TOPSHAM

Selectmen approved a cable television franchise agreement Thursday and took steps toward increasing the level of assistance for the town’s heating fund.

Selectmen unanimously agreed to sign a 10-year agreement with Comcast. The town had been without such an agreement for many years.

Under the agreement approved Thursday, Comcast paysa5percentfranchisefee paid to the town in two installments, which is estimated at $100,000 in the current budget. Comcast will also pay the town $20,000 to purchase equipment for the town’s public access channel.

Jay Somers, senior manager of government relations for Comcast, said the franchise fee provides the town 5 percent of Comcast’s gross revenue every two years. He said the town is able to reduce the franchise fee, which Combast passes on to customers in their monthly bills. In that case, the licenses signed by the board and Comcast would have to be amended.

In response to questions from Selectmen Andrew Mason, Somers said FCC regulations allow the company to pass the 5 percent franchise fee to subscribers if the town elects to collect it.

“Being aware that this is simply a revenue generation mechanism through taxation on cable fees” rather than from Comcast, Mason said the board may want to discuss an amendment during a budget process in the future.

In other business, the board unanimously supported placing a link on the town’s website allowing people to make donations to the Topsham Heating Assistance Program or to a General Assistance fund.

The option will make it easier for people who want to make donations by credit card, Town Manager Cornell Knight said. There is a small fee assessed on the person making the donation.

Selectmen also unanimously voted in favor of sponsoring a bean supper to support the Topsham Heating Assistance Program, which was established in 2008. The bean supper is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Topsham Grange.

Linda Dumont, General Assistance director, organized the event, and town employees have volunteered to help with the effort.

Selectmen also approved awarding a contract for improvements at Head of Tide Park to low-bidder Hunter Excavation, for $32,450. The sum includes $19,850 for the park grading and a stone dust path and $12,600 for the downstream boat launch parking area. Approximately $40,000 in the Head of Tide Park fund from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant would be reimbursed to the town if the work is completed by the end of December.

The board also voted unanimously to appoint Paul Saindon to the History Committee.