Mid-Coast Broadband Task Force
January 27, 2021
5:00 p.m.
Zoom (during COVID-19 Pandemic)

AGENDA

Call to Order
Task Force Participants: Camden - Matt Siegel, Marc Ratner, Jeremy Martin; Rockport -Joe Sternowski, John Viehman, Debra Hall; Hope – Duane Wright, Amy Gertner, Melissa Foster Hall, Allie Fenner; Lincolnville – Josh Gerritsen and David Kinney; Chris Stump – Tech Advisor

Introduction by Debra Hall

Elect Chair and Vice Chair
Debra Hall has been coordinating efforts of the prior Camden Rockport Task Force to date but there is officially no Chair or Vice Chair, for which there should be an annual election.

Discuss Mission and Organization of Task Force
The Camden Rockport Task Force has acted in a consensus manner to date. The meetings have consisted of discussions about: our goals, potential structures, surveys, drafting several articles for publication, agreement to rename task force to current name, agreement to contract with a consultant and later decision to expand task force membership and consider consultants in a broader context; agreement to reach out to Hope, Lincolnville, Rockland, Union, Belfast and potentially others.

Discuss Current Efforts re Broadband in State of Maine and Mid-Coast Region
The participants are invited to share information about the status of broadband efforts in their individual towns (Hope and Lincolnville) and other municipal efforts of which we are aware.

Discuss Current Budget Efforts and Grant Status
Given that the Task Force will have to retain a consultant, we should discuss our efforts to budget for broadband in the upcoming budget cycle and knowledge of grants that might exist. Debra Hall and Matt Siegel will report on their latest discussions with one potential consultant, Finley Engineering. A copy of a sample work product for Finley Engineering, a consultant under consideration, is attached for the Task Force’s review.

Report on Task Force Website and Outreach
Chris Stump has kindly volunteered to assist the Task Force in their efforts to create a website. Chris is a resident in St. George and experienced in website creation.

Future / Regular Meetings
The Task Force is asked to discuss future and regular meetings. It would be helpful to choose a regular date and time.

Other Matters & Adjournment
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Mid-Coast Broadband Coalition (MCBC) Meeting
January 27, 2021
5:00 p.m.
Zoom (during COVID-19 Pandemic)

Minutes

Call to Order (5:05 pm)
Participants: Camden - Matt Siegel, Marc Ratner, Jeremy Martin; Rockport - John Viehman, Debra Hall; Hope – Duane Wright, Melissa Foster Hall, Allie Fenner; Lincolnville – Josh Gerritsen and David Kinney; Knox County - Leticia vanVuuren

Introduction by Debra Hall
Introduced new members from Hope and Lincolnville, and existing members.
Discussed Broadband implementation as a regional priority.
Introduced Leticia vanVuuren, with County GIS, who works on mapping and general regional planning.
Action item: Jeremy Martin to follow-up with city officials from Rockland and Union regarding joining the MCBC.

Elect Chair and Vice Chair
Action item: Elected Chair Deb Hall and Vice Chair Matt Siegel. One year term.

Organization
To date, the Camden Rockport Task Force acted in a consensus manner.
Action item(s):
Rename “task force” as Mid-Coast Broadband Coalition. Passed.
Develop Mission statement / goals.
Need Memo of Understanding to guide Coalition work.

4a. Discussion of Coalition Mission and Mission Statement
Discussed and broadly defined coalition goals, potential structures, surveys, and next steps.

Throughout the region, to provide high speed broadband.
FCC definition (2014-17) 25/3 high speed, to make available
Service dense populations and rural areas
Fiber to the home (FTTH), equitable
Be unified
Connect to the communities
“Shoot big and high”
POI: ConnectMaine, Peggy Scheaffer-Mapping not accurate

To provide:
Value for customer/residents: Cheaper, faster, better

To do:
How (the realities) vs. Vision (the dreams)
Feasibility studies

To consider:
Economies of scale
The number of takers, critical mass
Underserved areas may help with Fed and State grants
Finding a balance, averaging out density and rural
Equity in access
Similar to other utilities ~ CMP
Private vs open access networks

Regional utility
Low margin
Starting/implementation in dense areas, phase in rural
80% of cost = pathway construction, remaining 20% is fiber and associated equipment

Related article on CARES Federal and State Funding
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/money/mills-announces-nearly-6m-to-build-internet-infrastructure-in-rural-maine-communities/97-cda32e5d-3dea-41b3-8556-fb1b3336d06e

Vetro mapping software for planning, network design, demand assessment, and fiber system management.
https://www.vetrofibermap.com/
Action item:         
Obtain no cost license for Coalition use. Debra has had contact with Vetro to place the Coalition on the list for no cost license rolling out in February/March

Action items:
Contact Finley for Feb 10th present, incl. community homework assignment (Debra)
Draft memo of understanding  (TBD)
Draft mission statement (John, Matt and Josh)

Discuss Current Efforts re Broadband in State of Maine and Mid-Coast Region
Hope will be happing a meeting regarding percentage of installation completed by LCI. Will obtain copy of grant and confirm that LCI owns the fiber installed pursuant to CARES grant.

Discuss Current Budget Efforts and Grant Status
Camden 15K
Rockport 15K
Can we get Rockland onboard?

Funds approved to retain a consultant
Participating towns need to budget for broadband in the upcoming budget cycle, in amounts they believe they can contribute
Research and explore grants

Debra Hall and Matt Siegel reported on their discussions with one potential consultant, Finley Engineering. A copy of a sample work product for Finley Engineering, a consultant under consideration, was provided to members of the Coalition and is available for review.

Report on Website, Marketing, Communications and Outreach
Action item(s):
Confirm transfer of URL from Doug Chamberlin in Belfast
Chris Stump to create a website.
(Chris is a resident in St. George and experienced in website creation.)
The Coalition’s draft articles for publication have been provided to Chris and he will include in a blog along with updates on MCBC’s work.

Future / Regular Meetings
The group set future and regular meetings.
Second Wednesday of each month at 5pm, regular meetings
Feb 10th
Mar 10th
May 12th
Jun 2nd Note this is first Wednesday of June to avoid town elections/annual meetings
Jul 14th
Aug 11th
Sept 8th
Oct 13th
Nov 10th
Dec 8th

Agenda items for Feb 10 meeting:
Finley Presentation on “Next/First Steps” in preparation for Finley estimated bid
Jeremy Martin: Update on Rockland and Union
John, Josh and Matt: Update on Mission Statement draft
Chris:  Website update
Melissa: Grant info update

Other Matters & Adjournment
Meeting adjourned (6:18 p.m.)