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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES December 3, 1987 4:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Tyson, Reed, Trost, Fossell , Hines, Walden. Also present: Rick Christy and various members of the public. Rick Christy, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, reported that customers have been informed that effective January 1, 1988 basic cable service will increase from $11.95 to $12.95 per month and the expanded service will increase 50 cents per month. These result in an 8.4 percent and 10 percent increases respectively. The reasons for these increases include increased equipment, programming and overall operating expenses, including labor costs. Commissioner Walden thanked Mr. Christy for his advance notification of the rate increases. It was suggested that Mr. Christy inquire from the parent company which of the services have increased. Mr. Christy agreed to request this information. Several Waterloo citizens were present to voice their concern with the programming change involving PTL and EWTN. In the past, PTL has been a 24 hour service. Two other religious programs (Temple and EWTN) were found on Channel 31. Due to Temple becoming a 24 hour service, EWTN was placed on the same channel as PTL. PTL has now been reduced from a 24 hour per day service to an 8 hour per day service. Mr. Christy reported that the company has received many calls since this change and that he will be discussing with corporate the possibility of conducting a survey of customers and their preference. Mr. Christy also indicated that corporate does not want to cater to a particular religion and would rather air a religious station with a broader viewership such as PTL. Rick also discussed the possibility of switching PTL to prime time and moving EWTN to the back side. Pastor Eastman expressed the views of the public present concerning the reduction of air time of PTL. It was stated that due to deregulation, this Commission, nor any other Commission, has the authority to control programming. The programming switch relating to PTL and EWTN will be addressed to corporate in the very near future with a possibility of a change in the next few weeks. Jean Seeland asked for the Commissions ' assistance in future cablecasting of the legislative forums to begin in January, 1988. One Saturday a month, the League of Voters sponsor a legislative forum allowing area legislators and the public to interact about State legislative issues. As was done last year, the Waterloo and Cedar Falls Cablevision worked together to cablecast these forums. Ms. Seeland asked for the Commissions ' financial participation in paying for the labor costs of the Cedar Falls Cable staff person in producing these programs. It was moved by Trost, seconded by Walden that the Waterloo Cable Commission undertake this joint project with the Cedar Falls Commission and that the Commission recommend to the City Council that we participate in an amount not to exceed $500 for said project. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Christy also introduced the Nostalgia Channel which will replace the American Movie Classics beginning Friday, December 4, 1987. A program schedule and product comparison of this channel was reviewed. Mr. Christy reported that free installation or a free upgrade of service is being offered to customers who donate $10 in food or $10 in toys for the Cedar Valley Food Bank and Salvation Army Toys for Tots Program, respectively. This special promotion has resulted in an additional 148 customers. Current customer level is 14,377. The report of the Nominating Committee, consisting of Cathy Hines and Miriam Tyson, was presented. The slate of officers for calendar 1988 was presented as follows: Chairperson-Judy Fossell and Vice-chairperson-Janet Walden. It was moved by Charles Reed, seconded by Bev Trost that an unanimous ballot be cast for Judy Fossell and Janet Walden as recommended. The motion passed unanimously. An evaluation of Commission activities during 1987 was briefly held. Chairperson Tyson highlighted the year's activities including the continued networking with the Cedar Falls Cable Commission, sending several Commissioners to a national conference, participation in the League of Voters Forum, development of informational packets for new City Council members, the development of a Mission Statement and the development of a Task Force Committee structure. CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES December 3, 1987 4:00 p.m. Page 2 Commissioner Walden congratulated Chairperson Tyson on the excellent leadership which she has provided the Commission during the past year. It was reported that the terms of Commissioners Burt, Reed and Kvetko expired on December 1, 1987. Commissioners Reed and Burt have indicated a willingness to be reappointed by the Mayor and City Council . It was also reported that Commissioner Dell will resign his post to serve on the City Council for 1988-89. It was suggested that the Commission could use person skilled in the areas of law, engineering, accounting and medicine. Chairperson Tyson presented the Commission with materials she had received while visiting the city of Portland, Oregon Cable Commission and staff. With no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Waterloo Cable Commission will be held on January 7, 1987 at 4:00 p.m. Larry P. Burger Clerk/Auditor CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES October 1, 1987 4:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Tyson, Dell , Fossell , Harris, Burt, Kvetko, Reed, Hines and Walden. Also present: Rick Christy and Michelle Temeyer. The first item of discussion was the presentation by Judy Fossell concerning the proposed committee structure of the Cable Commission. The committees would be as follows: 1) Regulation and Enforcement; 2) Inter Agency Liaison; 3) Programming; 4) Public Services and Consumer Relations; 5) Ad hoc Committee/Committees; 6) Ad hoc Committee on Commission Procedure. Commission members were asked to review the proposed structure prior to the next meeting and to make a selection of which committee each commissioner wishes to serve on. Rick Christy, Waterloo Cablevision, presented the August and September Monthly Reports. Rick reported that progress on extension of cable to Hawkeye Institute of Technology is progressing, but not yet completed. Rick presented a map indicating those areas of Waterloo not yet serviced by Cable. Generally the areas are Hawkeye Tech. , two blocks in the downtown area, the Riverview area, and Aerostat Heights (Airline Highway). Rick reported that four to five public schools will be hooked up by the end of next week. Commissioners requested that Rick also map out those schools not yet served by Cable. Rick reiterated his company' s goal to complete the public schools loop by November, 1988. A joint meeting with the Cedar Falls Cable Commission to hear a presentation by Merrill Crawford by the City of Dubuque Cable staff was reviewed. The dates of October 28 and November 5 were discussed. The format of the evening will be presentation from 4:00 p.m. to approximately 6:00 p.m. , with dinner following. The Holiday Inn downtown is available on both of these dates. It was the consensus of the Commission to schedule this presentation on November 5. Michelle will inform the Cedar Falls Cable Commission for their availability. In an effort to increase the visibility of the Commission's activities, Chairperson Tyson contacted Dan Dundon at the Waterloo Courier. It was suggested that the Courier cover the joint Cedar Falls/Waterloo Commission meeting scheduled for November 5. Commissioners agreed that media coverage would be appropriate for this meeting. Chairperson Tyson presented a letter for review that has been drafted to candidates for the mayoral and city council elections on November 3, 1987. Basically the letter thanks candidates for their participation in local government and makes available to the candidates any information they may request concerning the Cable Commission' s activities. The proposed 10 percent budget cuts for Fiscal Year 1989 and its affect on Cable Commission activities was reviewed. It was suggested that a line item budget be developed for Commission activities. Sammie Dell volunteered to serve on the Public Programming Subcommittee as presented by Judy Fossell . With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Larry P. Burger Clerk/Auditor CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES August 27, 1987 4:00 p.m. Waterloo School Administration Building Members present: Chairperson Tyson, Russell , Fossell , Hines, Walden, Trost, Harris and Richardson. Also present: Rick Christy, Sally Turner and Michelle Temeyer. Rick Christy, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, gave the following monthly report: A monthly report of the company' s connection, reconnections, etc. , was not available since the Commission meeting was held prior to the end of the month. Rick distributed a copy of a financial report of an independent auditor confirming the franchise fees calculated for the year 1986 for the City of Waterloo. Rick clarified that in addition to a letter dated July 23, 1987 to the Mayor and Council , an accompanying letter from the company' s independent auditors was available for review. Bev Trost read this letter from Coopers & Lybrand. Harris is now present. Several questions were asked as to whether such items as data or security type systems are paying a fee to the company. Rick commented that they currently do not have the service available. The Commission will take the Financial Statement under advisement and perhaps request more information. An updated map of public schools that have been connected to Cable was reviewed. Rick commented that the eastside schools have been completed, and work is continuing on those schools located south of U.S. Highway 63. Rick anticipated that all public schools will be completed by January 1, 1988. He stated that he realized the importance of the completion of this project to the Commission. Rick commented that the company is in the process of extending cable to twelve houses on Dysart Road. He also indicated that this perhaps would lead to extension of cable to Hawkeye Institute of Technology. He indicated that in talking with Hawkeye Tech, the proposed location of the drop is being formulated. At the current time, only a school return is being considered; however, it was suggested that a commercial tie inalso be considered for future expansion of the school . The elimination of Home Shopping Network from the Waterloo Cable selection was discussed. Rick commented that he apologized for not notifying the Commission of this channel change. He stated that Waterloo Cablevision had several reasons for not reaching an agreement with Home Shopping Network to continue carrying it. Rick will be working with Michelle Temeyer to draw up a map to delineate those areas of the community not yet served with Cable. Chairperson Tyson read a letter that she asked the Commission to consider sending to the McDonald Group concerning their follow-up communication to the Commission dated August 14, 1987 (elimination of Home Shopping Network from the Waterloo Cable channel selections. ) In essence, the letter stated that the media attention that this change generated was not a result of the Cable Commission going directly to the media with this occurrence. Rather, it was explained that the Cable Commission is subject to the Iowa Open Meeting Laws that allows media and members of the public to attend all Commission meetings. Cha irperson Tyson thanked Rick Christy for the proposed schedule for cable connection to the Waterloo Public Schools. CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES August 27, 1987 4:00 p.m. Waterloo School Administration Building Page 2 It was moved by Trost, seconded by Fossell that the report of Rick Christy, as described above, be received and placed on file. Motion carried. It was moved by Fossell , seconded by Hines that the letter, as described above by Chairperson Tyson, to the McDonald Group be sent as soon as possible, and that a copy be supplied to all Commission members. Motion carried. It was moved by Fossell, seconded by Trost that the Mission Statement, as revised, dated June 4, 1987 be approved. Motion carried. Fossell indicated that a report of her Task Force would be forthcoming at a future meeting. She apologized for not having said report ready for Commission perusal . The Orientation Task Force Committee gave a report indicating those items to be included in a new Commissioner and Candidates Handbook. This information will be compiled and distributed as needed. With no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES August 6, 1987 4:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Tyson, Walden, Trost, Dell , Hines, Burt, Reed, Fossell and Kvetko Also present : Rick Christy and Bill Suepple The Agenda, as proposed, was approved. Rick Christy, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, presented his monthly report. He reported that there are no current plans to add or change channel selections. He assured Commissioners that any changes will be brought to the Commission for review. Chairperson Tyson reported that a letter has been sent to the McDonald group making them aware of the Commission's displeasure with deleting Home Shopping Network from the channel selection of our viewers. This letter was sent from the Mayor's office. Rick Christy responded by indicating that they have received very few complaints from their customers on the elimination of Home Shopping Network. Rick reported that all parochial schools, excluding Blessed Sacrament, have had cable extended to them. The company continues to extend service to the public schools. There was considerable discussion on why the public schools are not yet hooked in when in fact this was an obligation of the original agreement. It was suggested that additional technicians be brought in to complete the public school loop. Commissioners expressed their displeasure with the schedule. It was moved by Walden, seconded by Kvetko that a schedule be provided at the September meeting of when hookups are scheduled for the public schools. Motion carried. It was suggested that Waterloo Cablevision contact Dr. Hawse, President of Hawkeye Institute of Technology, for possible extension of cable to the school . Brief summaries were given by Commissioners Dell and Walden on the workshop they attended in Madison, Wisconsin. Discussion followed. It was stated that perhaps the Commission should consider sending a staff member from the City Attorney' s Office to a future conference. A staff member from the City of Dubuque was present at the conference and indicated his willingness to come to Waterloo and make a presentation. It was suggested that the Cedar Falls Commission be contacted and asked to attend this presentation. The Clerk/Auditor' s Office will be typing the notes taken by both Commissioners for distribution to Commission members . At earlier Commission meetings, it had been suggested that task forces be formed to carry out specific duties. An orientation for new Commission members was identified as the first task force to be formed . Commissioners Trost and Tyson will work in this area and present a report at the September Cable Commission meeting. With no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned . Larry P. Burger Clerk/Auditor CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES July 2, 1987 4:00 p.m. Large Conference Roan Members present: Chairperson Tyson, Richardson, Harris, Trost, Burt, Fossell, Dell , Walden, Mayor McKinley and Councilperson Wright Also present: Bev Lind, Rick Christy and Michelle Teneyer The Agenda as proposed was approved. The first item of discussion was the removal of Home Shopping Network from Waterloo Cablevision system. Rick Christy, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, reported that contract negotiations between Home Shopping Network (HSN) and Waterloo Cablevision had been unsuccessful . Up to the current time, HSN has been carried without a contract. Rick reported that it was a good business decision for the company not to continue HSN. In its place, Waterloo Cablevision will be carrying Cable Value Network. His understanding is that this Network is the second largest in terms of sales volume of all Home Shopping channels. Mayor McKinley stated his opposition to the removal of Home Shopping Network from the Waterloo viewing area. He stated that the company should have reviewed the impact to the Waterloo area prior to the decision. He reported that he had received many calls from the public in opposition of its removal . He suggested that Waterloo Cablevision should have first contacted those impacted prior to making a decision. Rick Christy stated that the company may re-evaluate its decision and seek an alternative course of action. Commissioner Walden expressed her displeasure with the decision and stated that the citizens of our community have rights and interest in what it views. She suggested that Waterloo Cablevision become a partner with the City and community and cooperate together. Commissioner Trost suggested that a representative of Home Shopping Network be contacted for its side of this issue. Cable Commissioners discussed their dissatisfaction that Waterloo Cablevision had made a major decision without the imput of the Cable Commission. Ray Richardson now present. Commissioner Dell stated that the Commission does have a legal basis to act on this decision and suggested that the Commission look into this matter. Commissioners expressed an interest in seeing the proposed contract that was being negotiated between HSN and Cablevision. In response to a question from Commissioner Dell, Mr. Christy reported that he is not aware of any other planned changes or rate changes for Waterloo Cablevision. Mayor McKinley suggested that the Commission may be blaming the wrong person, and that Mr. Christy is not making decisions such as this one. He suggested that a letter be drafted to corporate officials (McDonald group in Birmingham, Alabama) stating the Commission's objections to major decisions without soliciting the impact or input of our community. Mayor McKinley asked that the Commission formulate a recommendation on how to handle the situation. Commissioner Trost also urged that a member of the Commission contact Home Shopping Network regarding this matter. It was also suggested that Bill Suepple, Assistant City Attorney, be present at the next Cable Commission meeting to further discuss the legal impacts of this matter. Raymond Harris now present. General discussion was heard on the billing process used by Waterloo Cablevision. Mr. Christy reported that the company has a contract with an outside agency to perform billing duties. CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES July 2, 1987 4:00 p.m. Large Conference Roan Page 2 Councilperson Wright echoed her frustration on how the situation of removal of Home Shopping Network was handled. Commissioner Fossell thanked Councilperson Wright for her interest and attendance at the meeting . The June monthly cable report was reviewed. Major discussion was heard on the disconnection of Allen Hospital from cable service. Mr. Christy reported that Allen Hospital had not paid for cable service. Commissioner Dell stated that service cut-off is not a good move in the interest of the public. Mr. Christy stated that many efforts had been taken prior to the Company' s decision to disconnect cable from Allen Hospital . Commissioners Dell and Walden briefly reported on their attendance at the conference in Madison, Wisconsin earlier in the month. They reported that it was one of the best conferences either had attended and hoped to relay much of their information to Cable Commission members. They will be distributing printed material to the Commission at the August meeting. It was suggested that action on the Mission Statement not be taken at this meeting pending a report from Sammie and Janet on what the Cable Commission should be doing based on their findings at the conference. There was discussion on attendance at future Cable Operator Shows. Attendance by a Commissioner should be evaluated. The Consumer Concern Report of Robert Boels was reviewed. Mr. Christy reported that the lightning strike was not the responsibility of Waterloo Cablevision. No action was taken by the Commission other than general concurrence with Mr. Christy's findings. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned . Larry P. Burger Clerk/Audi tor CABLE COMMISSION MINUTES May 7, 1987 4:00 p.m. Mayor' s Conference Room Members Present: Chairperson Tyson, Reed, Trost, Fossell, Dell, Walden, Kvetko, Harris Also present: Bob Moore, Rick Christy and Michelle Temeyer Rick Christy was introduced as the manager of Waterloo Cablevision. He gave a brief self-history and emphasized his desire to cooperate with the Commission in its endeavors. Rick presented the April monthly report, a copy of which is available in the Clerk/Auditor' s office. Harris now present. Rev. Kvetko synophized the mission statement as discussed by the Commission during its retreat in February, 1987. Rev. Kvetko was commended for his fine work on the statement. Dell now present. It was moved by Fossell, seconded by Trost that the mission statement of the Waterloo Cable Commission as developed in August 1985 be readopted in its current format. Motion carried. Commission members pledged to take the tasks contained within the mission statement and put them on the calendar so a set agenda is established. The consumer concern of Kirk Smith at 1629 Rainbow Drive was discussed. A brief history was given indicating that Waterloo Cablevision did not consider it financially feasible to extend cable to this location due to the long payback that would be needed to recoup the costs. After further evaluation, Rick reported that the company has reconsidered the request and will be extending cable to this address. The Clerk was instructed to write a letter to Mr. Smith of the company' s plan to extend cable and that a carbon copy of the letter be sent to the Cable Commission. The consumer concern of Annabelle Bennett stating that too many advertisements are on cable was reviewed. It was decided that the Commission did not have jurisdiction of this matter. The Municipal Administration of Cable Television' s 6th Annual Seminar was discussed. It will be held in Madison, Wisconsin on June 29 and 30, 1987. Several commissioners expressed an interest in attending. The City will reimburse for the costs of registration, lodging, meals and transportation. It was moved by Fossell, seconded by Kvetko that the Commission authorize four attendees to the Conference. Motion carried. Those interested in attending should contact Miriam or Michelle. With no further business before the Commission, it was moved by Trost, seconded by Harris that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor CABLE COMMISSION January 8, 1987 4:00 P.M. Mayor's Conference Room Members Present: Bev Trost, Judy Fossell , Charles Reed, Raymond Harris, Reverend James Kvetko, Miriam Tyson. Members Absent: Russell Burt, Janet Walden, Ron Kemp, Ray Richardson, Sammie Dell . A quorum was not present until 5:00 p.m. At that time Commissioner Tyson arrived. In the absence of Chairperson Dell , Vice Chairperson Judy Fossell presided at the meeting. Brent Zhorne, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, presented the December monthly report. Copies are on file in the office of the Clerk/Auditor. Commissioner Reed questioned whether or not the City could expect an increase in rates due to the recent deregulation laws. Mr. Zhorne indicated that corporate officials will be reviewing and revising the rate structure and a raise could be anticipated. The date when an increase will be implemented is not known at this time. There was discussion concerning how customers are notified of an increase in rates. Mr. Zhorne indicated that a notice is normally sent with the billing indicating the increase. No prior notice is given. Mr. Zhorne explained that persons leaving the area for three or four months during the winter must pay the reconnection charge in the spring . An update on the Waterloo school hook-up was given. Mr. Zhorne, John McNally and Ray Richardson met earlier in the week to discuss the schedule. West High School and Irving Elementary have been added. Consideration will be given to Lowell , Cresthaven, Westridge and others for hook-up in the spring of 1987. Vice Chairperson Fossell indicated that the City Council has approved the re-appointments of Janet Walden, Ray Richardson and Judy Fossell for terms to expire on December 1, 1989. Commissioner Trost presented a proposal for participation in the videotaping of the legislative forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters. This would be a joint project between the Cedar Falls Cable Commission and the Waterloo Cable Commission to produce these tapings. Costs would be shared with the Waterloo Cablevision paying $414.00 and the Cedar Falls Cable Commission contributing in-kind services in the amount of $2,110.00. The Waterloo portion would cover labor costs of this production. It was moved by Kvetko, seconded by Harris that the Cable Commission recommend to the City Council that participation in the amount of $414.00 be authorized for the videotaping of legislative forums sponsored by the Iowa League of Women Voters. Motion carried. The Chair declare the motion passed pending the affirmative response of Commissioner Tyson. The report of the nominating committee was heard. The name of Miriam Tyson has been submitted for the position of Chairperson and the name of Janet Walden for the position of Vice Chairperson. It was moved by Kvetko, seconded by Trost that a unanimous ballot be cast as submitted by the nominating committee. Motion carried. Chairperson Fossell declared the motion passed pending the affirmative response of Miriam Tyson. Commissioner Tyson now present. Both of the above motions were presented to Tyson whereby she cast a ballot in the affirmative for both of the questions posed above. The Chairperson declared both motions passed unanimously. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor