Broadband Committee

Halifax, Vermont

November 13, 2013 Minutes

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The Halifax Broadband Committee meeting was called to order at 6:30pm Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at the Halifax Town Office. Present were committee members Earl Holtz, Curtis Carroll, Gretchen Becker, and Jessica Bruno. Member of the public present was Emily Poulin.

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Holtz made a motion to accept the minutes of the October 9, 2013 Regular Meeting as written. Becker seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-1 (Bruno abstained).

Bruno made a motion to accept the minutes of the October 15, 2013 Emergency Meeting as written. Becker seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-1 (Carroll abstained).

New Business

VTel Meeting

Becker reported that she attended a VTel information meeting. VTel indicated that they will not start building the tower in Marlboro (behind Hogback) until next May (If all goes well). They are projecting service for next fall. Halifax will receive service from Marlboro, Whitingham, and Guilford. There is a possibility of having a tower in Halifax. There is a VT statute (248a) that allows for fast track permitting of the towers. VTel indicated that the Marlboro tower will provide service of up to 5mb download and up to 25mb if you live close to the tower. After phase one, cell phone service is scheduled to be put up on those towers.

Fairpoint Update

Holtz reported that he has new contact information for two Fairpoint representatives. He reported that Fairpoint upgraded the Gates Pond switch and is working on a Hubbard Hill switch. People should start to see service by the end of the year. He also reported that residents started a petition in Halifax to provide access to town owned land if Fairpoint would like to put another switch in the center of Halifax.

SEVEDS

Bruno reported that there will be a SEVEDS meeting on Thursday 12/5/13 from 4:30pm-6:00pm at Marlboro College Ragle Hall. She also indicated the SEVEDS is looking to set up a meeting with the Selectboard, Broadband Committee and Planning Commission (tentatively 12/11/13). SEVEDS is looking for a letter of support from the towns for the CEDS.

Other Business

Holtz received a request for more information about business districts and a request to pare them down. He will forward a revised Halifax Center district.

The group discussed a town logo contest. The Broadband Committee will post an announcement looking for individuals to submit their designs for a town logo to be used on the town website, letterhead etc. The logo should be submitted electronically in color and black & white. The Broadband Committee will pick approx 3 logos from the ones submitted and present them at town meeting for a non-binding vote.

Hearing of Visitors

Poulin discussed the idea of a farmers market in Halifax. She has experience organizing farmers markets in CA and believes it would be great to have one  for the townspeople.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:04pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jessica Bruno