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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CABLE-1992-01-07 - CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD JANUARY 7, 1992 MINUTES Present: Jim Blizzard, Rick Gray, Eloise Green, Cathy Johnson,Floyd Johnson, Peter Hess, Barb Lukens,Robert Manvell,Lauren Stefanelli 1. Meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM. 2. Robert Manvell was designated as the minute-taker.Minutes for December 2, 1991 were approved. 3. Chair's Report Make up of CAAB after 2/`92 was discussed. Floyd Johnson will be leaving as a result of a pending move. Eloise would like to leave after the educational committee is established (when she would like to sit on that committee only). Cathy Johnson will stay on through the fall of next year. Peter asked for volunteers and/or nominees for the chair's position. He also indicated that he felt that the chair should attend Cable Commission Meetings and possibly become a member of that group when an opening occurs. Peter asked that the February meeting be changed. This lead into a proposal that the meeting day be possibly moved. Robert suggested moving the day so that it coincides better with the cable commission meeting. It was decided that we will meet in the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7PM. This allows time for preparation of items discussed at the CAAB to be prepared for the cable commission meeting. Our next meeting will be on January 28th at City Hall (7PM). There will be a meeting at ACC on Thursday 1/9/92 to discuss capital equipment. 4.Public Comment There was no public comment. 5. ACC Discussion with the general manager(Barb Lukens) Net Issues:Peter brought up this topic with the introductory comment that I Net is not truly an access issue. He asked Barb to explain how it was set up and what she sees the CAAB's role as being. Barb indicated that this was originally set up as a two way system for institutions and was set up at the request of the city. Barb felt that the Cable Commission and CAAB should discuss the future of this system.Barb fielded a number of additional specific questions from board members. 2%Money Distribution: Two issues were identified by Peter,equipment purchases and equipment refurbishment,as particularly sensitive. Barb deferred as the cable commission and ACC are currently negotiating this issue. She did state that ACC would purchase modulators and a playback deck as is the state standard. Enhancements (ie switchers) would be from the 2% money. Studio Conditions: Problems with the editing suites and other conditions were discussed. Lauren explained some of the temperature problems. It seems ok now but there has not been a cold snap since the repair people came. ACC changed heating contractors and seems to be pleased so far. Maintenance schedules were discussed.Jim mentioned that there were some problems and Lauren attempted to respond to his concerns. Jim was particularly concerned about the limited number of edit suites available. A great deal of discussion regarding a specific "down" deck ensued. Expansion Possibilities: Both hours and studio and edit space were brought up for discussion. Some concern was expressed by Eloise about the Four Seasons space being made available. Barb indicated that the ACC point of view that this was a major expense which would need to be negotiated. For now the ACC position is not to spend a lot of "new"money on access above that which is mandated. The possibility of increased hours was also brought up. Jim asked if there were a way to let some "certified" individuals in during the morning hours when broken equipment reduces access to editing suites. Lauren responded that this could be a problem to the "non-privileged individuals. Barb suggested that the issue be resolved by getting the equipment repaired so that all suites are available and eliminate the "crunch". Not for Profit Access Management: Peter indicated that the ACC position was favorable in consideration of this concept. Barb said that she does not have a preconceived picture of what this concept would look like. Floyd asked Barb to research ATC's franchises which might have not for profit status. Government Channel for Emergency Notification: Jim asked about this capability as a result of his conversation with the fire chief regarding an emergency notification system. This system is in place but has not been used since original set up. Peter suggested that a meeting be set up with the public safety individuals and ACC staff. Audio on Inactive Access Channels: Peter mentioned that there was a rumor about air time being sold for inactive channels. Barb said that ACC was exploring the possibility of Muzak being extended beyond its current use on the phone system. The leased channel option has been discussed by ACC staff but there is no firm conclusion as to how to possibly proceed. Educational Committee: Eloise brought up the problem of moving the Education Committee along. Barb had no problem with the CAAB initiating action on this issue. Commercial Programming Restrictions: Lauren briefly described the changes in the new policies and procedures manual particularly with regard to commercial aspects. The language on this item was pretty much taken from a cable franchise in Milwaukee. This is still an ambiguous area because of all of the possible loopholes. Peter asked the members to look over the revised policy manual for the next meeting. Closing Comments:Floyd asked for an agenda item for next meeting to examine issues which the committee should be focusing upon. Robert suggested that we consider establishing a steering committee. Barb indicated that the process of her periodically meeting with the CAAB seems to be worth-while and that it fosters cooperation.Peter asked that members read the new Policy and Procedures Manual by the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM. Minutes respectfully submitted by Robert Manvell. CAAB Resolution 7,91 - Creating a Committee to Administer Educational Access Channels; passed l2/2/91;amended by Cable Commission /14/92 1. By this resolution,the Community Access Advisory Board (CAAB)hereby creates a standing Committee on Educational Access and charges it enter into a written agreement with American Community Cablevision (ACC) to assume primary responsibility for the administration of the educational access channel(s). 2. After the committee is formed,its first task will be to draft an agreement with ACC outlining the responsibilities it will take on,and how it expects to discharge them. 3. The committee shall be constituted as follows: I. Internal (CAAB)representatives • Members from the CAAB who will automatically serve on the committee are: -The two institutional appointees to the CAAB -The access coordinator -The chair of the CAAB • In addition,one other member of the CAAB who has no educational affiliation shall be appointed to the committee by the CAAB. II. External representatives. Remaining representatives to the committee shall be appointed by a majority vote of the membership of the CAAB from among qualified nominees. Nominees must be affiliated with chattered educational organizations operating in the ACC coverage area. Nominations may be made by the organization to be represented,the Educational Access Committee or the CAAB. No organization may be represented by more than one member of the committee,including CAAB representatives.(except in the case of school districts,as described below). • Representatives will be sought from the following organizations: Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Tompkins County Library, Tompkins Seneca Tioga B.O.C.E.S. • In keeping with the state mandate to assure appropriate representation of local school districts, representatives will be sought from each of the public school districts in the coverage area. • Up to four additional representatives may be made appointed from qualified organizations not among those mentioned above. For these appointments, preference will go to organizations that have not recently been represented on the committee. This category may include representatives of public schools whose district administration is also represented on the committee. 4.The committee will hold open public meetings at least twice a year,which will be announced at least one month in advance of their occurrence. Minutes will be kept which will become part of the public record. Other organizational matters are left to the committee. 5.The agreement reached between ACC and the Educational Access Committee shall serve as a model for the administration of the government access channel(s) as well, The responsibilities delegated to the Educational Access Committee by the agreement will fall to the full CAAB for government access channels. City of Ithaca Cable Commission 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 January 20, 1992 Congressman Matthew McHugh 2335 Rayburn Office Building Washington,DC 20515-3228 Dear Congressman McHugh, I am writing on behalf of the City of Ithaca Cable Commission with regard to the pending FCC ruling which would allow regional telephone companies to enter the business of distributing television programming. We favor fostering competition in this market,if it is done in a way that maintains the protections guaranteed by existing federal and state legislation, such as the Cable Act of 1984. From what we understand, the pending ruling does not adequately affirm these protections. The existing legislation governing the cable TV industry wisely provides for local involvement in cable systems. This has been beneficial to our community in the following ways: •As local regulators,the City Cable Commission is readily accessible to citizens who want to be heard, and we understand the unique needs of our community. •The City is empowered to franchise cable operators doing business within its borders, allowing it to negotiate for the community interest in return for the franchise grant. • The City has the authority to collect a franchise fee,which provides about$100,000 annually to the municipal treasury. In addition,cable regulations mandate the establishment of public, governmental, and educational access channels, and our franchise guarantees their financial support. Our four access channels have become a vital community resource,carrying city and county meetings,programming produced by local educators and students, and over 40 hours a week of public service, special events,religious, artistic, and"soapbox"programming produced by local citizens. Phone company entry into the cable market is a threat to the benefits cited above,if the phone companies are not held to the same requirements as the cable companies. Should this happen,it is likely that our existing prerogatives will be revoked, as deregulation of the entire industry is instituted to"level the playing field". The work of those who wrote our franchise, set up the mechanisms for local control and regulation of cable,and made access programming an effective local communications medium wouldbe lost,and other communities,of course, would experience similar losses. We hope you will energetically oppose FCC actions that would effectively deregulate the cable industry and circumventing existing legislation. We would appreciate any information that you can provide that would help us better understand these deliberations, and more effectively press our concerns with Congress and the FCC. Sincerely, Peter Hess, Chairperson, City of Ithaca Cable Commission cc: Alfred Sikes and Commissioners,Federal Communications Commission Benjamin Nichols,Mayor,City of Ithaca Dan Hoffman,Chairperson, Charter and Ordinance Committee,City of Ithaca Charles Guttman, City Attorney,City of Ithaca John Efroymson, Common Council, City of Ithaca Members of the City of Ithaca Cable Commission Susan Herman,President,National Association of Telecommunications Officials and Advisors Steven Shaye,New York State Cable Commission Report of Ithaca Cable Commission meeting of 1 / 14/92 -John Efroymson was present as the new liaison from Common Council. uonn replaces Ben Nichols. -Bill McCormick spoke on a number of issues including the need for additional access channels to allow for multiple reruns of access programs, which Bill believes are necessary for a program to attain sufficient "reach". I responded that I was not convinced that it was necessary or desirable to have more than two or three runs, nor had I heard that request from others in the access community. noted that that issue is currently under negotiation with ACC. -Barb Lukens reported that the channel offset problem for chs. 53, 54, and 55 can be corrected and that the equipment to do so is on order. -Barb also reported that periods on ch. 13 currently occupied by the learning channel will be filled by the community bulletin board or by community access programming. The audio background for the bulletin board will be provided by Muzak, which replaces WRHP. -The commission passed the CAAB resolution on capital equipment purchase, -The commission passed the CAAB resolution creating a committee to administer educational access after first deleting the word "chartered" from the sect ion limiting membership on the committee to representatives of "chartered educational organizations". -The commission discussed the revisions to the access center rules regarding commercial use. We also discussed copyright ownership and distribution rights. No conclusions were drawn, - The commission discussed a letter I had drafted to Rep. Matthew McHugh regarding a proposed FCC ruling on telephone company entry into the cable distribution business and the dangers that that might pose to access and other municipal interests. Some suggestions were made and I was authorized to redraft and send the letter. Tl i .r 1/29/92 Minutes of Cable Access Advisory Board meeting of 1/28/92 Present: Jim Blizzard, Rick Gray, Eloise Greene, Cathy Johnson, Robert Manvell, Peter Hess and Lauren Stefanelli Things got off to a late start at 7:25. Minutes of 1/7 meeting approved. Chair's Report Peter mentionQddline for public comment to FCC regarding telco entry into cable TV services is Feb. 20. Peter is now chair of the Cable Commission. ACC report from Lauren:, WSKG- m soon to be audio on channel 13 bulletin board. SCOLA still on BOCES line until icu can distribute signal. There is major difficulty in connecting line across Cornell camp; to hook up to ACC line - but looking to a mid- february changeover so BOCES prdgramming can commence on channel 54. As of Thursday, 1/30 the channel offset problem should be fixed for all channels. Multi-channel matrix switcher was ordered. Access has interest In Amiga computers & software. Eloise will arrange with Lauren for demo at IC for interested people, as ICTV uses model 500s for TV graphics. The 1992 Capital Equipment group met for a public meeting but no members of public attended. They came up with some ideas, though, and now Jim and Rick will prepare a preliminary proposal for discussion and will meet Feb. 10, Monday, 7pm at Access to discuss '92 Capital. Peter will check on how Harvey is faring after accident, as he was interested in capital deliberations. Handbook revisions discussed, including specifics of punitive actions, ie. equipment use by probationary users, appeals process, "12 month" vs. "calendar year", and a looser interpretation of commercial benefit. People interested in handbook revision will meet Monday, Feb. 17, 7pm at Access. On educational access, Eloise drafted a letter to go out under her & Robert's names inviting educators to an initial meeting..will send shortly. (This meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 3;30-4;30pm at BOCES Administration Bldg. room A14). Rick Gray is the new CAAB chair for one year, with Jim Blizzard as vice chair and ombudsman. Best wishes Rick and Jim. Jim suggested CAAB write ACC a report on 1991. Next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7pm in the City Hall 2nd floor conference room. Then there was an executive session to discuss allocation of equipment costs and establishment of new access channels. Minutes from Eloise Greene, who couldn't stay through executive session. • CABLE 13 QUARTERLY REPORT 10/1/91 - 12/31/91 P.5 III. ACCESS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 1. NEW EQUIPMENT Demod [Ch 53] 2,709.67 Mod [Ch 53] 2 ,842.02 SEG SVHS cables 281.27 (8) headphones 129.22 Wide-angle lens 75.08 SEG Road Cases 1,498. 00 (8) Camcorder bat 435.34 Telephone speaker 42 .75 (2)YCR rack mounts 283 .20 • Mod [Ch 54] 2,836.37 Demod [Ch 54] 2,715.02 Portable CG 266.43 SVHS Bench Equip [50% of cost of equip. purchased] 1, 916.25 Cable /Labor for playback move 1, 859 . 53 Winstead rack for playback 1, 039.41 (2) 9" monitors/mounts for playback 1,467.24 Multi-Channel switching pkg. 8, 717 .24 (2) Agile Mods for portable SEGs 2 , 149. 53 Mod [Ch 2] [replace IC unit] 2,483 .47 Demod [Ch 2] [for IC] 2 ,403 .22 (2) AG-7350 SVHS VCR 4, 619. 19 Portable CG 266.43 AG-7300 remote control 184. 04 Video processor 139. 05 (2) Intercom sets 149 . 69 Mics/Misc. : [ (2) stands with booms, (2) lav mics, (5) tripod carry straps (1) fish pole] 571.48 Subtotal $6, 037.26 1,933. 34 6, 143 .77 27, 965.77 Q1 Q2 43 Q4 2 . EQUIP REFURBISHMENT Edit Suites (3/4" VTRs/Controllers) 3 ,799.89 16.84 Playback VTRs (U-Matic) 1, 173 .52 Studio VTR A3 713 .82 SVHS Camcorder 460#2 536.28 Subtotal 0 4,973 .41 16.84 1, 250. 10 YTD Area 1 Subtotal $42, 080. 14 YTD Area 2 Subtotal $6,240.35 1991 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $48, 320.49 1991 CAPITAL ALLOCATION $48,244. 34 CABLE 13 QUARTERLY REPORT 10/1/91 - 12/31/91 P. 4 II. USE OF CABLE 13 PRODUCTION FACILITIES [CONT. ] 5. CABLECASTING HOURS Key [all numbers refer to hours of programming] : O = The first play of locally-produced, original programming S = The first play of non-locally-produced [but locally- sponsored] , "syndicated" programming OT = Total first-run programming [0 + S] OT% = Percentage of first-run programming cablecast [OT/TOT] R = Reruns of locally-produced and syndicated programs TOT = Total hours cablecast [0 + S + R] CHANNEL 13 0 S R OT OT% TOT OCT 85. 6 18. 5 132. 6 104 . 1 43 .9% 236.7 NOV 86. 0 23 .75 105.0 109.75 51. 1% 214 .75 DEC 62 .75 40.0 95.0 102 .75 51.9% 197 .75 CHANNEL 53 0 S R OT OT% TOT OCT 14 - - 14 100% 14 NOV 13 - - 13 100% 13 DEC 19 - - 19 100% 19 CHANNEL 54 0 S R OT OT% TOT OCT N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 63 NOV N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 46 DEC N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 28.5