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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/1999 � � Telecommunications Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley December 2, 1999 7:00 P.M. City Ha11 Minutes 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chairperson Bible. Members Present: Rollin Bible, Jerry Brown, Scott Hugstad-Vaa, Dale Rodell, David Westbrook Members Absent: John Magnusson Others Present: Charles Grawe, Nea1 Heuer, Dennis LaComb, Ellen Martin 2. Approval of A�enda Mr. Bible asked for changes to the agenda. No changes were requested. The agenda was approved as presented. 3. Minutes of June 7. 1999. Aug;ust 19. 1999 and September 13 1999 Mr. Rodell moved, second by Mr. Westbrook to approve the minutes of June 7, 1999. Motion passed unanimous. Mr. Rodell moved, second by Mr. Westbrook to approve the minutes of August 19,1999. Motion passed unanimous Mr. Hugstad-Vaa moved, second by Mr. Westbrook to approve the minutes of September 13, 1999. Motion passed »n�nimo� 4. Metricom Wireless Proposal Mr. Heuer said the City was approached by Metricom to provide a wireless Intemet access service in the City. The speed of the service is 128 kps and would largely benefit persons working from their vehicles. The service is expected to cost $40 per month. The City has not received a formal proposal at this time. Mr. Heuer described the equipment used for the service as a shcebox-size receiver and palm size modems. Metricom estimates the need for seven receivers per square mile. The recei�ers can be mounted with nylon straps to light poles azound 35 feet in height and are � � designed to plug into the light sensor units for power. In addition, Metricom requires three large network receivers that gather information from the receivers. Metricom is requesting access and use of the City's right of way to access the poles. There is no need for digging or stringing wires. Mr. Heuer plans to locate the network receivers at the City's reservoir sites. Dakota Electric owns the light poles. Mr. Bible asked what revenue the City would receive from the proposal. Mr. Heuer said most of the revenue would be derived from the lease at the reservoir sites. Mr. Bible asked if Metricom would be allowed to add extensions to existin� smaller light poles. Mr. Heuer said additions would not likely be structurally feasible. Mr. Bible expressed concem over the proliferation of utility poles to provide for wireless services. Mr. Heuer said the City attempts to keep most of the resources on the City's sites and out of the public eye as much as possible. Mr. Bible requested staff research Metricom's claims of use for public safety services. 5. Government Pro , � � Mr. LaComb gave a brief presentation on his proposed programmin8• 'I'he Committee briefly discussed current programming. Mr'• Bible said he is happy with programming to date. He noted that some of the suggested programming blurs the lines between government and public programming. He said he will support programming that is linked to City-sponsored events, provided it doesn't become political in nature. The Committee discussed several program ideas. Some preferred ideas included an art series, a focus on the future, environmental issues, city civics, city tustory, and episodes featuring natural resources. Nir. Bible asked Mr. LaComb to come to Committee in JanuarY with a proposal for the preferred progearns and a budget. 6. iJpdate on Joint Powers A�reement for Govemment Access a, Mr. Grawe said Mark Moore from St. Paul was offered the job and will be on the December 9 Council agenda. He said Mr. Moore will be introduced to the Committee at the January meetin8• b, Mr. Grawe said plans for the new City Hall continue. He noted a firm is helping the City design the new cable equipment. Mr. Grawe said he would like to present the Committee with a list of all the proposed equipment and prioritize it for purchasing. Mr. Bible asked if the budgeted funds would be insufficient. Mr. Grawe said it may be insufficient to include some forms of digital media storage and playback. c, Mr. Grawe said Mr. Creighton notified the City that an overbuilder may be looking at the area and the Committee should be prepared to deal with another francluse process this winter. d, Mr. Grawe said staff continues to monitor legislation that may affect fi anchise fees and franchising authority. � � , e, Ivir. Grawe said the Principal of the Zoo Sch Z� chool.�Mr. sa�d h r � fund the entire cost of providing wiruig to the � upon. Mr. Grawe advised the Principal that funding must be mutualiy agr asked if this was also the Committee's understanding. The Committee indica.ted �iey agreed with Mr. Grawe's understanding• f Ivlr, Grawe said the three cities are in a dispute with Charter concerning the funding of costs to wire the three city halls. g. Ivir. Grawe said Representative Chris Gerlach approached the City about providinS public-access• Mr. Grawe said the City first must get its joint government access urto operation. Mr. Bible said his position is not to address the public access issue until a new City Hall is built to accommodate it or until the current building is converted to provide public access. '7. Government Pro�rammin� The Committee received the report regarding rate increases• g. 3rd and 4th Ouarter Comvlaint Lo� The Committee reviewed the complaint log. Ms. Martin said she is committ�ed � not meeting to customer service. She noted the former contractor installing the �� Cbarter standards and was rePlaced. 9. Other a. Mr. Westbrook asked what additional services aze av 0 abl� of servi�e This� service. Ms. Mafin said the service provides addit�onal riers p adds eight Discovery channels, 38 premium channels, digital music service, and an interactive program guide• Mr• Bible requested a coPY of the fee schedule for the digital service. b. 1VIr, Grawe said one playback deck was in for repair and Prog��n8 � b� adjusted• � Mr, Grawe said he would attempt to schedule the next meeting for the third week of January. 10. Adiourn The meeting was adjourned at 825 PM.