HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984 Cablevision Commission Minutes
December 6, 1984
City Council Chambers
City Hall
Members present: Sammie Dell, Fred Stewart, Judy Fossell, Larry
White, Mike Schreures.
Others present: Martin Baedke, Barb Applegate.
The Agenda was approved as proposed.
The Minutes of November 1, 1984, as proposed.
Barb Applegate, Waterloo Cablevision, reported on some channel
changes as of December 31, 1984, in the Cable system. The changes
are being made to serve the elderly in the community. She also
reported that subscribership was up due to the recent promotion.
Martin Baedke reported on what cold weather does to the cable system
and why the system goes out more in the cold weather than hot.
He also reported that they are charging the $.50 per customer
copyright fee.
Chairman Schreures welcomed the new commissioners. They are Judy
Fossell who is a teacher at Grant School and Sammie Dell, who teaches
at Hawkeye Tech and Student Activities Director.
The Nominating Committee reported that Beverly Hinders Trost accepted
the nomination as Chairperson of the Cablevision Commission for
calendar year 1985.
It was moved by White, seconded by Kemp that a unanimous ballot be
cast for Beverly Hinders Trost to serve as Chairperson of the
Waterloo Cablevision for calendar year 1985. Motion carried.
Chairman Schreures reported on the F.Y. 1986 Budget request,
mentioning the 3% cut being imposed on all City departments and the
funding mechanisms for Grants. He feels that the Commission should
justify the $6500 budget with Grants, equipment, etc. It was
reported that the Commission's budget is not an itemized, line by
line budget, but is one line item in the Clerk/Auditor's Budget.
Mike Schreures thanked the Commission as Chairman for their support
throughout the year.
With no further business before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned.
Donna Vanhorn
acting Secretary for
Larry P. Burger,
City Clerk/Auditor
CABLEVISION COMMISSION
November 1 , 1984
City Council Chambers
City Hall
Waterloo, Iowa
Members present: Kemp, Siems, Schreurs, White, Blair, Trost, and
Larry P. Burger, Clerk of the Commission.
Also present: Donna Leseyshun, Martin Baedke, Barbara Applegate.
Martin Baedke, Manager Waterloo Cablevision, presented an article
from the Des Moines Register outlining a bill signed by President
Reagan regarding deregulation of Cable TV. Baedke continued that the
deregulation will begin in 1986.
Baedke also stated that in the near future the Cable Company will
have to start charging a 4% State sales tax on all new installations.
Barb Applegate, Waterloo Cablevision, ran through future programming
for the month of November that will be presented by the Waterloo
Cablevision.
Siems stated that on last months minutes paragraph 4 and paragraph 8
of page 2 were incorrect. Siems continued that in paragraph 4 page 2
of the minutes she did not make that motion for the action to be
taken, and in paragraph 8 she was not the one who seconded that
action.
Burger stated that he would check the tape to correct the minutes
accordingly.
Moved by Trost, seconded by Siems to approve the minutes as
corrected. Motion carried.
Donna Lesyshen, Assistant City Attorney, brought the Commission up to
date on what has happened at the last meeting regarding the $.50
increase in the cost of Cable TV.
Lesyshen continued that City and Waterloo Cablevision would enter
into a declaratory judgement and would allow the courts to decide the
validity and the legality of whether the $.50 charge is allowed under
the present ordinance.
Lesyshen stated that she would keep the Commission fully informed on
the progress of that decision.
Lesyshen then ran through her proposals regarding the reorganization
and redefinitions of Boards and Commissions in the City of Waterloo.
Lesyshen stated that the questionaire that was mailed from her office
October 2, 1984 regarding the standardization sections of Boards and
Commissions Ordinances was for the Commission's review and input at a
later date.
Lesyshen stated that the Cable Franchise and Ordinance should be two
separate documents. She continued that she would be working with the
Waterloo Cablevision Company in redrafting some of the sections of
the ordinance.
Baedke stated that approximate time frame for the new ordinance would
be a maximum of 6 months.
CABLEVISION MEETING
Page Two
Chairman Schreurs brought up the fact that December 1 a new chairman
of the Commission should be elected and asked Kemp, Trost, and White
to serve on a nominating committee for the election of a new
chairman.
The nomination committee will meet prior to the next meeting and a
recommendation from said committee will be presented at the December
meeting.
Chairman Schreurs called for any additional items to be brought
before the Cable Commission, hearing none.
It was moved by Siens, seconded by White for adjournment. Notion
carried.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor
CABLE COMMISSION
October 4, 1984
7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Members present: Chairperson Schreuers, Kemp, Blair, Stewart, White,
Also present: Larry Burger, W. David Tyler, Martin Baedke, Barbara
Applegate, and Michelle Temeyer.
It was moved by Siems, seconded by Blair to approve the agenda, as
proposed. Motion carried.
Martin Baedke, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, reported that their
service is in the midst of a sun-outage lasting from approximately
3:00 - 3:12 p.m. each day. The "snowy" picture is due to the
positioning of the sun and satellite and occurs twice a year.
Barbara Applegate, Waterloo Cablevision, reported on the recent
Disney promotion which added 250 disney subscribers. In October, they
will run a ".99 Special" hook up fee for new customers. Also during
October, fooddonations to the Cedar Valley Food Bank will be
encouraged. In November, they anticipate an HMO promotion.
Martin Baedke, presented their request for a $.50/per month/per
customer increase for copyright fees that are paid to the Library of
Congress, Copyright Tribunal. The amount charged his operation is
based on gross earnings. Mr. Baedke presented the amount they have
paid since 1980 and projected payments for 1984 and 1985. The $.50
increase will assist in defraying the previous amounts paid to the
Tribunal. Cedar Falls patrons do not pay the $.50 copyright fee.
Commission member Blair asked why said fees were not discussed in
July, when the $1 .50 fee increase was voted upon by the Commission.
(At that time, the franchise requested a monthly fee increase of
$1 .50; however, the City Council authorized only $1 .00 increase.)
City Attorney W. David Tyler stated that Sec. 6(d) of Ordinance No.
2949, an Ordinance Regulating Cable Television allows the following:
If any governmental agency imposes any use tax, sales tax or taxes
of another form on the Grantee's service, Grantee may add any such
tax(s) or fee(s) to its bills and may, at its option, set forth such
amount(s) as separate items".
Mr. Tyler reported that the City Attorney's Office has investigated
whether or not the copyright Tribunal is a governmental agency, as
required by the above portion of the Ordinance. Neither the Cable
Company or Library of Congress can verify that the fees transmitted
by Waterloo Cablevision to the Library of Congress are a governmental
tax.
Mr. Baedke also stated that it may become necessary to commence
charging a state tax for installation.
It was moved by Kemp, seconded by Stewart that the City legal staff
be instructed to review the above described charge and if it is found
not to be a legal fee that a legal injunction be imposed until such
time as the matter is corrected. Prior to a vote on this motion the
following discussion was heard:
It was mentioned that this matter had not been discussed with the
City Council therefore, their position on this matter was not yet
known. Barbara Applegate pointed out that said additional fee was
necessary for their operation.
Page Two
Cablevision
Dave Tyler, City Attorney, pointed out that the above motion was out
of order since the Cable Ordinance does not allow for the Cable
Commission to take said action. This remains under the control of
the City Council. Discussion was heard on amending the above motion
to read that the Commission would only recommend said action.
The above motion was withdrawn with the approval of the mover and
seconder.
Dave Tyler, City Attorney, stated that the question remains as
follows: first, whether it is a legal flow through of money to the
Library of Congress and second if the fee is found to be legal
whether or not the Cable company can charge current customers for the
past fees paid to the Library Congress since 1980.
It was moved by Siems, seconded by Trost that the Cable Commission
recommend to the City Council to investigate: 1 ) Whether the
copyright fee is a governmental tax or fee pursuant to Section 6(d)
of the Waterloo Cable Ordinance, and 2) if said tax is found to be
an appropriate governmental tax whether the Cable Company can charge
current customers for the money that the company has paid to the
Library of Congress since 1980.
Trost withdrew her second. The motion was then seconded by Blair.
The Chair called for a vote on the above described motion. The
motion was approved unanimously.
Commissioner Blair asked that the third item on the agenda, the
report of the sub comittee on the funding structure proposal,
be tabled until the November meeting.
It was moved by Stewart, seconded by Siems that said item be tabled
for one month. Motion carried.
Dave Tyler, City Attorney, reported that his office has been working
with all Waterloo Boards and Commissions on standardization of powers
of said groups. He reported that the Cable Commission will have the
opportunity to review the proposed guidelines.
With no further business before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor
Cable Commission
September 6, 1984
4:00 p.m.
Mayor's Conference Room
Members Present: Chairman Schreurs, Siems, White, Blair, Kemp.
Also present: Larry P. Burger, Michelle Temeyer
Due to the lack of a quorum, no official action was taken.
Martin Baedke, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, presented a 17
minutes film of clips from sixteen (16) various community events that
they have filmed and shown on Channel 2, the local access channel.
He also reported on the current promotion of the Disney Channel. An
update of the audit of illegal cable hookups from June 1983 thru
March 1984 was given. A total of 8,600 audit of Cable TV homes was
completed with the following findings: 145 illegal homes (basic
services) of which 30 were sold the service; 140 illegal homes
(expanded services) of which 45 were sold the service. Thirty-four
(34) cases were filed in Court with 22 convictions, four (4) eases
were lost, eight (8) remain outstanding. Restitution in the amount
of $2,000 has been made.
Martin stated that the cable increase authorized by the City Council
on August 20, 1984 will become effective in October, 1984. No
reimbursement to the company has been realized for projects
undertaken in conjunction with the Interstate Substitution Program.
The sub-committee report concerning the funding request structure was
presented. A copy is attached and known as "Exhibit A".
Commissioners were asked to review the proposal prior to the October
meeting. The funding process was discussed as related to whether the
Committee or City Council would have the authority to deny or approve
a funding request.
The Clerk was instructed to send copies to all commissioners, the
Mayor, and the City Attorney.
With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was
adjourned.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor
'"k\
CABLEVISION COMMISSION
August 2, 1984
4:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Members present: Cole, Getty, Kemp, Lockard, Schreurs, Stewart,
Trost and White.
The minutes of the July 5, 1984 meeting were approved as printed.
Frank Leiter, Vice President of Operations, presented the increase in
basic cable service in the amount of $8.50 to $10.00/month. Due to
increases in payroll, copyright fees, program supplier increases,
etc. they have been forced to increase subscriber base fees. The
last increase was in March, 1982. Mr. Leiter presented each
Commissioner with 1983-84 Financial Data for the company. Although
operations have not been profitable within the last five (5) years,
subscribership has increased.
Section 6(c) of Ordinance No. 2949, An Ordinance regulating Cable
Television, was read:
Not more often than once within any twelve (12) month period, the
Grantee may increase any or all of its rates in an amount not
exceeding the percentage by which the National U.S. Consumer Price
Index published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (or similar
index by which said Index shall be replaced) shall have increased
since the effective date hereof or since Grantee's last rate
increase.
It was moved by White, seconded by Kemp that a recommendation of
approval be forwarded to the City Council provided said request
falls within the guidelines of the ordinance. Prior to a vote on
this motion, the following discussion was heard:
Amy Lockard asked if an increase in service could be expected with
the rate increase. Mr. Leiter reported that similar service would be
maintained and that a $200,000 increase in income would be realized
with the rate increase. He reported that the basic package is full.
Turnover has been reduced to a rate of 3%/month through various
marketing techniques. Bad debt has been 160% since 1982.
Councilperson Getty asked about periodic customer outages. In
response, Mr. Leiter stated that calls are answered as soon as
possible.
CityAttorneyDave Tyler stated that the
y percent of increase may not
exceed the percentage by which the U.S. CPI shall have increased
since the last increase.
A rate increase will also be requested in the City of Cedar Falls.
Ron Kemp questioned the psychological impact associated with such a
large increase (17%). Mr. Leiter stated that his company has been
concentrating on delivering better service and investigating
alternative sources of income including an increase in services above
the basic package. However, since Cablevision pays 40%-50% of that
revenue to its suppliers of said service, the increase in revenues to
the company would be negligible.
City Attorney Dave Tyler stated that the ordinance also requires that
the rate change must further the public interest or allow the grantee
to realize a fair rate of return on its investment sufficient to
attract capital.
Mr. Leiter stated that an acceptable rate of return would be in the
low 20% range.
Fred Stewart suggested that the Commission has not had appropriate
time to review the information and needed additional time to make a
recommendation to the Council.
CABLEVISION COMMISSION
PAGE TWO
Councilperson Getty stated that the request for rate increase was a
mere courtesy because the ordinance only requires approval by the
Council.
Bev Trost reported that she was prepared to make a recommendation to
the Council.
A vote on the original notion was taken. Ayes: None. Nays: Seven.
Motion not carried.
The following notion was offered:
It was moved by Kemp, seconded by Stewart that the Commission
recommend to the City Council that they support an increase, but
should the Council so desire, the Commission would specify an amount
of increase if so directed by the Council. Motion carried.
Discussion was heard on granting more authority to the Commission in
the area of reviewing requests for rate increases; however, since the
ordinance has been determined to also be the Contractual Agreement
between Waterloo Cablevision and the City, Waterloo Cablevision would
need to consent to any change in the ordinance.
It was moved by Getty, seconded by Lockard that the meeting be
adjourned.
Motion carried.
Michelle Temeyer
Deputy Clerk/Auditor
CABLEVISION COMMISSION
July 5, 1984
7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Members present: Chairman Schreurs, Davis, Cole, White, and
Stewart.
Quorum not present.
Due to the lack of a quorum, no official actions were taken.
The following information was presented:
Martin Baedke, Manager of Waterloo Cablevision, reported that
they will host Dance-A-Thon on July 17, 1984. They, in conjunction
with KFMW, are also sponsoring a special promotion for the Movie
Channel. Any household signing for said service will receive a free
album. In September, Electric Park Ballroom will be the sight of a
break dance contest.
A letter of appreciation to Waterloo Cablevision was read from
Beverly Hinders Trost, Commission member and employee of AEA 7, for
their excellent and continued cooperation to her agency.
A brief discussion was heard on the continuing number of home
satellite systems in the community. Their legality was questioned.
Mr. Baedke reported a continuing decline in the number of
clients dropping partial and/or complete cable service. This
impacts the revenue the City receives from the franchise. There are
approximately 13,000 subscribers in the Waterloo area.
The format of the "Shoatime" movie channel was discussed.
Martin indicated that the company they purchase said service from
will be under a new format, perhaps with less repetition.
The video cassette recorder and television monitor purchased by
the Commission has been received and was reviewed by those present.
A stand for the unit has not been purchased. A consensus of those
present indicated a willingness to ask the Council for their
approval for purchase of a stand in the amount of $190.00. Said
request will be made.
The new Civil Defense Director will be asked to serve on the
Commission to replace retiring Carl Rogers, who has served on the
Commission since its inception.
The next meeting of the commission will be held on Thursday,
August 2, 1984 at 4:00 p.m. Agenda items will include:
1 . Waterloo Cablevision Presentation,
2. Review of funding structure for 1984-85 (sub-committee
report), and
3. Update on "theft" of cable services.
With no further business before the Commission, meeting was
adjourned.
Michelle Temeyer
Deputy City Clerk/Auditor
Cable Commission
June 7, 1984
4:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Members Present: Chairperson Schreurs, Ron Kemp, Larry White, Jeannie
Siems, Terry Cole, Beverly Hinders Trost, Amy Lockard. Also present:
Charles Marbles, Martin Baedke, Barbara Applegate, and Michelle
Temeyer.
All persons present introduced themselves and stated the agency they
represented.
It was moved by Siems, seconded by Lockard that the minutes of April
5, 1984 be received and placed on file for audit. Motion carried.
Charles Marbles, Purchasing Agent for the City of Waterloo, reported
on the progress on purchase of a 3/4 inch videotape recorder. He had
received the following bids:
Bidder Amount
Davis Electronics $2,285.00
Farnsworth Electronics $1 ,900.00
Discussion was heard on the specifications, with the concensus of the
Commission being that it be a monitor/receiver with the capacity for
sixty (60) minute tapes. Tapes will also be ordered with the
videotape recorder. It was moved by Kemp, seconded by Trost that Mr.
Marbles be authorized to purchase said equipment. Motion carried.
Barbara Applegate, Waterloo Cablevision, reported that in the month
of May, their company had 121 disconnects and 121 connects.
Approximately 44% of the metropolitan area is served by Cable TV.
She also announced that the Third Annual Family Night at the Indians
Ballpark will be June 23, 1984. The recently distributed "Cable
Clues Package" has been successful. Ms. Applegate spoke briefly of
CNN Headline News and Cable News Network, both awned by Ted Turner.
Martin Baedke, Waterloo Cablevision reported that they presently are
hooking up the parochial schools.
Beverly Hinders Trost summarized her written report on the 2nd Annual
Spring Cable Conference she attended in April, 1984 at St. Paul,
Minnesota entitled.
Chairman Schreurs stated that the Mayor would be sending a letter to
Commissioners asking them to repledge their committment to the
Commission's activities.
A letter of resignation was received from Carl Rogers, Director of
Civil Defense. Mr. Rogers will be retiring as Director of Civil
Defense.
It was reported that the City of Cedar Falls has completed
renegotiation of their franchise with Waterloo Cablevision.
Discussion was heard on future funding requests for the purposes of
access programming. The type of organizations that would be making
applications was discussed as being those that serve the public
interest and are not politically oriented. The purposes for the
programming were discussed as being informative, educational, or
entertaining. Due to the details of formulating access programming
guidelines, a sub-committee was formed. Said committee will meet
with the City Attorney to discuss how public funds can be used. The
committee will make a report at the July 5th meeting.
With no further business before the committee, the meeting
adjourned.
Michelle Temeyer
Deputy Clerk/Auditor
Cablevision Meeting
Tuesday, May 8, 1984
Due to lack of quorum, the Cablevision Meeting was not held.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor
CABLEVISION COMMISSION MINUTES
April 5, 1984 - 7:00 p.m.
City Hall - Mayor's Conference Room
Members present: Ron Kemp, Beverly Hinders Trost, Mike Schreurs,
Jeannie Siems, Larry White and Fred Stewart. Also present: Bev
Lind, Bob Moore, Martin Baedke, Barb Applegate and Larry P. Burger,
Clerk of the Commission.
Two amendments were offered to the March 1 , 1984 Commission minutes:
1 . The fourth paragraph dawn, first line should read Channel 9
instead of Channel 19 as printed.
2. The sixth paragraph down, second line should read $6,500 instead
of $6,000.
Moved by Siems, seconded by White to approve the minutes as amended.
Motion carried.
Sally Turner of the Waterloo Schools reported on the progress of the
school system with regards to Cable T.V.
Turner highlighted some of the successful activities the schools have
implemented such as: the daily calendar, filming of the school board
meetings, and the Thursday night place in town show.
Turner continued that they presently have four interns from the
University of Northern Iowa to help with the various programs.
Martin Baedke of the Waterloo Cable Company brought the Commission up
to date on some of the developments implemented by the Waterloo
Cable Company such as switching from the existing Sat. Com. 3R
Satellite to the new Galaxy One Satellite.
Baedke continued regarding the expenditure for moving cable for the
ongoing highway work equals to date $38,868.63 and is not
reimbursable from the State.
Baedke stated that former Mayor Rooff may be able to help with some
funding help.
Mike Schreurs stated that he would be willing to help in expressing
thoughts and concerns to the state legislators.
Barb Applegate of the Waterloo Cable Company reported on different
programming schedules and cable additions such as information
ca«gaigns to get more out of cable service, use of cable guide and
the five year anniversary of C-Span.
Bev Trost commented on several items that were discussed at a
planning committee meeting.
1 . The Waterloo Library is planning to do a community wide public
analysis regarding various needs of the public. The Library has
invited the Cable Commission to participate in the survey to
determine cable needs of the community.
2. Formation of a six member task force to pursue a closer
relationship with the Library. Suggested task force would be
three Commission members and three Library trustees or staff
members.
Bev Lind stated that the survey would take from one year to eighteen
months to complete. It would determine what makes up the City and
what information is available in the community for use without
duplication of effort by different organizations.
CABLEVISION COMMISSION
PAGE 7431
Bev Lind continued that the project is not just a survey but a total
community study.
Mike Schreurs spoke on the second item regarding the task force and
the Waterloo Library. He stated that he can see advantages to be
closely associated with the Library but questioned whether there
would be any political pitfalls between the Library Board and the
City Council.
Bev Lind stated that she didn't feel that there would be a problem,
and that the Library Board would be very willing to assist in any way
they can.
Ron Kemp reported on public access in regards to health care. He is
waiting on some information from University of Iowa regarding health
care for cable. Kemp also stated that the local hospitals are
interested in participating in cable.
Discussion followed regarding two way communications with cable on
health care.
Moved by Trost, seconded by Siems to accept the Library's offer to
join in on a community wide study. Motion carried.
Moved by Trost, seconded by Siems that the Commission participate in
a joint task force with the Library and three people be assigned from
the Commission to the task force for the purpose of planning a shared
program and the formation of the task force be contingent upon the
Library's willingness to participate. Motion carried.
Moved by Trost, seconded by Kemp that the Commission work as a
committee as a whole to develop the guidelines and procedures for the
purpose of awarding committee grants for the purpose of developing
public access video productions and the marketing of said
productions. Motion carried.
Mike Schreurs requested that the Commission meet on Saturday, April
28, 1984 at 9:00 a.m. at Bev Trost's office at Area Education Agency
7 Education Association, 3712 Cedar Heights Drive in Cedar Falls for
the purpose of review and discussing procedures of issuing grants for
local productions.
Martin Baedke reported to the Commission that the Waterloo Cable
Company had just delivered to the City a check in the amount of
$92,933.92 representing the 3% franchise fee.
Moved by Trost, seconded be Stewart that the last five items on the
agenda be tabled for one month. Motion carried.
With no further business to be brought to the Commission, the
meeting was adjourned.
CABLEVISION COMMISSION MINUTES
March 1, 1984 - 4:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Members present: Ron Kemp, Beverly Hinders Trost, Mike Schreurs,
Jeannie Siems, Larry White, Steve Davis, and Amy Lockard. Also
present: Bev Lind, Connie Tiffany, Martin Baedke, and Michelle
Temeyer.
It was moved by Siems, seconded by Kemp that the minutes of the
February 2, 1984 meeting be approved as printed. Motion carried.
Connie Tiffany, an employee of the Iowa City Public Library,
presented the library's role in Iowa City's cable operation. Space
is available to the cable company, as well as to those who desire to
produce local originated programming within the Library. She
distributed information for the Commission's review.
Martin Baedke presented a report on Channel 9, the Weather Channel .
Coverage includes only northeast Iowa. The screens show daily
rainfall, wind velocity, temperature, wind chill, etc. The channel
is also connected with the national and local alert systems. It was
suggested that Carl Rogers be contacted for a program relating to
local disaster preparedness.
The Planning Committee consisting of Ron Kemp, Bev Lind, and Beverly
Hinders Trost will be continuing efforts to prepare the Commission's
goals and objectives. Discussion was heard on medical programming.
An update will be given in April.
The FY 1985 Operating Budget for the Cable Commission in the amount
of $6,500 will be reviewed at a public hearing on Tuesday, March 6,
1984, at 7:00 p.m. , in the City Hall Council Chambers. The public is
invited. The request of the parochial schools for City expenditures
in the amount of $11,934.00 for cable has been approved by the
Finance Committee and will be presented to the City Council on March
5, 1984. The equipment purchase is in the process of being let for
bid.
Discussion was heard on the Commission's participation on a
conference entitled, "Cable Television Access Programming--What's
Being Done"--Second Annual Spring Cable Conference '84 on April
11-12, 1984 at St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. Beverly Hinders
Trost expressed an interest in participating. It was moved by
Scheurs, seconded by Davis to authorize an expenditure of $135.00 for
Beverly's attendance with said amount to pay for mileage, meals,
registration, and accommodations. Motion carried. The expenditure
will be forwarded to the City Council for their approval .
Jeannie Siems asked that Sally Turner of the Waterloo Community
Schools be asked to attend a future meeting.
The next meeting will be April 5, 1984, at 7:00 p.m. Agenda items
will include: 1) Report of Planning Committee; 2) Presentation by
Waterloo Cable Company; 3) Presentation by Sally Turner, Waterloo
Community Schools; 4) Update on budget and equipment request; 5)
Discussion of material presented by Connie Tiffany of Iowa City.
With no further business before the Commission, it was moved by
Siems, seconded by Davis to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Michelle Temeyer
Deputy City Clerk
CABLEVISION COMMISSION MINUTES
February 2, 1984
7:00 p.m.
Mayor's Conference Room
Members Present: Harold Getty, Ron Kemp, Fred Stewart, Beverly
Hinders Trost, Carl Rogers, and Mike Scheurs. Also present: Barbara
Applegate, Bev Lind, and Michelle Temeyer.
It was moved by Stewart, seconded by Kemp that the minutes of January
5, 1984 be received, and placed on file. Motion carried.
Provision of cable to parochial schools was brought to the floor for
discussion. Father Keppler reported on various conversations he had
had with Mayor Rooff, including that connection of parochial schools
was overlooked in the Ordinance development; therefore, the City
should be responsible for the cost of extension to them. The
Waterloo Public Schools are currently developing the use of cable
throughout the system with the controlling source for both parochial
and public schools to be at the Waterloo Schools Administration
Building. Barbara Applegate of Waterloo Cablevision reported that
construction would take approximately two (2) years. She also stated
that the parochial schools could have been serviced at the time the
system was built had they wanted it. Communication problems between
the school, city, and cable operator contributed to this oversight.
After discussion it was moved by Getty, seconded by Trost that the
Commission recommend to the City Council that the City of Waterloo
contribute $11 ,934 for hook up of the following parochial schools:
Blessed Sacrament, Columbus High, Sacred Heart, St. Edward's, St.
John's, St. Mary's, St. Nicholas, Immanuel Lutheran, Sunnyside
Temple, and Walnut Ridge. Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Barbara Applegate explained the two (2) religious stations they
carry which are CBN and PTL. The former is a family entertainer
with a wide variety of programming, with the latter mostly all
inspirational. PTL is a station that the cable company must air to
conform with the Federal guidelines and is received free of charge.
In response to a question, Barbara Applegate reported that the
company is experiencing a heightened image and receives few
complaints most of which are addressed and remedied.
The report of the Budget Committee consisting of Jeannie Siems, Fred
Stewart, Mike Scheurs, Beverly Hinders Trost, and Larry P. Burger was
given. They recommended that they request funding of $6,500 from the
City. The money would be allocated to community organizations for
local programming. This would fill a current unmet need. The
Commission will ask the Finance Committee for authorization to
purchase a 3/4" videotape player or player/recorder and a 19"
television monitor/receiver from the current year's budget
allocation. Following discussion it was thought that the resources
of the Waterloo Public Library and the University of Northern Iowa
should be sought for local programming.
CABLEVISION COMMISSION
PAGE TWO
Additionally several goals and objectives for the coming year were
outlined by Chairman Scheurs: 1) hold workshops for group on the
"how to" of local access; 2) develop brochures on local access; 3)
conduct a meeting of interested groups for local access; 4) continue
ordinance review; and 5) continue quarterly updates from the Waterloo
Public Schools.
The Planning Committee was formed for further goal refinement with
the following membership: Ron Kemp, Beverly Hinders Trost, and Bev
Lind. Monthly updates will be given. The possibility of contacting
the Iowa City Public Library for input was discussed.
Beverly Hinders Trost reported on the success of the Latchkey
Program.
Chairman Scheurs reported on the resignation of Tom Hurd due to job
commitments. A replacement will be sought with the assistance of the
Mayor's Office.
With no further business before the Commission, it was moved by
Stewart, seconded by Getty to adjourn. Motion carried.
Michelle Temeyer
Deputy City Clerk
CABLEVISION COMMISSION MINUTES
January 5, 1984
4:00 p.m.
Mayor's Conference Room
Members present: Jeannie Siems, Larry White, Beverly Hinders
Trost, Carl Rogers, Ron Kemp, and Mike- Scheurs.
Also present: Donna Lesyshen, Martin Baedke, Barbara Applegate,
Jeff Shirley, Larry P. Burger, Tim Graham, Robert Moore, and
Michelle Temeyer.
Jeff Shirley, representing the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce,
reviewed a twelve (12) part series on the Local Access Channel
(Channel 2) including series on overview of the Chamber's
duties and responsibilities, the Convention Bureau, the Inn
Towner Magazine, Current Events, and so forth. The series
is scheduled to be aired in mid March. Production of the
programs will be aided by student interns. The Chamber
does not foresee purchase of any production equipment.
Tim Graham, Chairman of the Cedar Falls Cable Commission,
reported on his Commission's recent activities including
local programming. They have hired a part time director
and full set of equipment valued at $36,000. The director
originates one half hour per week of local programming as
well as airing of the Cedar Falls City Council meetings.
Programming with the University of Northern Iowa has been
minimal. The Commission's yearly budget is approximately
$36,000/yr. He invited the Commission to their meetings
held on the first Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in
the Cedar Falls Library.
Barbara Applegate of the Waterloo Cablevision Company
presented several programming changes including the
change of the Cable Health Network to "Lifetime."
Future mergers can be expected. Each month bill
staffers will be provided.
Extension of cable to the City's parochial school system
was discussed including the cost of extending said service.
Even though the ordinance stated that service was to be
provided to parochial schools, this has not been completed.
Father Keppler, who has been instrumental in discussions
with Leo Rooff and the City in solving the problems, will
be asked to attend the February Cable Commission Meeting
to further discuss this matter.
It was moved by Trost, seconded by Siems that the City
Clerk/Auditor be instructed to forward the Commission's
resolution of support for Senate File 66 to Iowa's
Congressional Delegation. Motion carried.
Robert Moore, Audio Visual Manager from the Waterloo Public
Library, reported the library's willingness to work with
the Commission in local access programming. The library
lacks equipment for local programming.
The Budget Committee, consisting of Fred Stewart, Jeannie
Siems, Mike Scheurs, and Beverly Hinders Trost, will meet
with Mayor Del Bowers to discuss the Commission's budget
reuqest for FY 1984-85 on Friday, January 13, 1984. A
report will be made at the February Commission Meeting.
With no further business before the Commission, the meeting
.01 was adjourned.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor