2001-03-21CABLE TV ADVISORY COMMISSION
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Al Torsey, chairman; Dan Murphy, Amy Siemasko, Robert Lee,
Arthur Crandall, George Johnson
Meeting of March 21, 2001
Beverly Public Library, 8 a.m.
Chairman Al Torsey, Dan Murphy, George
Present:
Johnson
Absent: Arthur Crandall, Amy Siemasko, Robert Lee
Also attending: William August, Esq., Attorney at Law, Epstein & August, Boston;
Tom Scully, Director of Community Services; Jane Lyman for AT&T Broadband
Members reviewed a proposed contract renewal document and made several revisions. Members
reaffirmed definitions and agreed to take under advisement the so-called “level playing field” clause.
Atty. August suggested that previously agreed language for a senior citizen assistance program be
amended to include a provision that it be continued in accordance with assistance programs in other
communities. This was taken under advisement.
Lyman said that Camille Bartlett, new supervisor, would coordinate a proposed inventory of
existing equipment at Tozer Road.
It was pointed out that an Access Studio should be located within one mile of a proposed new I-
Net system. It was pointed out that some sites in the initial I-Net system were never used for video
transmission. Lyman said that a new I-Net system, if initiated in Beverly, would not be operational under
about February of 2003. She said commitments to other communities and a fiber optic back log made this
time frame likely.
The initial coaxial I-Net system is about 23 years old. Lyman said a list of existing I-Net sites
would be compiled.
The former Social Contract under which the franchiser provided free Internet access to schools has
expired. After some discussion, it was agreed that free Internet hook-up to schools would be only
guaranteed to June 2003. Murphy asked that it be extended for the life of the contract. Lyman said no
franchise renewals contain such lengthy guarantees but that it was unlikely that AT&T would withdraw
such a service.
It was agreed that the following items need to be addressed:
A new section on construction of an I-Net system including a description.
A decision by the city whether an I-Net will be constructed or the city will opt to accept certain
funds for cable TV related operations.
An inventory of equipment assigned to Beverly-only at the Tozer Road studio.
The vehicle number for the broadcast van now owned and operated by AT&T.
New language on a “level playing field” clause.
Preparation of a side letter for a Senior Citizen Assistance program.
(The next meeting of CAC will be Tuesday, April 3 at 8 a.m. at Beverly Public Library)