Bernie Lynch and Marvin Gordon, President and Clerk respectively of MATV, provided the Selectmen with an update on the efforts of Milton Access including the progress of building out a studio that will be housed at the Pierce Middle School.

They explained that MATV had been working itself out of a bit of a hole due to Comcast failing to provide any fund for updated technology and equipment. MATV inherited a lot of obsolete equipment. The station has rectified that and now has updated cameras and broadcast infrastructure that have significantly improved the quality of the transmissions on local cable. This includes an Anycaster which essentially allows the station to tape programs anywhere.

The station, which is being designed by Architect Peter Scott who specializes in cable station design (he was the architect for the studio in Belmont among others), will be approximately 2000 square feet. The plans will be finalized in about 4 weeks and construction is estimated to take 14 – 16 weeks.

Currently the station only has one full-time staff member who has been “heroic” according to Mr. Gordon. They will be adding a business person in the future.

Bernie Lynch noted that according to a survey 80% of Milton Comcast’s 7,000 subscribers watch Channel 8 (MATV).

Other issues discussed included but were not limited to:

Joe Lynch, Director of the Public Works, came before the selectmen with his recommendation for an Assistant Director of the DPW, Brian Carlisle of Weymouth. Mr. Carlisle has 22 years of experience with the Quincy DPW where he rose up through the ranks to become the Superintendent of Sewer and Water.

Mr. Lynch noted that he chose Mr. Carlisle from a pool of 45 applicants that had been whittled down to 9. He favors Carlisle for his knowledge and expertise but also because he feels Carlisle has the skill to assist Lynch in his vision for where the department needs to go. Lynch acknowledged that there have been morale issues due to inconsistent organization and management and that often when an employee is experiencing a problem “it can reverberate through the staff.” Lynch believes Carlisle can help with that. “He will be a good fit.”

Town Administrator Mearn, when asked by Selectman Shields, agreed with Lynch’s assessment and recommendation. Selectman Sweeney did not. He made it clear that he was going to “step out of the box” and was “not in favor’ of candidate. ” Sweeney said his preference was for a local candidate who would be close by in the event of an emergency.

The selectmen voted to approve Lynch’s nomination of Carlisle by a vote of 2-1.

The selectmen did a page turn of the RFP for the East Milton Library revising as they went. Earlier during Citizen Speak they heard another proposal from a resident suggesting that the space be used as an “incubator.” The idea is to allow temporary desk space for independent business people who cannot afford or do not need a full office. The bottom floor of the library would be allocated to a community need or service.

The selectmen agreed to modify the language regarding the lease rate. A number of $6,000 had been floated as the amount required to break even on an annual basis; but the board agreed that the town’s interests are best served by getting the highest amount the market will bear given that the leasee comply with certain criteria (parking issues etc.) The building has about 3800 square feet of space, 2200 on the ground floor and 1600 on the basement level.

Whoever takes over the space will need t do interior renovations. Bathroom facilities need to be handicap accessible but the “architectural significance” of the building will need to be preserved.

The selectmen approved a $5,000 fund transfer to the Residence Fund to provide assistance to families in need in Milton. The assistance is generally for oil heat according to Diane Ferrari of the Milton Residence Fund. In her remarks she acknowledged the contributions of local residents especially the Friends of Town Farm who contributed approximately $15,000 to the fund this past year.