IT Committee Meeting Minutes
07/30/09
2:00 p.m.
Board of Legislators Meeting Chambers
48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617
1. Review/Accept minutes from 06/25/09 meeting-
The committee made no changes to the 6/25/09 minutes
2. Encourage DANC to create new (lower) rate structure for hard to serve communities (Discussion)—Laura gave the background of the DANC configuration and indicated that Bill suggested at the last time they met the idea of encouraging DANC to take look at rates charges for the network service. Laura made the committee aware that DANC did take a look equally for the whole county. Bill mentioned that where he was coming from ex. Clifton-Fine; they don’t have enough customer base and it’s not a paying proposition. The committee further discussed the fees of the broadband providers and being able to afford the fees with the population density in St. Lawrence County. Ontario County has does have adjustable fees for the networks. Laura received an email from Tom; he would be willing to talk about this. Pat indicated that this is a priority for us and to see if they are willing to come in and discuss aggregation points and variable rates—under public disclosure law. Laura will contact Tom to see when he can come in and talk to the whole group and to see how they can make it work.
3. Stimulus Opps
a. Stimulus Funding/RFP Status
BTOP—Kevin Lynch reviewed to the committee that last Friday he attended a conference in LA put on by USDA. They are looking at broadband infrastructure program; requirements for underserved areas.
There are two grants for Broadband technology computer program one directed to public computing center to serve broadband to elderly and veteran—Clarkson launched for program
Also they are applying for another grant to sustain Broadband adoption and education awareness of broadband. Would like to seek funding to create awareness and educate on broadband—trying to generate the demand of broadband for business and the home. Clarkson is looking for 20% of matching funds to receive 80% of funding. The commitment is that you have to be fully funded.
Due August 14. November 7th is the award date.
b. Project Status
Regional—Pat indicated that his understanding over in Plattsburg they run down the other side of the state. Ask Howard if he interested funning fiber northeast across to Malone and be able to connect with CBN. Another group engaged is Akwesasne. Pat plans on setting up a meeting with Howard and DANC.
SLC—
Individual Providers—
Ridgeview Tel sent letter and chair signed it. Cranberry Lake is not in the plan. Dan indicated that they are looking to take over the Premier Wireless customers. They will be able to manage the customers and they do have techs in the area. Although, DANC will not be able to save all the customers if the area has limited customers.
WavHost—Laura received plans on proposal for second round from Joe McCoy—they are asking for help from committee to orchestrate discussion with the local community. They need to understand in the application which census blocks are unserved and underserved. Could committee help with discussion with the community? One of the key parts of the story is much of the funding has been generated locally. Joe wanted to know if there was opportunity there. Laura inquired to Joe what communities you are looking to target. McCoy did send requirements of the program—underserved had to have 90% or more and unserved has 50% with no high speed access. The percentage needs to be proven.
