Fiber Feed, Extra Channel Top Cable Contract Wish List

Fiber Feed, Extra Channel Top Cable Contract Wish List
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON  The town will officially enter cable contract negotiations later this year with full legal representation, as the Board of Selectmen voted earlier this week to hire attorney Bill Solomon to enter discussions with Comcast.

Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel said he “couldn’t recommend anyone more highly than him,” when describing Mr. Solomon’s credentials, adding that he “really goes to bat in the interest of the community.”

“I’ve known him for 20 years,” Mr. Markel said.

“He’s the best in the state.

He’s an absolute specialist with negotiations.”

Cable TV Advisory Committee Chairman Steve Castle, who had spoken to Mr. Solomon, said the attorney suggested the town negotiate for a higher franchise fee to maximize potential funds.

The town is eligible to receive 2 to 5 percent of Comcast’s TV revenues.

Currently, the town takes in about two percent — or about one dollar — on each household bill, although Mr. Castle said he was hesitant to increase the franchise fee and subsequently charge residents more money.

“We’ve been very careful not to put additional fees on the cable bill,” Mr. Castle said.

With cable contracts generally running 10 years and with advancements in technology, Mr. Castle also said that this may be the town’s last chance to secure funding for bigger cable or Internet-related projects.

“This could be the last cable contract for the town depending on what happens with technology,” he said.

“With everyone streaming, we don’t know what’s going to happen with cable TV.”

Some of the main priorities cited by Mr. Castle for this year’s negotiations included lowering the town’s density requirements to allow homes on Queen Lake Road and Old Winchendon Road access to cable, and installing a fiber feed for the Town Hall conference room — an expensive endeavor that would cost the town up to $20,000 if it is not included in the contract.

Mr. Castle also put forward a capital master plan, outlining equipment purchases and upgrades that may be necessary throughout the decade-long contract, including a possible set of robotic cameras for the Kiva.

“We don’t believe the Kiva needs robotic cameras right now, as they have cameras on tripods and it’s a good way for the kids to learn,” Mr. Castle said.

“However, we may want to put in robotic cameras that pan, zoom and tilt, and maybe if they want students to learn on those, they could use those for school events.”

Another likely outcome of negotiations is a third Public, Educational and Government channel that will carry Mount Wachusett Community College’s cable broadcast.

Mr. Castle said the cable committee must finish assessing the town’s needs six months before the contract expires in December, and then will enter either formal or informal negotiations with the media company.