Broadband Committee

Town of Halifax, Vermont

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

May 14, 2014

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm at the town office.  Board members in attendance were Edee Edwards, Jessica Bruno, Gretchen Becker, and Curtis Carroll.

Approval of Minutes

Edwards made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 9, 2014 Regular Meeting as corrected. Becker seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0 (Carroll was not present yet).

New Business

Wi-Fi Hotspot

Edwards reported that a Wi-Fi hotspot is being installed at the town garage site through the VT Connect grant. We will test signal reach and how people can use it. Ideally, people may be able to get a signal at the bottom of the town garage driveway but we may need a repeater. Other options would be the top of the driveway on the right. We will want to avoid people being too close to the town garage if possible. Edwards may set up a time on site to offer an introduction to the Wi-Fi hotspot for interested persons.

Wilmington Farmers Market

Bruno and Becker attended an informational meeting on the Wilmington Farmers Market. It will be held in the municipal parking lot in Jacksonville on Fridays from 4-7 pm mid-June to mid-October 2014. See the Whitingham Farmers Market Packet for more information on becoming a vendor. Vendors must fill out an application including a $39 fee and liability release form.

Clean Energy Development Funds

Edwards reported that there is a meeting tonight in Brattleboro concerning how to distribute clean energy development funds. Businesses interested in applying for funding for clean energy development project should contact WRC for more information.

Survey

The group brainstormed ideas surrounding a potential economic development survey including ways to get people to return the completed survey ($1 bill, seed packet). Ideas for potential projects include training (continuing education, finance, resume writing, interview skills) and broadband. The group will review the CEDS again for more project ideas. The group will also discuss additional ways to raise funding for projects at future meetings.

Other Business

Committee Organization and Membership

The group brainstormed potential new members who might be interested in joining the committee.

Becker nominated Edwards as chairman of the broadband committee. Carroll seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-1 (Edwards abstained).

Evaluation of town broadband access

The group discussed last mile service. The VTel tower is the most likely service for last mile people. A consultant has been asking questions regarding historic site issues for section 108 permitting.

The town received a new quote from Sovernet for fiber service at the town office of $218/mo for 20 mbps. Edwards mentioned that she has seen articles about other towns connecting to the fiber lines- we should inquire what they are paying. Edwards will also request a rate sheet from Sovernet.

Hearing of Visitors

N/A

Adjournment

Meeting was closed at 7:57 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jessica Bruno