Old Lyme Area Cable Advisory Council
April 18, 2018
East Haddam Free Public Library, 18 Plains Road, Moodus, CT
Minutes
Present: Chair Peter Sielman (Salem), Pam Munro (Salem BOE), Brian Bowes (Lyme), Cathy Frank (Old Lyme), Russ Gomes (Old Lyme; State Advisory Council rep), Michael Gilroy (East Haddam, Public Libraries rep); Comcast Government & Regulatory Affairs Manager Matt Skane, Public Access Coordinator Lynn Perry
Absent: None
Call to Order~
Chair Peter Sielman called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Brian Bowes, seconded by Peter Sielman, to approve the minutes of the January 2018 meeting. Motion passed with one abstention (Michael Gilroy).
~~
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Brian Bowes reported a combined balance of $15,044.91 in the checking and money market accounts ($12,004.61 in money market plus $3030.30 in checking). The account(s) have earned $1.50 in interest.
New Business
Brian Bowes reported that Teresa Conley of the Lyme Public Library has expressed interest in recording some of the Library programs for Public Access. Brian will provide her with additional information and names of contacts who could provide assistance.
State-wide Video Council Report
The Statewide Council is meeting tonight. Russ Gomes distributed Minutes from their December meeting, the Agenda from February, and a financial report from the State-wide Council.
Comcast Report
Matt Skane provided an overview of updates:
- From 4/16-22, premium channels can be accessed by eligible customers during Xfinity Watchathon Comcast opened more than 127,000 Wi-fi hotspots during winter storms.
- The majority of Comcast customers are seeing an increase in internet speeds.
- At customers’ request, Comcast has redesigned the format of its bills. The new format is available at www.newengland.comcast.com/
- Information about channels up for renewal with Comcast can be accessed at www.xfinitytv.com/contractrenewals.
Peter Sielman asked if the customer base in Connecticut is increasing or decreasing? He read a NY Times article about customers moving away from cable. Matt will check on the numbers and report back.
Public Access Report
Lynn Perry said there was a technical glitch uploading programs to www.publicaccessstudios.com which has now been fixed. The site still features interviews with 2017 scholarship awardees and a Lymes’ Senior Center program has also been uploaded.
2018 Scholarship Recommendation
Pam Munro said one scholarship application had been received from Hannah Belleville of Salem, a 2017 scholarship recipient.
A motion was made by Cathy Frank, seconded by Russ Gomes, to award Hannah a $2,000
Scholarship. Motion passed.
Members expressed interest in officially presenting the award to Hannah. Cathy will notify her of the scholarship and ask about her availability to meet with Council members. Plans will be made via email.
Members discussed ways to increase response to the Council scholarship and Matt shared the process used by a high school on Cape Cod. The school provides organization(s) offering scholarships with information about eligible students based on criteria provided by the organization.
Pam will draft a letter from the Council to our public high schools seeking advice on using a similar method for 2019 scholarships. The letter will be shared with members via email.
Old Business
Salem Historical Society videos
Pam continues to pursue the matter of converting SHS recordings into Public Access programs.
Advisory Council Grant to OLPGN Library
Cathy provided Brian with receipts for reimbursement from the Library. A Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast on May 9 at the Library will be recorded for Public Access.
Pam has spoken with the Salem Library about recording programs for Public Access and would like to provide more specific information to the Library. Brian and/or Cathy will share the list of equipment purchased by the Old Lyme Library.
Emergency assistance for residents in our council towns
Matt responded to Cathy that Comcast does not currently have an emergency assistance program. Peter asked that Matt suggest some kind of emergency program to Comcast management.
Advisory Council Grants to Historical societies
Cathy said she would like to see the Council extend the current Grant program (for towns, schools, and libraries) to historical societies in the towns.
Other
None
Public Comment
None
Adjournment
Cathy made a motion to adjourn at 8:30pm.
Catherine Frank
4/19/18
Next Meeting Dates
July 18 at the Lyme Public Library
October 17 in Salem
| 
