HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2003
OLD BUSINESS:
Cable Television Franchise Renewal.
The Town transfers control of the community studio from Comcast to a Town-created non-profit access
corporation. This type of corporation tends to be much more productive and vibrant than the cable
company manages. Comcast writes the check, but Town entity (an "Access Corporation") runs the
operation. Comcast has offered approximately$1.5 million for an operating budget and an additional
$446,000 for community technology funds; thus the combined funds of approximately $1,946,000. The
Comcast offer is contingent on the Town agreeing to have its Access Corporation assume responsibility
for the studio within three months of the February 11, 2004 License Effective Date.
John Savastano member of the Advisory Committee asked if the Board would establish and appoint a
Board of Directors for the Cable Access Corporation as soon as possible.
Chairman Wakeman said that the Town Manager and appointment sub-committee would work on
appointing volunteers for the Cable Access Corporation.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, for the Board of Selectmen to hold a
public hearing regarding the proposed franchise to renew the cable license. Vote failed 2-3, Wendy
Wakeman, Rosemary Smedile and James Xenakis opposed.
Mark Caggiano Amended the MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to delegate the Cable Advisory
Committee to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed franchise to renew the cable license. Vote
approved 5-0.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to establish a North Andover Cable
Access non-profit 501 C3 corporation for purposes of managing and running the community studio. Vote
approved 5-0.