Selectmen air complaints about local cable quality;

thank Wanda Yucatonis for 47 years of service

by Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - The liveliest part of the Board of Selectmen's Tuesday night meeting concerned a discussion about Oxford’s local access TV channels. In a routine part of the meeting agenda, Chairman John Saad recounted his recent informational visit with members of Access Oxford (the provider/controller of the TV access channels responsible for local content and broadcast), along with a media consultant hired by the Town and a media equipment sales representative.

During the meeting, Chairman Saad learned of local TV broadcast equipment costs, which he questioned. In answer, Town Manager Joseph Zeneski indicated that all local access TV equipment and other costs are paid by Charter Cable. However, Charter’s payments are actually funded by all Oxford Charter TV Cable customers, who pay the costs as part of their monthly cable TV bill.

The main concern of all the board members was that townspeople have been disappointed in the broadcasts as aired by Access  Oxford, citing poor sound and picture quality. Selecmen Saad, Dennis Lamarche, Michael Voas, and Jennie Caissie voiced their opinions that the inadequate quality of the TV broadcasts has been ongoing for years. Ms. Caissie stated that “this has been a 10-year problem” and it must be rectified as soon as possible or another broadcasting group will have to take over.

The board voted to have an itemized list of specific items that Access Oxford would be required to complete to the board’s satisfaction. The list would be presented to Access Oxford at the board’s December 18th meeting. Also at that meeting, the board will set a solid time-frame for completion of those requirements in order for Access Oxford to continue as the town’s local TV access provider.

In other business, the board read and commented on a signed citation honoring Ms. Wanda L. Yucatonis “for serving the Town of Oxford as an Election Worker for over 47 years.” As Chairman Saad recited the proclamation, he further noted that “Ms. Yucatonis’ service as an Election Worker has been invaluable to the Town of Oxford because it has helped to support one of the most important Constitutional rights we, as Americans, have—the freedom and the right to vote!” Each member of the Board then praised Wanda’s service and congratulated her on her service to the Town.

Selectmen also voted to send letters to Governor Deval Patrick and the town's state legislators expressing their disapproval of the governor's executive order to allow children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition rates.

A public hearing was held regarding the change of location for Hometown Wine & Liquors from 2 Fairlawn Avenue to 240 Main Street. Mr. Isufi, the partner-owner of Hometown, came before the Board to answer their questions regarding planning, zoning, and permit approvals. All questions posed by Board members appeared to be answered to their satisfaction and it was noted that Mr. Isufi’s new location would be ready for business by mid-summer 2013.

The Town Manager’s Report included approval of several business entertainment and automatic amusement licenses as well as Auto Dealer compliance checks, littering sign requests, and an authorization for Chairman Saad to sign an application form on the Town’s behalf for the second phase of a Community Challenge Grant to fund compliance with the EPA’s Storm Water Management requirements.

Public reminders were then specified concerning the Winter Parking Ban that takes effect Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 through April 1, 2013, wherein on-street parking is prohibited between the hours of 11 p.m.-6 a.m. The ban also takes effect if there are three or more inches of snow, day or night. Fifteen-minute parking is allowed for postal and package delivery.

The Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Bandstand on Sunday, December 2nd, at 6:30pm and will feature the OHS Madrigal Choir and Brass, a live pageant, and the arrival of Santa Claus and his Elf. Hay rides around the park will take place after Santa’s arrival. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the tent. The ceremony is funded through the Cecelia J. Smolenski/Millette Charitable Trust.