Town of Princeton, Mass. – Oct. 19, 2015 -- 5 PM
Princeton Broadband MLP Minutes
5 PM The meeting was called to order in the Town Hall Annex. Present were PBMLP Chairman Stan Moss, Edith Morgan, Jon Fudeman, and T.A. Nina Nazarian. Also present was John Kowaleski for the Broadband Cmte. and Phil O’Brien. About a dozen residents were in attendance.
Stan outlined the past months activities for the broadband project, with several boards researching the three options that the PBMLP settled upon almost a year ago. The decision was made to eliminate the “regional build” and the partner-with-vendor options, mainly because of lack of control over the construction and future operation. Other drawbacks were liability (too much on the town) and long turn-around time. He spent time explaining funding issues, using a general-obligation bond which the voters must approve at a town meeting and ballot election. The goal is to build a base of subscribers that will cover construction costs and eliminate impact on taxes. Similar to water/sewer projects, it is anticipated that the bulk of the
payments will be made by users of the service. The cost to subscribers could be up to $95/month if initial sign-up covers half of households—the project needs 650 out of the 1240 households in town to subscribe initially. The PBMLP plans on reaching out for pre-subscription sign-ups with multiple information sessions, mailings, website and press releases.
Stan stressed that the total cost to build out the system will not be known until bids are submitted to the town by the various contractors. Jon F. noted that he felt very confident that they were building a good product and pre-subscription would be successful to achieve a solid, broadband service. He insisted that the risks will be much minimized because the greatest risk would be giving up control. Questions from residents included technical oversight—as in “who’s managing it,” to which Stan explained that the current, primary consultant is Phil Leman from Linx Communications, a former Verizon engineer who has since managed 24 fiber-optic projects regionally. Another inquiry concerned the grant promised from MBI, and
Stan explained how it was parceled out to the 45 “underserved” communities in the state. The board was confident that it would be forthcoming as the Baker administration has continued to support it. Another question was about installations up driveways—an issue is accessibility, whether it’s poles or conduit from road to a house, and the final decision has not been made.
5:38 PM Jon F. made the motion, seconded by Edith, that the PBMLP approve a fiber optic system to be funded by a general obligation bond which will be funded primarily with revenue from subscribers. In a roll call, the board voted all in favor on the motion.
5:42 PM Members voted all in favor to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted, Admin. Assistant Marie Auger
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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