Minutes of the February 23, 2007
Local Access Channel Advisory Committee (LACAC) meeting
Members Present: Steve Dungan
Len Golder
Bob Glorioso
Lisa Lavina
Also present: Anne Van Tine – LACAC Coordinator
Lew Halprin
The meeting began at approximately 5:05 pm.
VanTine reported that the proposal to renovate the 3rd floor technical area was created jointly with ITAC and then presented it to the Capital Planning Committee. The intent is for shared use by LACAC and ITAC. The Capital Planning Committee seemed receptive to the plan as presented.
Dungan reported that he met with Town Administrator Bill Wrigley and Susan McLaughlin, Chair of ITAC, in advance of town meeting regarding installation of a bathroom on the third floor, the expense for which will have to be approved by Town Meeting. Work on the technical area would happen at the same time as the bathroom work, if approved to go forward. Wrigley believes the funding for the technical area should come from the LACAC budget, believing that the budget is ample and is regularly under-spent. Dungan said he wasn’t familiar enough with the contract to be sure that it allowed for this type of work; that the project wouldn’t impede LACAC’s cash flow, and whether the fees should cover staff and equipment and not capital improvements. LACAC agreed that we need to be more familiar with
the contract.
Dungan recommends a conversation with the Capital Planning Committee about resources before the town meeting. All committees that might weigh in should be briefed before town meeting. He said that upon further review of the contract that it’s vague about using budget resources for “technology needs”.
The Committee discussed what type of spending is allowed according to the contract with Comcast, questions of how Comcast interprets the term “technology needs,” and some of the history relating to the initial contract negotiations and previous spending proposals.
VanTine suggested that LACAC contribute $6,000 to the $12,000 projected cost of the project. She suggested that covering only part of the cost would be fair because LACAC would share the space with ITAC, and fixing up the room would constitute a permanent capital improvement for the town.
Halprin and VanTine noted that the current office area was built by volunteer/free labor, and that volunteers had already started improvements to the technical area.
Van Tine reviewed her projected budgets through 2009 indicating the steady decline in the reserve amount of resources on hand for current known expense and not taking into account expenses that may arise as the result of significant changes in technology.
The Committee discussed other changes that may be coming that could limit future income to the LACAC budget. Verizon is working to get the state to allow them to make one deal with the state and not have to negotiate with every town. If this were to happen, the user-fee per town structure could change and have an impact on income. Also, there are other developments that may make is possible to access cable programs via the Internet, eliminating the need for a cable connection at all.
Halprin commented that LACAC is required to give Comcast an annual report of how we spend our money. They can weigh in if they believe the spending is inappropriate. Halprin also noted that ITAC has a budget and could put money toward the renovation project as well.
The following resolution was drafted, moved by Glorioso, seconded by Golder and unanimously approved:
“Although the LACAC does not believe its funds be used for capital improvements to town facilities, given that the current space for both LACAC and ITAC is woefully inadequate and endangers both people and equipment, the LACAC members have voted to allocate $6,000 to complete the fit-up of the room adjacent to the current LACAC/ITAC closet.”
Dungan will talk to Jean Lynch, Chair of the Capital Planning Committee, and to Bill Wrigley to let them know what the committee has recommended. Van Tine will talk to Charlie Kern, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Susan McLaughlin, Chair of ITAC.
OTHER BUSINESS
Van Tine requested approval to buy a new video mixer for Hale. The current one interferes with the frequency of one of the wireless microphones. Requesting authority to spend up to $1,700. Moved by Dungan and Seconded by Glorioso, approved unanimously. There was also discussion of the audio mixers at Hale and Town Hall. These have no meters to show levels and proper mike setups. No action was taken on audio mixers.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.
Prepared by: _________________________________
Lisa Lavina
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