2000-10-18CABLE TV ADVISORY COMMISSION
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Al Torsey, chairman; Dan Murphy, Amy Siemasko, Robert Lee,
Arthur Crandall, George Johnson
Meetina of October 18, 2000
Beverly City Hall- 4 p.m.
Present: Chairman A! Torsey, Robert Lee, Dan Murphy, Amy Siemasko
Absent: Arthur Crandall, George Johnson
Also attending: William August, Esq., attorney at law, Epstein & August, Boston
Thomas Scully, Director of Community Services
Chairman Torsey pointed out that a public hearing tentatively scheduled for October 17
had been postponed.
Atty. August presented a draft license proposal and generally reviewed its contents with
the request that commission members become familiar with it. He reviewed certain
options and proposals that the commission might pursue during negotiations for a
renewal of license with AT & T Broadband.
He requested more information about the needs of the School Department and the status
of school reconstruction. He pointed out that the Social Contract under which the foimer
MediaOne and now AT & T Broadband has been operating is due to expire in December.
Among other things, the social contract provides for free Internet access for public
schools.
Members discussed generally the operation of the public access channel in Beverly. Atty.
August pointed out that some communities had been opting for a payment from the
license holder and city operation of an access studio. This has the advantage of putting
the city in charge of coverage issues.
Tom Scully discussed briefly the operation and advantages of an I-net system that would
link all municipal buildings for TV and data transmission.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 4 p.m. in City Hall.