Rutland Cable Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes – June 28, 2018
Members present: Chairman Paul Mattson, Jim Kelley, Peter Craine, Christian Santillo.
Members absent: None
Guests present: None
Meeting was called to order by chair at 6:30 PM.
Meeting Minutes
Amended meeting minutes from May 16, 2018 accepted at 6:31 PM. Christian moved; Jim 2nd; vote was unanimous.
Bills and Accounts
Paul presented a Treasurer’s report. Total expenses were $6,793.51, including salaries, since the June meeting.
Expenses include:
- Charter bill of $74.68 for phone service
- 6 months of library “gifts”
- $75.00 to Guertin Awards to create new Select Board nameplates
- $14.94 for batteries
- $51.99 for printer ink
The previous minutes were incorrect. $74.68 should be the new “stable” Charter Communications monthly payment.
Financial report was accepted as presented at 6:32 PM. Peter moved; Jim2nd; vote was unanimous.
Old Business
New Broadcast Equipment
Discussion comparing the Leightronix against the Tightrope system. The general consensus is that the Tightrope system is notably more capable than the Leightronix, but it costs more. Also, we are already familiar with the Leightronix’s behaviors. The biggest question from the discussion, as yet unanswered: are the Tightrope system’s features worth the extra money to acquire and support it?
Holden seems to really like their Tightrope system (they switched from Leightronix about a year ago). We need to discuss with them to learn from their experiences and pros/cons with each system, from their point of view.
We also need an equivalent Leightronix system owner to have the same basic discussion.
Internet connectivity and system control through the Internet were discussed. We’ll have to see how well the new IT administrators come up to speed and how they can/will help us.
New Business
Dell Computer Service Contract
The Service Contract for the Dell computer used for video post-production has come up for renewal. Should we renew the contract or start looking for a replacement.
Consensus is: replace. More CPU and lots more RAM to increase video processing speed.
The “really old laptop” (Ray’s) is a goner.
Library and Electricity
Now that we have a couple year’s electricity readings, the Town Administrator recommended calculating an average monthly payment to make towards electricity. We think that’s a fine idea. Our yearly electrical use is less than $700.00 per year. We will also occasionally read the meter to make sure we stay “close enough” to the average.
Select Board Room
The Select Board desk was made for five people (the five Select Board members). The Town Administrator squeezes onto the end. Should there be a space built for her? What about the admin to records the meeting; should there be a space for her as well?
Paul will look into what it takes to get those spaces built.
PA and Camera Operator Jobs
Paul had written “help wanted” postings for both positions. The group edited those postings. Paul will get them posted ASAP.
Recording Public Meetings
This discussion had two threads: a) why would it be disadvantageous to record any public meeting? b) how many meetings can we possibly record?
During topic a) the committee discussed the upcoming “Select Board Retreat” the supposed conflict between having a “free and open dialog” against the “public right to know” how the Town operates. No conclusion was reached.
Topic b) discussed the limits of our ability to record meetings (or other events) due to our limited manpower. We will revisit when the new positions are hired.
Next Meeting
The Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 26, 2018.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned, unanimously [Motion: Peter; 2nd Jim] at 7:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Craine
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