Politics & Government
Sparta Sick of Static: Files Complaint on Service Electric
Township Council rebuffed again on call for a public meeting with utility.
After getting static from Service Electric Cable Television for months, the Sparta Township Council has directed the township attorney to file a complaint with the state utility regulators.
The council has been trying since last fall to get a representative of the cable company to discuss in a public meeting the its performance during Superstorm Sandy.
Township attorney Thomas Ryan told the council last week that, once again, the company’s attorney said a representative would be willing to meet with individual council members or a small group of council members in private, but would not agree to a public meeting.
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“What can we do?” asked Deputy Mayor Molly Whilesmith.
Ryan said the township could file a complaint with the state Board of Public Utilities, an action the frustrated council supported. Ryan said previously that a discussion with Service Electric about its performance would not be a topic eligible for an executive session.
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The township was without cable service for a week or more following Sandy and the council has been seeking a meeting to discuss how such situation could be avoided and a possible refund for Sparta residents.
Service Electric has a 10-year contract with Sparta.
Ryan said the contract calls for the company to meet with township officials twice a year to discuss performance issues, but does not specify whether that meeting could be with a single council member, the township manger or a committee of the council.
Whilesmith said it seemed to her that such a meeting would include the full council, and be held in a public meeting.
Ryan said that is the point of contention with the cable company. Their attorney insists that they can meet with one councilmember or a group in private and still meet the requirements of the contract.
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