MPUC: MSLN: 4/3/96 Minutes

     
MINUTES
April 3, 1996
School and Library Network Advisory Board

Members Present:  Joanne Steneck, Phil Lindley, Bill Black, Barry McCrum,
Gary Nichols, Raymond Poulin, James McCarthy, Stephen Gilbert,
Reginald Palmer.

1.   Approval of minutes of March 17, 1996 meeting.  No changes. 
     No old business.

2.   Summary of Commission Decision 4/1/96

     On April 1, the Commission approved the Advisory Board's
     proposal for moving forward with the project.  The
     Commission did ask that the Board give final approval of
     trainers selected through the RFP process.  The training RFP
     is expected to be issued on 4/3/96.  The grant package of
     $2,000/$600 was also approved.

     The Commission gave its congratulations to the Board on the 
     amount of work accomplished in a short time frame.

3.   Help Desk Discussion

     Gary Nichols passed out a proposal for a limited help desk
     for public libraries.

     Ray Poulin believes some schools may need similar
     assistance.

     It was agreed that a subcommittee made up of a CAPS rep,
     Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Poulin, Mr. McCarthy and a representative
     from the OPA will discuss further and report back at next
     meeting.  

     Trial site people will be invited to give presentation to
     the Board at next meeting to discuss their views on training
     needs. 

4.   Break

5.   Name Selection for Project

     After longer debate than was expected, the name of "Maine
     School and Library Network (PUC\NYNEX Project)" was agreed
     upon.  It is expected that the parenthetical will be dropped
     eventually.

6.   Finalize Forms and Letter for Mailing
     
     The packet is to go out with Ms. Steneck's signature as
     representing the Board.

     Minor changes made to wording of application forms.

     Suggested to wait until after April 11th to mail in order to
     avoid confusion on questions about the forms during the
     workshops planned for April 4, 9 and 11.

     The readiness for receipt of service is more important than
     "first come, first served" as eventually everyone eligible
     will have the opportunity for new equipment or upgrade.  The
     packet will not describe first come first served to avoid
     institutions filing before they are ready in order to "get
     in line."

     It was decided that applicants would send the Access Tier
     Selection and Connection Requirement form directly to NYNEX. 
     NYNEX will periodically send a list to DOE and State Library
     informing them of the institutions that have applied for
     service.

7.   Computer Requirements

     386 processor or a 486 processor with less than 50 megahertz
     will be eligible for upgrade financing.  Software needs at
     present require increased megahertz; graphics are also speed
     dependent.

     A discussion about ISPs and cable companies setting up a
     data base for applicants interested in receiving information
     and/or proposals from alternative service providers other
     than NYNEX.  Mr. Poulin's concern was schools addresses and
     phone numbers being available on the internet.  It was
     agreed the institution's name and contact person will be
     made available to alternative service providers through a
     posting on the PUC's web site.  It was decided a brief offer
     of this service and a box to check if interested in
     receiving information will be added to the application
     packet.  

8.   Value of Alternative Value Services

     Mr. Larsen, from NYNEX, briefly explained the method he used
     to cost out the monthly alternative value.  His example
     showed a range of $66 per month to $98 per month.  The cost
     includes:

             Local Channel
             Interoffice transport to FRS system
             Frame relay/access device
             Frame relay port

     Further work on estimations to be done with Commission
     Staff.  Bruce will report back at the next meeting.  The
     methodology used will have to be approved by the Commission.

9.   Project Manager

     Mr. McCarthy stated they have someone in mind but a final
     offer has not been made.

10.  Evaluation

     The recently enacted legislation requires the Commission to
     report biennially beginning in February 1997 on the status
     of the project.  Specifically, the Commission must report
     the number of schools and libraries participating,
     geographic distribution of the schools and libraries and
     "the number of hours each school and library is being
     advanced telecommunication technologies."  It was agreed to
     further discuss evaluation needs at the next meeting.

11.  Next meeting will be April 17th, 1:00 P.M. in the Public
     Utilities Commission Hearing Room.  It was agreed to
     continue scheduling meetings for every other Wednesday
     through June.  Meetings will be cancelled if they appear to
     be unnecessary.


MEETING ADJOURNED AT 4:00 P.M.