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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 Cable Commission Minutes December 5, 1985 4:00 p.m. Waterloo School Administration Building Members present: Chairperson Trost, Koch, Dell, Richardson, Reed, Burt, Fossell, Harris. Also present: Sally Turner, Waterloo Schools, Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision, Mayor Del Bowers, Father Haus and Michelle Temeyer. All members present introduced themselves. The Chair called for public presentations and there were none. The Chair amended the Agenda to move the report from Ray Richardson on the discreet video system and tour of the head end to the first item on the Agenda. The Commission then toured the video system at the Waterloo schools. (The tape recorder was turned off during this tour). The report of the Nominating Committee was heard. Judy Fossell asked that the rules be suspended and that the current officers be retained for one month since the Nominating Committee has not yet had an opportunity to meet. It was moved by Dell, seconded by Burt that this recommendation be approved. Motion carried. Chairperson Trost consented to serve until January, 1986. Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision, presented the following information: 1 . The Company is currently undertaking a holiday promotion for new customers and subscribers. The promotion has seen much interest thus far. Food donations will be donated to the Food Bank in exchange for connection to service (plus $5.00). Approximately 3,000 food items have thus far been received. 2. Monthly bills received by customers will be in a new format. Instead of a billing being enclosed in an envelope, a post card will be sent. Stuffers that are now included in the envelope will be printed on the face of the bill. This was undertaken in order to save money and prevent the laying off of two office personnel. 3. The manager distributed December's listing for programming to be aired on Shaw Time and the Movie Channel. This was in response to a concern at the November Commission Meeting regarding the duplication between the two (2) services. He reported that there is some duplication on major releases but movies, features, and shows are mostly different. 4. The request for an increase in basic services announced at the November meeting was substantiated. Mr. Rozek reported that approximately $50,000 has been expended for the replacement of several vehicles. These vehicles have been on the road since the cable company's origination in 1979. Also due to the road projects being completed within the City, cable has been relocated in many of the streets. Also the headend equipment located in the main office has been replaced. At the current time there are 34 personnel employed between the Waterloo and Cedar Falls offices. He expects the labor force to remain stable. The last item resulting in increased cost to the company is that the local property taxes have doubled. Mr. Rozek reported that the rate increase does not cover all the cost increases that the company has had to absorb. (Sammie Dell thanked Mr. Rozek for the information) Cable Commission Minutes Page Two It was moved by Fossell, seconded by Reed that the minutes of November 21 , 1985 be received and placed on file. Motion carried. Chairperson Trost distributed a copy of the proposed mission statement for the Commission. The statement included the following: Proposed Mission Statement The Commission shall--protect the public interest by: --representing the public interest by serving as a vehicle of communication from the public to the city and the franchise --serving as a conduit for citizen complaints --educating the public on available services from the commission The Commission shall--serve an administrative function by: --enforcing the existing contract with the franchise --evaluating the cable company and its performance --serving as a resource for the city council regarding cable television The Commission shall--promote the public good by: --insuring the development of community programming --advocating for and protecting the interests of the city, the schools and other public and private institutions in relationship to the cable systems. It was moved by Dell, seconded by Reed that the above Mission Statement be approved. Motion carried. Chairperson Trost thanked Mayor Del Bowers for his support of the Commission during his tenure in office. Mayor Bowers responded by expressing his appreciation to the Commission for the work that they have done in the last two years. He also thanked Len Rozek for his cooperation. Sammie Dell also thanked Bowers for the many years of support he has given him as well as the support in his position as Commissioner. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor a, •,1 4 \ Cable Commission Meeting November 21 , 1985 4:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Members present: Chairperson Trost, Kemp, Fossell, Dell, Reed and Burt. Moved by Fossell, seconded by Kemp to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 5, 1985. Motion carried. Moved by Burt, seconded by Reed to approve the agenda as proposed. Motion carried. Chairperson Trost stated that she will hold the introduction of the guests until later in the meeting. Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision, reported that the schools for the Cablevision Loop System should be completed by the fall of 1986 and that most of the connections are run past schools by this time. Chairperson Trost suggested that at next months meeting that the Cable Commission meet in the school administration building so that the Commission can see the system in operation. Rozek reported that the Waterloo Cable Company will hold a Christmas promotion. Connections will be discounted plus the people will be required to give three cans of food to the company which in turn will be given to the Waterloo food bank. Discussion followed regarding the programming and the duplications of the major movies on several of the movie channels offered by the Cable Company. Rozek stated that there is a service offered by the various movie channels regarding an analysis of the duplications of services. Rozek reported that Cedar Falls will begin picking up the learning channel on Channel 7 in the near future. He continued that the learning channel is geared towards broadcasting information on basic life experiences. Rozek stated that in January of 1986 several of the companies that provide service to the Waterloo Cable Company will begin scrambling their signals. Discussion followed regarding the scrambling systems and various aspects of scrambling. Rozek stated that there would probably be a de-scrambling unit available through. the Cable Company that individuals can rent if they own a satallite dish. Rozek informed the Commission that beginning in January there would be a rate increase on the basic service, expanded service, and additional outlets. These rates would be as follows: Basic: 50$ increase which would then be $10.50 per month; Expanded Service: 50$ increase which would be $4.50 per month; and additional outlets: 65$ per month which would be $3.00. Be continued that the increase on these three services is due to increase cost from Northwestern Bell regarding the rent that the Cable Company pays for stringing lines on Bell poles. The cost of each pole would go from $2.18 per month to $4.20 per month beginning in January. Other reasons for the increase were based on property tax increases. Page Two Cable Minutes November 21 , 1985 Concerns were expressed from the Commission regarding a one month notice to the Subscribers prior to the price increase and that more explanation was needed in the letter to the subscribers regarding reasons for the raise. Dell stated that he would like to see more facts regarding the increases and would like to see more time in advance of the notice of increase. Trost stated that the federal law would override the local ordinance regarding the control of the dollar amount that can be charged to subscribers by the local cable company. Kemp now absent. Rozek stated that he was only aware of the price increase two weeks prior to the Cable Commission Meeting. He stated that this was a business decision similar to a retail store and asked for input from the Commission on their opinions regarding lead time for any price increases in the future. Chairperson Trost then introduced Mayor Del Bowers and Mayor Elect Bernie McKinley and welcomed them to the Committee Meeting. Chairperson Trost stated that her tenure as Chairperson for the committee was up January 1 and that she would recommend a nominating committee be appointed. She asked that Dell, Fossell, and Kemp serve on the Nominating Committee. She stated that she would recommend that a chairperson be nominated and also a new position of Vice Chairperson based on the fact that if the Chairperson were absent the meetings should still be scheduled and held. Bill Sueppel, Assistant City Attorney, then presented a letter to the Commission outlining his opinion on any changes that the Commission could take in the ordinances and also the duties that the present ordinance allows the Commission to operate under. He continued that in his opinion the ordinance could not be changed except through a vote of the people. Fossell stated that she would like to see the Commission move forward regarding three areas: 1) develop bylaws for the Commission, 2) define the responsibilities of the Commission, and 3) report to the City Council regarding the parameters in which the Commission will be operating. Discussion followed the Evanston, Illinois Cable Ordinance. Chairperson Trost called for any additional business. There was none. Moved by Reed, seconded by Burt to adjourn the Commission Meeting. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor Cable Commission Minutes September 4, 1985 4:00 p.m. Mayor's Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Trost, Dell, White, Fossell, Reed, and Harris. Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision, reported that WOR will be added back to the basic cable service. Due to the abolishment of the "must carry rules" P.m or CNN will be moved to the expanded service to make room for WOR. He also indicated that the company will be undertaking a special sales promotion covering all new installations whether it be for new hook ups or additional pay stations. A $5.00 installation fee will be charged. This promotion will be in effect until the end of Septmeber, 1985. The Cattle Congress Parade and some of the events of Cattle Congress will be carried on the local access station. Commissioner Dell asked when Hawkeye Institute of Technology would be hooked into the Cable system. Mr. Rozek indicated that it was not a part of the original agreement with the City and that he would look into it and report back to the Commission. Be also reported that the public schools on the east side of the Cedar River have been hooked into the cable system. Chairperson Trost indicated that Mike Schreures has resigned from the Commission. She also stated that Fred Stewart had indicated that he will be sending a letter of resignation to the Mayor's Office. She asked that anyone have suggestions for appointment to the Commission contact the Mayor's Office. The resignation of Mike Schreures and Fred Stewart were accepted with regret. The Commission discussed the Community Report which is a culmination of the Commission's workshop held on August 1 , 1985. The report was prepared by Cedar Valley United Way. Len Rozek indicated that his basic reaction to the report was favorable. He thought the report contained many good ideas and asked for clarification of several items listed within the report. To begin the Commission's work on implementing the report, Chairperson Trost presented Commission members with a proposed mission statement. It stated that the Commission shall: 1 . serve and represent the public; 2. enforce the existing contract with the franchisee; 3. serve as a resource for the City Council, evaluate the cable company and its performance; 5. serve as a conduit for citizen complaints; 7. serve as a vehicle of communication from the public to the City and franchisee; 8. advocate for and protect the interests of the City, the schools, and other public and private institutions in relationship to the cable systems; 9. insure the development of community programming. In discussing these statements, the Commission suggested that these 9 items be consolidated into three areas: 1) advocacy, 2) administration and service to the Community. The statement will be further refined prior to the next meeting. A working session of the Commission was scheduled for September 26, 1985 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room. Commission members should be ready to discuss the contents of the Community Report in detail and formulate a work plan for the coming year. Chairperson Trost indicated that additional plaques are in the process of being obtained for an award given to Elaine Gartellos for for work on the latch key child. This award was given by the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers. Efforts are also being undertaken to publicize this accomplishment. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor Cable Commission Minutes �J August 22, 1985 4:00 p.m. Mayor's Conference Roan Members present: Chairperson Trost, Burt, Dell, Fossell, Reed. Also present: Bob Moore, Len Rozek, Michelle Temeyer, Larry P. Burger. The Chair declared that a quoreum was not present. No official action could be taken. Chairperson Trost amended the agenda to include the addition of discussion on "The Latchkey Child". Russell Burt was introduced as the newest member of the Commission. It was announced that Gary Blair has resigned his post on the Commission and that Mike Schreuers is expected to submit a letter of resignation soon. Chairperson Trost stated that former commissioner Steve Davis was cited in a special audit of the City of Waterloo (F.Y. 1983-84) as a possible conflict of interest. She stated that the purchase of the video recorder during that auditing period had been conducted through the City's purchasing agent and approved by the City Finance Committee and City Council. Chairperson Trost announced that Elaine Gartelos had received an award from the National Federation of Local Cable Programmer for her excellent work on "The Latchkey Child." The award is entitled "1985 Hometown USA Video Festival Winner." Efforts will be made to publicize this accomplishment. Len Rozek, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, reported on the following: 1 . A new phone system (Teleconnect) has been installed at the office, with three (3) additional lines. 2. Due to a resignation, Joe Ganahl has been hired for the position of production manager. He will assist in the areas of public access and local origination. 3. Within a few weeks, the company will be launching a special promotion. Any installation (new customer, reconnection, addition of pay channels) will be $5.00. 4. Beginning around October 1 , 1985, Waterloo Cablevision will be selling commercial time for local persons on ESPN, MTV, CNN, and USA for a nominal fee. 'Pao (2) minutes of every hour will be available for local commercial time. Mr. Rozek also answered various questions from Commission members. The Community Report prepared by the Cedar Valley United Way as a result of the August 1 , 1985 Cable Retreat was briefly reviewed. Commissioner Fossell naw absent. 1 The Commission expressed a desire to study the document in depth during the next regularly scheduled meeting on September 5, 1985. The City Attorney's Office will be asked to review the current Cable ordinance to determine: 1) those items that are contractual obligations that must remain in the ordinance; 2) these items that are within the legal bounds of the Commission. Mr. Rozek was asked for his input pertaining to the document (Community Report). The next Cable Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 1985 at 4:00 p.m. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor . N. Cablevision Commission May 16, 1985 4:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers Members present: Chairperson Trost, Dell, Reed, Fossell, Blair. Members absent: Kemp, White, Stewart Schreures. Also present: Larry P. Burger, Michelle Temeyer, Len Rozek and Bob Moore. It was moved by Dell, seconded by Fossell that the agenda be approved as proposed. Motion carried. The opportunity was given for comments from the public. There were no comments. Len Rozek, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, reported to the Commission the following information in regard to the increase in franchise fees paid to the City. He concluded that the increase in revenues was due to increase in fees and not to the number of subscribers: January 1984 January 1985 Basic 13, 122 13,336 Paid 11 ,340 10,167 He also reported that during April 18-28 HBO was run on a trial basis on Channel 22. In addition HBO will be promoted in the June Billings. He also reported that an additional service will be available to the basic expanded subscriber. This is the national weather channel. He also reported that Tom Leonard has resigned effective May 27, 1985. He will be replaced by Steve Meyers, who will be graduating from the University of Northern Iowa. Several questions were raised regarding the public access channel that Mr. Leonard had spoken to at the April meeting. The rate schedule for costs over and above the 5 (five) minutes is as follows: After the free five (5) minutes, the rate is $40.00 per one half hour. For an access product above a straight studio shot, determination is based upon the specifications of the client. Mr. Dell also questioned why the Hawkeye Institute of Technology was not yet served. Mr. Rozek indicated that plans are to extend cable to this area this construction year. He also reported that the City of Raymond has elected to be provided service from Waterloo Cablevision. Additionally, the new radar receiver will soon be in operation. Under old business, the item of a production grant committee was brought to the floor for discussion. The Committee is composed of the following: Blair, Trost, Schreures, Kemp, Dell and Fossell. Considerable discussion was heard on why the committee had not yet met to put the grant proposals together. With this in mind, discussion was heard as to the goals and objectives of the commission. It was suggested that a retreat be held to discuss the direction of the Commission. Several ii,eiubers expressed the feeling that the Commission was not performing any service to the City and that its future was unclear. Also discussed in this conversation was the purchase of equipment by the Commission. It was moved by Fossell, seconded by Blair that interested Commission persons meet to discuss the purchase of hardware, its projected use and rational and present it at the next Commission meeting. Prior to a vote on this matter the following discussion was heard. Blair commented that he would be willing to get equipment quotations for a camera and put together the rational necessary for its purchase. Chairperson Trost commented that action on this motion be tabled until such time as the retreat is held and a clear future for the Commission is established. Cable Minutes Page Two A vote was taken on the notion: Ayes: Ttao. Nays: One. Abstain: Dell. The Chairman declared the motion approved. Commissioner Fossell indicated that a monetary contribution to the Latchkey Program was untimely and recommended that the Commission not deal with this matter at this time. The Commission had at one time discussed having early morning meetings when more commissioners could be present. Michelle Temeyer indicated that she had discussed this matter with the City Attorney. The City Attorney recommended that this may be unreasonable and recommended against it. Chairperson Trost instructed the Clerk to send a calendar out to all Commissioners so that they could indicate a Saturday in the month of June that they could meet for approximately 4 hours on a cable commission retreat. It was moved by Reed, seconded by Dell that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor A .i--\ Waterloo Cablevision Commission April 11 , 1985 4:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Larry White, Ron Kemp, Sammie Dell, Bev Trost, Fred Stewart, Charles Reed, Len Rozek. Also present: Donna VanHorn, Michelle Temeyer and Tom Leonard. Larry White mentioned that he would like to see Oral Presentations put on the agenda every month. Len Rozek told the Committee about the new nine (9) day service that Waterloo Cablevision will be announcing. Fred Stewart asked whether or not the large increase in franchise fees paid to the City was in large part due to the recent rate increase to cable subscribers. Len Rozek suggested that up to 90% of the increase of francise fees could be attributed to the rate increase. He stated that he would have information to the Commission in regard to this issue at next month's meeting. Tom Leonard of Waterloo Cablevision gave a short presentation in regard to local origination and public access. He explained that there was a clear definition between these two items. Local origination is when the Cable Company produces local programming for the public's viewing. Public access, on the other hand, is when the public is given the tools for producing local programming. The item of censorship of these productions, particularly in the area of public access is put into the hands of the City, as evidenced in the recent legislation passed by U.S. Congress. Mr. Leonard indicated that Waterloo Cablevision gives local organizations or persons five (5) free minutes to air their opinion. This is done in the studio with the help of the staff from Waterloo Cablevision. Mindful of the 1984 Legislation affecting Cable, the rewriting of the current cable ordinance is in order. The City Attorney will be contacted in this regard. The idea of production grants was brought to the table for discussion. It was pointed out that earlier in the year, criteria was set out in regard to awarding production grants. A copy of this will be made available to the chairperson. Sammie Dell was added as a member of this task force. The partial funding of the latchkey program was deferred until more information can be obtained. Chairperson Trost requested that the Commission consider joining the national Conference of Local Cable Programs at a cost of $100.00 per year. It was moved by Stewart, seconded by Dell that Waterloo Cable Commission recommend to the Council to apply for membership. Motion carried. The F.Y. 1986 Budget request of $6,000 of the Waterloo Cablevision was approved at this level. It was indicated that the balance remaining in this Cablevision Budget will revert back to the City General Fund and will not be available for expenditure during the next Fiscal Year. Some discussion was heard as to whether or not this money should revert back to the General Fund. Discussion was heard on the attendance at Cablevision Commission Meetings. It was noted that 4:00 p.m. on Thursday seems to work best for most commissioners. It was moved by Dell, seconded by White that the Commission Meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Michelle Temeyer 1 Deputy Clerk/Auditor Cablevision Meeting Minutes March 14, 1985 Large Conference Roam 4:00 p.m. Members present: Chairperson Trost, Reed, Blair, Dell. Also present: Robert Moore, Library, Michelle Temeyer, Deputy Clerk/Auditor. Chairperson Trost called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. and declared that a quorem was not present, no official action was taken. Several items were discussed as follows: The Chair called for oral presentations by the public, and there were none. Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision made a short presentation. He reported that they will be installing cable in the City of Raymond in April. The City of Dunkerton has chosen not to award them the contract, instead the City will contract a smaller system (12 channel). Mr. Rozek also reported that they have launched a promotion on show time and have experienced good response. He also indicated that they are installing a new weather radar for Channel 9 which will upgrade their present system. He also asked that the Commission be aware of any changes of the copright laws that may be made by the Legislature. Under unfinished business Michelle Temeyer reported that from the F.Y. 1985 Commission budget a total $400.19 has been expended. The City Council has approved a funding level of $6,000 for F.Y. 1986 which begins July 1 , 1985, and runs through June 30, 1986. Commissioner Blair recommended that the Commission form guidelines so that local organizations may apply for a grant. He suggested that perhaps the same criteria be used as Waterloo Cablevision does for persons given access to their public access system. Tom Leonard, an engineer at the Waterloo Cablevision, will be asked to appear at the next cablevision meeting to explain the company's policy on the company's access. Mr. Moore indicated that the Waterloo Public Library is very much interested in assisting in these productions. No action was taken on reimbursement for the Latchkey Program due to the lack of quorem. Chairperson Trost indicated that the Commissioners should consider joining the National Federation of Local Cable Progdnluners. The fee for the subscribership is $100.00 per year. As a part of this subscribership the commissioners would have access to varied information regarding Cable TV. No action was taken on this matter. With no further business before the Committee, it was indicated that the next Commission Meeting will be held on April 11 , 1985, at 4:00 p.m. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor C Cablevision Meeting Minutes March 14, 1985 Large Conference Room 4:00 p.m. Members present: Chairperson Trost, Reed, Blair, Dell. Also present: Robert Moore, Library, Michelle Temeyer, Deputy Clerk/Auditor. Chairperson Trost called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. and declared that a quorem was not present, no official action was taken. Several items were discussed as follows: The Chair called for oral presentations by the public, and there were none. Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision made a short presentation. He reported that they will be installing cable in the City of Raymond in April. The City of Dunkerton has chosen not to award them the contract, instead the City will contract a smaller system (12 channel). Mr. Rozek also reported that they have launched a promotion on show time and have experienced good response. He also indicated that they are installing a new weather radar for Channel 9 which will upgrade their present system. He also asked that the Commission be aware of any changes of the copright laws that may be made by the Legislature. Under unfinished business Michelle Temeyer reported that from the F.Y. 1985 Commission budget a total $400.19 has been expended. The City Council has approved a funding level of $6,000 for F.Y. 1986 which begins July 1 , 1985, and runs through June 30, 1986. Commissioner Blair recommended that the Commission form guidelines so that local organizations may apply for a grant. He suggested that perhaps the same criteria be used as Waterloo Cablevision does for persons given access to their public access system. Tom Leonard, an engineer at the Waterloo Cablevision, will be asked to appear at the next cablevision meeting to explain the company's policy on the company's access. Mr. Moore indicated that the Waterloo Public Library is very much interested in assisting in these productions. No action was taken on reimbursement for the Latchkey Program due to the lack of quorem. Chairperson Trost indicated that the Commissioners should consider joining the National Federation of Local Cable Progammers. The fee for the subscribership is $100.00 per year. As a part of this subscribership the commissioners would have access to varied information regarding Cable TV. No action was taken on this matter. With no further business before the Committee, it was indicated that the next Commission Meeting will be held on April 11 , 1985, at 4:00 p.m. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor Cablevision Minutes February 14, 1985 Page Two Commissioner Fossell suggested that the Commission compensate Elaine Gartellos for her time and expense concerning the recent broadcasting the Latchkey Child. The Committee reviewing the funding structure will meet in the near future. Committee members include Chairperson Trost, Judy Fossell, Ron Kemp and Mike Schreurs. Additional members are being sought. Commissioner White suggested that the item of oral presentations be added to future Cable Agendas to allow the public the opportunity to address the Commission should the need arise. With no further business before the Commission, it was moved by Siems, seconded by Blair that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor Cablevision Minutes February 14, 1985 4:00 p.m. Mayor's Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Bev Trost, Judy Fossell, Jeannie Siems, Gary Blair, Larry White and Sammie Dell. It was moved by Fossell, seconded by Blair that the Agenda be approved with the amendment to allow the City Attorney to speak first in regard to the franchise fees. Motion carried. Donna Lesyshen, Assistant City Attorney, reported on her conversations with Frank Leiter on the copywrite fees for basic service. She reported that new federal legislation allows a 5% increase aver the basic rate. A question has arisen as to whether or not the copyright fee is included in this base increase. Her conclusion is that the copyright fee is not a part of the 5% allowable increase. The 5% annual increase in the basic rate service would translate into a 474 per year increase for the cable company. In discussions with Mr. Leiter, she reported that the 54 franchise fee that became effective December 1 , 1984, translated into a 19 fee for copyright charges and 31 basic rate increase. The question of non-competitiveness was discussed. The franchisee can still be regulated if the area is not served by more than 3 channels. The National League of Cities has stated that regulations could be enforced if there were 5 or less stations. Mrs. Lesyshen indicated that an ordinance revision would best be suited after the FCC has made a final determination of the rights of the franchisee. It was moved by Dell, seconded by Fossell that the minutes of the meeting of January 10, 1985 be approved. Motion carried. Chairperson Trost instructed the Clerk to poll the Commission members regarding their preference for future meeting times. Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision, gave a short presentation on Showtime Corp., promotion that they will be undertaking in conjunction with the Cedar Rapids and Dubuque market. Future promotions will be done in conjunction with such programming services. A market that they hope to tap into are those residents who have never been hooked into the cable system. The item of elimination of WOR was brought to the table for discussion. Mr. Rozek reported that they have received 250 letters in oppostion to this elimination from a possible subscribership of 16,000. Approximately 350 phone calls have been also received in opposition representing 3.7% of the area subscribership. He reported, however, that few disconnects have resulted because of the elimination of WOR. The Commission questioned if future programming changes will be brought to the Commission for review and recommendation. The Commission suggested that the company repoll its subscribership to see how they feel aboutthe elimination of WOR from the basic service. Bev Trost reported on the workshop that she attended on January 30, 1985. A booklet is available for the Commissioners to review on items covered at the conference. Cablevision Minutes February 14, 1985 Page Two Commissioner Fossell suggested that the Commission compensate Elaine Gartellos for her time and expense concerning the recent broadcasting the Latchkey Child. The Committee reviewing the funding structure will meet in the near future. Committee members include Chairperson Trost, Judy Fossell, Ron Kemp and Mike Schreurs. Additional members are being sought. Commissioner White suggested that the item of oral presentations be added to future Cable Agendas to allow the public the opportunity to address the Commission should the need arise. With no further business before the Commission, it was moved by Siems, seconded by Blair that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Michelle Temeyer Deputy Clerk/Auditor • Cablevision Minutes January 10, 1985 4:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers Members present: Chairperson Trost, Fred Stewart, Ron Kemp, Larry White, Judy Fossell, Sammie Dell. The following amendments were proposed to the agenda: 1) deletion of the report of the City Attorney on franchise fee; 2) adding after presentation by Waterloo Cablevision, presentation by the public, and 3) deleting development of plans for awarding of production grants. It was moved by Judy Fossell, seconded by Ron Kemp that the Agenda as amended be approved. Motion carried. Martin Baedke, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision announced his resignation as Manager of Waterloo Cablevision to the Cable Commission. He reported that Len Rozek has been appointed the new manager. Mr. Baedke also reported that Barbara Applegate is no longer an employee of Waterloo Cablevision. The company has decided to review its marketing techniques and temporarily shut down the marketing segment of the company. Discussion was heard on the recent elimination of WC)R from the basic service. Mr. Baedke reported that prior to the elimination of OR, a survey had been done of 2200 homes in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. This survey resulted in their decision to eliminate this New York Station. Mr. Baedke reported that the company has received numerous phone calls in response to this change, however, they will stick to their business decision to eliminate this station. Commissioner Fossell reported that she had heard from many people regarding this reduction in service. She also said that she has received complaints regarding the video music channel that has been added to the basic package. Commissioner Dell stated that he had received comments opposing the elimination of WOR because of the many sports events shown on it. Commissioner Stewart reported that this channel change had produced the most citizen complaints since he has been commissioner. Commissioner White said he has had numerous negative calls on the elimination of WOR. Deputy Clerk/Auditor Michelle Temeyer reported that 6 or 7 calls have been received from Watrloo residents opposing the elimination of WOR. Chairperson Trost asked for citizen input regarding this change. John Facett stated that he was upset with elimination of WOR and hoped that the Commissioners could pressure the company into adding WOR to the basic package. He reported that many of his friends had the same concerns. He stated that no one he has talked to was involved in the survey that preceded the decision to eliminate this service. Mr. Baedke reported that had they selected to retain WOR, customers would experience a $1 .00 incrase in their expanded service which they felt customers would not and could not afford. (WOR, if brought back, would be added to the expanded package.) Page Two Cablevision Minutes Chairperson Trost reported that she had 4 (four) phone calls regarding the elimination of service with persons being mainly concerned with not having access to hockey, baseball and other sports. She also reported that the Commission was a group of volunteers representing various segments of the community and that their ability to change the company's decision was limited. She did report that the Commission hoped that the company would be a profitable business. The item of the elimination of WOR was asked to be put on the Agenda of the February, 1985 Cablevision Meeting. Commissioner Kemp stated that the Cable company must respond to the market place, and that petitions, phone calls and letters may assist in this effort. Bev Trost briefly explained the cable program for the latchkey child. This is a series of cable programs dealing with children that must come home fran school and enter an empty house. It is intended to meet the emotional and safety needs of the child. She read a list of contributors to the program and stated that the program had survived on a budget of $8500. She stated that the cable company had been most cooperative in putting this series of programs together. She reported that a press party would be held at 5:00 p.m. today at the Elk's Club to announce this program. Commissioner Fossel complimented Bev Trost on her work on this program. It was moved by Sduuuie Dell, seconded by Ron Kemp that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor Cablevision Minutes February 14, 1985 4:00 p.m. Mayor's Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Bev Trost, Judy Fossell, Jeannie Siems, Gary Blair, Larry White and Sammie Dell. It was moved by Fossell, seconded by Blair that the Agenda be approved with the amendment to allow the City Attorney to speak first in regard to the franchise fees. Motion carried. Donna Lesyshen, Assistant City Attorney, reported on her conversations with Frank Leiter on the copywrite fees for basic service. She reported that new federal legislation allows a 5% increase over the basic rate. A question has arisen as to whether or not the copyright fee is included in this base increase. Her conclusion is that the copyright fee is not a part of the 5% allowable increase. The 5% annual increase in the basic rate service would translate into a 474 per year increase for the cable company. In discussions with Mr. Leiter, she reported that the 54 franchise fee that became effective December 1 , 1984, translated into a 19( fee for copyright charges and 34 basic rate increase. The question of non-competitiveness was discussed. The franchisee can still be regulated if the area is not served by more than 3 channels. The National League of Cities has stated that regulations could be enforced if there were 5 or less stations. Mrs. Lesyshen indicated that an ordinance revision would best be suited after the FCC has made a final determination of the rights of the franchisee. It was moved by Dell, seconded by Fossell that the minutes of the meeting of January 10, 1985 be approved. Motion carried. Chairperson Trost instructed the Clerk to poll the Commission members regarding their preference for future meeting times. Len Rozek, Waterloo Cablevision, gave a short presentation on Showtime Corp., promotion that they will be undertaking in conjunction with the Cedar Rapids and Dubuque market. Future promotions will be done in conjunction with such programming services. A market that they hope to tap into are those residents who have never been hooked into the cable system. The item of elimination of WOR was brought to the table for discussion. Mr. Rozek reported that they have received 250 letters in oppostion to this elimination from a possible subscribership of 16,000. Approximately 350 phone calls have been also received in opposition representing 3.7% of the area subscribership. He reported, however, that few disconnects have resulted because of the elimination of WOR. The Commission questioned if future programming changes will be brought to the Commission for review and recommendation. The Commission suggested that the company repoll its subscribership to see how they feel aboutthe elimination of WOR from the basic service. Bev Trost reported on the workshop that she attended on January 30, 1985. A booklet is available for the Commissioners to review on items covered at the conference.