develop various RFP` required
for services procurement.
3. Discussions with the Towns for provision of GIS and SCADA (for water
monitoring) services.
4. Discussions with NEARNET, PSI to negotiate Internet access
Reading Municipal Light Department
Page 9
FMS
Telecom mi.Unicati
APPENDIX 1- LIST OF INTERVIEWEES
1.0
RMLD
6.0
MFS
Len Rucker
Mark Washburn
Dave Swyter
Carl Benson
7.0
NYNEX
Dan Merritt
Richard Loder
Joe Bilicki
Ann Marie Brennick
8.0
Teleport
Joe Tine
Thomas Ellam
Michelle Benson
9.0
NEARNET
2.0
Town of Reading
Jim Naro
Peter Heckenbleikner
Beth Klepeis
Bill Connors
Tim Guarente
Deidre Hanley
Dennis Richards
Joe Cain
David Lee
Ted McIntire
3.0
Town of North Reading
Stephen Daly
Frank Bernstein
4.0
Town of Wilmington
Michael Caira
Michael Morrissey
Peter Derouve
5.0
Town of Lynurield
Joe Ma.ney
Fred Carroll
Jim Kern
Frank Evans
Reading Municipal Light Department
Page 10
FMS
Telecommi
APPENDIX 2 - LISTOF MUNICIPAL BUILDriGS
Town of Lynnfield
Street Address
Town Hall
Summer Street
Police Department
Summer Street
Fire Department
Summer Street
Public Works
Summer Street
Summer Street School
Summer Street
Library
Summer Street across from main complex
High School
Essex Street
Middle School
505 Main Street
Huckleberry School
Knoll Road
Town of Reading
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
High School
62 Oakland Road
Library
64 Middlesex Avenue
Police Department
Pleasant Street
Fire Department
Main Street & Woburn Street
DPW Garage
New Crossing Road
Coolidge Middle School
89 Birch Meadow Drive
Parker Middle School
45 Temple Street
Barrows School
16 Edgemont Avenue
Birch Meadow School
27 Arthur B. Lord Drive
Joshua Eaton School
365 Summer Avenue
Killam School
333 Charles Street
Town of North Reading
Town Hall
23 5 North Street
Police Department
Park Street
Fire Department
Park Street
High School
Park Street
Junior High School
Sherman Road
Hood School
Haverhill Street
Little School
Barberry Lane
Batchelder School
Peabody
Department of Public Works
Chestnut Street
Town of Wilmington
Town Hall
Glen Road
Police Department
Adelaide Street
Fire Department
Church Street
Deaprtment of Public Works
Andover Street
Library
Mddlesex Avenue
Reading Municipal Light Department
ications
Page 11
FMS
APPENDIX 2 - LIST OF MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS (continued)
Town of Wilmington (continued)
High School
North Intermediate School
West Intermediate School
Shawsheen School
V,Tdwood School
Woburn Street School
159 Church Street
Salem Street
Carter Lane
Shawsheen Avenue
Wildwood Street
Woburn Street
Tel
bons
Reading Municipal Light Department 11 Page 12
Questions and Responses from the October 15, 1994 Cable TV Committee
Town Departmental/Committee Needs Survey
Questions
An actual copy of the survey sent to the respondents is included following this summary of the survey
questions. For convenience, the actual questions used are listed here.
Which of the following would be a needed service that a cable company could provide for you (answer
YES or NO):
1. Cable Transmission of Local Broadcast Channels (Channels 2, 4, 5, and 7)?
2. Cable Transmission of Satellite Channels (Weather Channel, CNN, etc.)?
3. Cable Transmission of Local Channels (Channels 3 and 21)?
4. I-Loop Connection (Information loop that connects various town buildings)?
5. Internet Type Hook-Up (Tie into an international E-Mail system and/or databank)?
6A. Continue TV Studio Access (A studio that has TV production equipment for making and
broadcasting specialized local programming)?
6B. Expanded TV Studio?
7A. Continue Emergency Broadcast Access (Usually reserved for Police and Fire Emergencies)?
7B. Expanded Emergency Broadcast Access?
8A. Continue Messaging Access (Can be used to announce town type events - i.e. meetings, parades,
etc.)?
8B. Expanded/Advanced Messaging Access?
9A. Continue Coverage of Local Events/Meetings (Continental provides people to film, edit and
broadcast certain events)?
9B. Expanded Coverage of Local Events/Meetings?
10. Political Feedback on Town Issues (Known as "Electronic Town Hall" - entire town able to vote on
issues at town meeting)?
11. Alarms for Fire, Police and/or Emergencies (Direct connection from each residence to town services
for emergency needs)?
12. Ongoing Input to Continental Cablevision (Would this department want more input into the cable
system after the contract period)?
12/28/94 Town Needs Survey 1
DEPARTMENTAL/COMMITTEE NEEDS
PLEASE RESPOND BY OCTOBER 15,1994
The Cable Advisory Committee is in the process of determining the Town of Reading's needs with
regards to CATV (Community Antenna Television). In order for us to cover the entire town, part of
the process involves our receiving input from various departments and committees throughout the
town. Below is a questionnaire which summarizes some of the possible services that may be
associated with a cable television franchise. These categories in NO WAY are being offered by the
present provider of services to the town, nor is the committee in contact with any other entity that
is willing to offer such services. Below is just a menu of possible things a cable company could offer
at an additional expense to the town, if the town wanted such services. This list has been comprised
as a possible wish list. Not until all departments and people have been surveyed, and all facts
gathered, will the committee make it's recommendation to the Board of Selectmen for what the'town
realistically needs and can afford. Any comments you have are gladly welcome, and any participation
in this process is greatly appreciated. Thank-you in advance for filing out this survey.
Sincerely,
Cable T.V. Advisory Committee
PLEASE ADDRESS ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS SURVEY TO MARC GUYOTT 944-7617
DEPARTMENTICOMMITTEE NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
DEPT/COMM. HEAD:
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES/MEMBERS:
DATE:
FUNCTION OF DEPT./COMM.
SURVEY COMPLETED BY:
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WOULD BE A NEEDED SERVICE THAT A CABLE COMPANY
COULD PROVIDE FOR YOU:
1) CABLE TRANSMISSION OF LOCAL BROADCAST CHANNELS YES NO
(Channels 2,4,5, and 7)
2) CABLE TRANSMISSION OF SATELLITE CHANNELS YES NO
(Weather Channel, CNN, etc.)
3) CABLE TRANSMISSION OF LOCAL CHANNELS YES NO
(Channels 3 and 21)
4) I-LOOP CONNECTION YES NO
(Information Loop that connects various town buildings)
(CONTINUED)
Page 1 of 2
TOWNSURVALS
j
Question
Department/Commitee
1
2
3
4
5 ;6A
68
7A
7B
8A
813
19A
9B
10
11
12
GROUP A
I
Board of Health
N
N
Y
Y
Y I Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
+Y
N
Board of Selectmen
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Fire Department
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y j Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
NE Vocational Tech
Not Surveyed
Police Department
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y j Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Public Library
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y I Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Public Works Department
N
Y
Y
Y
N Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
N
Reading Municipal Light Board
Comment Only
Recreation Department
Y Y Y
Y 7
N! Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
Y
School Committee
.
Not Surveyed
School Department
Not Surveyed
r
I
Town Accountant
Y
Y
Town Clerk (General Services)
N
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
(N
Y
Town Manager
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y I Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
1 I
Town Treasurer (Finance Department)
Y
, Y
Water and Sewer Committee
Y
Y
Y Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
j Y
N
N
J
Y
I
~
GROUP B
1
Arts Council
Y
Y
Y
N
N I Y
Y
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
Y
Y
Conservation Commission
Comment Only
Constables
Comment Only I
CPDC
Y
Y
Y j Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y I
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Elder Services (Council on Aging)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y j Y
Y
Y
Y I
Y
Y
N
N
Y
Town Meeting Moderator
Comment
Only j
US Postal Service
N
Y
Y
Y
N'
Y
Y
Y,
Y
Y
Y
Y
Veterans Services
N
N
Y
N I N
N
N
N
N
N (
Y
N
Y
Y
N
i
GROUP C
i
Animal Officer
Assessors Board
I
Board of Appeals (Zoning)
N
N
N
N
Y I N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
Bylaw Committee
j
Cemetery Trustees
Y
Y
Y
N
N I N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Finance Committee
Y
Y
Y
N
N; N
N
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Historical Commission (W. Hoxie)
N
N
N
N
N I N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
Historical Commission W. Adams)
N
N
Y
N Y
N
N
N
Y
Y
Y
N
N
N
Housing Authority
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Land Bank Committee
{
Library Trustees
Reading Housing Partnership Committee
j
Solid Waste Committee (L. Zamno)
Y
-Y
Y
Y
Y; Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Solid Waste Committee (R. Brown)
I
- I
Y
Y
Y
Y
Page 1
TOWNSURV.XLS
Town Forest
Trust Funds Commissioners
Neights and Measures
Page 2
Comments
The town departments and committees were broken down into three groups. The three groups were used
to specify the amount of effort that would be expended on the part of committee members in order to
obtain a completed survey from that department or committee.
Departments and Committees in Group A were targeted for personal contact. A 15 to 30 minute meeting
was held between a member of the committee and one or more representatives of each of the Departments
or Committees in Group A.
Departments and Committees in Group B received a copy of the survey via US or town mail and were
contacted via the telephone if they did not respond to the survey by the survey's deadline.
Departments and Committees in Group C received a copy of the survey via US or town mail. No effort
was made to contact Departments or Committees in Group C if they failed to respond to the survey by the
survey's deadline.
Department/Committee Comments
Group A
Board of Health Channel 21 is not widely known by the public yet it is a great
way to have information distributed. On questions 4 and 5 -
yes definitely! Would really facilitate communication!
Board of Selectmen Interconnect town and school departments via bulletin board
services (BBS's) and e-mail.
Use cable service to provide part of the town/school
connectivity to the internet. This is especially important to
work in conjunction with the new infrastructure needs being
discussed for all Reading Schools, but especially for Parker,
Coolidge and RMHS.
Fire Department Does the new Fire Station have an I-Loop feed? Would it be
possible to get the Fire and Emergency Television Network
(FETN) at the Fire Station? The Police have a similar
broadcast system known as LEAPS.
Reading Municipal Light Board See attached report to the RMLD Board of Commissioners.
NE Vocational Tech
Police Department
Public Library See attached memo from Deirdre Hanley.
Public Works Department Very satisfied with the present access to cable. The
system/access worked very well during our water emergency
following the gasoline spill in September 1992.
12/28/94 Town Needs Survey
Recreation Department Reading recreation needs access to the Reading channel 3.
This would be to announce upcoming events and recreation
happenings. A direct line would be desired to announce
cancellations because of weather. We do advertise on channel
21 community bulletin board. We have received comments
from Reading residents asking us to use channel 3, the
Reading channel, for our advertising. This would reach a
greater number of residents.
School Committee
School Department
Town Accountant 1st priority: We would like to be able to use the I-Loop for
data transmissions between town buildings. It
would be necessary for us to reserve two
channels, one for transmitting and one for
receiving.
2nd priority: We would also like to be able to access the
Internet via the I-Loop.
Town Clerk (General Services)
Town Manager
Contract/input period needs to be shortened - reviews need to
be done periodically not every 15 years. The monitor set-up
in the Clerk's office needs updating. Cable access is
necessary in the Field House for election coverage. Schools
should have the ability to watch elections in progress or
documentary programs. Channel 3 has turned commercial
rather then being "Readings Public Channel."
In regards to question 4) : For data primarily, we need data
connections to the physical cable from town equipment thru
"black boxes".
In regards to question 5) : Very important!
In regards to question 6) : Could use more space for studio
In regards to question 7) : Don't know what expansion would
be. The system works very well.
In regards to question 8b) : Improved access system from
Town Hall. "See channel 21 for more community
information."
In regards to question 9b) : Expand to have Continental staff
cover School Committee meetings, instead of a volunteer
covering. Expand coverage periodically to CPDC, ZBA and
FINCOM.
In regards to question 10) : But not binding ability to give
feedback is good.
In regards to question 11) : Panic buttons from Town Offices
to Police and Fire and to other designated locations.
12/28/94 Town Needs Survey 4
In regards to question 12) : Ensure that Continental remains
responsive. (Note: changed "contract period" to "contract
renewal" at the end of question 12.)
Town Treasurer (Finance Department) See the attached memo from Beth Klepeis as well as the
following:
Water and Sewer Committee
Group B
Arts Council
1. We would like to be able to use the I-Loop for data
transmissions between town buildings. It would be
necessary for us to reserve two channels, one for
transmitting and one for receiving.
2. We would also like to be able to access the Internet via
the I-Loop.
Conservation Commission We do not have cable TV and are not planning to subscribe.
Constables Educational programs for the public.
CPDC _ 1. "electronic" public hearing. Have the CPC meetings on
TV and citizens viewing could call in about matters
relative to general issue of the public hearing - e.g.
zoning, regulatory, or other basic rule changes.
2. Have occasional discussion programs for public
awareness on cable TV - e.g. conservation programs,
conservation issues, traffic programs and issues,
economic development, etc.
3. "Ask the Town [staff member]" series. Like "Ask the
Town Manager" but would make other town officials
available on a rotating basis.
Elder Services (Council on Aging)
Town Meeting Moderator
4. Pleasant Street Center must be included in improved
system for town buildings
6B. Expanded equipment would enhance professional
appearance of programs we could do.
10. Would need extensive regulations.
People want access to broader religious programming beyond
channel 13. There is a channel called "Interfaith" and it
values and covers most mainline denominations.
Would like more input into the cable system during the
contract period. (Editors note: This was a modification to
our question 12.)
Satisfied with TV coverage of Town Meeting.
12/28/94 Town Needs Survey 5
US Postal Service
Veterans Services
Group C
Animal Officer
Assessors Board
Board of Appeals (Zoning)
Bylaw Committee
Cemetery Trustees
Finance Committee Camera person covering any meetings should move camera to
the person who is speaking. It is annoying for the viewer to
be looking at Peter Hechenbleikner when in fact someone else
in the room is speaking.
Historical Commission (W. Hoxie) Line 5 of the introduction is the only clue to the need for the
survey. By definition, such is must be driven to expansion,
growth, and debt to be met by the burden of increased costs
and the loss, both deliberate and unconscious, of the ability to
communicate in the English language and in traditional style.
The first step in expansion after the debt is incurred will be a
reduction in services, the separation of employees from,
reduction in wages and their benefits, and terminating in
bankruptcy and legal fees and expenses. This chain of
inevitability cannot be in the public good. The Historical
Commission is unable to foresee any services not surveyed
which by any stretch of the imagination could serve any need
in accomplishing it's charter mission. (Editors note: Mr.
Wilbar Hoxie included many grammatical and spelling
corrections on the copy of the survey he returned.)
Historical Commission (V. Adams)
Housing Authority Lower costs to IoW-income and elderly clients.
Land Bank Committee
Library Trustees
Reading Housing Partnership Committee
Solid Waste Committee (L. Zamno)
Solid Waste Committee (R. Brown)
Town Forest
12/28/94 Town Needs Survey 6
Cable TV Committee
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
October 29, 1994
Daniel A. Ensminger i I f.'~~
Chairman u t. 11
Board of Selectman IJ''
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Chairman Ensminger:
The Cable TV Committee is 13 months away from having a completed and renewed cable TV license.
The committee feels it would be beneficial to identify the individuals who will make up the negotiating
team so that these individuals can be kept informed of developments in order to avoid duplication of effort
at a later date.
Would it be possible to have the Board of Selectmen address the makeup of the cable TV license
negotiating team sometime in the near future? Knowing the makeup of the negotiating team is important
to the Cable TV Committee as we begin analyzing the results of our data acquisition efforts and begin
preparing our negotiating strategy.
Sincerely,
The Cable TV Committee
by: Marc Guyott, Secretary, Cable TV Committee
cc: Jim Guarente, Chairman, Cable TV Committee
Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
MEMORANDUM
TO: Cable TV Advisory Committee \ F
FROM: Deirdre Hanley, Library Director
DATE: October24, 1994
SUBJECT: Survey comments and requests
COMMENTS:
This is a very exciting time
great opportunity for Cable
government and residents, and
for communications technology and a
to provide new services to town
to expand retail services, as well.
The Library is also in the thick of technological change. We
have access to the Internet and other electronic resources
through our computer consortium, and we know what a demand there
is out there for this type of service.
The Library has two I-Loop connections. They are under utilized.
Frankly, I think the cable is underutilized in general and hope
this changes with the relicensing. I think the reasons for this
lie in lack of access to training, professional expertise and
equipment.
OTHER SERVICES, IN ORDER OF PRIORITY:
1. The Library would like to have more access to video equip-
went and expertise. We would like to do PSA's about the library
on a regular basis, as well as produce a video tour of the
library. I know other public libraries have this kind of access,
Plymouth, Westford and Wakefield, to name some. My request has
four parts: 1) equipment permanently available in library for
staff use; 2) training in use of equipment; 3) editing and produc-
tion assistance with staff-made videos; 4) specific allotment of
hours of technical assistance to be available to the library for
projects; for example, a technician would actually video a
storyhour or PSA for us.
2. Use Cable technology to hook up all town buildings and
departments to communicate electronically, share resources, ac-
cess Internet, have e-mail, etc. Possibilities are endless, and
endlessly exciting!
3. Improve access to Cable products. We get many requests for
videos of programs - for example 350th celebration events. I was
a guest on Community Exchange last February, to talk about
library services, and have not received a copy of that.
Selectmen meetings are available in other libraries; in a very
timely fashion, and circulate very well. The library is a
natural sort of "retail outlet" for Cable products, because many
people miss them when they are broadcast. Making them available
in the library would be good business and good public relations.
H
November 8, 1994
MEMO TO: CABLE TV ADVISORY COMMITTEE.(Mike Longo)
RR(,Beth Klepeis, Finance Director, Town of Reading
RE: Technology needs of the Town which could be provided by Cable TV
The Finance Department is very interested in exploring the possibility of developing a
Municipal Area Network (MAN) which can be used to -communicate via the I Loop provided by
Continental Cablevision which connects the Town and School buildings. The types of
communication required are:
1. Transmission of data between buildings
Examples: Payrolls, Attendance, Bills Payable
2. Electronic mail calendars, and bulletin boards betwec-n departments and buildings
3. Transmission of educational programs accessed through MCET, Learnet, Internet or other
networks
4. Access to Library card catalogs, files, records, prognims, etc., by School and Town
departments
Examples: Connection between town and school libraries; providing CD-ROM Casebase
databases; access to NOBLE network
5. Access to professional' development programs and materials by School and Town personnel
6. Access to state databases such as vital statistics, state purchasing, and prevailing wage law .
i
7. Sharing of GIS system to be developed by Reading Municipal Light Department
8. Emergency communications to and from all buildings such as panic buttons to Police
Depadment and emergency bulletins; pussibly updatCU :Iispaich system
We need the following items from Continental Cale immediately to begin the process of
building the capability to build our communication neworks and applications:
1. Translator at Cable TV headquarters in Reading to ;flow Local Area Networks (LANs) to
transmit via the I Loop
Example: LAN City Translator which markets at @ $4,000
2. Cable drops and cable updated with most up to date technology at all town buildings,
including all schools, town buildings, and municipal light department plant. (includes buildings
not previously a part of the I Loop such as public works garage, water treatment plant, and
municipal light headquarters) The I Loop must have two way readiness at all locations.
3. Promise to keep the I Loop equipped with the most t;pdated technology in the future
Example: Provide fiber optics cable for the I Loot; as soon as available through
Continental Cable TV
4. Dedicate one staff member of Continental Cablevisian to interface with Town officials and to
help maintain the system.
5. Provide a cash grant of $25,000 to help the Town to purchase hardware and software to
facilitate use of the network
The Town will need the following equipment to get started if using the LAN City network.
(Note: LAN City has existed since 1981; It serves Lexington, Worcester, Brookline, Westfield,
Winchester, and Springfield)
1. One LAN City Bridge per ethernet segment discounted to @ $4,000
Note: A starter kit sells for @ $10,000 and contains two LAN City bridges with headend
translator, appropriate software, filters, etc.
Note: 15% of sale price is yearly maintenance agreement
2. Network management software for system (windows based DOS) @ $895
3. LAN City Router (LCT) as needed for town wide networking over the cable.
4. Each cable drop site (ie. each building) will need to-develop networked P.C. arrangements
(LANS) to access the I Loop and LAN City system (Se. Town's Data Processing capital plan
attached)
NOTE: References to be checked:
Dinsmore Communications, Consultant
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Bill Spencer, M.I.S. Director
Roger McGee Continental Cable Contact
Lexington, MA (617) 861-2311
Rochester, New Hampshire
r
. F
DATA PROCESSING DEPARTMENT
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN:
DESCRIPTION TOTAL
OF PURCHASE COST
FY96 Replace remaining eight VT100's with PC's as part of phasing out original 14,000
terminals and printers. ,
Add 6 new PC's and 2 printers per department requests (Engineering„ Town Garage, 13,500
Library, Fire Department, Cemetery, Health & Human 'Services).
FY97 Develop LAN systems within Town Hall buildings linking existing PC's into 20,000
workgroups. (Servers, cabling, licenses,interfaces, software, etc.)
FY98 High speed laser printer for the main system LPS32 Turbo Printer (phase out some of 21,000
the original LP 120's)
FY99 Development of LANs at other sites (library, fire and police departments, etc.) 30,000
FYwJO Develop Municipal Area Network linking all LANS and main system 30,000
FY2001 Upgrade main CPU board on the central system (triple procesing speed) 15,000
High speed laser printer for water/sewer dept. (replace 15 year old band printer) 10,000
Increase main system storage disks 5,000
FY2002 Continue upgrading networked hardware PC's, printer, etc. Continue development of 30,000
MAN including schools.
FY2003 Upgrade Personal Computers, Printers, Network inteY4.7aces, etc. 30,000
FY2004 Upgrade Personal Computers, Printers, Network interfaces, etc. 30,000
FY2005 Upgrade Personal Computers, Printers, Network interfaces, etc. 30,000
10TE: All prices are based on 1994 prices. Computer prices over time have tended to drop.