HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-27 Board of Selectmen Executive Minutes (2) BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES January 27, 2003
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 9: 30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis;Wendy
Wakeman; Donald Stewart; Susan Haltmaier; Mark Rees,Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town
Manager, Charles Benevento, Finance Director; John Ferguson, Director of Information Technology and
members of the Cable TV Advisory Board, George Dague, Dave Graham, and George Johnson.
Real Estate Matter: Cable TV Franchise Renewal
As a result of negotiations for the Cable TV franchise renewal, the Cable TV Advisory members are
seeking direction from the Board of Selectmen regarding data communications between municipal and
school buildings. There are two options: the first option would be the construction of a fiber optic cable
network connecting municipal buildings and the second would be the development of a secured
communications network using the internet and existing telephone lines.
The Cable Committee recommends the second option-VPN (Virtual Private Network). The major reason
is that VPNs are more Flexible than I-Nets in the event Town buildings are relocated or new Town
buildings need to be added. Option 2 is also less expensive resulting in increasing the existing 75 cent
subscriber bill franchise cost pass-through by approximately only 63 cents per month, which is more in
line with typical renewal franchise costs. Under Option 2, the Town would have to pay regular monthly
fees for Internet service in some municipal buildings, but AT&T does not charge for Internet to schools
and libraries. In the event that the Town negotiates for the VPN network, the Cable Committee will seek
a$200,000 technology fund from AT&T to the Town to pay for such necessary Internet costs. The Cable
Committee emphasized that pursuit of Option 2 would be subject to future review and approval by
Selectmen of all license terms, conditions, language, etc. Committee negotiations would be for the
^ purpose of moving the process forward. This is not final and subject to future change.
Chuck Benevento and John Ferguson expressed concern that the VPN method of networking would not
be sufficient for the Tom's data processing and would not affect savings.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier, to explore(VPN)Virtual Private
Network and negotiate with AT&T Comcast with the provision of the$200,000 technology grant not be
use for any specific purpose. Vote approved 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier, to adjourn at 10:50 PM. Vote
approved 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary
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