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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCable Advisory Board 1998 Minutes MINUTES TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD City Council Chambers 124 West Michigan Wednesday, December 9, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT _! David Koskinen, Chair Beth Aldrich, Member Michael Blonde, Member Ida Bryanton, Member Sherie Davy, Member OTHERS PRESENT Terese Horn, Council Staff Karen Schmidt, CITY-TV Michael Fields, Applicant APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 10-14-989 AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0. ACTION/DISCUSSION • Cable Grant Applications Review The Board members discussed the non-eligibility status for grant requests for programs that have religious content. They reviewed guidelines that regulate this issue. There was discussion with respect to the portion of Ms. Geer's request that asks for grant monies to be used to pay for personnel for the program. It was noted per ordinance, grants are approved for support of equipment, materials, or tapes but are not allowed for payment of personnel. Ms. Schmidt, Manager, CITY-TV, briefed the Board members on the process used with respect to providing tapes for approved grants. She explained that money is not distributed for the purchase of tapes but tapes are purchased and then provided. If a request involves monies for equipment and if approved, the equipment is provided through Media One by means of purchase through grant money. The equipment is also stored at Media One. If there is a request for money to purchase supplies or special program material and if approved, a check is provided to the applicant. She explained that the total amount of money available for grants is determined by a percent of the City's franchise fees and is set by resolution. There was a brief discussion with respect to control of the use of tapes purchased by grant money. At this time, there is no policy that assures the City that tapes received from grant money are being used for the purpose requested. It was noted that applicants do not have to live in the City of Lansing to be eligible to receive grant money for public access programs. There was discussion with respect to changing the ordinance to mandate that in order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be a resident of Lansing. This was not supported. It was suggested that line items costs of requested items be provided with the grant applications when mailed. The members reviewed the following grant applications. After thorough discussion of each request and of the programming that it would support, a determination was made on their recommendation and is as follows: Request Recommendation 1. Angel Agurlar $400.00 $400.00(tapes) 2 2. Darryl Burgess $336.70 $336.70 (tapes) 3. Michael Fields $2,275.00 $495.00 (tapes) $1550.00-(backdrop & logo) 4. Carol Gier $20,000.00 $667.00 (tapes) 5. Jasper Jones $300.00 $652.00 (tapes) 6. Keturah Jones $300.00 -0- 7. Sonya Kates $100.00 $100.00 (tapes) 8. Lue Lee $$1304.79 $655.00 (tapes) $645.00 (wireless mic& ear system and light meter) 9. Warren Cooley $285470 $ 91.50 (tapes) IO.Guillermo Lopez $840.00 $840.00 (tapes) 11.Christine Timmons $1,150.00 $645.00 (tapes) $250.00 (backdrop) 12. RSVP $800.00 $800.00 (logo and folding set) Applications and response letters for grant requests are attached. There was discussion with respect to adding a clause to the contract relative to accountability. It was suggested that 8 months be a time period for the applicant to prove their accountability. Attorney Jordan is to provide wording to establish an accountability clause in the contract between the person receiving the grant and the City. MS DAVY MADE A MOTION TO SUPPORT GRANT REQUESTS AS DETERMINED AND LISTED ABOVE. MOTION SUPPORTED AND CARRIED, 5-0. MS ALRIDCH MADE A MOTION TO ADD LANGUAGE TO INCORPORATE AN ACCOUNABILITY CLAUSE IN THE CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC ACCESS GRANT MONIES. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0. Mr. Jordan updated the board members on the Entertainment Connections, Inc. (ECI) litigation case. He explained that if ECI wins the case, it could eliminate control cities would have on the variety of cable systems that have been created by means of new technology. Cable companies would not be 3 required to get a Franchise with the City. He explained that the expense of the lawsuit is expected to be large. He requested the Board to support funding for the lawsuit. The Board determined to allocate $1000.00 in support of the lawsuit. MS. DAVY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOCATE $1000.00 TOWARD THE SUPPORT OF THE LAWSUIT WITH ECI. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Submitted by Terese Horn Senior Secretary Lansing City Council Appr by David Koskinen, Chair (,`( TE �� 4 MINUTES TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD City Council Chambers 124 West Michigan Wednesday, October 14, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 5:34 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT David Koskinen, Chair Beth Aldrich, Member Michael Blonde, Member Ida Bryanton, Member Sherie Davy, Member Greg Starks, Vice Chair— Arrived at 5:50 p.m. OTHERS PRESENT Terese Horn, Council Staff Karen Schmidt, CITY-TV APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 7-08-989 AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0. ACTION/DISCUSSION i T1 • Cable Grant Applications: .. =- A. Process Ms. Schmidt presented two different documents that were policies and procedures for receiving community cable casting grants. One needs to be included with each grant application with the necessary amendments. There was discussion with respect to the difference between the documents. It was determined that the policies and procedures that indicated approval was on 7-10-91 would be the document that amendments would be made to. Changes to the documents will include: The change of the name of the cable company; Continental Cablevision to Media One and channel number line-up. It was noted that the only difference between the documents was that the last page of one document was not completed and that only one out of two pages of the grant application was attached to that document. B. Deadline Date It was determined that nine days before the December meeting, November 30, 1998, will be the deadline date for receiving applications. At the meeting of December 9, 1998, producers are welcome to attend but not required. At that meeting, a determination will be made on the application requests. Returned applications are to be sent to the board members prior to the meeting for their review. Staff is to write a letter informing the applicants of the meeting scheduled to review the applications and inform them that it is not necessary for them to attend the meeting, but they are welcome. There was discussion with respect to having MediaOne send out a letter to producers of public access with respect to grant availability. Announcement of Grant application availability for public access is to be made at the Council meeting on October 26, 1998, under Special Ceremony by Chair David Koskinen. REPORTS: • Vice-Chair Starks He informed the board that there is a Strategic Planning Task Force that will perform an informal survey with respect to the functions of CITY- TV. 2 The Board will continue to be updated with respect to the transfer of properties between MediaOne and M. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Submitted by Terese Horn Senior Secretary Lansing City Council Approved by David Koskinen, Chair DATE �� J 3 1 -.� _ ti.� MIN'UTES OA LP DVISoR� B ' Clry WALL A CE ROOM 5;3p PM CABLE CONFEREN 4 1-991, -- TENTH FLOOR 1 ANU ARy 1 wEDNE 5:35 P O ORDER AT AppRO XIMATELy M NG V P'5 CALLED T MEETI M BERS pRESENT Marc Thomas,hai iCe_Chaiv David goskr ember Gregory Star h,, I tuber Beth Aldric .Member Luke Schafer, Member Ida Bvyanton, �THERs pRESENT MediaO ne Haver Michael aw dDept Jordan, 1- Staff 1 ack Council �-, Horn, hannel 28 TereSe C Schmidt, ylJ, gavel Clark, Public Service Mark ON AGENDA ITEMS COMMENT pUBLIC Comment. No public pETITloss IONS AND M MUNICA CO '_ --�_ ' -� �_ r V� "��_ Communications from MediaOne • Letter RE: Price Adjustments Mr. Haverland, MediaOne, stated that there will be a price adjustment in the January billing to customers. He indicated that this is primarily due to the upgrade of the system and new services, i.e., Internet access. He explained that there are internal costs related to the upgrade that created a need for a price increase and also what he reflected to as a "breadbasket" of external costs which included the new Fox Sport Network. The FCC limit for costs of services has been reached. He explained that MediaOne's policy is to adjust charges once a year for upgrades and services, even though, FCC allows to adjust more than once a year. When reviewing costs for setting rates, he explained that MediaOne also looks at the cost of the franchise fee for each of the municipalities that they service and adjustments are determined individually. The new detailed line item bill will be sent to customers. It was clarified by Mr. Haverland that the 3% Franchise Fee was an individual line item and that the FCC allows them to breakout the franchise fee from the maximum perimeter for costs for services. Discussion followed. He stated that the 1997 franchise fee for Lansing was $403,000 and projected for 1998 is $440,000. After MediaOne has the technical ability for Internet access, Mr. Haverland explained, they have one year to hook up those services to schools to comply with the commitment with FCC. He indicated that they would have that capability within four to six months when the upgrade is complete. • Letter of intent with Tele-Communications Mr. Haverland explained the intent to trade systems with TCI in different market segments and the benefits for cable providers to "cluster" services to form a stronger market area. He stated that it is both MediaOne and TCI's intent to trade and that they have 90 days from December 9, 1997, to work out terms. After the terms are determined, the FCC form #394 will be filled out to transfer their franchise. He indicated that there is a 120 day window for the franchise authority to approve or not to approve the transfer. It was expressed by Mr. Haverland that unless the franchise authority, the 2 City, can prove that TCI will not provide the same services or obligations stated in the franchise agreement or that TCI's signal does not meet the FCC regulations, the transfer should be approved. There was discussion with respect to the difference between the last transaction among US West and Continental Cable merging together as MediaOne and the present transaction; whereas, there will be an actual change in cable companies. Mr. Haverland stated that MediaOne will keep there commitment to cover the Lansing Concert Band's program. Horizon Broadcasting Corporation's Petition for Special Relief Received and placed on file. Letter from Christine Timmon The Committee briefly discussed Ms. Timmon's complaint about the Lansing Concert Band's grant. Ms. Schmidt stated that she has since spoken to Ms. Timmon and briefed the Committee about her concern. She indicated that the matter had been resolved. Received and placed on file. Reports Chairperson: None. Vice-Chairperson: None. MediaOne: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES MEMBER SCHAFER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 1997, AND DECEMBER 3, 1997, AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED, 6-0. 3 OT_ER Vol Re nest from Alexander Bolt Staff will supa 1a the City Attorney's office with all requested information ilable. a�JO URN adjourned at approximately 7:05 P.M- The meeting was J Respectfully submitted, Terese A. Horn Senior Secretary Approved by the Board. Signed by _ — date Marc Thomas Chair are attached. Appropriate documents --��_ -- �-� �\�- I • ------ DRAFT MINUTES CABLE ADVISORY BOARD TENTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1998 -- 5:30 PM MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT APPROXIMATELY 5:35 PM MEMBERS PRESENT Marc Thomas, Chair David Koskinen, Vice-Chair Gregory Starks, Member Beth Aldrich, Member -J Luke Schafer, MemberMtr Ida Bryanton, Member r� —; c; OTHERS PRESENT M Michael Haverland, MediaOne x v Jack Jordan, Law Dept. Terese Horn, Council Staff Karen Schmidt, Channel 28 Mark Clark, Public Service PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS No Public Comment. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS Communications from MediaOne "A91a • Letter RE: Price Adjustments Mr. Haverland, MediaOne, stated that there will be a price adjustment in the January billing to customers. He indicated that this is primarily due to the upgrade of the system and new services, i.e., internet access. He explained that there are internal costs related to the upgrade that created a need for a price increase and also what he reflected to as a "breadbasket" of external costs which included the new Fox Sport Network. The FCC limit for costs of services has been reached. He explained that MediaOne's policy is to adjust charges once a year for upgrades and services, even though, FCC allows to adjust more than once a year. When reviewing costs for setting rates, he explained that MediaOne also looks at the cost of the franchise fee for each of the municipalities that they service and adjustments are determined individually. The new detailed line item bill will be sent to customers. It was clarified by Mr. Haverland that the 3% Franchise Fee was an individual line item and that the FCC allows them to breakout the franchise fee from the maximum perimeter for costs for services. Discussion followed. He stated that the 1997 franchise fee for Lansing was $403,000 and projected for 1998 is $440,000. After MediaOne has the technical ability for Internet access, Mr. Haverland explained, they have one year to hook up those services to schools to comply with the commitment with FCC. He indicated that they would have that capability within four to six months when the upgrade is complete. • Letter of intent with Tele-Communications Mr. Haverland explained the intent to trade systems with TCI in different market segments and the benefits for cable providers to "cluster" services to form a stronger market area. He stated that it is both MediaOne and TCI's intent to trade and that they have 90 days from December 9, 1997, to work out terms. After the terms are determined, the FCC form #394 will be filled out to transfer their franchise. He indicated that there is a 120 day window for the franchise authority to approve or not to approve the transfer. It was expressed by Mr. Haverland that unless the franchise authority, the City, can prove that TCI will not provide the same services or 2 '.� ��1:. ^'� ec' I I obligations stated in the franchise agreement or that TCI's signal does not meet the FCC regulations, the transfer should be approved. There was discussion with respect to the difference between the last transaction among US West and Continental Cable merging together as MediaOne and the present transaction; whereas, there will be an actual change in cable companies. Mr. Haverland stated that MediaOne will keep there commitment to cover the Lansing Concert Band's program. Horizon Broadcasting Corporation's Petition for Special Relief Received and placed on file. Letter from Christine Timmon The Committee briefly discussed Ms. Timmon's complaint about the Lansing Concert Band's grant. Ms. Schmidt stated that she has since spoken to Ms. Timmon and briefed the Committee about her concern. She indicated that the matter had been resolved. Received and placed on file. Reports Chairperson: None. Vice-Chairperson: None. MediaOne: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES MEMBER SCHAFER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 1997, AND DECEMBER 3, 1997, AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED, 6-0. 3 OTHER FOI Request from Alexander Bolt Staff will supply the City Attorney's office with all requested information available. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Terese A. Horn Senior Secretary Approved by the Board. Signed by: --------------------------- Marc Thomas date Chair Appropriate documents are attached.