At the last Selectmen's meeting I announced that the Town has been placed on notice that our contract with Charter Communications will be expiring on December 18, 2012. That announcement triggers a review of the current cable operations and the beginning of our renegotioations for cable services in West Boylston. The board of Selectmen is calling upon the West Boylston Cable Advisory Committee to begin their review of the process and the renewal of this contract.
Under Massachusetts regulations, a Town may appoint a Cable Advisory Committee (“CAC”) to advise the Town throughout the licensing process. 207 C.M.R. § 3.01(3). In many instances, the CAC remains as an active committee throughout the term of the license. Currently, there are over two hundred and eighty CACs in the Commonwealth. The composition of the CAC is determined by the Town, and the Town may choose any number of persons it deems desirable to complete the committee.
The Town may, at its discretion, define the role and responsibilities of the CAC to the extent permitted under G.L. c. 166A. Thus, there is almost complete local control as to the tasks assigned to an advisory committee, so long as these tasks do not conflict with the statutory requirements of the Town in G.L. c. 166A. CAC responsibilities vary according to the current status of the license or the objectives of the Town. The following list includes some typical responsibilities assigned to CACs in the Commonwealth:
Inform and educate the public about cable television service;
Assess the cable needs of the community and recommend policy changes;
Conduct regular meetings with cable company representatives to discuss matters of mutual interest;
Report to the Town on company compliance with the license;
Supervise the cable operator’s response to complaints;
Respond to citizen’s questions regarding the cable television system; and
Keep abreast of community programming issues.
Recognizing that CACs fulfill an important and valuable link between the Town, the cable provider, and the citizens of the community, the Massachusetts Competition Division seeks to build positive professional relationships with the CACs. Their staff works closely with local committees to educate them on the licensing process and improve information-sharing. The Competition Division’s program includes an informational presentation available to communities.
If you have an interest in serving the Town as a member of the Cable Advisory COmmittee, please let me know as I expect to pull together a meeting of the Cable Advisory COmmittee sometime this Spring or Summer to begin this process formally.
Leon A. Gaumond Jr.
Town Administrator
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