Public Access: October 2008 Archives

MCA

These are "draft" minutes and not verbatim as provided by the Selectmen's Officc. We encourage attendees to comment on any errors or inconsitencies so we can provide the public with correct and complete minutes

• While not seen anywhere in the "draft" minutes, it was clearly mentioned a number of times during the agenda item: Authorize Letter of Intent for LWC Grant & Expenditure for C/SC Reserves  that there were no plans for any new recreation building and that site planing is soley based upon the exisitng Lions Club building footprint. Unless you were there ( or watch the video on this website) you would never know this important fact.  

Present: Selectmen:  Karel A. Crawford, Edward J. Charest; Joel R. Mudgett; Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator; Hope K. Kokas, Secretary.
 
I. CALL TO ORDER:  Karel called the meeting to Order at 7:00 P.M.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. REVIEW/APPROVE MINUTES:  Joel Made the Motion to approve the Minutes of September 18, 2008 as written.  Betsey Seconded.  The Motion carried unanimously.
 
IV. NEW RESIDENTS:  Peter J. & Julia E. Velie, David E. Shapiro-Barnard, Linda R. & John H. Allen, Robert J. Ladd, Corey A. Voivin, Mark E. Hagopian, Leo J. & Linda B. Ward, Peter C. & Eileen M. May, Brenda E. & Daniel W. Dimeo, Peter G. Smith, Heather Dean, Daniel O. Hogan, Richard P. & Nancy L. Zeloski, Anne Marie E. Maroun, Norris Viviors, Freyer Sverrisson, Janet L. Sawin, Marie A. Costanza, Bruce W. & Charity E. Parker, Gary G. Wallace.
 
V. PUBLIC MEETING:

1. Susette Remson, Tax Collector, Tax Deeding:  Susette reminded the Selectmen that the tax deeding was to occur on September 24, 2008, but on that day their office received a telephone call from one tax payer requesting an extension.  Susette explained that only the Selectmen can grant an extension and they would vote on it at their next meeting.  She added that since September 24th, this resident has paid the 2005 taxes due.  This leaves one delinquent property tax payer and they are now requesting an extension to October 15, 2008.  Susette explained that previously her office wasn’t able to talk to this property owner, but communicated with their real estate agent who forwarded the message.  The property owner has just recently called and asked for the extension.  Susette added that they have made a partial payment toward the 2005 taxes and if the property was tax deeded this amount would need to be refunded to the property owner.  Betsey Made the Motion to grant an extension to Glen F. and Wendy Crosby, 175 Long Island Road, Map 271 Lot 004 until the close of the business day, 4:00 p.m. on October 15, 2008.  Betsey added that she wanted the Crosbys to know that this is the “drop dead” date.  Ed Seconded the Motion.   The Motion carried Unanimously.
2. Public Hearing:  Proposed Policy Adoption PEG Channel Access:  Karel opened the meeting for the public to comment.  Al Hume asked if the Selectmen had received any communication regarding the proposed policy....

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To MCA Supporters

Email Comments to Carter Terenzini

Your comments are needed by 4 PM tomorrow (Thursday), about

Moultonborough’s Public Access TV  ( Click here for proposed policy)

Just a reminder, this may be your only opportunity to speak out about the proposed cable TV public access policy.  The town administrator expected the Selectmen to adopt it at their last meeting on September 18^th and they appeared ready to oblige.  We convinced them to delay their vote and instead make their final draft available for review by the public.  It seems that everyone except the public at large has had a chance to comment.  They seemed unenthusiastic about delaying their vote, but did agree.  We suggest you view the September 18^th video, on our website, and judge for yourself. 

A notice in the Meredith News announced that you can submit comments, in writing to Mr. Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator, by mail PO Box 139 , Moultonborough , NH 03254 , by fax to 603-476-5835, or by email to mborota@worldpath.net, by 4pm on (Thursday) October 2^nd.    

If you want your email read, at the Selectmen's Meeting on October 2nd, please attend the meeting at 7 PM in the Town Hall.  If you can not attend and want your it read, email a copy to MCA and if appropriate one of our members will read it.  

Here ere are a few questions you may find helpful while considering your own comments.

Why do you think there was a rush to vote to accept the town administrators proposed policy without a period of public review and comment?

Does it really fulfill the needs of our townspeople or does it instead discourage or limit public access?  What do you believe the intention of those behind it is?

Why was the final draft document only posted at the town office, library and school? 

Less important information is posted on the town website, why not this?

Why does Mr. Terenzini refer to “the so-called Public Education and Government Channel(s)”, when that is exactly what it is meant to be?  Do you feel he believe in true Public Access when he says “the so-called”?

How do you feel about a non-elected town employee administrating scheduling and access on the public access channel?  Do you feel it would be too much consolidation of power in the hands of a hired employee who is not accountable to the people and who works largely out of public view?  For example, many communities have a public access committee composed of citizen volunteers and town officials.

How do you feel about a hired town employee being in control of administering the PEG (Public Education and Government) channel and providing only one (annual) report to the Selectmen covering just the numbers and types of programs authorized and aired?   It could be as bad as the incomplete and misleading minutes that the Selectmen currently accept for their own meetings.

How do you feel about the low priority placed on Public Access to the cable channel, with programs by the municipal government airing first, then the school and last of all the public?  Consider that the municipal government and the school already have their own websites, news letters and regular public meetings..

We hope you will take a few minutes to consider the importance of public comment on such an important policy and choose to make your suggestions and concerns know to the Selectmen and the Town Administrator.

 

Moultonboro Citizens Alliance (MCA)
PO Box 678
Moultonboro, NH 03254