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PEG Minutes 10/21/07
Stow LACAC Meeting  10/17/07

In attendance:
        Coordinator:  Anne VanTine
Members:
        Len Golder
        Bob Glorioso
        Jim Parr
        Steve Dungan
Associate Members:
        Lew Halprin
        Chris Funkhouser
Also attending: Linda Stokes, LACAC volunteer

The meeting was called to order by VanTine at 7:30pm.

Coordinator’s Report:
  • There have been some good bulletin boards and volunteer videos featured on the channel recently
  • Finances: almost $90,000 in the LACAC account presently
  • Received $20,700 payment from Comcast this summer
  • $6,000 was transferred to the Stow general fund – VanTine expects this is for the town building third floor renovation project.  Dungan concurred.
Town building 3rd floor renovation project
  • Susan McLaughlin requested a floor layout from LACAC.  VanTine reported she has worked on it with Linda Stokes.  LACAC will be assigned the space adjacent to the current LACAC space. Beth Tobey and ITAC will be in the other portion of the new space.
  • Plans are in the works for VPN access to LACAC computers allowing remote access.
Video Server update and Planning
Two systems, Tightrope and Nexus are, currently being considered:
  • Nexus
  • VanTine and Glorioso expressed concern that not many public access channels are using Nexus.    The Nexus system is being used in Andover.  As far as VanTine knows this is the closest in proximity to Stow.
  • Tightrope
  • Michael Ridinger, who also has a consulting business for advice and installation, did a presentation  on Tightrope as a courtesy to the Stow TV technical team.  Tightrope appears to have some better features but it is a significantly more expensive system.


  • Unique Media Systems
  • VanTine presented a proposal for video server acquisition and installation from Michael Ridinger of Unue Media Systems of Boylston.  The proposal to include services including consultation, design, installation, /testing, and support, submitted on paper to LACAC on 9/26/07.  Michael Michael does not sell equipment, but only consults.
  • VanTine recommended hiring consultant Michael Ridinger of Unique for less than the entire proposal, at least to begin with.  This would enable LACAC to determine the quality of his and his company’s work.  Anne established with Town Manager Bill Wrigley that for a consultation contract at this level it would not be necessary to put the project out to bid.  Halprin stated he believes that LACAC could do most of the installation itself.  Glorioso recommended engaging Unique only for the Consultation and Design Procedures elements of the proposal initially.  Golder voiced concerns about the “indemnity” and “warrantee” clauses of the proposal.
  • Glorioso made a motion to authorize up to $3,000 for design and consultation work as specified in the proposal.  Dungan seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Verizon cable service negotiations and consider attorney

  • Halprin reported that Verizon has made a request for a license to provide cable television and internet service to Stow.  A 30 day window will be opened to accept proposals.  He reported that Verizon has already laid fiber lines throughout Stow.  Halprin believes that LACAC arrangement with Verizon would be similar to the Comcast arrangement, with revenue generated as a percentage of subscribership.  The Comcast contract has five years remaining.
 
  • The committee debated the merits of hiring an attorney to negotiate a contract for the town with Verizon.  Dungan reported that the Selectmen  approved of hiring an attorney to handle the project.  VanTine reported that Attorney Peter Epstein has given her a verbal estimate for a cost  of $4,000 - $5,000.
  • VanTine reported that at a recent Selectmen’s meeting Town Manager Bill Wrigley suggested LACAC pay for the attorney’s fees.  Committee members VanTine, Dungan, Glorioso and Funkhouser expressed concern that the Verizon contract would benefit the entire town, beyond the LACAC operations - therefore LACAC should not fund the attorney’s fees alone.  
  • Dungan made a motion to authorize LACAC funds up to $2,500 to cover half of the legal expense for negotiation of the Verizon proposal.  The other half is to be requested by the Cable Advisory Committee from the Stow Finance Committee reserve fund.  Glorioso seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Dungan moved and Parr seconded a motion to adjourn.

Minutes 7:30pm – 9:00pm respectfully submitted by,




Prepared by: _________________________________
                Chris Funkhouser, 10/21/07