Town of Princeton, Mass. – January 17, 2017 – 5 PM
Board of Selectmen – Cable Advisory Committee
Joint Meeting Minutes
Chairman Stan Moss, Edith Morgan with Jon Fudeman present; and TA Nina Nazarian.
5 PM Stan opened meeting in the Town Hall Annex. Four members of CAC were present including Chair Darcy Rowell. She presented copies of the latest draft of the Issuing Authority Report (IAR) which will be forwarded to two cable TV vendors—Comcast and Charter--bidding on a franchise in Princeton. The draft included comments from legal counsel and Darcy went over all comments and any subsequent changes.
A section was added with questions for a vendor including details about customer service; local cable TV options; data daps and how the vendor plans to reimburse the town for the make-ready work.
There was lengthy discussion on the pitfalls of fixing a deadline for completion of the line installation. The IAR had set Dec. 31, 2017 as the deadline, but Counsel did not advise using a fixed date. The license may be issued in June, which would be the start time for construction. Instead of fixing a date, IAR may use wording to ask vendor: please state earliest possible completion date from date of license issue. It was noted that a two-person crew can hang three miles/day of the 60 miles of backbone, finishing that much in 30 days.
Although industry standard for length of laterals to homes is 150’, some communities have gotten longer lengths and BOS wants to keep the original request for 350.’ Nina wants to see more stringent requirements for repair of pavement over utility trenches, where the road has been paved within five years. Stan asked about an article on the ATM warrant to provide funds for local TV production or access if instituted now or in the future.
6 PM Selectmen voted all in favor to accept all changes as proposed to the IAR, with minor changes allowed by Nina and Darcy, and then formally issue the report to participating vendors.
Selectmen voted all in favor to adopt the policy presented by Nina for the Permanent Asphalt Repairs Related to Roadways Under Moratorium and to establish that all roadways paved within 5 years (at any point in time), are under moratorium.
6:04 PM Selectmen returned to their regular meeting and CAC members left. Group discussed re-financing the make-ready loan.
Stan proposes one or two articles for ATM that would direct any reimbursements from the make-ready work to pay off the debt on same. Money may come back from sale of telecom huts; Verizon; MBI.
Selectmen voted all in favor to initiate the process, which includes the town getting a (new) bond rating. Also, authorize the use of cable franchise fees to offset the make-ready debt.
Jon F. reported that Tony Roselli is available at 4 PM on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and can meet with Adv. Cmte. and selectmen to discuss appointing procedure and charge of Adv. Cmte. Edith distributed copies of the Selectmen’s Code of Conduct and said the board was not adhering to its own policy. Jon F. responded that a breach or violation of policy is very serious and he welcomes a chance to address a particular situation.
Nina distributed a new Compensation & Classification Study. John Bennett came in to discuss his contract. He reported that he wants to bid on a 1991 rescue squad vehicle to replace a 1976 model, up to $5,000. He said he’d get something for the sale of the ’76 truck.
6:30 PM Stan moved and Jon seconded to go into executive session, and not return to regular session: in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, §21: A. Exemption Three – To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel (fire chief) and the police union. In roll call Edith voted “Aye,” Jon voted “Aye” and Stan voted “Aye.”
SEE SEPARATE MINUTES
7:42 PM Selectmen adjourned from executive session
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, admin.assist.
BOS Referenced Documents: draft IAR; Compensation & Classification Study
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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