Cable TV - 1996 - 04_25MINUTES
CABLE TV AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
j REGULAR MEETING
April 25, 1996
Members Present:
Douglas Dreggors, Vice -Chairperson
Mark Pacheco, Secretary
Sherry Bennett
Bill Huber
Members Absent:
Don Wing, Chairperson
Eric Willard
Ty Westfall
Staff Present:
Michael Stanger, Assistant City Manager
Donna Miller, Secretary
I CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCE A QUORUM
With a quorum of the committee present, the Regular Meeting of the Allen Cable TV
and Telecommunications Advisory Committee was called to order by Vice -Chairperson
Doug Dreggors at 7.29 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 1996 in the meeting room of the
Allen Public Library, Two Allen Civic Plaza, Allen, Texas. The following items were
discussed:
The April 11, 1996 minutes were approved as written with a motion made by Sherry
Bennett and seconded by Mark Pacheco. All approved.
III. CITIZENS COMMENTS
None.
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Mr Stanger advised the committee that he briefed the City Council about the rate filing
at their April 18th regular meeting. The Council's response was to support the
Committee in opposing a rate increase prior to system improvements.
Page 2 of 3
I CTTAC Minutes
April 25, 1996
Mr. Huber would like staff to check with other surrounding communities if they are
fighting a rate increase, and suggested that if so, the City of Allen could join them.
Committee members put forth the following suggestions to postpone the rate increase.
A) Mr. Dreggors suggested a study be done using the City's cable attorney, Miller,
Canfield, Paddock and Stone. Mr. Huber commented this study would probably cost
several thousand dollars and not pay back.
B) Mr Huber suggested checking with other Metroplex cities for rate negotiation
information they could share.
C) Mr. Pacheco suggested that City staff, with help from committee members, pressure
TCI to postpone the rate increase until there are system improvements, and keep TCI to
their franchise duties. Members remarked that this could be achieved through a
combination of public and political pressure, contact with JoAnn Holtzclaw's boss who
has the authority to approve a rate increase postponement, and negotiations with
companies that provide competition.
After further discussion, all members present agreed that we try items (B) and (C)
before spending the City's money on a rate study
OUT
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VI.
All members present agreed to table this item until all members could be present and an
accurate implementation schedule known.
Mr. Huber suggested postponing any action on the access channel until there is public
demand, and concentrate on 1) the rate issue, 2) other TCI franchise obligations, and 3)
the government channel. All members present agreed. The next agenda needs to focus
on the above three issues.
Mr Huber heard the City of Dallas is fighting a rate increase and would like staff to
check on this. Mr. Pacheco has contacts with the City of Dallas and will also check.
VHI. OTHER BUSINESS
Page 3 of 3
CTTAC Minutes
April 25, 1996
B. Calendar:
The Committee was reminded of their next regular meeting, scheduled for May
9, 7:00 pm. at the Allen Public Library
C. Items of Interest to the Committee
Mr. Huber visited the North Richland Hills facility and briefed the committee
on his tour.
IX. ADJOURN
Ms. Bennett moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Huber seconded. This meeting
was officially adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
These notes read and approved this 9th day of Ma199
Don Wing, Chairperson Mark Pact eco, Secretary