05/14/2007 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 Board of Selectmen Minutes May 14, 2007 APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS: Mashpee Cable &Advance Technology Advisory Board: Andrew Eliason, Mashpee Cable&Advance Technology Advisory (MCAT)Board member was in attendance to discuss the Town's position on a pending state-wide cable franchising bill. The legislation if passed would allow Verizon to bypass local officials completely. A single state issued franchise agreement would allow Verizon to select the communities and neighborhoods they would serve. Correspondence was received from Verizon dated May 10, 2007 urging the Town to reject inaccurate claims surrounding the proposed Massachusetts cable franchise legislation. Mr. Eliason indicated that it is important to continue local franchising control of cable TV services. A list of projects supported and funded by the MCAT Board from local franchise agreements include the reverse 911 system, training monitor televisions,upgrades and repairs,and aerial mapping support that has provided benefit to the police, fire,town, and school departments. (enclosed) The bill would significantly alter the ability of local government to enter into or enforce local cable franchise agreements, and to manage and collect fees for the use of local rights of way. It was agreed a letter would be remitted to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications,Utilities and Energy and to other legislative officials in opposition to the pending statewide cable franchising bill. Motion made by Selectman Myers to remit a letter, modeled from the Town of Brewster memorandum in opposition to the proposed state- wide cable franchising bill to include the Proclamation and Resolution in relation to maintaining local licensing authority of cable television. Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalanc. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.