HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 01/11/1996Cable
Cable TV Board Meeting Minutes
January 11,1996
City Council Liaison: Chris Kneeland
City Staff Liaison: Michael Gitter, Liz Stroh
Members Present: Thomas Maher, Ernie Powell, Larry Rowland, Greg Smith, Philip Wadas
Members Absent: Warren Berman, Barbara Hain
City Staff: Michael Gitter, Liz Stroh
Columbine Cablevision: Bob Carnahan, General Manager
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM
The minutes of the November 29, 1995 meeting were approved as written.
The minutes of the December 14, 1995 meeting were amended under the heading
"Telecommunications Policy Discussion" to clarify that these were discussion points and not
recommendation made by the board.
Bob Carnahan reported that Columbine still intended to close on the sale if the company to
TCl/Heritage by the end of January. He briefed the board on service problems in the Columbia/
Hiawatha area. The outages caused by the problem are intermittent, and Columbine is providing
customers with credits. He also reported intermittent outages in the music services because of
the loss of a satellite feed. The problem now appears to be resolved.
The annual report and payment to the City will be delivered soon, even though it is not due until
February. This will help move the company toward closing with Heritage Cable.
Board member Tom Maher asked what is happening with CSU easement issues as they relate to
the sale. Mr. Maher explained that Columbine has antennas on CSU property, with some
unresolved easement questions. This information came to light because of the transfer of
ownership. Bob Carnahan reported that he believes the issues will be easily resolved and the sale
will close as planned.
The board had some questions regarding pending legislation that might affect the policy. Board
members discussed where regulation (if any) should occur. The discussion focused on the most
appropriate area for control and whether that should be City, County, Tri-County, etc. Liz Stroh
will provide a summary of issues around the pending legislation.
300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (303) 221-6510
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Name Change: Michael Gitter informed the Board that the Council agenda item to officially
change the name from the Cable Advisory Board to the Telecommunications Board was
scheduled for February 7th. The item is on the consent calendar because it is non -controversial
in nature. Tom Maher moved to formally change the name to the Telecommunications board,
the motion was seconded by Ernie Powell. Greg Smith noted that the change was very
appropriate concerning the shift in attention from just Cable TV to include other
telecommunications services and providers. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Rowland suggested the function of the board continue to focus on availability,
accessibility, and policy issues and to avoid content related issues.
By -Laws: Michael Gitter noted that the by-laws of the board will be reviewed and revised as
appropriate after the change is voted on by City Council.
Meting time: The board decided to continue to meet on second Thursday of each month at 7
PM. The question can be reconsidered later in the year, if desired. There will be a board
vacancy to be filled in June when Warren Berman's term expires, .
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM