Saugus selectmen OK SCTV changes

SAUGUS – The Saugus Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to adopt a new policy for Saugus Community Television, which eliminates the channel as a non-profit and brings it under more control of the town.The vote also changes its name to Saugus Community Television Station and reduces the Board of Directors from nine to five with appointments made by the selectmen. Other changes include: the selectmen will provide money annually to the Board of Directors and approve its yearly budget; the selectmen will approve any additional money needed; and a rules and procedures handbook approved by the Board of Directors will also need to be approved by the selectmen.Former SCTV Executive Director Rich Garabedian, who?s title is now Operations Manager, objected to the change and said the channel has had “some growing pains” since forming in 2007, but noted the station has “matured.”?We?ve made some errors in judgment along the way,” said Garabedian. “For that, I apologize. It was never our intent to hurt anyone ? We?re a unique group who love what we do in the community.”Garabedian said there have been “no issues with noncompliance,” noting SCTV?s audits have been “clean” and filings “on time.”?Allegations have been made,” said Garabedian. “Missing checks, fueling, talk like, ?We don?t want another library situation?? These falsehoods empowered this nonexistent issue to exist. We were never notified of alleged impropriety about missing checks. This is an unfounded allegation. We have always have had control systems in place. I?ve never been a signatory nor have any staff been a signatory.”Garabedian then asked, “Why go from self-management with no issues to town-management?”?We want what is best for Saugus,” said Garabedian. “Is this change necessary? Is it because of money or because of control? I don?t know.”The board also appointed Janice Jarosz, Chris Peatridge, David Cottam, Jim Ravagno and Gini Pariseau to the Board of Directors.The board rejected appointments to high school teacher Richard Lavoie and Chet Stentinford, who has a gardening show on the channel.In other business, Town Manager Scott Crabtree read a letter to the board from the Department of Revenue that said the town now has a balanced budget for 2013.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].