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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCable TV - 1998 - 01_08MINUTES CABLE TV AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 8, 1998 — 7:00 P.M. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Don Wing Carl Johnson Bill Kapka Eric Willard Sherry Delling BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Doug Dreggors Bill Huber STAFF PRESENT: Michael Stanger Ann Maas OTHERS PRESENT: Lonnie Thomas, City Council member 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 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 1998 at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 Allen Heights, Allen, Texas. The following items were discussed: H. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 11, 1997 REGULAR MEETING MOTION: Mr. Willard made a Motion to approve the minutes as written from the December 11, 1997 meeting. Mr. Johnson seconded. The Motion carried 5 for, and 0 against. I u Page 2 CTTAC Minutes January 8, 1998 III. CITIZENS COMMENTS Sandy and Bruce Sanders, who reside at 920 Tyler Court, requested to speak before the committee to address their concern and interest in having input in channel selection. The committee fielded questions and explained that they had no authority in the lineup, the channels are selected by TCI. Mr. Johnson read the mission statement of the committee and recapped information from last month's meeting about the possibility of TCI doing a survey of customers to find out channel preferences. Mr. Stanger passed out copies of a newspaper article about the start of digital cable here in Allen and advised that the City Manager had the new service installed and was disappointed with the channel selection for the price. After further discussion on the new digital service, question arose about the installation charges for the new service and whether TCI had to file this price list with the City The Committee's decision was that Mr. Stanger would request a copy of the pricing for the new digital installation fees and monthly costs, and also find out if TCI is required to file a new list of current prices with the City IV. CONSIDER TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY Mr. Stanger gave an outline of the Telecommunications Strategy, in slide show format. After much discussion the Committee's decision was to focus on the Mission and Vision part of the strategy and present this to Council. Mr. Thomas then led a discussion on the possible increase of future requests for towers and antenna within the City and advised the committee that the Council would be looking to this committee to provide the expert input on the subject. Mr. Wing reported that he called Jeff Kelley of the P&Z board to get his thoughts on the Model Telecommunications Zoning Ordinance document, which Mr. Stanger had given to Mr. Petty, and to offer the expertise of the Committee should they have a need. Mr Kelley advised that he had not seen this yet, but looked forward to having a copy to review and would get back to him after that. There being no farther discussion on this Sandy and Bruce Sanders and Lonnie Thomas left the meeting. I Page 3 CTTAC Minutes January 8, 1998 IV. NEW BUSINESS Discussion was held on having a "public hearing" on the telecom -strategy A focus group type format was discussed. The Committee wants to seek input and educate citizens on the purpose of the CTTAC. March 3, 1998 was discussed as a possible date with meeting being held in Council Chambers at the Allen Public Library, subject to availability Possible means of publicity were discussed: postcards mailed to public, press release and invitation for press to attend the meeting, flyers posted at City offices. The Committee decided that the mission and vision statements from the Committee's strategic plan would be presented to the public at this special called meeting. Follow-up discussion will be held at next month's meeting once availability of meeting place is checked. Mr. Stanger advised that he would check with Community Development department and get any pertinent information obtained from the citywide survey performed in 1997, which may be of use to the Committee. VI. OTHER BUSINESS A. Update: Council Action on Telecommunications License Agreements. Mr Stanger advised that he has sent out applications and copies of the agreement to several companies and they are all in the works. B. Update: TCI's Compliance with Franchise Agreement — Reviewed. Mr. Stanger advised that he sent a letter to TCI advising them that the total fine due for not meeting the deadline date on the recent upgrade is $85,000, but the City has not received payment as of this date. Mr. Stanger will advise on follow-up. Mr. Stanger advised that the City has filed a response to TCI's rate appeal. C. Items of Interest to Committee. Mr. Stanger advised that the final interview phase is about to begin for the position of Public Information Officer, who will coordinate the City's TV channel. D. Calendar Next meeting is scheduled for February 12, 1998 at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center. 1 Page 4 C7TAC Minutes January 8, 1998 VII. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Motion. MOTION: Ms. Delling moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Johnson seconded. The Motion carried with five for and none against. This meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. These minutes read and approved this 18" day of February, 1998. Don Wing, Chairman i Sherry De ing, Secret