New Responsibility for the Cable Television Committee?

By Joan Bowen

The February 10 meeting of the Selectmen opened with two hearings, continuations from the last Selectmen’s meeting, to ensure that anyone who wished to speak had the opportunity to be heard.  Both hearings focused on recommendations to amend the Town’s General Bylaws.  The second hearing on changes to the Volunteer Coordinating Committee description opened and closed without comments.

The first hearing was on the petitioner’s article to amend the Cable Television Committee (CTC) responsibilities to include “Monitor the Town’s cable television funds and advise the Selectmen and Town Manager on expenditures from these funds.”  Scott Counsell, a member of the CTC, who had been unable to attend the initial hearing, asked to be recognized.

Selectman Moonan asked him to focus on the intent of the amendment.  What does “monitoring” mean? This was a source of concern during the first hearing.   Counsell stated that the additional role would include the CTC in the consideration considering the allocation of available funds.  The expertise that exists within the CTC can provide valuable input to help ensure that the funds are used to greatest advantage, he said.  He acknowledged that there has been significant progress made in the management of the funds by the Town but feels that the long-range view of the CTC will be a valuable addition.

Julie Turner, speaking as the President of Bedford Cable Access Television (BCAT), stated that Bedford TV staff and its Board are concerned with the impact that additional monitoring would impose on the process of authorizing expenditures and paying bills, further complicating and delaying financial transactions.  BCAT operates Bedford TV under a contract issued by the Selectmen on behalf of the Town of Bedford.

The hearing was closed with no further comments.  Later in the meeting, the Selectmen postponed action on a recommendation to Town Meeting until Town Counsel provides some clarification on what the wording, particularly the word “monitoring” means.

Note:  The Town’s cable television funds are derived from surcharges Comcast and Verizon charge their subscribers in Bedford.  The funds support Bedford Community Access Television, also known as Bedford TV, and other Town cable-related needs.