Discussion: Bernard Gordon expressed his disappointment that Comcast has not provided many concessions. He didn’t feel Comcast was offering much on the I-NET as there was a considerable annual maintenance cost ($4,300) to the Town to support the system. He didn’t feel that was a “Free” I-NET. Doug Poulin pointed out that although they have made a capital contribution to improve the local infrastructure and have addressed the Harvest Way issue, he agrees that Comcast hasn’t adequately addressed the I-NET issue. Kate Miller suggested that instead of having Comcast actually build the I-NET that the Town may want to hire its own contractor and tailor the system to meet the Town’s direct needs. The Town could ask Comcast for a technology grant to implement the I-Net concept, without being obligated to use their business service group. Doug stated that he has received two cost estimates from private vendors to illustrate the costs associated with implementation of the I-NET. White Mountain Cable company has provided a proposal for build-out of the fiber optic system. It is estimated to cost $73,133 to construct the I-NET. He has also received a quote from RTM Communications for maintaining and operating the system for the public works/fire and police departments. It was $5,692. Doug noted that this price is on the low side, as it does not include the school’s costs. He thought a more realistic estimate was $7,000 per year. If you estimate the costs over the term of the franchise, that amounts to nearly $50,000. The total monetary value of the I-Net (construction and maintenance) to the Town is approximately $110,000 over the term of the franchise with permit fees included. It was noted that Comcast’s cost is less, because they already have cable on the poles, and their cost is minimal because they would lash the fiber optic cable over the existing cable, which costs less than running a brand new cable. Also, the construction cost to the Town would likely be more because the Town would have to apply for all permits and make the poles ready to accept the line. Kate Miller explained that the current agreement permits a revocation of the franchise for their failure to install the I-Net as stated. The committee will recommend to Comcast a settlement of $110,000 initially, and then will proceed with the federal process for “non-compliance”, if necessary.
Action items: Doug will get final cost estimate together to confirm the dollar amount of the settlement. Kate Miller will send a letter to Comcast requesting settlement in the amount stated.
Person responsible:
KM, DP,
Deadline:
12/30/2008
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Upcoming Meeting
Discussion: Kate Miller would like to meet with the Town Council to get a sense of where the council would like to go with respect to the settlement and whether the Town wishes to file a formal notice of non-compliance, which would start the proceedings. This matter may go to arbitration to be resolved which would be less costly to the Town, than if it goes to court.
Action Items: Kate Miller will contact Ed Wojnowski about scheduling a legal consultation with the Town Council for the January 21, 2009 workshop meeting.
Person responsible:
KM,EW
Deadline:
1/13/2009
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class="Section3"
class="Section4"
Next Meeting:
Discussion: The next meeting will be scheduled as needed after the Town hears back from Jay Somers on the settlement on the I-NET.
