HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 02/03/2004,-
TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein
***February 3„ 2004***
*** 6:00 PM ***
Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh
11 Chairperson: Curt Cramer Phone: 482-9822 (H) 11
Members Present: Larry Bontempo, Robert Reichenberger, Curt Cramer, Tim Tillson,
David Heiberg, Herb Saperstone
Members Absent: Rob Koellner
City Staff Present: Gary Gordier, Eric Dahlgren, Liz Stroh
Guest: Stan Riefschneider, Comcast
Minutes:
A motion was made to approve amended minutes by Herb Saperstone, seconded by
Robert Reichenberger. The motion passed unanimously.
Franchise Renewal Items:
The draft of the Board's memo to City council regarding Franchise renewal priorities
was reviewed and amended. Tim moved to accept the memo, seconded by David
Heiberg. The Board unanimously approved the final document, and it will be sent to
City Council before the study session scheduled for February 24, 2004
Public Access Complaint
Members from the audience were invited to respond to the information that was sent
out in answer to a complaint lodged by Dennis Parkhurst about lack of Public Access.
Mr. Parkhurst mentioned that the information on the City's web site indicates that the
Telecommunications Board is responsible for resolving complaints and for franchise
compliance. (see attachment). Other members mentioned concern over the
requirement to use'/." or Beta format tapes, and the fact that they are charged if
conversion is necessary. Other comments reiterated those brought forward in Mr.
Parkhurst's first letter. Suggestions were made to model Fort Collins' public access
program after the ones in Longmont or Boulder.
04/06/04
Stan Reifschneider reviewed Comcast's plans to resolve the situation.
• Comcast will add a local phone number that will be available for public access
requests and questions.
• Text information will be placed on Channel 68 that will identify it as the public
access channel.
• Remodeling will be complete and the studio at 1201 University complete by mid -
March.
• A production contractor will assist community residents with production of tapes
for public access.
Stan will draft some guidelines related to use of facility and equipment, and develop a
timeline showing when the above will be implemented.
Larry Bontempo recognized Mr. Parkhurst's efforts to bring the matter to the Board's
attention. He encouraged the group members present to make sure public access is
available to all who want it, not just the people currently involved. He also reassured
the audience that the Board had included the need for public access capabilities in the
memo sent to City Council for the Cable franchise needs assessment.
Larry suggested that a meeting be set up to facilitate the discussion between Comcast,
members of the audience and the City of Fort Collins. The pubic access group has
formed a loose coalition known as the Northern Colorado Public Access Network. Liz
will follow-up.
Herb asked about the role of the Board in facilitating these types of discussion. Herb
mentioned the Board's role as advisory to City Council, and Larry also mentioned that
the Board could provide help in discussing issues and bringing them to resolution. If
citizens wish to express support for the Board, they can contact City Council. The
Board also serves as representatives of the citizens, and, as such, frequently discuss
issues of concern to the community.
Election of officers
Larry nominated Curt Cramer for Chair, seconded by Tim. Members voted
unanimously to accept the nomination.
Vice Chair
Herb Saperstone nominated Tim Tillson. Tim declined the nomination, citing other
volunteer commitments with the community radio station.
David Heiberg nominated Herb Saperstone, seconded by Larry Bontempo. The vote
was unanimous.
Other Business
Liz reminded the Board of the Feb. 24t' Council study session. Curt and Robert
mentioned they would be in attendance.
04/06/04
4
Tim indicated that the portions of the tape recording being made at the meeting would
be played on a radio show the following morning.
Mention was also made about the announcement for Qwest's CEO that the company
would not be expanding their DSL service, but using wireless technology instead.
A motion to adjourn was made by Tim and seconded by Curt. After unanimous
approval, meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.
CUAt: CUI� "r-ro-ov
Chair Date
04/06/04
Description of Telecommunications Board responsibility from City of Fort Collins' Web
site:
The Telecommunications Board advises the City Council on telecommunications
related issues including, but not limited to, cable television. The Board reviews
ordinances, regulations, policies and proposals related to telecommunications, advising
City Council and City staff from both a community and technical perspective. The Board
provides staff and Council with advice regarding cable TV franchises and the optimal
use of the City's cable TV system; it encourages broader utilization and application of
telecommunications services in the community, and develops community involvement
and access to telecommunications infrastructure and services
04/06/04