Cable TV - 1998 - 03_03MINUTES
CABLE TV AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MARCH 3, 1998 — 7:30 P.M.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Don Wing
Carl Johnson
Bill Kapka
Sherry Delling
Doug Dreggors
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Bill Huber
Eric Willard
STAFF PRESENT
Michael Stanger
Ann Maas
OTHERS PRESENT:
Approximately 20 Citizens
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum of the committee present, the "special called" meeting of the Allen
Cable TV and Telecommunications Advisory Committee was called to order by
Chairperson Don Wing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 1998 at the Allen
Public Library Council Chambers located at #2 Allen Civic Plaza, Texas. The
following items were discussed:
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 18, 1998
REGULAR MEETING
MOTION: Mr. Johnson made a Motion to approve the minutes as written
from the February 18, 1998 meeting. Mr. Kapka seconded.
The Motion carried 5 for, and 0 against.
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III. STAFF PRESENTATION OF DRAFT TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Michael Stanger gave an overview and slide presentation on the purpose and
mission of the Committee.
IV. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Don Wing, Chairman opened the meeting up for citizen comments:
Anise Bawa, 806 Squire Court, was unable to stay for the meeting, but completed
an appearance card with the following comments. As a member of a multi -culture
group, she would like an international channel added to the present cable line up,
as would other members of the group who also reside in Allen.
Terry Caterisano, 1003 Timbercreek Dr, advised that his background is in
engineering with MCI, then presented a slide show outlining his proposal to the
Committee on the topic of Tele -education services, which could consist of:
On line tutoring for students.
Homework assistance.
Webs page where students could access homework assignments.
Combine the efforts of the schools, library and the City
Build an Internet server, with webs site for tutors.
Link all the schools on the server.
City home page.
Public meetings could be viewed and heard.
Approximate cost for server would be $10,000 to $20,000.
Corporate sponsorship could help with expertise and costs.
On final summation Mr. Caterisano presented the Committee with a printed copy
of the proposal and volunteered his help, should they decide to go ahead with this
project.
Byron Smith, 616 Rockcrossing, spoke to the Committee about cable service
franchise agreement and bandwidth. The present bandwidth is limiting the video
capabilities, as it is not high enough. Mr. Smith is employed by ISD DataCom a
company that makes cable modems. He informed the Committee about a
company called Multi Media Cablevision of Edmond, OK which is running 10
MHz both ways with high speed internet connection to the schools. He also
wanted to know if it was possible for the City to tap into TCI bandwidth that they
are not using. The City of Richardson is using this capability to monitor traffic
flows and stops.
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March 3, 1998
Jason Smith, 1105 Fairfax Drive, spoke to the Committee on the subject of ISDN
access on residential lines and expressed his appreciation to the Committee for
working so successfully to have the EAS charges reduced. Mr. Smith expressed
his wish that the Committee continue its efforts to have the business EAS charges
reduced also. In closing Mr. Smith requested the Committee work towards
having Southwestern Bell upgrade to allow for faster Internet connection.
Question from the floor about the when the upgrade will be completed by TCI
and when Allen can expect to be in line with surrounding communities on
channel selection. Michael Stanger and Don Wing gave an update on the TCI
franchise agreement.
Carl Johnson took this opportunity to do an impromptu survey with the following
results:
1) 11 out of 20 attendees have cable TV
2) 2 out of 20 attendees have a satellite dish.
3) 13 out of 20 attendees have Internet connection.
4) 12 out of 20 attendees have more than one phone line.
5) 10 out of 20 attendees have a cellular phone.
Discussion took place about the possibility of doing a survey of the general
population to find out the telecommunication and cable TV uses within Allen.
There being no further questions or comments Don Wing, Chairman closed the
public hearing.
V. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Discuss dates for Joint Workshop with Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Michael Stanger updated the Committee that a meeting took place between
Don Wing and Jeff Kelley of the Planning and Zoning Commission to
discuss the Model Telecommunications Zoning ordinance and it was
decided that ajoint workshop to discuss a plan of action on towers would be
helpful. After a brief discussion the Committee decided to hold the joint
workshop on April 9`h, at 5:OOpm, then each committee would split off and
have their regular scheduled meeting as planned.
Don Wing requested all Committee members review their copy of the
Model Telecommunications Zoning ordinance in preparation for the
meeting.
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B. Items of Interest to the Committee.
Legislative Committee on Municipal Franchise Agreements for
Telecommunications Utilities.
Michael Stanger advised the Committee he had attended the legislature's
Interim Committee on Municipal Franchise Agreements on Wednesday,
February 25, in Fort Worth. Mr. Stanger gave a brief outline of the meeting
and shared the information he had received from Teligent.
Telecom License Agreement Entered with CoServ.
Michael Stanger advised the Committee that CoSery has signed a license
agreement and will begin servicing the Allen community MCI is still in the
talking phase, no signed agreement yet.
Update: TCI's Compliance with Franchise Agreement.
Michael Stanger gave an update on TCI and the collection of the liquidated
damages in the amount of $85,000. TCI is disputing the start date of the
damages, therefore, they are issuing a check for a reduced amount. After
discussion the Committee decided the original date stands and the $85,000
is due in full.
Change of Meeting Location.
Due to the increased use of classroom space at the recreation center the
Committee has been requested to change the meeting place. Places
discussed were Library meeting room, Council Chambers if the day is
changed, or the Municipal Annex conference room. After discussion the
Committee decided to relocate the meeting to the Municipal Annex
conference room beginning with the next meeting on March 12.
C. Calendar
Next meeting will be held on March 12, 1998 at 7:00pm in the Municipal
Annex Conference Room located at One Butler Circle. (City Hall)
VI. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Motion.
1
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MOTION: Mr. Dreggors moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Kapka
seconded. The Motion carried with five for and none against. This
meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
These minutes read and approved this 12th day of March, 1998.
C
Don Wing, Chairman
Jn
Sherry e ling, Secretar