HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 02/03/2000TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
****February 3, 2000 ****
*** 6:00 PM ***
Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh
Members Present: Tim Tillson, Howard Lowell, Bill Murray, Greg Smith, Larry
Bontempo, Tom Maher
Members Absent: Braun Mincher
City Staff Present: Liz Stroh, Eric Dahlgren, Gary Gordier
Guests: Kurt Kastein
Chair Greg Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Approval of minutes:
Larry Bontempo made a motion to approve the minutes as amended; Bill Murray
seconded the motion. Passed unanimously.
Discussion with Council member Kurt Kastein
Greg Smith asked Council member Kastein to provide some information to the Board
about how they could best serve City Council.
Kurt encouraged the members of the Board to be "blue sky thinkers", to look for
opportunities with the rapid change of technology. Kurt suggested that the Board first
look at Council Policy Agenda and identify areas of concentration there first, then move
forward to other topics of interest or concern.
Kurt explained his role is to help with issues and provide any clarification to the Board
that might be needed. The Board can talk directly to him, as well as to City Council.
05/16/00 1
0
Council members discussed these questions at a recent Study Session, with the
conclusion that a role of the City's Boards is to monitor trends, bring forward issues or
concerns and provide information to Council regarding potential problems and/or
opportunities related to their area of expertise.
An example of an issue in the legislative area that would be of interest is Internet
taxation. Kurt would like to have the Board look into these kinds of issues and provide
information, opinions and suggestions concerning them, from the perspective of the
citizen.
Tim Tillson commented that the group has a strong desire to anticipate how changes in
technology may create problems in the city with consumers or governmental agencies.
Tom followed up with mention that some cities are setting service standards for ISP
providers
Another item that might generate interest from City Council could be whether or not
Council would want to find a way to provide infrastructure to homes during new
construction. Kurt mentioned he would like to see a pro and con analysis of various
issues such as this one. Understanding the impacts and benefits would help City
Council better chart a course for dealing with these types of questions.
Larry mentioned that some of the issues are very complex. Brought up the question
about how Competitive Local Exchange Companies (CLEC's) might change the way
citizens deal with phone service. Tom wondered how the City would deal with Rights of
Way issues related to multiple providers and asked if there was a way for the City to
require only one row opening at a time, or to put in extra conduit during construction.
Larry brought up economies of scale, and how providers will concentrate on high -
density areas which may leave lower density areas without the advantages of a
competitive environment. Howard suggested looking at cell phone use, as well as
participating with NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Operators and
Advisors) in fighting restrictions regarding local tower siting.
Howard and Tom talked about being aware of potential for multiple providers for
wireless services and planning for locations ahead of time and purchasing them. Tim
mentioned the need to manage bandwidth, either for cell technology, Internet, etc. How
proactive does the City want to be in the management area? How aggressive does Ft.
Collins want to be as these additional companies start coming in? If the City develops a
climate to bring business to town, some of these concerns become growth issues.
Bill Murray mentioned that at the State level there is legislation that could impact City's
ability to manage local affairs (Senate Bill 25).
800 MHz — moving toward this. Howard talked about the need for car to car
communication. The Larimer County Sheriffs Office has problems with mountain areas
blocking transmissions.
Tim suggested that pricing might be an issue because in near future the bandwidth
requirements will begin to not be a luxury, but a requirement.
05/16/00
Gary said other providers coming to the City would provide competition and hopefully
help manage cost of service issues.
Tim pointed out that providing dial tone over the cable systems changes the importance
as reliability becomes a necessary aspect of the system. Larry mentioned he had been
in touch with Steve Webster in Aurora to learn more about how phone service over the
cable system was working. Larry mentioned challenges in service and reliability issues;
Bill and Howard also pointed out integrating US West 911 service with these new phone
service providers will be important to public safety.
These and other planning questions were discussed, with the general conclusion that
the Board can help raise awareness with City Council, which will hopefully help them
prepare for and plan an approach to deal with these types of changes. Kurt feels this
board is critical to the future of the city. Encouraged bringing feedback to council as
soon as possible.
Gary Gordier mentioned using the Telecommunication Policy adopted in 1996 as a
springboard for some of the process. Tim suggested looking at high level overview to
get more focused in what areas that need closer scrutiny.
There was a discussion regarding how Board members should contact or talk to City
Council. In the past, the Board has talked through staff members. The conclusion was
that as long as members discuss issues with Council from the perspective of the Board,
rather than as individuals, they could and should contact City Council directly Minority
opinions would be included in discussions and information sharing, particularly if there
was strong minority sentiment.
Greg asked about communicating with citizens about these issues. Kurt mentioned that
the Board role is advisory to City Council. Things that have gone to Council for review
and direction could be made available on the City's Web Page.
Kurt mentioned it's not necessary to adhere strictly to the Board's adopted work plan. If
new issues become important, they should also be investigated. He would like to do
an ad hoc meeting as issues may come up, rather than schedule quarterly meetings.
Board Members thanked Council member Kastein for attending the meeting. All felt it
was very worthwhile.
Tim Tillson moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bill Murray. Motion passed
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.
05/16/00