The meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM. Present were committee members Edee Edwards, Earl Holtz, Greg Marguet, Curtis Carroll and Gretchen Becker and members of the public Margo Avakian, Maggie Bartenhagan, Howard Smith

Carroll moved that the meeting minutes from July 14, August 11 and September

8 be accepted, Marguet seconded the motion and it was passed.

New Business:

Halifax is included in two grants: Sovernet/VTA to the middle mile and Vtel to the last mile. The Sovernet/VTA grant is for a fiber connection to Hospitals, Schools and possibly town buildings while the Vtel grant is for wireless to end users.

A general discussion on wireless 802.11 a, b and n ensued.

Fairpoint and indicated that the switch from Jacksonville is max’d out!

The grants deliverables are to be completed in the next 2 ½ to 3 years.

Great Auk has contacted Halifax with interest in supplying service to residence. They have indicated that they could start implementation in 2+ months… It was suggested that Vtel and Great Auk be invited to our meeting to give a presentation.

Wild Blue and Hughs satellite have both indicated that they are updating their services

Fairpoint has indicated that they are not coming any farther into Halifax with internet services…

A general discussion on towers and capacity indicated that the highest hills in town are: Jolly Hill, Blue, Thomas Hill, Stone Mountain. Possibly the chimney at Halifax Center or the town Garage could be sites also. Compensation for land use needs to be investigated (not assigned to anyone).

Holtz to review and if needed (re)write internet section(s) of the Halifax Town Plan. Edwards just happened to have a CD of said plan…

Old Business:

Should we call respondents to the Fairpoint survey taken this year to augment the data collected  at the Halifax Old Home Days. It was agreed to not do this.

Economics Funding models – moved to next meeting agenda

Next Meeting:

Invite guest speakers from Vtel, Sovernet and Auk

Collaborate with adjacent towns to participate in improving internet coverage

Develop a communications plan

Open floor discussion:

There was a heavy focus on cell phone service at the Brattleboro meeting in August. Could the towers discussed be used to improve cell phone service as well as internet service?

Important to be discussed with invited guess list above is what is the cost to the town of Halifax, the costs of service to end users and how long are those costs forecasted.

Any tower(s) built in the town should meet all restriction indicated in the town plan for esthetics.

Coordinate efforts so there are one or two solutions not many

Respectfully submitted

Earl B Holtz