Old Lyme Area Cable Advisory Council
Minutes
1 October 2009, 7:30 pm
Salem Public Library
Attending: Peter Sielman, Russ Gomes, John Eichholz, Robin Purcell, Cathy Frank, Ed Blaschik, John Bairos, Lynn Perry
Absent: Pam Munro, Sue McKinlay
Chairman Peter Sielman called the meeting to order at 7:32pm.
Minutes June 2010
A motion was made by Russ Gomes, seconded by Robin Purcell, to approve the minutes. Ed Blaschik asked that the minutes be amended to specify the dissenting vote to quantify a Council quorum: “The motion passed 6 to 1, with Robin Purcell dissenting.” Motion to approve amended minutes passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
The Council currently has $974.78 in its checking account and $24,000 in an interest bearing money market account that is linked to the checking account. Treasurer Ed Blaschik made a motion, seconded by Russ, to remove former Chairman John Alexander as an account signer. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Ed, seconded by Cathy Frank, to name current Chairman Peter Sielman as an account signer. Motion passed unanimously.
At their June 2010 meeting, Council members asked Ed to take steps to deposit Council funds in an interest bearing account.
A motion was made by Ed, seconded by John Eichholz, to officially authorize Ed Blaschik, as Advisory Council Treasurer, to open said interest bearing account on behalf of the Council. Motion passed unanimously.
Comcast Report
Several new channels have been added, including sports programs, a Retirement Living channel, Home Improvement channel, and ShopNBC (home shopping) channel. Comcast offers special rates for seasonal cable subscribers. Members noted that this would be of particular interest to Council communities. John Bairos will provide additional information.
John responded to concerns about coverage and after hours tape drop off at the Old Lyme studio location. At present, Lynn Perry is covering multiple studio locations. There has been no coverage in the Old Lyme studio when Lynn has been away. As a result, Old Lyme’s Board of Selectmen meetings did not air on schedule.
John said the after hours mail slot (sealed since the customer service center closed) would be re-opened. He also stated that interviews are underway for an access coordinator to be assigned to the Old Lyme Studio. The Old Lyme studio is currently open on Tuesdays & Thursdays only from 1:30 to 10pm. Once a coordinator has been hired, coverage at the studio will no longer be a problem, according to John.
Lynn Perry reported that she continues to train new users in Old Lyme and is beginning to see more activity as residents return to year round routines.
Ed requested that Comcast delete former Chair Alexander’s address from its records for future invoices. John said he will follow through.
Peter inquired about a notice he had received from the DPUC advising of a Comcast rate increase. John said a $2 monthly increase will apply to “expanded Basic package” customer only. Other packages are not affected by a rate increase.
Grant application & letter
A motion was made by Cathy, seconded by Russ, to approve the Council’s grant materials as submitted. Several changes were requested and implemented, including correction of the Council name (Old Lyme Area Cable Advisory Council), changing a community name from Haddam to Haddam Neck, and editing parts of the letter for clarification of procedure. The application & letter, with recommended changes, were approved unanimously. (copies attached)
Grant Procedures
Peter indicated that the Salem Board of Selectmen will be meeting next meek. Cathy will email letters & applications to First Selectmen & Superintendents of Schools immediately. Applications are due electronically or by mail to Peter no later than November 1. Peter will email applications to Council members and will mail hard copies of the applications received to Robin. The Council will meet to discuss applications received and award grants at 7:30pm at the Salem Library on Thursday, November 12.
Meeting Schedule
A tentative schedule was established, subject to approval at the November meeting.
Bi-monthly meetings at 7:30pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month would occur as follows:
November 12, 2009
2010: January 14, March 11, May 13, July 8, Sept 9, and Nov 11
(Note: 2010 meeting schedule must be filed with Town Clerks in January 2010)
Other
Russ inquired about the use of Comcast equipment to tape District 18 school board meetings. John indicated that equipment could be borrowed from the Comcast studio.
Russ also expressed interest in letting students know about scholarship opportunities.
Comcast provides information about its $1,000 scholarship to high school guidance offices. Scholarships may also result from Advisory Council grant applications.
Cathy will submit a press release to local media about the Council’s grant program and include information about the Comcast scholarship in the release. (copy attached)
Press releases will also be submitted after the Council make grant decisions.
A motion to adjourn was made by John Eichholz at 8:25pm and unanimously approved.
Cathy Frank
2 October 2009
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