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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/1997 Telecommunications Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley September 8, 1997 7:30 P.M. City Hall Minutes 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Bible. Members Present: Dale Rodell, Rollin Bible, Jerry Brown, Scott Hugstad-Vaa, David Westbrook Members Absent: John Magnusson Others Present: Charles Grawe, Denis LaComb, Karen Sanderson, Darin Helgeson, Neal Heuer 2. Approval of Minutes of July 24, 1997 Mr. Bible remarked that he was pleased with the accuracy of the minutes. The minutes of July 24, 1997 were approved unanimous (motion by Mr. Rodell, second by Mr. Hugstad- Vaa). 3. Franchise Renewal Update Mr. Bible said that the last he had heard on the topic, the attorneys for both parties are still working on the renewal. Ms. Sanderson confirmed that she had tried to contact the Marcus attorney to confirm the status of the renewal, but had unable to reach her. Ms. Sanderson also stated that the last correspondence regarding the renewal she received was dated Sept. 7 or 10, 1997. Mr. Bible expressed his frustration that the process has been going on for over one year. Mr. Hugstad-Vaa suggested that both parties impose a deadline on their attorneys. Ms. Sanderson concurred that she believed a deadline would be appropriate. She noted that Mr. Helgeson has been ordering equipment in preparation for the renewal and that the head office has been inquiring about the status of the renewal. Mr. Bible suggested that the Committee set a mid-October meeting and request that both attorneys attend and present a single document with the majority of the issues resolved. Mr. Bible asked that the minutes reflect his extreme disappointment and frustration with the sluggish progress of the renewal process, especially when both parties agree that they desire a speedy process. Mr. Bible requested that City staff relay the message to the City’s Cable Attorney and asked that Marcus make a similar effort with its attorney. Ms. Sanderson agreed. 4. OTN Site Lease Presentation Mr. Heuer said he has been working with Mr. Helgeson to find a location at the Central Maintenance Facility for a small OTN structure. Mr. Helgeson provided color photographs of the structure for the Committee’s review. Mr. Heuer said a site south of 140th Street, and west of the eastern gate to the Maintenance Facility has been identified. He said that the site is beneficial to Marcus because it is in a secure area, the area is already lighted, there is 24 hour access to the area, and the Police Department stores and fuels its vehicles in the vicinity. Mr. Heuer added that the only requirement is that Marcus inform the Police Dispatch before entering after business hours. Mr. Heuer said that the lease is based on the LMC lease and is substantially similar to other antenna leases the City currently has with communications providers. The lease is for a 10 year term with an option for a 5 year extension. The annual lease amount is $3,600 with an annual inflation factor based on the CPI. Marcus is responsible for all operations, maintenance, and utilities associated with the facility. The lease allows Marcus 24 hour ingress and egress provided they notify a police dispatcher. Marcus is required to provide as-built plans of the site. The lease also includes standard language for legal protection and indemnification. Mr. Heuer said that he delivered copies of the lease to Marcus and expects to have the signed lease on the September 25 City Council agenda. Mr. Helgeson added that Marcus’ goal is to have the Optical Transition Networks (OTN’s) and fiber in place by the end of 1997 so that Marcus can continue to work on the upgrade throughout the winter months. Mr. Helgeson said that the OTN is fully climate controlled and will has 48 volt DC powering with total battery backup. This will provide much greater reliability. He said that Marcus is trying to move ahead as fast as possible. He said that the system designers are acting as the contractors and will hopefully reduce the amount of construction needed in the residential areas. He said that about 90% of the areas needing upgrades are along major thoroughfares. Mr. Helgeson also thanked Mr. Heuer for his efforts in the project. Mr. Bible asked what materials will be used for the structure. Mr. Helgeson responded that precast concrete will be used. Mr. Bible asked if the City still has a brick policy. Mr. Heuer said that the policy is more flexible now and that considerations are made for the surrounding areas. He said that in this case the area is in the CMF facility which is a rougher use than residential. 5. Equipment Upgrade Update Mr. Grawe said he met with a video systems engineer. He said that the engineer examined the existing camera system and said it would serve the City’s future needs. The engineer will have a list of proposed upgrade equipment with rough pricing prepared by the end of the second week in September. Mr. Grawe said at that time, the City will examine the list and make adjustments. Mr. Grawe said that Mr. LaComb had provided him with quotations for a digital camera as well. 6. Review Complaint Log Mr. Grawe said that no new complaints had been filed since the last meeting. He explained that he is working on a situation in which a resident had a lightning strike which damaged equipment. Mr. Helgeson explained that lightning is a very gray area because it is so severe and can travel through many different systems. He said he requires certification from the repair technician that the lightning traveled through the cable but that the resident has not provided such certification. Ms. Sanderson said that Marcus offered the resident money to replace the television, but that the resident refused and wants money to replace other equipment as well. Mr. Grawe said he told the resident that this case appeared to be a factual dispute over whether the Marcus cable was responsible for the lightning damage and whether Marcus is liable for the damages. Mr. Grawe said he told the resident he did not believe he could make any decision in this matter and that it may be better suited for legal consultation. 7. Other Mr. Bible asked if the Police Facility wiring has moved along. Mr. Helgeson said that he expects it to be completed in two weeks. He said that he worked with the City to use easements to reach the Facility. Mr. Westbrook said that HBO2 has black outs on his television and asked if it was a system wide problem. Mr. Helgeson said it was not and offered to have a technician examine Mr. Westbrook’s equipment. Mr. Grawe distributed a letter inviting neighboring communities to participate in the Burnsville/Eagan franchise renewal. Mr. Grawe said he would attend and that he thought it would be useful for Marcus and the School to send representatives to discuss the possibility of interconnecting systems. Mr. Bible said he may also attend. Ms. Sanderson said that several local high school students produce “Dufus Inc.”, a PEG program, which has gained considerable popularity and has been picked up by other cable systems. 8. Adjourn Mr. Rodell moved, seconded by Mr. Westbrook to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M..