HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/2002 ,
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Telecommunications Advisory Committee
City of Apple Valley
March 4, 2002
7:00 P.M. Municipal Center
Minutes
l. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Dale Rodell.
Members Present: Jerry Brown, Scott Hugstad-Vaa, Dale Rodell, David Westbrook
Members Absent: Rollin Bible, John Magnusson
Others Present: Charles Grawe, Mark Moore, Ellen Martin, Denis LaComb
2. Approval of A e� nda
Mr. Rodell asked for changes to the agenda. Mr. Westbrook moved, second by 1VIr,
Brown to approve the agenda as presented. The agenda was approved.
3. Approval Minutes of December 3 2001
Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Hugstad-Vaa, to approve the minutes of
December 3, 2001. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Task Force Report and Public Input on Public Access Television
Mr. Brown distributed recommendations for public access by the Task Force. He briefly
explained the issues that the Task Farce discussed and the basis for the
recommendations. The recommendations included assuming control of public access
playback at the City level, using the Cable Coordinator or a part-time or volunteer
position to review the tapes and program playback, running playback on four decks with
a timer, and funding the effort from the General Fund expenditures.
Mr. Westbrook asked why PEG revenues were not proposed. Mr. Brown said all the
existing PEG revenue is currently committed to the joint powers effort. Mr. Grawe said
other funding options include dedicating a portion of the franchise fee from the general
fund and raising the PEG fee.
Mr. Rodell asked for comments. No members of the public were present for comment.
Mr. Moore said the new concept of community access might be a better fit than a true
"public access" service. Mr. Grawe recommended using some insulating commission or
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organization to manage public access so that complaints are not directed immediately to
the Council.
Mr. Hugstad-Vaa moved, second by Mr. Westbrook, to table the issue until the June
meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Discuss Future of Re�ional Channel6
Mr. Moore explained that Regional Channel6 is now off the air because of problems
with the transmission. Mr. Moore said that Charter has complied with the State law, but
that due to elements beyond its control, may not be able to reestablish the transmission
link. He said the City would provide a temporary message with a character generator on
the channel. However, the channel should be used for some PEG purpose so that it is not
lost to other programming. He recommended the City wait to see if the link can be
reestablished. If not, he recommended the City use the channel for public or community
programming.
5. f�pprove 2001 Annual Cable and Telecommunications Re o�rt
Mr. Grawe presented the 2001 Annual Report. Mr. Brown corrected the number of times
the Task Force met to five times. Ms. Martin corrected the increase in the basic service
rate to 139 percent.
Mr. Westbraok moved, second by Mr. Brown, to approve �he Report as corrected.
7. 17iscuss Government Access Pro�ramming
Mr. Grawe explained that Mr. LaComb has been working under the terms of the previous
contract for government programming that has expired. He recommended that the
contract be extended to complete the 2002 programming. He said the City might wish to
consider joint programming efforts with the rest of the joint powers group in 2003 when
additional PEG revenues are available to the other cities.
Mr. LaComb distributed possible topics far additional episodes of Apple Valley Today
and requested that the City increase the number of programs by four episodes costing a
total of $11,400. There was discussion about the funding mechanism, with general
agreement that the existing cable budget funds should not be used for this additional
programming. Mr. Rodell said he would like to see fewer "talking heads" and more
cover footage. Mr. Moore said he would like to work closely with Mr. LaComb to help
increase production quality.
Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to recommend the City Council approve
the contract extension until December 31, 2002. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to recommend the City Council approve
four additional Apple Valley Today programs at a cost not to exceed $12,500 to be
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funded by additional funding outside the current cable budget. Motion passed
unanimously.
8. lst uarter Complaint Lo�
Mr. Moore noted only three complaints in the first quarter. However, he said he expects
more complaints with the new rate increase. He also noted issues surrounding the cable
service door-to-doar sales people. Ms. Martin distributed the new cable tier rates. She
said Charter has acquired HSA and will provide a single bill for both cable and modem
services. She said the HSA customer lists were very outda.ted and some customers have
essentially been receiving free service for many months.
9. Coordinator's Renort
Mr._Moore briefly went over the items listed in the report.
1 G. Other
Mr. Grawe said the regular meeting scheduled for September conflicts with Labor Day.
i�r. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to make the regular September meeting
the second Vlonday, rather tnan the first. Motion passed unanimously.
11. Ad�ourn
Mr. Brown moved, second by Mr. Hugstad-Vaa to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.