HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 04/06/2004TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
***April 6, 2004***
*** 6:00 PM ***
Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh
Chairperson: Curt Cramer Phone: 482-9822 (H)
Members Present: Larry Bontempo, Robert Reichenberger, Curt Cramer, Tim Tillson,
David Heiberg, Chip Cushman
Members Absent: Herb Saperstone
City Staff Present: Gary Gordier, Eric Dahlgren, Liz Stroh, Kraig Ecton
Guest: Stan Riefschneider, Comcast
The April meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Curt Cramer
Minutes:
A motion was made to approve amended minutes by Robert Reichenberger, seconded
by Larry Bontempo. The motion passed unanimously.
Franchise Renewal Items:
Stan Reifschneider completed a draft of procedures related to contacts and scheduling
for Public Access. Those were distributed and reviewed. Liz reported to the Board
about the meeting held in February regarding Public Access. Representatives from the
City, Comcast and community members were present to discuss concerns about
Comcast's compliance with franchise requirements, and to explore other opportunities
to promote and expand the public access programming in Fort Collins.
Liz reported she had met with Stan on April 2nd to tour the studio and equipment
available for public access programming and editing. Mr. D. Parkhurst also was
present at the tour.
Curt asked about training for the editing equipment and cameras/lighting in the studio.
Stan explained the intent was to provide training for citizens who want to use the studio.
A core group of community members would be trained, and they would also be able to
train or help others who may have occasional interest or use of the studio.
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Stan also explained that any programming to be played on the public access channel
had to be commercial free, and not contain any call to action from viewers.
Council Study Session:
Curt recapped the City Council Study session that was held February 24. Council was
generally supportive of recommendations made by the Board, and asked that staff and
board members continue to work together as the franchise renewal process continues.
One council member questioned the recommendation from the Board related to a la
carte packages for subscribers. Curt mentioned that in the US Senate, Senator McCain
is pushing the cable industry to consider this feature as well.
Funding Issue:
Curt suggested that it was important for the Board to research and make some
recommendations related to funding for the all the PEG programs. He suggested
several options:
• The City would set aside funds to support the Public Access effort, and
determine a fair allocation for Educational and Governmental as well.
• The franchise would require a PEG fee that would be allocated to the PEG
entities. (PEG fees can fund capital type expenditures and cannot be used for
on -going operational expenses).
• Explore requirements and opportunities to establish a foundation or seek grant
funding for public access.
• Combination of above
Liz will begin collecting information to be presented at next meeting.
Chip Cushman asked about Comcast's contribution to Public Access. He was
interested to learn a monetary value of what is currently being offered in Fort Collins, as
well as information about what Comcast does in other communities.
Larry suggested that funds from the existing franchise fee be used to fund Public
Access. He's opposed to implementing a new fee, when the City is already collecting
funds via the franchise fee that could be used to fund Public Access.
The Board asked Stan for utilization information, particularly if there was information
that could be related to the various options above.
Tim suggested that funds from the General Fund be allocated for Public Access. This
would recognize that Public Access funding is equally as important as funding the
governmental channel. Liz reminded the Board that the City's governmental channel is
only partially funded by the General Fund; other expenses are covered by charges for
services to other agencies and internal City departments.
Basic Tier
Larry wants to investigate the costs associated with providing a lower tier of service,
and suggested that Comcast begin preparations for providing a la carte program
packages. The Senate committee seems to be leaning this way, and many cable
subscribers only want to pay for what they watch.
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Tim asked Stan how channels are chosen for a basic tier. Stan indicated that Comcast
tries to look at what makes sense for each community, and that "must carry" stations
are always included. In Fort Collins, "must carry" stations would include all the Denver
broadcast stations, public television stations, PEG stations.
Robert asked why Comcast didn't offer a basic tier in Fort Collins now, wondering if it
was a technical decision or a business decision. Stan clarified that it is a business
decision.
Tim reiterated that it was important for the Board to make a strong recommendation to
City Council on this issue. He also suggested that, if successful in getting a basic tier in
the franchise, that citizens be given a chance to provide input on what was included in
the basic tier.
Stan acknowledged that, as technologies continue to merge, that Comcast continued to
work toward a technically sophisticated network that will allow the company to be
responsive to changes and expanded services such as video on demand, voice over
Internet Protocol, etc.
Other Business
Curt asked Liz to reschedule the Poudre School District visit until later in the summer,
after the Board has an opportunity to complete work on the Public Access funding
issues.
Adjourn:
Larry made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Robert.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM
Chair Sianature
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