2001-02-13
CABLE TV ADVISORY COMMISSION
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Al Torsey, chairman; Dan Murphy, Amy Siemasko, Robert Lee,
Arthur Crandall, George Johnson
Meeting of February 13, 2001
Beverly Public Library – 8 a.m.
Chairman Al Torsey, Dan Murphy, Robert Lee
Present:
Absent: Arthur Crandall, Amy Siemasko, George Johnson
Also attending: William August, Esq., Attorney at Law, Epstein & August, Boston;
Tom Scully, Director of Community Services; Jane Lyman, Government Relations, AT&T Broadband.
As the result of previous discussions, a sixth proposal on license renewal was offered for
discussion by Atty. August. It represents the previous discussions with certain input from Michael Lueci,
AT & T Broadband vice president, via telephone. Lyman said it was based on 13,410 cable system
customers in Beverly.
It included proposed cost figures for: two remote controllable camera municipal meeting room set-
ups and installation; equipment funding for establishment of an Access Corp. studio contingent on a May 4,
2002 deadline; relocation and renovation costs for an Access Corp.; annual operating budget for 10 years;
funding for a proposed I-Net installation plus a side letter arrangement for a senior citizen assistance rate.
Various pass-through cost plans were discussed.
August said it was necessary for the city to have the option of remaining at the Tozer Road studio
location in the event another site is not available. Lyman said the Tozer Road site presents obstacles to
efficient operation but that her company was willing to work with the city if the need for a relocation delay
arises.
Lengthy discussion ensued on the establishment of an I-Net system to link certain municipal
buildings for audio, video and data transmission using fiber cables. Scully and Murphy are working on a
list of sites in priority. An informational meeting will be arranged by Lyman between a Cable Commission
subcommittee and Ron Baker, director of I-Net functions for AT & T Broadband.
Lyman reminded members that a company survey indicated that customers do not favor paying for
establishment of an I-Net system. She said the license renewal should contain triggering language for
establishment of an I-Net.
She said a list of Beverly-only video equipment was being prepared and that the current van, used
for remote coverage, was part of it. August said the city will need a relocation committee and that decisions
must be made promptly on potential Access studio locations.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at Beverly Public Library.