Pepperell Board Approves Nonprofit Cable TV Corporation, Defers Bylaws to January

PEPPERELL — December 19, 2011 — Pepperell selectmen approve nonprofit cable TV corporation but hold bylaws for accountability revisions. The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously December 19 to approve the articles of organization for Pepperell Community Media Inc., the new nonprofit entity that will operate the town's local public access television channel under a renewed license with Charter Communications, directing roughly $100,000 per year — approximately $1 million over the license term — outside town treasury controls. After extended debate over financial oversight, incorporating director Richard Potts agreed to return January 9 with revised bylaws and a memorandum of understanding requiring audited financial statements, two-signature check controls, and no membership fees as a condition of equipment use. The board also voted to waive a hiring freeze to replace resigning Police Officer Haley Belwell, effective December 31, and unanimously renamed the Pepperell Skate Park as the Pepperell Skate Park in Memory of Sean Kinsman following a request from his family. A preliminary FY2013 budget forecast presented by Town Administrator John Moak projects a $240,000 structural deficit, with the largest single savings opportunity a projected $100,000 reduction in health insurance costs below forecast if ongoing negotiations with employee groups succeed.