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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 04/11/1996• i TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES April 11, 1996 7:00 P.M. Council Liaison: Chris Kneeland Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh, Michael Gitter Chairperson: Larry Rowland Phone: 229-2280 (W) 226-2303 (H) Presiding Chair: Warren Berman Phone: 490-3640 223-4465 H Members Present: Warren Berman, Ernie Powell, Greg Smith, Phil Wadas Members Absent: Barbara Hain, Tom Maher, Larry Rowland City Staff: ICS Department: Doug Finnman Columbine Staff: None The meeting was called to order at 7:07 P.M. -• • • i iVULOU R2 •• -" u I I ► • •► Greg pointed out that the agenda contains a mix of the titles 'Cable TV Board' and 'Telecommunications Board'. All references to the old title should be changed to the new title. Warren noted the increase in the number of cable subscribers, and inquired as to whether a subscriber survey needs to be done again. The Board thought that the last time a survey was done was when the franchise was renewed. Doug said he would mention to Michael to bring a copy of the last survey completed and put this item on the agenda for the next Board meeting. The minutes of the February 29, 1996 meeting were accepted without change. Discussion on the Telecommunications Policy Draft resumed from February 29, 1996 meeting. Greg inquired as to whether changes suggested by City Council at the March 26, 1996 Study Session had been made to the policy document. Doug stated that the suggested changes had been made, and handed out copies of the policy document with the changes underlined. Doug briefly reviewed the changes with the Board. Ernie expressed concern about the City receiving compensation from telecommunications providers above full cost recovery, and what these funds might be used for. He is concerned about this revenue going into the General Fund. Warren disagreed and said the City needs to decide how to use the money it collects to provide municipal services. The Board decided to put in their final comments and vote on the Telecommunications Policy. Greg stated he has been involved in the development of the Telecommunications Policy and supports it. He feels it provides a good starting point for the City, but stressed that the policy should be considered a living document and must be adapted to changing conditions. Phil recommends that the City restrain franchise fees and rights -of -way costs, because these will be passed along to citizens in the form of higher costs. He supports the policy as amended from the Study Session. Warren stated his support for the policy, and applauded the City for putting together a policy in a rapidly changing environment. He encouraged Council to maintain a level playing field for telecommunications providers and to put needs of individual citizens first. Ernie supports the policy and pointed out he agrees with the City's concern over universal access to telecommunications services. He shares Phil's concerns about fees and taxes, and is mildly concerned about the Electric Utility competing in the private sector. After these comments, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Telecommunications Policy. The Board briefly discussed the memo and report on diversity data included in the packet. There are inaccuracies in the diversity report concerning the Telecommunications Board. There is one woman on the Board but this is not shown on the report. Ernie indicated he listed himself as Native American, but this isn't shown. Doug said he would follow up with Michael. Greg inquired about the memo concerning the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). He indicated it is probably too early to tell what the capital needs are stemming from the Telecommunications Policy, but wondered if the Board should have input to the CIP for telecommunications projects. Doug responded that yes the Board should have input and be involved in the process. He indicated he is putting together information on technology plans and will coordinate with Michael to arrange time with the Board in coming meetings to discuss this topic. Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.