Cable TV - 1999 - 08_12MINUTES
CABLE TV AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 12, 1999 - 7:00 P.M.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Don Wing, Chair
Doug Dreggors, Vice -Chair
Eric Willard, Secretary
Remy Tholen
ABSENT:
Bill Kapka
Carl Johnson
STAFF:
Michael Stanger, Assistant City Manager
Ann Maas, Administrative Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dennis Watson, TCI Government Affairs Coordinator.
Pat Bustos-Robinson, TCI Director of Government Affairs.
Russell Morgan, Director of Marketing for AT&T Southwest Consumer Division.
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With a quorum of the Committee present, the regular meeting of the Allen
Cable TV and Telecommunications Advisory Committee was called to order by
Chair Don Wing at 7:04 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 1999, in the Municipal
Annex Conference Room located at One Butler Circle, Allen, Texas.
The following items were discussed:
II. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JULY 8, 1999, REGULAR MEETING
MOTION: Doug Dreggors made a motion to approve the minutes as written
for the July 8, 1999, meeting. Remy Tholen seconded. The
Motion carried 4 for and 0 against.
CTTAC Minutes
August 12, 1999
Page 2
III. CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Pat Bustos-Robinson handed out a copy of a quarterly report based on industry
standards, as required by the Public Utility Commission, then pointed out that
TCI presently exceeds the standards in all areas listed. Ms. Bustos-Robinson
also handed out a sample of a quarterly service call report that is provided to
some other cities, and advised that the report should provide the information as
required by Section 17 and 18 of the ordinance. The Board then discussed
various categories they would like to see included in the monthly report such as:
How many people cancelled service?
Reason for cancellation?
Tracking second calls for the same problem.
Michael Stanger advised he met with Dennis Watson earlier in the week to
discuss the specific information the Board requested be included in the monthly
TCI report. During discussion, Mr Watson advised he had been instructed by
his company to only provide the information as required by the franchise
agreement due to proprietary reasons.
Mr Watson also advised the year-end figures would be in by next meeting.
Ms. Bustos-Robinson then introduced Mr. Russell Morgan, Director of
Marketing for AT&T, who came at the request of the Telecom Board to discuss
the plans AT&T has for improving services at TCI. Mr. Morgan advised one of
the first goals is to upgrade the plant to include telephony, with the long-term
objective being to consolidate all services into one call center During further
discussion Mr Morgan fielded several questions from the Board and advised
that 52% of Metroplex residents have cable service, which is the lowest out of
all metropolitan areas in the U.S.
There being no further questions, Mr. Morgan advised he would plan on
appearing before the Board again next year around the time the annual figures
come out.
The Board then reviewed the list of citizen complaints received this month.
After discussion staff advised they would follow-up on calls and make sure the
problems have been rectified.
IV. TABLED ITEM: Consider Recommendation to the City Council Relating to
a New Franchise Agreement for CoSery Cable.
Michael Stanger advised he met with Mark Guest after the last meeting and
CoSery had put together a map of main trunk lines, which Mr. Stanger passed
CTTAC Minutes
August 12, 1999
Page 3
around for everyone to view. Mr. Stanger stated that he has not heard anything
more from CoServ, therefore he is assuming they do not wish to pursue this
further. There is no need for action at this time
V. TABLED ITEM: Consider Final Report to City Council Concerning Ends
Policies Related to Telecommunications.
Mr. Stanger advised the report was not yet complete and recommended a few
members get together in order to finalize into a report what Bill Kapka had
already submitted. The Board agreed and it was decided Mr. Stanger would get
together with Eric Willard and Bill Kapka and come up with draft report for next
month's meeting.
VI. Consider a Citizen Cable Use Survey.
Mr Stanger advised this is not ready yet.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
A. TCI Compliance with Franchise Agreement.
No further discussion.
B. Items of Interest to the Committee:
State and Federal Regulation.
Mr. Stanger reviewed the memorandum from Varnum, Riddering,
Schmidt & Howlett, Attorneys at Law, regarding federal preemption -
antenna zoning, right of way management, telephone franchising and
permitting, and state and local taxes. The memo advises that the Federal
Communication Commission has started a case to:
Preempt state and local laws, ordinances, building codes and deed
restrictions affecting telecommunications antennas.
Allow multiple telephone companies to (1) place their wires in
buildings and (2) place their anntennas on buildings but (3) without
the permission of the building owner
Consider preempting local management of rights of ways,
compensation, permitting and fees regarding telephone companies.
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CTTAC Minutes
August 12, 1999
Page 4
Consider preempting state and local taxation of telephone companies.
The case poses a severe threat to state and local authority in the
preceding areas as well as to basis property rights. The memo also
requested the City make a $300 contribution towards filings VRS&H will
make with the FCC opposing this case. After discussion the Board made
the following motion:
MOTION: Doug Dreggors made a motion to recommend that City
make a $300 contribution towards these Flings. Eric
Willard seconded. The motion carried 4 for, and 0
against.
Calendar:
Next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, September 9,
1999, in the Municipal Annex Conference Room at 7 00 p.m.
VIII. ADJOURN
MOTION: Doug Dreggors moved to adjourn the meeting. Remy Tholen
seconded. The motion carried 4 for and 0 against. The meeting
was adjourned at 8'45 p.m.
These minutes read and approved this 9th day of September, 1999
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Don Wing, Chair
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Ericrd, Secretary