Special Town Board Meeting held September 5, 2007, 3 PM in the Town Hall, Town of Schroon, NY

Present:

Supervisor –             Cathy Moses

Town Board – Donald Sage, Roger Friedman, Clara Phibbs and Sharron Tyrrell

Hwy Supt. -             Michael Marnell

Code Enforcement Officer – Dana Shaughnessy

Guests:  Harold Karaka, Laura Donaldson, Rosemarie Ritson, Pat Hogan

     When the meeting was called to order, Pat Johnson, representative of the Public Service Commission which regulates utilities and cable, joined us to assist with the process of renewing the Time Warner contract.  She suggested that we contact neighboring towns about their cable plans and consider a consortium.

     She stated that the board’s homework would be to read our current contract, check conditions, requests, etc. and check for compliance with rules and regs – PEG.

     She stated that the town is entitled to two channels to be shared with legislature, school and original programming.  We already have a pubic access channel.  This is all tied into first amendment rights and Time Warner is required to comply.  It should be limited to just local community interests, events, etc.  Check our contract.

     She stated that everyone in town can have cable if they are willing to pay for it.  If there are at 20 homes per mile and within 150 feet of an existing line, the hook-up is free.

     Customer service issues should be included in our contract.  We should also include rapid response and service time. 

     The town can receive 5% franchise fees, but those fees come from the customers.  The town has the option of placing the fees into an account for town use.

     She clearly stated that internet service is NOT part of this contract or process.  She also stated that Time Warner has petitioned the FCC to deregulate all channels and eliminate rate regulations.

     There is free service for schools and libraries.  Local programming should be able to include live and taped programs.  We need to see if Time Warner has this capability at our school and if the school is using it.

     Should the town decide to start receiving a franchise fee, we would need to decide how we would like to receive payment – quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

     We also need to determine the term of the next contract – 10 or 15 years.  The statewide franchise bill is in the legislature presently.  If it passes, it will eliminate local input, therefore, a long-term contract may be the best way to proceed.

     We will be setting up an informational meeting with the library, school, town citizens and interested individuals to explain what is available and what is not, plus what is best for the town.

     In reference to competition, Verizon is available but only downstate in very large cities.  Theirs is strictly fiber optic which is very expensive and not readily available. 

     Pat will be able to come back for evening meetings once we finalize our wishes.

     Cathy advised the board that the town has received an additional Wastewater Treatment Plant grant in the amount of $184,000, therefore, we need to hold a public hearing to receive public input.  A resolution to hold the public hearing was moved by Roger Friedman, seconded by Don Sage and carried.

     In reference to the beach stairs – they will be re-built closer to the ground.  There was discussion on detaching the lower section because of ice damage, but Michael advised that it would then require heavy equipment to be on the beach which he did not recommend.  It was also stated that leaving them in place would provide steps for the children sliding on the hill in winter.

     There was much discussion on Michael Marnell’s proposal to stabilize the bandstand since there has been a change in the scope of the project and the attorney advised that the project would need to go back out to bid.  The engineer stated that they would be unable to sign off on an in-house project.  Rich Schoenstadt also proposed a solution.  Harold Karaka commented on untreated wood/concrete match.  The cost of replacing the columns is not great.  Dana stated that we would only need an engineer for approval of a proposed concrete floor.

     Cathy made a motion to move forward with Mike’s proposal.  Roger seconded the motion with a roll call vote as follows:

Roger Friedman – Yes

Don Sage – Yes

Cathy Moses – Yes

Sharron Tyrrell – Yes

Clara Phibbs – Abstained

     Sharron made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Clara and carried.