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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCable 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 Page 2 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 Page 3 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. I I L Page 4 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