HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 10/14/1997TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
October 14,1997
7:00 pm
Council Liaison:
Chris Kneeland
Staff Liaison:
Liz Stroh, Michael Gitter
Chairperson:
Phil Wadas
Phone: (H) 221-0065
(W) 221-1764
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Thomas Maher
Phil Wadas
Barbara Hain
None
Howard Lowell Tim Tillson
Greg Smith Ernie Powell
City Staff Present: Liz Stroh, Telecommunications Manager, ICS Department
Guests: Kathy Stewart, District Manager, TCI of Fort Collins
Chairman Phil Wadas called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
I. Minutes Approval
Tom Maher moved to adopt the minutes as submitted; Greg seconded the motion. Ernie
Powell noted the minutes do not reflect that he was in attendance at the last meeting. The
minutes were unanimously adopted as amended.
II. By -Laws
Howard expressed concern about majority votes of a quorum. If only four members were
present, and three members passed a motion, it would be a minority of the board.
Tom Maher asked what the reason was to eliminate the ex-officio member of the board from
the by-laws.
Howard mentioned that the items discussing the role of the City were at cross purposes with
Federal and State legislation. Liz Stroh explained that these statements were based on the
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Meeting Minutes
October 14, 1997
Telecommunications Policy and were more a reflection of the policy of the City than an
effort to comply with other legislation.
Ernie Powell expressed concern about the City getting into the telecommunications business.
Tom Maher moved to table the item until Liz Stroh could discuss the changes with the City
Attorney's office. Greg seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
III. TCI Update
Kathy Stewart reported that the Disney Channel was moved from a premium channel to be
included with the basic package. Two Disney characters will visit Fort Collins to promote
the change. They will visit Poudre Valley Hospital, Foothills Fashion Mall, as well as visit
the TCI offices.
The Learning Channel gave TCI a $11,000 rebate which was given to CSU for flood
recovery.
Kathy announced that a weekly news show, called FortNight, would begin in November.
The format of the show will be to review the previous week's news and provide a preview of
upcoming events. A meeting is scheduled with the Local News Group made up of public
agency representatives to discuss how information can be provided to FortNight for inclusion
on the program.
Kathy reported an issue concerning TV Guide availability at the TCI offices. The cost of the
guide from the Coloradoan was becoming prohibitive and Kathy decided to pass out the
guides when requested, rather than leave them in the front entry way. About 75 copies will
be made available in the entry way of the TCI office over the weekend.
Kathy announced the launch date for the digital compression upgrade was delayed. The 14:1
compression ratio was not adequate quality, and equipment needed to be installed to change
the ratio to 12:1. The 14:1 compression was based on test systems in three other
communities. The new ratio will result in the increase in channels going from 40 to 36. Tom
Maher asked about inclusion of BET in the line up. Kathy reported that TCI would not be
offering that program. The Playboy Channel was also removed from the analog line up and
put on the digital system. It is only available after 10:00 pm. Stations 50, 51, and 52 were
taken off to make room for the digital compression. These were the pay -per -view channels.
Tom Maher asked about the benchmarks related to the 14:1 and 12:1 ratios. Kathy will
provide more information to Liz Stroh for inclusion in next month's board packets.
Howard asked about the information gathered by the digital compression converter regarding
personal data (i.e., viewing habits, etc.). Kathy explained that only billing information was
collected. There are both technical and legal restrictions on the type of information that can
be collected by these devices.
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October 14, 1997
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Tom mentioned that the University still wants to provide off -campus access to the Internet,
and would be interested in exploring possibilities with TCI to provide this type of access.
Kathy asked what kind of updates the board would like. Mentioned:
Target launch date for digital - October 28, 1997. Delayed because of compression ratio and
equipment.
Tim mentioned the letter from the City to TCI. Question is what is 550 mhz. (Virtual
bandwidth versus actual bandwidth). Kathy presented TCI perspective. Kathy believes it
gives TCI the option to choose how to upgrade. Tom commented on the proof of
performance shows bandwidth cramped. Tom has concern over the number of channels.
Kathy mentioned that channels AI and A2 are available. Tom asked for information that
shows the frequency assignments as well as the channel assignments. Kathy will provide that
information. Kathy mentioned that a fiber overlay in the future is not out of the question,
however, long range plans not developed to provide more solid information.
Tim recommended looking at a shorter period of time for franchise.
Liz clarified role of board in process, and appointed advisors to City Council should issues
need to be referred to Council for changes in the franchise.
Kathy asked about extension to response to letter, citing that she had only received the letter
the morning of the 14' and that the deadline for response was October 19'. Liz suggested
October 28, which was agreeable to Kathy.
IV. Other Business
A. Kathy mentioned that TCI of Fort Collins will be visited by her Japanese counterpart.
B. Liz mentioned that the annual workplan will need to be developed for 1998 and asked
board members to give some thought to what they would like to see on that plan.
Tom moved to adjourn the meeting; Greg seconded. Unanimous approval.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
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Meeting Minutes
October 14, 1997