The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Margaret Case at 10:30 a.m.  In attendance were Margaret Case, Leo Hart, Christopher Doyle, Mary Griffin, J. Gross, David Unger, and Alan Shoemaker.  Steve Dirksen
was excused.  Robert Coole attended as a town resident.

First on the agenda was a meeting with Adelphia’s Bob Nelson and Butch Donahue, who had been invited in to discuss the technical aspects of the Windham cable rebuild.

Chris Doyle noted that Channel 4 (CBS) had been coming in poorly. Butch Donahue explained that as of March 27, this would be rectified, as on that date the studio feed would be in place, to include channels 2, 4,
5, 25, 38 and 56.  Also, that from midnight until 5 a.m. on March 25, the digital tier will be temporarily shut down.

J. Gross inquired about the graininess and lack of audio on Channel 56. Butch Donahue explained this was equipment-related, and had been repaired.

On the cable rebuild and installation, Butch Donahue reported that new fiber cable and electronics are now on hand. On March 15, their White Mountain crew will start replacing cable.  Underground work would commence on April 19, with 21 miles to upgrade and 32.8 miles to replace.  The installation portion will take place between May 20 and July 19.  Channel 18 will be set up to inform viewers of the rebuild progress, including dates for specific street work. This channel will be running by the end of February.  Bravo was moved to the digital tier. Once the rebuild is complete, it will be moved back to the "plus" tier.

Bob Coole inquired about the possibility of adding a French speaking channel. Bob Nelson replied that there might be legal challenges in carrying Canadian channels, but would look into it, and also do a survey.  He added that after the rebuild, there would be an international package among the more than 300 channels that will be
available.

J. Gross asked about improving the CATV feed by bringing fiber near or into the studio. Butch Donahue responded that Adelphia would bring fiber into the studio building, but that both end components would cost $5K.

J. Gross asked if the analog music currently running behind our bulletin board could be provided via a digital channel, which would be commercial-free.  Butch Donahue said it would be possible at a cost of
$6/month.  J. Gross moved and Chris Doyle seconded a motion to acquire the digital music at that price.  Motion passed.

The power link was discussed, and Adelphia reported that after the rebuild they will be offering a data rate of 128K up and 300K down, with a one-gigabyte router, and a local telephone service.

J. Gross asked about the possibility of adding alarm-monitoring features.  Adelphia said they would look into it, but offered no date for availability.

Robert Coole inquired about credits to subscribers when Bravo is moved to the digital tier. Adelphia replied that there would be no credit, as the same number of channels would still be available.

The board discussed the lack of quality reception on Channel 21. Margaret Case replied that it was something internal in the WCTV Studio, and that Tom Case is looking into it.

Leo Hart brought up the subject of the annual state-of-the-art review, and it was agreed to schedule it in the fall after the upgrade is completed.

Regarding the Salem channel, Adelphia reported no headway in improving the link.  Margaret Case reported a general unhappiness with AT&T over the quality of the connection they are providing Adelphia, and will look
into arranging a meeting with Adelphia and ATT  on this issue.

Bob Nelson and Butch Donahue were excused, and the regular meeting resumed.

J. Gross moved and Alan Shoemaker seconded that the Minutes of the January 5 and January 14 meetings be approved.   The WCAB Board is happy to announce that the Town of Windham has hired Jim Daddona as Cable Coordinator.  He officially started work on February 4.

The cable coordinator's current schedule was announced as follows: Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Noon- 9:00 p.m., Wednesdays, Noon-8 p.m. Chris Doyle moved and Leo Hart seconded to accept those hours as a temporary schedule, and to review the issue at the next meeting.  Motion passed.

Margaret Case explained the new rules for filing minutes on the Town web site.

Adelphia reports for the months of December and January were read.

Margaret Case read a letter from a town resident who would like to utilize the cable system to enhance academic achievement in Windham schools.   The board agreed it would be happy to consider such
public-spirited service on a voluntary basis, and that Margaret would be in contact with the resident.

There being no further business, David Unger moved and Leo Hart seconded  the motion for adjournment.  Motion passed; meeting adjourned at 11:59 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alan Shoemaker
Corresponding Secretary

(These minutes are in draft form and have not been accepted by the WCAB.)