Cable TV - 1997 - 12_17MINUTES
CABLE TV AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 17,1997 — 7:00 P.M.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Don Wing
Doug Dreggors
Carl Johnson
Bill Kapka (arrived late)
Eric Willard
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Sherry Delling
Bill Huber
STAFF PRESENT:
Michael Stanger
Ann Maas
GUESTS PRESENT:
Ricky Allen, TCI of North Texas
I. 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 7:07 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 1997 at the Joe
Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 Allen Heights, Allen, Texas. The following
items were discussed:
IL APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 11, 1997
REGULAR MEETING
MOTION: Mr. Dreggors made a Motion to approve the minutes as
written from the November 11, 1997 meeting. Mr. Johnson
seconded. The Motion carried 4 for, and 0 against.
0
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CTTAC Minutes
December 11, 1997
EIII. CITIZENS COMMENTS
None Present
Mr. Johnson discussed the problem of slamming by some long distance phone
companies. After some discussion it was agreed that the board should inform the
public about what may be happening in this area. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Willard
will collaborate on an article for the next Municipal Messenger and also check
with the local newspaper about doing the same.
Mr. Willard briefly discussed the upcoming changes to the pay phone system,
which would include a charge for 800 #'s. It was decided that this information
should also be included in the above-mentioned article.
Ricky Allen, of TCI, appeared as requested by the board to give an update on
TCI's compliance with the franchise agreement. Mr. Allen distributed a handout,
then made a presentation based on the following four areas: Major improvements,
Areas needing improvement, Future services and Public Service participation.
Mr. Allen advised that Digital TV was ready for soft launch in 10-14 days, and
would be ready for demo by next meeting. Mr. Allen gave a presentation and
showed a video that is included to a start-up kit provided to each customer,
explaining the new channels and features.
Mr. Johnson raised the question about the possibility of TCI doing a customer
survey to determine which channels the Allen viewers wanted to see in the new
line-up. Mr. Allen advised that once TCI has a delivery date set for the new
digital service, they would then do a survey
Mr. Allen fielded questions about the pricing and channel availability compared
to other areas and advised that in the future price point packaging would be
available no matter where you live, but we are not at that point yet.
Mr. Allen left the meeting at this point since there was no further questions.
IV. CONSIDER FIRST DRAFT, TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
After a short discussion it was decided Mr. Stanger would put this in written form
for each board member to review prior to the next meeting.
I
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CTTAC Minutes
December 11, 1997
V. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Stanger advised the board that he and Mr. Johnson attended a recent Council
of Governments meeting in Arlington. Mr. Stanger then distributed a handout of
a Model Telecommunications Zoning Ordinance and asked if this was something
the board wanted to recommend to City Council. After discussion it was decided
that this was a Planning and Zoning issue and Mr. Stanger would advise the P&Z
that CTTAC has offered to advise them on telecommunications issues and would
appoint a subcommittee if needed.
VI.
A. Update: Council Action on Telecommunications License Agreements.
The board reviewed the Telecommunications License Agreement and made
corrections where needed. Mr. Stanger advised that the council has given
authority to use this agreement.
B. Update: TCPs Compliance with Franchise Agreement— Reviewed.
C. Items of Interest to Committee.
Mr. Stanger advised the board about a request for support and funding from
a group out of Michigan, representing the City of Rice Lake, whose
authority to collect franchise fees is being challenged. After some
discussion it was decided the board would support and recommended the
council approve the $300 funding request.
Mr. Stanger informed the board about a survey on franchise fees, which
came out of Austin and the City had to respond by December 15. The city
representatives are alarmed at the approach and tone of the survey After
discussion the board members requested they be supplied with the phone #
and e-mail address for the local representative on this committee.
Mr. Stanger gave following update on items from previous meetings:
TCI no longer has educational grants.
ISDN lines are leased by the school from Southwestern Bell.
D. Calendar
Next meeting is scheduled for January 8, 1998 at the Joe Farmer Recreation
Center.
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CTrAC Minutes
December 11, 1997
VII. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Motion.
MOTION: Mr. Dreggors moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Willard
seconded. The Motion carried with five for and none against.
This meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
These minutes read and approved this 8" day of January, 1998.
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Don Wing, Chauman
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Sherry Del ' rg, Secretary