Broadband Committee Minutes
Broadband Committee Meeting 04/26/18
Attendance : Larry Kline, BJ Johnson, Cliff Weiss, George Cane, Kenn Basler
Draft Thank you/follow-up letter to Lt. Gov. and present to Select Board for signatures
Lt. Gov. Polito
It was a pleasure meeting you. We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to discuss a number of important issues that, by working together, we hope to be able to solve. We were gratified to hear your commitment to local control and you and Governor Baker’s willingness to be supportive. A positive, forward looking partnership between our small town and the state is encouraging and welcomed.
We would like to review and propose next steps for Monterey, with your partnership.
Cell Service -
There was some confusion about emergency systems and cell towers vs. antennas. To clarify, Monterey and it’s Police Dept. are part of the CJIS System that is supported by a State contract with Verizon. We currently have one cell tower in Monterey built and operated by Florida Tower Partners on which AT&T has installed a transmitter. Despite its obligations to provide 911 service, Verizon has refused to install a transmitter. We are also working with VERTEX Towers to install a second tower which has gone through the design phase and has the preliminary approval of our building commissioner and Conservation Commission. A lease agreement has been negotiated with the land owner and AT&T has started negotiations to install a transmitter. Verizon has refused. We need your assistance to get Verizon to meet its 911 obligations by installing a transmitter on each of these towers. AT&T is great for our residents but Verizon is also needed to enhance our public safety in Monterey.
Broadband -
Thank you for your patience and participation in the lively broadband discussion. As was apparent, there was a lot of frustration in the room and your calming demeanor helped us focus on solutions for the future, not dwelling on problems/decisions from the past. We were left with the impression that if the town could present to the state an acceptable plan to safeguard the state’s investment a way forward is possible.
These could include but not be limited to -
Monterey at a past Town meeting approved an article that would allow the town to seek up to 1.9 million dollars to install and finish broadband.
We could use this approval to develop a legal agreement between the town and state that uses this commitment by the town to guarantee the state grant
Performance Insurance Bond by town or by broadband company
Insurance Company would underwrite an insurance vehicle that would cover the amount of the state grant for a negotiated number of years.
Lien on Assets - Town would negotiate a lien on private broadband company’s assets for a state/town negotiated length of time
Town would seek through State House Notes or Bond an amount equal to the State grant and would seek from the state threshold payments during the project to pay back the loan.
Each of the above carries its own problems especially the ones that add additional taxes to the residents of Monterey. We also recognize and hope you share the view that each and/or combination of the above offer a way forward and a solution to our quest for broadband in Monterey. We need the state to creatively problem solve our dilemma and move beyond the need to assign blame. We’re all better than that. As you saw during your visit, Monterey is unique. Town’s our size don’t always fit a Boston made solution, and thinking outside the box will be necessary. We hope that given the importance of high speed internet, your leadership will help break through the frustrating roadblocks we continue to encounter. There is an opportunity here to develop a middle path, a flexible approach that also recognizes and supports small businesses who wish to compete in the broadband market in the Commonwealth. Secretary Ash has spoken many times about Massachussett’s entrepreneurial spirit. Fiber Connect represents that spirit and has committed to work diligently to complete the RFP.
Chapter 90 -
We welcome the level of stabilization the Baker Administration has brought to the Chapter 90 problem. By knowing a year in advance the minimum amount that will be allocated will make the planning process easier. The other part of the equation is the amount allocated and we will continue to work with our legislative delegation and the Baker Administration to increase that amount. Coupled with Chapter 90 is the issue of rebuilding and maintaining State Roads. Chapter 90 funds allocated to towns should not have to be used for State Roads and we welcome your support in clarifying this situation.
School Funding -
The state needs a total redo of the educational funding process. Shrinking enrollment, increasing transportation costs, inaccurate foundation formula, all leads to serious future problems. The Governor needs to shake up the state education commission.
Small Town vs. urban/suburban formulas.
We continue to struggle with the differences between small town needs and the ability for those towns to meet state fiscal requirements. Please consider a formula that would grant waivers to towns under 3,000 in population when it comes to infrastructure and building projects. Relief from prevailing wage, width of roads, design of bridges, would save small towns millions while still accomplishing state goals.
Thank you again for spending an hour with us.We hope you enjoyed the visit and that by continuing to learn more about our small town, we can work productively for the benefit of our citizens.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:30