A significant portion of the meeting focused on strategies for distributing routers to subscribers. The committee debated various logistical options, including mailing routers directly to subscribers, in-person pickups at the town hall, and potential deliveries using a town vehicle. The practicality of combining router distribution with other town events was considered, though timing challenges due to grant funding deadlines were a concern. There was a humorous suggestion to pair router distribution with trash bag pickups to streamline errands, which was met with laughter but acknowledged as a practical idea.

The cost implications of shipping routers individually were a concern, with suggestions to negotiate bulk order discounts to reduce expenses. The committee recognized the necessity of finalizing the distribution method promptly to comply with grant accountability requirements for new technology deployment addresses. Members were tasked with researching potential router models, focusing on those that support Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, and providing retail prices to assist with budgeting. A timeline was established for submitting router suggestions, emphasizing the urgency to order by January to meet grant deadlines.

In parallel, the committee engaged in a discussion about enhancing Wi-Fi security at the new library building. The intention is to establish the library as a public gateway for residents and visitors needing internet access. The setup includes a generator to enhance the library’s functionality as an emergency management hub. The committee plans for a partitioned router configuration, providing a private connection for staff and a public one for patrons. Users will need to agree to terms before accessing the network, a measure taken in response to expert advice on the risks of open networks. The committee is partnering with Ubiquiti, the router provider, to implement a managed service for setup and maintenance.

The meeting also highlighted challenges in achieving broadband coverage across Massachusetts. A recent minor achievement award celebrated the state’s potential status as the first to achieve 100% broadband coverage, but skepticism was expressed regarding the definition of “100%.” Members debated whether this figure represented total household coverage or simply the number of towns. Examples were cited, such as Pelham, where not all households are covered despite the town being labeled as fully covered. The Massachusetts Broadband Initiative (MBI) is now focusing on last-mile projects and digital equity initiatives, with plans to launch a significant device lending program to enhance access.

Additionally, the committee discussed software updates for the Online Utility Lookup Tool and the Customer Management Service, completed by October 23rd, paving the way for the deployment of new devices. Approval from MBI was obtained for a new in-home help service, set at a flat rate of $250 per call, funded until June or until the $8,000 grant runs out. This service aims to assess demand and effectiveness, with a commitment to tracking detailed statistics for future reporting.

The committee also addressed the need for new members on the Municipal Light Plant board, particularly with the upcoming conclusion of a current member’s term in 2026. Suggestions for potential candidates were made, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness in the election process. The committee acknowledged the challenge of recruiting new members due to the busy lives of community members but encouraged reaching out to those suggested to gauge interest and availability.

The financial report was another topic of discussion, with the state certifying the Municipal Light Plant’s fiscal year 2025 earnings at $117,463, including grant money. The committee aims to maintain retained earnings around $100,000. In preparation for the annual report due on January 1st, there are plans to use ChatGPT to assist in drafting the document, with the recent investment in the paid version of the AI tool noted to enhance productivity.