04_23_09 Meeting Minutes

St. Lawrence County Information Technology Advisory Committee
04/23/09 Meeting Minutes
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: 2nd Floor Conference Room, Human Services Center

Laura Perry called the meeting to order at 11:05 p.m.

1. Welcome New Committee Members & Meeting Attendees
Introductions – Present: Pat Turbett, Greg Stahl, Laura Perry, Cheryl Pray, Rick Johnson, Rob Hack, Debbie White, Carman Branca, Helene Mellon, Dan Churchill, Marc Rusch, Jon Montan, Bill Hunter, Dave Wolfe, Carrie Tuttle, Leigh Rodriguez, Francine Peretta.

2. Review/accept minutes from 03/26/09 meeting
The committee made no changes to the 03/26/09 minutes.

3. Presentation: Carmen Branca, New Visions Power Company -
Carmen Branca and Deb White of New Visions Power made a presentation to the committee regarding their current plans for service deployments in New York State. Mr. Branca explained that there is a frustration for lack of availability of broadband in the area. New Visions would be able to deliver broadband with the existing companies that already have it available. New Visions interest in broadband besides internet is dial tone and cable tv and look to deploy this accessibility. They allow to offer throughout the county and can assist with some of the county weaknesses with availability. New Visions is able to turn out a 10 mb connection looking to increase to 20 mb connection but also making it affordable with a range from $25 - $30 per month. They do have an agreement with the utilities to use and eject high speed signals into their grids. Also, to provide a competitive service to areas that already has broadband service. The committee inquired about to Mr. Branca the timeframe to initialize and implement their services. Mr. Branca indicated that the estimated timeframe would be 6 months to initialize and one year to implement.

Following the presentation the committee shared their thoughts and concerns on the presentation and the committee next steps. After further discussion, the committee members present agreed that the company should be further investigated before the committee recommends any form of deployment for St. Lawrence County. Also, to post committee members’ questions or concerns back to Carmen and to see what New Visions is looking for from the county.

4. Presentation of IT Committee’s Final Strategic Plan—Laura inquired to the committee members anyone willing to speak to the Board of Legislators on behalf of the committee in regards to the plan. The plan has to go through the operations committee to be reviewed and agreed upon to be handed out to the next scheduled board meeting for review. The next meeting for the operations committee is scheduled for May 11th at 5:00 p.m. Laura would like to spend time on the presentation prior to the board meeting.

5. Response to Committee’s letter from Service Provider—Laura noted she had discussion with three providers and received only a follow-up email from Paul Barton. Had discussion with Mr. McCoy regarding the recovery act and would relate his comments to the committee. Would the committee like for him to come in to talk to the committee? Laura will contact Mr. McCoy regarding his availability to attend the committee meeting scheduled for May.

Recap of discussions with Four-Lane Highway Working Group—Laura indicated that she did meet with Jason Clark to inform him that the committee was here and willing to assist. He is in the process of formulating his group.

Recap of discussions with Sheriff—Sheriff Wells has expressed concern in regards to the impact of his operation from the noise that they are receiving over their radios. He feels that the redundant noise that is transmitted over the radios could be affecting his radio availability. The committee briefly discussed the Sheriff’s concerns.



Next Meeting: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.