Attending: Council members Peter Sielman, Pam Munro, Russ Gomes, Robin Purcell, Cathy Frank; Comcast representatives John Bairos, Lynn Perry, Hans Hartman
Absent: Ed Blaschik, Sue McKinlay, John Eichholz
Chair Peter Sielman called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.
Minutes October 2009
A motion to approve the minutes from the October 1, 2009 meeting was made by Pam Munro, seconded by Russ Gomes & approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
None due to Ed Blaschik’s absence
Comcast Report
John Bairos introduced Hans Hartman, the new access coordinator at the Old Lyme studio. The new Old Lyme hours are 9am to 1pm on Mondays & Wednesdays; and 1:30 to 10pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
John reported that the mailing address for the Advisory Council has been corrected, and the drop slot at the Old Lyme studio has been reopened.
Information about the Comcast “leaders & Achievers Scholarship” will be mailed to high school guidance offices around Thanksgiving.
Peter asked if the Town of Salem could tape a program at the Old Lyme studio and upload the program to Salem’s website. Lynn Perry said that any programs taped at the studio must air on Public Access but can also be uploaded to a website.
Meeting Schedule
The next Advisory Council meeting will take place at the Old Lyme Studio, on January 14 at 7:30pm. Hans Hartman said that he will be planning an Open House at the studio as well & will discuss the plans at the Council’s meeting. Members discussed possibly taping the meeting. Peter asked about airing the meeting live. Lynn Perry will check the schedule & advise.
Grant applications
The Council received three applications: from the Towns of Salem and Old Lyme and from Regional School District 18 (Lyme & Old Lyme). The Council has $24,000 in an interest bearing account and previously agreed to commit no more than $14,000 to the grant program.
Regional School District 18 application
Russ Gomes, a Board of Education member in District #18, confirmed that there is a need for the equipment listed in the application. However, Council members concurred that the application procedure, as stated in a letter accompanying the one page application form, had not been followed. In addition, members expressed concern that the grant submission letter contained inaccurate information about services and equipment available through the Old Lyme Comcast Studio. Members agreed the application could not be considered based on the failure to follow the application procedure. A motion made by Russ, seconded by Pam, to deny the application with a letter of explanation, passed unanimously.
Town of Salem application
Peter Sielman shared photographs of the grant request equipment already in use by the Town of Salem. Members agreed the application met established grant criteria. A motion made by Cathy, seconded by Russ to award a grant of up to $3,000 to the Town of Salem was unanimously approved with one abstention (Peter, because he was involved in the equipment purchase). The award letter will stipulate that receipts should be submitted to Chair Peter Sielman by June 30, 2009. Peter will forward receipts to Treasurer Ed Blaschik with a reimbursement request.
Town of Old Lyme application
Cathy answered questions about the equipment listed on the application. Members agreed the application met established grant criteria. A motion made by Russ, seconded by Robin to award a grant of up to $3,000 to the Town of Old Lyme was unanimously approved with one abstention (Cathy, because she was involved in writing the grant application). The award letter will stipulate that receipts should be submitted to Chair Peter Sielman by June 30, 2009. Peter will forward receipts to Treasurer Ed Blaschik with a reimbursement request.
Other Business
State Cable Council
Peter stated that a certified letter from our Council is needed to indicate who the Old Lyme Area Cable Advisory council’s representative to the State Cable Council is. A motion was made by Cathy, seconded by Russ, to re-appoint Peter as the representative. Pam, Cathy, Robin, Russ voted in favor; Peter was opposed (but willing to serve). Motion passed.
Comcast Statement “stuffers”
Pam stated that per legislation, the Advisory Council is required to approve the statement “stuffers” about Public Access prepared by Comcast. We will ask John Bairos to add Advisory Council review & approval to Comcast’s “stuffer” schedule.
A motion to adjourn was made by Cathy at 8:41pm and unanimously approved.
Cathy Frank
14 November 2009
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