2001-02-07CABLE TV ADVISORY COMMISSION
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Al Torsey, chairman; Dan Murphy, Amy Siemasko, Robert Lee,
Arthur Crandall, George Johnson
Meeting of February 7, 2001
Beverly Public Library 8 a.m.
Present: Chairman Al Torsey, Dan Murphy, Amy Siemasko, George Johnson, Robert Lee
Absent: Arthur Crandall
Also attending: William August, Esq., Attorney at Law, Epstein & August, Boston;
Tom Scully, Director of Community Services; Jane Lyman, Government Relations, AT&T Broadband.
The Cable Advisory Commission (CAC) caucused at 8 a.m. The open session commenced at 8:45 a.m.
Attendees discussed at length five proposals from AT&T Broadband that included funding for Access
Corporations, I-Net development, remote camera installations for City Council and School Committee
meetings, capital expenditures, equipment upgrades, relocation expenses. Lengthy discussion ensued on
possible pass-through expenditures and their implications.
August said the commission expected some payment from AT&T Broadband in the renewed license
because of past serious non-compliance issues. Lyman disagreed with certain aspects of
non-compliance complaints filed previously by the Commission. August said that not only was
non-compliance an issue but that a value should be placed on lost programming and administrative
costs.
Several pass-through proposals were discussed. August said that unless agreement could be reached,
he would advise the commission to consider a preliminary denial of license. Lyman took suggested
pass-through figures under advisement.
Lyman said AT&T would consider a side letter agreement for a senior discount of $2 off the standard
rate. She said eligible persons would be 65 or older and eligible for Medicaid or SSI.
Lyman asked for the commission s preference on whether to pursue establishment of an Access Corp.
Murphy said the commission was leaning in the direction of an Access Corp. because of the opportunity
for change of direction and control of operations including video coverage.
Discussion ensued on establishment of an I-Net system to link schools and municipal buildings. Lyman
said that typically the I-Net is developed using all fiber wiring.
Johnson said the days of using analog cable are over. He said the I-Net with fiber would be a good
benefit to the community.
The next meeting will be Feb. 13, 2001 at 8 a.m. at the Beverly Public Library.