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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCable Advisory Board 2006 Minutes MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD City Council Council Conference Room 124 West Michigan Avenue Wednesday, December 13, 2006 CALL TO ORDER c Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. `'' -- C-) r COMMITTEE MEMBERS James Fordyce, Member r U> Maria Garcia, Member Michael McFadden, Chair Ida White,Member(arrived 7:10 pm) Monica Zuchowski, Vice Chair OTHERS PRESENT Gary Andrews,Access Producer Darryl Burgess, Access Producer Michael Rhodes, Comcast Cable Karen Schmidt, CITY-TV Manager, Board Secretary Vice Chair Zuchowski spoke on the minutes of September 13, 2006, that were held from approval at the last meeting until Member Zuchowski could clarify to Mr. Rhodes that the statement in the minutes regarding some issues and concerns brought to the attention of Comcast pertaining to their Rules not being addressed, was correct. MEMBER FORDYCE MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEBMER 13, 2006 MEETING. APPROVED 5-0. MEMBER FORDYCE MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2006 MEETING. APPROVED 3-0. (Members Garcia and Zuchowski refrained) PUBLIC COMMENT Gary Andrews: Discussed his perception of the double standard of treatment that the public access facility has been providing the last 16 months. Comcast does not enforce their written rules. He believes that grant monies has been used frivolously and that none should be provided to Ms. Timmons. Darryl Burgess: Stated that Ms. Timmons is charging people for their producing programs. He asked that the Rules be changed to allow for 3 programs to be produced rather than 2. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS MEMBER FORDYCE MOVED TO RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE ALL OF THE COMMUNICATIONS. APPROVED 5-0. DISCUSSION AND PENDING ITEMS City Funding for Community Cablecasting Activities MEMBER FORDYCE MOVED THAT THIS ITEM BE HELD FOR DISCUSSION UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING. APPROVED 5-0. REPORTS Comcast Mr. Rhodes stated that Bill 6456 has not yet been signed. He stated that Comcast did not initiate nor support this Bill. ChairNice Chair Chair McFadden stated that he appreciates Mr. Rhodes responding to issues that are brought to him. It is his hope to improve programs that are shown on the public access channel and Comcast's involvement is a key element. Mr. Rhodes stated that Comcast holds classes and tries to lend aesthetic assistance but some producers prefer to do things on their own. Member Fordyce asked if producers are allowed to charge. Mr. Rhodes answered no. When asked about the action to be taken if this was occurring, Mr. Rhodes stated that the producer could be suspended or barred from the facility. Member Fordyce asked if Comcast had been formally asked to investigate such a claim, to which Mr. Rhodes responded no. Public Access is not a medium of profit. Anyone generating revenue is in violation. Comcast would be interested if there was any paperwork of such a claim. LATE ITEMS Lansing Cable and Telecommunications Advisory Board Meeting Schedule for 2007 MEMBER ZUCHOWSKI MOVED THE 2007 MEETING SCHEDULE COVERING THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY OTHER MONTH AT 5:30 PM, INCLUDING A SPECIAL MEETING DATE AND TIME FOR JANUARY 10, 2007 AT 7:00 PM TO CONDUCT REGULAR BUSINESS. APPROVED 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENT Darryl Burgess: Informed the Board that he had received stipends from Ms. Timmons and can't believe that it comes down to a"he says, she says"problem. Gary Andrews: Stated that he had placed in writing to the City Council that he witnessed money changing hands at the public access facility. He wants a level playing field for all. Currently, everybody has to adhere to one producer's whim and he does not believe that to be fair. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Submitted by Karen Schmidt CITY-TV Manager Approve by ael Fadden, Chair r ���_� � ----_ __-DATE MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD City Council Council Conference Room 124 West Michigan Avenue Wednesday, November 8, 2006 CALL TO ORDER v Meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS James Fordyce,Member Michael McFadden, Chair r� Ida White, Member OTHERS PRESENT Gary Andrews,Access Producer Leslie Brogan, Comcast Cable Kevin McKinney, Comcast Cable Michael Rhodes, Comcast Cable Karen Schmidt, CITY-TV Manager,Board Secretary Mr. Rhodes, Comcast Cable Access Manager,made.issue of the minutes provided. He did not believe that, as stated on page two, there have been any issues or concerns brought to the attention of Comcast pertaining to their Rules. MEMBER FORDYCE MOVED TO HOLD THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEBMER 13, 2006 MEETING UNTIL MEMBER ZUCHOWSKI IS IN ATTENDANCE TO VERIFY THE QUESTIONED STATEMENT. APPROVED 3-0. PUBLIC COMMENT Christine Timmons: Stated what a wonderful job Mr. Rhodes is doing and referred to a policy which does not allow producers to promote a website on their programs. Gary Andrews: Discussed his letter and newsletter which is on the agenda. He stated his appreciation that his program 911 + 5 has been shown on CITY-TV. He is grateful to Comcast for the opportunities they provide,but believes that the grants monies available should be used to promote City programs or given back to Comcast for them to provide new equipment. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS MEMBER FORDYCE MOVED TO RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE ALL OF THE COMMUNICATIONS. APPROVED 3-0. DISCUSSION AND PENDING ITEMS City Funding for Community Cablecastin2 Activities Ms. Schmidt informed the Board that they were being provided the Policies on Uses of City Funding for Community Cablecasting Activities for their information. The available grant monies allocated for public access is $8,600. There was consensus to further review these policies and,because currently this is not time sensitive, bring this back to the table next meeting. REPORTS Comcast Mr. Rhodes stated that some of the views expressed at these meetings do not represent the majority of public access users. The majority of users are quite satisfied with the facilities. ChairNice Chair Chair McFadden stated that he was happy to see the Comcast representatives at this meeting. He believes that Lansing has customer service issues due to a lack of direct communication line with Comcast. He is hoping to work with and receive feedback from Comcast. Ms. Brogan, Comcast, informed the Board that Comcast's Call Center is now located in Michigan, in Macomb County. This Call Center handles the western part of the state. She further stated that there is counter service at Lansing and East Lansing,but these employees can not also answer phones. Member White stated that people get frustrated when they are not able to address specific concerns. A building in Michigan is better but questioned whether Lansing will get that service back. Ms. Brogan answered that Lansing would not be provided a Call Center. These duties are out sourced to some extent. Not out of state as with their competitors, but out of the Lansing area. She stated that the number for the call center was 1-800-COMCAST. Chair McFadden asked for Comcast to provide a local phone number that could be listed on the Public Access Chamiel for residents to call if there were issues with the Public Access Channel. Ms. Brogan stated that 1-800-COMCAST is the number to call. Ms Schmidt announced the upcoming collaboration between Comcast, CITY-TV, LCC and the Greater Lansing Arts Council in putting together a"live"production of Silver Bells in the City. PUBLIC COMMENT Gary Andrews: hlfonned the Board that the Alliance for Community Media was holding a conference in East Lansing next week. He encouraged the Board to send a representative to attend the conference. He stated that Lansing's Access Facility needs to abide by equality with all producers. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Submitted by Karen Schmidt CITY-TV Manager Approv by echael McFadden, Chair -.- ' / ��_....__..... _ DATE I Z MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD City Council Council Conference Room 124 West Michigan Avenue Wednesday, September 13, 2006 �^ N � CALL TO ORDER cam_. -, Meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. c-: co COMMITTEE MEMBERS James Fordyce, Member Maria Garcia, Member o.c Michael McFadden, Chair Ida White, Member Monica Zuchowski, Vice Chair OTHERS PRESENT Gary Andrews, Access Producer Darryl Burgess, Access Producer Randy Hannan, Administration Michael Rhodes, Comcast Cable, Access Manager Karen Schmidt, CITY-TV Manager Margo Vroman, Assistant City Attorney Ms. Schmidt mentioned a typographical mistake on the first page of the meeting. VICE CHAIR ZUCHOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 12, 2006 MEETING AS AMENDED. APPROVED 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENT Gary Andrews: Referred to his version of the Public Access Rules Manual which addresses issues he believes need to be changed so that the facility could be utilized by all fairly. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS VICE CHAIR ZUCHOWSKI MOVED TO RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE ALL OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, MAKING NOTE OF THE MICHIGAN CIVIL RIGHTS DETERMINATION PERTAINING TO MS. TIMMONS COMPLAINT OF DISCRIMINATION BY THE BOARD. APPROVED 5-0. DISCUSSION AND PENDING ITEMS Proposed Changes/Additions to Lansing Public Access Rules Vice Chair Zuchowski asked about the timing of the Franchise negotiations, stating that discussions regarding Rules for Public Access may change due to issues negotiated. Assistant City Attorney Vroman replied that the City has retained a new law firm to handle the negotiations and they will be contacting Comcast in the next two weeks to begin those negotiations. The City's Ordinance will need to be revised so all issues will be on the table. Vice Chair Zuchowski stated that she is not pleased that there has been no response by Comcast to either concerns or requests that this Board has brought to Comcast pertaining to their Rules. Member Fordyce asked when the Franchise agreement expires. Ms. Vroman stated that the Franchise agreement has already expired and that the contract has been extended for negotiations. Member Garcia made comment about the dated equipment at the Public Access facility. She believes Comcast needs to provide digital equipment to help facilitate creative programming that the City could be proud of. Ms. Vroman stated that the City had a technical audit conducted of Comcast's facility and that the Administration has that information for negotiation discussions. When asked if the Board could get a copy of the audit, she stated that because the audit is in draft form that it is not available for circulation. Once it becomes public record they can receive the report. Member Fordyce stated that he believes Comcast's biggest problem with the City of Lansing is Customer Service. Many people are angry at the lack of Customer Service provided by Comcast. He sited many examples that he personally has experienced. One of most frustrating concern for citizens is the lack of local customer service representation. The locally listed phone number goes unanswered and when you are able to talk with someone they are from out of state. Member Garcia discussed her test to try and cancel her cable subscription a few months back. After many attempts she finally cancelled her subscription and yet she is still receiving and being billed for cable. What about citizens who actually need to cancel for financial reasons? Lack of Customer Service is a huge issue with Comcast. Chair McFadden asked what authority this Board holds. Ms. Vroman stated that this Board is an advisory board. Their authority was limited when the Charter changed in 1978 from a strong City Council to a strong Mayor. Now the Mayor is the one to negotiate contracts rather than the City Council. The Board advises that Mayor and Council on related issues and recommends grant approvals. Mr. Hannan stated that virtually all Boards in the City are advisory, and as with all other Boards, their recommendations are taken seriously due to the expertise that comes from each Board. Vice Chair Zuchowski stated her hesitance to take any action on the changes to the Rules provided by Comcast when she feels they do not enforce the Rules currently. She gave an example of them not changing offensive program's time slots upon receiving complaints. Discussion took place pertaining to offensive programming and accountability. Members asked that Comcast show some accountability. One way Comcast could show some accountability would be by providing a phone number that citizens could call to voice complaints. They would like Comcast to alter the current ads on Channel 16 which promote the programs so they accurately reflect the program. A graphic could be added to Channel 16 which provides a phone number for citizens to call regarding the channels programs. A log of all complaints called in could be kept for tracking and referencing. Mr. Rhodes provided the members with the phone number for the access facility's control room, 316-3067. VICE CHAIR ZUCHOWSKI MOVED THAT A LETTER BE SENT TO THE MAYOR AND COPIED TO THE CITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDING A PHONE NUMBER FOR COMPLAINTS BE PROVIDED TO CITIZENS AND THE ISSUE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE BE THOROUGHLY OUTLINED IN THE UPCOMING NEGOTIATIONS. APPROVED 5-0 T&CAB Membership Discussion took place pertaining to the lack of attendance by some members of the Board. Two of them had verbally discussed their wishes of having their membership terminated, yet they have not provided written verification. The other has not responded to communications sent. VICE CHAIR ZUCHOWSKI MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE MAYOR THE TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD OF MELISSA RIBA. APPROVED 5-0. VICE CHAIR ZUCHOWSKI MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE MAYOR THE TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD OF LUKE SCHAFER. APPROVED 5-0. MEMBER FORDYCE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE MAYOR THE TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD OF GREG STARKS. APPROVED 5-0. REPORTS Comcast Mr. Rhodes stated that Comcast provided the information on the changes to the Public Access Rules to the Board because they were hoping for City's consensus. He also wanted the members to know that the access facility does have digital equipment. Administration Mr. Hannan stated that it was the Administration's hope that the Board would act on the issue of the Board's membership. Upon receiving the recommendations of this Board,the Administration will work expeditiously to fill the vacancies. Chair/Vice Chair Chair McFadden stated that he was happy that the Board had made progress and felt that there was a purpose to their serving. Next meeting will take place at its regular day of October 11, 2006,but at a"special"time of 7 pm. Vice Chair Zuchowski asked if there will be more public hearings pertaining to the Franchise. Mr. Hannan stated that there has already been exhaustive studies and focus groups conducted. Ms. Vroman stated that there will be a public hearing on the Ordinance when it goes before the Council. PUBLIC COMMENT Darryl Burgess: The studio issues and violations by Ms. Timmons have still not been addressed. He voiced his appreciation of the digital equipment but stated there is still a need for the VHS as well. He believes that all religious programming should be moved to Channel 19 instead of being on Public Access. Gary Andrews: He passed out two handouts for the Board's information. One was the upcoming schedule of his "Just Before Primetime"program and the other discussed an upcoming 13 week series of the 1936 movie serial "Flash Gordon" along with local historical comments and views of the Active Living for Adults participants. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Submitted by Karen Schmidt CITY-TV Manager Approved by chate,LMcFadden, Chair DATE MINUTES TELECOMMUNICATION AND CABLE ADVISORY BOARD City Council Council Conference Room 124 West Michigan Avenue Wednesday, July 12, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. r ,.,,, a COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cn James Fordyce, Member n Maria Garcia, Member M Michael McFadden, Member Ida White, Member rv' CD Monica Zuchowski, Member M ry OTHERS PRESENT Gary Andrews, Access Producer Darryl Burgess, Access Producer Marcus Cheatham, CACMC Darnell Oldham, Access Producer Matthew Penniman, CACMC Michael Rhodes, Comcast Cable, Access Manager Karen Sclunidt, CITY-TV Christine Tiimnon, Access Producer Margo Vroman, Law Department Ms. Vroman introduced herself to the Board. She stated that she was not at the last meeting, but was informed that questions had arisen regarding whether or not a quorum was present once all members to this Board were listed. Last meeting was a meeting of the whole and therefore any motions made last meeting must be re-stated for the record. ELECTION OF CHAIR/VICE CHAIR Member Garcia nominated Michael McFadden as Chair of the Telecommunications & Cable Advisory Board. Mr. McFadden nominated Monica Zuchowski as Vice Chair of the Board. No other nominations were made. MEMBER GARCIA MOVED TO APPOINT MICHAEL MCFADDEN TO CHAIR AND MONICA ZUCKOWSKI TO VICE CHAIR OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS & CABLE ADVISORY BOARD. APPROVED 5-0. "qualified." Member Zuchowski mentioned that the Rules needed to be more specific. She believes they are not all that clear. Member Garcia asked about the Board's roll pertaining to these Rules. She asked if the Rules are to be approved by the Board or being submitted to the Board. Ms. Schmidt stated that Comcast were making these changes to address some of the problems access producers have been bringing to the attention of the Board. Since the Board is aware of the problems, Comcast is asking the Board for their support in these changes. If there are additional changes that the Board feels may alleviate problems, then recommendations can be made. Member Zuchowski asked for a legal opinion as to the Board's authority as written in the City Ordinance. Ms. Vroman reviewed the Ordinance and stated that the Board is to "review and make recommendations"with regards to the Public Access chamlel and facility. MEMBER ZUCHOWSKI MOVED THAT THE BOARD NOT YET TAKE A POSITION ON THE CHANGES PROPOSED BY COMCAST AND THAT ALL OF THESE RULES BE THOROUGHLY REVIEWED AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE AT THE NEXT MEETING. APPROVED 5-0 T&CAB Rules of Administrative Procedure Member Zuchowski asked if the Board could continue to hold"Special"meetings monthly and at the changed time until the Board could deem if it were necessary to make the change official. Ms. Vroman advised that they could. There was consensus among the Board to continue this procedure. Chair McFadden asked if there was any prevailing reason for public comment to appear twice on the agenda and encouraged discussion on removing one of the two opportunities for public comment. Member Garcia stated that she would like to see both opportunities to continue to be on the agenda but with time limits. MEMBER ZUCHOWSKI MOVED THAT THE AGENDA HAVE TWO PLACEMENTS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT OF TWO MINUTES EACH. APPROVED 4-1 (Fordyce) REPORTS Comcast Mr. Rhodes stated that Comcast has rolled out On Demand services and distributed a handout of the On Demand Menu. Law Ms. Vroman updated members on the retention of an outside firm for handling Franchise negotiations with Comcast. When asked what part the Board would play in the negotiations and whether or not the Council would be ratifying the contract, Ms. Vroman stated that that would be up to the Mayor. The Ordinance states that all contracts are to be negotiated and entered into by the Mayor, any Ordinance change would have to be ratified by the Council. Chair/Vice Chair Chair McFadden thanked people for coming out to the meeting. Next meeting will take place at its regular day of August 9, 2006, but at a"special"time of 7 pm. RECEIPT OF LATE ITEMS MEMBER ZUCHOWSKI MOVED TO RECEIVE MR. ANDREWS HANDOUT AND TO PLACE IT ON THE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING. APPROVED 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENT Christine Timmon: She believes that case law shows that the City can not work on Comcast's Rules. She is educated and knows the Rules and wants to Board to do the same. Comcast has good equipment for all skill levels. Darnell Oldham: Thanks to the Board for keeping the public comment time to twice during the meeting. He is upset that the public speaking time at meetings continues to be reduced. Gary Andrews: With the changes to the Rules that he supplied to the Board, he is trying to avoid conflicts. He stated comparisons of the past and present with regards to public access hours of operation. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Submitted by Karen Schmidt CITY-TV Man er Epp ed y icha 1' c den, Chair DATE PUBLIC COMMENT Gary Andrews: Referred to his past communications which outline issues he believes need to be addressed by the Public Access center to make the center fanction for all those who want to be involved. Passed out a handout that he had put together of the Public Access Rules Manual that he believes would solve the current problems. Matthew Penniman: Introduced himself to the Board. He works with the Allen Neighborhood Association and is an advocate for the Capital Area Media Center. He has also applied to be a part of the Board. Marcus Cheatam: Discussed his interest in regionally developing a media center here in Lansing. Hopes to see Meridian Township and East Lansing involved and discussed a media center that incorporates all forms of media. Christine Timmon: Discussed letters that she has sent to the Board. She also threatened to submit lawsuits for any action taken by the Board to change the current Access Rules. She believes that any change brought on by the Board violates the current Rule 2.11(d). (Users and other participants may not interfere with the production and/or studio time of another User. . .) Darryl Burgess: Encouraged the Board to change the Public Access Rules so that producers can not make money. He stated his concern that the federal government will be making changes in policy that will rid this area of public access. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS MEMBER ZUCHOWSKI MOVED TO PLACE BOTH COMMUNICATIONS FROM MR. ANDREWS ON THE NEXT AGENDA AND TO RECEIVE AND PLACE ON FILE THE OTHER COMMUI\IICATIONS. APPROVED 5-0. DISCUSSION AND PENDING ITEMS Proposed Changes/Additions to Lansing Public Access Rules Member Fordyce asked who polices and staffs the rules after they've been signed by the access producers. Mr. Rhodes stated that to be Comcast. Member Zuchowski stated that Rule 2.9 should also include the word "incumbent". She stated that incumbents and candidates are not the same. Mr. Rhodes stated that Comcast had looked again at that Rule and decided that there need not be a change. Member Zuchowski again argued the addition of the word incumbent to this Rule. Rule 4.4 brought about discussion on "qualified"vs. "certified". Comcast had used the term certified earlier and that to be clear members believed that"certified" should replace