Cable TV - 1997 - 11_13MINUTES
CABLE TV AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 1997
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Donald Wing
Doug Dreggors
Sherry Delling
Bill Huber (arrived late)
Bill Kapka
Carl Johnson
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Eric Willard
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Michael Stanger
Ann Maas
GUESTS PRESENT:
Tim Carroll, A.I.S.D. Communications Services Director.
CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum of the committee present, the regular meeting of the Allen Cable TV and
Telecommunications Advisory Committee was called to order by Chairperson Don Wing
at 7:04 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 1997 at the Bethany Lakes Lakeside Clubhouse,
745 Allen Heights, Allen, Texas. The following items were discussed:
II. APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 9,1997 REGULAR
MEETING
MOTION: Mr. Kapka made a Motion to approve the minutes as written from the
October 9, 1997 meeting. Mr. Dreggors seconded. The Motion
carried rive for and none against.
III. CITIZENS' COMMENTS
None Present
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CTTAC Minutes
November 13, 1997
Mr. Stanger reported on a complaint call about TCI from a senior citizen and his follow-
up with Ricky Allen.
Mr. Kapka reported he received at least three complaints about the DMX selection.
Mr. Stanger advised he received a call that Ricky Allen could not appear at this meeting,
as board had requested. Mr. Johnson suggested that TCI be contacted about coming to
the meetings, or at least attending when requested to do so. Mr. Stanger will follow up
on this.
Tim Carroll appeared at the request of the board, to provide an update on the A.I.S.D. and
TCI cable agreement. Mr. Carroll advised that TCI has fulfilled their agreement with the
school district and advised the board that Ricky Allen was very easy to get in touch with
Question arose about TCI having educational grants. Mr. Stanger will contact TCI and
see what educational grants, if any, they have available here in our area and report back at
next meeting.
Mr. Carroll left the meeting at this point after extending an invitation to anyone interested
in taking a look at the school's video system.
IV. CONTINUE DISCUSSION REGARDING STRATEGIC ISSUES
The following items were discussed.
The list of suggestions from the August 14, 1997 minutes was reviewed
A copy of the Customer Courtesy Callback Form generated by TCI was routed to board
members.
Mr. Stanger gave an update on publication of the Municipal Messenger article, which
should be out by the end of this month.
Mr Johnson inquired on the status of taping the city council meetings, and Mr. Kapka
inquired about status of the City channel. Mr. Stanger advised that these items would
come under the responsibility of the Public Information Officer, a position that the city is
actively looking to fill at this time Mr. Stanger also requested that if anyone knows of a
qualified individual, to please make them aware of the opening.
Discussion on strategic issues led to a decision that Mr. Stanger would formulate 3 or 4
focus areas from previous suggestions and board members would each select one area of
responsibility
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CTTAC Minutes
November 13, 1997
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Wing shared information they had gathered on Direct TV and
franchise fees. Some cities act as retailer and get 5% of gross fees. Two cities were
mentioned: Greenwood Village, a suburb of Denver, and the City of Austin, which is
under NRTC (National Rural Telecommunications Corporation) Satellite Franchise.
V. REVIEW TELEPHONE LICENSE AGREEMENTS
After a lengthy discussion it was decided, that Mr. Stanger would check on the need to
require insurance and was given the go ahead to draft the final document, to be placed on
the Council agenda for the meeting on December 4, 1997
VI. NEW BUSINESS
None
VII, OTHER BUSINESS
A. Update: Council Action on TCI Cable TV Rates.
Mr. Stanger advised the board the City Council passed the Ordinance to adopt a
rate decrease to TCI's new rates and a copy of the Ordinance would follow
B. Update: TCI's Compliance with Franchise Agreement— Reviewed.
C. Update: EAS Tariffs on ISDN.
Mr. Stanger provided an update with information received from P.U.C. and
advised that Southwestern Bell had approval for reclassification on business and
residential rates. Mr. Stanger will clarify if this is not only approved, but also
being done.
D. Items of Interest to the Committee.
Mr. Stanger advised that TCI brought Mickey Mouse to the Public Library to
promote the Disney Channel, they also donated a framed cell to the City that will
be kept at the Library, at least for now TCI also brought Mickey backpacks filled
with various items, which were donated to the Allen Community Outreach.
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CTTAC Minutes
November 13, 1997
Mr. Stanger handed out a copy of a letter he sent to Mr. Birchfield and Ricky
Allen, advising that TCI has agreed to extend cable TV service to Twin Creeks
3A and 5A, as soon as possible, but not later than December 31.
Mr. Stanger advised he had received a letter from TCI on the Fifth Circuit Court
decision regarding franchise fees and he was being asked to sign and return a
form. After some discussion it was decided that Mr. Stanger would not sign or
send the form back; the board agreed to abide by the court decision.
E. Calendar
Members were reminded that the Boards & Commissions Dinner will be on
December 3, 1997 at the Omni in Richardson.
Next meeting is scheduled for December 11, 1997 at the Joe Farmer Recreation
Center. Mr. Huber will not be able to attend. Mr. Wing is not sure if he can
attend, but will advise Mr. Stanger prior to the meeting date.
VIII. ADJOURN
Motion: Ms. Bennett moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Dreggors seconded.
The motion carried with six for and none against. This meeting was
officially adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
These minutes read and approved this 1 lth day of December, 1997
Don Wing, Chairperson
J
Sherry Wing, Secr t