Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
Special Meeting
March 11, 2009 @ 7:00 PM
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
Public Hearing – Comcast of Massachusetts I, Inc. on whether or not to renew or deny the renewal of their Cable Television License, pursuant to 207 C.M.R. 3.05 (3) and any other applicable cable television renewal license laws, regulations or requirements, regarding the renewal or preliminary denial of the cable television license currently held by Comcast of Massachusetts I, Inc.
Present: Special Attorney William Solomon, Guy Conrad, Chairman of the Cable TV Advisory Committee and members Amy Goebel, Eric Connerly, Jim Delot, and Eric Gauther. Mr. Conrad announced they were very pleased at managing to come to an Agreement with Comcast thus avoiding the very lengthy and expensive ascertainment process. As part of the overall agreement itself, Comcast is required to pay 4.5% of Annual Gross Revenue for the support of PEG programming in the Town of Hingham from August 14, 2009 through August 31, 2011 and 4.2% from September 1, 2011 through August 13, 2019. In addition to that the town will receive $100,000 on May 1st of this year, another $100,000 next year and $27,500 on May 1st of this year separately from Comcast.
Comcast will keep the internet, which they installed at cost themselves which is roughly equivalent to what the town will receive from Verizon starting next January 1st. Mr. Conrad said the bottom line is that over the next ten years between the cash payments and percentages it is hoped to bring in close to $4 million to the town without expenses and obviously some of that will be used to open a studio. Mr. Conrad advised the Cable TV Advisory Committee is recommending that the Board accept this Agreement.
Mr. Conrad explained there are three side letters that are not normally in Agreements. The first one deals with voluntary senior discount. The second side letter basically states that all the public buildings would receive gratis TV coverage, as Comcast has agreed to provide the Standard Service or its equivalent to all public schools, police and fire stations, public libraries and other public buildings listed in Exhibit 3.5 of the Renewal License for the entire term of the license. The third side letter relates to the equipment that is in the current studio. Mr. Solomon asked the Selectmen to appoint the Cable TV Advisory Committee as the Town’s agent for any dealings with equipment disbursements.
Mr. Conrad said the town could get the equipment from the old Comcast studio, which is closing, at no cost. This would allow the Selectmen’s meetings to continue to be broadcast from April 1, 2009. The town could then get additional equipment at no cost. Most of this equipment would go to our school department to free them from purchasing equipment. It is older equipment but still valuable and better than what we have now.
Attorney Solomon pointed out that it was very important and a plus for Hingham that the Committee was able to achieve that Comcast provide service to every residential dwelling. It is very rare in recent Comcast Licenses and he felt it should be the same requirement in the Verizon License so that all residents will have a choice between two companies. He also pointed out that it was crucial for the 3 PEG channels to be included in order to keep these lines open and separate from management purpose so that the town has the control and access.
Attorney Solomon informed the Selectmen that he felt it was a very protective license for the town in terms of modern language. It protects the town’s financial interest, legal interest, interest in the manager of the public way and interest vs. a regulator of cable. He further said this license has terms that strengthen the town’s ability to do all these things. The side letters of this contract are also very protective. Mr. Solomon told the Selectmen it was a pleasure working with the Cable TV Advisory Committee as they all were extremely talented and very dedicated issue. There were no questions from the residents pertaining to this public hearing. The Board of Selectmen expressed their appreciation to Mr. Solomon and the Cable TV Advisory for all their time spent on the renewal of this license agreement.
Mr. Conrad said the next step is to find a location and staff for the access studio. He advised that the committee is actively working on this matter and will be reporting back to the Selectmen at a future meeting. Mr. Delot would like to Selectmen to view some existing studios to get an idea of how they are set up and run. He set up the Dedham studio and would like the board to view that studio.
Voted - to sign the Renewal License with Comcast effective March 11, 2009
through August 13, 2019.
Voted - to accept a letter with Comcast for a voluntary senior discount.
Voted - to accept a letter with Comcast to provide standard service to public
buildings and the Hingham Schools and the public access studio when constructed.
Voted - to accept a letter with Comcast regarding the disbursement of equipment
from the Norwell Comcast Studio.
Voted - to designate the Cable TV Advisory Committee as the Town’s agent for any dealings with equipment disbursements from the Comcast studio in Norwell.
Marilyn Harrington
Adjourned 8:15 PM Clerk pro tem.