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AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION December 20, 1989 John Gutenberger Mayor City of Ithaca 108 E. Green St. _Ithaca, NY - 14.8.50 Dear Mayor Gutenberger: The FCC's rules on syndicated exclusivity take effect on January 1, 1990. I wanted to first explain how the rules work and secondly to let you know how they will affect ACC's operation. Syndex was re-established by the FCC as a means of protecting local broadcasters (those who are within a 35 mile radius) from more distant and more powerful stations. If a local broadcaster has the syndicated rights to programs, he/she can request the cable company to black out or delete those same programs when they are broadcast by the. distant stations. This is the essence of syndex. Here at ACC all of the Binghamton, Elmira and Syracuse stations are within the 35 mile radius and considered local stations. .That means that all of those particular'independent and network •stations can ask us to black out programs for which they have exclusivity contracts. We would only have to black out those programs when they are carried on WWOR and WPIX (the only distant stations. - carrie'd by -ACC). Syndex does not affect cable channels such as ESPN, A&E, The Family Channel, etc. WWOR has promised not to carry syndicated: programming on its satellite delivered signals, which is what we receive here in Ithaca. If this turns out to be true, we should only have to worry about programming conflicts on WPIX. This means that any blackouts would occur on WPIX only. As of this date there are only two programs which need to be blacked out: "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Warriors". We expect to receive proof that several other programs will also need to be blacked out. 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Because all cable television systems need to comply on January 1, the equipment needed to switch alternative programming into the blacked out spot is in high demand and as a result, unavailable. Therefore, initially ACC will be using a character generator to explain why a program has been blacked out. By the end of January or some time in February we expect to be able to replace the blacked out programs with alternative programming. We are forced to comply with syndex by law and will try to make it as non -disruptive to our subscribers as possible. For your information, a newsletter to all subscribers will be mailed in January explaining syndex as well as numerous other issues. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Si cerely, ?"(1? Barbara L. Lukens General Manager BLL/fw cc: Ithaca Cable Commission Mayor -elect Ben Nichols cc: Thys Van Cort, Director of Planning Ralph Nash, City Attorney Cable Commission AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION December 1, 1989 John Gutenberger Mayor City of Ithaca 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor Gutenberger: ACC has reviewed its rates for various services in an attempt to reduce confusion which we may have inadvertently created for our customers. As a result of this review, some minor changes were made. I felt this was a good time to communicate all of our rates to you. Please note that when a customer has cable installed, the first month's service is prorated - therefore, each customer could pay a different amount to ACC at the time of installation. Also, ACC does not require a deposit from its customers. 1) Cable installation (aerial) $20.00 plus tax rate is good for 1st outlet (or 1st and 2nd outlets if work is performed at the same time) 2) Cable installation (underground) $20.00 plus tax plus our cost to bury the drop cable (or customer may bury the cable which we will provide) 3) Outlet relocation $20.00 plus tax *4) Additional Outlet Installation 5) Reconnection (if we've disconnected for non -pay) **6) Transfer fee (for customers moving within the franchise) 7) Service upgrade Side grade (drop one to add another) Account name change $20.00 plus tax $20.00 plus tax $20.00 plus tax $ 5.00 plus tax service $ 5.00 plus tax $10.00 plus tax (free of charge for death or divorce 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 re 10) Install A/B switch $20.00 plus tax 11) Purchase A/B switch $ 9.95 plus tax 12) Remote Control $ 3.00/month 13) FM outlet Free with basic 14) Additional outlets Free (charge for converter for each A/0 of $6.00) *15) Parental Control (set-up charge) Budget tier $11.00/month $12.10 as of 3/1/90 16) Free 17) Super tier $ 6.00/month $ 7.00 as of 3/1/90 18) Premium channel $ 9.95/month plus franchise fee 19) VCR Hook-up $20.00 plus tax Should you have any free to contact me. Sincerely, Barbara L. Lukens General Manager BLL/fw * Price was reduced ** Price Increase of questions regarding these rates, please feel $ 5.00 (effective 1/1/90) CABLE1 3 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 Ms. Janice Streb Chairperson, City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 October 28, 1989 Dear Ms. Streb: ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in November are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rotating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us by the City Clerk's office. Common Council Meeting Wednesday, November 1, 1989, from 7pm-lam. Cablecast live. Planning and Development Committee Meeting 4th Wednesday, November 22, 1989, from 7:30-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, December 2, 1pm. Human Services Committee Fourth Monday, November 27, 1989, from 7:30pm-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, December 9, 1pm. Please notify us of any changes in these meeting dates. We need a minimum of two weeks notice to arrange coverage with our two - camera portable unit, and to assure accurate TV listings. Cordially, Laur Communi y Access CABLE 1 na tor cc: Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Ray Schlather, Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. Richard Booth, Chair, Charter and Ordinence Comm. Susan Cummings, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Human Services Comm. David Lytel, Cable Commission Liason to Common Council Barbara Lukens, General Manager, ACC Steve Smith, ACC Engineering Dept. Holly Stander, CABLE 13 Portable Video Unit Director "Television for Tompkins County" cc: Cable Commission RECEIVED OCT 12 1989 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION October 9, 1989 Ms. Joyce E. Gordon 1312 East Shore Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Gordon: ACC currently carries several network -and independent stations which we receive here in Ithaca via an array of antennas ,mounted on a tower at Snyder Hill - stations such as WIXT, 6IENY, USTII, WCNY, WBNG, WTVH, WICZ and WSYT. These broadcast stations are carried in their entirety and will, from time to time, have similar if not duplicated programming. They are not all duplicative, however, and also provide variety in programming. It is also true that several of these stations provide area news, which is important to many of our subscribers. ACC has chosen to carry these programs in order to provide 26 channels of cable programming instead of the 20 channels regnir.ed by our contract with the Town of Ithaca. Your concern about duplicated programming is certainly reasonable, but we will, in all likelihood, not be dropping these stations from our lineup. ACC will be providing an addritional 16 channels in the Town of Ithaca by the end of 1990, if not before. This will not cure the duplication of programming on the channels ACC currently carries, but will provide you with additional choices. Thank you for taking the time to write us. Respectfully, t lam. ; Barbara' Lukens General Manager BL/fw cc: Noel Desch, Supervisor Town of Ithaca John Gutenberger, Mayor City of Ithaca 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Barb Lukens J10/ a— GOi// *AI 4 97/L9 ethi7 kki A -4e toil- a Ala 1/6 Working together to provide entertainment and information choices. AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION September 21, 1989 Channel 13 Political Endorsements Policy The cable television franchise agreement for the City of Ithaca prohibits political advertising and endorsements on the access channel, CHANNEL 13. ACC, as party to that agreement must uphold that provision and will not allow political endorsements and advertising on CHANNEL 13 until or unless the franchise is amended to allow it. Although the city's Cable Commission recomme;~ided adopting a resolution to allow such endorsements, both the city attorney and ACC agreed that a change can be made only by changing the franchise agreement. There is a possibility that an amendment will be proposed. At that time, both ACC and the City of Ithaca will have an opportunity to review the amendment and determine whether or not to make it a part of the franchise agreement. Sincerely, Barbara Lukens General Manager BL/fw cc: Ralph Nash Lauren Stefanelli Posted at CHANNEL 13 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CITY ATTORNEY CODE 607 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor John C. Gutenberger All Alder en FROM: Rale Nash, City Attorney DATE: September 12, 1989 RE: Satellite Dish/Stewart Park The satellite dish in Stewart Park belongs to E. J. Shipman, the City caretaker for Stewart Park. Apparently, he is unable to hookup to the cable line and asked Frank Gardner if it was alright to buy and install a dish. Frank gave him the go ahead. Alderman Schlather has suggested that we attempt to get ACC to place a cable drop (pursuant to Franchise § 13.4) at the caretaker's residence so that he will no longer need a dish. Perhaps this should be reviewed by DPW and/or appropriate Council committee to advise me what action to take. RWN:blf cc: Frank Gardner E. J. Shipman "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 699 6L6£/£8-940 9181-Z1 Z (109) 058t1 AN `s3BL f1 1S eieiS 'M 61.9 NOISIA31SV3 'INWO3 NV3IH3 NV W0J J saegposgnS aoJ uoi)BWao4ul iusiaodwi MB SWITCH ORDER FORM I would like to purchase A/B switch(es) from American Comm. Cablevision. I understand each switch is available at a cost of $9.95. Yes, I am interested in having American Comm. Cablevision install the A/B switches in my home. I understand there will be a $25.00 per outlet charge for installation. Total Payment. Method of Payment (check one)• bill by account check enclosed Name: Address: City: Zip. Daytime Phone Number (to arrange installation): Signature Fill out and enclose this form with your monthly service payment to P.O. Box 519, Ithaca, NY 14851. INFORMATION ON OVER -THE -AIR RECEPTION OF LOCAL TV STATIONS American Comm. Cablevision has selected a wide variety of the most popular local broadcast TV stations as part of its channel line-up. Nevertheless, under new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulings, we are not required to carry all the local stations generally available over -the -air in this area. At the present time, all local broadcast TV channels generally available in this area are carried by this cable system except WETM Ch 18, Elmira and WMGC Ch 34, Binghampton. Cable subscribers who wish to have an option of receiving TV stations not carried by our cable system will need to use an Input Selection Switch (better known as an A/B Switch) in conjunction with an antenna. The A/B switch is a device which connects to both the cable service and an antenna to provide the viewer with independent reception of stations via cable or via the antenna. If you are interested, A/B switches are available from a variety of suppliers or may be purchased from the cable company. There may be a variety of switch options available, including simple manual broadcast/cable switches, multiple input source switches, electronic switches, and remote control switches. The FCC has adopted the following technical standards: 80db isolation for frequency ranges of 54-216 MHz and 60db isolation for frequency ranges of 216-550 MHz. Switches utilizing external power must be capable of maintaining isolation in the event the device is not connected to a power source or power is interrupted. In addition, some televisions offer built-in switching devices, eliminating the need for a separate MB switch. When installing an A/B switch, to eliminate any possible interference or leakage of the cable signal, please use shielded coaxial cable between the television receiver and the switch terminal. At least four feet of shielded coaxial cable should be used for connecting switch terminals to any unshielded antenna leads. We are required by federal legislation to test for leakage of the cable signal, and if detected, disconnect cable service until the problem is corrected. Please remember, an MB :Switch only provides access to local TV channels if it is connected to a usable antenna. Connection of any switches to an underground antenna poses a fire hazard. We suggest you have your antenna inspected. Information on purchasing an A/B switch from our cable company is included on the order form on the back of this flier. Our switches come with instruction for self -installation or we will install the switch for you for only $25.00 per outlet. THERE IS, OF COURSE, ABSOLUTELY NO REQUIREMENT YOU PURCHASE AN MB SWITCH. If you have any questions regarding A/B switches, please contact our Customer Service Dept. during regular business hours at 272-3456. Resolution *1 Whereas, restriction on commercial advertising are a necessary practice of public access stations and have been upheld by`the New York State Supreme Court; and Whereas, restrictions on endorsements and presentations of political candidates can inhibit political speech and the potential contribution of public access to informed political debate; and Whereas, fundraising by political candidates is recognized by numerous public access stations as a form of commercial speech; and Whereas, ACC staff encourage and facilitate rebuttals and editorial replies; BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Access Advisory Board recommends to the City Cable Commission that Sec. 14.3.D of Ithaca's Franchise be interpreted to prohibit fundraising by political candidates, but not endorsements or other biased expressions by or for candidates in the course of election campaigns. This resolution was passed 4 to 2 with one abstention -7 by41eeess /lo" . 3I CABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 John Efroymson, Producer More Than the News 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 August 28, 1989 Dear John, This letter is in reference to Sec. 14.3.D of Ithaca's. Franchise. with American Community Cablevision regarding the permissable use of public access channels: "Designated channels shall not be used for the promotion or sale of commercial products or services, including advertising by or on behalf of candidates for public office." Despite continued warnings on the subject by access staff, More Than the News has repeatedly violated the franchise restriction on political'endorsements on the access channel. During previous years' election seasons, More Than the News has made endorsements, or included segments with guests making endorsements, of a number of political candidates, from Jesse Jackson and (after the primary) Michael Dukakis, to John Gutenberger. This year, a More Than the News program included an'endorsement of your own candidacy for Common Council shortly after you entered the race. At the end of the live cablecast of that. program, I spoke with you at length about the franchise violation and- abuse of access privileges involved in the endorsement included in the show. I read the franchise passage to you, and discussed the matter with both yourself and Mary Euell, the crewmember making the endorsement on the program. I warned you about making political endorsements in the future. On the August 22 edition of More Than the News, you ran another blatent political endorsement. This one featured Arzeymah Ragib, speaking as a representative of the Rainbow Coalition, making an explicit endorsement of Ben Nichol's candidacy for mayor in Ithaca. Your series production reservation form includes the following two passages which are relevant in the event of misuse of access "Television for Tompkins County" facilities: 1/ "I also understand that this equipment is to be used only for providing Public Access Programming for ACC's Public Access channel, and that I will be held legally and financially responsible for any use of this equipmentfor other than its intended purpose." 2/ "ACC reserves the right to suspend or revoke all privileges to ACC equipment and facilities." According to current policies, and the series production and cablecasting agreement which you signed to produce your program, you are liable for the following penalties for misusing community access facilities and services: 1/ ACC is not obligated to provide free production facilities for programs containing political commercials or other commercial programming not permitted under the franchise on access channels. You are liable for the commercial cost of the production time used to produce programming containing political endorsements. 2/ ACC is not obligated to provide free cablecasting facilities for programs containing political commercials. You are liable to be charged a fee for the cablecasting time used to cablecast a program containing political endorsements. 3/ In the case of an access producer misusing access facilities, ACC reserves the right to suspend or revoke access privileges. Attached is an invoice for the production and cablecasting time used for the August 22 edition of More Than the News. Along with the invoice is a copy of rates for commercial use of access production facilities. As we do not make commercial cablecasting time available, the cablecasting rate is taken from current Channel 7 reduced rates for commercial political programming. Rather than insist on payment of this bill, ACC would like to defer consideration of this matter to the Access Advisory Board, which will be meeting on Wednesday, September 6, at the access studio. ACC is willing to waive these charges on this occasion, if that is the recommendation of the Advisory Board. I would like to have their recommendations as to: 1/ Whether, given that your program has contained multiple incidents of political commercials in the past, and has been given multiple warnings on the subject; and in consideraton of fairness to other candidates running in local races, it is appropriate to allow this franchise violation to pass with one more warning; 2/ At what point in cases of franchise violation by an access producer, a suspension or revocation of access privileges should be imposed. Please be advised that no further warnings will be given with respect to your liability, as producer, for the production and cablecasting cost of programs with commercial content. The ,next time such a commercial is noted on your program, a bill will be ,issued. Until such a bill is either paid in full, or a payment plan worked out with ACC's billing department, your privileges to use CABLE 13 production and cablecasting facilities will be suspended. Copies of this letter will be forwarded to Richard Herskowitz, Access Advisory Board Chair, Janice Streb, Ithaca Cable Commission Chair, and Ralph Nash, Ithaca City Attorney. I strongly urge you to present your views on this matter to the Advisory Board at their next meeting. I have already asked the Board (in a letter to Richard of August 22, 1989) to consider the boundary between commercial and non—commercial programming at this meeting, outlining problems and questions we have had regarding this franchise restriction. I hope that as they begin their review of access policies, they will give particular attention to advising us in this area. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincere Lauren Stefa Community Access C CABLE 13 di a cc: Richard Herskowitz, Chair, Access Advisory Board Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Ralph Nash, Ithaca City Attorney Janice Streb, Chair, Ithaca Cable Commission SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION August 25, 1989 Janice Streb, Chair City Cable Commission City of Ithaca 600 Warren Rd., Apt. 5-3A Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Streb: I'm sending a copy of the attached letter to keep you apprised of a situation which could ultimately affect the City of Ithaca and ACC in a negative manner. As I'm sure you know, our franchise agreement prohibits the use of access channels for commercials or political endorsements. After repeated warnings to cease this practice of endorsing political candidates and in spite of having signed a statement agreeing not to misuse the facility, such agreement indicating that the the penalty would be financial, we have found it necessary to charge Mr.' Efroymson for studio, editing and air time as a result of his continued unwillingness to abide by the stated policies. We at ACC felt obligated to uphold the policy to protect the City of Ithaca and ACC from potential lawsuits brought by those candidates who are using proper procedures and who are buying air time. I• hope you are in agreement with both the measures we have taken and the reasons for doing so. Sincerely, Barbara Lukens General Manager BL/fw cc: Ralph Nash enc. 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 CABLE13 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION INVOICE FOR CABLE 13 COMMERCIAL SERVICES Services Provided To: Program Title: Production Date: Fee Explanation: 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 Date: August 23, 1989 John Efroymson 420 Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 More Than the News August 22, 1989 Community access facilities were reserved for access production, but used to produce and cablecast a program containing endorsement of a current political candidate. This is considered a commercial use of access facilities. It is restricted under Ithaca's franchise. Unlike access facilities, commercial production facilities are not provided without charge by ACC. Studio time reserved.: 3 .hours, 4-7pm, 8/22/89 Rate: $110/hour $330 Editing time reserved: 2 hours, 3-5pm, 8/22/89 Rate: $100/hour. $200 Cablecasting Time: 1 hour 6-6:30pm and 10-10:30pm, 8/22/89 Rate: $45/half hour $90 [reduced rate for political commercials] Total: $620.00 Payment Due: Immediately Additional Penalty: As this invoice is occasioned by the misuse of community access facilities, your access privileges are suspended until this bill is paid. An extended payment plan may be arranged with ACC's billing department at ACC's discretion. "Television for Tompkins County" CABLE 3 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET • ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 CABLE 13 PRODUCTION FACILITIES COMMERCIAL USE RATES Effective August 1, 1989 CABLE 13 studio and editing production facilities are available for commercial rental Monday through 'Friday, from 9 am until 12pm. Reservations must bemadeat least one week in advance. Edit Suite SVHS, VHS or 3/4" U—Matic cuts—only editing to 3/4" Includes TBC and character generator. Studio 3 3—CCD camera studio $100 per hour $110 per hour CABLE 13 portable facilities are available for 24 hour rental. No advance reservations are possible, as priority is given to access producers. Same—day reservations only. A deposit is required. 3/4" Portable Kit Sony 1800 camera and 4800 VCR S—VHS Camcorder Panasonic AG -450 NOTE: $125 per day $50 per day 1. Prices quoted above do not include operator. Facility may only be reserved by access producers trained on equipment to be used. 2. All fees are payable at the completion of each facility use. "Television for Tompkins County" SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Ithaca Cable Television Commission c/o Janice Streb, Chair 121 East Shore Circle Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Janice, In accordance with our franchise, this letter is to notify the Ithaca Cable Television Commission of a change in our rate structure that will take place on October 1, 1989. The first of these changes has to do with a fee for the installation of multiple additional outlets. ACC's current policy is to install at no charge all extra outlets requested by subscribers. This policy has caused a significant increase in demand (usually several additional outlets per home) spreading ourr installation workforce too thin and creating difficulty with performing regular work. Our plan is to make no changes to the installation fee for the primary outlet (initial installation) and to continue to install the first extra outlet free of charge. Any outlets beyond those first two will be charged at an installation rate of $35.00 each, which is less than the cost of time and materials to do the work. As is our policy, subscribers will not pay a monthly fee for any of the extra outlets. The second change is to our rates for pay (premium) channels. The current charge for a pay channel is $9.95, inclusive of the franchise fees. As of October first we will be charging $9.95 plus the franchise fees. In addition there will no longer be a discount for choosing to take more than one pay service. We are, however, moving Bravo from a pay service to the supertier as well as adding the new Comedy Channel. I am uncertain as to when the Comedy Channel will actually launch, although I believe it will be in October or November of this year. cc: John Gutenberger, Mayor David Lytel, Common Council Ralph Nash, City Attorney 519 West State Street Barbara L. Lukens, General Manager Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 cc: Cable Commission RECEIVED AUG 1 1989 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION July 28, 1989 John Gutenberger, Mayor City of Ithaca 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor Gutenberger: On Monday, July 24, the Delaware Supreme Court refused Paramount's request to enjoin Time's acquisition of Warner. Later in the day, Time acquired majority control of Warner. Shortly thereafter, Paramount stated that it had terminated its offer to buy Time. Consequently, Paramount is no longer seeking, through the purchase of Time stock, to acquire control over the cable television operations in your community. Sincerely, Barbara General BL/fw 4/.,„4.) Lukens Manager cc: Ralph .Nash, City Attorney Bob Hines, ACC Attorney 519 West State Street M Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Ms. Janice Streb Chairperson, City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Streb: CABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 July 27, 1989 ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in August are listed below. The regular monthly dates were given to us by the City Clerk's office. Although we never received official written•. notice of the change in date of the Common Council meeting. in August, the Assistant City Clerk mentioned the change while I was asking her questions on another topic (see below) in July. Please note that in future, we will need written confirmation of any met ting date changes in order to plan our coverage. Also, please note that we have substituted a Route 96 meeting for one committee meeting in August, at the request of Mayor Gutenberger. Also at his request, we will be cablecasting that meeting live. A copy of his note to us is attached. I confirmed his request and discussed switching the meting coverage in a telephone conversation this afternoon. Common Council Meeting Tuesday, August 1, 7pm - 12am, Taped for cablecast on CABLE 13 on Wed,, August 2, 7pm. Route 96 / Octopus Fieetiug Thursday, August 10, 7-llpm Cablecast live on CABLE 13. Budget and Administration Committee Last Thus. before Common Council, August 31, 7:30pm-12am Taped for cablecast 1pm, Saturday, September 2. Please notify us of any changes in these meeting dates. We need a minimum of two weeks notice to arrange coverage with our two - camera portable unit, and to assure accura. TV listings in the local press. For changes about which we a -'z:; notified less than two weeks before the meeting, we will attemkt to provide coverage with a camcorder, but can not guarantee such coverage. All camcorders are also available for volunteer dvance reservations. "Television for Tompkins County" Staff coverage of other community access functions is also planned in advance. TV listings require almost 2 weeks notice. Finally, we have received a request from Alderman Sean Killeen in regards to this programming. In a June 29th letter to us, he asked that we place the agenda of Common Council meetings on our Community Bulletin Board a few days before the meeting. We will be happy to do so, provided that a copy of the agenda is sent to us. In July, responding to his request, I stopped by City Hall and picked one up. The full agenda was run on the Bulletin Board as requested. I spoke to, the City Clerk about having agendas sent to us in the future. She seemed to think that it would be possible. As yet, we have not received the agenda for the August meeting, less than a week away. We look forward to hearing from. her, and will put the agenda on the Bulletin Board when it arrives. 'CC: Cordially. Lauren M. Stefanel Community Access Coord nator ' CABLE 13 Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Mayor John Gutenberger Sean Killeen, 4th Ward Alderman Barbara Lukens, General Manager, ACC Andy Young, ACC Engineering Dept. Holly Stander, Portable Video Unit Director OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY TO: CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 MEMORANDUM John C. Gutenberger, Mayor Ray Schlather, Chairman of Budget & Administration Richard Booth, Chairman of Charter & Ordinance David Lytel, Alderman Ben Nichols, Alderman Cookie Paolangeli, City Clerk Thys Van Cort, Planning Director Cable Commission Members Dom ;,'ck,C-fferillo, Controller FROM: RalpT ), . Nash, City Attorney DATE: June 0, 1989 RE: Cable Franchise Please find enclosed communication received regarding possible assignment of our Cable Franchise agreement. I have the supplement documents in my office. RWN:blh enc. cc: Matthew J. Nothnagle beit,44_eld• >afki /i2La 414gtobyyt_4 pe 2 "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10112 (212) 586-4100 ; ONE KEYCORP PLAZA ALBANY. NEW YORK 12207 (518) 434-6000 990 STEWART AVENUE GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK 11530 (516) 222-1236 Nixon, Hargrave, ,Devans & Doyle Attorneys and Counselors at Law A PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL CORPORATIONS LINCOLN FIRST TOWER POST OFFICE BOX 1051 ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14603 (716) 546-8000 TELEX: 978450 (WUT) TELECOPIER: (716) 546-3843 June 29, 1989 Ralph G. Nash, Esq. Ithaca City Attorney 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Paramount Communications Inc. Acquisition of Time Incorporated Dear Mr. Nash: UN 3 0 -1989 SUITE 800 ONE THOMAS CIRCLE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 (202) 223.7200 REYNOLDS PLAZA 1061 EAST INDIANTOWN ROAD JUPITER, FLORIDA 33477 (407) 746-1002 As we discussed, Paramount Communications Inc. ("Paramount") has made a tender offer to acquire Time Incorporated ("Time"). Time, in turn, is the majority stockholder of American Television and Communications Corporation ("ATC"), another public corporation. ATC is the sole stockholder of American Community Cablevision ("ACC"). We understand that under the terms of the cable television franchise granted by the City of Ithaca, the acquisition of Time may require the City's approval. We are counsel for Paramount and on its behalf would like to hereby apply for any required approval. Paramount is a diversified entertainment and publishing company. Its well-known companies include Paramount Pictures; Simon & Schuster, Prentice -Hall and Silver, Burdett & Ginn, trade and educational publishers; and Madison Square Garden Corporation. Paramount does not currently operate cable systems, but it does own MSG Network, a regional basic cable television sports network, and it is a 50% owner of. USA Network, a national advertiser -supported basic cable television service. Paramount is a leader in the production of quality motion pictures and a variety of popular programs for Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle Ralph G. Nash, Esq. June 29, 1989 Page 2 television. As a result, Paramount will bring immense entertainment and education experience to the ATC cable systems. Paramount views ATC as a successful operator of cable television systems, and appreciates that sufficient authority must be delegated to local management of ACC and the other franchisees to ensure that the local community's interests are appropriately served. After the acquisition of Time, ATC will continue to be a subsidiary of Time and will remain owner or co-owner of all of its current cable television subsidiaries. ACC will continue to operate under the current management structure. Paramount would expect that the operation of your cable television system will be substantially unchanged, except to the extent that it can be improved and become more responsive to your needs. Similarly, Paramount would hope there would be no change in local management or programming. I recognize your concern that this transaction may cause Paramount to make significant cuts in ACC's operation. However,should not be too much of a problem. First, as you no doubt know, cable in Ithaca is regulated both by the franchise and by the New York State Commission on Cable; ACC and its corporate parents are and will remain legally bound by the franchise. Second, Time is currently attempting to purchase Warner Communications for $14 billion, in part to fend off Paramount. It is thus unlikely that ACC's ultimate parent will emerge from this situation without some debt. Please consider this letter and enclosed documents as a formal application for approval by the City of Ithaca of Paramount's acquisition'of Time. Attached hereto is a short summary of the proposed acquisition. In addition, I am enclosing the following documents: (1) Offer to Purchase, dated June 7, 1989, and Supplement to the Offer to Purchase, dated June 23, 1989. (2) Paramount's (formerly Gulf + Western) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1988. (3) Paramount's 1988 Annual Report to Stockholders. Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle Ralph G. Nash, Esq. June 29, 1989 Page 3 We believe this letter and the enclosed documents will provide complete information regarding Paramount and its proposed acquisition of Time and constitute the formal institution of the process for any authorization required under local law. Please call me or my colleague Deborah McLean Quinn if we can provide you with any additional information on any specific aspect of the proposed transaction. One of us will call you again shortly to discuss the timing of the approval process. As I mentioned, it is important to move quickly on this. Permit me to say on behalf of P-aramount that we look forward not only to working with you, but also becoming a strong supporter of local cable television service in your community in .the years to come. ' Sincerely, Matthew J. Nothnagle MJN:jcw Enclosures PARAMOUNT COMMUNICATIONS INC.'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF TIME INCORPORATED Paramount Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly named Gulf + Western Inc. ("Paramount",), through a wholly-owned subsidiary has commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Time Incorporated ("Time") for a total purchase price of over $12 billion. The tender offer is being made to Time's shareholders in all fifty states, as required by the federal securities laws. After successful completion of the tender offer, Time will be merged into a subsidiary of Paramount and thereafter will continue to exist as a subsidiary of Paramount. After the acquisition, Time is expected to continue to own and operate its present business, including the cable operations. American Television and Communications Corporation ("ATC") will continue to be a direct subsidiary of Time and ATC's cable television subsidiaries will continue to be indirect subsidiaries of Time. ATC is expected to continue to own the cable television franchise subsidiaries presently owned by it and to remain a joint venture partner in all of its cable television joint venture arrangements. Each cable franchise subsidiary owned by ATC will survive intact and unchanged as the continuing owner or operator of its respective cable television system and franchise. No direct ownership interest in any cable television system will be affected by Paramount's purchase of the common stock of Time or by the merger of Time into a Paramount subsidiary. A Time -Paramount combination will create a diversified media company operating in the areas of entertainment, cable television and publishing. Together Paramount and Time will be a communications company rich in resources with unparalleled range and depth, strongly positioned for global growth through the next decade and into the next century. No other company will be as significant a force in entertainment and publishing with operations in quality magazine and book publishing, as well as in motion picture and television production and distribution, cable systems and cable programming. The following is a description of the core business groups of a combined Time -Paramount entity. 3 7 8 7 D - 2 - Entertainment. Paramount, through Paramount Pictures Corporation ("Paramount Pictures"), Famous Players Inc., its Canadian theatre chain, Cinamerica Theatres, its 50% owned domestic theater chain, and Madison Square Garden Corporation, produces, finances and distributes motion pictures, television programming and prerecorded videocassettes, operates motion picture theatres in the United States and Canada and owns and operates Madison Square Garden Center in New York and the MSG Network, the nation's oldest regional cable television sports network. Paramount also owns 50% of USA Network, a provider of programs for the cable industry. Paramount Pictures distributes its films through its own organization in the United States and Canada. Distribution in other countries is through United International Pictures, a company owned jointly with MCA Inc. and MGM/UA Communications Company. Cinema International Corporation, which is jointly owned with MCA, distributes videocassettes to the international home video market. In television, Paramount Pictures creates original programming for the commercial networks, first -run syndication, cable, home video and international distribution. Time's pay television programming operations consist primarily of Home Box Office, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Time, plus a 14% interest in Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. The principal businesses of Home Box Office, Inc. are the programming and marketing of two satellite -transmitted pay television services, the HBO Service and the CINEMAX service, and the distribution of video cassettes through its wholly-owned subsidiary, HBO Video, Inc. ` Home Box Office's programming also includes concerts, comedy shows and other programs which are produced specifically for HBO and/or CINEMAX. Cable Television. Cable television operations are conducted through Time's 82% interest in ATC, which is currently the second largest cable television system operator in the United States in terms of basic cable subscribers and has approximately 767 franchises in 32 states with approximately 4.1 million basic cable subscribers. ATC's cable television operations consist primarily of selling, for a monthly fee, video programming which is distributed to subscribers' television sets through a network of coaxial cables. Such video programming is comprised of local broadcast television signals, locally produced or originated video 3 7 8 7 D - 3 programming, distant broadcast television, advertiser -supported video programming, premium programming services and in some systems, audio and other entertainment and information services. Publishing. Paramount, through Simon & Schuster, Prentice Hall, Pocket Books and Silver Burdett & Ginn, publishes hardcover and paperback books for the general public, publishes textbooks and other learning materials for elementary schools, high schools and colleges, and provides professional information in the form of looseleaf services, business books, professional newsletters, document search and filing services, and seminars and databases for businesses and professions. Simon & Schuster currently holds leadership positions in virtually every major segment of the book publishing industry and has a worldwide publishing and distribution capacity. Time, through The Time Inc. Magazine Company, publishes TIME, FORTUNE, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, PEOPLE, MONEY and LIFE magazines, and through Southern Progress Corporation, publishes SOUTHERN LIVING, PROGRESSIVE FARMER, SOUTHERN ACCENTS, COOKING LIGHT and TRAVEL SOUTH magazines. Time's book publishing operations include Time -Life Books and Book -of -the -Month Club, as well as Scott, Foresman and Company, a large domestic textbook publisher, and Little, Brown, which publishes general and children's trade books and legal and medical reference books and textbooks. 3 7 8 7D SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Ithaca Cable Television Commission c/o Janice Streb, Chair 121 East Shore Circle Ithaca, NY 14850 3 Dear Janice, In accordance with our franchise, this letter is to notify- the Ithaca Cable Television Commission of a change in our rate structure that will take place on October 1, 1989. The first of these changes has to do with a fee for the installation of multiple additional outlets. ACC's current policy is to install at no charge all extra outlets requested by subscribers. This policy has caused.a significant increase in demand (usually several additional outlets per home) spreading ourinstallation workforce too thin and creating difficulty with performing regular work. Our plan is to make no changes to the installation fee for the primary outlet (initial installation) and to continue to install the first extra outlet free of charge. Any outlets beyond those first two will be charged at an installation rate of $35.00 each, which is less than the cost of time and materials to do the work. As is our policy, subscribers will not pay a monthly fee for any of the extra outlets. The second change is to our rates for pay (premium) channels. The current charge for a pay channel is $9.95, inclusive of the franchise fees. As of October first we will be charging $9.95 plus the franchise fees. In addition there will no longer be a discount for choosing to take more than one pay service. We are, however, moving Bravo from a pay service to the supertier as well as adding the new Comedy Channel. I am uncertain as to when the Comedy Channel will actually launch, although I believe it will be in October or November of this year. cc: John Gutenberger, Mayor David Lytel, Common Council Ralph Nash, City Attorney • 519 West State Street Sincerely, tz. Barbara L. Lukens, General Manager , Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Ms. Janice Streb, Chair City Cable Commission 600 Warren Rd, 4/5-3A Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Janice: June 8, 1989 It was a pleasure meeting you by phone this morning and I hope that the following will confirm the issues discussed for presentation at the Cable Commission meeting on. June 13, 1989: - The schedule planned for the rebuild is now completed with all areas activated. - At this time, American Community Cablevision has three public access personnel under its employ. J Atet„t. - As of May 31, 1989, literature regarding the ownership of cable television equipment (refer to samples enclosed) has been mailed to all customers within the City of Ithvca. Interest in this offer has been moderate. - In response to Mr. Cohen's complaint of noise emanating from an ACC power supply box on the pole at 310 Utica St., action has been taken to implement the relocation of the box. This includes verification of design, confirmation with NYSEG, completion of the electrical and re -splicing work and inspection by the underwriter. In addition, I have enclosed a copy of the letter sent to Bryan Isacks and his wife who represent the Northside Civic Association. Our Project Manager, Jim Murray, has personally apologized for the crew's behavior and met with the contractor, National Cable Craft Corporation, to inform them that this type of behavior would not be tolerated by American Community Cablevision. Until the new General Manager is announced, please feel free to call me anytime with questions or concerns. Sincerely, Leonore Glowacki Acting General Manager cc: John Herrewyn enc. 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 cc: Cable Commission COMMON COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14950 Ralph W. Nash, Esq. _City Attorney 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Ralph: June 5, 1989 RECEIVED JUN6 1989 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 I am advised by employees of the American Community Cablevision that its policy with respect to the senior citizen discount is that the same is limited to 10% of the basic rate only. In other words, the 10% discount does not apply to expanded service, premium service or any other charges imposed by ACC. Is this permissible under the terms of the Franchise Agreement? Ironically, this same ACC employee conceded that her under- standing of the policy was that the discount applied all services purchased by an eligible senior citizen. This concession is consistent with the information given to a first ward constituent by ACC personnel when he recently purchased expanded service (he was advised that he would receive a 10% discount on the expanded service as well). If .ACC is narrowly applying the 10% discount in violation of the franchise, then I am requesting that it be advised accordingly and: demand made for refund of excess monies paid -by the senior citizens. Thank you. RMS/seh Respect 1 yours, RAYMO,D SCHLATHER cc: Hon. John C. Gutenberger, Mayor All Common Council Members MATTHEW F. McHUGH 28TH DISTRICT, NEW YORK COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEES: RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE. AND RELATED AGENCIES FOREIGN OPERATIONS PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE SELECT COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES WASHINGTON OFFICE: 2335 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 225-6335 Congress of the 'United states t.ou,oe of Representatives Washington, BC 2o515 May 6, 1989 Ms. Betty J. Poole Deputy City Clerk City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Ms. Poole: BINGHAMTON OFFICE: 100A FEDERAL BUILDING BINGHAMTON. NY 13901 (607) 773-2768 ITHACA OFFICE: CARRIAGE HOUSE -TERRACE HILL ITHACA. NY 14850 (607) 273-1388 KINGSTON OFFICE: 291 WALL STREET KINGSTON. NY 12401 (914) 331-4466 Thank you for your sending me Common Council's resolution regarding the 1984 Cable Policy Act. I appreciate knowing of the Council's concerns. There has been dissatisfaction with the law in a number of places, and Congress may consider changes in it this term, including changes that would again allow municipalities to regulate rates. When the House Telecommunications Subcommittee was working on the bill in 1984, its chairman wanted to allow some degree of regulation, but found he was unable to build sufficient support for that approach --especially in view of the drastic deregulatory position the Senate had taken. The Senate bill had been a reaction to excessive regulation and franchising fees and conditions imposed by some municipalities. But many cable customers have been disturbed by frequent rate increases and changes in services. I believe Congress should review the situation, and hope that there will be a thorough review this term. Thanks again for sending me the Council's resolution. If I can be of any other assistance, please let me know. Best regards. MFM: ca OFFICE OF CITY CLERK CITY OF ITHACA 1OB EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 1 4850 MEMORANDUM To: Michael Withiam, General Manager, ACC From: Janice Streb, Chair The Cable Commission Date: April 4, 1989 Re: Senior Citizen's Discount 06-479— ihar j 'd TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 As I mentioned in my letter dated April 4, 1989, we are unable to utilize county HEAP program participants lists or any other county list that discloses income. I had quite a lengthy conversation with Marilyn Strassburg of the Office of the Aging, about what we were trying to accomplish and she informed me that the only lists that we could use were those that were public record, i.e. property tax records. She did suggest that ACC could have their own application system, requirements and verification system. However ACC as a private company could not call on any county office of government office and ask for income verification. I feel that the only way we are going to establish a system that encompasses all the eligible recipients is to expound on the idea that ACC implement their own system. I hope we can discuss this and any ideas you may have at the April meeting. cc: JFS:bfp fT "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" To: Michael Withiam -From: Janice Streb Re: Senior Citizens Discount Dear Michael, As I mentioned in my letter dated April 4, 1989 we are unable to utilize county HEAP program participants lists or any other county list that discloses income. I had quite a lengthy conversation with Marilyn Strassburg of the Office of the Aging, about what we were trying to accomplish and she informed me that the only lists that we could use were those that were public record, i.e. property tax records. She did suggest that ACC could have their own application system, requirements and verification system. However ACC as a private company could not call on any county office of government office and ask for income verification. I feel that the only way we are going to establish a system that encompasses all the eligible recipients is to expound on the idea that ACC implement their own system. I hope we can discuss this and any ideas you may have at the April meeting. Sincerely ice F. Streb CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF CITY CLERK Mr. Michael Withiam General Manager American Community Cablevision 519 West State St. Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Michael: TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 April 4, 1989 Below is a listing of issues we would like you to be prepared to address in your report at the April 11, 1989 meeting. If there is any information you can provide prior to the meeting, that would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 1. Progress on the rebuild 2. Progress on the Access Studio Construction 3. Names and addresses of the Access Advisory Board members appointed by ACC. 4. Update on the following complaints: a) George Alexander - interference on Channel 19 b) Alan Cohen - converter box noise, relocation update. I am . still working on the senior citizen discount list. I have called the County HEAP Office and Office of the Aging and have been informed that income eligibility lists are not public record and are confidential. We will have to work on a contingent plan. I will outline a suggestion letter to you for your review. J FS : bfp cc: Ithaca Cable Commission David Lytel "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Sincerely, J ice F. Streb The Cable Commission Chair April 4, 1989 Mr. Michael M. Withiam General Manager American Community Cablevision 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Michael, Below is a listing of issues we would like you to be prepared to address in your report at the April 11, 1989 meeting. If there is any information you can provide prior to the meeting that would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 1. Progress on the rebuild. 2. Progress on the Access Studio construction. 3. Names and addresses of the Access Advisory board members appointed by ACC. 4. Update on the following complaints; a) George Alexander - interference on channel 19 b) Alan Cohen - converter box noise, relocation update. I am still working on the senior citizen discount list. I have call the county HEAP office and Office of the Aging and have been informed that income eligibility lists are not public record and are confidential. We will have to work on a contingent plan. I will outline a suggestion letter to you for your review. Sincerely, J ice F. Streb cc: Ithaca Cable Commission David Lytel OFFICE OF CITY CLERK CITY OF ITHACA 1OB EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 June 27, 1989 Enclosed is the resolution passed by both the Common Council and the Cable Commission of the City of Ithaca. We are resubmitting this resolution to reiterate our concerns as stated and our support of the review of the Cable Act of 1984 conducted by the Howard Metzenbaum committee. We urge your support and would appreciate your views in response. cc: McHugh D'Amato Moynihan H. Metzenbaum Si cerley, TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 Janice F. Streb Chair, City Cable Commission "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" RESOLUTION: CABLE. INDUSTRY DEREGULATIONS (RESOLUTION TO CONGRESS) By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Nichols WHEREAS, the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 removed (with limited exceptions) the rights of municipalities to regulate the rates and services of cable companies, and WHEREAS, cable companies are attempting to subvert even the limited exceptions provided under the Act, and WHEREAS, the services provided by the cable company is a public convenience and necessity like other utilities, and WHEREAS, once franchised most cable companies are effectively monopolies, operating without effective competition, and WHEREAS, State and local governments have historically held the right to regulate and oversee the rates and services of public utility monopolies and cable franchises; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York urges Congressional action to restore the right of a municipality to regulate the rates and services of a cable system where such a system exists without substantial competition by another cable company or alternative technologies, and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative McHugh and Senators D'Amato and Moynihan. Ayes (9) - Schlather, Booth, Nichols, Killeen, Johnson, Peterson, Cummings, Hoffman, Lytel Abstention (1) - Romanowski (Conflict of Interest) Carried STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF TOMPKINS CITY OF ITHACA SS: I, Callista F. Paolangeli, City Clerk of the City of Ithaca, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolut' n is a tre and.exact copy of a resolution dul adopted by the iJ of said }City of, Ithaca at ' ILL --i meeting held on the vJ day of ,, , 19 0 "1 and that the same is a complete copy of the whole of such reso ution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, .I have hereung,_get my hand the Corporate Seal of the City of Ithaca, this G' 2 ay of 19d. City Clerk of the City f Ithaca ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION June 21, 1989 Ms. Janice Streb, Chairperson City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Streb: In accordance with our commitments under the new franchise, we have started taping City Hall meetings in June. The schedule for the initial tapings were: Common Council - June 7, 7:30pm Budget & Administration - June 22, 7:30pm Human Services - June 26, 7:30pm The Common Council meeting has since been successfully taped. However, a scheduling problem has developed in taping the committee meetings. The Budget and Administration meeting has been changed from June 22nd, to the 29th and then back to the 28th. The Human Services Committee was also pushed back from June 26th to the 19th. We received no notification of these meeting changes and were forced to cover the June 19th meeting with camcorder equipment and nearly missed it altogether. We find that we need a minimum of two weeks notice to accommodate changes in previously scheduled meetings with PVOM equipment since this involves reserving time for staffing and vehicle use. Other implications requiring a two week notice include publicizing the showings in the newspaper and rescheduling the programming of other community members. These issues will take on greater emphasis when cablecasting live. Our plans areto issue a memo stating the scheduled dates of the meetings to the Common Council and committees whose meetings are to be videotaped that month. This will be sent to the Town Clerk and to the Cable Commission addressed to yourself as Chairperson of the Commission. We are asking that a two week advance notice be given to Lauren Stefanelli, our Community Access Coordinator when the scheduled dates are changed so that the coverage can be provided with PVOM equipment. If the notice is less than two 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 weeks, we will attempt to provide coverage by one camcorder/operator, although this cannot' be guaranteed. Newspaper TV listings' accuracy cannot be guaranteed either, due to their submissions deadlines. We're sure you understand that fulfilling this franchise requirement mandates a stronger commitment in adhering to originally scheduled meeting dates and giving sufficient notice when changes do occur to accommodate necessary preparations and a successful outcome. Sincerely, rLd./2,(J Lee Glowacki Acting General Manager LG/fw cc: Lauren Stefanelli John Herrewyn ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION To: City Cable Commission From: Mike Withiam Date: 4/11/89 Access Equipment Package: Invoices for Items Received to Date This receipts record details the items received to date from the .capital package approved for community access by the Cable, Commission. Below is a summary of receipts for items received thus far: * Studio 20" RF Color Video Monitor $430.14 * Blank Panels for Rack Units 657.12 * Power Strips 554.74 * Video Connectors 453.29 * Waveform Monitor for Playback Rack 2280.79 * Y -Cords and Video Connectors 76.47 * Cable and Outlet Strips 515.31 * Audio Mixer for Portable Video Unit 128.35 * Control Room 13" Color Video Program Monitor Cables and Rack Unit Brackets 5596.71 * Wire for Studio 83.25 * Color Bar Generator 1003.10 * Control Room 13" Color Video Preview Monitor and Rack Mount 2573.35 * Lighting Grid Package 8117.35 * BNC Terminators/Connectors 152.80 * 2 9" Color Video Monitors for Portable Video Unit 1487.30 * Audio Mixer for Portable Video Unit 1177.00 * Rack Consoles for 2 Edit Suites, Control Room and Playback 9330.73 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Access Equipment Package: Invoices for Items Received to Date P2. 2 * Audio and Video Cable * Freight for Rack Consoles * Video Connectors * Delay Devices between Rack Units * BNC Terminators * Portable Video Unit SEG (Switcher) * Freight Charge for Lighting Grid Package * A/B Switches to permit editing from SVHS or 3/4" * 2 Edit suite waveform monitors and rack mounts * Playback/Control Room interface hardware 651..23 402.35 56.50 621.75 51.08 1819.00 335.23 438.60 4564.87 1348.24 * 4 mics for Portable Video Unit Control Room SVHS Deck Remote New Edit Suite Status Monitor for Character Generator Portable Video Unit Road Case 1411.79 * Control Room and Studio Audio Monitor Wall Mounts 59.50 * 2 Camcorder Tripods 535.00 * New Edit suite Equalizer, Audio Mixer, and Power Adapters 4 portable Video Unit Intercom Headsets * Rack Mount Kits for 2 Edit Suites, Portable Unit and Control Room * Misc. parts and connectors, including custom cables, remote connectors, etc. * Portable Video Unit (second) road case * 3 Audio/Video Switchers for Edit Suites and Control Room Audio Monitor for Portable Video Unit * Portable Lighting Kit (contains 3 individual lights) 349.79 422.99 389.81 383.12 3561.26 1078.69 * Control Room Time Base Corrector 5486.75 Access Equipment Package: Invoices for Items Received to Date Pg. 3 * Knox K-200 character generator (K-100, specified in original plans, has been discontinued by Knox in favor of this model. The K-200 contains all the features which we would have aquired by purchasing a K-100 plus a disk drive and memory upgrade, plus other design improvements) 5319.36 * Technical Spec. Manual for new studio cameras 58.85 * Telephone interface for studio call-in phone Edit Suite cables Studio Cameras AC Adapters 1 Rack Mount for Studio Camera Control Unit 2503.58 * Triple B/W Monitors for Cameras in Control Rm. 839.60 * New Edit Suite Package (Source and Record VCRs, Edit Controller, Cables) 10613.28 * 2 Camcorders with cases and shoulder pads 8 camcorder batteries 4140.26 * Control Room Add -On Audio Mixer 392.91 * Blank Rack Panels 372.98 * Studio Audio Cable Line System 728.00 * Telephone Delay System 1928.01 * Curtain Package 846.63 * Cables and Rack Mount Pieces 1437.87 * 3 Studio Camera Viewfinders 3 VTR Remote Controls 5234.87 * 1 pair Fostex speakers 291.02 * 1 Sony DXC-3000AK Camera (Studio Camera) 3 Rack mounts 6439.23 * Technical Specs for Camera Viewfinders and VTR Remote Controls 37.45 * 1 Control Room Time Base Correctors 1 Edit Suite Time Base Corrector 10924.00 Access Equipment Package: Invoices for Items Received to Date Pg. 4 * Assorted Rack Pieces 262.73 * BNC Terminators 49.22 Current Subtotal: $ 110,277.20 41641 44.4„, 22.1 3/1/89 22. NEW BUSINESS Proposed Cable Regulation Resolution (B. Nichols) WHEREAS, the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 removed (with limited exceptions) the rights of municipalities to regulate the rates and services of cable companies, and WHEREAS, cable companies are attempting to subvert even the limited exceptions provided under the Act, and WHEREAS, the services provided by the cable company is a public convenience and necessity like other utilities, and WHEREAS, once franchised most cable companies are effectively monopolies, operating without effective competition, and WHEREAS, municipalities have historically held the right to regulate and oversee the rates and services of public utility monopolies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York urges Congressional action to restore the right of a municipality to regulate the rates and services of a cable system where such a system exists without 25% penetration by another cable company or alternative technologies, and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative McHugh and Senators D'Amato and Moynihan. CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607 February 22, 1989 Ms. Janet Streb Chair, Ithaca Cable Commission C/O Ciaschi, Dieters -Hagen, Schaufler, & Mickelson Certifed Public Accountants Terrace Hill Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Janet: At your February meeting, I raised the matter of eligibility requirements for senior citizens for the ACC monthly discount. As it now stands, ACC works with the list of those seniors who have received a city property tax partial exemption. This formula is helpful to those who are property owners but does little for those elderly who are not property owners and of more limited means. Motivated by the fact that the senior citizen discount as agreed upon in our franchise should be more meaningful than it .presently is, I have explored other senior discount formulas which .l offer for the deliberation of your commission. Margaret Harding, Administrator, Tompkins County Office for the Aging, has provided me with the following. information: A) Telephone Company provides a senior citizen discount to those who qualify for HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). Approximately 750 county residents of whom 250 are city dwellers. B) Social Security Administration provides supplemental income assistance (SSI) to needy elderly.. Approximately 300 county residents of whom 100 are in the city. C) Medicaid recipients are already beneficiaries of SSI. I believe that ACC should be called upon to accept a cable subscriber's participation in HEAP and/or SSI as sufficient qualification for meeting the senior cont'd "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" -2- citizen discount for monthly cable fees. It is only fair that ACC, as they raise their base rates across the board in March 1989, give a meaningful discount, as agreed in the franchise, to those who are most frail. _ Thank you for your consideration. cc: S K : bfp Sincerely, Sean Killeen Alderman Ithaca Cable Commission Mayor Gutenberger Common Council ACC General Manager Margaret Harding, T.C. Office for the Aging CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY February 6, 1989 Michael Withiam, General Manager American Community Cablevision 519 West State Street Ithaca, -New York 14850 Dear Mike: TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 I have been contacted by Alan Cohen who resides at 310 Utica Street. Hehas been bothered by a particularly noisy transformer box owned by your company situated very close to his home. He believes from observation of other like boxes in other areas of the City, that this one near his house is malfunctioning, as the others are not nearly as noisy. Before I have to investigate whether this transformer box violates our Municipal Noise and/or Cable Communications Ordi- nance, could you have someone check it out to see if it is operating properly and/or whether the sound produced can be reduced. Thank you for your attention to this matter. RWN:blh cc: William Demo, Chairman Ithaca Cable Commission Alan Cohen Juan Brache truly, R:lh . Nash Ci. A torney "An Equal Opportunity Employ,' with an Affirmative Action Program" OFFICE OF MAYOR CITY OF ITH ACA 1 08 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 TO: MEMORANDUM Common Council Cable Commission Ralph Nash, City Attorney FROM: Mayor John C. Gutenberger DATE: February 1, 1989 RE: City of Oswego - Cable Resolution Enclosed for your information is a resolution passed by the Common Council of the City of Oswego concerning cable television. Enc. eeeeaCelebrating neeoe1888— 1988 "An Equal Opportunity Ernr yyer with an Affvmative Action Program" JOHN T. SULLIVAN, JR. MAYOR Vale Iitg D{ OSf1IPgII stress, '\'rfu Vorh 13126 January 18, 1989 U. S. Representative Frank Horton Room 2229, Rayburn Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Horton: (315) 342-5600 Ext. 48 Enclosed please find a copy of the City of Oswego Common Council Resolution passed on January 9, 1989, wherein the Council agreed to support the cable television subscribers' Bill- of Rights. The Resolution- also calls for the re -regulation of the cable industry and for the amendment of the cable Deregulation Act of 1984. The City of Oswego is currently commencing renegotiation of an expiring ten-year franchise agreement with Paragon Cable. I have 'appointed a citizens' advisory committee to review the franchise agreement and to obtain citizen input in regard to renewal thereof. It is clear to me that the citizens of Oswego are largely dissatisfied with the quality of their cable television system, and it is extremely difficult, under the cable deregulation statute, to negotiate on such matters as content of the system, number of channels, local access, quality of local origination, and other matters since the federal law allows a virtual monopoly by the cable company, with no authority locally to control either rates, or the number and variety of cable offerings. By this Resolution, the Oswego Common Council joins a growing number of communities who are voicing their displeasure with the current state of affairs, and it is our hope that Congress will take this matter up at the earliest possible moment. Thank you for your understanding. JTS:jb Enclosures Very ruly yours % /1,./ John T. Sullivan,,Jr=. Mayor One hundred fortieth anniversary 1848-1988 Resolution No / 198i CITY OF OSWEGO, NEW YORK Motions, Resolutions and Notices By Alderman__ WHEREAS, the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 removed the rights of states and municipalities to regulate the rates charged by cable companies, and the channels carried within a franchised area; and WHEREAS, the service provided by the cable company is a public convenience and necessity like any other utility; and WHEREAS. since deregulation with the merging of cable companies and the vertical and horizontal integration between cable .companies and program suppliers a virtual monopoly has been created whereby competing technologies are rendered incapable of providing effective competit-ion; and WHEREAS, citizens and municipalities have historically held the right to regulate and oversee the rates and services of public utility monopolies; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Oswego, New York, supports the proposal for the reregulation of the cable industry and allowing alternative technologies to effectively compete to insure the free flow of information we support the Cable Subscri.ber's Bill of Rights. (see attachment) The City of Oswego respectfully requests Congressional enactment of legislation which will enable local municipalities to regulate cable companies and allow alternative technologies-. to compete effectively. AYES AND NAYS CALLED: Adopted Approved January 10, Resolution prepared by Recommended by Planning & Develnpmonr Committee Chairman Halo 1 certify that the foregoing resolution was duly passed the Co n Council on the 9th dry o 9�'!J/'4» 198 � JOHN LLIVAN,JR. g Office for the Common Council Lost PAGE NO Ma) Rev. 12/87 At AYES NAYS Alderman -Mercier -- (A 3013 ( ) 3013 Alderman Bradshaw (A- 1244 ( ) 1244 Alderman Tesuriero ("1 3202 ( ) 3202 1/Alderman Clavefi (.'1 1878 ( ) 1878 Alderman Halpin (✓1 2448 ( 1 2448 Alderman Riggio (.4 2512 L ) 2512 Alderman Gardner (4 2248 ( ) 2248 Alderman Johnson (+4 3248 ( ) 3248 TOTAL (d1//.?%3 ( -1— Adopted Approved January 10, Resolution prepared by Recommended by Planning & Develnpmonr Committee Chairman Halo 1 certify that the foregoing resolution was duly passed the Co n Council on the 9th dry o 9�'!J/'4» 198 � JOHN LLIVAN,JR. g Office for the Common Council Lost PAGE NO Ma) Rev. 12/87 At • N. Y. S. C. A. A. • Oswego County Chapter New York State Cable Awareness Assoc. 62 Eisenhower Ave. Oswego, N.Y. 13126 CABLE SUBSCRIBER BILL OF RIGHTS This petition is a CALL OF ACTION to the 101st Congress to re -visit the Cable Dereeulation Act of 1984 and amend it so as to bring effective competition in and out of cable areas. We believe the cable systems are operating without effective competition and are therefore afforded monopoly status by the Deregulation Act of 1984. We believe that alternative technologies should be, given enhanced status to effectively compete in cable areas. We believe that where a single cable system exists without 25% penetration by alternative technologies (dishes, wireless, pc, smatv telco, etc.) cities should be allowed oversight of the rates, channels, and service in a "public utility status". We believe that where a cable system has public utility status the operator should not have a financial interest either direct or indirect in more than 5 of the channels selected for the system. We believe that the subscribers 1st Amendment rights are of greater concern than the cable companies therefore all editorials are issues of controversy initiated over the cable by the cable owner or cable industry and are answerable on an equal access basis. We believe that all local broadcast, and C -span 1 and 2 should receive first priority placement on cable channels. We believe that multiple hook-ups to cable by a subscriber in their home should not cause an additional fee (like telephone jacks). We believe that cable programming should alternative technologies_through third party We believe that undisclosed gifts of cable officials constitutes a bribe and should be it be made available on a nondiscriminatory basis to distributors for competitive delivery.- -- programming and services to appointed or elected legal. We believe that cable systems operating as "public utility" status must spend a designated percentage of profits to expand their area of services into unserved areas rather than to buy other systems or invest in ownership of channels. We support the Association of States Attorney Generals investigation into antitrust activities by cable and believe this should be investigated by the U.S. Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. 1 OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM TO: Wil.iaemo, Chairman of Ithaca Cable Commission FROM: Ra Nash, City Attorney DATE: February 7, 1989 RE: Transformers and Cable Rates ir TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 Alderman Lytel advises that you are interested in a legal memo regarding ACC'S recent announcement to place television translators on its property and`the rate structure adopted in the Franchise agreement. Under Federal. law, municipalities can regulate rates for basic cable service only if it is determined that the subject .area is one of "non -competition."' Non -competition is initially determined by hypo,thetical signal coverage. Upon a special proceeding before the,FCC "non -competition" can also be established by engineering data establishing -lack of received over the air signals consistent .with evolving FCC standards. The City of Ithaca is deemed competitive by reference to the hypothetical signal coverage criteria. However, upon production of engineering testing data, ACC did acknowledge before the FCC in a special proceeding that it believed the City to have the right under; FCC rules consistent with Federal legislation to regulate rates. Additionally, ACC did agree in the-Fran- chiseaAgreement not to challenge the rate structure provided in:.the.Fran- chise Agreement for a period of three years. The use of translators may change the situation in Ithaca to the extent. that three over -the -air signals may become available. Is ACC -bound under the Franchise Agreement to the rates therein provided for three years; even if translators are providing three over -the -air signals? (it seems clear that under federal statutory and regulatory law; ACC would be .`, free to deviate from the rate structure at anytime that three over -the -air ,f signals are available in Ithaca. It is unclear whether the Franchise Agree- �`° ment would be violatedbydoing so, since the engineering situation holding at the time of execution of the agreement would have changed. Also it. is not clear when a franchise provision can be enforced in contravention of the �ai.Q Federal Cable Act: I do not believe that this precise issue was addressed y•in contract negotiations. RWN:blh "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK '141350 MEMORANDUM TO: Ri. and tooth, Chairman of Charter and Ordinance FROM: Ra�. Nash, City Attorney DATE: Se. -tuber 20, 1989 RE: Use of Access Channels for Political Advertising TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 As you may know there has been a controversy brewing regarding Article XIV, Section 14.3(D) of the Cable Franchise Agreement which reads as follows: Designated channels shall not be used for the promotion or sale of commercial products or services, including advertising by or on behalf of candidates for public office. The.. City's Cable Commission and ACC have been sparring over the proper interpretation of this clause. It seems to me, however, that it can only be interpreted to bar endorsements of candidates. ACC appears to have no great desire to retain the provision regarding candidates for public office. We would need Common Council authorization to amend this provision, however. I would like your committee to review and forward to Common Council with its recommendation the following: RESOLVED, that the Common Council does hereby approve amendment of the Cable Franchise Agreement with American Community Cablevision, Article XIV, Section 14.3(D) thereof to remove the prohibition on advertising and/or endorsement of political candidates. Said provision shall, after amended, read as follows: Designated channels shall not be used for the promotion or sale of commercial products or services. RWN:blf cc: David Lytel, Alderman Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Janice Streb, Chairman of Cable Commission a/ "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" What cities can do to by Lahr Walla& In recent months, members of Con- gress and city officials have devoted con- siderable attention to the need for an overhaul of the 1984 Cable Act. Hem have been held in the House and Senate, and more than a dozen bills have been introduced`eoncernmg all as- pects of the cable television industry, several r Thng for re -regulation of the industry. On July 31, local officials gathered in New Yak City to discuss prob.ems their cities have faced since deregulation and issued a joint statement calling g for re - Iregulation of the industry and increased competition for able operators. NLC ranges you to take advantage of the Congressional rears to talk to your Congressional delegation about the need for bol leverage and for marred com- petition. To supplement that effort, NLC's ilablate, the National Association of Tele commaticationsors- (NIEMVC), has drafted the following sample resolution fnr your comamuty to adopt Sample cable TV resolution A resolution urging the Congress of the United States to revise the Cable Communication Policy Act of 1984, and expressing general concern about the need for greater local government regula- tory WHEREAS, the Cable CoatIInmica- tions. Act of 1984 restricted states' and local governments' abilities to regulate the able television industry darctiy; and ` WHEREAS, since the passage of the Cable Comm mications Ad of 1984, con- centridions of ownership amounting to monopolies have iaaeased among cable operators, even though that Act was in - Y.i ush e TV re -r At a recent meeting in Nem York City, city officials called for re -regulation of cable TKPno`in left, Mayor Tom Volgy of Tucson. Ariz; Mayor Edward I. Koch; Mayor Shnpc fames of Newark, N.J.; Mayor William Althaus of York, Pa., and Mayor Dennis J.: Lave of Maple Heights. Ohio. tended to "promote competition in cable communications and minimize unnec- essary regulations that impose undue economic burden on cable systems; " and - WHEREAS, numkipalities out the nation, including this one, have been subjected to substantial rate in- creases, service reductions, and program- ming changes that do not reflect axtsum- ers' needs or the original intentions of their franchise agreements; and WHEREAS, more than half of the na- tion's households, and more than [#] of the residents of this Qty subscribe to cable, and cable television is increasingly becoming the main means of access to information and entertainment and WHEREAS, cable subsa'ibeis in this City have been subjected to rates in- creases of [?] percent over the past [?] years, as well as increases in the costs of [detail price increase items, such as addi- tional outlets, premium services, installa- tion, etc]; and WHEREAS, cable television is rapidly being priced beyond the reach of lower- income people, . including famffies with children and the elderly, who are particu- larly in need of information and other services that are available solely through cable television; and WHEREAS, the diversity of informa- tion services promised by the 1984 Cable Communications s Act has failed to ma- terialize; and WHEREAS,the promise of universal service, similarly, has not been fulfilled; and WHEREAS, existing law provides this Awa 1 LwJON wr`ww • City and other franchising authorities no • authority to control or question the impo- sition by cable franchisees of e:corbitant rates upon citizens whose rights-of-way have been placed at the companies' dis- posal by virtue of the grant of franchises; and WHEREAS,• the National League of Cities has adopted polities in favor of increasing local governments' cable regu- latory authority and in favor of more competition in the provision of cable tele- vision service to consumers; and WHEREAS, legislation that is now pending in the Congress seeks compre- hensive changes in the Cable Commimi- cations Act of 1984. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 1. The [name of body] declares its sup- port for the restoration of local regulatory authority over cable television systems. 2. The Congress .of the United States should rewrite the Cable Comrmmka- tions Policy Act of 1984, with particular focus on reTegnilation of subsaiber rates, allowance of telephone company provi- sion of cable service under rircuinstances that respect local government authority, system ownership transfers, the impact. of vertical integration in the cable iz- try, and other aspects of the Act that directly impact local regulation and con- sumers. 3. The [name of body] urges Conies-: sional action for appropriate federal leg- islation to restore local authority over cable systems, to eliminate the banxas to competition, and to rectify other asps is of the 1984 Act that work to disfavor cable consumers. DATED: Signature INation's Cities-. OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 MEMORANDUM TO: Dominick Cafferillo, Controller FROM: Rale . Nash, City Attorney DATE: Jun- 23, 1989 RE: Cable Television Franchise Fee TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 I have been contacted by a representative of ATC who advised that he believes they are due a credit of certain cable franchise fees paid to the City. As you know, the City agreement provides for a 5% franchise fee. As I was not aware, the company also pays a franchise fee of approximately .4% to the State Cable Commission. I am advised by this representative and Steven Shaye at the State Cable Commission that the state fees must be included in calcu- lating the maximum franchise fee of 5% established by federal law. It appears that ATC has been paying a 5% fee to the City without crediting any payments made to the State. ATC would now like to obtain a credit for amounts paid to the State. It appears' that they are entitled to this. RWN:blh cc: Ray Schlather,. Chairman of B & A Committee "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" CITY OF ITHACA 1OB EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF CITY CLERK Mr. Michael Withiam General Manager American Community Cablevision 519 West State St. Ithaca,' New York 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 April 4, 1989 Dear Michael: Below is a listing of issues, we would like you to be prepared to address in your report at the April 11, 1989 meeting. If there is any information you can provide prior to the meeting, that would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 1. Progress on the rebuild 2. Progress on the Access Studio Construction 3. Names and addresses of the Access Advisory Board members appointed by ACC. 4. Update on the following complaints: - a) George Alexander interference on Channel 19 b) Alan Cohen - converter box noise, relocation update. I am . still working on the senior citizen discount list. I have called the County HEAP Office and Office of the Aging and have been informed that income eligibility lists are not public record and are confidential. We will have to work on a contingent plan. I will outline a suggestion letter to you for your review. J FS : bfp cc: Ithaca Cable Commission David Lytel "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Sincerely, J ice F. Streb The Cable Commission Chair OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY TO: CITY OF ITHACA 1 08 EAST' GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 MEMORANDUM John C. Gutenberger, Mayor Ray Schlather, Chairman of Budget & Administration Richard Booth, Chairman of- Charter & Ordinance David Lytel, Alderman Ben Nichols, Alderman Cookie Paolangeli, City Clerk Thys Van Cort, Planning Director Cable Commission Members Dom';, ' ck, C--fferillo, Controller FROM: Ralp'. Nash, City Attorney DATE: June 0, 1989 RE: Cable Franchise Please find enclosed communication received regarding possible assignment of our Cable Franchise agreement. I have the supplement documents in my office. RWN:blh enc. cc: Matthew J. Nothnagle "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 101.12. (212) 586-4100 ONE KEYCORP PLAZA ALBANY, NEW YORK 12207 (518) 434-6000 990 STEWART AVENUE GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK 11530 (516) 222-1236 -Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle Attorneys and Counselors at Law A PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL CORPORATIONS LINCOLN FIRST TOWER POST OFFICE BOX 1051 ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14603 (716) 546-8000 TELEX: 978450 (WUT) TELECOPIER: (716) 546-3843 June 29, 1989 Ralph G. Nash, Esq. Ithaca City Attorney 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Paramount Communications Inc. Acquisition of Time Incorporated Dear Mr. Nash: UN 3 0 1989 SUITE 800 ONE THOMAS CIRCLE WASHINGTON,D.C. 20005 (202) 223-7200 REYNOLDS PLAZA 1061 EAST INDIANTOWN ROAD JUPITER, FLORIDA 33477 (407) 746-1002 As wediscussed;--Paramount Communicitions--.Inc. ("Pa"ramount") h -as. _made a tender "offer -to -acquire Time, Incorporated ("Time"): %T--irlle=; in _turn, - .is the majority: s'tockholder-of American Television and Communications Corporation ("ATC"), another. _public_corporation -._"_ ATC is i 'the _soie- stockholder of American Community Cablevision -("ACC"). We understand that under -the -terms of the cable television franchise granted -by ,.the _ City_ of._.Ithaca,`othe acquisition of -Time May require the City's approval:"- We- are counsel for Paramount- and on_ its behalf -will -1d- like to -hereby_ apply for any -required approval. Paramount is a diversified entertainment publishing company. Its well-known companies inc Paramount Pictures; Simon & Schuster, Prentice -Ha Silver, Burdett & Ginn, trade and educational pub and Madison Square Garden Corporation. Paramount currently operate cable systems, but it does own Network, a regional basic cable television sports and it is a 50% owner of USA Network, a national advertiser -supported basic cable television servi Paramount is a leader in the production of qualit pictures and a variety of popular programs for and lude 11 and lishers; does not MSG network, ce. y motion Nixon, Hargrave, Devans ;& Doyle Ralph G. Nash, Esq. June 29, 1989 ' Page 2 television. jAs a result, -Paramount wil -_.bring immense. entert-a•inment and- education experience to the ATC -.cable' Paramount views ATC as a -successful operator of cable television systems, and appreciates that sufficient authority must be delegated to local management of ACC and the other franchisees to ensure that the local community's interests are appropriately served. After the acquisition of Time, ATC_ will continue to be a subsidiary of Time and will remain. owner or co-owner of all of its current cable ' television subsidiaries. ACC will continue to__opexat-e_ under the current management structure. P fain- unt would r/ expect that .the operation of..your cable.tetelevision system -be : substantially . unchan;ged--except--to- the --extent_- that it__canbe improved .and become =mor.erespons kb_ttooyyour., 'needs __Simlarly,-Paramount would hope there would be n`o change in local management or programming. I recognize your concern that this transaction may cause Paramount to make significant cuts in ACC's r;' operation. However, should not be too much of a problem. ` First, as you no doubt know, cable in Ithaca is regulated ,•j both by the franchise and by the New York State Commission on Cable; ACC and its corporate parents are and_wi11,___. remain legally bound. by -the franchise.___ Second,=.aTime_;;is__ ,-,currently-attempting to purchase..-War.ner. Communications fo}r ;`$14" billion, in part; to_.;fend: off -Paramount =:It `is `t",hus ` �unl;ikely that ACC's-u,ltimat�e pa'rent �wi_1.1__emer_g_e._from th�'s` c situation without some debt Please consider this letter and enclosed documents as a formal application for approval by the City of Ithaca of Paramount's acquisition.of Time. Attached hereto is ashort summary of the proposed acquisition. " In addition, I am enclosing the following documents: (1) Offer to Purchase, dated June 7, 1989, and Supplement to the Offer to Purchase, dated June 23, 1989. (2) Paramount's (formerly Gulf + Western) Annual Report°on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1988. (3) Paramount's 1988 Annual Report to Stockholders. Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle Ralph G. Nash, Esq. June 29, 1989 Page 3 We believe this letter and the enclosed documents will provide complete information regarding Paramount and its proposed acquisition of Time and constitute the formal institution of the process for any authorization required under local law. Please call me or my colleague Deborah McLean Quinn if we can provide you with any additional information on any specific aspect of the proposed transaction. One of us will call you again shortly to discuss the timing of the approval process. As I mentioned, it is important to move quickly on this. Permit me to say on behalf of Paramount that we look forward not only to working with you, but also becoming a strong supporter of local cable television service in your community in the years to come. ' Sincerely, Matthew J. Nothnagle MJN:jcw Enclosures PARAMOUNT COMMUNICATIONS INC.'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF TIME INCORPORATED Paramount Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly named Gulf + Western Inc: ("Paramount"), through a wholly-owned subsidiary has commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Time Incorporated ("Time") for a total purchase price of over $12 billion. The tender offer is being made to Time's shareholders in all fifty states, as required by the federal securities laws. After successful completion of the tender offer, Time will be merged into a subsidiary of Paramount and thereafter will continue to exist as a subsidiary of Paramount. After the acquisition, Time is expected to continue to own and operate its present business, including the cable operations. American Television and Communications Corporation ("ATC") will continue to be a direct subsidiary of Time and ATC's cable television subsidiaries will continue to be indirect subsidiaries of Time. ATC is expected to continue to own the cable television franchise subsidiaries presently owned by it and to remain a joint venture partner in all of its cable television joint venture arrangements. Each cable franchise subsidiary owned by ATC will survive intact and unchanged as the continuing owner or operator of its respective cable television system and franchise. No direct ownership interest in any cable television system will be affected by Paramount's purchase of the common stock of Time or by the merger of Time into a Paramount subsidiary. A Time -Paramount combination will create a diversified media company operating in the areas of entertainment, cable television and publishing. Together Paramount and Time will be a communications company rich in resources with unparalleled range and depth, strongly positioned for global growth through the next decade and into the next century. No other company will be as significant a force in entertainment and publishing with operations in quality magazine and book publishing, as well as in motion picture and television production and distribution, cable systems and cable programming. The following is a description of the core business groups of a combined Time -Paramount entity. 3 7 8 7 D -2 - Entertainment. Paramount, through Paramount Pictures Corporation ("Paramount Pictures"), Famous Players Inc., its Canadian theatre chain, Cinamerica Theatres, its 50% owned domestic theater chain, and Madison Square Garden Corporation, produces, finances and distributes motion pictures, television programming and prerecorded videocassettes, operates motion picture theatres in the United States and Canada and owns and operates Madison Square Garden Center in New York and the MSG Network, the nation's oldest regional cable television sports network. Paramount also owns 50% of USA Network, a provider of programs for the cable industry. Paramount Pictures distributes its films through its own organization in the United States andCanada. Distribution in other countries is through United International Pictures, a company owned jointly with MCA Inc. and MGM/UA Communications Company. Cinema International Corporation, which is jointly owned with MCA, distributes videocassettes to the international home video market. In television, Paramount Pictures creates original programming for the commercial networks, first -run syndication, cable, home video and international' distribution. Time's pay television programming operations consist primarily of Home Box Office, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Time, plus a 14% interest in Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. The principal businesses of Home Box Office, ;Inc. are the programming and marketing of two satellite -transmitted pay television services, the HBO Service and the CINEMAX service,, and the distribution of video cassettes through its wholly-owned subsidiary, HBO Video, Inc.: Home Box Office's programming also includes concerts, comedy shows and other programs which are produced specifically for HBO and/or CINEMAX. Cable Television. Cable television operations are conducted through Time's 82% interest in ATC, which is currently the second largest cable television system operator in the United States in terms of basic cable subscribers and has approximately 767 franchises in 32 states with approximately 4.1 million basic cable subscribers. ATC's cable television operations consist primarily of selling, for a monthly fee, video programming which is distributed to subscribers' television sets through a network of coaxial cables. Such video programming is comprised of local broadcast television signals, locally produced or originated video 3 7 8 7 D 3 programming, distant broadcast television, advertiser -supported video programming, premium programming services and in some systems, audio and other entertainment and information services. Publishing. Paramount, through Simon & Schuster, Prentice Hall, Pocket Books and SilverBurdett& Ginn, publishes hardcover and paperback books for the general public, publishes textbooks and other learning materials for elementary schools, high schools and colleges, and provides professional information in the form of looseleaf services, business books, professional newsletters, document search and filing services, and seminars and databases for businesses and professions. Simon & Schuster currently holds leadership positions in virtually every major segment of the book publishing industry and has a worldwide publishing and distribution capacity. Time, through The Time Inc. Magazine Company, publishes TIME, FORTUNE, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, PEOPLE, MONEY and LIFE magazines, and through Southern Progress Corporation,' publishes SOUTHERN LIVING, PROGRESSIVE FARMER, SOUTHERN ACCENTS, COOKING LIGHT and TRAVEL SOUTH magazines. Time's book publishing operations include Time -Life Books and Book -of -the -Month Club, as well as Scott, Foresman and Company, a large domestic textbook publisher, and Little, Brown, which publishes general and children's trade books, and legal and medical reference books and textbooks. 3 7 8 7 D CITY OF ITHACA 1OB EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY February 24, 1989 MichaelWithiam, General Manager American Community Cablevision 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Public Access Facilities Dear Mike:' TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 Pursuant to the resolution of the Ithaca Cable Commission adopted at its February 14, 1989 meeting, I am hereby formally notifying you that the Cable Commission finds American Community Cablevision to be in violation of the franchise agreement for failure to provide adequate public access facilities pursuant to § 22.2 of the franchise agreement. The basis for this finding is the determination that the current temporary access "studio" isnot a satisfactory studio for public access. I am further advising you that you have thirty (30) days from the receipt of this notice to correct this violation. If this violation is not corrected in thirty days, the City will proceed to collect liquidated damages as provided for under § 22.2 of the franchise agreement. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Yours ver truly 7 RWN:blh Ralph . Nash City A torney cc: Bill Demo, Cable Commission Chairman "An Equal Opportunity Employ^r with an Affirmative Action Program" 13,5 OFFICE OF CITY CLERK CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 June 27, 1989 Enclosed is the resolution passed by both the Common Council and the Cable Commission of the City of Ithaca. We are resubmitting this resolution to reiterate our concerns as stated and our support of the review of the Cable Act of 1984 conducted by the Howard Metzenbaum committee. We urge your support and would appreciate your views in response. cc: McHugh D'Amato Moynihan H. Metzenbaum Si cerley, TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 Janice F. Streb Chair, City Cable Commission "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" .11 "RESOLUTION: CABLE INDUSTRY DEREGULATIONS (RESOLUTION TO CONGRESS) By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Nichols WHEREAS, the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 removed (with limited exceptions) the rights of municipalities to regulate the rates and services of cable companies, and WHEREAS, cable companies are attempting to subvert even the limited exceptions provided under the Act, and WHEREAS, the services provided by the cable company is a public convenience and necessity like other utilities, and WHEREAS, once franchised most cable companies are effectively monopolies, operating without effective competition, and WHEREAS, State and local governments have historically held the right to regulate and oversee the rates and services of public utility monopolies and cable franchises; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York urges Congressional action to restore the right of a municipality to regulate the rates and services of a cable system where such a system exists without substantial competition by another cable company or alternative technologies, and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative McHugh and Senators D'Amato and Moynihan. Ayes (9) - Schlather, Booth, Nichols, Killeen, Johnson, Peterson, Cummings, Hoffman, Lytel Abstention (1) - Romanowski (Conflict of Interest) Carried STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF TOMPKINS CITY OF ITHACA SS: I, Callista F. Paolangeli, City Clerk of the City of Ithaca, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolut' n is a true and.exact copy of a resolution duly adopted by the .A rite v -n-/ C4,--a-/L-Q- of said ;City of, Ithaca at meeting held on the J`- day of , 19 ,' and that the same is a complete copy of die whole of such reso ution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, "I have hereu .o _etmy ha "nd the Corporate Seal of the City of Ithaca, this ayof City Clerk of the City df Ithaca r - / , .ammtf/ ,111111111MmrAw--- de.,(ae(x eb,cee-e-cee> 60///dee,/ ff/ 7 7_7/, AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION March 22, 1989 Ms. Janice Streb, Chair Ithaca Cable Commission 600 Warren Road Apt. 5-3A Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Janice: Enclosed are documents which we prepared during the negotiations on our franchise with the City of Ithaca regarding ACC's concerns with home ownership of wiring, converters, and remote controls. I think our concerns are fairly self explanatory, but I encourage the commission to review these for discussion at our April meeting. Just to update you on a couple of other concerns that were raised at the meeting. We are continuing to work with Mr. Cohen regarding his concerns over our power supply. We did look into the possibility of mounting a pole on either corner, but we've run into some problems with city restrictions on our placement of poles. Further, we are continuing to work with Mr. Alexander regarding his channel 19 concerns at 104 Ridgedale. And finally, we are collecting copies of our invoices for the public access equipment and will try to get those to you a few days prior to our April meeting. We are also awaiting your research into some possible alternatives for setting senior citizens discount standards so that we can evaluate those. If there is any way possible, I'd appreciate getting that material within the next week or so, so that we can have a chance to review it and perhaps have some suggestions or final resolutions ready for our April meeting. Sincerely La.. Michael M. Withiam General Manager MMW/fw enc. cc.: Ithaca Cable Commission 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CAi3LEVISION Discussion of converter and internal wiring ownership by consumer City of Ithaca May 29, 1987 During our first negotiating session on May 14 the topic of consumer ownership of converters and internal wiring (cable wiring within the home) was raised. Our primary concern reveiwing these issues has been to consider procedures offer the greatest advantages to the consumer for convenience and flexibility, are easy to communicate, and will make it possible for obtain, maintain and enjoy cable service with a time and energy invested. Our staff has discussed the pros and cons of consumer onwership of converters and internal wiring and we see a range of issues that will have what we consider negative impact on the consumer. I'd like to outline the pros and cons of each issue. in which cost, understand and the consumer to minimal amount of CONVERTER OWNERSHIP First, I'd like to re -state our interpretation of New York Penal Law 165.15. We feel that this statute makes it illegal for a vendor to sell equipment that is intended to descramble a scrambled cable signal. We recognize the City's desire to develop a cable system that allows the consumer to own all equipment within the home. The current trend in the development of cable television technology is working toward that objective. The rapid changes in the consumer electronics industry make a delivery system that controls service levels from outside the house desireable for the cable industry. That technology is just now starting field- testing. There appears to be only one advantage to home ownership of the converter -- meeting the City's philosophical goal of consumer ownership of the in-home portion of the delivery system. Let me outline to disadvantages and customer relations we see: concerns Product Availability: Our converter vendor, Scientific-Atlanta, does not regularily sell its products to retail vendors, prefering to focus its sales efforts to volume purchasers such as cable companies. 2 t is also important to recognize that our converter is not a tandard product. Most addressable converters require that the elevision set be placed on channel 3 and carry the control data rack on the FM band at 108.2 MHZ, the highest frequency vailable. We use converters that require that the TV must be set o channel 4 to avoid interference from Syracuse TV channel 3 WSTM). We also use converters that carry the data control at 06.2 on the FM band to avoid interference with WOKW's Ithaca ranslator, which operates at 107.7 on the FM band, very close to he traditional 108 frequency. This double offset makes our onverter a special order, doubling our normal ordering lead ime. It seems logical to assume that customers could become asily confused when trying to obtain a converter. We can forsee ignificant confusion as retail vendors sell equipment that is of compatiable with our system. ost: Our current average cost for a converter is $103.50 with a emote control unit included. Over an expected eight-year useful ife for a converter, that translates into a cost, as part of the otal cost structure, of $1.08 per month for a customer requiring converter. cientific-Atlanta's base price for a converter is about $129 ncluding a remote control. With additional costs for shipping, usiness overhead and retail markup, retail costs for a converter ould reasonably reach $250 or more (SyA 8500 series converters re often listed in "gray market" magazines for $295 and more). ssuming an eight -Tear life, that is a monthly cost of $2.60 or ore. atibility with technological changes: When we initially nstalled the S-A 8500 converter in June 1984, it was state of he art.'We will be purchasing the S-A 8580 this fall, the second ajor upgrade of this series in three years. This equipment, as ell as a recently released remote control unit, is specifically esigned to interface easily with VCRs and other consumer lectronics equipment. We expect to offer VCR owners the option f exchanging their current equipment for the modified equipment y the end of this year. Our ownership of the equipment makes it ossible for us to offer the consumer equipment specifically esigned to meet his or her needs as the technology develops. If his consumer had purchased a converter three years ago at $250, e assume there would be a high level of resistance to an dditional investment to obtain the new features. The consumer ould be inconvienced through ownership. he trend toward outside--the-ihouse control of service levels, urrently thought to be a reality at about the time the bulk of ur converters will end their anticipated useful life, could also eave purchasers of the equipment with a converter that is seless to them. 3 Compatibility with billing and control systems: Because our converters are addressable, they must be tied to a central control and billing system to function. The consumer who purchases a converter would have to contact ACC to have the proper control chip placed into the converter, and then allow us to enter the converter into our central control system. This requires a great deal of time and energy on the part of the consumer, and actually delays considerably his or her ability to enjoy cable service. We are also concerned because such a requirement would likely be viewed as the cable company making it difficult for the customer to receive service. In contrast, the consumer currently asks for service and receives the converter at the time of connection, or picks it up at our office. We also have an important concern over the establishment of two classes of customer, one who owns the converter and one who doesn't. Such a practice only creates an opportunity for errors in record-keeping, for confusion on the customer's part over the status of his or her equipment, and opportunities for the customer to feel ill-itreated by the cable company. Repair: When a customer's converter fails, for whatever reason, we immediately exchange the equipment with a working converter at no charge. We accomplish this through a service call to the customer's home, or the customer stops at our office for the exchange. The transaction takes moments, the customer's service problem is resolved, and the customer is satisfied. If the customer owns the equipment, he or she would be responsible for repairing it, which means periods of time during which the customer would be without full service. It is important to note that ACC must send a good number of converters to the manufacturer for repair because S'A will not release full details on repair of its equipment. If the problem is at all complex, a local repair shop would face the same problem, adding a lengthy delay (generally 4-.6 weeks) to the repair time. In our view, that is not at all a positive consumer policy. OWNERSHIP OF IN-HOME WIRING Consumer ownership of in --home wiring presents many of the same customer relations problems as consumer ownership of converters. Our concerns focus on plant integrity, installation, and repair. Plant integrity: We are required by the FCC and the New York State Commission on Cable Television to maintain the integrity of the cable system from the head -end to the connection to the consumer's television set. If we fail to maintain the integrity of the plant, we are subject to penalty ranging from fines to actual shutdown of the system by the FCC. The FCC also mandates that severe signal leakage problems be corrected immediately and 4 that minor leakage problems, usually associated with leakage from homes, be corrected promptly. Failure to take appropiate action when leakage is discovered generally results in more severe penalties. Both the FCC and the State Cable Commission have communicated heightened concern over signal leakage to cable operators and have made it clear to us that they intend to strictly enforce signal leakage specifications. As an example of the concern these agencies have over the immediate resolution of signal leakage problems, it should be noted that both FCC and NYSCC inspectors require us to correct the problem ore to disconnect service to customers who are not home in their presence during system inspections. We can only assume that any procedures implemented in this system that would not aggresively correct signal leakage problems would make us subject to FCC and NYSCC penalties, a situation we have worked hard to avoid. I have attached the FCC and New York State technical rules relating to signal leakage for your reference. The FCC rules are stringent because the FCC has public interest and public safety concerns. Signal leakage from a cable system also has direct impact on the quality of the picture received by the customer, whether the leakage originates at his or her property or elsewhere. Plant integrity is quickly becoming an even more important issue as the ability of consumer electronics to provide ever -higher quality video images increases. Signal leakage, especially if uncorrected, will impair our ability to provide top-quality pictures to all consumers, again affecting our relationship with our customer. Signal leakage has ari even more harmful effect in two-way cable systems. ACC is required to maintaining plant integrity at the highest possible level, while recognizing the need to work with customers to achieve this goal. Whether. or not the consumer owns all in-home wiring in the future, ACC will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the overall cable system, up to the consumer's television set. We will continue to conduct regular leakage sweeps of our cable system. If we agree to have ACC retain ownership of the in-house wiring, .the resolution of the leakage problem would take the following steps: 1. Immediately knock on the customer's door, explain the nature of the service problem we have discovered and offer to correct the problem immediately. 2. If the time is inconvienent, schedule a repair call within 5 business days to correct the problem. 3. If the customer is not home, leave a door hanger explaining the situation and ask the customer to contact us immediately to schedule a service call. 4. During the next 2-3 business days, make every effort to contact the customer to schedule a service call. 5 5. If the problem cannot be repaired within 5 business days, service will be disconnected. A door hanger will be left behind to explain why service was disconnected and containing instructions for reconnection of service. If the customer owns the internal wiring, our procedures would be the same, except that the customer could choose to have an outside repair firm do the work. We would reinspect the residence on the 5th business day. If signal leakage were still a problem, we would disconnect service and leave behind a door hanger. It is important that the City understand that we do not disconnect customers for any reason. Disconnecting a obviously creates a customer relations problem as depriving us of a source of revenue. We must, however, the concerns of the individual customer against the integrity of the system and our regulatory obligations. outlined above achieves that goal. like to customer well as balance overall The plan Installation: At present most new homes or buildings are wired for cable service by the builder. Generally speaking, this wiring is done to our specifications and often with materials provided by us. Let's now assume that the consumer owns all internal wiring (assume transfer of ownership at rebuild). At the time of installation we would connect service and offer to test the connection at the television to check for signal quality, much as we do with a standard installation. Repair: Repair of cable- service would become a greater inconvience and more costly to the consumer should he or she elect to own the in -shouse wiring. We will charge for service calls should the consumer -owned equipment fail (i.e., anything in the house) whether we complete the repair or not. Further, we will charge for any repair work we complete on the consumer -owned equipment, just as an independent repair firm would. Should the consumer, faced with a cable service problem, elect to have another firm complete the repair, he would be forced to make at least• two calls and schedule two appointments to complete the work. Should the problem be with his TV (or with a consumer -owned converter, which most independent firms would not be equiped to repair), he would have yet another call to make. Each component of the cable delivery system could conceiveably require repair and support from different sources if consumer ownership is carried to its full extreme; with ACC ownership of all in -,house equipment we would be in a position to resolve consumer problems on any cableirelated problem, a situation we feel benefits- the consumer. 6 We. are also concerned about the suggestion that consumers be given the option of owning or not owning the in-house wiring. As we noted when discussing converters, we feel that such an approach would only create opportunity for errors and confusion among customers. e 7 SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Janice Streb, Chairperson City Cable Commission 600 Warren Rd., Apt. 5-3A Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. American Advisory Streb:. Community Cablevision's Board are: (City Resident) (Non -City Resident) March 15, 1989 two appointees to the Access Rick Lawrence 326 West Senece St. Ithaca, NY 14850 272-5764 Carl Frederick 127 Pine Tree Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 (Town of Ithaca) 272-1533 Appointees were selected from six letters of interest received by ACC. Both individuals have been contacted and have accepted the appointments. We have provided them with copies of that portion of the Franchise devoted to Public -Access, as well as copies of the minutes of the March Access Advisory Board -meeting. Sincerely, Mike Withiam General Manager cc: John Gutenberger, Mayor Common Council 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 7 &6€ 4/d3/y9 CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607 February 22, 1989 Ms. Janet Streb Chair, Ithaca Cable Commission C/O Ciaschi, Dieters -Hagen, Schaufler, & Mickelson Certifed Public Accountants Terrace Hill Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Janet: At your February meeting, I raised the matter of eligibility requirements for senior citizens for the ACC monthly discount. As it now stands, ACC works with the list of those seniors who have received a city property tax partial exemption. This formula is helpful to those who are property owners but does little for those elderly who are not property owners and of more limited means. Motivated by the fact that the senior citizen discount as agreed upon in our franchise should be more meaningful than it .presently is, 1 have explored other senior discount formulas which .l offer for the deliberation of your commission. Margaret Harding, Administrator, Tompkins County Office for the Aging, has provided me with the following information: A) Telephone Company provides a senior citizen discount to those who qualify for HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). Approximately 750 county residents of whom 250 are city dwellers. B) Social Security Administration provides supplemental income assistance (SSI) to needy elderly. Approximately 300 county residents of whom 100 are in the city. C) Medicaid recipients are already beneficiaries of SSI. believe that ACC should be called upon to accept a cable subscriber's participation in HEAP and/or SSI as sufficient qualification for meeting the senior cont'd "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" -2 - citizen discount for monthly cable fees. It is only fair that ACC, as they raise their base rates across the board in March 1989, give a meaningful discount, as agreed in the franchise, to those who are most frail. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sean Kil een Alderman cc: Ithaca Cable Commission Mayor Gutenberger Common Council ACC General Manager Margaret Harding, T.C. Office for the Aging SK : bfp AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION February 21, 1989 John Gutenberger, Mayor City of Ithaca 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor Gutenberger: Effective March 1, 1989, American Community Cablevision will be implementing a price adjustment for basic cable service and most installation and change of service charges. The price for our Budget Tier service -- channels 2-13 -- for all customers will now be $11.00 per month. At the same time, ACC will eliminate all monthly service charges for additional outlet Budget Tier and FM cable service. These price changes are stipulated in our franchise agreement with the City of Ithaca. In addition, the monthly price for ACC's various service packages will increase $2.00 per month, reflecting the change in the price for basic service. The change in individual customer's monthly charges will vary somewhat, depending upon the number of additional outlets in that home. All other monthly service charges will remain unchanged. Please note also that ACC has begun the activation of the new, 60 -channel system called for in our renewed franchise. We began connecting customers to the new system in December, and activated service to the first 500 customers on February 7. We will activate new service to 500-600 customers per week, allowing us to complete activation of the new services to the entire City by June 1, 1989. The price for ACC's "Super Tier" will increase from $5.00 to $6.00 per month for an additional 13 channels when customers at that service level are activated onto the new system. Customers who receive Super Tier service on more than one outlet will continue to pay $5.00 or $6.00 per month per outlet of Super Tier service. An itemized list of our new prices and available services are carefully outlined on the enclosed page for your information. Customers will also notice an additional line item on their monthly invoices starting March 1. Effective with our March 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION -519 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 ( s 12— 102 6265_ -2 J I I �JILL.TAM DEMO. 119 AUBURN ST ITN_ACA 'WY 14850 - BULK RATE U.S. Postage _ PAID Ithaca, NY Permit No. 34 Dear Customer: Effective March 1, 1989, American Community Cablevision will implement a price adjustment for basic cable service and for most installation and change of service charges. The price for our Budget Tier service -channels 2 -13 --for all customers will be $11.00 per month. At the same time, ACC will eliminate all monthly service charges for additional Budget Tier and FM cable service. The monthly price for ACC's various service packages will increase $2.00 per month, as noted below. All other monthly service charges will remain unchanged. Please note that Super Tier service has two different rates, depending upon where you live. Customers who receive the Super Tier as part of ACC's "old" system will pay $5.00 per month for nine channels. Customers who receive the Super Tier as part of ACC's "new" cable service will pay $6.00 per month for 23 channels. Customers now receiving service on ACC's "new" system should have received a letter explaining ACC's new services. Watch "About MONTHLY RETAIL PRICES EFFECTIVE MARCH 1,1989 NEW OLD Budget Tier 11.00 9.00 Super Tier - old system (ch. 17-19, 21-26) 5.00 5.00 Super Tier - new system (ch. 17-19, 21-27, 30-42) 6.00 6.00 HBO, Cinemax, Disney Channel, SportsChannel 9.95 each 9.95 each Bravo 7.95 7.95 Remote Control 3.00 3.00 FM Cable Stereo no charge 2.50 Additional Budget Tier no charge 2.50 Additional Super Tier - old system 5.00 5.00 Additional Super Tier - new system 6.00 6.00 * 2 -Star Package 33.90 31.90 * 3 -Star Package 41.85 39.85 * 4 -Star Package 49.80 47.80 ** 5 -Star Package 57.75 n/a *Package prices reflect the $5.00 monthly price for Super Tier. Customers receiving services on ACC's "new" system should add $1.00 per month to this price. ** 5 -Star Package not available to customers receiving service on ACC's "old" system. Cable" any weeknight at 7:30 or 10:30 p.m. to learn which areas are now served by ACC's "new" system. Customers who receive Super Tier service on more than one outlet will continue to pay $5.00 or $6.00 per month per outlet of Super Tier service. You will also notice an additional line item on your monthly bills. Effective with our March bills, ACC will itemize the franchise fees we are required to pay to each municipal government in the areas we serve. Franchise fees are notan additional cost added to your cable service, but are included m the overall cost of providing cable television to your home. We are itemizing these charges, which range from 1 to 5 percent, to help you understand the costs that are included in your cable service. An itemized list of our new prices and available services are carefully outlined below for your convenience. INSTALLATION CHARGES EFFECTIVE MARCH 1,1989 NEW OLD New account with existing cable 20.00 15.00 New account, no existing cable 30.00 25.00 Adding premium, Super Tier or remote to existing service 5.00 5.00 Changing premium service 20.00 20.00 Transfer service to new address with existing cable 20.00 15.00 Install/hook up additional outlet or FM cable, per outlet 20.00 15.00 Install/hook up VCR with existing cable, per VCR 20.00 5.00 Relocate outlet, same room 20.00 15.00 Relocate outlet, different room 30.00 15.00 Refundable deposit on cable box 10.00 10.00 AB switch 9.95 9.95 Parental control service 10.00 10.00 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION February 21, 1989 John Gutenberger, Mayor City of Ithaca 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor Gutenberger: Effective March 1, 1989, American Community Cablevision will be implementing a price adjustment for basic cable service and most installation and change of service charges. The price for our Budget Tier service -- channels 2-13 -- for all customers will now be $11.00 per month. At the same time, ACC will eliminate all monthly service charges for additional outlet Budget Tier and FM cable service. These price changes are stipulated in our franchise agreement with the City of Ithaca. In addition, the monthly price for ACC's various service packages will increase $2.00 per month, reflecting the change in the price for basic service. The change in individual customer's monthly charges will vary somewhat, depending upon the number of additional outlets in that home. All other monthly service charges will remain unchanged. Please note also that ACC has begun the activation of the new, 60 -channel system called for in our renewed franchise. We began connecting customers to the new system in December, and activated service to the first 500 customers on February 7. We will activate new service to 500-600 customers per week, allowing us to complete activation of the new services to the entire City by June 1, 1989. The price for ACC's "Super Tier" will increase from $5.00 to $6.00 per month for an additional 13 channels when customers at that service level are activated onto the new system. Customers who receive Super Tier service on more than one outlet will continue to pay $5.00 or $6.00 per month per outlet of Super Tier service. An itemized list of our new prices and available services are carefully outlined on the enclosed page for your information. Customers will also notice an additional line item on their monthly invoices starting March 1. Effective with our March 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 invoices ACC will itemize the franchise fees we are required to pay to each municipal government in the areas we serve. Franchise fees are not an additional cost added to cable service, as you YriTSW, -ut are included in the overallcost of providing cable television to your home. We are itemizing these charges, which range from 1 to 5 percent depending upon the municipality in question, to help our customers fully understand all of the costs that are included in their cable service. Other components of our renewed franchise will be implemented during the coming weeks, including the completion of our new access studio and upgraded equipment package, the offer, to customers to own or rent converters and remote controls, the offer to customers to own -the internal wiring in their homes, and the live cablecasting of local government meetings. Should you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Sin er ichael M. Withiam General Manager cc: Common Council Cable Commission invoices ACC will itemize the franchise fees we are required to pay to each municipal government in the areas we serve. Franchise fees are not an additional cost added to cable service, as you know, are included in tie overa1Fcost of providing cable television to your home. We are itemizing these charges, which range from 1 to 5 percent depending upon the municipality in question, to help our customers fully understand all of the costs that are included in their cable service. Other components of our renewed franchise will be implemented during the coming weeks, including the completion of our new access studio and upgraded equipment package, the offer to customers to own or rent converters and remote controls, the offer to customers to own the internal wiring in their homes, and the live cablecasting of local government meetings. Should you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Sin er ichael M. Withiam General Manager cc: Common Council Cable Commission AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION MONTHLY RETAIL PRICES Effective March 1, 1989 New Old Budget Tier $11.00 9.00 Super Tier 5.00 5.00 HBO 9.95 9.95 CINEMAX 9.95 9.95 DISNEY CHANNEL 9.95 9.95 SPORTSCHANNEL 9.95 9.95 BRAVO 7.95 7.95 Remote Control 3.00 3.00 FM Cable Stereo no charge 2.50 Additional Budget Tier no charge 2.50 Additional Super Tier 5.00 5.00 2 -Star Package 33.90 31.90 3 -Star Package 41.85 39.85 4 -Star Package 49.80 47.80 INSTALLATION CHARGES Effective March 1, 1989 New Old New account with existing cable $20.00 $15.00 New account, no existing cable 30.00 25.00 Adding premium, Super Tier or remote to existing service 5.00 5.00 Changing premium service 20.00 20.00 Transfer service to new address with existing cable 20.00 15.00 Install/hook up additional outlet or FM cable, per outlet 20.00 15.00 Install/hook up VCR with existing cable, per VCR 20.00 5.00 Relocate outlet, same room 20.00 15.00 Relocate outlet, different room 30.00 15.00 Refundable deposit on cable box 10.00 10.00 A/B switch 9.95 9.95 Parental control service 10.00 10.00 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION MONTHLY RETAIL PRICES Effective March 1, 1989 New Old Budget Tier $11.00 9.00 Super Tier 5.00 5.00 HBO 9.95 9.95 CINEMAX 9.95 9.95 DISNEY CHANNEL 9.95 9.95 SPORTSCHANNEL 9.95 9.95 BRAVO 7.95 7.95 Remote Control 3.00 3.00 FM Cable Stereo no charge 2.50 Additional Budget Tier no charge 2.50 Additional Super Tier 5.00 5.00 2 -Star Package 33.90 31.90 3 -Star Package 41.85 39.85 4 -Star Package 49.80 47.80 INSTALLATION CHARGES Effective March 1, 1989 New account with existing cable New account, no existing cable Adding premium, Super Tier or remote to existing service Changing premium service Transfer service to new address with existing cable Install/hook up additional outlet or FM cable, per outlet Install/hook up VCR with existing cable, per VCR Relocate outlet, same room Relocate outlet, different room Refundable deposit on cable box A/B switch Parental control service New Old $20.00 $15.00 30.00 25.00 5.00 5.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 15.00 20.00 15.00 20.00 5.00 20.00 15.00 30.00 15.00 10.00 10.00 9.95 9.95 10.00 10.00 WiFFIM „OR The Ithaca Thursday February 16, 1989 35 CENTS JOURNAL A GANNETT NEWSPAPER TELEPHONE: 272-2321 Tonight: Clear Low: 5 Friday: Increasing clouds High: 25 ITHACA, NEW YORK Dispute clouds Ithaca's access TV picture By SIMEON MOSS Journal Staff The city's Cable Commission wants American Community Cablevision to pay for its neglect of public access TV. But ACC's general manager insists his company is doing right by access users and the commission has no legitimate beef. At Tuesday night's monthly meeting, the five -member commission voted unani- rBush wants to end fight over rights 4 candidates for job would 'turn it around' WASHINGTON (AP) — The four top candidates for the Justice Department's chief civil rights job all would sharply change the con- troversial policies that William $radford Reynolds followed for the last eight years. A leading candidate is Evan Kemp Jr., a disabled -rights advo- cate who publicly battled Reynolds over a proposal to reduce anti -dis- crimination protection for hand- icapped people. Kemp, a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Com- mously to fine ACC $75 a day, at the end of 30 days, if the company fails to meet the requirements of .its franchise agreement with the city — specifically, for not main- taining an adequate community access stu- dio. In December, ACC closed its old access studio at 519 W. State St. and, on Friday, opened a temporary studio in its new $500,000 facility being constructed in the rear of 612 W. Green St. The new facility is slated to be completeaat the end of April and will house an imgoved access studio and new equipment. But access users hae complained that the temporary studio they've been pro- vided isn't adequate fa their needs. Seve- ral of them spoke out atainst ACC at Tues- day's commission meetng. "As I understand i from people in- volved in access, by no sretch of the imagi- nation could what AC has provided be considered adequate," William Demos, ca- ble commission member, said Wednesday. "The small studio they've provided isn't a studio at all. It's a room. It's like some- body's tiny little office being called a stu- dio," said Richard Herskowitz, another commission member who has toured the temporary studio. But Mike Withiam, ACC's general man- ager, said the commission's action is wrong. "I believe we are in compliance with the franchise agreement," he said Wednesday. And, because he feels his company is in compliance, he said ACC will not make a special effort to respond to the commis- sion's action.If a fine is imposed at the end of 30 days, Withiam said ACC will contest it. "We're trying to finish as quickly as pos- See ACCESS, 2A Rte. 96: Still no sign of agreement ■ 2 views of the overpass, 10A By DAN FOST Journal Staff Like spin doctors after a presi- dential debate, opponents of a new highway up West Hill descended on reporters after Wednesday night's hearing on plans for a new Route 96—Octopus solution. But after four and a half hours and 78 speeches, they couldn't tilt the balance one way or another. Tallying up the evening's speak- ers: 36 people favored some version of Plan A, with its new bridges near the Octopus intersection and its studious avoidance of new roads; 36 favored some version of Plan C, with its overpass above the West End railroad tracks and new four - A cross section of comments By DAN FOST Journal Staff Here some excerpts from com- ments made at Wednesday night's hearing: Margaret McCasland: She pre- sented a new set of plans to coun- cil. "I urge Common Council to take the initiative... and indi- cate to the state the kind of plans they would find acceptable.... I don't think we should be rail- roaded into choosing the lesser of three evils, when all three plans have serious flaws." John Schroeder: Building a Weather/Continued Stories ti Access (Continued from Page 1A) sible," he said. "We have no place else to move the facility. In Decem- ber, we told the commission what our timetable was and they took no action." At its December 1988 meeting, the commission was told by ACC that the company's new studio pace wouldn't be ready until April and that a temporary studio would be set up for access in late January. The commission informed ACC they were in violation of the fran- chise, because no studio space was available, but voted to wait and see how the temporary studio looked before pursuing any action against the company. "Now, after seeing what ACC has done, we've decided to cite them for being in violation of the franchise," Herskowitz said. The commission was given the power to administer and enforce the franchise agreement — includ- ing the imposition of fines for vio- lations — through a resolution passed by Common Council at its Feb. 1 meeting. The city's 15 -year-long franchise agreement with ACC was approved by council in June of 1988 and signed in November. A provision for new access facilities was part of the agreement. "My biggest disappointment is that the commission is reacting to two speakers out of more than 400 access volunteers," Withiam said. "The majority have been cooper- ative and patient with inconve- niences arising from the studio's re- location," he said. Withiam wouldn't name the two people he was talking about. But, two access users who have been critical of ACC's policies in (he past, and who spoke out at Tuesday's meeting, are Bill McCor- mick and John Efroymson — both of whom produce shows for Com- munity Access Channel 13. "To call it (the temporary stu- dio) a studio at all is a misnomer," Efroymson said this morning. He said there is no separate control Comments (Continued from Page 1A) said, "is unconscionable, unjusti- fiable, and can be fatal." George Frantz: "Plan A in any form is a death sentence to the resi- dential neighborhoods on Cliff Street." Plan B would be the least offensive of all plans. Wendy Wallitt: "Plan B pro - room, and the talent, the camera crew and the director are all in one room. "The director can't speak without being heard over the mike," he said. Efroymson also contested Withi- am's assertion that the commission acted because of only a few com- plaints. "At least six people testified about the conditions at the studio at Tueday's meeting," Efroymson said. Another dispute between ACC, the commission and access advo- cates, also erupted at Tuesday's meeting, and involves ACC's timetable for compliance with the franchise agreement. According to the franchise, the access studio is to be completed by March 1, when ACC's rates are due to increase. But Withiam informed the commission Tuesday night that his company was granted a 90 day extension by Common Council. Council's liaison to the commis- sion, David Lytel (D -2nd Ward), said he knows of no such agreement approved by council. "I disagree that somewhere along the line we agreed to that," Lytel said Wednesday. And any- way, he said, ACC will have had plenty of time to comply with the original agreement by March 1.. Wednesday night, City Attorney Ralph Nash confirmed the exis- tence of an extension granted by council. The resolution was passed at the October council meeting, according to his office records. "It's my understanding, the ex- tension was granted because of de- lays in approving the franchise agreement," Nash said. At its March meeting, the cable commission will probably deter- mine whether the fine against ACC should be implemented and may also deal with other violations it. feels ACC has made, Lytel said. So, with the $75 -a -day fine loom- ing for ACC, and any improvement in the access studio facilities several months off, the cable picture doesn't look like it'll be clearing up anytime soon. No (Continued from Page 1A) not many of the fence -straddlers heard anything to persuade them to support Plan C. The state Department of Trans- portation will eventually pick one of the plans, but it will need Com- mon Council approval at that time. Some council members have indi- cated they would like to vote before the state reaches its decision, so they could influence that decision. Many of Wednesday's speeches rehashed statements made at a pair of public hearings the state hosted at the New York State Electric & Gas auditorium last December. Speakers largely adhered to the emotional issues at hand: Either a new highway will destroy the envi- ronment, or the lack of an overpass may cause someorie's death be- cause an emergency vehicle will have to wait for a train to pass. Caren Smiley dressed up as a squirrel to make her point. "People have said you can't stop development by not building this highway, but do you want to sup- port it and condone it?" Smiley asked. "As a squirrel, I say no." Mayor John C. Gutenberger al- most did not let her speak. Smiley originally identified herself as "Carol Squirrel," and the mayor accused her of not treating the issue seriously. "This is a silly costume," Smiley said. "My feelings and my senti- ments are very not silly." In one of the major reversals of the evening, the West Hill Civic As- sociation — which hadn't favored a plan as of last December, but said some solution must be imple- mented — endorsed Plan B. tively unoffending one, and it would provide a vista of unsur- passed beauty." Kevin Eric Saunders: He pre- sented council with an alternate res- olution, urging the state to "aban- don all plans for further highway construction," including Route 96, and channel the money into re- int- fim-lino new CVCte nc of Plans "There are problems with all proposed solutions," civic associa- tion president Barbara Shew said. But Plan A does not address the problems of people on Cliff Street, she said, and Plan C carries the greatest environmental impact. Five of the association's eight board members picked Plan B as their preferred choice, and the oth- er three listed it as their second choice, she said. Dr. Reuben I. Weiner, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1987, noted the association has 150 mem- bers and said it does not speak for 85 percent of West Hill. "Eighty five percent of the people on West Hill and in the Town of Ithaca fa- vor Plan C with the overpass," he said. The medical community, includ- ing many board members from Tompkins Community Hospital, stressed the need for an overpass and a better road to the hospital. Many Cliff Street residents also called for some relief. Route 96 tra- ffic to the hospital now travels along Cliff Street. "A delay of 10 to 15 minutes can in fact make a major difference in the patient outcome," hospital board member Anne Jones said. S'ie added, "Every community member does have the right of ac- cess to their community hospital." Opponents of the highway had sharp words for members of the medical community. "The whining from the medical saciety about the need for hospital access makes me sick," said Doug Reid, the evening's first speaker. "It would be cheaper to build a new hospital downtown than to build a new highway." (Continued from Page 1A) figuration. • Plan C, with a new four -lane highway to the hospital, coming into downtown Ithaca on a one- way bridge at Buffalo Street, and heading outbound on a second new bridge near Esty Street. The high- way would take both Routes 89 and 96 traffic from the Octopus. • Plan C-1 is the same as Plan C, except the outbound portion would bridge the Conrail tracks east of the Cayuga Inlet, allowing hospital - bound traffic to avoid waiting for a train to pass. All plans have certain items in common: • Fulton Street would become a three -lane street running one-way, � ,, t frnrn T4 nc nek Street to Clinton Street. • Meadow Street would match Fulton Street as a four -lane road, one-way northbound along the same stretch. • Green, State, Buffalo and Se- neca streets would all face adjust- ments — widening, new intersec- tions, all new bridges crossing the Cayuga Inlet. The Ithaca Journal Thursday, February 16, 1989 THE WEATHER The Accu -Weather ®forecast for 8 A.M., Friday, February 17 30 20 10 -10 40 0 -20 -20 -10 0 20 40 50 60 70 FRONTS: 'TT '11"111m Cold Warm Stationary 50 70 © 1989 Accu -Weather, inc. LOCAL DATA TODAY (Supplied by Ithaca Weather Station on Game Farm Road for 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m. today.) Temperatures: High: 36 F. at 1 p.m. Wednesday (2 degrees Celsius). Low: 26 F. at 8 a.m. Thursday (-3 degrees Celsius). Mean: 31 F.; Normal mean: 22 F. Heating degree days:34. Precipitation: 0.33 inches. New Snow: 0.30 inches. Snow on the ground: 1.00 inch. Cayuga Lake level: 379.91 feet above sea level. Sunset: 5:37 p.m. Sunrise tomorrow: 7:00 a.m. FORECAST TONIGHT Clear; low, 5. Light winds. FRIDAY Some morning sunshine followed by increasing clouds; high, 25. EXTENDED Western New York, including the Ithaca region: Cold and dry Saturday and Sunday; low 10, high 20. Chance of snow Monday; low 15, high 25-30. NATION The Associated Press More rain was forecast in the Tennessee Valley today, but flash flood watches have been disconti- nued in Kentucky, where flooding the last few days was labeled the worst in a decade. THE ITHACA JOURNAL (USPS 271-120) Published daily except Sunday by Ithaca Journal -News, 123-125 W. State St., Ithaca, N.Y., 14850. Sec- ond-class postage paid at Ithaca. SUBSCRIPTION RATES By carrier, per week, $2.00; news- stand, 35 cents; motor route deliv- ery, $2.25 per week. By mail, payable in advance. Zones 1 and 2: 1 year, $140.50; 6 months, $73.75; 3 months, $38.75; 1 month, $13.75. Zone 3 and beyond: 1 year, $156; 6 months, $82; 3 months, $43.25; 1 month, $15.25. Foreign rates are obtainable from our Circulation Department, 272- 2321. The above mail rates apply only where carrier delivery is not maintained. The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of a subscription upon 28 days' notice, by notice contained in the newspaper itself, or otherwise. Sub- scription rate changes may be imple- mented by changing the duration of the subscription. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Ithaca Journal -News, 123-125 W. State St., Ithaca, N.Y., 14850. 175TH YEAR — NO. 40 February 14, 1989 TO: City of Ithaca Cable Commission FROM: Mike Withiam RE: Price Increase scheduled for March 1, 1989 As you know, the franchise between ACC and the City of Ithaca calls for a`,change in prices on March 1, 1989. Included in that price change is an increase in the price of basic service from $9.00 to $11.00 per month and the elimination of charges for basic service additional outlets. ,Attached is the final draft copy of the notice ACC customers will receive later this week, outlining these and other price. changes. The Commission should note that there will be no other changes in our various charges for programming, but that a (number of installation and service charges will also be adjusted. The Commission should also note that beginning in_March ACC will itemize_the_cost of franchise fee payments we make to the City on our customer's bills. We are undertaking this effort as a way :educating our customers about the charges and costs that make up their cable bill. AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION PROJECT:PRICE INCREASE Effective March 1, 1989, American Community Cablevision will be Implementing a price adjustment for basic cable service and most installation and change of service charges. The -price for our Budget Tier service -- channels -2-13.-- for all customers will now be $11.00 per month. At the same time, ACC will eliminate all monthly service charges for additional Budget Tier and FM cable service. The monthly price for ACC's various service packages will increase $2.00 per month, as noted below. All other monthly service charges will remain unchanged. Please note that Super Tier service can have two different rates. depending upon the area of the system in which you live. ,Customers who receive service as part of ACC's "old" system will pay $5.00 per month for channels 17-19 and 21-26. Customers who receive service as part of ACC's "new" cable service will pay $6.00 per month for channels 17-19, 21-28, and 30-42. At the time of this price adjustment, only customers in the downtown Ithaca area will receive service on A2CC's "new" system. Customers who receive Super Tier service on more than one outlet will continue to pay $5.00 or $6.00 per month per outlet of Super ` ;Tier service. Customers now receiving service on ACC's "new" system should have received a letter explaining ACC's new services. Watch "About Cable" any weeknight at 7:30 or 10:30 p.m. to learn which areas are now served by ACC's "new" system. You will also notice an additional line item on your monthly invoices starting March 1. Effective with our March invoices ACC will - itemize the franchise fees we are required to pay to each municipal government in the areas we serve.:Franchise fees are not an additional -cost added to your cable service, are ni clued in the overall cost ol—providing cable television .. to (I You We are itemizing these charges, which range from 1 to 5 percent, to help you fully understand all of the costs that e included in your cable service. An itemized list of our new prices and available services are carefully outlined below for your convenience. MONTHLY RETAIL PRICES Effective March 1, 1989 New Old Budget Tier $11.00 9.00 Super Tier- old system 5.00 5.00 Super Tier -new system 6.00 6.00 HBO 9.95 9.95 CINEMAX 9.95 9.95 DISNEY CHANNEL 9.95 9.95 SPORTSCHANNEL 9.95 9.95 BRAVO 7.95 7.95 Remote Control 3.00 3.00 FM Cable Stereo - no charge 2.50 AdditionalBudgetTier -no charge 2.50 Additional Super Tier - old 5.00 5.00 Additional Super TIer - new 6.00 6.00 *2 -Star Package 33.90 31.90 *3 -Star Package 41.85 39.85 *4 -Star Package 49.80 47.80 **5 -Star Package 57.75 n/a * Package prices reflect $5.00 monthly price for Super Tier. Customers receiving services on ACC's "new" system should .add $1.00 per month to this price. ** 5 -Star Package not available to customers receiving service on ACC's "old" system. INSTALLATION CHARGES Effective March 1, 1989 New account with existing cable New account, no existing cable Adding premium, Super Tier or remote to existing service Changing premium - service Transfer service to new address with existing cable Install/hook up additional outlet or FM cable, per outlet Install/hook up VCR with existing cable, per VCR Relocate outlet, same room Relocate outlet, different room Refundable deposit on cable box A/B switch Parental control service New Old $20.00 $15.00 30.00 25.00 5.00 5.00 20.00 -20.00 20.00 15.00 20.00 15.00 20.00 5.00 20.00 15.00 30.00 15.00 10.00 10.00 9.95 9.95 10.00 10.00 The people of American Community Cablevision take pride in being able to offer you the finest entertainment choices right in your own living room. We value you as customers and welcome you to call or write to us with any concerns or suggestions you may have. February 14, 1989 TO: FROM: RE: City of Ithaca Cable Commission Mike Withiam New York State Sales Tax on Cable Television Service As you may or may not be aware, the State of New York is currently considering a bill -that -would levy sales tax on cable television service. This tax, should it take effect, would mean an overnight. - 7. percent price increase for cable customers throughout the state. The cable industry is opposed to this tax,_ and we are formally requesting- your support in opposing this tax on consumers. I- have attached a draft resolution which I would like the Commission to approve and forward to Common Council for immediate action. To help you better assess the impact of this tax on consumers, consider the chart below. Given the price increase schedule for basic service included in our franchise with the City of Ithaca, the imposition of -sales tax at current percentages would result in an additional cost to a basic -only customer -of $8.40 this year alone. Obviously" those cable consumers who elect to receive additional services will be impacted even more adversely. Given the City's stated concerns regarding the lowest possible -cost for cable service, plus the fact that effective competition ,'does not exist for television signals in Ithaca at this time, it seems only appropriate that the City -and -ACC join forces in opposing this sales tax. IMPACT OF PROPOSED SALES TAX ON BASIC SERVICE PRICE Year 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Price Price w/ tax 11.00 11.70 12.10 12.95 13.31 14.24 14.64 15.67 15.37 16.45 16.14 17.27 16.95 18.13 17.80 19.04 18.69 20.00 Monthly increase . 70 . 85 . 93 1.03. 1.08 1.13 1.18 1.24 1.31 Annual increase 8.40 10.20 11.16 12.36 12.96 13.56 14.16 14.88 15.72 RESOLUTION OPPOSING SALES TAX ON CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE WHEREAS, cable television service is an important and desireable in-home communications tool; and WHEREAS, maintaining the lowest possible price for basic and other cable services will encourage the greatest possible use and enjoyment of cable television service; and WHEREAS, effective competition from broadcast television does not exist in the City of Ithaca, making cable service an even more important communication link in the delivery of television to this community; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has a long-standing history -of desiring to maintain the lowest possible price for .cable `television in this community; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca opposes the imposition of sales tax on cable television service in the State of New York; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca calls upon the Governor, State Assembly and State Senate to reject any bills or regulations that would serve to impose sales tax on cable television service in the State of New York. 2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 STREET NAME 1 BLOCK 1 1 BLOCK. 2 1 BLOCK: 3 1 BLOCK 4 1 BLOCK 5 : BLOCK 6 1 BLOCK 7 1 BLOCK: 8 : BLOCK 9 1 BLC 10 1 BLC 11 1 BLC 12 1 BLC 13 1 BLC 14 1 BLC 15 1 BLC 16 t BLC 17 1 BLCK: 18 1 BLCK: 19 1 BLCV 20 ABBOTT LANE ALL ADAMS STREET 1 400-499 1 . ALBANY STREET - NORTH : 1 100 -END 1 ALBANY STREET SOUTH 1 1100 299. 1 300-END.1 1.600-699 1 ALLEN STREET AL____.1 1 1 1 1 1 AUBURN STREET 1 ALL 1 AURORA STREET - NORTH 1 1 100-299 1 1 300-599 1 1600 -END 1 1. AURORA STREET - SOUTH 1 1 100-599 1 1600 END 1 1 1 BARTON PLACE ALL BELLEYRE APARTMENTS 1 1 1 ALL BLAIR STREET 1 ALL BOOL STREET ALL : BRANDON PLACE 1 1 ALL BRIDGE STREET 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 BRINDLEY STREET 1 1 ALL 1 1 BROOK LANE 1 1 ALL BROOK LANE APARTMENTS 1 .1 1 1 1 ALL BROOKFIELD ROAD 1 1 1 1 ALL - BRYANT AVENUE 1 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 BUFFALO STREET -EAST 1 1 100 -END 1 1 BUFFALO STREET - 1,300 -END 1 100-299 1 •• BUTTERMILK: FALLS RD ALL 1 , CAMPBELL AVENUE • 11 .1 ALL 1 CASCADILLA AVENUE 1 1 100 -END 1 CASCADILLA PARK ROAD 1 1 ALL 1 CASCADILLA STREET 1300 - END:100 - 2991 1 , CATHERINE STREET 1 ALL CAYUGA APARTMENTS 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 CAYIJGA HEIGHTS ROAD 1 1 100-115 1 CAYUGA STREET - NORTH 1 1 100-299 1 1 300-699 1 1 700 END 1 1 1 CAYUGA STREET SOUTH 1 1 100 299 1 1 300 END 1 1 1 1 1 . CENTER STREET ALL 1 1 CHARLES STREET 1 1 ALL 1 CHERRY STREET 11 1 ALL CHESTNUT HILL RFT. 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 CHESTNUT STREET 1 1 1600 END :100-599 1 CLEVELAND AVENUE ALL 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 CLIFF PARK CIRCLE 1 ALL 1 CLIFF PARK: ROAD 1 ALL 1 . CLIFFSIDE TERRACE APTS1 1 ALL CLIFF STREET 1 1 1 1 ALL 1. CLINTON STREET - WEST 1 1 100-699 1 1 700 -END 1 1 1 1 CLOVER LANE 1 ALL COBB STREET 1 ALL CODOINGTON ROAD - 1100-261 1 1 COLLEGE AVENUE 1 ALL , COLLEGETOWN CT AF'TS.1 ALL COLUMBIA STREET ALL 1 1 1 C01110NS WEST APT. 1 ALL 1 1 1 1 , COOK STREET1-114-__I CORN STREET - NORTH 1 100 -END 1 CORN STREET - SOUTH 1 1 100 -END 1 , CORNELL AVENUE _ 1 1 ALL 11 2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 , STREET NAME 1 BLOCK 1 1 BLOCK 2 1 BLOCK: 3 1 BLOCK 4 1 BLOCK. 5 1 BLOCK 6 1 BLOCK 7 1 BLOCK 8 1 BLOCK 9 1 BLC 10 1 BLC 11 1 BLC 12 1 BLC 13 1 BLC 14 1 BLC 15 1 BLC 16 1 BLC 17 1 BLV 18 1 BLCK 19 1 BLCY, 20 1 CORNELL UNIVERSITY 1 1 ; 1 1 ALL CORNELL STREET : 1 1 1 :ALL CORNELL WALK 1 1 ALL COTTAGE.PLACE ALL 1 1 1 COURT STREET - EAST , 1 100 -END 1 1 COURT STREET - WEST 1 300-799 1 100-299 1 1 CRESCENT PLACE ALL 1 1 , CU CASCADILLA HALL _ 1 1 ALL 1 1 CU UNIVERSITY HALL 1-6 l 1 1 DEARBORN PLACE 1 : 1 ALL DELAWARE AVENUE 1 ALL , DEWITT PARK APT. 1 1 ALL , DEWITT PLACE ALL 1 1 1 DEY STREET 1 ALL 1 DRYDEN COURT 1 1 , ALL 1 1 DRYDEN ROAD 1100-199 1 1 1 200-599 1 DUNMORE PLACE 1 1 1 1 ALL . EAST SHORE DRIVE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0-969 1 EASTWOOD AVENUE 11 1 1 • ALL EASTWOOD TERRACE ALL , EDDY STREET1 1 1 ALL 1 1 EDGECLIFF PLACE 1 1 1 1 ALL EDGEMOOR LANE 1 1 ALL EDGEWOOD F'LACE 1 ALL , 1 ELMCREST CIRCLE 1 1, ALL ELMIRA ROAD 1 100-599 1 ELM STREET 1 1 1100-501 1 ELMWOOD AVENUE 1 10 - 299 1 1 299 500 1 ELSTON PLACE 1 ALL 1 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE ESTY STREET ALL 1 1 ALL 1 FAIR STREET 1 ALL FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS APTS.11 ALL FAIRVIEW SQUARE 1 1 1 ALL FALL CREEK DSIVE 1 1 - ALL' , FALL HAVEN APTS. 1 ALL FALL VIEW TERRACE : 1 ALL FALLS STREET - EAST 1 1 ALL 1 1 , FALL STREET WEST 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 1 FARM STREET ALL 1 1 , FAYETTE STREET ,_ALL 1 1 1 FERRIS PLACE 1 1 ALL 1 1 FIFTH STREET 1 ALL 1 1 11 1 FIRST STREET 1 ALL 1 FLORAL AVENUE 1100-492 1 FOREST HOME DRIVE 1 1 1 FOUNTAIN PLACE ALL 1 1 1 1. 1 FOURTH STREET ALL 1 1 FRANKLIN STREET ALL FULTON STREET NORTH 1 ALL FULTON STREET - SOUTH 1 1 ALL 1 ; 1 GENEVA STREET - NORTH 1 1 ALL_ 1 1 1 GENEVA STREET - SOUTH 1 1 100-294 1 1 1 300 ENO 1 ; 1 2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 STREET NAME 1 BLOCK 1 1 BLOCK: 2 I BLOCK: 3 I BLOCK: 4 1 BLOCK:. 5 I BLOCK: 6 I BLOC} 7 1 BLOCK: 8 1 BLOCK 9 1 BLC IU I DLC 11 1 BLC 12 18LC 13 I OLE 14 OLE 15 18LC 16 1 DLC 17 I DLCK; 18 1 BLCK; 19 : BLCK. 20 1 GILES STREET 1100-699 I 1700 -END 1 GLENN PLACE I ALL I 1 , GRAIIDVIEW AVENUE 1 I ALL . 1 1 GRANDVIEW COURT 1 ALL ' ' GRANDVIEW PLACE ALL GREEN STREET - EAST ALL GREEN STREET - WEST 1 100-711 1 HALLER BLVD. 1 I I I I I ALL HANCOCK STREET ALL I 1 I I 1 1 HARVARD PLACE , 1 1 I ALL HAWTHORNE CIRCLE 1 ALL I , HAWTHORNE PLACE ALL ' ' HECTOR STREET I 1 1I 1 ALL 1 1 I 1 HIGH CHAFARAL APTS. 1 1 ALL I HEIGHTS COURT . - 1 ' HIGHLAND AVENUE I 1100 -.299' 1 , HIGHLAND PLACE 1 1 I ALL ' HIGHLAND ROAD I 1I I I 1 I 1 100-299 1 HILLVIEW PLACE ALL I 1 - HOMESTEAD CIRCLE I ALL HOMESTEAD ROAD 1 1 I i ALL HOMESTEAD TERRACE 1 ALL HOOF; PLACE 1 1 1 ' ALL 1 I, HOPPER PLACE 1 1 I I I I I I I ALL I I 1 HUDSON HEIGHTS APTS. 1 I ALL I HUDSON PLACE ALL I 1 HUDSON STREET 1 100-636 1 1637 -END 1 I 1 HYERS STREET 1 ALL 1 1 1 1 IROQUOIS PLACE 1 1 I 1 IRVINE FLACE 1 1 1 1 ALL ITHACA ROAD 1 1 ALL 1 JAMES STREET 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 , JAY STREET - EAST 1 ALL � 1 JAY STREET - WEST 1 ALL I I , JESSUP ROAD' I 1 1 1 ) ALL JOHNSON APTS. ALL 1 KELVIN PLACE I I I 1 ALL i KENDALL AVENUE 1 1 I ALL 1 1 1 I KING STREET ALL I !:LINE ROAD 0-308 'I LAKE AVENUE 1 1 ALL ___ 1 I 1 1 1 , LAKE STREET 1_ 1 1 1 1 1 1 ALL LAKELAND APARTMENTS _ 1 ALL I 1 , LEWIS STREET ALL I 1 LINCOLN STREET EAST 1 1 ALL LINCOLN STR WEST ALL I_ LINDEN AVENUE ; ALL LINN STREET 1 100-399 1 1400 ENR L , LENROC COURT 1 ALL LODGE WAY _ I ALL1 MADISON STREET ALL I I 1 MAPLE AVENUE I 1 ALL MAPLE HILL,AFTS. ALL 2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 STREET NAME I BLOCK 1 1 BLOCK 2 1 BLOCK 3 1 BLOCK 4 1 BLOCK 5 1 BLOCK 6 1 BLOCK 7 1 BLOCK 8 1 BLOCK 9 1 BLC 10 1 BLC 11 1 BLC 12 1 BLC 13 1 BLC 14 1 BLC 15 1 BLC 16 1 BLC 17 1 BLCK 18 1 BLCY, 19 1 BLCK 20 1 MARSHALL STREET ' 1 ALL 1 1 MCGRAW HOUSE 1 ALL , , MCGRAW PLACE 1 1 1 ALL , MEADOW STREET - NORTH L ALL 1 MEADOW STREET SOUTH 1 1 100-399 1 1. 400-699 1 1 700 END 1 1 1 1 1 MILLER STREET 1 1 1ALL MITCHELL STREET 1 1 1 1100-50B 1 1 510 925 1 MOHAWK ROAD 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 MONROE STREET 1 ALL MORRIS AVENUE ALL 1 1 1 1 NATES FLORAL ESTATES ALL 1 1 NEEDHAM FLACE 1 11 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 OAK AVENUE 1 1 1 1 ALL OAKWOOD LANE 1 1 1 ALL ' , OLD TAUGHANOCK BLVD , ALL 1 1 1 1 ONIEDA PLACE 1 1 11 1 1 1 ALL 1 ORCHARD PLACE 1 1 ALL 11 OSMUN PLACE 1 ALL1 1 1 OXFORD PLACE 1 1 ALL 1 1 , PARK FLACE ALL PARK STREET i ALL 1 1 PARKER STREET ALL 11 1 1 1 PEARL STREET 1 1 1I ALL 1 PEARSALL PLACE 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 1 PENN5YLANIA AVENUE 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 1 PIER RAOD ALL 1 PLAIN STREET - NORTH 1 100-599 1 1 PLAIN STREET - SOUTH 1 y 100-499 1 1 500-699 1 1 700 END 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 PLEASANT STREET • � 1 ALL 1 1 1 PROSPECT STREET 1 1 ALL 1 - 1 1 QUARRY STREET 1 ALL1 1 1 1 1 1 1 QUEEN STREET . RLL RENWICK HEIGHTS PL 1 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 RENWICK HEIGHTS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 RENWICK DRIVE 1 1 1 1 1 1 ' 1 1- 100 1 1 RENZETTI PLACE 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 1 RICHARD PLACE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 RIDGEDALE ROAD 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 RIDGEWOOD ROAD 1 1 1 1 ALL ROBERTS PLACE 1 1 ALL 11 SAGE PLACE 1 1 i ALL 1 1 1. 1 1 SCHUYLER PLACE ALL 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 SEARS STREET ALL 1 1 1 1 SECOND STREET ALL 1 1 1 , SENECA STREET - EAST ALL 1 1 1 1 1 SENECA STREET - WEST 1 0D-999 1 100-299 I 1 1 1 1 1 :1000 -END: SHORT STREET ALL 11 1 1 SISSON PLACE 1 1 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 SOUTH AVENUE ALL SOUTH HILL TERRACE 1 1 ALL 1 1 1 SOUTH STREETALL 1 , • SOUTHVIEW APARTMENTS ' ALL 1 SPENCER ROAD 1 . 1 300 -END 1 • 2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28 3/7 • 3/14 3/21 3/28 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 . STREET NAME 1 BLOCK 1 1 BLOCK 2 BLOCK 3 1 BLOCK 4 1 BLOCK 5 1 BLOCK 6.1 BLOCK 7 1 BLOCK 8 1 BLOCK 9 1 PLC 10 1 8LC 11 1 BLC 12 1 BLC 13 1 BLC 14 1 BLC 15 : BLC 16 1 BLC 17 1 BLCK 18 1 BLCK 19 : BLCK 20 SPENCER STREET - WEST 1 , 200-299 299 SPENCER STREET - EAST 1 � 0-199 1 STATE STREET EAST 107 1 100 599 1 600-799 1 � 1800-132fl1 STATE STREET - WEST 1 300 -END 1 100-299 1 1 STEWART AVENUE 1 100-499 1 1500-699 1 1 1 700 END 1 STONE QUARRY ROAD 111 SUMMIT AVENUE 1 11 ALL SUNRISE ROAD 1 1 ALL 1 1 TABER STREET 1 1 1 1ALL 1 1 TAYLOR PLACE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 TAYLOR PLACE - NORTH 1 ' 100 -END 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1100 -END 1 TERRACE APARTMENTS 1 ALL 1 1 _ TERRACE PLACE 1 ALL 1 1 THE KNOLL 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 THE OAKS ' ALL 1 1 1 1, THIRD STREET ALL 1 1 THURSTON AVENUE 1 1 1 100-401 1 402 -END 1 TIOGA STREET - NORTH 1100 - 2991 1,300 5991 1600 END 1 1 1 TIOGA STREET - SOUTH 1100 - 1991 1 1 1 TITUS AVENUE NORTH 1 1 ALL , 1 1 1 11 TITUS AVENUE - SOUTH 1 1 ALL 1 . _ 1 1 TITUS TOWER APT. ALL1 TOMFKIN5 STR EAST 1 ALL 1 1 TOMPKINS STR - WEST 1 1 1 ALL11 1 1 TREVA AVENUE 1 11 1 1 ALL . 1 11 TRIPHAMMER ROAD 1 1 1 0-220 TURNER PLACE 1 1 1 1, ALL 1 ( 1 UNIVERSITY AVENUE 1 1 ALL 1 UTICA STREET _ 1 100-199 1 X200 ENO 1 VALLEY ROAD 1 1 ALL 1 1. VALENTINE PLACE 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 VILLAGE PLACE WEST 150. 1 VINEGAR HILL ROAD 1 ALL 1 VINE STREET 11 ' . ' , ' . 1 ALL 1 WAIT AVENUE . � 1 1 ALL 1 WARREN PLACE 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 ALL WASHINGTON STREET 1 ALL 1, WATER STREET 1 ; FILL 1 .1 1 WEST AVENUE 1 1 1 1 ALL , WESTBOURNE LANE 1 1 ALL WESTFIELD DRIVE _ 1 ALL WESTFIELD ROAD 1 ALL 1 1 WESTMOUNT DRIVE 1 1 ' ALL 1 1 WESTWOOD KNOLL 1 1 1 1 ALL WILLARD WAY 1 1 1 , ALL , WILLARD WAY LOOP 1 1 1 1 ALL 1 1 WILLETS PLACE1 1 ALL 1 1 1 1 1 WILLIAMS STREET . ALL , , 1 WILLIAMS GLEN ROAD 1 ALL WILLOW AVENUE 1 ALL , WOOD STREET ALL 1 WOO➢CRE5T AVENUE' ALL WOODCREST TERRACE 1_1 1 ALL 2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 STREET NAME 1 BLOCK 1 1 BLOCK 2 1 BLOCK 3 BLOCK 4 1 BLOCK 5 1 BLOCK 6 1 BLOCK 7 I BLOCK 8 1 BLOCK 9 1 BLC 10.1 BLC 11 1 BLC 12 1 BLC 13 1 BLC 14 1 BLC 15 1 BLC 16 : BLC 17.: BLCK 18 1 BLCI:. 19 1 BLCF: 20 1. WORTH STREET1 ALL WYCKOFF AVENUE ALL 1 WYCKOFF ROAD � ALL YATES STREET ' ALL 1I I YORK, STREET 1 ALL 1 Welcome to the Exciting New World of Cable Television in Ithaca! CABLE TV LINEUP BUDGET TIER/$11.00 2 WIXT/Syracuse 9, ABC 3 WSTM/Syracuse 3, NBC 4 WCNY/Syracuse 24, PBS 5 WTVH/Syracuse 5, CBS 6 WENY/Elmira 36, ABC 7 The Weather Channel, 7 NewsCenter 7, 6-11pm on the hr 8 WSKG/Binghamton 46, PBS 9 W W OR/New York City 9, IND 10 WICZ/Binghamton 40, NBC 11 WPIX/New York City 11, IND 12 WBNG/Binghamton 12, CBS 13 The Learning Channel, 13 CABLE 13, -- community programming - - PREMIUM CHANNELS 14 Home Box Office 15 Cinemax 16 The Disney Channel 20 New York SportsChannel 29 Bravo/C-SPAN II SUPER TIER/$6.00 17 Cable News Network 18 ESPN 19 Financial News Network/ SCORE/TELSHOP 21 MTV/Music Television 22 USA Network 23 WVIA/Scranton 44, PBS 24 C -SPAN 25 Nickelodeon Arts & Entertainment Network 26 WNYW/New York City 5, IND 27 Prevue 30 Discovery 31 Arts & Entertainment Network 32 Headline News 33 The Family Channel 34 Nashville Network 35 Nick/Nick-at-Night 36 Video Hits -1 37 Lifetime 38 Black Entertainment Television = 39 for future use 40 Learning Channel 41 Cable Value Network 42 Weather Channel OFFICE HOURS 519 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Saturday 9:00 am to Noon. CUSTOMER PHONE NUMBERS Customer Service 272-3456 Ordering Service 272-3456 Candor calls 800-843-0453 Newark Valley calls 1-800-843-0453 Cable 13 272-7272 Cable Ads 277-0766 NewsCenter 7 277-4543 acc--"D-b Channel 29 Bravo is a commercial -free pre- mium service offering a unique blend of entertainment: interna- tional movies, plays, dance, jazz, opera and more. Bravo program- ming is unduplicated by PBS or A&E and is great for VCR owners because most programs are not available in video stores. During the day, Bravo subscribers can watch politics in action wrtli live gavel -to -gavel coverage of the U.S. Senate on C -SPAN II. Order Bravo! for only $7.95 per month THE SUPER TIER The Super Tier gives you over 20 channels of the most popular, diversified cable programming for only $6.00 per month. With ACC's cable box you will be able to receive all the channels offered on the Super Tier. PREVUE Channel 27 Prevue Video Program Guide is a convenient service designed to provide you with an easy -to -read directory and video clips of all _ the progranimingoptions availa- ble on cable that day. DTHE is oue CHANNEL Channel 30 The Discovery Channel focuses on entertaining non-fiction pro- grams about nature, science and technology, history, world explo- ration, and human adventure. Discovery programs are as end- lessly fascinating as the world around us. t E. Cable Network- Channel etworkChannel 25/nighttime Channel 31/full time The Arts & Entertainment Net- work is a distinctively different cable network featuring a wide range of quality programming including drama, ballet, jazz, comedy and insightful documen- taries that are sure to entertain and enlighten the entire family. HEADLINE Channel 32 Headline News is fast -paced news programmed in half-hour cycles, featuring live, around- the-clock reports on the day's major stories, including business, sports, weather, entertainment news and more. Channel 33 This family entertainer features wholesome, uplifting entertain- ment for everyone with comedy classics, classic westerns, time- less films, news, game shows and inspirational messages. OTNN Channel 34 In addition to the songs of coun- try and western singers Tom T. —Hall, Dolly Parton, `Emmylou - Harris and others, The Nashville Network will satisfy your country appetite with game shows, motor sports, comedy and talk along with fishing and home improve- ment shows. Channel 25/daytime Channel 35/full time Enjoy award-winning programs such as Pinwheel and Sharon, Lois and Bram's Elephant Show and other family favorites day and night. During "prime time," Nickelodeon becomes Nick-at- Nite, the network that delivers nostalgic T.V. shows such as Car 54, Where Are You, Mr. Ed, The Donna Reed Show and Route 66. VNI Channel 36 Video Hits -1 is a 24-hour music channel offering a soft, contem- porary side of music videos, featuring songs from the '60s, '70s and '80s by many of today's popular artists. r anrrnrmrONMrlwou -Channe1-37 = _ _ - - Lifetime is loaded with shows for "today's woman," from self-help, parenting, exercise and health features to controversial talk shows and quality film classics. Some of Lifetime's popular hosts are Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Joan Lunden and Dr. T. Berry Brazel- ton. Sundays are completely dedicated to the world of medicine. BET Channel 38 Black Entertainment Television is America's leader in showcasing quality black entertainment for the whole family 24 hours a day. BET features cable -exclusive sports, movies, music, and fam- ily, women's and public affairs _ programming. NETWORK Channel 41 Cable Value Network lets you shop at home by phone. A toll- free call connects customers to a warehouse bursting with brand- name merchandise offered at substantial discounts. ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION ... Coming Through February 14, 1989 TO: City of Ithaca Cable Commission FROM: Mike Withiam RE: Access Equipment Order Attached are two lists relating to equipment for upgrading the public access studio at 612 W. Green St. The first list is the original summary list upon which the Commission based its approval of the upgrade package provided by ACC. The second list is an itemized list of the equipment actually ordered and the prices to be paid for that equipment. We were successful in negotiating a number of quite favorable prices due to the large volume of equipment being ordered, and the Commission should note the total cost is $161,414.05, or $3,585.95 less than the $165,000 upgrade called_ for in the franchise. We will hold that sum in reserve until later this year, allowing us to evaluate the new equipment package in operation before ,supplementing it in any way. This will allow the access users and the Access Advisory Board to assist us in determining the best use for this money. Pages Al -A2 Pages B1 -B5 Subtotal Freight @ 3% Sales Tax @ 77 Total SUMMARY OF ACCESS COSTS $ 33,115.41 113,624.64 $146,740.05 4,402.20 10,271.80 $161,414.05 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL' - CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 The following equipment package proposal has been developed in accordance with the $165,000 capital expenditure allocation agreed to under the 1988 Franchise between the City of Ithaca and ACC. This proposal has been developed by ACC after seeking input from the users of the community access studio, our access volunteers. Our methods of seeking input have included a public meeting in September as well as written, and oral "wish lists" submitted by a number of interested volunteers overthe past few months. This proposal must be approved by the City of Ithaca before it can be implemented. Once approved, it must then be sent out to bid. Equipment lists will be sent to qualified and authorized vendors for bidding. After the bidding and ordering process, the equipment will probably take 8 - 10 weeks to arrive, and then must be installed. The current deadline for the installation of equipment purchased under this allocation is June 1989. Please note that while specific brand names, model numbers and prices of individual items are not included in this proposal summary, due to the negotiations in the bidding process yet to come, we are committed to maintaining the current levels of quality in equipment. Also note that this proposal contains price estimates only. Actual prices will be affected by the bidding process and by thie length of time that the approval process delays the finalization of the package. Prices usually rise at the turn of the year, and, as much of the equipment will be Japanese, the continuing fall of the dollar vis-a-vis the yen may be a factor as well. All of these factors may affect our buying power, and hence our ability to purchase all items listed in this proposal. Finally, note that sales tax and freight costs take about a 10% bite out of the total figure - in other words, to bring the plans in for $165,000, we must include about $15,000 just for tax and freight, leaving about $150,000 for equipment. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 FUNCTIONAL AREAS: 1. STUDIO BASICS 2. STUDIO CAMERAS 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT 7. VIEWING BOOTH 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT I. STUDIO BASICS Pg. 2 Function: Basic amenities for the studio, to replace obsolete equipment or to resize equipment to the new facility, including: a new lighting grid, cycloramas, racks to mount equipment in, assorted test equipment and monitors, and a new audio console for the studio. :: New Lighting Grid, sized to new facility .▪ . ▪ Curtain track, sized to new facility :: Black Cyclorama curtain . .• . ▪ Grey Cyclorama curtain (allows Chroma key effects) .• . • Rack mount units for studio console, 2 edit suite consoles, additional playback rack to incorporate bulletin board and SVHS playback.Assorted, rack inserts. .▪ . • Test equipment,: new synch/color bar. generator to replace 11 year old unit; second waveform monitor. .▪ . • New studio "On -Air" monitor :. ▪ New Program, Preview & Source monitors for studio .▪ . ▪ New audio board for studio (replaces 10 year old units) .▪ . ▪ Add-on mixer for extra studio audio inputs .▪ . ▪ Wiring, hardware, connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 33,115.41 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 2. STUDIO CAMERAS Pg.. 3 Function: Replace current 1 -tube cameras with 3 -chip cameras. These do not burn (our largest problem with the current cameras, at about $2000 per tube replacement -including labor) and will yield a much enhanced image, as well as better resolution in lower light. They will enable our current Special Effects Generator to utilize its Chroma Key function (which a cyclorama in the basic studio package will also support). They are reported to be sturdy, low- maintenence cameras, and should serve as a high-quality yet damage -resistant core to our studio system.. (3) 3 -chip camera packages includes cameras, Camera Control Units, lens packages, remote cables, CCU rack mounts, studio viewfinders, camera cables. TOTAL (EST.): $ 30,435.00 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE Function: We have 2 main functions to consider here (other than the audio board, which has been included in the Basic Studio Package). The first is adding the capability to mix or wipe between 2 banks of VCR's. This will require: .▪ . Routing Switcher .▪ . Time Base Corrector The second is to replace our current consumer grade VHS VCR with an industrial grade SVHS VCR, supporting the addition of SVHS units in other areas of this proposal. .▪ . Industrial Grade.SVHS VCR, Rack Mount and Remote Control .▪ . ▪ Cables, connectors and hardware One more addition is a delay for the phone line, making it easier to screen out obsene callers on live call-in programs. :: Phone delay system TOTAL (EST.): $ 11,605.00 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS_STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 Pg. 4 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE Function: Upgrade existing edit suite to include the capability to edit from SVHS or VHS source material as well as 3/4" source material. Add disk drive capability to character generator to eliminate edit time lost replicating repeating program titles. .▪ . ▪ Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and rack mount .▪ . ▪ Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .▪ . • Routing Switcher and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ Knox K-100 Expansion Option C Disk Drive includes disk drive, memory, font expansion & random access programming .▪ . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . Cables, hardware and `connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 8645.00 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE Function: Increase available editing time. Support SVHS, VHS or 3/4" source material to 3/4" program master. Package intended to match existing edit suite as closely as possible, to aid in volunteer training and maintenence functions (spare parts). .▪ . Basic 3/4" edit package Source VCR, Record VCR, Edit Controller, 2 Connector Cables, 1 Dub Cable .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Character Generator .▪ . • B/W 9" Monitor (CG Status) .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Option C Disk Drive .• . • Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .• . • Routing Switcher .▪ . ▪ (2) Audio Monitors .▪ . ▪ Time Base Corrector .▪ . • Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .• . • Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .• . • Parametric EQ and AC Adapter .▪ . • Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 32,759.95 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 • 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT Function: Pg. 5 U -Matic Portable Kits: Our current portable cameras, the 2 Sony 1800 series cameras, are nearly ready to be retired. With our studio cameras replaced, we have 3 Sony 1820s with several years life in them to work with here as replacements. We also may have another option in 3 Sony 1820's in ACC's news department: these have already been replaced by other cameras in their system, and we might aquire them for access at a lower cost than new cameras. (Actually, .one of CNC7's cameras has been in use as an access studio •camera for many months). With this in mind, we have proposed recycling these 6 system -wide 1820's as follows: 2 to replace our current portable cameras, 2 for a portable studio unit (section 9, below) and,.;2 to serve as spares for both of these. systems. 2 of these cameras have repair costs associated with them to bring them on line (in particular 1 tube replacement), but this would still be the most efficient use of system resources, and the best way to maximize our overall purchasing power. Add SVHS chip camcorders. This addresses 2 major demands of users: fear of burning camera tubes, and difficulty of managing the heavier 3/4" portable kits. After researching the market, we have selected a unit which has some metal base elements and is relatively sturdy. Nevertheless, these will be more problematic to have repaired than the professional equipment we've been using. We have therfore included several spares in the package. The number of units also reflects the anticipated increased demand for portable equipment with these units. :: (6) Industrial Grade SVHS Camcorders 4 equipped with batteries, AC adapters, tripods and cases :: Portable Light Kit (with 3 individual lights) :: (3) Hand-held mics. :: (2) Laveliere mics :: Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 14,280.00 7. VIEWING BOOTH Justification: Providek tape viewing and logging capability in SVHS and 3/4". This will save wear and tear on the edit suites, as well as making more editing hours available for actual editing. The tape logging/viewing booth will be placed in the conference CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 Pg. 6 7. VIEWING BOOTH (CONTINUED) room/lounge, and enable production .crews to preview or review program material during production meetings. .• . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 1,200.00 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE Justification: Add SVHS playback capability, supporting the integration of SVHS elsewhere in the system. Changeover to Fortel Time Base Corrector, making all access units completely uniform. Current playback TBC would go into engineering support, to replace units undergoing repair when needed. Upgrade Community Bulletin Board from 16 to 64 pages. .O. . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .▪ . (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .• . Time Base Corrector .• . Knox K40 Expansion TOTAL (EST.): $ 10,203.00 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT Function: Provide the capability to set up a 2 -camera studio in the field. The system should be capable of being moved by 2 people, and loaded into any mid-size automobile. The system should make possible multi; -camera coverage of City Hall meetings (a specific franchise requirement), either live or taped. The system should also support the overall equipment package. Under this package, we will be replacing our current studio cameras with new cameras. This proposal moves 2 of these displaced studio cameras into this portable configuration. In addition to saving the cost of new, cameras, we would also save the cost of camera control units, 50' camera cables, remote focus and zoom attachments, studio viewfinders and portable cases for each camera. For recording, we have selected an SVHS record unit, on the grounds that this is likely to meet the needs of the most users. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 9. PORTABLE - STUDIO UNIT (CONTINUED) .. (2) Tripods, with Heads, Handgrips and Dollys .0. . Triple B/W 9" Monitor and Rack Mount .0. . (2) Color 9" Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . Audio Mixer .▪ . Special Effects Generator .• . Audio Monitor .▪ . (2) mics .▪ . (2) Lavelieres .▪ . (2) Portable Road Cases O .0 (3) Headset walkie-talkie/intercoms .▪ . Cables, hardware and connectors. .• . Industrial Grade Recording SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 12,550.00 Pg. 7 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT TOTAL: $154,793. ESTIMATED TOTAL INCLUDING TAX (7%) AND FREIGHT (3%): $170,272 BILL- OF MATERIAL SYS. — ►►► CAT. PROJ. 1 1 SUB PROJ. REV. ITEMQUANTITY NO. SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT DATES) REQUIRED DATEIS) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. ACCOUNT CAT. A MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST 0 TO MATERIAL BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION PRICE QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY NO. CODE / FkG. acitL YENaa,2 VS //6..30.518 c r'LC' #*s 4C'6 /630. / PKE / ik6 . I. G,et.b At.Y.4ii 2486. /1 Aka 2686 , /.r (c cm e -ere) / Paq / cic. 7,Qi9'v1 Fic,4061 427. /S"' /e f Zak ?cB-32.c 93L.�o ,s/ 931 . 8b siatia1( Cc-AV/rag./ / Ii/c. nr /Zo1 r/ 1W lig o•� //e D, c e ilb a nf4e I vo Sioex 32.120 "f'/viv /� 9.9s /1t�-M / 119.95- / k rRiNG, 1044444' X41' 3‘61./3u� .3666. /3 le /tell co,ov e &. / awe cao -616 aH/6y f ps' ,fsoP /L 9J -'7J' / C beR a-zycvIle 11,9V l6 . / anac , e8a -sUoH law/ Z say /',t-/220 Arde Z3a. ri -96o- 7) v.--.0 of 8-yric er - TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE A B a J / 210 . 1/1 A B ATC 174.3 Rev 4-84 BILL OF MATERIAL SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. REM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATES) REOUIRED DATE(S) REOUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. A MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST © MATERIAL TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY a L ol:.tt YE1 LA/C. 1m 'RV6 � 45/V /39a , o D VLWD mon f 1 / SbA.4)A' / j/i pN wide 1 / lACI.D6 %Y Ar.C.EVEg 07) / V \ikc PK -911 figDs /orov Itle/ /oS.cv fi,C Tim -R9d TOTAL THIS. PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATr 174.9 G..., 4 R4 A /89s a -a A B33//S. «1 BILL OF MATERIAL ISYS I CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. A MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST TB MATERIAL TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST PRICE QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY DESCRIPTION 6 i9v.�/o/h'L Co ccie/ (GC c..4c- ✓e-N7�Oiej A/c i2r7-Rya 11J/9-,. - 3306. d-0 53-7. oa to eocog mcNirdi2J' � // Z60 J'WA/ (Lc cA-t. ✓er%ac, J (AC RA'- 9d - 96. 0 AS/P , 386.1/0 171 gtCKa; 0M STs / UYC. ,art -/20-0 367 Zo Asr37° 367.2.0 1100/o filifE < / Ll T JW Me Lim /77� �2 ASA"' 9�, D 5G moi. aoPHo4EJ FarTgx 630/.3 2,20 /hldt° ."--6,2 -2-o . . ,/,i,Q � /*Aj/ c /No,✓i7D,4 • t: .. Zs?f'S"2S'S 5'520.75' ,4'S/ 3 77' &i.Sel ciwer- V kNCx X/p-C.3 c".7704i C /387 6a il.. 2/7s"20 Ze/c Zgive gdD ON Ade xleva / KNcx X/via 3357.6 q /91-1 I 33.5"/, 6o I =Nii,enc•rrie 6e-wIMalc Nri:c7,5 - Cc CAL /c/o e/2) [E,aE� Lao-J,y6o/i /895..Sc ilf/tP 3797-0-0 W,t e,ce6,i njp,,,,, i f v7�' 378, c ,2. �t ec, lora TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4.84 B x/, 817 93 B3/,817,f3 BILL OF MATERIAL 1 — — 1 1 1 SYS. CAT. PROJ. 1 1 SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. A MATERIAL B MATERIAL . DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY IN INVENTORY 'TOTAL COST TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST ...3"V %D eV s0Ui✓4) a0c.4L v�i✓vo/) Et-a7ieovo.CE 4-11630 0,9/s" s¢J 1-P 5 f, 90 /,,/e.PoPiio/►t6- 3 1/i.�ev o RS/ 970.5 Ar/e 9/Z , 76 nj���ii/deo swfir.de ' 3 / Y /warm a1°,1-2,RS X99. 0 nf� 299,60 61v.�.v /xG�,✓/,rvP / / /F/ii-1).0 J'kq ci (Gc cele, vF7Vvo/e) '?,t7» 0 i o 39. • /A5,174' 39, s' &-Qvrtuza / / - A3 th / o J // 9(x .273 -/6_r'/ /0.0-0 /}f/3 -P /0. o --e /%C ,i,ai9PrL',C' / y le/P, 0 ,3'f,..ic,c• _2/-`fo0 vc.C� /51,0"3 /?�• v� JN77 'cons 3 i!dr ..W cA.r "VC--lj0.114 (Cc 4 VENDOR.) C'iffEr J.2.6/iS/�P e-0-0. (iv •• /6 av, 0v 70 7. -am oir !f /v r'cc/sE oc . „-a-No 0rg) iiig '(�! vc'if0 /B. aZ fis.�P 720. 01? . ViDe0 ZeZhi Lr/vcs /i 7" „. 4L.LE,I/ .4Y, 0nh es /� O. Cj� /J iV . 61/2). 0 o12 ,e6� (.,-� NEC; 0. GZipiin/.�re4r . !l / 407 /.0c./11_, �EN�ORs eli,ee ccNNEc�Ks /r7 -0-0.0D (Goy) %�f� /(Jv71 • t71 Av..D Rih2a:rz' /641- TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4434 A 9 B 7i87.2/ A 9, 839, 76: /9- BILL OF MATERIAL I SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. C MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST B MATERIAL TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY 6423-CO,a rAz» 0 V 1 Ze 0 Capp (LceAe, 'aw o/e0 P1,z/hlsa�vi C 06.7361 �sRP . . ie�.e9G /41 %2' s',Hs' v`rks 6 / ' di.7DrCJO'VAid (-0C,9•c lieNDCieJ fit/oX K-90 ' 2 /C .I 2.?/. G AJI • c..7_3/ .0-6-o c7J 0067/A�C Foie k-1.0 / S, .o ov/i/e dc -,7-701-8 97.20 ' 4(-91 zigC.eidol/7s ,- / i W4SONre fic--,i -6 0-V/' fis-� i .8C �r C1 .coir oc. / / ,fsvNie ,JV-CJo �C y�� , irxtP - Y6,Vv ex7-&-ws & 1 C,iQLE / 4No. a/C,ZFP `j 0�,i'`, "¢v, /7o9, 662 /N%-RifXE /4,r .2- PJV Jofr wV-S37o,1/ 27b z0 /We 1-7/,,20 _. ,6Y-.) stec,/, re4 / i7bViso/✓/C (AY-52D33%�G. a*11 r'/P��fe,virce irt nsAI 7j0, Oz- / - 1.-'10 300, /z � ac2.2`{ "re i"AM - 1ii- V /T2' % '�0 4167.3y /�Jr1 / `� %� .1Q/.6,A !MOMS �2 TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4.84 1/10s- 0-2- ,57 A z ,57o.ib BILL OF MATERIAL 1 1 - - 1 1 1 - SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. L MATERIAL TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST A MATERIAL DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST .2_ L/JFOJOLM'JD (tCci t ✓e o1eJ �-yD /7,S; /7,S;67 �s�P 3i'/, �� 7RIPOI) 41041.'0 j22, /T f/1-sio dIrle (?8,A NI16J .1- / L wcz. U/- 93 /o -c2.23 i� - /0-0,2 ,7-3 ago/ uM7' Kir" / ..s'rlJ SONS).Axc3(,,-oA 926/.07) gS/e .2778 3. 011 » o c.�•/a'1 /,/W 3 3 y JoM' Cc t2 -�SR»i ,26 6o �,S/I? 793, �D urverd cAg64r 3 f4 (,1�' c v/.) Eo Com (1.0cA� dEN-boRJ JDNY Rm 4 S 0 Mc/ 99� .86 �Jr� •9 961. 01 e-zu P� cxd6-t' / / 6 /Tk-r�� flier) 6 o cAc ✓Eivb o) TNhtroNiC '164 0 /-5-`w -- /VW 9599.7 0 C/In1C0) �b � 6 P/fh JON/c V -V '/n7L 6� ys, ,15,/P PV. BRtrra/6.s 6r i /M9JoNg Vw' -.PP7E ! Af/ 9� y JKovaig P.�s s0 4/ a o7) 2 Lou& ✓E/L<r)O/ f ".%Drain m/?M Eb,1 300. 1,1 Aid( 60-0,0-6 G%/✓� acti1 JGU'rtifeRJ' TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4-84 A B —23 A 8/09;S06.3:� BILL OF MATERIAL SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. - NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. D MATERIAL 8 MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST TO BE PURCHASED 'TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY GOC%1 y�N�a,Qr CLU��i ini �� /oa, o 1S P c,20 -o, 0.0 Cv razatER swnvple2 . jm Fi c c8& J 2 ✓I.t)t--0 sroola (ocAl. ✓c o,�J Boutin sHe ,2 /3S/i.p liSO • cn 7 -zeal cv/Hc�.as / GOiv`TAJ ' SPK -5i 769.ro !/VA 76 9, 0-0 -- E 1,* /, / v MAD/ 0 ./G -i7, 7C -1/ /793. (06 Ai` / 79-1o InalvcN- .�Eu%/ r / 1Lock Lel"- ✓�N�vRs AJSo,ema /9" 30o.ca car- Ash 30-0. (rd a ✓x NA- / L.07' Z V/ cJavn/D (toci . vcNJO/Z) SD�Iy i'nrt fC/ 1V3.75-- `f�7-f� ,mz#1:1di/%s / Sony , "i' ' Ja 62 'V ,�qi° E2.� o.. �f/c,c'Jti�f / / sorry /rm WO S6, zs' 4/:',IP .(6,1.S / A TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4-84 2-3 } OFFICE OF MAYOR CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 TO: MEMORANDUM Common Council Cable Commission Ralph Nash, City Attorney FROM: Mayor John C. Gutenberger DATE: February 1, 1989 RE: City of Oswego - Cable Resolution l Enclosed for your information is a resolution passed by the Common Council of the City of Oswego concerning cable television. Enc. 10 0 0 0 ® Celebrating e o ®m ®1888 - 1988 "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" JOHN T. SULLIVAN, JR. MAYOR 'Die (City of @s£uegu C sfurgo, efn Vorh 13126 January 18, 1989 U. S. Representative Frank Horton Room 2229, Rayburn Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Horton: (315) 342-5600 Ext. 48 Enclosed please find a copy of the City of Oswego Common Council Resolution passed on January 9, 1989, wherein the Council agreed to support the cable television subscribers' Bill of Rights. The Resolution -also calls 'for the re -regulation of the cable industry and for the amendment of the cable Deregulation Act of 1984. The City of Oswego is currently commencing renegotiation of an expiring ten-year franchise agreement with Paragon Cable. I have appointed a citizens' advisory committee to review the franchise agreement and to obtain citizen input in regard to renewal thereof. It is clear to me that the citizens of Oswego are largely dissatisfied with the quality of their cable television system, and it is extremely difficult, under the cable deregulation statute, to negotiate on such matters as content of the system, number of channels, local access, quality of local origination, and other matters since the federal law allows a virtual monopoly by the cable company, with no authority locally to control either rates, or the number and variety of cable offerings. By this Resolution, the Oswego Common Council joins a growing number of communities who are voicing their displeasure with the current state of affairs, and it is our hope that Congress will take this matter up at the earliest possible moment. Thank you for your understanding. JTS:jb Enclosures Very ruly yours John T. Sullivan,. Mayor One hundred fortieth anniversary 1848.1988 Resolution No / 198 CITY OF OSWEGO, NEW YORK Motions, Resolutions and Notices By Alderman e,?-: -r/ WHEREAS, the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 removed the rights of states and municipalities to regulate the rates charged by cable companies, and the channels carried within a franchised area; and WHEREAS, the service provided by the cable company is a public convenience and necessity like any other utility; and WHEREAS, since deregulation with the merging of cable companies and the vertical and horizontal integration between cable companies and program suppliers a virtualmonopoly has been created whereby competing technologies are rendered incapable of providing effective competition; and WHEREAS, citizens and municipalities have historically held the right to regulate and oversee the rates and services of public utility monopolies; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Oswego, New York, supports the proposal for the reregulation of the cable industry and allowing alternative technologies to effectively compete to insure the free flow of information we support the Cable Subscriber's Bill of Rights. (see attachment) ,The City of Oswego respectfully requests Congressional enactment of legislation which will enable local municipalities to regulate cable companies and allow alternative technologies-. to compete effectively. AYES AND NAYS CALLED: Reconunended by Planning t4 Develnpmpnt Chairman Halpin Committee 1 certify that the foregoing resolution was duly passed the Cununon Council on the 9th day o dowassf.41.4,....a Y 198 9 tkr /01.11 JOHN r 1 LIVAN, JIL ` Office for the Common Council Adopted Approved Januar 10. Resolution prepared by Lost PAGE NO AYES NAYS Alderman Mercier (;4 '3013 ( ) 3013 Alderman Bradshaw (;/f 1244 ( ) 1244 Alderman Tesoriero (✓I 3202 ( ) 3202 ./Alderman Clavelli (./S 1878 ( 1 1878 // Alderman Halpin (i/) 2448 ( 1 2448 Alderman Riggio (.4 2512 ( ) 2512 Alderman Gardner (;/r 2248 ( ) 2248 Alderman Johnson 0,1' 3248 ( ) 3248 TOTAL (d/1.21.3 (-►— Reconunended by Planning t4 Develnpmpnt Chairman Halpin Committee 1 certify that the foregoing resolution was duly passed the Cununon Council on the 9th day o dowassf.41.4,....a Y 198 9 tkr /01.11 JOHN r 1 LIVAN, JIL ` Office for the Common Council Adopted Approved Januar 10. Resolution prepared by Lost PAGE NO CABLE SUBSCRIBER BILL OF RIGHTS This petition is a CALL OF ACTION to the 101st Congress to re -visit the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 and amend it so as to bring effective competition in and out of cable areas. We believe the cable systems are operating without effective competition and are therefore afforded monopoly status by the Deregulation Act of 1984. We believe that alternative technologies should be. given enhanced status to effectively compete in cable areas. We believe that where a single cable system exists without 25% penetration by alternative technologies (dishes, wireless, pc, smatv telco, etc.) cities should be allowed oversight of the rates, channels, and service in a "public utility status". We believe that where a cable system has public utility status the operator should not have a financial interest either direct or indirect in more than 5 of the channels selected for the system. We believe that the subscribers 1st Amendment rights are of greater concern than the cable companies therefore all editorials are issues of controversy initiated over the cable by the cable owner or cable industry and are answerable on an equal access basis. We believe that all local broadcast, and C -span 1 and 2 should receive first priority placement on cable channels. We believe that multiple hook-ups to cable by a subscriber in their home should not cause an additional fee (like telephone jacks). We believe that cable programming should alternative technologies through third party We believe that undisclosed gifts of cable officials constitutes a bribe and should be it be made available on a nondiscriminatory basis to distributors for competitive delivery. - programming and services to appointed or elected legal. We believe that cable systems operating as "public utility" status must spend a designated percentage of profits to expand their area of services into unserved areas rather than to buy other systems or invest in ownership of channels. � We support the Association of States Attorney Generals investigation into -antitrust activities by cable and believe this should be investigated by the U.S. Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. NI- V. S... C. A. A. Oswego County Chapter New York'State Cable Awareness Assoc. 62 Eisenhower Ave. Oswego, N.Y. 13126 z We 0 CT]crci 0 co co txd Owning Your Cable Television Equipment: The Pros and Cons Under our current franchise agreement with the City of Ithaca, American Community Cablevision is required to offer our customers within the City the opportunity to own the internal cable television wiring in your home, as well as the converters and remote control units now in use in the system. We believe that customer ownership of the cable television equipment in your home is not to your benefit, and that your ownership of this equipment will only add cost and inconvenience to your cable television service. The City representatives who negotiated the franchise agreement felt it was important that cable customers within the City at least be given the option to own the cable tele- vision equipment within their home, despite the concerns and problems outlined in this brochure. This brochure will outline the advantages and dis- advantages of ownership of the internal wiring and equipment needed to receive cable television, as well as describe ACC's policies and conditions for owning this equipment. The brochure is in three sections: Section 1 discusses the ownership of the internal wiring in your home; Section 2 dis- cusses the ownership of converters; and Section 3 discusses ownership of remote control units. Please read this brochure carefully. The decisions you make regarding ownership of cable television equipment establish the basis for the quality, relia- bility and cost of maintaining the cable television service you enjoy. Should you have questions, or should' you wish to take ownership of the equip- ment within your home, please contact our cus- tomer service office at 272-3456 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays, or visit our cable store at 519 West State Street between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays and between 9 a.m. and noon Saturdays. Sincerely, American Community Cablevision SECTION 1 Owning Internal Wires According to the franchise agreement between ACC and the City of Ithaca, ACC is required to offer our customers the opportunity to take ownership of the internal wiring used to deliver cable television to your home. If you decide to take ownership of the internal wiring within your home, you must be aware of the following: 1) There will be no reduction in the cost of your cable television service. ACC charges for programming serv- ices, not wiring. 2) ACC will no longer provide repair service at no cost. You will be charged a minimum fee $20.00 if the cable repair problem is within your home, plus a time and materials charge for actual work performed. Our hourly rate is $30.00 per hour. State and local sales taxes will be added to all repair work. 3) You will become responsible for maintaining the equipment in your home in a manner that meets all Federal and State technical standards. ACC is required by the Federal Communications Commission to im- mediately disconnect service from any customer whose cable connection is not working properly. Should there be a malfunction within your home, ACC will gladly repair it based on the fee structure described above. We believe that for the above reasons there is no practical benefit to home ownership of wiring by customers, and we strongly recommend that you do not take ownership of your internal wiring. If you are still uncertain, please read the follow- ing paragraphs for additional information. For the purpose of this brochure, we will define the term "cable television wires" to include all cables, connectors, splitters, switchers, amplifiers, etc. which are currently within your place of residence, or which may be added in the future and which are used in the delivery of cable television signals to my tele- vision set, video cassette recorder, stereo receiver, computer or other video, audio or computer equipment. The term "in my home" will mean all cable television wires and equipment beyond the "ground block." The ground block is a piece of equipment which ACC is required to install and maintain under New York State Cable Commission rules. You may not tamper with the ground block or with any cable television equipment preceeding the ground block, and you may not instruct or authorize anyone who is not an ACC representative to repair or in any way alter ACC property. If you are the owner of a property with more than one living unit and elect to take ownership of the cable television equip- ment in your building, you will take ownership of all wiring after the "lock box," which is the equipment used by ACC to control the activation of service to each living unit. If a lock box has not been used on your property, you will take owner- ship of the cable television equipment after the "ground block.", If you are the owner of a property with more than one living unit and elect to take ownership of the cable television equip- ment in your building, you must understand that ACC will continue to bill individual living units directly for basic service, regardless of the internal wiring ownership status or configura- tion. ACC defines a "living unit" as a room or rooms used primarily for residential purposes and which has been con- structed in a manner allowing one or more persons to live within that space as their private living residence. When you accept ownership of the cable television wires in your home by signing the proper agreement, you must also be aware that ACC will no longer provide free repair service for the cable television wires within your home. You will be charged for repair service based on the rate schedule estab- lished by ACC, and for all parts and materials necessary to repair your cable television equipment. When you accept ownership of the cable television equipment in your home, you will also be agreeing to maintain these wires so they meet all technical standards established by the Federal Communications Commission, the New York State Commission on Cable Television, or any other regulatory body which has authority over the technical standards applied to the construction and maintenance of a cable television system. It is important that you understand that ACC is still held respon- sible for any violations of the technical standards mentioned in the preceeding paragraph, despite your ownership of the cable television wires' within your home. Should ACC fail to meet these technical standards, we can be fined up to $10,000.00 for each violation, be ordered to discontinue use of one or more channels, or be required to shut down opera- tions completely. Federal and State regulators are concerned that cable com- panies operate a well-maintained plant for safety and efficiency reasons. A cable television system uses the same radio and television frequencies used by television, radio, business and police agencies. If ACC's plant is not properly maintained, our signals can cause interference with signals in the air, creating interference that could possibly interfere with emergency or aircraft transmissions—a valid public safety concern. Also, if our plant is not maintained, those over -the -air signals can find their way into our cable system and interfere with your tele- vision picture—a valid efficiency concern. This problem is referred to as signal leakage, and can be caused by inferior materials and equipment, improper installation, breaks in the cable, or active by unused outlets. ACC consistently monitors the technical status of the cable television system through the use of mobile signal detection units, affectionately called "sniffers," mounted on many of our trucks. This equipment can detect signal leakage from the street and alert us to potential problems within a residence. Should our monitoring locate a problem within your,home, you will be required to repair it immediately or ACC will be required to disconnect your service until repairs are made. If you own the internal wiring in your home, ACC will repair such a problem for a fee, or you will have to pay a qualified electrician to complete the work. If signal leakage is detected in your home, we will require that repair work be completed and certified by a qualified electrician or by an ACC technician before service will be continued. You should also understand that the cable connection to your home is designed to properly support three active outlets of service. An outlet is any outlet installed by you, or the splitting of any signal to another piece of video, audio or computer equipment. For example, if you have cable service connected to a television, a VCR and a stereo receiver, you are using three outlets because each receptacle is drawing a full tele- vision signal. If you activate more than three outlets in your home, additional equipment may be necessary to maintain proper signal levels into your video, audio or computer equipment. Without proper signal levels, the quality of your television picture will be poor. Finally, you should also be aware that cable television tech- nology is changing at a rapid pace, and that much of the technology in use today is predicted to become obsolete within the foreseeable future. Such changes could render the equip- ment you are purchasing, or any changes that you may make to that equipment, unusable. ACC reserves the right to make such changes at any time and for any reason, and assumes no responsibility or liability for the impact such changes may have on equipment not owned by ACC. SECTION 2 Ownership of Converters Our franchise agreement with the City of Ithaca also requires that we offer converters for sale to our customers. Should you decide to take ownership of your converter, you should be aware of the following information: 1) The price for purchasing a converter from ACC is $300.00, plus state and local sales taxes, payable in full at the time of purchase. 2) There will be no reduction in the monthly service charge for any service delivered through the converter (i.e., Expanded Service, HBO, Cinemax, Disney, Bravo). 3) The converter now in use in the system is a descram- bling and addressable converter which is authorized for service through a computer at ACC. In order to receive service through the computer, you must have the properly coded computer chip installed in the con- verter and have the converter entered into ACC's billing and control system. This service is included in the purchase price from ACC. Should you purchase a con- verter from a vendor other than ACC, there will be a $100.00 charge, plus state and local taxes,. for this modification and the activation of a privately owned converter. 4) If you purchase a converter from ACC or another vendor, ACC will no longer provide free repair service or exchanges. ACC will repair only converters it dis- tributes. We will charge a minimum inspection fee of $20.00 to examine your converter, plus repair charges for time and materials. Our bench repair time is charged at $50.00 per hour. State and local sales taxes will also apply to all repair work. Our converter vendor does not generally deal with con- verter and parts vendors who are not cable operators, and we are not aware of any vendors in this area who are selling or repairing the converters we are currently using. Our converter supplier also does not deal directly with individual consumers, which means difficult repairs will be difficult to obtain for your equipment. Should a converter owned by a customer and purchased from ACC need to be returned to the manufacturer for repair, ACC will charge you the manufacturer's repair charge plus 25 percent, in addition to our inspection fee and bench time charges. State and local sales taxes will be added to all repair charges. 5) The converter used by ACC is a relatively rare prod- uct. Converter signals are controlled in two ways: first through the channel to which your TV set is tuned when the converter is connected, and, second, through the radio frequency used to send the computer signals acti- vating the converter. Most converters are manufactured to a standard combination of channel and frequency. In some cases, one or the other control mechanism is offset to compensate for the presence of a TV or radio station in the area and using that channel or frequency. The converters used by ACC are offset for both channel and frequency, making our converter extremely rare. In fact, our manufacturer says that only 3 percent of the converters they sell nationally are manufactured to the specifications used in Ithaca. This means the con- verter you purchase from ACC is not usable in any other community, even if the cable operator in that community would agree to allow you to use equipment purchased here. 6) Our converter vendor has recently informed us that it will no longer manufacture the special -order converter we are now using after the fall of 1989. We are uncertain about our course of action given this announcement, but such a decision by our supplier could well lead us to change our converter equipment in the relatively near future. 7) Cable television technology is changing rapidly, and the converters we are now using have already pro- gressed through three upgraded versions. The con- verter.you purchase today will be outdated eventually, and ACC frequently considers new converter technol- ogy which could lead to the use of an entirely different converter technology within the foreseeable future. It is our belief that the purchase of converters has no real value to our customers. Given the high cost of purchase, the potential for expensive repair bills and considerable inconveni- ence in maintaining a purchased converter, and the rapid changes in cable television technology, we believe customers should continue to enjoy converters as part of their total service package from ACC. Finally, you should also be aware that cable television tech- nology is changing at a rapid pace, and that much of the technology in use today is predicted to become obsolete within the foreseeable future. Such changes could render the equip- ment you are purchasing, or any changes that you may make to that equipment, unusable. ACC reserves the right to make such changes at any time and for any reason, and assumes no responsibility or liability for the impact such changes may have on equipment not owned by ACC. SECTION 3 Remote Control Ownership Our franchise agreement with the City of Ithaca also requires that we make remote control units available for sale. Should you elect to purchase a remote control unit, you should be aware of the following: 1) The cost to purchase a standard remote control unit will be $100.00 plus state and local sales taxes. 2) The cost to purchase a "universal remote" control will be $150.00, plus state and local sales taxes. A universal remote control is a remote control that can be used with our converter and with other equipment such as VCRs, cassette recorders, etc. operated by remote control. 3) ACC will offer only limited repair services for standard remote controls sold by ACC, but we will continue to offer exchanges for ACC -owned remote controls, un- less they have been damaged through misuse or negli- gence. There will be a minimum inspection fee of $10.00, and repair time will be charged at $50.00 per hour. State and local sales taxes will be added to all repair charges. 4) ACC will offer repair service for universal remote controls sold by ACC. There will be a $20.00 minimum inspection fee plus a charge for time and materials. Our hourly repair rate is $50.00 per hour. Should it be necessary to return the remote control to our supplier for repair, ACC will charge the supplier's price plus 25 percent, in addition to the inspection fee and our repair time. State and local sales taxes will be added to all repair charges. 5) You should be aware that the remote control func- tions on ACC's converters can be made addressable. By this, we mean that remote control units will work with converters only when the remote control feature on the converter is authorized. ACC is considering utiliz- ing this feature later this year as we introduce pay-per- view services on a full-time basis. 6) Cable television technology is changing rapidly and the converters we are using have already passed through three upgrade revisions. The converter and remote control units will eventually be phased out, pos- sibly leaving you with outdated, unusable equipment. Finally, you should also be aware that cable television tech- nology is changing at a rapid pace, and that much of the technology in use today is predicted to become obsolete within the foreseeable future. Such changes could render the equip- ment you are purchasing, or any changes that you may make to that equipment, unusable. ACC reserves the right to make such changes at any time and for any reason, and assumes no responsibility or liability for the impact such changes may have on equipment not owned by ACC. SECTION 4 • How To Take Possession of Cable Television Equipment If you elect to take ownership of your cable television equip- ment and are currently an ACC customer, you must notify American Community Cablevision no later than Friday, June 29 at 6:00 p.m. If you are a new customer, you must notify ACC of your desire to take ownership within 30 days after the date on which your service is connected You may call ACC at 272-3456 Monday through Friday be- tween 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., or stop by our business office at 519 West State Street between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or between 9:00 a.m. and noon on Saturday. If you elect to take ownership of your cable television equip- ment, you must complete and sign an ownership agreement and pay for the equipment in full before taking possession. ACC will assume that you have not taken ownership of your equipment unless we have a signed copy of the ownership agreement and have received your payment in full. CUSTOMER PHONE NUMBERS Billing Information 272-3456 Ordering Service 272-3456 Service and Repairs 272-3449 Candor calls 800-843-0453 Newark Valley calls 800-843-0453 Cable 13 272-7272 Sales 272-7692 Cable Ads . 277-0766 NewsCenter 7 277-4543 OFFICE -HOURS 519 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday, 9:00 am to Noon (Cable Store only) AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION . January 3, 1989 Mr. William Demo City Cable Commission 119 Auburn Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear. Mr. Demo: I wanted to say thank you to the entire Cable Commission for what I felt was a very productive meeting on December 13. I'll apologize now for being a bit short_tempered a couple of times during the meeting, but juggling the needs and concerns of a number of different interests in a public forum can be a bit trying at times. I deeply appreciate your support for our proposed public access equipment package. The total package provides the basic foundation for a public access facility that will be open to ever greater numbers of community residents through easier to use, more reliable equipment. Our new facility, because it is being specifically designed to support public access, will also help us achieve the goal of expanded local involvement in community programming. I might add, that in addition to the studio facility, our renovation work at 519 W. State St. includes a facility specifically designed to support the maintenance of video equipment. I also appreciate your understanding in our efforts to balance conflicting requirements in our continuing renovation work.Nhile I regret -the-somewhat short notice we provided to the access volunteers_ regarding the exact closing date, the temporary disruption of the our company's operations -- both for access and for our other operations will provide us with the long-term office and facility space needed to properly ;support our total cable operation for years to come. I --have = enclosed- copies of the Form AFR-1- thatwe—file with the New York State Commission on Cable Television for the -12-month period. ended June 30,_ 1988 for your review. I've also enclosed the certified City of Ithaca income statements you requested at the last Commission meeting. 519 West State Street • Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 If I may, I would like to propose a tentative agenda for our January 10 meeting: 1. Call to order 2. Approval of minutes of December 13 meeting 3. Election of Cable Commission officers 4. Cable Commission organizational discussion 5. Cable Commission Chair's Report and Correspondence 6. Public Commentary 7. ACC Report -= Rebuild update -= Access renovation and equipment update -= Proposal from ACC for regular presentations regarding cable issues (see below) 8. Discussion of Public Access Advisory Board formation and role 9. Other old business 10. New Business 11. Adjournment I'm sure I've forgotten something here, but I believe this offers a good starting point. I'd also -like to offer one suggestion to you regarding the manner in which Cable Commission meetings are run. ve and considerably shorter meeting 'f a cap is c.u�-. . _ -cific This is the normal, and I suggest, proper, way to preside over a public meeting, with comment usually taken at the start of the meeting to allow the Commission input from the public as it considers the matters before it. It's the same format Common Council uses. Once that comment period is closed, public comment is not allowed except under exceptional circumstances. I would note that to properly conduct such meetings, it will be incumbent upon the Commission to publish and post an agenda at least a week prior to the meeting to allow the public time to prepare its comments. Finally, I mentioned above that I will be submitting a proposal for a regular presentation from ACC on cable issues and/or management. My thought is to take 10-15 minutes each meeting to briefly highlight an issue or issues affecting the cable industry or the day=to-day management of ACC. My only goal is to provide the Commission with some background information that might be relevant to your responsibilities. I hope that such presentations would help you broaden your understanding of the cable industry and encourage you to seek out additional information on the issue. If you prefer, I will be happy to speak on subjects selected by the Commission. Here is a proposed list of topics for the balance of this year: aa cable regulatory/legal issues basic cable technology basic cable finances studio management channel lineup decisions cable programming sources local advertising sales installation and service management telephone/counter traffic management monitoring customer service plant preventative maintenance future technologies and services This is just a starting point. We can discuss the details at the January 10 meeting. Sincerely, Michael M. Withiam General Manager Enc. cc: David Lytel NEW YORK STATE C04MISSION • ON CABLE TELEVISION FORM AFR-1 Annual Financial Report for Period Beginning July 1, 1987, and Ending June 30, 1988. Name American Community Cablevision, Division of American Television and Communications Corporation Full Name of Cable Television Company Address 116 Inverness Drive East Mailing Address Englewood Colorado 80112 City State Zip Code Telephone No. (Include Area Code) (303) 799-9599 Business Entity Division of American Television and Communications Corporation (Indicate if a: Sole proprietorship; Partnership; Limited partnership; Corporation; Subchapter S Corporation; Not for profit Corporation; Other (describe). Reporting Entity Individual entity report (Indicate if this is a consolidated or individual entity report) Notice This report shall - be filed with -the Lommis-sibh-by every -cable televi=sion % ;c_ompany required"_toaintain-records :andadopt theja,ccounts prescribed in the Uniform Accounting�System, and may be filed by any cable television which voluntarily uses the accounts specified in thecUnifor_mzAccountng:Syat_em_:="3 0 -hi -s --report shall be filed with- the -Commission within""90-days 'of the end Of—) =your fiscal year. a. Part I of this report consists ofquestions of a general informational nature; Part II consists of financial statements and schedules based on the accounts specified in the UAS: Part III consists of consolidated financial statements and shall be completed by any company having an ownership interest of 20% or more in another company and shall include any company not included in Part II or for which a separate report is not attached and any operations of a non - cable nature or which arose from out of state operations. General Instructions 1. All entries are to be in permanent form. Decreases are to be shown enclosed 'in parentheses. 2. The words "not applicable" are to be shown on any schedules or in reply to any question which does not apply to respondent. 3. Additional explanations, schedules or statements may be attached to the back of this form by respondent for the purpose of further explanation if insufficient space has been provided -on this form., The additional explanations, schedules or statements shall be cross-referenced to the question, statementor schedules to which they are related." 4. Amounts reported on this report shall be rounded to the nearest dollar. 5. If you require assistance phone (518) 474-2471 or write New York State Commission on Cable Television, Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223. 3. At any time inthe reporting period did you own or control 20% or more of any other company, or did another company own or control 20% or more of your company? X Yes No If yes, list the companies below. Percentage of Ownership Consolidated Or Control Held By You on Part II A. Name of Company In Another Company Yes/No B. 1. Not applicable. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.. 9. 10. Percentage of Ownership Consolidated Or Control Held By on Part II Name of Company Another Company In You Yes/No 1. American Television and Communications Corporation American Community Cablevision is 2. an operating Division of ATC 100% No 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. CERTIFICATION I certify that I have examined this report and that all statements of fact contained therein are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge, information,and belief and that nothing material has occurred that would require explanation that has not been explained. Controller American Television and 1,0 Communications Corporation, vV National Division SignaCture Title Ivy W. Parish September 29, 1988 Printed Name of Signer Date Signed PART I 1. To Whom Should Correspondence and Inquiries Concerning This Report Be Addressed? Ivy W. Parish 116 Inverness Drive East Name Mailing Address Controller American Television and Communications Englewood, Colorado Title Corporation - National Division City State (303) 799-9599 80112 Phone Number (Include Area Code) Zip Code 2. List below the name of each locality granting a franchise and also each geographic area you serve in which a franchise has not been granted. Identify whether a local- ity is a city, town, or village by using the following codes: 'C' -City, 'T' -Town and 'V' -Village. Indicate operation in a non -franchised area by placing the letter "N" after the area served. The Number of Subscribers shown is defined as the total amount of first, or primary outlets installed in each area served without reference to the number of additional outlets or services subscribed to be each customer. A decimal point has been provided in columns D, E, and F for fractional numbers. For whole numbers place a zero to the right of the decimal point. Should you serve more localities than space provided, please make additional copies of page 2b. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reserved for * office use * only * * * A. * B. C. D. E. F. * * Total Municipality Code * Estimated Route * Percentage Miles of Miles it * Name of Franchise Number of of Plant Franchise Company ID * or Area Served Subs. Penetration Completed Area * 1) * City of Ithaca 7,243 75.0 59.34 59.34 * 2) * Town of Ithaca 3,277 62.0 66.48 66.48 * 3) * Vill.of Cayuga Ilts. 1,076 94.0 19.0 19.0 * 4) * Vill.of Trumansburq 661 92.0 10.32 10.32 * 5) * Vill.of Candor 341 87.0 4.37 4.37 * 6) * Town of Caroline 488 77.0 18.36 18.36 * ************** Reserved for office use only * PART I (Continued) A. * B. C. D. E. F. * * Total Municipality Code * Estimated Route * Percentage Miles of Miles it * Name of Franchise Number of of Plant Franchise Company ID * or Area Served Subs Penetration Completed Area * 7) * Vill. of Lansing 1,379 94.0 16.72 16.7.2. * 8) * Town of Dryden 2,313 82.0 70.19 70.19 * 9) .* Town of Newfield 1,008 91.0 27.1 27.1. * 10) : * Town of Lansing 1,381 86.0 52.9 52.9 * 11) * Town cif Ulysses 325 44.0 20.11 20.11 *. 12) * Town of Danby 376 81.0 19.02 19.02 * Village of 13) *' Newark Valley 403 84.0 5.93 ' 5.93 * 14) * Vill. of Groton 838 94.0 11.09: 11.09, * 15) * Town of Groton 182 80.0 9.27 9.27 * 16) * Vill. of Dryden 61985.0 10.62 10.62 *- 17) * Vill. of Freeville 155 86.0 3.13 3.13 * 18) * Town of Candor 382 75.0 16.05 16.05 * Town of Newark •- 19) * Valley 280 73.0 12.45 12.45 * . 20) * * 21) * . * 22) * . * 23) * . * 24) * * .. - 25) * . * TOTAL 22,727 452.45 452.45 PART II Statement of Profit and Loss Line No Account No. Name Amounts FILE CODE 20 1. Operating Income 2. 4110.0 Installation Income $ 205,238 3. 4120.0 Regular Subscri guber Charges $3419,162 4. 4130.0 Per Program or Per Channel Charges $1,436,603 5. 4140.0 Other Subscriber Revenues $ 631,473 6. Total Subscriber Revenues $5,692,476 7. 4210.0 Advertising Income $ 192,329 8. 4220.0 Special Service Income $ 2,244 9. 4230.0 Other Non -Subscriber Revenues $ 0 10. Total Non -Subscriber Revenues $ 194,573 11. Total Operating. Income $5,887,049 12. Cost of Operations 13. 5100.0 Service Costs $1,049,582 14. 5200.0 Origination Costs $1,318,318 15. 5300.0 Selling, General and Administrative Expense $2,020,173 16. 5400.0 Depreciation and Amortization $ 946,340 17. Total Operating Cost $5,334,413 18. :Total Operating Profit or (Loss) (Line 11 - Line 17) $ 552,636 PART II Statement of Profit and Loss (Continued) 19. Other Income and Expenses 20. Other Income 21. 6110.0 Interest $ 0 22. 6120.0 Dividends $ 0 23. 6130.0 Other $ 0 24. Total Other Income $ 0 25. Other Expenses 26. 6210.0 Interest $ 471,402 27. 6220.0 Miscellaneous $ 0 28. Total Other Expense $ 471,402 29. Total Other Income or (Expenses) (Line 24 - Line 28) FILE CODE 20 $ (471,402) 30. Profit or (Loss) Before Taxes (Line 18 + or - Line 29) $ 81,234 31. Provision for Federal and State Income Taxes 32. 7100.0 Federal Income Taxes 33. 7200.0 State Income Taxes 34. -Total Income Taxes Payable 35. Total Profit or (Loss) Before Extraordinary Items (Line 30 — Line 34) $ 13,000 $ 8,000 $ 21,000- \ $ 60,234 36. 8000.0 Extraordinary Items* $ 0 37. Total Profit or (Loss) $ 60,234 * Please provide schedule of items and amounts. BALANCE SHEET ASSETS Line No. Account No. Name Amounts FILE CODE 30 1. Current Assets 2. 1110.0 Cash $ 201,557 3. 1120.0 Short-term Investments $ 0 4. 1130.0 Accounts Receivable - Trade $ 151,176 5. 1139.0 Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ (128,072) 6. Accounts Receivable - Net $ 23,104 7. 1140.0 Other Receivables $ 49,532 8. 1149.0 Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ (7,000) 9. Other Receivables - Net $ 42,532 10. 1150.0 Inventory $ 47,464 11. 1160.0 Broadcasting Rights $ 0 12. 1170.0 Prepaid Expenses $ 2,124 13. 1180.0 Other Current Assets $ 0 14. Total Current Assets 15. Plant Assets 16. 1200.0 Fixed Assets $11,639,030 17. 1300.0 Construction Work in Progress $ 1,444,267 18. 1500.0 Plant Adjustments $ 0 19. 1400.0 Less: Allowance for Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization $(5,695,771) 20. Total Plant Assets $7,387,526 $ 316,781 BALANCE SHEET. • ASSETS (Continued) 21. Other Assets. 22. 1610.0 Intangible Assets $ 1,417,405 23. 1620.0 Deferred Charges $ 0 24. 1630.0 Long Term Investments $ _ 0 25. 1640.0 Organization Costs .$ 0 26. 1650.0 - Other Assets $ 3,500 27. Total Other Assets 28. Total Non -Current Assets (Line 20 + Line 27) 29. Total Assets (Line 14 + Line 28) LIABILITIES AND OWNERSEQUJITY 30. . Current Liabilities 31. 2110.0 Loans Payable $ 7,681,933 32. 2120.0 Subscriber Advance. Payments and Deposits $ 313,576 33. 2130.0 Accounts Payable $-. 983,209 34. 2140.0 Taxes & Other Withholdings $ 6,341 35. 2150.0 Accrued Expenses . $ 222,863 36. 2160.0 Accrued_Taxes $ 0 37. 2170.0 Other Current Liabilities $ 0 38. 2180.0 'Dividends Payable $ 0 39. Total Current Liabilities 1,42.0,905 $ 9,207,922 FILE CODE 30 $ 8,808,431 $ 9,125,212 FILE CODE 30 BALANCE SHEET LIABILITIES AND OWNERS' EQUITY (Continued) 40. Non -Current Liabilities 41. 2300.0 Long -Term Debt $ N/A 42. 2400.0 Operating Allowances $ N/A 43. 2500.0 Other Non -Current Liabilities $ N/A 44. Total Non -Current Liabilities $ N/A 45. Owners' Equity 46. 3100.0 Common Stock - Issued $ N/A 47. 3200.0 Preferred Stock.- Issued $ N/A 48. 3300.0 Treasury Stock $ N/A 49. 3400.0 Proprietors' Equity $ N/A 50. 3500.0 Additional Paid -In Capital $ N/A 51.. 3600.0 Retained Earnings or. Accumulated Deficit $ (82,710) 52. Total Owners' Equity $ (82,710) 53. Total Liabilities and Owners' Equity $ 9,125,212 INSTRUCTIONS . If Line 43, Other Non -Current Liabilities, is significant in amount list the major items comprising it, and the amounts therein. . Furnish particulars as to any significant contingent assets or liabilities existing at year end or any significant change in the financial condition of the company occurring after the end of the fiscal year but prior to filing this report. List on reverse side. • List the total amount of subscriber Advance Payments, Account #2121.0 and the total amount of Subscriber Deposits, Account #2122.0 held by you and indicate if you pay interest on these amounts and if so, how much. Subscriber Advance Payments $161,401 Subscriber Deposits 152,175 Total $313,576 Interest is not paid on these amounts. PLANT, INTANGIBLES & DEFERMENTS EXPLANATION OF ENTRIES LINE NO. INSTRUCTIONS• 1. The balance at the beginning of the year, column A should agree with the closing'balances on last year's -Schedule of Plant, Intangibles & Deferments; the balance at the end of the year should agree with closing"balances on this year's balance sheet.. 2. Amounts reported in column D, transfers and adjustments, should be explained in the space provided above. 3. The amounts shown in column E, lines 15, 16, 20 and line 21 column .f must agree with amounts shown on the balance sheet, lines 16, 17, 18 and 19, respectively. 4. Unamortized Debt Expense is amortized by charging "Interest Expense", this will be reflected on this schedule by entering this amount in column D 5. Intangible assets"and.deferred charges should be recorded at cost with the accumulated amortization reported in column. F. The amounts reported in line 26 column E minus line 26 column F must agree with the amount reported on the balance; sheet • in line 22. The amounts reported in line 31 column E minus line 31 column F must agree with the amount reported on the balance sheet in line 23. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION FILE CODE 40 Financial Resources Were Provided By: From Operations: 1. Net Income (Loss) before Extraordinary Items $ 60,234 2. Extraordinary Income (Loss) 0 3. Total Net Profit (Loss) 60,234 4. Depreciation & Amortization 946,340 5. Funds Provided by Operations (lines 3 and 4) 1,006,574 6. Long-term debt 0 7. Equity Investments 0 8. Other 0 9. Funds Not Provided by Operations (lines 6, 7, and 8) 0 10. Total Resources Provided (lines 5 and 9) 1,006,574 Financial Resources Were Used For: 11. Additions to fixed assets $ 2,478,026 12. Reduction of long-term debt 0 13. Dividends paid or equity withdrawals 0 14. Investments 0 15. Other 144,679 16. Total Resources Used (total lines 11 to 15) 2,622,705 Change in Working Capital: 17. Prior Years Current Assets $ 411,072 18. Prior Years Current Liabilities 7,686,082 19. Difference (line 17 less line 18) (7,275,010) 20. Current Years Current Assets 316,781 21. Current Years Current Liabilities 9,207,922 22. Difference (line 20 less line 21) (8,891,141) 23. Net Change in Working Capital (line 19 plus or minus line 22) $ NOTE: Line 10 minus line 16 must agree with line 23. (1,616,131) ACCOUNT LINE NUMBER DESCRIPTION Fixed Assets 1. 1210.0 Land PLANT,' INTANGIBLES AND DEFERMENTS FILE CODE 50 (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) ACCUMULATED BALANCE AT TRANSFERS DEPRECIATION BEGINNING ADDITIONS AND BALANCE -AT AND OF YEAR DURING'. YEAR. RETIREMENT ADJUSTMENTS END OF YEAR AMORTIZATION 2. 1220.0 Buildings 29,850 $ ;. 0 $ .0 - $ 0 $ -29,850 $ 452,652 48,613 0 0 501,265 (168,686)' 3. 1230.0 Head -End 663,681 17,395 0 0 681,076 (328,985) 4. 1241.0 Subscriber Devices 3,523,658 281,816 (43,753) 0 3,761,721 (1,788,028)1 5. 1242.0 Other. 4,533,121 344,314 0 0 4,877,435 (2,754,377) 6. Total. Trunk and Distribution 8,056,779 626,130 (43,753) . 0 8,639,156 (4,542,405) (Line 4 and Line 5) 7. 1250.0 Test Equipment and Tools 8. 1260.0 Program Origination 212,242 43,057 0 0 255;299 (122,192)' 569,758 59,391 0 0. 629,149 (-157,826) 9. 1270.0 'Vehicles 10. 1276.0 Furniture and Fixtures 316,884 68,726 0 0 385,610 (260,174) 180,276 213,568- 0 0 393,844 (.115-503) 11. Total Vehicles, Furniture and 497,160 282,294 0 0 779,454' . (375,677) Fixtures (line 9 and Line 10) -12. 1280.0 Capitalized Lease Property ' 0 0 0 0 0 0 13. 1290.0 Leasehold Improvements 0 123,781 0 ' 0 0 . 0 14. 1299.0 . Miscellaneous Equipment 0 0 0 0 0 0 10,482,122 1,200,661 (43,753) . 0 11,639,030 (5,695,771) 15. Total Fixed Assets (Total Lines 1 to 3, 6 to 8, 11 to 14) 16. 1300.0 Construction Work in Progress 123,149 2,521,779 0 (1,200,661) 1,444,267 0 ACCOUNT LINE NUMBER DESCRIPTION 17. Plant Adjustments FILE CODE 50 PLANT; INTANGIBLES AND DEFERMENTS (Continued) (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) ACCUMULATED BALANCE AT TRANSFERS DEPRECIATION BEGINNING ADDITIONS AND BALANCE AT AND OF YEAR DURING YEAR RETIREMENT ADJUSTMENTS END OF YEAR AMORTIZATION 18. 1510.0 Plant Adjustment Excess $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Fair Value 19. 1520.0 Plant Adjustment Goodwill 0 0 0 0 0 0 20. Total Plant Adjustments 0 0 0 0 0 0 (Lines 18 + 19) 21. Total Plant Assets 10,605,271 3,722,440 (43,753) (1,200,661) 13,083,297 (5,695,771) (Lines 15 + 16 + 20) 22. Intangible Assets 23. 1611.0 Franchises, Licenses and Permits 2,259,661 116,378 0 0 2,376,039 (958,634) 24. 1612.0 Other Intangible Assets 0 0 0 0 0 0 25. 1613.0 Goodwill 0 0 0 0 0 0 26. Total Intangible Assets 2,259,661 116,378 0 0 2,376,039 (958,634) (Lines 23 + 24 + 25) 27. Deferred Charges 28. 1621.0 Start -Up Costs 0 0 0 0 0 0 29. 1622.0 Unamortized Debt 0 0 0 0 0 0 30. 1623.0 Other Deferred Charges 0 0 0 0 0 0 31. Total Deferred Charges 0 0 0 0 0 0 (Lines 28 + 29 + 30) Line Description 1. Notes 2. Owed to Affiliates 3. Owed to Directors or Officers 4. All Others 5. Total Notes 6. Bonds 7. Owed to Affiliates 8. Owed to Directors;or Officers 9. All Others 10. Total Bonds 11. Obligation on Capitalized Leases 12. Unamortized Premium & Discount on Outstanding Debt 13. Total Long -Term Debt (Total of Lines 5, 10, 11 + 12) 14. Interest to be Paid 15. TOTAL (Line 13 + Line 14) NOT APPLICABLE LONG-TERM DEBT Principal Payments Due In . (A) (B) •(C) (0) Over 5 ,Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year -5 FILE CODE 60 (E) (F) Years Total - INSTRUCTIONS 1. Determine the amount ofprincipal and interest to be paid on all long-term debt. (If interest rate varies use rate in effect at end of current year). 2. On line 12 determine the amount to be amortized yearly and enter.in the appropriate column. 3. Cross -foot all totals. The total amount of long-term debt entered on line 13, column "F" shall agree with the total amount of long-term debt entered on line 41 of the balance sheet. DETAILS OF SUMMARIZED EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS FILE CODE 70 (A) (B) (C) (D) SELLING, GENERAL PAYROLL & LINE ITEM ACCOUNT ORIGINATION & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES NO. NO. DESCRIPTION SERVICE COSTS COSTS EXPENSES CAPITALIZED 1. 01.1 Sal. & Wages, Officers & Directors $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2. 01.2 Salaries and Wages, All Others 541,906 251,547 385,280 N/A 3. 02.1 Emp. Benefits, Officers & Dir. N/A N/A N/A N/A 4. 02.2 Employee Benefits, All Others 133,710 50,999 113,554 N/A 5. 03.0 Maintenance 172,088 54,776 1,953 N/A 6. 04.0 Pole and Site Rentals 86,263 N/A N/A N/A 7. 05.0 Microwave Service 13,132 N/A N/A N/A 8. 06.0 Light, Heat & Power 62,100 N/A 30,414 N/A 9. 07.0 Vehicle Expenses 49,869 N/A 4,540 N/A 10. 08.0 Rent N/A N/A 11,344 N/A 11. 09.0 Travel & Entertainment N/A N/A 36,587 N/A 12. 10.0 Dues and Subscription N/A N/A 13,150 N/A 13. 11.0 Contributions N/A N/A N/A N/A 14. 12.0 Professional Service N/A N/A 25,165 N/A 15. 13.0 Stationery & Supplies N/A N/A 20,473 N/A 16. 14.0 Postage and Freight 79 N/A 15,251 N/A 17. 15.0 Advertising & Promotion N/A N/A 64,807 N/A 18. 16.0 Telephone &_Telegraph 2,801 N/A 39,658 N/A 19. 17.0 Sundry Office Expenses N/A N/A N/A N/A Sub -Total $1,061,948 $ 357,322 $ 762,176 N/A DETAILS OF SUiMARIZED EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS (A) FILE CODE 70 (B) (C) (D) LINE ITEM ACCOUNT NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Balance Forward ' SERVICE .COSTS $1,061,948 SELLING, GENERAL PAYROLL & ORIGINATION & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES COSTS EXPENSES CAPITALIZED' $ 357,322 $ 762,176 $ N/A 20: 18.0 Insurance N/A' N/A 21,194 N/A 21. 19.0. Provision for Doubtful Accounts N/A N/A 33,146 N/A 22.. '20.0 Local. Taxes N/A N/A - 79,835 . N/A 23. 21.0 Franchise., License & Permit Fees N/A N/A 126,078 N/A 24. 22.0 Technical & Creative Service N/A . N/A N/A N/A 25.. 23.0 Film Expense N/A N/A N/A N/A 26. 24.0 Studio Sets & Props N/A 1,451 N/A N/A 27. 25.0 Program Ma-terial &, Supplies N/A 24,432 N/A N/A 28. 26.0 News Services " N/A 6,534 N/A N/A 29. 27.0 Participation Expense_ N/A N/A N/A N/A 30. 28.0 Fees & Royalties N/A 916,047 N/A N/A 31. 29.0 Tariff & Leaseback .Charges N/A . .N/A. N/A N/A 32. 30.0 OverheadAllocationsN/A N/A 451,841 -) N/A 33. 80.0 Other 111,780 12,532 545,903 N/A 34. Sub -Total 1,173,728' 1,318,318 ' 2,020,173 - .N/A 35. 90.0 Capitalized' Cost Offsets (124,1461. ( -) N/A) TOTAL ' $1,049,582 $1,318,318 $2,020,173 N/A INSTRUCTIONS 1. The total of Columns A, B, & C should agree with totals reported on Statement of Profit and Loss, lines 13, 14 and 15. 2. Amounts appearing in Column D shall not be included in Columns A, B and C. 3. Please provide details-on.reverse side of Overhead Allocations, if any, as provided for in Section 599.40(J) (5). OPERATING ALLOWANCES NOT APPLICABLE FILE CODE 80 (A) (B) (C) (D) Balance Additions Deductions Balance Account Beginning During During at End Line Operating Allowances Number of Year Year Year of Year 1. Property Insurance Allowance 2410.0 $ $ $ $ 2. Injury and Damage Allowance 2420.0 3. Pension and Benefit Allowance 2430.0 4. Miscellaneous Operating Allowance 2440.0 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Total Miscellaneous Operating Allowance (Lines 5 to 8) 10. Total Operating Allowance (lines 1 + 2 + 3 + 9) 2400.0 $ $ $ $ INSTRUCTIONS 1. Enter above all information requested for Operating Allowances as entered on the accounts provided for in the UAS. 2. The total shown on Line 10, column D, shall equal the amount entered on line 42 of the Balance Sheet. 3. If you have established one or more miscellaneous operating allowances list their titles on lines 5 through 8 above, and briefly describe below their nature and purpose. PART III Consolidated Financial Statements Instructions 1. Complete this section only if you have an equity interest of 20% or more in another company. Before preparing this section please read Section 599.83 of the UAS. 2. The account balances and transaction totals included in Section II of this report shall be adjusted for inclusion in this Section only to the extent necessary to prepare consolidated financial statements and/or to reflect investments using the equity method. 3. Equity investments in another company shall be accounted for using (i) the cost method for investments of less than 20% and (ii) the equity method for investments of between 20% to 50% and (iii) the preparation of consolidated financial statements for investments of more than 50%. 4. This section will also be completed if a company operates in whole or in part in a state other than New York or has significant non -cable television activities. In such cases New York State cable activities will be reported on Part II of this report and all other activities including New York State cable activities will be reported on Part III. Please refer to Sections 599.83(e) (1) & (2) of UAS for a definition of significant activity. Consolidated Profit or Loss - Not Applicable 1. Operating Revenues Total Cable Television Revenue $ 2. Other Operating Revenues (Itemize on Line 16) $ 3. Total Operating Revenues 4. Operating Expenses 5. Total Cable Television Expense $ 6. Other Operating Expenses (Itemize on Line 16) $ 7. Total Operating Expenses $ 8. Total Operating Profit or Loss $ 9. Other Income - equity income in subsidiary $ 10. Other Expenses 11. Total Other Income or Expenses $ 12. Total Profit or Loss Before Income Taxes $ 13. Total Income Taxes $ 14. Extraordinary Income (Losses) $ 15. Total Profit (Loss) $ Instructions 16. Itemize by major groups or categories, the amounts shown on line 2 and/or line 6 in the space below. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET - NOT APPLICABLE ASSETS 1. Current Assets 2. Plant Assets 3. Other Assets 4. Investments 5. Total Assets $ $ $ LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 6. Current Liabilities $ 7. Long-term Debt $ 8. Other Liabilities $ 9. Minority Interest in Subsidiaries $ 10. Total Liabilities $ 11. Equity $ 12. Total Liabilities and Equity $ INSTRUCTIONS 1. The accounts shown in Section 599.32 of the UAS should be used as a general guide in preparing this statement. 2. The amounts shown shall be net of any allowance. 3. The amount shown on line 5 shall equal the amount shown on line 12. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION NOT APPLICABLE Financial Resources Were Provided By: From Operations: 1. Net Income (Loss) before Extraordinary Items $ 2. Extraordinary Income (Loss) 3. Total Net Profit (Loss) 4. Depreciation & Amortization 5. Funds Provided by Operations (lines 1 to 4) 6. Long-term Debt 7. Equity Investments 8. Other 9. Funds Not Provided by Operations (lines 6, 7, and 8) 10. Total Resources Provided (lines 5 and 9) Financial Resources Were Used For: 11. Additions to Fixed Assets 12. Reduction of Long-term Debt 13. Dividends paid or equity withdrawals 14. Investments 15. Other 16. Total Resources Used (total Lines 11 to 15) Change in Working Capital: 17. Prior Years Current Assets 18. Prior Years Current Liabilities 19. Difference (line 17 less than 18) 20. Current Years Current Assets 21. Current Years Current Liabilities 22. Difference (line 20 and line 21) 23. Net Change in Working Capital (line 19 plus or minus line 22; line 10 minus line 16 must agree with line 23) * See instructions page 9. November 10. 1:;88 City of Ithaca Ithaca, New York .Dear Sir: Ammumpum / ■ ■ American Television & Communications Corporation A Time Inc. Company National Division 116 Inverness Drive East Englewood. Colorado 80112 (303) 799.9599 ,Enclosed please find a -check for $15;626:06 which is. payment of franchise_fees for the period" from February, 1988 through 1388_ for American Community Cablevision. This payment reflects --the additional 2% franchise fees s due. according `cto the new agreement. Computation is as follows: Month Gross Revenues February, 1988 $157,592.17. March 164,592.61 April 166,177.16 May 159,556.15 June 133,384.86 Total - -$781.302.95 Rate :781,302.95Rate 2.00% Franchise Fee $15,626.06. I. Janice S. Waggoner, Vice President of Finance of American Television and Communications Corporation. National Division, certify that the above schedule summarizes the Gross Revenues, as define, in the franchising aereement. for the period i ndicat' :I for the CATV operati...ns in the City of Ithaca. Si;ned: JSW/nce Eng_ losure Providing entertainment and information choices. July 18, 1988 City of Ithaca Ithaca, New York Dear Sir: Amiummumm s i s r American Television & Communications Corporation •. A Time Inc. Company. National Division 116 Inverness Drive East Englewood. Colorado 80112 (303) 799-9599 Enclosed.. please find _a check- for $53,376:93 -which is payment ofTfranchise- fees -for -the period= from July, 1987 through June, _ 1988 for American. Community Cablevision: -'{ Computation is as follows: Month July., 1987 August September October November December January, 1988 February March April May June Total Rate Franchise Fee Gross -Revenues $131,427.16 125,695.87 163,463.91 142,258.40 151,542.70 131,138.95 152,400.94 157,592.17 164,592.61 166,177.16 159,556.15 133,384.86 $-1.:, 779, 230. 88_.._. 3% - $53,.376..93 I, Ivy W. Parish, Controller of American Television and Communications Corporation, National Division, certify that the above schedule summarizes the Gross Revenues, as defined in the franchising agreement, for the period indicated for the. CATV operations in the City of Ithaca. Signed: IWP/ncg Enclosure (A. / ck 4 Ivy W. Parish, Controller Pro.rcmg anterzmr:ert and in!ormatron _hones SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION January 3, 1989 Mr. Thomas Terrizzi City Cable Commission 714 N. Cayuga Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Terrizzi: I wanted to say thank you to the entire Cable Commission for what I felt was a very productive meeting on December 13. I'll apologize now for being a bit short-tempered a couple of times during the meeting, but juggling the needs and concerns of a number of different interests in a public forum can be a bit trying at times. I deeply appreciate your support for our proposed public access equipment package. The total package provides the basic foundation for a public access facility that will be open to ever greater numbers of community residents through easier to use, more reliable equipment. Our new facility, because it is being specifically designed to support public access, will also help us achieve the goal of expanded local involvement in community programming. I might add, that in addition to the studio facility, our renovation work at 519 W. State St. includes a facility specifically designed to support the maintenance of video equipment. I also appreciate your understanding in our efforts to balance conflicting requirements in our continuing renovation work. While I regret the somewhat short notice we provided to the access volunteers regarding the exact closing date, the temporary disruption of the our company's operations _- both for access and for our other operations -- will provide us with the long-term office and facility space needed to properly support our total cable operation for years to come. I have enclosed copies of the Form AFR-1 that we file with the New York State Commission on Cable Television for the 12 -month period ended June 30, 1988 for your review. I've also enclosed the certified City of Ithaca income statements you requested at the last Commission meeting. 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 If I may, I would like to propose a tentative agenda for our January 10 meeting: 1. Call to order 2. Approval of minutes of December 13 meeting 3. Election of Cable Commission officers 4. Cable Commission organizational discussion 5. Cable Commission Chair's Report and Correspondence 6. Public Commentary 7. ACC Report -- Rebuild update -= Access renovation and equipment update -= Proposal from ACC for regular presentations regarding cable issues (see below) 8. Discussion of Public Access Advisory Board formation and role 9. Other old business 10. New Business 11. Adjournment I'm sure I've forgotten something here, but I believe this offers a good starting point. I'd also like to offer one suggestion to you regarding the manner in which Cable Commission meetings are run. I believe we will have far more productive and considerably shorter meetings if we can limit public comment to a specific period of the meeting. This is the normal, and I suggest, proper, way to preside over a public meeting, with comment usually taken at the start of the meeting to allow the Commission input from the public as it considers the matters before it. It's the same format Common Council uses. Once that comment period is closed, public comment is not allowed except under exceptional circumstances. I would note that to properly conduct such meetings, it will be incumbent upon the Commission to publish and post an agenda at least a week prior to the meeting to allow the public time to prepare its comments. Finally, I mentioned above that I will be submitting a proposal for a regular presentation from ACC on cable issues and/or management. My thought is to take 10=15 minutes each meeting to briefly highlight an issue or issues affecting the cable industry or the day -to=day management of ACC. My only goal is to provide the Commission with some background information that might be relevant to your responsibilities. I hope that such presentations would help you broaden your understanding of the cable industry and encourage you to seek out additional information on the issue. If you prefer, I will be happy to speak on subjects selected by the Commission. Here is a proposed list of topics for the balance of this year: cable regulatory/legal issues basic cable technology basic cable finances studio management channel lineup decisions cable programming sources local advertising sales installation and service management telephone/counter traffic management monitoring customer service plant preventative maintenance future technologies and services This is just a starting point. We can discuss the details at the January 10 meeting. Sincerely, Michael M. Withiam General Manager Enc. cc: David Lytel Cable rate hike set for March Ithaca rates less than other cities CHRIS SWINGLE Journal Staff Local cable TV customers will see a 10 percent jump next month in the cost of their basic budget service — Channels 2-13 — and at least a 20 percent increase in the bill for Channels 17 and above. The rate hikes from Ithaca - based American Community Ca- blevision are in accordance with a 10 -year franchise agreement be- tween ACC and the city of Itha- ca. But rising cable rates nation- wide have prompted lawmakers in Congress to talk seriously of limiting the industry's growing power. Nearly half of cable sys- tems nationwide are controlled by five giants; one is Time -Warn- er, which owns Ithaca's ACC. Eighteen proposals to re -regu- late the industry are pending in Congress and more are expected this year. This follows a 1984 move to deregulate, which aimed to keep local politics from in- fluencing rates. ACC serves all of Tompkins County except for Enfield, and some of Tioga County, with a to- tal of 19 municipalities that each have their own franchise agreement. General Manager Barbara Lu- kens said the company faces in- creasing operating expenses and major programming costs. "There were years when ACC took operating losses when it was unable to get rate increases (from the city)," Lukens said. ACC is now expanding its serv- ice to 60 channels and rebuilding its aging system, which included some of the equipment and cables installed originally — 38 years ago. The $10.5 million new sys- tem is expected to be finished by the end of 1992. An official at the state Com- mission on Cable Television said the price jumps for ACC custom- ers have been relatively low com- pared to the rest of New York state. A state cable commission sur- vey comparing prices in 1984 — before deregulation — to those in 1988 found that charges more than doubled in some, places. At the same time, many cable sys- tems also increased the number of channels offered. The figures studied are for ba- sic service, because those were the rates that all cities controlled be- fore the government regulated costs. Here's a look at some cities of comparable subscriber sizes: • Ithaca's ACC went from $7 per month to $9 per month, an increase of 29 percent. The num- ber of channels offered in basic Basic cable service rates soar Since federal government deregulation, the cost of basic cable TV service has increased significantly. The chart below compares the average ithacan's cost of basic cable to rates in 3 cities of comparable subscriber size to Ithaca, and to the average price in the United States. Whilemany cable systems are offering more channels along with the increased rates, others are not. The figures compared are from 1984 and 1988. $16 $14.45 29% Increase 1988 1988 60% increase Ithaca; number of channels did not increase Jamestown, number of channels increased from 12 to 27 Average number of channels per home nationwide: 1986: 19.6 1987: 22.4 1988: 27.7 1989:''30.0 Glens Falls, Elmira, number of number of channels channels increased increased from 11 to 18 frorn 16 to 21 The growth of cable TV Figure not available for 984 Source: New York State Commission on Cable Television & GNS `There were years when ACC took operating losses when it was unable to get rate increases (from the city).' —Barbara Lukens, general manager ACC service remained the same: 12. • Elmira went from $7.75 to $12.95 per month, a jump of 47 percent. The number of channels rose from 16 to 21. • Jamestown went from $7.45 to $11.95 monthly, a 60 percent rise. At the same time, the cable company more than doubled the number of channels offered, from 12 to 27. • GlensFalls went from $8.50 to $12 a month, a 41 percent hike. The number of channels in- creased in the four years form 11 to 18. After looking at the figures, Steven Shaye, deputy director of the state cable commission, said Ithaca's 29 percent increase wasn't extreme. "I can generally say that isn't out of line at all with what's happening across the country." ACC is a more unusual case because future increases in rates are already mapped out in its franchise agreement with the city, Shaye added. "Ithaca has really been a different situation." Nevertheless, "It seems like in the Ithaca area, cable is always a hot issue," said Shaye, who used to live here. Ithaca residents can't get much on their television without cable, a scenario similar to other rural areas, and Shaye said ACC has penetrated 70 percent of the mar- ket here. The cable company in Elmira, by way of comparison, has 90 percent penetration, Shaye said. The cable commission is a state CHRIS FISHER/Journal Staf regulatory agency, with a con- sumer hotline for complaints and questions (1-800-342-3330), a municipal assistance division that works with cities to set up and re- new franchises and a technical testing unit to check signal stan- dards, equipment and safety. Shaye works in the municipal division and has found that most cable companies do offer econ- omy basic services, such as the option of just receiving Channels 2-13 from ACC. A low percent- age of people actually choose just the basic service, though, Shaye said. ACC's Lukens said about 80 percent of their 25,000 subscrib- ers receive the full cable service. Full service is 40 channels, in- cluding everything except the movie channels, which cost an ex- tra $9.95 per month each. "Very few people take everything and all three (pay channels)," Lukens added. Shaye said that people con- cerned about rates should look at the cost of movie channels, which must compete with rented movies and theater showings. "The key here is the rates for premiums (movie channels) have not gone up at all," Shaye said. Ithaca cable traces start to one house By HELEN MUNDELL Journal Staff Thirty-eight years ago, Ithacan Anthony Ceracche put an anten- na on a S. Aurora Street house and strung cable to a television set inside. Thus was born the cable tele- vision industry in Tompkins County — an industry serving 25,000 customers with an annual income of $6.6 million. Ceracche's one customer was "just getting one channel, and I was charging them $2 a month, and they thought it was the great- est thing in the world," Ceracche told The Journal in 1972. Ceracche's system was one of the early cable systems in the United States. A few months after starting service with one channel, he put antennas on Coddington Road and got three channels for his sys- tem. He wasn't able to rent utility pole space for his cable, so he strung it between trees and houses. His hardest task, Ceracche said, was to get Ithaca Board of Public Works' permission to cross city streets with his cable. The city charged him $10 every time he crossed a street, he said, and he thought that was grossly unfair. Soon another cable company began making hookups in the city. When the other company had some technical difficulties, Ceracche bought it and once again became the only game in town. Ceracche later built larger an- tennas on Connecticut Hill and Snyder Hill. In the early 1960s he installed a microwave system. A direct line to Connecticut Hill brought in a batch of new sta- tions in 1971. Ceracche obtained a franchise with the city in 1960, spelling out the rates. In the spring of 1975 Common Council approved a rate increase of $1 a month — to $4.50. The following February, a special ad- visory committee said the rate in- crease had resulted in a 14.6 per- cent profit margin for its 1975-76 fiscal year and that "appears ex- cessive." The advisory committee, Ce- racche said, had figured profits on stockholder equity, when it should have used gross revenues. to arrive at 7.8 percent profit margin. That was the beginning of nu- merous rounds of debate over the company's rates and profitabili- ty. It took an ultimatum from the city during December 1976, after a two-year dispute over terms of Cerrache's franchise, before the firm signed a contract. The argu- ment was over rates for Home Box Office, an increase in the franchise fee and a requirement that 22 channels be provided. Ceracche sold his cable system Cable TV Called -omit in October 1977 to American Television and Communications Inc., a Denver-based corporation that owned more than 90 cable systems nationwide. A few months later, Time Inc. pur- chased American Television. In December 1978, American Television bought out cable tele- vision franchises in the villages of Freeville and Dryden and the Town of Dryden, giving Ameri- can Television a monopoly on ca- ble service in the county. The purchase boosted the number of subscribers by 1,100, to a county total of 17,600. In March 1980, the Ithaca City Cable Television Commission recommended that the city sue Ceracche Television for increas- ing its Home Box Office rate from $6 to $7 a month, although its franchise specified $6 a month. Later in the year, the company changed its name to American Community Cablevision (ACC), in a bid to change its "negative public image," then -manager Brad Dusto said. In 1981, ACC asked a rate hike to $8 a month, up from the $5.50 set in 1975. The city's Cable Tele- vision Commission and ACC ar- gued for two years before the commission recommended a 50 - cent -a -month increase, which Common Council approved and ACC rejected as insufficient. The warring sides finally reached agreement in January 1984, with the aid of a state me- diator, and Common Council unanimously approved' a new rate package in March. The rate for basic service went to $7 in July 1984 on condition that satellite channels were then available to city subscribers, and increased another $1 on Jan. 1, 1986. View- ers had to pay extra for the satel- lite service, however. With ACC's city franchise due to expire the end of 1987, the two sides went to work again, ham- mering out a 15 -year agreement that both sides signed in Novem- ber 1988. The state commission vetoed a 15 -year agreement, and the time was changed to 10 years. Before agreeing to the new franchise, ACC had sued the city and the city had spent $75,000 on consultants. As part of the agreement, ACC dropped its suit and agreed to pay the city's con- sulting fees. ACC also agreed to the city's rights to control cable rates and to expand to 60 chan- nels by rebuilding its aging sys- tem — which still included some of the equipment and cables in- stalled by Tony Ceracche. ., 1.. -.... 1t, >._ . ry . UV x11%,1 n, 1 VA....11,4,14.4 release "will bring us to the end of a long chapter." But as de Klerk well knows, it also brings his bitterly divided nation to the start of another. Much depends on the abilities and mutual respect of these two leaders if change is to occur peacefully. Yetfor the first time, real hope is in the air. Black South Africans, jubilant over Mandela's release, danced in the streets. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, southernAfrica's Anglican primate, was among the thousands of revelers. Mandela had been sentenced to life in prison for"high treason" for his intent to use violence in resisting apartheid. In prison he became the chief martyr and acknowledged leader of the movement, and his influence increased. President de Klerk, who lifted the ban on the ANC, hopes that Mandela will bring _other black leaders into constructive negotiations. The release was, among other things, an act of faith. It was unconditional, but de Klerk believes Mandela is committed to peaceful solutions. That remains to be seen: In his first public speech, Mandela greeted his supporters "in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all," but said, "The factors which necessitated the armed struggle still exist today." At age 71, Mandela is in no mood to wait, nor is South Africa's black majority. Pressure is needed to end apartheid. But. if violence erupts on either side, de Klerk made clear he can't take the next promised step of ending the state of emergency. For that, de Klerk needs stability, which he defines as "a situation where you do not have deaths as the -result of political strife." Fair enough. Mandela's cooperation will be essential to keeping the lid on violence as South Africa gropes toward granting freedom and equal rights to all of its people. ALBANY ANGLE Abortion debate shif to parental consent By KYLE HUGHES ALBANY — If you are a woman le8yphl-sobry9b44 Jt im Now Volt, you can't work in a brick factory, a quarry, a tunnel, or a sawmill. You can't operate carnival rides, clean windows for a living, run a dough mixer in a bakery, or work as a roofer. When it comes to protecting chil- dren's health and well-being, the state has countless rules. And one of them allows young women to obtain a legal abortion without their parents ever knowing a thing. Given New York's love of regu- lation, the exemption granted abor- "The first act of the National So - tion strikes some as 'hypocritical. cialists, when Hitler seized power, This year, enacting a parental con- was to padlock the family -planning sent law is a rallying point for the clinics and declare abortion a crime constituency whose battle cry is against the state," Steinem abortion is "murder." claimed. Former Gov. Hugh Carey, a The Nazis were also cited by born-again anti -abortionist, says it Catholic bishops when New York is `bizarre" that parental consent lifted its 142 -year ban on abortion is not required for a teenager to un- in 1970. "We remind you that law- dergo an abortion in New York makers of another generation and state. Carey now says he was wrong in another land once claimed the to veto a parental consent bill back right to decree the extinction of in in 1976. nocent human beings for so-called Led by the Catholic clergy, social and eugenic reasons," said a Carey and others are pushing for a pastoral letter referring to "the parental consent law like the one in Nazi regime." Massachusetts, where a minor can- not get an abortion without the per- mission of either a parent or a state judge. The man they are pushing is Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, who sup- ports abortion rights for women but who is now acting like he wished the whole issue of abortion and parental consent would quietly go away. Asked about abortion, Cuomo refers questioners to a speech he gave in 1984 that said Catholic of- fice -holders should not impose their religious views on the public at large. He also suggests maybe he'll give another speech to further clarify his thoughts. Please, governor. Not another speech. Oi M -into OF 11)K.6K – peg vs WE COLD ALL'AVr A NOICE GAMt ort $RIDGE TobEK , or;SornErutN6••. minefield surrounding abortion since last year's Supreme Court de- cision that the issue should be de- otd1ed `t)y mill IUiiai .states. Cuomo surely realizes our na- tion's political system, for all its strengths, will never provide a reso- lution to the abortion controvery that will satisfy both sides. Anyone who tries does so at his own risk. Both sides even talk alike. At a January abortion rights rally, ce- lebrity feminist Gloria Steinem compared the Catholic Church's, anti -abortion teachings to Nazi Germany. So much for reasoned argument, and so much for any chance that the two sides will ever agree on abortion. The last time Cuomo had an op- portunity to give his views, at the pro -choice rally in January, he tip- toed around the issue and spoke of birth control and abstinence as abortion alternatives. He didn't talk about parental consent. Perhaps it's time he started talk- ing. A few honest, unequivocal words will say more than any num- ber of grand -sounding speeches. Any elected official who gets tongue-tied when abortion is men- tioned should remember former Assemblyman George Michaels, an. Auburn Democrat who switched positions and cast the deciding vote LETTERS The Disabilities Act shouldn't be weakened Thank you for Milt Goldstein's column on the Americans with Dis- abilities Act. Civil rights are some- thing people with disabilities are still fighting for. The effort to pass the ADA represents a continuation of the struggle for freedom in this country. ADA is part of the long history many of us celebrate when we honor Dr. King. People with disabilities can learn and have learned from this history. To give some idea of the impact of ADA, let me just give one exam- ple: ADA has the potential to make a significant impact on the unem- ployment picture for disabled peo- ple. Fully 66 percent of all disabled adults are unemployed. This trans- lates to a tremendous burden on our entire society, both financially and emotionally. It costs more to support people on public assistance and other entitlements than it does to shoulder some short-term costs of structural access. Imagine the difference if every business you patronized had sone employees with disabilities. Imag- ine being able to do what you want with the experience you have. Imagine supporting yourself with- out government assistance, not be- cause there isn't any but because you finally have a job that pays well. ADA will go a long way to- ward accomplishing these goals. No one denies that ADA is going to cost money. This country has a lot of work to do and most of it will involve some expenditure. The question is: Are we willing to con- tinue to value money over people? 1 think the answer is no. The ADA is in the House of Rep- resentatives. President Bush has en- dorsed it, the Senate has passed it. The task now is to protect it from amendments that would weaken it. Very simply, you could write your representatives and support the ADA as written, without any a man riman tc can contact me through the Finger Lakes Independence Center at 272- 2433, Monday -Friday, 9 to 5. Any- thing you do in support of ADA will lhe'lp. Larry Roberts Ithaca Charging city police are harassing a black family 1 just had to write about the po- lice brutality here in Ithaca. It's aw- ful, especially toward the blacks. They say there is no prejudice here in Ithaca — or, let's say, there's supposed to be more in the South than in the North. But the only difference is they do it here with a smile on their face and a knife in your back. Ever since I brought a lawsuit against the police department they have been harassing my family, and anyone around me. They stopped my youngest son and called in to check if the camera he carried was stolen; the report was negative, it was his own camera. When my daughter visited me from Syracuse, they dug up a traffic ticket from back in 1984. They tried to put my oldest son in jail over a "domestic" problem, then realized they couldn't do it, after they handcuffed him and treated him like a hardened crimi- nal. They came to my door ha- rassing my youngest son again, on hearsay. I just feel that instead of trying all these petty things on my family and friends, they should concen- trate on some of the murders that need to be solved. That's what they're being paid for. It seems they will try anything they can to find something against someone, just because the police themselves made a mistake - that, by the way, I feel should have been taken care of a long time ago. If I were white, it would have been. If they're not prejudiced, what is the reason? My family and friends are getting tired of it. \A/ilii» Ilnnnlc their many gifts with our guests and ministry. During the days leading up to Christmas, a first and second grade ciass from Souiii lin Lleirinelnivary School joined us for lunch, filled the dining hall with joyful exuber- ance, and served us homemade cookies. On another day, seventh graders from the Waldorf School dropped by to add their consider- able energies to getting lunch chores done; during a break, this inspiring bunch was noticed in the choir loft, singing away. Our more formal holiday dinner was transformed into a delightful banquet, with table service, dessert and angelic singing provided by members of Peace Child. The fol- lowing week, several young men from McCormick Center joined us for two evening meals, then stayed to help clean up tables and floors; they also brought and served home- made cookies that proved to be su- perior to ours. Not to forget the countless acts of generosity by individuals and truckloads of food. But perhaps the most welcome change to our routine of serving free meals was a special gift by Alan Cohen, who opened the doors of his restaurant, Simeon's, to our guests on New Year's Day, allowing whole fami- lies to sit down together for a hearty and elegant meal. Thanks to you all for making Ithaca a special place to live. We would add, Loaves & Fishes at 210 N. Cayuga St. invites you to free meals of noon Mondays, Wednes- days and Fridays and at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Chris Pothier and the Loaves & Fishes community Ithaca Letters to the Editor Letters to the editor are cordially invited. We ask that you sign them by hand and include your home address. Neither unsigned letters nor pen -names will be published. these days because a very select group of New Yorkers has, for the most part, stopped writing him. Democrat Cuomo, who normally likes getting mail, doesn't seem upset. During the presentation of his budget proposal last month, Cuomo was commenting on how state legislators will often label him a "big spender" even while sending him letters asking for money to be included in the budget for their pet projects. This year would be different, vowed Cuomo. This year, the letters from the legislators would be made public. "In the past we've been victimized by some cheap shots, explained Cuomo press secretary Gray Fryer. "It's pure, unadulterated hypocrisy." True to his word, Cuomo last week made public the letters he had received from the day he presented his budget, Jan. 16, until the end of that month. There were seven. Last year, the governor unveiled his budget proposal on Jan. 17. Cuomo spokeswoman Anne Crowley said that by the end of that month, Cuomo got 91 such letters. Fryer said the dropoff should come as no surprise. While it was "perfectly fair and honorable" for legislators to write the governor asking for funding, Fryer said, "if they thought they might be held accountable, they might not do it. That may be what's happening here.„ While Cuomo might be accused of flirting with demagoguery, members of the Legislature, especially those in the Senate's epualoliu.ar. majority, do routinely criticize the Democratic governor for being a big spender. They also routinely get together with the Assembly's Democratic majority and adopt a budget that has even higher spending. The Legislature, not the governor, has the final say on the budget. "We're just saying, `Let's have a level playing field,' " said Fryer of the governor's letter strategy. Some, such as independently elected state Comptroller Edward Regan, have suggested that it's the governor and Legislature together who are the big spenders. Of course, Cuomo's letter strategy hasn't been a big hit with some legislators — especially John Daly, a veteran Republican state senator from Niagara County. During a recent visit to western New York, Cuomo decided to bring up the letters. He told several audiences that Daly had criticized the governor as a big spender. "Then I look and find 11 letters in the file (from Daly) asking for more spending," the newspaper reported Cuomo as saying. "You. can't have it both ways. Daly, who heard the Cuomo remark at one of the governor's stops, said he at first took it as a joke. He changed his mind when he saw it appear in print. "I've been very careful about that," said Daly of writing letters asking tor extra spending. In fact, the Cuomo letter package released by the governor's aides last week contained no letters from Daly. There was a letter from western New York legislators asking for state support for the 1993 World University Games to be held in the Buffalo area. Daly had refused to sign it. Daly said he had told his fellow western New Yorkers that he didn't Critics blas 'This is the first of a four-part series this week taking a look at how the cable TV industry affects Ithaca and the, rest of the nation. By ANNE WILLETTE and DENNIS CAMIRE Gannett News Service The • coincidence was too 'much for City Councilman Kenneth Mc- Nease of San Angelo, Texas. He, arrived at City Hall in No- vember after' watching — ironical- ly, on cable TV - a Senate com- mittee probing problems with the cable television .industry. . There on his desk, in this town with the nation's highest percent- age of cable watchers, was a letter: San•Angelo's-cable rates would in- crease Jan. 1 for the sixth time in cable companies rnrnsmgrate • A look at cable rates, 11A . • Some cable TV history, 11A six years. At $17.45 a month, basic. service would be more than double the $8.50 of.Jan. 1, 1984. Almost immediately, McNease'g phone began ringing: Constituents were angry. • "They jump %on us and we can't do a thing in the world about it," he says. "There's no end to it. There's no control. Similar scenes have played out in council chambers around' the coun- try since Congress gave cable more freedom in the free market. Now, five years later, many lawmakers believe it is a monster out of con= trol. Cable TV: •r Calle ® y s� x r on4he- -.,fir,::- �-:;- Their mailbags are filled with the grousing of angry consumers. -U.S. Rep. Jbhri Dingell (D',Mich.), one. 'of Congress' most powerful mem- bers, told the nation's' mayors last month' i that lawmakers' are "ap- proaching a critical.' inas; the need topegislate." , ; - Eighteen proposals to 'reregulate cable ar'e pending in Congress, and• more are expected this year. Even the generally laissez-faire. Federal Communications Commission is , considering exercising. more eon-' trol. , "Few industries have taken ad- vantage of monopoly , status' ,to gouge the public to the' extent that cable TV companies have," says cable customer Fred Breeder of Seymour, Tenn. "There is simply, no alternative for the'poorly served public to go to, and the' cable oper- ators know it." Consider: • .• Five companies control 48 per- cent of subscribers. • Cable companies are' gaining, control over who sees what by'buy- ing channels, or networks, like. CNN, TBS, ESPN, HBO and Showtime. Rates'nationwide have jumped' at' least, 26 percent,— three times in flation "This is onerof the biggest. con sumer issues I've ever seen,"` says U.S. Sen. Al Gore (D -Tenn.), a leading 'Critic: "The industry has no competition and no regulation. They've got a free shot at the con - In,• December, McNease's ` San Angelo City Council. shouted its frustration,' unanimously passing a resolution demanding Congress':re- store the city's ability to•.regulate,. cable.' Cable is— since 1987 the victim:of its own suci See CABLE, 5A I 2A Weather/Continued Stories Stations (Continued from Page 1A) the new translator "will increase our coverage." WENY, an ABC affiliate, ap- plied for the license in 1981 but it has taken years to find a location for the, translator, he said. WBNG's general manager, John S. Mucha, said no timetable has been set for putting a translator atop ACC's roof to serve Ithaca. "It's an ongoing project," he. said. ACC is cooperating with WBNG because it wants to speed deregu- lation, former ACC general man- ager Michael Withiam told The Journal in December of 1988, when the project was announced. Dereg- ulation would allow ACC to raise its rates without negotiating with municipalities, as it currently must. ,ACC and the City of Ithaca signed a 15 -year franchise agreement in 1989 which regulates local cable rates. However, according to FCC reg- ulations, when more than three over -the -air signals are available over 75 percent of a cable compa- ny's franchise area, the cable com- pany can be deregulated. "It means there will be no price control on basic service prices," Withiam said in 1988. Within the next four months, WSKG-TV management expects to decide on its long-range plan for the region, including Ithaca, said Mike Ziegler, station president and chief executive officer. Although WSKG has applied to the Federal Communications Com- ' "It's more cost effective to do it with 'three full -power stations in- , stead of 53 TV translators," he said, adding that maintenance of the translators is "an enormous ex- pense." Only one other station in the na- tion has more translators than WSKG, Zeigler said. That station is in Salt Lake City, Utah. WSKG managers want the sta- ' tion received without cable because they have a commitment to make public television available to the to- tal population, Ziegler said. There + are some rural areas where cable is not available. Close to 80 percent of the people in ACC's franchise areas in Tomp- kins County who have cable avail- able are subscribers, said Barbara- - Lukens, ACC's general. manager. ! And that's considered a high pen- etration rate — about 55 percent is ' considered average, she said. ted Local Channel 52 is on hold be- 9 tall cause Tornpkins County pre - em ted the' land on -which-Horo- I ',z plar;ned to build his studio. In ; meantime, he has received an ,,FCC license for a four -channel mi- j i crowave distribution service. __ mission (FCC) for a translator per-' mit and has a used translator onl, hand for Ithaca, management would prefer to put up a full -power station in the Elmira -Corning area that would reach Ithaca, Ziegler said. Station officials will base their study on engineering studies, which. will be started soon, he said. WSKG, which has a network of 52 translators, already has applied for an FCC permit to build a full - powered station in Oneonta. Management is thinking that if it had three, full -power stations — its home station in Binghamton, one in Oneonta and one in the Elmira - Corning area — it could serve its entire area from them and abandon its translators, Zeigler said. ter: The four channels can be split o vas eight, he said, and he could gain Rat more channels by making an 'is' agreement with the holder of a li- ter cense for four other channels. 1 jo- Horowitz is now preparing a ; in- business plan for his service. He , hasn't set any dates for construc- tion or having the service available, he said. "This is something I perceived i i was going to be big several years , le ago," Horowitz said. "I applied i to for a license and I won." 1 f He said he has been waiting until 1 some industry lawsuits were settled a before building. As a result of the lawsuits, own- ers of HBO and Cinemax and other it programs, who also own cable tele- t vision companies, have to make their programs available to compet- ing microwave distribution sys- tems. With his right to those popular ! channels now assured, Horowitz is sure he'll go ahead with his service. • "I will be doing it. There's no doubt about it," he said. "I'm sure 1 can give ACC a run for their mon- ey." ,ACC service record irnproving,officials say This is the third of a four-part se- ries this week examining how the cable TV industry affects Ithaca and the nation. By CHRIS SWINGLE Journal Staff - : While there always will be com- =pJaints, the service record for Itha- ca=based • American Community Cablevision is• improving,both its -manager and officials at watchdog -agencies say. The City Cable Commission, which advocates for customers and 'ensures ACC obeys its franchise, :receives about five ' complaints a month, commissioner Richard Herskowitz said. But just nine complaints about ACC were taken to the state cable television commission in all of 1989, deputy director Steven Shaye said. For billing problems and serv- ice requests, "Nine isn't very many," Shaye said. "The report card is good in terms of what we.re- ceived." John Herrewyn, ACC chief engi- neer, said things are. looking up at the cable company. "Service has definitely increased dramatically in the past few years," Herrewyn, said. The 38 -year-old company serves all of Tompkins County except En field and part of Tioga County, and has a total of about 25;000 cus-. tomers, company officials said. Barbara Lukens, ACC general manager, said the cable company receives about 100 service -related calls each week — including cable requests, billing questions and gen- eral problems. The number of com- plaints is a relatively small percent- age of subscribers, Lukens said. In December, Lukens said ACC started giving postcards to custom- ers receiving new installations, so • they could comment on the service. She said that of the 50 or 60 re- sponses so far, only about 2 percent were negative. Lukens said they plan to issue comment cards on all service calls. iThe number of service calls has stayed about the same or decreased in the past few years, 'Herrewyn said. During that time, ACC has been rebuilding areas, replacing old cables to expand to 43 channels. Completed so far are the city of Ithaca, village of Trumansburg, the rest of Ulysses and the village of Cayuga • Heights. This year ACC Cable TV - Calle -o.n4 plans to rebuild the cable system in Freeville, Danby, Newark Valley and parts of Dryden. The end of 1992 is the target date for all sub- scribers to have access to 43 chan- nels. "The service with the new equip- ment is much better," Herrewyn said. See CABLE, 9B `Daisy' -leads nominations BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — "Driving . Miss Daisy," the bittersweet story of a contrary Southern lady and her wise old chauffeur, led the 62nd Academy Award nominations with nine, fol- lowed by the Vietnam film "Born on the Fourth of July" with eight. "Glory," the epic of black sol- diers in the Civil War, and "My Left Foot," the story of an Irish multiple sclerosis victim, followed with five nominations apiece. "Driving: Miss Daisy" earned See DAISY, 2A • • • The Ithaca Journal Monday, February 12, 1990 Cable (Continued from Page 1A) cess. •Originally, cable was little more than an antenna service, en- suring clear pictures in areas where rugged geography and urban densi- ty interfered with over -the -air sig- nals. But the development of satellite - delivered programming in the 1970s meant cable was not limited to car- rying local stations. Growth ex- ploded in the 1980s after cable companies were freed from rules and rates set by 9,000 cities. They began investing more in programming and created ' a de- mand for 'round-the-clock news, sports, movies and rock videos. They attracted customers even as rates shot up. To many, cable was no longer a luxury. "Cable TV is virtually a neces- sity, the same as any utility," says Donald F. Munch, manager of the Borough of Schuylkill Haven, Pa. "Discontinuing cable TV for the 45 percent of our population that is re- tired is just not a viable alterna- tive." In San Angelo, rooftop TV an- tennae are eerie skeletons of by- gone days. Movies, football games, news and sitcoms are transmitted through cable into 84 percent of the homes in the west Texas city. Nationally, about 55 percent of households with televisions buy ca- ble service, according to Paul Ka- gan Associates Inc., a Carmel, Cal- if., media research firm. That is 50 million homes, 10 million more than in 1986. Kagan says cable TV hookups are available to 88 percent of the nation's 91 million households with television. In making cable indispensable, big companies bought small com- panies until 48 percent of all sub- scribers are controlled by five gi- ants — Tele-Communications Inc., Time -Warner, Continental Cable- vision, Comcast Cable and Cox Ca- ble, according to Broadcasting magazine. The General Accounting Office, Congress' audit arm, says one in every three cable systems changed ownership during 1987 and 1988. Prices skyrocketed. Franchises now go for $2,000 to $3,000 a subscrib- er.. Take Tucson, Ariz. Several years ago its cable franchise was sold for $62 million. Sixteen months later, it was sold again for $112 million. Now it is about to be sold again. Fetching price: $160 million to $180 million. "You guess who's going to pay for that," says Mayor Tom Volgy. Critics say this "trafficking in franchises" forces subscribers to . pay higher rates so cable companies can cover their debts. The consum- er federation thinks competition or 1i regulation could cut monthly cable bills in half. "There ain't no evidence to show that that's the case," says James Mooney, president of the National Cable Television Association. "In the absence of proof — and by proof I don't mean just claims, al- legations and hollering — they haven't got a case." Cable companies steadfastly maintain . more regulation is not needed, but say they would accept limits on ownership. They say they are victims of a smear campaign by broadcasters whose viewers are switching from CBS, ABC, NBC and independent stations to\cable. They also say`they-must compete with VCRs, movie theaters, sport- ing events and concerts for con- sumer entertainment dollars. 4 non -cable stations may be on view ,here By HELEN MUNDELL • Journal Staff • Ithaca residents may be able to pick up four television stations within a few year's without using ca- •ble service. ¢ And 'though this would mean some free viewing', it also might spell a boost in rates for basic cable service because of price deregu- lation. ' Currently Ithacans ' cannot re- ceive stations without having cable, but four companies are clearing the o way•to free -TV airwaves. Within a month, most downtown Ithacans should bel able to pick up WENY-TV of Elmira' without- ca- ble, after' translator equipment is installed, on Snyder Hill to boost the signal,, WENY General Man- , ager Patrick Parish, said last week. It will 'be 'a first for Ithaca. The hilly terrain surrounding the city , has, up until now, prevented direct television reception of 'distant sta- ' tions in,the : city. Ithaca has never had broadcast television station of its own. Parish said his station is putting up a' 10 -watt translator aimed in two directions, basically toward Ithaca, on American Community r- 1 57. Id' try /78 ose °s a ger= rvey Cablevision's tower on Snyder Hill. Public television station WSKG ' of Binghamton also is planning to install a 'small translator in ;the - Town of Lansing or build a new station near Corning that would reach Ithaca without cable by the . end of 1991. Binghamton station WBNG al- ready has- a license to put a transla- tor atop -American Community Ca- blevision'sroof at 519 W. State St. And local businessman Kenneth Horowitz has a construction permit to build an ultrahigh frequency sta- tion, Channel 52, in Ithaca. Horo- witz,also has a permit for a'' wire- less" or microwave.' television distribution system for Ithaca. Microwave 'distribution, an alter- native to .a cable system, involves , beaming purchased programming across the region to microwave re- ceptors, probably atop homes and other buildings.' ' The WENY signal, now available on cable Channel 20 and . in some parts of the county on Channel 36, will be rebroadcast .on Channel. 7.. for Ithaca, Parish said."We're the closest thing 'to a local station Itha- ca has," Parish said, adding that See STATIONS, 2A AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Discussion of converter and internal wiring ownership by consumer City of Ithaca May 29, 1987 During our first negotiating session on May 14 the topic of consumer ownership of converters and internal wiring (cable wiring within the home) was raised. Our primary concern in reveiwing these issues has been to consider procedures which offer the greatest advantages to the consumer for cost, convenience and flexibility, are easy to understand and communicate, and will make it possible for the consumer to obtain, maintain and enjoy cable service with a minimal amount of time and energy invested. Our staff has discussed the pros and cons of consumer onwership of converters and internal wiring and we see a range of issues that will have what we consider negative impact on the consumer. I'd like to outline the pros and cons of each issue. CONVERTER OWNERSHIP First, I'd like to re-istate our interpretation of New York Penal Law 165.15. We feel that this statute makes it illegal for a vendor to p.ell equipment that is intended to descramble a scrambled cable signal. We recognize the City's desire to develop a cable system that allows the consumer to own all equipment within the home. The current trend in the development of cable television technology is working toward that objective. The rapid changes in the consumer electronics industry make a delivery system that controls service levels from outside the house desireable for the cable industry. That technology is just now starting field- testing. There appears to be only one advantage to home ownership of the converter -'-i meeting the City's philosophical goal of consumer ownership of the in-home portion of the delivery system. Let me outline to disadvantages and customer relations concerns we see: Product Availability: Our converter vendor, Scientific-Atlanta, does not regularily sell its products to retail vendors, prefering to focus its sales efforts to volume purchasers such as cable companies. 2 It is also important to recognize that our converter is not a standard product. Most addressable converters require that the television set be placed on channel 3 and carry the control data track on the FM band at 108.2 MHZ, the highest frequency available. We use to channel 4 to (WSTM). We also L06.2 on the FM translator, which the traditional converters that require that the TV must be set avoid interference from Syracuse TV channel 3 use converters that carry the data control at band to avoid interference with WOKW's Ithaca operates at 107.7 on the FM band, very close to 108 frequency. This double offset makes our onverter a special order, doubling our normal ordering lead ime. It seems logical to assume that customers could become asily confused when trying to obtain a converter. We can forsee ignificant confusion as retail vendors sell equipment that is of compatiable with our system. ost: Our current average cost for a converter is $103.50 with a emote control unit included. Over an expected eight-year useful ife for a converter, that translates into a cost, as part of the otal cost structure, of $1.08 per month for a customer requiring converter. cientific-Atlanta's base price for a converter is about $129 ncluding a remote control. With additional costs for shipping, usiness overhead and retail markup, retail costs for a converter ould reasonably reach $250 or more (SyA 8500 series converters re often listed in "gray market" magazines for $295 and more). ssuming an eight-year life, that is a monthly cost of $2.60 or ore. ompatibility with technological changes: When we initially installed the S-A 8500 converter in June 1984, it was state of he art.'We will be purchasing the S-A 8580 this fall, the second ajor upgrade of this series in three years. This equipment, as ell as a recently released remote control unit, is specifically resigned to interface easily with VCRs and other consumer electronics equipment. We expect to offer VCR owners the option f exchanging their current equipment for the modified equipment y the end of this year. Our ownership of the equipment makes it ossible for us to offer the consumer equipment specifically resigned to meet his or her needs as the technology develops. If his consumer had purchased a converter three years ago at $250, e assume there would be a high level of resistance to an additional investment to obtain the new features. The consumer ould be inconvienced through ownership. he trend toward outside -the -house control of service levels, urrently thought to be a reality at about the time the bulk of ur converters will end their anticipated useful life, could also eave purchasers of the equipment with a converter that is seless to them. 3 Compatibility with billing and control systems: Because our converters are addressable, they must be tied to a central control and billing system to function. The consumer who purchases a converter would have to contact ACC to have the proper control chip placed into the converter, and then allow us to enter the converter into our central control system. This requires a great deal of time and energy on the part of the consumer, and actually delays considerably his or her ability to enjoy cable service. We are also concerned because such a requirement would likely be viewed as the cable company making it difficult for the customer. to receive service. In contrast, the consumer currently asks for service and receives the converter at the time of connection, or picks it up at our office. We also have an important concern over the establishment of two classes of customer, one who owns the converter and one who doesn't. Such a practice only creates an opportunity for errors in record-keeping, for confusion on the customer's part over the status of his or her equipment, and opportunities for the customer to feel ill-treated by the cable company. Repair: When a customer's converter fails, for whatever reason, -we immediately exchange the equipment with a working converter at no charge. We accomplish this through a service call to the customer's home, or the customer stops at our office for the exchange. The transaction takes moments, the customer's service problem is resolved, and the customer is satisfied. If the customer owns the equipment, he or she would be responsible for repairing it, which means periods of time during which the customer would be without full service. It is important to note that ACC must send a good number of converters to the manufacturer for repair because S-A will not release full details on repair of its equipment. If the problem is at all complex, a local repair shop would face the -same problem, adding a lengthy delay (generally 4-6 weeks) to the repair time. In our view, that is not at all a positive consumer policy. OWNERSHIP OF IN--HHOME WIRING Consumer ownership of in-home wiring presents many of the same customer relations problems as consumer ownership of converters. Our concerns focus on plant integrity, installation, and repair. Plant integrity: We are required by the FCC and the New York State Commission on Cable Television to maintain the integrity of the cable system from the head -end to the connection to the consumer's television set. If we fail to maintain the integrity of the plant, we are subject to penalty ranging from fines to actual shut -down of the system by the FCC. The FCC also mandates that severe signal leakage problems be corrected immediately and 4 that minor leakage problems, usually associated with leakage from homes, be corrected promptly. Failure to take appropiate action when leakage is discovered generally results in more severe penalties. Both the FCC and the State Cable Commission have communicated heightened concern over signal leakage to cable operators and have made it clear to us that they intend to strictly enforce signal leakage specifications. As an example of the concern these agencies have over the immediate resolution of signal leakage problems, it should be noted that both FCC and NYSCC inspectors require us to correct the problem ore to disconnect service to customers who are not home in their presence during system inspections. We can only assume that any procedures implemented in this system that would not aggresively correct signal leakage problems would make us subject to FCC and NYSCC penalties, a situation we have worked hard to avoid. I have attached the FCC and New York State technical rules relating to signal leakage for your reference. The FCC rules are stringent because the FCC has public interest and public safety concerns. Signal leakage from a cable system also has direct impact on the quality of the picture received by the customer, whether the leakage originates at his or her property or elsewhere. Plant integrity is quickly becoming an even more important issue as the ability of consumer electronics to provide ever -higher quality video images increases. Signal leakage, especially if uncorrected, will impair our ability to provide top -✓quality pictures to all consumers, again affecting our relationship with our customer. Signal leakage has an even more harmful effect in two-way cable systems. ACC is required to maintaining plant integrity at the highest possible level, while recognizing the need to work with customers to achieve this goal. Whether or not the consumer owns all in-home wiring in the future, ACC will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the overall cable system, up to the consumer's television set. We will continue to conduct regular leakage sweeps of our cable system. If we agree to have ACC retain ownership of the inhouse wiring, .the resolution of the leakage problem would take the following steps: 1. Immediately knock on the customer's door, explain the nature of the service problem we have discovered and offer to correct the problem immediately. 2. If the time is inconvienent, schedule a repair call within 5 business days to correct the problem. 3. If the customer is not home, leave a door hanger explaining the situation and ask the customer to contact us immediately to schedule a service call. 4. During the next 2-3 business days, make every effort to contact the customer to schedule a service call. 5 5. If the problem cannot be repaired within 5 business days, service will be disconnected. A door hanger will be left behind to explain why service was disconnected and containing instructions for reconnection of service. If the customer owns the internal wiring, our procedures would be the same, except that the customer could choose to have an outside repair firm do the work. We would reinspect the residence on the 5th business day. If signal leakage were still a problem, we would disconnect service and leave behind a door hanger. It is important that the City understand that we do not like to disconnect customers for any reason. Disconnecting a customer obviously creates a customer relations problem as well as depriving us of a source of revenue. We must, however, balance the concerns of the individual customer against the overall integrity of the system and our regulatory obligations. The plan /outlined above achieves that goal. Installation: At present most new homes or buildings are wired for cable service by the builder. Generally speaking, this wiring is done to our specifications and often with materials provided by us. Let's now assume that the consumer owns all internal wiring (assume transfer of ownership at rebuild). At the time of installation we would connect service and offer to test the connection at the television to check for signal quality, much as we do with a standard installation. Repair: Repair of cable service would become a greater inconvience and more costly to the consumer should he or she elect to own the in-house wiring. We will charge for service calls should the consumer -owned equipment fail (i.e., anything in the house) whether we complete the repair or not. Further, we will charge for any repair work we complete on the consumer -owned equipment, just as an independent repair firm would. Should the consumer, faced with a cable service problem, elect to have another firm complete the repair, he would be forced to make at least two calls and schedule two appointments to complete the work. Should the problem be with his TV (or with a consumer -owned converter, which most independent firms would not be equiped to repair), he would have yet another call to make. Each component of the cable delivery system could conceiveably require repair and support from different sources if consumer ownership is carried to its full extreme; with ACC ownership of all in --house equipment we would be in a position to resolve consumer problems on any cable -related problem, a situation we feel benefits the consumer. 6 We' are also concerned about the suggestion that consumers be given the option of owning or not owning the inhouse wiring. As we noted when discussing converters, we feel that such an approach would only create opportunity for errors and confusion among customers. 7 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT H. MATTHYS VAN CORT, DIRECTOR . CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850 NOTICE OF MEETING TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 For your information - A joint meeting of the Cable Commission and Common Council (meeting as a Committee of the Whole) will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 1987 at 7:30 p.m. in Common Council Cambers with Cable Commission Consultant Jean Rice regarding the refranchising process. HMVC/mc .0 10 H. Matthys an Cort Director, Planning & Development "An "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT H. MATTHYS VAN CORT, DIRECTOR CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 JOINT MEETING Common Council/Committee of the Whole Cable Commission Tuesday, January 13, 1987 — 7:30 p.m. Common Council Chambers AGENDA 1. Major Issues: a. Franchise Fee b. Consumer Protection c. Penalties/Liquidated Damages d. Performance Bond and Letter of Credit e. Access Channels f. Access Equipment and Ongoing Operational Support g. Access Management h. System Channel Capacity i. Two -Way Capacity j. Interconnection k. Term of the Franchise 2. Schedule 3. Possible Executive Session "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" OFFICE OF MAYOR CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 Ms. Janice Fornwalt 1007 North Aurora Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Janice: August 8, 1986 EPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 It is with great pleasure that I appoint you to the City of Ithaca Television Cable Commission to fill a vacancy that exists on the Commission. Your term will expire on July 30th, 1987. Please stop by the City Clerk's office (1st Floor, City Hall) on Monday or Tuesday to be sworn into office. Thank you for agreeing to serve your community in this capacity. JCG:bw cc: City Clerk Common Council Robert Fletcher, Chair. Sincerely, -, 7t,.. John C. Gutenberger Mayor "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" elf crri OF ITHAC Dept. of Planning & Daeae oprinnt 108 East Green Street ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 (607) 2724713 TO City Clerk's Office LITITU OF UMRS unrzia DATE August 13, 1986 JOB NO. ATTENTION C. Paolanceli, City Clerk RE. Cable Consultant - information to be distributed of the above mentioned material for distribution to two members of the Cable Commission. Please send this information to: WE ARE SENDING YOU L Attached 0--Under-separate-cover--via interoffice mall the following items: O Shop drawings O Copy of letter 0 Prints 0 Plans 0 Samples 0 Specifications 0 Change order Consumer Market Survey by Rice Associates aiid "Information and Communication Technology for the Community" COPIES DATE NO. DESCRIPTION 2 ea. In accordance with our agreement, enclosed please find copies of the above mentioned material for distribution to two members of the Cable Commission. Please send this information to: Christopher Heegard and Betty Burke. The other Comm ision members received this information at last nioht's rommiss•inn meeting. Thank you for your assistance. -- - THESE ARE TRANSMITTED as checked below: REMARKS O For approval O For your use O As requested O Approved as submitted O Approved as noted O Returned for corrections O Resubmit O Submit O Return copies for approval copies for distribution corrected prints O For review and comment ❑ O FOR BIDS DUE 19 0 PRINTS RETURNED AFTER LOAN TO US 131/ COPY TO PRODUCT 240-3 /t/ Inc, Groton, Mas 01471. SIGNED: p. ,r r ye i If enclosures are not as noted, kindly notify us at once. 11. !l, Vldi:! wort y [311"f D F rrliAMA TOMPKINS COUNTY ITHACA, NEW YORK 44BSl TELEP4 OI3! : AR 2-1713 CODE. 66? September 10, 1985 The Honorable Matthew F. McHugh House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McHugh: The City of Ithaca Cable Commission has recently learned that the Federal Court of Appeals overturned the FCC so called "must carry" rule. _We have also_learned of an intense lobbying effort on the part of broadcasters to persuade Congress to pass legislation reinstating this rule. Thereare several reasons the City of Ithaca Cable Commission hopes this rule will not be reinstated_ Basic Cable service in Ithaca consists of 12 channels. One of these channels is set aside for community access. programming. Nine of the remaining channels are "must carry" stations. Over the last few years the City Cable Commission has received a barrage of letters complaining about the endless duplication of programming in basic service. All of the current must carries are network affilates (3 ABC, 2 NBC, 2 CBS, 2 PBS). To make matters worse none of these stations serve Ithaca. They serve Binghamton, Elmira, and Syracuse. The situation may become worse over the next few years.. There are no less than 4 construction permits for TV stations, -which, -:are either pending or granted, (3 in Syracuse, 1 in Ithaca). This would create 13 "must carry" stations with only 12 channel capacity in basic service. Most ominous is the thought that we could loose our community access channel to a "must carry". The City of Ithaca Cable Commission implores you to defeat any attempt to reinstate the "must carry" rule. Robert A. Fletcher Chairman, City of Ithaca Cable Commission RAF/cjh ;•?.. FRANCHISE 01 - CITY OF ITHACA DISCOUNT PACKAGES STARTER PACKAGE. • # 3 "Performer" Basic '-- . Basic Tier .- . Tier Remote I : 2 Pay.(HBO,CineMax or 'Disney) Retail Value $15.00 Remote Save ' ' -1.00 Retail Value - $36.90 Package.price .14.00 Save -:: . . . -7.00' _., Package Price .:. 29.90 -.:- • _ • ..02 "Entertainer" 1/ 4 "Showcase". Basic Basic - Tier, Tier . Pay (1) 3 Pay (HBO, Cinemax,Disney) Remote Remote Retail Value $25.95 Retail Value $47.85 Save -2.00 Save -10.90 Package Price 23.95 Package Price 36.95: ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL OUTLETS - $2.00 Basic +4.50. Tier 6.50 Total Additional Outlets with pay services $6.50. A cUstomer can have the same pay service that is on their first set. - A LA CARTE PRICING Basic Tier _ 4.00 HBO 10.95 10.95 Cinemax Disney 10.95. Remote 4.00. Extra Outlet 2.00 Guide .95 ..; SERVICE CODES X-tra Add'1 Z Basic W Expanded Service * DR 1, * DP 11 T Equipment Rental AR HBO AP HBO (Only) FR Fm FP FM (Only) BR Cinemax BP Cinemax (Only) JR Disney JP Disney (Only) IR Remote IP Remote (only) HR Program Guide' * After July 1st, 1984 CA--e-i-c- 7-1- a Y,U,V,X TELEVISION CABLE FRANCHISE Agreement made this 20th day of January , 1978, by and between the CITY OF ITHACA, a municipal corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of New York, party of the first part, Grantor, and AMERICAN TELEVISION AND COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a domestic corporation duly organized under and by virtue of the laws of the State of New York, having its principal place of business at 20 Inverness Place East, Englewood, Colorado, party of the second part, Grantee. WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the promises and covenants hereinafter made, the parties agree as follows: 1. American Television and Communications Corporation, of 20 Inver- ness Place East, Englewood,. Colorado, hereinafter referred to as Grantee is hereby granted and invested with the right and authority to construct, erect, operate and maintain buildings, machinery and. apparatus within the city limits of the City of Ithaca, as it now is, and as it hereafter may be constituted by revision, modification, or addition, and which said buildings, machinery, apparatus may or shall become necessary in the transmission of television programs, and distribuion and sale of television or radio programs'for the use of the citizens of the City of Ithaca, said rights hereby granted to be non-exclusive. The City has approved the legal, character, financial, technical and other qualifications of the Grantee and the adequacy and feasibility of its construction arrangements as part of a full public proceeding affording due process. 2. Grantee shall have the right, further, to erect, place, operate, repair and maintain poles, wires, transmission lines, distribution lines, and service lines in and over and the right to use, all public avenues, streets, alleys, grounds and places in the city, and within. its present limit or as it hereafter may be extended, for the purpose - of furnishing the City of Ithaca and its inhabitants with. television or radio service, provided always, that such poles, wires, trans- mission lines, distribution lines, and service lines shall not inter- fere with, nor obstruct, the necessary or proper use of said streets, avenues, alleys, public grounds or places. 3. Grantee shall have the right and permission of the City of Ithaca to use existing poles, wires, transmission lines and service lines now erected and in existence, and owned, controlled or operated by the New York Telephone Company or New York State Electric and Gas Corporation within the City of Ithaca, upon the condition that it shall first obtain the written permission of the New York Telephone Company or New York State Electric and Gas Corporation respectively for such uses. -2- 4. Grantee shall be permitted to extend its poles, wires, trans- mission lines, distribution lines and service line, and to give service to the City of Ithaca and to its inhabitants in accordance with the permission, rules, regulations and statutes as the same may be amended from time to time, of the Public Service Commission,. Federal Communications Commission, and other regulatory bodies of the State of New York and of the United States of America and subject at all times to the applicable laws of the State of New York and of the United States of America. '5. Grantee is hereby empowered, and subject always to the approval,.' if necessary, of the Public Service Commission of the State of New York or other applicable State Commission, and the Federal Communica- tions Commission, to use proper practices, and procedures within the spirit of this franchise and appropriate to the service within the geographical limits of this franchise. 6. Grantee, upon execution of this franchise agreement,shall,if required be allowed to proceed to petition the Public Service Commission of the State of New York or other applicable State Commission and Federal Communications Commission for any approval 'required to be had in the premises, and upon such approval, he shall notify the Mayor of the City of Ithaca, in writing. 7. No poles are to be erected upon the public streets, alleys, avenues and public grounds and no excavation of any type shall be done or caused to be done unless permission in writing is first. obtained from the Department of Public Works of the City of Ithaca, New York. 8. In the event that a change is made in the grade of public street, alleys, avenues and grounds by authority of the City, which shall necessitate the removal of any poles, wires, transmission lines, and distribution lines, to conform to the change of grade, Grantee shall make the necessary changes in its lines, at its own expenses, upon due notice from the Board of Public Works of the City to do so. 9. All work in any way necessitated by the business of the Grantee which may involve the opening, breaking or tearing up of a: portion of a street, sidewalk or other part of any City -owned or City -con- trolled property shall be done by the City at the expense of the Grantee. Grantee shall save and keep the, City harmless against all loss or damage to person or property causedby the construction, laying maintenance or operation of any of its lines or other under- taking under the authority of this franchise. 10. a) During the terms of this franchise, Grantee shall furnish to all persons desiring the service offered, and paying for the same, a wire service capable of producing as good a quality of television picture signal or reception as may be practical from time to time, and shall make all reasonable and practical betterments or improve- ments of said service as improvements in the science of carrying of television signals shall warrant, as well as in the elimination of radio interference. -3- b) The Grantee shall certify to the City and provide such re quired.documentation to prove that it is in fact meeting the minimal technical standards required by the Federal Communications Commission and the New York State Commission on Cable Television, .. Said: certifi- cation and documentation will be provided as may be requested by the City. If in the belief of the City the minimum technical standards are not being met, or if the Grantee shall fail to provide such certification and documentation as required herein, then the City may, at its sole option, employ the services of the New York State. Commission on Cable. Television engineering van to make certification checks within the City. The Grantee agrees to such verification checks at the discretionof the State Cable Commission (should they.. be required by the City) . •c) Service shall be defined to include basic service as herein- after defined and the provision of any additional cable programming to subscribers' homes 'and businesses in the city through the use of cable and necessary instruments. d) Basic Service means the provision of 12 channels (channels. 2 through 13) to subscribers' homes and businesses in the city through the -use of cable and necessary instruments. Such Basic Service shall include the so-called "must -carry" stations as required by the Federal Communications Commission and the New York State Cable Commission, the Learning Channel (formerly ACSN) on the Local Access Channel 13 during times when local access programming is not available,and the current New York City stations (now three in number) to the extent channels are available after local access and "must -carry" stations are pro- vided. 11. This franchise does not in any manner grant to the Grantee, his successors or assigns, the exclusive right to the sale and service of telephone sets, accessories, or converters within the City of Ithaca, and it is expressly understood that the right to sell such sets or accessories or converters is reserved to any and all legitimate dealers. By acceptance of this franchise, the Grantee, his successors and assigns shall be deemed to have accepted the following conditions: a) Any person, individual or corporation may purchase television sets from any source without any liability to the holder of the franchise herein granted. b). The holder of this franchise shall be required to permit any individual or corporation to have access to allservices of the holder of this franchise, subject only to the payment of regular installation fee and monthly charges which are hereby established as. follows: 1) Installation: Residential establishments (maximum charges): First installation charge - $25.00 Each additional installation - 15.00 •:Commercial establishments (maximum charges): - ,First. installation charge time and materials Each additional installation Custom installation (residential or commercial) hidden wire, underground drop in area where drops are other- wise aerial - Monthly Rental Charges: First outlet, basic service Each additional outlet (resi- dential), basic service - Each additional outlet (commercial): First ` FM outlet - Each additional FM outlet time and materials 10% time and materials + $ 2.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 The monthly rental charge for first outlet, basic service and first FM outlet shall increase to $8.00 effective January 1, 1986, and remain at no more than $8.00 atleast to January 20, 1988 notwithstanding any. Federal or Statelaw, rule, regula- tion or ruling which permits or authorizes any increases thereof to the contrary during this period. Disconnection: No charge will be made for disconnection., and no charge will be made for the period when the service is disconnected for any reason whatsoever. Cable service may be disconnected when the rental or other charges are 60 days past due. 4) Connection and Re -connection To To Existing Outlet: $15.00 5) Transfer of Service: $15.00 Any user who has paid the regular established, residential . installation fee and moves to another residence within -5 - the city may have this service transferred for the above charge. 6) Relocation in the Same Dwelling: To a new location in the same room -$10.00 • To a new location in another room - $15.00 7) Converter Deposit (refundable): $10.00 8) Installation may be disconnected if user attempts to run more than one set at one time on each installatibn, or . permits anyone else to do the same; or tampers with the lines in any way. 9) The rates and charges for basic service set forth herein • -shall bind the parties for the period. July 1, 1984 to at least January 20, 1988 --the date of expiration of the existing franchise. In the event that grantee exercises its option to extend the term in accordance with Section 15 hereof, these rates shall continue in effect after January 20, 1988. No increase in rates and charges for basic service shall be effective after January 20, 1988 and during such extended term unless first approved by the Common Council in accordance with the provisions of Section 33 of this franchise as amended following a public hearing affording due process. Approval of increases in rates and charges for basic service shall not be unreasonably withheld 10) All installation and other charges include applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, except sales tax. 11) The City specifically reserves the right to conduct a sub- scriber or other rate investigation at.any time when it believes on the basis of financial data available to it that substantial changes in costs, revenues, or profits of the Grantee has occurred, and may on the basis of such investiga- tion, adjust the subscribers' rates or any other rates contained in this agreement after January 20, 1988. c) Grantee of this franchise shall not directly or indirectly • reflect the cost of installations in the price of •sets sold by it. . 12. If the trees in the City streets interfere with the erection of poles or the stringing of wires, or cables, in accordance with .the terms of this franchise, written permission for removing said trees, or any part thereof, must be obtained from the Department of Public Works, for trees on City property and from the owners of private property. 13. In all street installations, the cable or wires erected shall, in all respects, comply with the provisions of all existing Codes -6 - pertaining to the extension of wires across the streets, and all. applicable provisions of the Electrical Code of the City of Ithaca. Coaxial cable shall be used to carry the television signal through- out the street installations. Messenger cable shall be used to carry the coaxial cable across the streets. 14.- The holder of this franchise shall, at all times, keep in effect. the following types of insurance coverage: 1) Workmen's Compensation upon its employees engaged in any manner.in the installation or servicing of its plant and its equip- . ment quip..ment within the City of Ithaca. : 2) Public Liability Insurance in a total overall amount of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage insuring the holder. of this franchise and the City of Ithaca against liability ..for property damage and for personal injury or death by reason of the' :installation, servicing or operation of its plant and equipment or installations within the City of Ithaca. 15. The term of this franchise shall expire January 19,. 1988. -The franchise may be automatically renewed at the option of the Grantee for an additional period extending to May 1, 1991, unless after review of the performance of the Grantee, Grantor shall determine that said performance has been inadequate, in which case the Grantor may, upon one (1) month's written notice to the Grantee terminate this franchise agreement at the end of the initial ten-year term. However, this franchise may be revoked in the event the Grantee shall fail to comply with the terms and conditions herein set forth within sixty days after written notice of such failure. has been received.by the Grantee. 16. This franchise is personal to the Grantee, and may be transferred only on application to and approval by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca. No permit or grant of similar privileges and powers as are covered by this franchise shall be allowed during the period hereof except upon a franchise applied for and approved by the Common Council. 17. The Grantee shall pay to the City Chamberlain annually a sum equal to three per centum (3%) of its gross revenues from all cable service operations within the City; said gross revenues shall in- clude the charges and rentals for basic service as set forth herein, all other charges and rentals set forth herein, and all other revenues obtained from any source whatsoever on account of the provision of cable related services of any kind within the City, in- cluding, but not limited to, basic service, augmented service, satellite service, HBO, pay television, and any other entertainment or other services. The City may increase the per centum sum in the first sentence of this paragraph as permitted by law or. regulations of the Federal Communications Commission or. New York State Cable Commission. Such fees shall be and constitute a lien upon the property of the Grantee within the City prior and superior to all other debts, obligations, taxes, mortgages, or liens of whatsoever nature regardless of the time of the creation thereof, excepting herefrom any prior liens on the New York State Cable Commission. -7 - Failure to make the required report or pay such franchise fees to shall beg rounds for revocation of ATC will no thist app> any franchise.tax Inrregards the the property tax credits, greater proportion than the City of Ithaca thaca e subscribers Pl system. rovis ion • 18. Any.continuous and be11ul violation cancellationsection therfpranchese of this franchise shall groundsThe xi ht is r.esexved to after due notice and public hearing. g Grantee to prosecute in any Court or othercove,.anyysteilinganchise. pirating or unlawful uses of the services 19. 'If any section of this franchise agreement or any clause or any hrase thereof shall be held to be unconstit tional or ford, all other p and P portions not so held shall be and effect. . 20. The City recognizes that Grantee has constructed its system substantially throughout the primaryarea (thetentireis city) . No standards for line extension are required shall continue to provide such service throughout the duration of the franchise,: pursuant to this franchise. 21. Grantee shall construct its cable system using materials of ood and durable quality and all w rk if nvolvethe dabneconst uc io , be perrffarlaormeddionin a safe, thorough g maintenance, and repair in, h and reliable manner. 22. Local Office. The Grantee shall maintain anusu l ice in Tsspkins , County, New York, which shall be open during allavin a listed telephone, and be so operated that complaints and requests for repairs or a h g ents may be received at any time when djustmbroadcast. The Grantee shall. any television signals are beinoQd es and to all service calls within 24 rs anedreorrect malf un bans as promptly as possible. r PFor that purpose ees sufficient to provide.adequate and a competent stato of employees his prompt service to its subscribers.The identifyingetheasubscrpber�ecor_o Pe sudicribetion hois of allecomplaints frommsubscribersnt,ature of complaint, address, date of complaint, complaint. A major system failure oshall seevconsideredeto exist s0 when tP the Grantee .shall subre is a simultaneous theoe interruption of a major system failure, hourte subscribers. In the event of a Y shall respond to notification of suchfailure Allhcomplaints not and restore service as promptly asP resolved by the Grantee within onew(1)Tweek aafter freceiCttshall be forwarded to the Grantor for revs limas Ithaca r his designeesoinuor administration ofesignated ttee has the franchise andfimple- b responsi- bility for the continuing procedures mentation of complaint procedures. Notice ofvehen to ccd subsforber reporting and resolving complaints will be gd at the time of initial subscription ton e theycable esucstem and aty be t intervals hereafter of not more thanwritten or by such other means as the New York okb y Statanteemission on Cable. Television may approve upon application -8- 23. Grantee shall not abandon any service or portion thereof with- out the written consent of the City. 24. Any City or private property damaged or destroyed shall be promptly repaired or replaced by Grantee and restored to serviceable condition. 25. Grantee shall not refuse to hire or employ, nor bar or discharge from employment, nor discriminate against any person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, marital status or disability. 26. The City reserves the right to adopt, in addition to the pro- visions contained in the franchise and existing applicable ordinances, such additional regulations•as it shall find necessary in the exer- cise of its police power; provided, however, that such regulations are reasonable and not materially in conflict with the privileges' granted in the franchise. 27. The City reserves the right to inspect all pertinent books, records, maps, plans, financial statements and other like material, of the franchise, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours. 28.This franchise is in compliance with the franchise standards of the New York State Commission on Cable Television and the provisions hereof are subject to the approval of said Commission. 29. a) Within thirty days of the receipt of final operating authority, Grantee shall post security with the City in the amount of 5,'000 in the form of a letter of credit or such undertaking as may be acceptable,in form to the City Attorney. b) Said security shall be forfeited to the extent specified by the City Council if the Grantee fails to comply with any applicable construction schedule, or if the Grantee commits a material breach of any of the terms and conditions herein prescribed. .As an. alternative, the City Council may unilaterally shorten or decrease the term .of this franchise if it shall find that the Grantee has materially breached any of the terms of this franchise. agreement. c) The Grantee shall be entitled to notice and hearing before the City Council prior to any forfeiture or decrease in the term of this franchise. d) No forfeiture shall be imposed for failures beyond the . reasonable control of the Grantee. e) In the event of forfeiture of part of all the initial security, the Grantee shall within thirty days thereafter post additional security so that the total amount of security posted equals $5,000. 30. Grantee shall file requests for all necessary operating authori- zation with the City of Ithaca, Commission on Cable Television, and. the Federal Communications Commission within 60 days f_romthe date this amendment is granted. 31. Public Access a) American Television and Communications Corporation shall provide one full separate single channel for public access programming on a demand basis, and otherwise comply with the pertinent New York State Commission on Cable Television rules and regulations. b) This single channel shall be designated as Channel 13 in the basic service group. c) Access to the separate channel shallbe provided on a first- come first-served basis within the following priorities: 1) Local live programming access 2) Public access. 3) Education access 4) Government access d) Users of the Public Access channel shall reservetheir time at least one and no more than fourweeks in advance of their desired broadcast time; this provision may be waived in a particular case by American Television and Communications Corporation in its sole discretion. . e) Studio time shall be provided at a cost not to exceed the actual cost of operating the studio. . f) The administration of public access broadcasting shall remain' with the American Television and Communications Corporation.. g) The City Cable Commission shall act as the Common Council agent in resolving disputes between the American Television and Communications Corporation and public access usersin the City of Ithaca. h) Video tapes to be shown on the public access channel shall be delivered to the studio at least two working days in advance of airing. i) Public access studios shallbe maintained at the company's. headquarters on West State Street and will include television cameras, recording and playback equipment, switching equipment and an editing capability. In addition ATC shall make available two separate porta-pak facilities for use by access users. Instruction on the use of the equipment shall be provided by the company. -10- j) The Tompkins County Public Library shall be wired for public access transmission. • k) In addition to any requirements imposed above regarding ATC shall respond positively to reasonable demands ofthe. public community for public access, facilities, equipment and cable of drops: 1) All access broadcasts Sonland State Cab lel conform to tregulations. -: Federal Communications Commissi m) American Community Cablevision will lmaintainhareecrecord tofb e theuse of the lsfoaped ublictelevision inspectionaand retained for a minimum available locallyyforpublic period of two years: n American Community Cablevision will prohibit the public access channel from being used for the promotion romotion or sale of commercial be f products or services, including advertising by yxor on bhalf ofucaidi- dates for public office unless spe d iY access rules of the New York State Commission on Cable Television. o) The franchises shall provide notice to each subscriber, at as to the availability of the intervals of not more than one year, cent and the address and television channel and production equip telephone number of the person responsible for the operation of the access channel(s). p) Except as superseded by Accessrrulesd frtheSNewsYorkof tState franchise agreement, the Public Commission on Cable Television are adopted by reference. d the 32. By execution hereof the parties hereof modify and amen prior franchise heretofore given by the City to the Grantee. s fin 33. The Grantee shall also be ronmissonof inancialsubmit treports� andan- cial statements, Uniform Cable C State and Federal income tax returns tandeCany other reascilanablely as soon thereafter as they may financial . information requested, be available. The City may request advice and analysis with regard to said financial'documents,.etc.,- f it from the State Cable Commissioand foroutside cllangeaccountants thelxates a and. necessary. Any request by Granteeprocedure: changes set forth herein shall be. subject to the following p a) Grantee shall commence the procedure by filing with the Common Council a formal written petition for the changes requested. . This petition shall be accompanied by supporting information as follows: (1) all independently audited financial statements, uniform Cable Commission financial osfordbh Statecand tFederal nd income tax returns of the Grantee and dating back each of the years preceding the request to the year of the previous change in rates; -11 - (ii) A statement of the capital assets, operations, revenues and services devoted and pertinent to all cable tele- vision operations within the City of Ithaca alone, and (iii) such additional information as the Grantee may deem relevant in support of its request. b) Upon receipt of such petition the Common Council or its designee shall with reasonable promptness review the same and may request in writing of Grantee such additional information, explana tion or clarification as may be reasonably necessary for determina- tion of the petition. Once such additional information is furnished,.: the petition shall be deemed complete. . c) The Common Council shall schedule a public hearing and act upon a complete petition within 90 days of the date when the petition is deemed complete. This 90 -day period maybe extended upon written agreement of both parties. The Common Council may consider but in no way is bound by: the advice and analyses of the New York State Commission on Cable Television and any independent. accounting 'firm of its choice; the status of rates and charges for comparable service in other cable television systems in similar . communities in the State of New York; the overall performance of the Grantee's entire city operation including all cable services which are other than basic service; and any other useful method of rate analysis for public services. 34. The value of this franchise at the end of the term, shall be zero. 35. In the event the Grantor annexes additional land areas in the future, then all of the conditions of this franchise shall apply to the annexed area. In the event that the new land area so annexed". is not wired by the Grantee for'the services set forth herein,.then a construction schedule. shall be negotiated between the Grantor and the Grantee within one year, or the City may, at its option, impose any of the penalty provisions contained herein as if the Grantee had materially breached any term or provision of this franchise agreement. In any event the Grantee shall extend its facilities to any area containing a minimum of 35 homes_ per lineal mile. • 36. The franchise will supply a statement Of. the capital -assets devoted to the cable operation in the City of Ithaca. The pro- visions of this paragraph shall be invoked only in the event of a rate change request.by the franchisee. 37. ATC agrees to supply a written statement to each new customer. ,prior to commencing installation for service to such new customer and to all existing customers prior to the effective date of any rate change and at least once per year. This statement shall contain the following: (1) Statement of rates pertaining to the customer, - including hook-up and all other charges that might be made; (2) concise statement of procedures for notifying ATC of difficulties with service, the ATC "trouble" phone number, hours of availability of service, customer rights to service, and complaint procedures; both within ATC and those available through the City of Ithaca. -12- 38. Bilis will always be paid to the local office or other desig nated locations in Ithaca and billing and other records of local subscribers will be maintained at that office. The system staff will include people whose primary function is to respond to billing and service problems. The resident Ithaca general manager will have complete authority to resolve all complaints concerning billing and service. 39. Not later than ninety (90) days after the close. of the Grantee's fiscal year, ATC shall make a written and oral report to the City Cable Television Commission. This report is to be presented in an open public meeting and shall consist of a statement o,f the financial status of the Ithaca'area cable television'system, a'review of line extension work completed, a summary of complaints lodged against ATC, and such other information as may reasonably be required by the City.-. -13 - IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and'seals the ,day and year first above written. CONTRACT AS MODIFIED: DATED: March 27, 1984 CITY OF ITHACA S/by:. CITY OF ITHACA . S/by: Edward J. Conley • Mayor AMERICAN TELEVISION AND COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION S/by: Joseph J. Collins Vice President • AMERICAN TELEVISION AND COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION Vice. 4President NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION ON CABLE TELEVISION TOWER BUILDING, EMPIRE STATE PLAZA ALBANY, N.Y. 12223 (518) 474-4992 WILLIAM B. FINNERAN - Chairman Mr. Robert A. Fletcher 775 Snyder Hill Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: City of Ithaca MICHAEL H. PRENDERGAST Vice -Chairman JERRY A. DANZIG Commissioner BRIAN A. LUDDY Commissioner THEODORE E. MULFORD Commissioner EDWARD P. KEARSE Executive Director August 2, 1983 Dear Mr. Fletcher: I have hadthe opportunity to review the information for the City of Ithaca submitted with your 'letter dated June 22, 1983. First.I will review the.company's operations, then address the questions raised in your letter, and finally make additional — comments on the information submitted. Company's'OVerations The financial information for American Community Cablevision (ACC) for fiscal year end June 30, 1982 was compared to the cable television industry in New York State as a measure of ACC's operating performance. For purpose of this analysis, the industry was defined as those companies filing an AFR-1 with. this. Commission. Unfortunately our most updated summary of cable operations in New York. State is for 198.0-81 so in making certain eonipar'isions the industry's financial information was ,increased by the change in the consumer price index to more closely reflect 1982 data. The results are as follows on a company basis: 1. ACC's total operating expenses were $86.00 per subscriber compared to the adjusted industry figure of $94.00 per sub- scriber. 2. Examining the operating expenses: in more detail, the allocation of service, origination, and selling general and administrative expenses differed from .the AFR, so for comparison with the industry averages,. the AFR figures were used. Service costs per subscriber were $25.00 for ACC compared to $32.00 per sub- scriber based upon the adjusted industry average. Origination costs per subscriber were $16.00 compared to the adjusted industry average of $21.00 per subscriber. Finally, selling, general and administrative expenses (SG & A) for ACC were $45.00 per subscriber compared to the adjusted industry average of $38.00 per subscruber. Given that ACC's SG & A expenses exceed that of the industry, further investigation into such components of this expense as overhead allocations may be warranted to determine if the allocation of corporate_ overhead is reasonable. Mr. Fletcher Page 2 August 2, 1983 3. ACC's grossrevenue per subscriber is $9.94 compared to the adjusted industry average of $12.25 per subscriber. 4. ACC's operating ratio is 96% compared to the 1980 industry operating ratio of 80%.. 5. ACC's operating expenses per mile are $4188 compared to the adjusted industry average. of $5194. From anexamination of the company's operations compared to that of the industry, it can be concluded that ACC's total operating expenses are in line with industry averages with gross revenue somewhat below the average. In response to the questions you raised: QUESTION 1 --- - -- -- - --- - -- - - -- --- .: .. .. - -- - - --- In the rate of return calculations provided by ACC $45,346 appears as a provision for income taxes (see Return on Investment schedule), while in fact ACC paid no income taxes and is not likely to in the future. RESPONSE In certain rate of return calculations, interest expense, net of tax effect, is added back to the net income or loss. On the third line of the Return on Investment schedule, total interest expense was added back to the net loss. I assume,that the $45,364 deduction for income taxes actually refers to the tax benefit ($88,222 x effective tax rate) received from incurring the interest. expense. If this is the case then the deduction is appropriate. There are .also severalalternative methods of performing a rate of return analysis. . If rates are set based upon a strictly utility base rate of return method, the desired revenue is computed by determining allowable operating expenses plus depreciation, interest, taxes, net investment in plant and multiplying by the Company's desired rate of return. The resulting revenue figure is divided by the number of customers to determine a monthly rate. If we examine rate of return as calculated by a commercial enterprise, the calculation would be net income after taxes divided by average total assets. The preceding description is only intended to bring to your attention that there are a variety of methods to compute rates of return. Mr. Fletcher Page 3 August 2, 1983 QUESTION 2 ACC claims that 51% of each new revenue dollar will fall into the category of provision for taxes. RESPONSE . Assuming .ACC's parent company. files a consolidated tax, return the tax rate used'by ACC :should be its parent's effective tax rate. This can be computed by dividing the parent company's. total income taxes by the. net income before taxes. QUESTION 3 Amortization of intangible assets has been included in ACC's ROI calculations. There is some question if it is legitimate to include this item since it represents the amount in excess of the market value of the system paid by ACC for "goodwill" when it acquired the system. RESPONSE The inclusion or exclusion of goodwill in the rate of return calculation is.a matter with no right or wrong method as practiced in the cable industry. Strictly utlity type accounting would exclude any amounts paid for the assets in excess of the net book value when first placed in public service, plus allowance for applicable depreciation and additions or deletions to assets. In practices we have observed, most municipalities have not questioned the purchase price. Many municipalities review rate increases in terms of comparability, i.e., rates are setbased upon the authorized rates in comparable municipalities receiving comparable services, or upon bargaining, i.e. a quid -pro -quo. The type of analysis youare requesting has been attempted by only a few municipalities; therefore, the Commission does not have an established policy regarding inclusion or exclusion of goodwill in rate of return analysis. QUESTION 4 There is also some question as to the accuracy of the ROI figures provided for the City of Ithaca. • In particular the way some costs were allocated to the City. RESPONSE In a review of the Notes To Allocated Financial Statements the following matters require comment: 1. ACC chose to allocate based upon the annual average basic plus pay subscribers and/or annual average miles of plant. Normally, allocations made based on subscribers consider only the basic subscribers. In this instance, however, the inclusion of pay television subscribers has little impact since City's proportion of subscribers is increased by a mere 1%. Allocations based on. Mr. Fletcher Page 4 August 2, 1983 subscribers and/or miles of plant are common; however, the methods'have not been thoroughly examined in New York because most municipalities have not chosen to review rates based -.on irate of return. The inclusion of pay subscribers, in the allocation method, raises the. question of whether operations related to pay television should be included in a rate of returnanalysis for determining a basic rate. Another state has proposed a method of allocating basic and premium 'service to determine pre-tax income and the rate. base of the basic cable operation for rate making purposes. Under this method, revenues, expenses and the rate base that relate solely to pay operationsare excludedfrom the computation. The remaining revenues, expenses, and rate base used jointly in providing: basic and pay service areallocated between basic and pay operations based on an equal weighting of the proportion of basic service revenue to total revenues and the proportion of basic channels used to -total channels used.-- - —_ It is not our intent to recommend that the preceding formula be used by the City; it is provided solely for your information and review. Should you wish to pursue this method, I will be. happy to provide -you with more detail. 2: Headend, tower, antennas, microwave, and earth station were allocated based on number of subscribers. . Neither the number of .subscribers or miles of plant has more impact upon the cost of these items; therefore,either method:of allocation'would,be-appropriate. 3. Property tax expense and accrued property taxes were allocated using different methods. -For consistency, the preferred method of allocation shouldbebased on the total plant,property, and equipment. 4. Interest was allocated based on net assets. (as shown on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities & Net Assets)... According to the AFR, Net Assets is composed of current loan payable and owner's equity, which we assume represents the parent company'•s investment in the system. The interest expense attributed to the Net Assets should be computed based upon the estimated interest expense incurred by the parent company on that portion of its investment that was to be debt financed. Mr.. Fletcher Page 5 August 2, 1983 Interest expense can be computed as follows: 1) Compute parent company's debt to equity ratio 2) Apply ratio computed in number 1 to the net asset amount of $1,240,536•(Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Assets) to compute that portion of the paren:C s investment that was debt financed. ,. 3) -Compute the parent's effective interest rate by dividing . the.parent's.interest expense by current.loans payable. 4) Apply the.interest rate computed in number 3 to .the debt portion of net assets computed in number 2. 4. The allocation of the remainder of accounts appears reasonable. Additional Comments There is one other item that should be considered for inclusion in the computation of the rate of return. The income tax benefit due to the net loss -is-recognized on the Statement of Revenues and Expenses. Since the Company has determined it is appropriate to recognize the income tax benefit then it is appropriate to include this benefit in the computation of the rate of return. To provide you with a guide,as to how the City's rate of return compares to industry averages (as of 1980-81), attachment A contains a list of several industry rates of return computed using some of the possible methods available to the City. Also attached :is the 1980-81 Annual Financial Profile: prepared by this Commission, summarizing cable operations in, New York .::. Summary While the rate of return for the City is somewhat below that of the industry, the data we are examining reflects only one year of operation. In rate of return analysis, it is not unusual to request finanical information for prior years operations as well as future projections. Financial projections for the next five years should reflect operations without the requested rate increase, with the requested rate increases proposed by the City and the increase proposed by ACC. By obtaining additional financial information from both past and future years, the City will obtain a better idea of ACC's past performance and the impact of the proposed amendment on future operations. • 'Mr. Fletcher Page 6 August 2, 1983 • ) This review should provide the City with additional insight into the operations of ACC, particularly in comparision to operations of other cable companies in N.Y.S. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (518) 474-2471. • „ - . . - cc: J. Wright, CCTV M. Sheridan, American Community Cablevision = f • Sincerely, 1 • Susan W., Sheehan. Senior Accountant ATTACHMENT A Financial data for cable industry. in NYS for the period 1980-81 . Net Income After.'Taxes '.Interest $24,304,863 . 'Tax Benefit (257 effective tax 6,076,215_ rate) Interest Net of Tax Benefit. Average -Net. Property, -Plant: and Equipment ., 7. Average Goodwill 8. Working capital allowance (12.57 operating expense) 9. Investment $18,052,727 la 228 648 $:36; 28:1::37.5 • a..��e�e®saa ede�aerme • $243,884,048 25,933,127. . 1.5. 204,982 "$285,022-,157 A. :'Using same_formula as ACC '. in their Return On Inves tment Schedule .. B. Excluding goodwill. Line ine _ .12.77. • Line 54 -(line 6 + line 8) = 14.07 NOTE: The information on this attachment provides more detail in certain areas than is available on the Commission's Annual Financial Profile. , OFFICE OF CITY CLERK CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 January 12, 1984 TO Cable Commission Alderman Schalther Mayor Gutenberger FROM: Ben Nichols TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 The attached makes it seem clear that we should not revise the ATC franchise to a two-tiered system - even if we call it "augmented service". I think we had better come to some new proposal before we begin mediation. BN/cjh "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 14 4' 1.0.-÷Lvv. 4 -Th' Gtett ft.Art. r cvo.v.e. 6 c.„. itk..t„ekao 6z..0 (4.;,, A 14.4,1,„ • clt.A., t#14.4.1 - \rot e Frk.o s 41,N4Arg. +‘ `tft.‹ 44-41f$eNe '"b(tOPIN: • IAA- 444g t k Qf„,ki-vm.teiv s,4-4 tve/VG itt.; lc. v.,— Li 104. S ANA, tMoNitd e, 10 0% a 10A rope. *at:441,111i\ ;1 Y. .SiI}iL� •:a THE C0ir1iSSLu.✓ C0/1,1-, J.3i cit.; W•:J —4— /tics Ls PREEMPTION OF STATE AND LOCAL REGULATION OF "TIERED" SERVICE RATES John A. Figliozzi Item: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has "af- firmed its preemption of non -basic cable TV service, declaring cable systems to be exempt from local rate regulation of tiered ser- vices." -from "FCC News," Report No. 2814, November 9, 1983. "Tiering" of cable television services is a fairly recent development arising as a result of a proliferation of available program services, expansion of cable sys- tem channel capacities, and increasing sophistication of cable hardware. Tiered services are those which are available to cable subscribers for a fee in addition to that paid for basic service, and usually take the form of a few channels bundled and marketed under a number of titles such as "Supercable" or "Enhanced Tier" and the like. Tiered services do not include so-called stand-alone ser- vices such as HBO and Showtime, which are usually offered as single channels and termed "premium" or "pay" services. (Premium service rates were preempted from state and local regulation by the FCC in an earlier proceeding.) Cable systems may offer one or more of these tiered packages to maxi- mize revenue and tailor services in such a way so as to increase freedom of choice for the subscriber. It is a practice be- ing used with increasing frequency in cable systems. Municipal officials, regulatory agencies and cable operators have approached the ques- tion of tiered service rate regulation with a considerable degree of caution and con- fusion. Some operators have freely submitted to municipal regulation of such rates; con- versely, some municipalities have expressly chosen not to exercise jurisdiction in this (o1(jLc. area or challenge the assertion of other op- erators that local regulation of tiered rates and services are not permissable. In the absence of a definitive FCC ruling regarding tiered service rates, the New York State Commission on Cable Television (NYSCCT) in- cluded such rates in its open docket 90172, Notice of Inquiry, on the subject of rate regulation in general. (While the FCC has characterized its Order in this matter as an "affirmation" of existing policy, it is apparent from the considerable confusion among interested parties over the issue that the policy in question was not clearly delineated until now.) Specifically, the FCC's action by Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 83-225) taken on November 9, 1983 grants a petition for special relief requested by Community Cable TV, Inc. (CCTV) against the Nevada Public Service Commission which had sought to regulate CCTV's rates for tiered ser- vices. In its Order, the FCC asserted that "states and municipalities are barred from regulating rates for non -basic services," of which tiered services are a part. The practical effect is that local and state regulation is limited by federal pre- emption to basic service. However, no explicit definition of "basic service" has yet been enunciated be- yond the recognition that basic service must include at least the broadcast stations that are required to be carried by cable systems under FCC "must carry" rules. Since the FCC claims its ruling is an affirmation of previously expressed policy dating to 1969, all existing franchise pro- visions regulating rates for tiered ser- vice packages may be determined to be with- out force and effect and, therefore, not binding on the cable operator. This Commission is studying the FCC's action and its likely effect on cable ser- vice, state regulatory policy and municipal franchise agreements. Should you have any questions about the FCC ruling or its ef- fects, contact the Commission's Municipal Assistance Division at 518-474-2213. -7- -February 214,. 1975. Alderman Saccucci commented 1 only meant to stressonly-when it deals with a city • wide issue. Before I begin to speak, I want to- stress that this is not my feelings it is merely the feeling.of the peopl: which 1 represent.' • Aside from the several telephone calls that I'have.received from several local citizens,. I also have a petition from some;local residents, objecting to the cable rate increase of $5.50 per month, requested by thie.Ceracche Television Corporation. These residents elaim, that the present cable .rate,' of •.!$x.50 per' Month, • is not even justified to. be. paid today, since the television corporation has never produced the 3 channels. previously promised, namely: Buffala,.Scranton and Toronto station '. -but Merely supply the viewers with only repeatseiit;station duplications: These . • residents feel,; that they have been paying for; services that they.have never received, therefore, Mr. Mayor, they are asking the CorporatioiY.to provide the public•with the... ..above mentioned channels before they can even begin;to::.consider any rate increase.. May I also add, that the cable rate inerease requested by the Ceracche -Television. Corp. is being asked, when several senior citizens; of this ,community, were contem co- plating on .asking the Corporation, .for a special cable `rate.. : Therefore, on their. CC behalf, I am asking the corporation to consider thisir' request;: • - - - . a In view of this petition, I don't see hoar Mr. Mayti '; I can. supportthe proposed= resolution (local .law) amendment... Alderman Dennisfelt that this should be tabled until the regular March Common Council meeting. He felt everyone should be here to vote on it. i By Alderman Dennis: seconded by Alderman Saccucci RESOLVED, That Local. Law No. 7 be tabled until the next regular March Common Council meeting. AYES: 8 - Boothroyd, Boronkay, Dennis, Jones, Meyer, Nichols, Saccucci NAYS: 1 - Gutenberger ABSENT:. 3 - Barber, Hamlin, . Slattery By Alderman Nichols: seconded by Alderman Spano Spano. Carried Resolution of the. Common Council Establishing an Advisory Committee on=Cable Television The: Mayor shall appoint an advisory committee on'cable television..: The cammittee shall consist of five local residents, three of whom shall be required to live in the City of Ithaca, and shall include at least one trained accountant and one electronics engineer. The Mayor shall appoint the five members so that one term shall expire each year, ..,so that one appointment will be made each year after the initial group of five shall'. ' . be selected. The duties of the committee will be to hear and review citizens' complaints and suggestions regarding cable televisionservice; to advise the Ceraeche Television Corporation regarding access to the cable television system by local individuals, groups, and. public bodies; and to supervise the preparationof the annual report of the televisioncorporation to the Common Council. They shall also make recommenda- tions to the Common Council concerning changes to be incorporated inthe future renegotiation of the cable television franchise. Carried Alderman Jones asked why the ober of people on the committee was five as opposed to seven. Alderman Nichols .said:_ if a committee is large it is very difficult to have any effective: general. meetings. This committee would be able to call upon. any number of other people for advice and suggestions, a committee of more that 5 would. be .so unwieldy. On a motion the meeting was.adjourned at 5:55 p•m. 0:....• Soseph A. Rundle, City Clerk Ithaca Television Cable Commission Original --July 30, 1975 Ray Bordoni, Jr. Morris Angell Peter J. Potorti Dana Orloff (Chairman) —Mn Martin. ' �iiZGGLG January 10, 1979 [./ y.. 0. _---Ray Bordoni, Jr. Morris Angell Peter J. Potorti Robert A. Fletcher (replaced Dana Orloff, who resigned) Robert Hines (replaced Ann Martin, who resigned) January 1, 1980 Benjamin Nichols (replaced Ray Bordoni, Jr., who resigned) . Morris Angell Peter J. Potorti Robert A. Fletcher .-Robert Hines December 11, 1980 Benjamin Nichols (Chairman) .Morriss Angell teeter J. Potorti 3 ya Robert A. Fletcher f Curt R. Dunnam (replaced Robert Hines who resigned) J Volume 2, Number 8 October 1988 Fiber Optics to Strengthen Rebuilt Cable System Fiber optic technology will play an integral part in American Community Cablevision's rebuilt cable system. Initially, some six miles of fiber optic cable will be used to transport programming signals from our receiving tower on Snyder Hill to our downtown Ithaca hub. As the rebuild spreads outside of the City of Ithaca, fiber optic trunk lines will extend from the Ithaca hub to sub -hubs in Candor, Lansing and Groton. Fiber optics, with its minute signal-to-noise ratio, virtually no signal loss and ability to withstand weather conditions such as lightning, make it a sound choice for use within our cable system. Developed only a decade ago, fiber optic tech- nology is based on the transmission of information by means of light energy sent through a glass fiber. It offers numerous advantages over conventional coaxial cable. Fiber's advantages over metal wires include unlimited channel capacity which allows for thinner cables with wider bandwidth. The information - carrying capacity of fiber is more than 100 times that of copper. A single optical fiber can carry data at rates in excess of 1,000 megabits per second. Fiber also provides very low signal degradation, requiring fewer amplifiers in a long-distance cable. Because it is nonmetallic, fiber optic cable is immune to RF and electromagnetic interference. Since it does not conduct electricity, fiber won't short or spark. And fiber optic cable wieghs far less than the coaxial type. Transmission of video on fiber is done by means of photonic pulses, basically switching light on and off. ACC is pleased and excited to be employing state-of-the-art fiber optic technology within our rebuilt system. Its use promises to ensure future channel capacity needs, improve picture quality throughout our system and reduce the number of outages. Cable NewsCenter 7 On the Hour On September 26, ACC's Cable NewsCenter 7 began rebroadcasts of its 6:00 program beginning on the hour at 7:00 p.m. and concluding with a final repeat at 11:00 p.m. The scheduling of Cable NewsCenter 7 six times each weeknight makes it easier for Tompkins County viewers to watch the program at more convenient times. By providing viewing options for Cable NewsCenter 7, which is the second most watched news program at 6:00 p.m., a broader range of the community will be able to follow local news, weather and sports. The concept of repeating local newscasts is not new: the approach is used successfully on Long Island, NY and in Fairfield County, CT. Market research tells us that people like to have several chances to see local news. We're confident that the scheduling change will be well-received here. Cable NewsCenter 7, which celebrated its second birthday on July 1, was nominated as a national finalist earlier this year for an Award for Cable Excellence, the cable television industry's equivalent of the Emmy Award. It remains the only live local news, weather and sports program produced by a cable television company in upstate New York. Dear Official: Cable Currents is a bi-monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision franchise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic mentioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop me a note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager ACC to Make Available Closed -Caption Decoders to Hearing Impaired Customers ACC is pleased to announce that we have purchased closed -caption decoders for the use of new and current hearing-impaired customers. We expect to announce their availability in early November. The closed -caption decoders will be on loan from ACC at no extra charge to those customers who qualify. Our supply of decoders is limited by availa- bility from the manufacturer, so should all of the units be in use, we will immediately order more. We will also place individuals in need of a decoder on a waiting list and notify them as soon as new units are available. The closed -caption decoder looks just like a VCR and can be easily connected to a TV set. (See the photograph at right.) A decoder provides hundreds of closed - captioned hours of programming each week on virtually all cable channels. The hearing-impaired can also watch political speeches and debates, network nightly news programs, and even ESPN's Sunday night NFL football games with only a slight delay of the captions. No longer does a hearing- impaired individual have to be exempt from under- standing exciting events as they happen or learning about the American political process. Television listings show a "CC" or symbol to denote which programs are closed -captioned. With the additional use of a VCR, it is also possible to tape programs with captions intact, or to rent captioned movies. What is Closed -Captioning? Anyone who has seen a foreign film with subtitles silently parading across the bottom of the screen has experienced captioning. This is open -captioning, which is seen by everyone who is watching, like it or not. Closed -captioning, however, is exclusively available only to those with a decoder. The words are sent as an electronic signal along with the data which eventually forms the television picture. The decoder then unscrambles the signal. When the closed -captions appear, they are usually at the bot- tom of the screen and do not interfere with the overall picture. Occasionally they are placed in other locations so as not to block any important actions or graphics. Situated on a black strip of background are the bold, white letters which stand out and are very easy to read. The National Captioning Institute (NCI), estab- lished in 1979 as a non-profit organization, is the leading supplier of closed -captioning services. It is not allowed to decide which shows to caption, al- though it can advise the organizations which do make the decisions. Captioning takes approximately 20 to 30 man- hours and $2,500 for each program hour. Funding for captioning is provided by corporations, founda- tions, program sponsors, producers, cable and broadcast networks, cable television companies, the federal government, and the NCI Caption Club, which is comprised of hearing-impaired individuals and organizations. With the help of this invaluable technological advancement and the continued increase in the availability of closed -captioned programs, the hearing-impaired population is now a vital part of the television viewing population. Lineup Change for Channels 23 and 26 Effective Saturday, October 1, ACC will change the channel assignment of WNYW-5 on channel 23 with WVIA-44 on channel 26. Switching channels 23 and 26 in ACC's lineup is designed to improve reception and better secure our signal to customers. For more information, contact ACC's business office at 272-3456. "Parental Control" Limits Children's Viewing Choices Customers who are interested in blocking certain channels from children's viewing can do so with ACC's parental control feature. The one-time price for the option is $10. Once the parental control feature is activated, the customer's cable box will turn to channel 7—the Weather Channel and Cable NewsCenter 7—whenever the child tries to watch a channel the parent doesn't want him or her to see. ACC will program your cable boxes so the certain channels parents don't wish their child to watch can only be viewed when the "AU" (authorization) button on the cable box or remote control is pushed, and then a personal 5 -digit code is entered. To obtain parental control, customers are asked to set up a time to bring us their cable boxes. Our customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Cable Guide Mailing Meet the Managers To Change Basic service customers have been notified that beginning with the November 1988 issue, ACC will no longer mail "The Entertainer" programming guide to them. The Guide however will continue to be mailed free of charge to all Super Tier and premium service customers. Recent increases in production costs have made it necessary to make this change in "The Entertainer's" distribution. Since Basic only customers subscribe to 12 rather than as many as 42 channels that our system presently offers, they do not require the volume of detail contained in each month's "Entertainer." Basic only customers who wish to continue receiv- ing "The Entertainer," may pick one up at ACC's business office at 519 West State Street in Ithaca. Employees Awarded Volunteer Grants Congratulations to three ACC employees who recently were awarded volunteer grants from ACC's parent company, American Television and Com- . munications Corporation. To encourage volunteer efforts by employees, the ATC Volunteer Fund helps support specific pro- grams in the 32 states in which ATC operates cable TV franchises. Cathy Sincebaugh, ACC accounting clerk, re- ceived a $500 grant to support the programs of Newfield Central School's Booster Athletic Club. Cathy has served as the Club's secretary since 1983. Regina Deschere and Fran Wright received a team grant of $1,000 to expand an outdoor gym for the West Hill Day Care Center. Their work earned them a similar grant last year for the day care playground. Regina, who is ACC's programming and public affairs manager, and Fran, an administrative assistant, have been members of West Hill's board of directors. John Herrewyn has been promoted to the position of chief engineer, reporting to Mike Withiam, gen- eral manager. John, who has been ACC's chief technician since 1981, replaces Patrick Hourigan, who has assumed the position of technical operations manager with All American Cablevi- sion in Columbus, Ohio. John will be responsi- ble for all technical aspects of ACC's oper- ations, including plant construction, mainte- nance and repair, as well as installation and video equipment support. A native of .Albany, John began his cable engineering career 10 Herrewyn years ago. Prior to join- Johning the Ithaca system seven years ago, John held positions with the Albany and Rochester cable systems. He and his family reside in the Town of Lansing. ACC Scholarship Recipient Named at TC3 Kathy Fischer of Cortland has been selected as the first recipient of the American Community Cablevi- sion Scholarship at Tompkins -Cortland Community College. The scholarship is designated for a student in the electrical technology program who has completed a minimum of 24 credit hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in electrical courses and an overall GPA of at least 2.8 ACC. AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor ©1988 ACC 519 West State Street, Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Volume 2, Number 7 July 1988 August Price Adjustments The cable programming that ACC provides to our customers' homes delivers special moments day in and day out. Because we pledge to deliver the best in entertainment and information programming, we will be introducing new pricing effective August 1. These changes will make it possible for ACC to continue to offer the widest possible range of outstanding programs. Our customers have been notified of the new pricing through bill inserts in both their July and August bills.:.., The new prices to be introduced on August 1 will apply to our entertainment packages only; they will not apply to the price for basic service. One important change to note is that the remote control will now be offered only on an a la carte basis,'at $3.00 per month. The new discount package prices are as follows: New Price Discount Old Price One -Star Package $23.95* -0- $24.95 (Basic & Expanded Tiers, 1 Premium Channel) Two -Star Package $31.90* $2.00 $31.90 (Basic & Expanded Tiers, 2 Premium Channels) Three -Star Package $39.85* $4.00 $38.85 (Basic & Expanded Tiers, 3 Premium Channels) Four -Star Package $47.80* $6.00 $45.80 (Basic & Expanded Tiers, 4 Premium Channels) Premium Services - a la carte price remains $9.95 each. *Remote control unit is now available only on an a la carte basis at $3.00 per month. You should also note that customers receiving the 23 -channel Super Tier, including the addi- tional channels made possible by our system rebuild, will pay $6.00 per month for that service which will increase their package rate by $1.00. Super Tier customers not rebuilt will continue to pay $5.00 per month. Cable programming has become a perma- nent fixture in most American homes because consumers have come to recognize that only cable television can provide a full range of al- ternatives to network programming. Exclusive programming, available only on cable television, is changing the way Americans think about tele- vision viewing. Cable television programming offers consum- ers outstanding value for their entertainment. The price adjustments we are introducing on August 1 will assure that we continue to offer that value.. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact ACC General Manager Mike Withiam at 272-7875. Dear Official: Cable Currents is a monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision franchise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic mentioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop me a note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager A Refranchising Update Now that American Community Cablevision has completed the renewal of its franchise with the City of Ithaca, we expect to soon begin approach- ing other municipalitites in our service area with whom we have franchises near expiration. We also expect to approach a number of franchises to request extensions to their current franchises. During the fall, our franchises with the Town of Danby, the Town of Ulysses, and the Village of Newark Valley expire. Next year our franchise With the Village of Freeville expires. We thought it would be appropriate at this time to review the process for franchise renewal outlined in the Cable Act with our local government officials. The Cable Communications Act of 1984 out- lines a formal three year process for the renewal of a franchise that is designed to protect both par- ties involved. Sometime between 30 and 36 months prior to the expiration of the franchise, the cable operator, in this case ACC, is required to notify the municipality of its intention to seek renewal of its franchise. The municipality then has the op- tion (and legal obligation in order to fully protect itself under the Cable Act) to open ascertainment hearings designed to: 1) gather public opinion on future cable related community needs and interests, and 2) to review the cable operator's performance under the current franchise. Once this information has been gathered, the municipality has the option of issuing a formal Request for Proposal to the cable operator. The cable operator then responds to the Request for Proposal or, if the municipality has not issued an RFP, prepares a renewal using the information gathered at the ascertainment hearings. The municipality has four months after the ascertain- ment hearings are concluded to accept or reject the cable operator's renewal proposal. This deci- sion must be based upon four criteria outlined in the Cable Act: 1. Whether the cable operator has substantially complied with the terms of the existing franchise and all applicable laws governing cable television. 2. Whether the quality of the cable operator's service, including signal quali- ty, response to customers' complaints, and billing practices has been reasonable in light of community needs. 3. Whether the cable operator has the financial, legal and technical ability to provide services, facilities and equip- ment outlined in the franchise renewal proposal. 4. Whether the cable operator's pro- posal is reasonable to meet future cable related needs and interests of the com- munity, taking into consideration the cost of providing such services. Should the proposal submitted by the cable operator be unacceptable, a formal ascertainment hearing may be held by the municipality to create a formal public review of the operator's proposal and the municipality's reasons for preliminary rejection. At the end of this hearing, which is con- ducted as a formal legal proceeding, the munici- pality again votes to accept or reject the cable operator's proposal. Under a more informal process, the cable operator simply submits a proposal, then meets with the municipality to review the proposal and to negotiate changes. CABLE SYSTEM FRANCHISING 3 -Year Timetable Municipality Expiration 1988: City of Ithaca January 1988 Village of Newark Valley September 1988 Town of Newark Valley April 1992 Town of Danby October 1988 Town of Ulysses November 1988 Village of Trumansburg October 1994 Town of Ithaca November 1993 Village of Lansing November 1990 Village of Cayuga Heights Village of Freeville July 1989 1989: Town of Lansing November 1990 Town of Dryden May 1991 Village of Dryden September 1994 Town of Groton June 1994 Village of Groton February 1990 1990: Town of Newfield Town of Caroline Town of Candor Village of Candor February 1991 April 1991 February 1992 July 1995 Local News from Cable NewsCenter 7 Weeknights at 6 & 10 Effective July 4, American Community Cablevision no longer cablecasts the 11:00 p.m. edition of Cable NewsCenter 7 live. For viewers who may miss our live 6:00 newscast, a rebroadcast of the show will run at 10:00 p.m. each weeknight on cable channel 7. Despite ACC's efforts to promote Cable News - Center 7's 11:00 newscast, viewership of the 11:00 p.m. live program was very disappointing. Market research indicated that people are getting news at that time from area broadcast affiliates and CNN and sports from ESPN. Data gathered from this spring's survey of Tompkins County residents indicated that the 17 months of live news at 11:00 gathered no higher viewership than its taped predecessor. Therefore, the cancellation of the 11:00 newscast will allow us to put additional resources into our successful and highly viewed 6:00 newscast. Cable NewsCenter 7 at 6:00 will not be affected by this schedule change of our second newscast. Because the 6:00 program has far exceeded our expectations, it figures prominently in our plans to further improve the quality of ACC's local programming efforts. Market Research: What Tompkins County viewers think about ACC's news programming? From a survey of randomly selected residents contacted by telephone last March, we learned that more than one third of those surveyed looked to TV and newspaper equally as the source they generally rely on to find out about local news, weather and sports. Awareness of Cable News - Center 7 increased in the last year to 72% of cable customers (vs. 63% in a 1987 survey). More than half of cable customers said that they watched Cable NewsCenter 7 at least once a week or more often. Cable NewsCenter 7 remained in the top three TV stations mentioned by residents for local news. The preferred newscast watched was our 6:00 p.m. time slot, preferred two and a half to one over the 11:00 p.m. newscast. The 6:00 newscast, which celebrated its sec- ond anniversary on July 1, was nominated as a national fmalist earlier this year for an Award for Cable Excellence (ACE), the cable television in- dustry's equivalent of the Emmy Awards. We are very pleased that our news team was recognized for the time and effort that they have put into Cable NewsCenter 7 to make it a high- quality production. The honor of an ACE nomina- tion is especially noteworthy considering the larger local markets of most of the other nominees. Cable NewsCenter Ts market is considerably smaller than the respective news nominees in Fair- fax, VA; Bethlehem, PA; and Norwalk, CT. Cable NewsCenter 7 reports the day's local news, weather and sports in an objective and thorough manner. It remains the only live local news, weather and sports program produced by a cable television company in upstate New York. Watch Cable NewsCenter 7 at 6 and 10 and stay in touch with what's happening in our com- munity. Meet the Managers Along with the scheduling change for Cable News - Center 7, we recently made some staff changes. Regina Deschere has become Programming/ Public Affairs Manager, assuming responsibility for our news, local origination, public access, video repair and public affairs functions. Reporting to Regina are: Molly Cummings, Managing Editor of Cable NewsCenter 7; Lauren Stefanelli, Public Access Coordinator; and Joe Powers, Engineering Bench Technician. Regina Deschere John Woods, Mana- ger of ACC's produc- tion unit, Video Image Productions, has assumed the additional responsibility of providing technical support for Cable NewsCenter 7. John re- ports to Paula Leap, CableAds Manager. Regina, who joined ACC in May 1987, held communications posi- tions with General Drafting Company, National Planning Data Corporation and Smith Corona prior to joining the company. She holds a bachelor's degree in jour- nalism from Syracuse University's Newhouse School . of Public Communications. In her spare time, Regina serves as secretary of the West Hill Day Care Center's Board of Direc- tors and is a cabinet member of the United Way of Tompkins County. Regina, her husband, Ken, and their young sons, Jonathan and BJ, reside in the City of Ithaca. ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor ©1988 ACC 519 West State Street, Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Volume 2, Number 3 April 1988 Scrambling In preparation for the rebuild of our cable system, on Monday, May 16, the following expanded tier channel signals will be secured through scrambling technology: WNYW Channel 23 and FNN/SCORE/ Telshop Channel 19. This will only affect customers with cable -ready TV sets who do not presently subscribe .to the expanded tier service (channels 17-26.) Since our expanded tier customers are paying for these channels and others not on the tier with cable -ready TVs can tune them in without subscrip- tion, it is appropriate to protect the value of these services through scrambling. Those who would like to continue receiving-FNN/SCORE/Telshop and WNYW can subscribe to the expanded tier for just $5.00 per month. Since picture quality would be seriously com- promised, WVIA Channel 26 will not be scrambled. As a service to the public, we do not plan to scramble C -SPAN Channel 24. Some related notes: The Disney Channel has announced that it will begin scrambling its signal full time on May 11. The Weather Channel says it will begin fixed -key scrambling of its signal July 15, and plans to be fully scrambled by September 1. National Cable TV Month/ ACC Essay Contest Winners Announced! Three area youngsters were recently named the winners of the National Cable TV Month/ACC Essay Contest. During National Cable TV Month in April, area 4th through 6th grade children were invited to write their answer to "The best thing I have learned from Cable TV is..." Faith Wendell, a fifth grader from Dryden, was awarded the first place prize. She and her parents will fly to New York City to watch a live taping of NICKELODEON's movie review show, "Rated K: for Kids by Kids." The day -long excursion to New York is sponsored by ACC and NICKELODEON with transportation provided by Stone Travel of Ithaca. Ben Anglin, a fifth grader from Etna, and Jeff Pasternak, a fourth grader from Ithaca, were named the respective second and third place winners. In addition to receiving NICKELODEON T-shirts, Ben and Jeff, along with Faith, have been invited to ACC's studios to tape a 30 -second video of their essay thoughts. These video announcements appear on CNN and USA. We received many imaginative essays and the awards competition was tough. All the children who participated in our contest received a Disney Channel pen as our special thanks for joining in! Essay Contest Winners (left to right): Faith Wendell, Ben Anglin and Jeff Pasternak. (Photo: Randi Anglin) Dear Official: Cable Currents is a monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision franchise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic mentioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop me a note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager Rebuild Update Meet the Managers ACC will be introducing new cable programming service names and pricing discount options this June to those customers in the City of Ithaca who will be the first to be rebuilt onto our new system. As we developed the new names, we concen- trated on terms that would be more familiar and easier for our customers to remember. Monthly Retail Prices Budget Tier $9.00 Super Tier $5.00 ($6.00 for rebuilt customers) Remote Control $4.00 Premium Channels $9.95 Mini -Premium Channels $6.95 Budget Tier Additional Outlet $2.50 Super Tier Additional Outlet $5.00 ($6.00 for rebuilt customers) (Also includes any premium services on your primary outlet.) Discount Packages Monthly Price Starter Package (Budget & Super Tiers, Remote Control) $17.00 Rebuilt Customers $18.00 1 -Star Package (both Tiers, Remote Control, 1 Premium Channel $24.95 2 -Star Package (both Tiers, Remote Control, 2 Premium Channels $31.90 3 -Star Package (both Tiers, Remote Control, 3 Premium Channels $38.85 4 -Star Package (both Tiers, Remote Control, 4 Premium Channels) $45.80 5 -Star Package (both Tiers, Remote Control, 5 Premium Channels $52.75 6 -Star Package (both Tiers, Remote Control, 6 Premium Channels $59.70 7 -Star Package (both Tiers, Remote Control, 7 Premium Channels $66.65 ACC's director of local programming since June 1987, Julie Fox is responsible for the further development of local programming, public access television, Cable NewsCenter 7, and ACC's produc- tion unit, Video Image Productions. Prior to joining ACC in the fall of 1986, Julie was news director at WHCU and has also served as news director at a cable system in Wilmington, Delaware: While in college, Julie worked at WVBR-FM in a similar position. Julie, who holds a bachelor's degree in com- munications from Cornell University, is an Ithaca City resident. Julie Fox (Photo: Patricia Reynolds) Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor 0 1988 ACC ACC £MERIC•N COMMUNITY C•ELEVISION Volume 2, Number 6 June 1988 Rebuild Update American Community Cablevision will start introducing new cable programming service names and pricing discount options this July to those customers in the City of Ithaca who will be the first to be rebuilt onto our new system. This timetable is contingent upon final approval of our tentative franchise agreement with the City of Ithaca. That approval is expected June 8. By March 1989, the rebuild work is scheduled for completion within the City. The new services will become available to all of our customers over the course of a three-year period. The balance of our franchise areas will be gradually rebuilt between the spring of 1989 and the winter of 1991. For more information, watch our monthly cable programming guide and other media for updates. New Name in August for Cable -Watch Guide ACC's Cable -Watch cable programming guide will be renamed The Entertainer beginning with this August's edition. To inform our cus- tomers about the change and the reason why, a special announcement will appear in the July and August Cable -Watch issues. The renamed guide will be mailed to cus- tomers via second class mail rather than the present third class bulk rate. These changes will allow us to maintain our present delivery schedule in light of postal regulations. ACC Makes Available Emergency Medical ID Tags for Children In honor of National Safe Kids Week, May 16-22, American Community Cablevision distributed as a public service over 7,000 Lifesaver emer- gency medical identification tags to eight county youth -related organizations. The groups receiving tags included the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, 4-H, GIAC, Ithaca Youth Bureau and the Day Care Council. The Lifesaver Tag, a product of Lifesaver Charities of Anaheim, CA, was a recipient of a 1987 presidental public safety award. The tag's creator, George Wager, realizing that house- hold pets are better identified than children on the go, designed the tag to expedite parental notification and medical care for young acci- dent victims. The Lifesaver Tag is 1-1/4" x 1-3/4" and is made of a material that is tear resistant and indelible when written on with a standard ball point pen. A fine line Bic or other inexpensive fine line is the most effective. The tag is wash- able and will last through 26 washings. The tags can be used three different ways: laced into shoes and worn inconspicuously be- tween the laces; sewn to the tongue of of velcro strapped shoes; and sewn to the nape of the neck of jackets, rainwear, ski wear, camping gear, t -shirts, etc. It can also be sewn into the waistband of swimsuits, shorts, etc. Dear Official: Cable Currents is a monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision franchise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic mentioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop mea note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager The, tag has the child's name, address and three phone numbers to contact the parents, giving both home and work. The medical in- formation,. allergies and medication is what paramedics and doctors must know before ad- ministering aid. The insurance company and number expedite the admittance into the hospital. The doctor's name and number allows an emergency room physician the luxury of mak- ing one single call and speaking to someone who: knows the child, has all the medical re- cords, and in a localized accident, which is 95%, can come to the hospital to assist. tame Ad�tes/� Sm� The parental consent form allowstheemer- gency room physician to properly care for chil- dren regardless of whether the parents can be reached, which can only improve the outcome for an injured child: We at ACC cherish our children—the keep- ers of our future. We are pleased to provide Lifesaver tags to help them in case of trouble. Additional tags can be received by contacting - ACC at 519 West State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850; 272-3456. Ithaca Festival '88 Newabriefs On Sunday evening, June 5, the IthacaFestival wraps up with the Grand Finale Sky Concert. Cosponsored by WHCU/WYXL Lite 97, Ameri- can Community Cablevision, the Carey - McKinney Group, Divi Resorts/Divi Executive Tower, and the Pepsico Bottling Co. of Elmira, Utica's American Fireworks Co. will treat Ithaca to the largest aerial fireworks display to be seen in the area this summer. The public is invited to view the delights in the sky free of charge from the -vantage point of Stewart Park. The Festival Grand Finale Sky Concert will begin about 9:15 p.m. Accompanying the 45 -minute fireworks dis- play will be music from the Ithaca Concert Band. So that the Sky Concert can be enjoyed by residents and neighbors outside of Ithaca not able to come to the park, WHCU/WYXL Lite 97 will be simulcasting the event on radio at 87 -AM and 97.3 -FM beginning at 9:00 p.m. Ithaca Festival on Cable ACC customers will have a number of oppor- tunities to catch Ithaca Festival sights and sounds on television. ACC is producing its first. Ithaca Festival '88 Highlights program which will be cablecast on channel 7 at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, Thursday, June 9, and Friday; June -10 The -pro- gram will be hosted by Julie Fox, ACC's director of local programming. - Festival coverage willbe plentiful on Cable 13 with five viewing opportunities. Cable -13 Ithaca Festival programming will be cablecast on Saturday, June 11, at 6:00 p.m.; Monday, June 13, at 9:00 p.m.; Tuesday, June 14, at 4:00 -and 9:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, June 15, at 8:30 p.m. Special Child Development Programming- Continues ACC is sponsoring -two months of cable - exclusive programming devoted to the growth, development arid parenting of young children. The series, called "The Child Development Program,"_debuted in April during the Week oftheYoung Child in cooperation:with the Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins- County.: - - - - - - -The child -development programming series features -everything from infant and -toddler - care to the many ways_the environment affects children's behavior. Included in the:series are programs obtainedfrom the. National Associa- tion forthe Education of Young°Children (NAEYC)=by the Day -Care -Council; "What Every Baby Knows," a-rnagazine show featuring renowned pediatrician, Dr. T. Berry Bazelton; Joan Lunden's "Mother's Day," with advice on parenting from childrearing experts; and "Motherworks," a parenting show especially for working mothers. The programming is cablecast weekly on Mondays, from 2:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on chan- nel 7 through June 13. Monday's program is repeated on channel 7 every Thursday evening through June 16 at 8:00 p.m. The eight-week series of half hour child development/parenting programs is aimed at enhancing the knowledge of day care center staff, nursery schools, pa- rents and family day care providers. Beginning in April, ACC donated one year of free basic cable service to licensed day care centers within the company's service area so that the centers' staff could watch the series and provide selective rainy day TV -watching to children. Eight of the county's 11 licensed day care centers received the service. Those centers outside of ACC's service area received a selection of programming videotapes. In order to remedy day care center equip- ment needs, ACC has teamed with area mer- chants t� jointly donate televisions and video cassette recorders to four of the centers. ACC thanks Gallager Home Electronics, K mart, The Present Co., and Woolworth's for helping us to provide equipment. ACC is particularly glad to sponsor this edu- cational programming and augment the training of those who care for the children of working parents—that's why one of the weekly shows airs during nap time for the convenience of day care workers. Local ACE Awards Announced in April ACC honored 1987's finest Cable 13 video pro- ductions made by community access volun- teers in April at the Ithaca Ramada Inn/Divi Executive Tower. ACC's fourth annual Awards for Cable Ex- cellence (ACE)recognizedthe best videos in 10 categories ranging from public affairs, youth and educational/instructional programming to innovative/experimental programming. There were two levels of awards for productions cablecast between April 1, 1987 and March 18, 1988: those produced at ACC's public access studios and those produced outside of ACC and later cablecast on Cable 13. The. 1987 ACE Winners/Videos Produced at ACC Public Access: CATEGORY PROGRAM NAME PRODUCER Public "More Than More Than The Affairs the News" News Collective Educational/ "Psychic Calls" Gene Ira Katz Instructional Religious "A Different Drummer" Csiko Sawyer & OASIS Christian Fellowship Youth "Root 13: Chris Sperry & Sexuality" the Alternative Community School Innovative/ "Slippage" MarilynRivchin Experimental PSA/Short "Thob on Steps" Camilla Lappin Subject Entertainment "From Redwing" Frances McKenzie Videos Produced Outside of ACC's Public Access Studio: Educational/ "Know Your Ed Moy Instructional & B.O.C.E.S. Entertainment "Anthology" Russell W. Hamden III PSA/Short "Don't Drop Out" Ed Moy & Subject B.O.C.E.S. Some two dozen ACE Award entries were received, of which 20 were produced onsite at ACC by access volunteers—the greatest number of entries ever submitted. Entries were carefully reviewed by an independent panel of judges. Anyone living in ACC's franchise areas may produce and cablecast their own program- ming, free of charge, through Cable 13, ACC's public access channel: The Cable 13 facilities are open to any member of the community who completes a trainutg course or demonstrates proficiency with video equipment, on a first come, first served basis. ACC offers a four- week training course on Saturdays, as well as frequent seminars covering such subjects as lighting, directing and graphics. Meet the Managers Withiam Elected to National Board In February 1988, Paula Leap became ACC's Cable -Ads sales manager. Paula directs the operation which offers advertising on Cable NewsCenter 7, MTV, ESPN, CNN and USA Net- work. Her staff includes account representa- tives Mark Gianquitti, Tom Keuhn, and Barry Leonard. Prior to joining ACC, Paula was sales man- ager for the Cable Ad/Gilcom Corp. in Altoona, PA. She was also an account executive for WFAT-TV in Johnstown, PA. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Paula holds a bache- lor's degree in speech and communications. Paula Leap ACC's general manager Mike Withiam has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Cable Television Public Affairs Association. The CTPAA is an industry -wide organization which has as its primary goal the development of public affairs expertise at all levels of the cable industry. Membership includes system managers, system public affairs managers and senior corporate public affairs executives throughout the cable industry. Mike will serve a two-year term on the nine member board of directors. He will be active on the general manager's training program committee and the organization's annual con- ference committee. The training committee has in the past year trained more than 1,700 system general managers on basic public affairs prac- tices at seminars throughout the country. ACC AMERIC•N COMMUNITY CABLEVISIOM Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor ©1988 ACC 519 West State Street, Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Volume 2, Number 3 March 1988 Meeting Reminder American Community Cablevision invites you to an information meeting on Thursday, April 7, 1988 at 7:15 p.m. at the Ithaca Ramada Inn's Grand Ballroom. The evening will provide an opportunity for us to review, over coffee and dessert, the wide range of cable television changes that Tompkins and northern Tioga counties will see in the next three years as a result of our system rebuild. The goal of our meeting is to introduce you to these changes so that you may be better informed. Here's a brief outline of the points we will discuss: System Rebuild • 3 -year timetable by municipality • impact on customers • new programming lineup Customer Service Improvements • office renovation • new billing system • new telephone system • technical improvements Local Programming • news and news -related programming • production facilities improvements • local origination plans • public access plans Local Franchise Update • pending renewals • planned extension proposals Regulatory Issues • at the local, state and federal levels including syndicated exclusivity, copyright, re -regulation, must carry rules, and pending scrambling legislation • city of Ithaca franchise renewal • overview of New York Cable Commission activities • the Cable Act in federal courts Kindly RSVP by Thursday, March 31, to Fran Wright, 272-7875, if you plan to attend the meeting. New York $portsChannel Debuts This Month Just in time for the start of the baseball season and the National Hockey League playoffs, New York SportChannel has been added to the cable television lineup as a premium service on channel 20. To make this sports service available to our customers, ACC's engineers are literally squeezing out one additional channel from our 35 -year-old system. How? By making monumen- tal improvements to our physical plant despite its advanced age. Over the the last five years, we've strategically replaced over 35 miles of worn equipment to counteract the aging pro- cess and to provide our customers with the high picture quality they deserve. We now feel con- fident in the integrity of our system to bring New York SportsChannel to Ithaca. (Our main- tenance work has earned us an excellent rating from the New York State Cable Television Com- mission; between 1984-1987, we experienced a 43 percent decline in service requests—an amazing accomplishment for a system our age.) New York SportsChannel is the only channel entirely dedicated to New York area sports and the New York sports fan. SportsChannel's ex- clusive year-round schedule offers more exclu- sive games of area teams than any other service. By subscribing to New York SportsChannel, viewers can see at least 55 Yankees games and at least 55 Mets games not available on WPIX or WWOR; plus a minimum of 62 New York Islanders hockey games, a minimum of 25 New Dear Official: Cable Currents is a monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision fran- chise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic men- tioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop me a note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager Jersey Devils hockey games, and at least 38 New York Nets basketball games, plus same- day horseracing from Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga. 1/4 The service also features "New York Sports Nightly News" twice each evening with up-to- the-minute reports about all of New York's pro- fessional teams; sports call-in programs; and SportsChannel exclusive specials. In addition, New York SportsChannel cablecasts college football and basketball contests of national prominence. ACC's premium New York SportsChannel service is available for just $6.95 or $7.95 more per month for those who currently subscribe to one of ACC's discount packages, and just $9.95 for those who subscribe to SportsChannel separately. New Expanded Tier Lineup The addition of New York SportsChannel and its replacement on Channel 20 necessitated a re -alignment of our Expanded Tier channel assignments. Because SportsChannel begins at 6:00 p.m. (unless an afternoon baseball game is scheduled), it will soon be sharing channel 20 with Cable SportsTracker, a service that fea- tures up-to-the-minute scores and sports stories. Here are the Expanded Tier channels affect- ed by the changes and their new locations. Service New Channel Location CNN ESPN FNN/SCORE/Telshop NY SportsChannel Cable SportsTracker MTV USA WNYW C -SPAN A&E/NICK WVIA 17 18 19 20 20 (mid-April) 21 22 23 24 25 26 Meet the -Managers ACC's office manager since 1981, Carolyn Herrewyn is responsible for the company's cus- tomer service operations and serves as the per- sonnel officer. Her staff of 20 customer service representatives address telephone and mail inquiries, explain programming. Service options and maintain accounting records. Prior to joining the Ithaca cable system, Carolyn held similar positions with cable sys- tems in Albany and Rochester. She celebrates her 10th year in cable television this year. Carolyn's husband, John, is ACC's chief tech- nician. They reside in the Town of Lansing with their young son, Jacob. Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor O 1988 ACC FICC • AMERICAN COMMUNITY C•OLEVISION Volume 2, Number 2 February 1988 Court Rules for Higher Copyright Fees One of American Community Cablevision's high- est programming costs will increase dramatically this year as a result of a Federal court ruling in January. At issue is the cost of our payment of copyright fees into a federally -administered pool used to com- pensate the producers of television programming that viewers receive on broadcast television stations. This pool has been established to simplify the pro- cess of paying these producers, centralizing the payment: program rather than requiring separate payments to each producer from individual cable systems. Copyright payments are linked to the number of broadcast stations carried on a cable system, the city from which they originate, and the revenue gen- erated by the cable operator through carriage of those channels. ACC pays a percentage of that revenue to the Copyright Tribunal, which later dis- tributes payments to producers. Channels regarded as "distant signals," for example those stations that ACC carries from New York City, carry higher copyright fees than local stations, such as those from Syracuse._ Afthe core of the issue is how the revenue base for calculating copyright fees_is de terrruned.:In-the ecentpast, cable operators have paid copyright fees based -directly on the number of broadcast chen- nels carried. The new court ruling says that the basis :for payments must now be-regula tedty tier of sere - i ice. Revenue from all service tiers that include a broadcast -station would be subjected td -copyright 1 fees, even if only one or two.channels on -that level + \\ of service is a broadcast channel: { L - I What does this copyright ruling mean for ACC and our customers? Under tthe new ruling, we will be required to pay i copyright fees on all revenue from both the basic -service tier and the -Expanded Tier, even though -,:only two of the nine channels on the -Expanded Tier are broadcast channels (Last year our copyright-payinent-represe to ed 7 5 -7 -cents per month for each customer We served:; This -year, as a direct result -of the recent:court ruling, Copyright fees will represent 28 cents per customer; reach month. -- —Given the fact that the price of basic service under our soon -to -be -signed franchise will be regulated by the City of Ithaca,A incre sa ed copyright expense T: sof this magnitude forces us to. consider: further= raising—r the price of the unregulated Expanded Tier and/orl premium services, unfairly burdening the customers; \who utilize the greatest number ofprogramming -options we offer: We must also`1ook cclosely at other expenses, perhaps cutting back or eliminating services—both' programming and customer service—that our cus- tomershave requested and come to expect. :1 `We_at-ACC-pride-ourselveedi the -high quality, affordable and diverse programming choices we provide to the community. Some regulations make it difficult for ACC to maintain this standard. It's par- ticularly frustrating when we have to incur additional and unreasonable expenses. The most recent _copyright court ruling will-have.a dampening effer 4on the ability of cable-operators=such=as AGC to' =. c offer-awidervarietyofprogramming and -service to i-cil`stomers_ New Billing System If by chance you phoned us this month, you.prob- ably heard the sounds of construction as we were busy renovating the ACC computer room. As we mentioned in the last issue of Cable Currents, we are completing the conversion to a new, more customer -friendly billing service this month. On Feb- ruary 26, the Customer Service Department will com- plete a week-long training in preparation for the new system's first day of operation on March 7. r As you know, ACC's (rices were.adjusted.effec hive Mascli 1:_Many of our customers who receive their first bills on about March 12 may notice an Dear Official: Cable Currents is a monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision franchise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic mentioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop me a note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager additional charge of approximately $.50 or $1.00 de- pending -on the_lev_el ofservice_we_provide. Thise ~amount reflects the half -month price adjustment period of March l-throngliMarch X14. Since this price=difference`was-not°posted on their previous cable bill, their account will be adjusted to reflect this additional charge. The strength of the new billing system lies in the computer processing capabilities it will offer us. With the upcoming system rebuild more than doubl- ing the average number of daily transactions, the more powerful functions of the new system will better equip us to handle customer activity in a fast, efficient manner. One function of the new system which we are especially excited about is the ability to geographi- cally target our customer mailings. This feature will make the job of communicating rebuild program- ming and service options to customers much easier. The system will also provide us with mechanisms for evaluating the technical performance of our operations. New monthly statements will be like those of the previous system in that pricing will be itemized with savings from discount -options clearly noted. :?The -new`ACC billing system is similar to the previous one in that we'll maintain o=cycle oper- — . ation. Customers are -divided into two -groups for billing -purposes, with one group receiving bills dui Arid the second week of the -month, and the second ,-group receiving bills during the fourth week of the month. r -,Splitting--our billing activity offers three major r` (advantages. First, itmakes_it_easier-to=reach-us-by` phone: Before cycle billing, our incoming telephone lines would often be busy for four or five days after customers received their bills, making it difficult to reach us for any other type of inquiry. By billing in two intervals, the surge of activity is shorter, keeping phone lines considerably lessbusy_ /Cycle-billiitg makes it easier for our customer; r service representatives-to`assist-callers-with-billing Lquestions; Most billing questions our customers have are quickly resolved with minimal explanation, but occasionally concerns arise that require research. By splitting our billing activity, we have given our customer service representatives more time to con- duct this research, making it possible for us to re- spond more quickly to customers with more difficult questions. ;-Finally,-cycle-billing allows is to enter payments ;more. quickly,_resulting=in=up-to-date-billing-state- sments _rebalanced outgoing mailingcreatesa bal- anced incoming mail stack, which consists primarily, of payments. This balance helps our staff to process payments in a timely manner, usually no more than one business day after they are received. • Telephone Update ACC's new telephone system is scheduled to be installed the week of March 14. The new system will further improve our ability to efficiently transact tele- phone business. It will help us to better monitor the timing and nature of the estimated 50-55,000 phone calls we receive each year. The system will give us the means to track the number of incoming calls per line; customer -time on hold; and thelength of cus- tomer calls, as well as indicate the peak periods of activity. We will use this information to better schedule our staff to meet customer demand. The system, by the way is a Northern Telecom SL -1, purchased from and installed by All -Mode Communications of Freeville. Meet the Managers Neal Rogachefsky has guided ACC's marketing effort since October 1984. As. Marketing Manager, Neal plans cable service promotions using direct mail, media advertising, telemarketing, direct sales,. and also supervises the development of ACC's ad- vertising sales department, Cable -Ads. Neal possesses a strong background in market research, which he uses to conduct and interpret periodic customer programming preference sur- veys. ACC uses the surveys to review current.pro- gramming choices as well as to identify future programming needs. Neal, a native Ithacan, holds a Bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. (He's been an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins since childhood.) Neal Rogachefsky Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor O 1988 ACC ACC • •MEDIC*N COMMUNITY CAOLEVISION SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION March 18, 1988 William Demo City Cable. Commission 119 Auburn St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Demo: American Community Cablevision invites you and your council members to an information meeting on Thursday, April 7, 1988, at 7:15 p.m. at the Ithaca Ramada Inn's Grand Ballroom. The evening will provide an. opportunity for us to review, over coffee and dessert, the wide range of cable television changes that Tompkins and northern Tioga counties will see in the next three years as a result of our system rebuild. The goal of our meeting is to introduce you to these changes so that you may be better informed. Here's a brief outline of the points we will discuss: System Rebuild o 3-yeartimetable by municipality o impact on customers o new programming lineup Customer Service Improvements o office renovation o new billing system o new telephone system o technical improvements Local Programming o news and news -related programming o production facilities improvements o local origination plans o public access plans Local Franchise Update o pending renewals o planned extension proposals 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Regulatory Issues o at theo�cal, state and federal levels including syndicated exclusivity, copyright, re -regulation, must carry rules, and pending scrambling legislation o city of Ithaca franchise renewal o overview of New York Cable Commission activities o the Cable Act in federal courts On hand for the evening will be members of ACC's management team, who look forward to meeting you. Kindly RSVP by Thursday, March 31, to Fran Wright; 272-7875, if you plan to attend the meeting. I urge you -to attend what will be an important and informative meeting on the 7th. Michael M. Withiam General Manager cc: Council Members CABLE CURRENTS Meeting Reminder American Community Cablevision invites you to an information meeting on Thursday, April 7, 1988 at 7:15 p.m. at the Ithaca Ramada Inn's Grand Ballroom. The evening will provide an opportunity for us to review, over coffee and dessert, the wide range of cable television. changes that Tompkins and northern Tioga counties will see in the next three years as a result of our system rebuild. The goal of our meeting is to introduce you to these changes so that you may be better informed. Here's a brief outline of the points we will discuss: System Rebuild • 3 -year timetable by municipality • impact on customers • new programming lineup Customer Service Improvements • office renovation • new billing system • new telephone system • technical improvements Local Programming • news and news -related programming • production facilities improvements • local origination plans • public access plans Local Franchise- Update • pending. renewals • planned extension proposals Regulatory Issues • at the local, state and federal levels including syndicated exclusivity, copyright, re -regulation, must carry rules, and pending scrambling legislation • city of Ithaca franchise renewal • overview of New York Cable Commission activities • the Cable Act in federal courts Kindly RSVP by Thursday, March 31, to Fran Wright, 272-7875, if you plan to attend the meeting. Volume 2, Number 3 March 1988 New York $portsChannel Debuts This Month Just in time for the start of the baseball season and the National Hockey League playoffs, New York SportChannel has been added to the cable television lineup as a premium service on channel 20. To make this sports service available to our customers, ACC's engineers are literally squeezing out one additional channel from our 35 -year-old system. How? By making monumen- tal improvements to our physical plant despite its advanced age. Over the the last five years, we've strategically replaced over 35 miles of worn equipment to counteract the aging pro- cess and to provide our customers with the high picture quality they deserve. We now feel con- fident in the integrity of our system to bring New York SportsChannel to Ithaca. (Our main- tenance work has earned us an excellent rating from the New York State Cable Television Com- mission; between 1984-1987, we experienced a 43 percent decline in service requests—an amazing accomplishment for a system our age.) New York SportsChannel is the only channel entirely dedicated to New York area sports and the New York sports fan. SportsChannel's ex- clusive year-round schedule offers more exclu- sive games of area teams than any other service. By subscribing to -New York SportsChannel, viewers can see at least 55 Yankees games and at least 55 Mets games not available on WPIX or WWOR; plus a minimum of 62 New York Islanders hockey games, a minimum of 25 New Dear Official: Cable Currents is a monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision fran- chise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic men- tioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop me a note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager J Jersey Devils hockey games, and at least 38 New York Nets basketball games, plus same- day horseracing from Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga. The service also features "New York Sports Nightly News" twice each evening with up-to- the-minute reports about all of New York's pro- fessional teams; sports call-in programs; and SportsChannel exclusive specials. In addition, New York SportsChannel cablecasts college football and basketball contests of national prominence. ACC's premium New York SportsChannel service is available for just $6.95 or $7.95 more per month for those who currently subscribe to one of ACC's discount packages, and just $9.95 for those who subscribe to SportsChannel separately. New Expanded Tier Lineup The addition of New York SportsChannel and its replacement on Channel 20 necessitated a re -alignment of our Expanded Tier channel assignments. Because SportsChannel begins at 6:00 p.m. (unless an afternoon baseball game is scheduled), it will soon be sharing channel 20 with Cable SportsTracker, a service that fea- tures up-to-the-minute scores and sports stories. Here are the Expanded Tier channels affect- ed by the changes and their new locations. Service New Channel Location CNN ESPN FNN/SCORE/Telshop NY SportsChannel Cable SportsTracker — MTV-- _ —- USA WNYW C -SPAN A&E/NICK WVIA 17 18 19 20 20 (mid-April) 21 22 23 24 25 26 Meet the. Managers ACC's office manager since -1981, Carolyn Herrewyn is responsible for the company's cus- tomer service operations and serves as the per- sonnel officer. Her staff of 20 customer service representatives address telephone and snail inquiries, explain programming service options and maintain accounting records. Prior to joining the Ithaca cable system, Carolyn held similar positions with cable sys- tems in Albany and Rochester. She celebrates her 10th year in cable television this year. Carolyn's husband, John, is ACC's chief tech- nician. They reside in the Town of Lansing with their young son, Jacob. Carolyn iierrewyn Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor O 1988 ACC BICC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-3456 February 1988 Dear ACC Customer: There are a myriad of changes ahead for American Commu- nity Cablevision's 24,000 -plus cus- tomers this year. This newsletter is designed to let you know about those changes which will be happening during the next few weeks. To Meet Higher Costs of Bringing Cable Home: Basic & Tier Prices Increase on March 1; Prices Lowered for Premium Services New cable service prices are being introduced to our customers effective March 1, 1988. This is our first price increase in over two years. These price adjustments reflect the increased costs of programming, equipment and the basic operation of our cable system. Even with the new prices, the cost of your cable service remains one of the lowest in the state and continues to represent an excellent value in home entertainment. Our new a la carte prices are: OLD NEW PRICE SERVICE PRICE (3/1/88) Basic Tier (Channels 02-13) 8.00 9.00 Expanded Tier (Channels 17-25) 4.00 5.00 Remote Control 4.00 No Change HBO (Premium Service) 10.95 9.95 Cinemax (Premium Service) 10.95 9.95 The Disney Channel (Premium Service) 10.95 9.95 NY SportsChannel (Premium Service) 9.95 (3/14/88) Basic Additional Outlets/FM 2.50 No Change Expanded Additional Outlets 4.00 5.00 If you subscribe to the "Starter" discount package (Basic & Expanded tiers, remote control) your cost for cable service will increase by $2 per month (6 cents per day), from $15 to $17 per month. If you subscribe to just our Basic and Expanded Tier, your cost will also increase by $2 per month (6 cents per day), from $12 to $14 per month. If you would like to add the convenience of remote control, you may do so for just $3 more per month. Simply stop by our office at 519 W. State Street to pick one up. Packed with a variety of entertainment such as movies, features, music, sports, and one -of -a -kind events, ACC discount packages offer a fantastic value. If you do not presently subscribe to one of our monthly discount packages, we invite you to compare your current subscription price to the cost of our money- saving packages. DISCOUNT PACKAGE "Starter" (Basic, Expanded, Remote) "Entertainer" (Basic, Expanded, Remote, 1 Premium Channel) "Performer" (Basic, Expanded, Remote, 2 Premium Channels) "Showcase" (Basic, Expanded, Remote, 3 Premium Channels) "Grand Slam" (Basic, Expanded Remote, 4 Premium Channels) OLD PRICE 15.00 24.95 30.90 37.95 NEW ALA. CARTE PRICE PRICE SAVINGS 17.00 1.00 24.95 31.90 38.85 45.80 3.00 6.00 9.00 12.00 SportsChannel AM. The Official Channel of the NewYork Fan New York SportsChannel Debuts in March! Sports fans, you too can "be there" for all the red-hot New York sports action!! Just in time for the start of the baseball season and the National Hockey League playoffs, New York SportsChannel is being added to your cable television lineup as a premium service! So that you can have a whole new view of New York's thrilling teams, ACC will activate an additional cable channel to bring you New York SportsChannel beginning March 14 on cable channel 20. By subscribing to New York SportsChannel, you'll see at least 55 Yankees games and at least 75 Mets games not available on WPIX or WWOR, New York Islander and New Jersey Devil hockey, New York Nets basketball, plus horserac- ing from Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga. You'll also enjoy "New York Sports Nightly News," with full reports about all of New York's professional teams; sports call-in programs; and Sports - Channel exclusive specials. In addi- tion, New York SportsChannel will cablecast college football and basket- ball contests of national prominence. ACC's premium New York Sports - Channel service is available for just $6.95 if you subscribe to one of our discount packages, or for only $9.95 per month if ordered as a sepa- rate service. New Expanded Tier Lineup The addition of New York SportsChannel and its placement on Channel 20 necessitates a re -alignment of our Expanded. Tier channel assignments. A by-product of the relocation will be improved picture quality on some of our most highly viewed channels. Here are the Expanded Tier channels affected by the changes, along with their former and March 14th locations. Cable channels 01 through 16 will remain the same. SERVICE PRE -MARCH 14 NEW CHANNEL LOCATION LOCATION CNN 17 17 ESPN 19 18 FNN 24 19 , New York SportsChannel 20 MTV 21 21 USA 18 22 WNYW 22 23 C -SPAN 23 24 A&E/NICK 20 25 WVIA 25 26 Making Improvements to Better Serve You In March, we will be installing a new phone system to provide you with a faster and more efficient means of reaching us. In addition, our expanded recorded messages will assist in communicating valuable information regard- ing your cable service to you. Later this year, we'll be making some exciting changes for your increased satisfaction including a daily pay-per-view service, additional cable channels, a more detailed cable programming guide and an improved billing service. EST -11' THE TOTAL SPORTS NETWORK USA NETWORK Sfl0O©D©® MIME 111•11 li What's on Tap for Cable TV During 1988? For Sports Fans Beginning March 14, NY Mets, Yankees, Islanders, and NJ Nets and Devils games, plus horseracing from our new premium service, New York SportsChannel. NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, NFL Sunday Night Football, and Big East College Basketball,. on ESPN, and a rainbow of sports action on USA Net- work and SCORE. For the Children On The Disney Channel—RAFFI in Concert, new episodes of "Winnie the Pooh," exclusive premieres of "The Hobbit" and "The Adventures of Sher- lock Holmes" as well as "Grimm's Fairy Tales" and "A Prairie Home Companion." New episodes from Nickelodeon's hit series, "Double Dare," and terrific family programs, such as "Rated K: for Kids by Kids" and "KidsWorld." More fun from Parents Choice award - winners: "Pinwheel" and "Sharon, Lois & Bram's • Elephant Show," too! For Those Who Enjoy All -Around Great Entertainment HBO and Cinemax promise to pro- vide more new and exclusive pro- grams than ever before, such as World Championship Boxing, concerts like "Tina Turner Live from Rio," and box office hits like "Hoosiers," "Lethal Weapon," `Blind Date," and "Platoon." More original programming, such as USA's "Ray Bradbury Theater" and A&E's "Short Stories." Comedy specials such as HBO's "On Location," MTV's "Monty Python" and A&E's "Evening at Improv." Super Election Coverage on CNN, C -SPAN and Cable NewsCenter 7. ACC Remains at Your Service for A WHOLE NEW VIEW.. . ACC . is committed to providing a full range of quality services to all our customers—delivering a balance of total entertainment. We thank you for your continued support, welcome your comments and look forward to serving you as our valued customer. If you have any questions concerning the new service pricing, New York SportsChannel or changes to our channel lineup, please call our Customer Service Office at 272-3456. Sincerely, (La ql,Ag_ Michael Withiam General Manager p.s.— I'd welcome the opportunity to chat with you personally. Tune in to the "Withiam on Cable" program on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on Cable 13, and phone me with your comments and/or questions about cable television. For additional information, "Withiam on Cable" advertisements appear in The Ithaca Journal on Mondays and Fridays and discuss cable television issues of interest. CABLENEWSCENTER , 7 - AT 6:00 & 11:00 PM WEEKNIGHTS ON CHANNEL 7 Watch it for all the latest news, sports & weather in Tompkins County. ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 INSIDE: spori- NY SportsChannel /111111/ Debut Cable TV Price Changes New Channel Lineup Cable TV in '88 Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Ithaca, NY 14850 Permit No. 34 DEMO, WILLIAM 119 AUBURN ST I THAC A NY 14850 m ca ilo ei Io co SERVICES & PRICES ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 607- 272- 3456 MONTHLY RETAIL PRICES Basic Tier $9.00 Expanded Tier 5.00 HBO 9.95 CINEMAX 9.95 DISNEY CHANNEL 9.95 SPORTSCHANNEL 9.95 Remote Control 4.00 FM Cable Stereo 2.50 Additional Outlets 2.50 Additional Tier 5.00 MONTHLY DISCOUNT PACKAGES The Starter Basic & Expanded $14.00 Remote Control 4.00 Retail Value 18.00 Discount -1.00 Package Price 17.00 The Entertainer Basic & Expanded $14.00 Remote Control 4.00 1 Premium Channel 9.95 Retail Value 27.95 Discount -3.00 Package Price 24.95 The Performer Basic & Expanded $14.00 Remote Control 4.00 2 Premium Channels 19.90 Retail Value 37.90 Discount -6.00 Package Price 31.90 The Showcase Basic & Expanded $14.00 Remote Control 4.00 3 Premium Channels 29.85 Retail Value 47.85 Discount -9.00 Package Price 38.85 The Grand Slam Basic & Expanded 14.00 Remote Control 4.00 4 Premium Channels 39.80 Retail Value 57.80 Discount -12.00 Package Price 45.80 INSTALLATION CHARGES New account where cable already exists $15.00 New account where no cable exists 25.00 Adding or changing a service 10.00 Transfer service to new ad- dress where cable exists 15.00 Install/hook up extra outlet 15.00 Install/hook up VCR or FM cable (from existing outlet) 5.00 Relocate outlet, same room 10.00 Relocate outlet, different room 15.00 Refundable deposit on each channel selector 10.00 CUSTOMER PHONE NUMBERS Billing Information 272-3456 Service Changes 272-3456 Service and Repairs 272-3449 Candor calls 1-800-843-0453 Newark Valley calls 1-800-843-0453 Cable 13 272-7272 Sales 272-3302 Cable Ads 277-0766 Cable Watch 272-3456 Cable NewsCenter 7 277-4543 OFFICE HOURS 519 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. Saturday 9:00 am to Noon. Bill payments may also be made at any branch of Tompkins County Trust Company. Our Candor office is open every second and fourth Tuesday each month between 5 pm and 7 pm. The office is located at the Candor Town Hall. CABLE TV LINEUP BASIC TIER/$9.Q0 2 WIXT/Syracuse9,ABC 3 WSTM/Syracuse 3, NBC 4 WCNY/Syracuse 24, PBS 5 WTVH/Syracuse 5, CBS 6 WENY/Elmira 36, ABC 7 The Weather Channel, live, 24-hour weather 7 Cable NewsCenter 7, 6pm & 11 pm 8 WSKGBinghamton 46, PBS 9 W WOR/NewYork City 9, IND 10 WICZBinghamton 40, NBC 11 WPIX/NewYork City 11, IND 12 WBNG/Binghamton 12, CBS 13 The Learning Channel, educational programming 13 CABLE 13, community programming PREMIUM CHANNELS/ $9.95 each 14 HBO 15 Cinemax 16 The Disney Channel 20 NYSportsChannel EXPANDED TIER/$5.00 17 Cable News Network 18 ESPN 19 Financial News Network SCORE TELSHOP 21 MTV/MusicTelevision 22 USA Network 23 WNYW/NewYork City 5, IND 24 C -SPAN 25 Nickelodeon Arts & Entertainment Network 26 WVIA/Scranton 44, PBS CABLE FM STEREO Just $2.50 more per month 88.3 Cable 13/Simulcast 88.7 MTV/Simulcast 89.1 Scanner/Fire, Police 89.5 Arts & Entertainment/ Simulcast 89.9 HBO/Simulcast 90.3' Cinemax/Simulcast 90.7 The Disney Channel/ Simulcast 91.1 WAAL/Binghamton, Young Rock 92.1 WHCII/Ithaca, Adult Rock 92.5 WEZO/Rochester, Easy Listening 92.9 WMHR/Syracuse, Christian 94.1 WCNY/Syracuse, Classical 94.7 WPXY/Rochester, Young Rock 95.3 WMRV/Endicott, Young Rock 96.1 WICB/Ithaca, Progressive Rock, Jazz 96.5 WAER/Syracuse, Jazz 96.9 WYYY/Syracuse, Adult Rock 98.1 WQIX/Horseheads, Country 98.5 WOKW/Cortland, Young Rock 99.1 WVBR/Ithaca,Young Rock 99.5 WSKG/Binghamton, Classical 100.5 WFMT/Chicago, Classical 101.1 WMJQ/Rochester, Young Rock 101.5 WVOR/Rochester, Adult Rock 102.1 WHWK/Binghamton, Country 102.5 WEOS/Geneva, Jazz, Rock, Folk 103.1 WQNY/Ithaca, Adult Rock 103.7 Reading for the Blind 104.1 WZKZ/Corning, Adult Rock 104.5 WPCX/Auburn, Country 105.1 WNTQ/Syracuse, Young Rock 105.5 WGNZ/Watkins Glen, Young Rock 105.9 WVIC/Ithaca,Progressive Rock 106.5 WQXR/NewYork, Classical x883 THE PREMIUM CHANNELS: HBO Cinemax, The Disney Channel & NY SportsChannel HBO, Cinemax, and Disney offer great, commercial -free entertainment, 24 hours a day. The variety of program- ming includes recent box of- fice movies; classic films, all unedited; original program- ming developed exclusively for the premium channels plus concerts and comedy specials. Many of the pro- grams are shown more than once a month to give sub- scribers the opportunity to view them at their convenience. NY SportsChannel, the new- est edition to the Premium Channel lineup, offers exclu- sive coverage of many pro- fessional New York area teams, including the New York Mets, Yankees & Islanders, and the New Jersey Nets & Devils. Other SportsChannel events in- clude nightly NYRA thorough- bred racing from Belmont Park, Aqueduct and Saratoga Springs; boxing; tennis and college basketball and football. The premium channels are a must for VCR owners who tape their favorite movies. For your listening pleasure, cable FM stereo hook-up allows you to receive the premium channels in stereo plus many distant radio signals. The premium channels are offered in specially discounted packages or at the a la carte price of $9.95 each. Many cable customers subscribe to more than one premium channel, doubling their entertainment choices while saving almost 50% off the a la carte price on the second premium channel! N Channel 14 There's no place like HMO!! Choose from over 60 movies a month, from the biggest box office hits to the classics. HBO Pictures offers programming created exclusively for HBO and features today's finest actors. You can also watch top night club comedy acts, music spe- cials, championship boxing and critically acclaimed children's shows like Fraggle Rock. SDhL©s©® Channel 15 Every movie fan at your house will enjoy the dazzling collection of over 100 films offered each month on CINEMAX. Recent hits, classics, foreign films, adult -only fare and less pub- licized "sleepers." Count on Cinemax to spotlight the talents of a director or actor by show- casing several of their best achievements during the month. CINEMAX subscribers enjoy "Cinemax premieres," original comedy specials and exclusive concerts featuring the world's greatest artists. CINEMAS is "entertainment to the MIM" The v)IrNFfp ® Channel Channel 16 Don't let the name fool you! THE DISNEY CHANNEL appeals to adults as well as children. The entire family will enjoy the live action and animation of the DIS- NEY classics: feature length movies, cartoons, regularly scheduled daytime series for children, and newly -produced shows. DISNEY also offers pro- grams like Ozzie and Harriet and Zorro, all that live up to the DISNEY motto: "Entertain- ment you can trust." MEW SportsChanne/'" Channel 20 NY SportsChannel, the nation's leading regional pay TV sports network, is the only channel en- tirely dedicated to the NewYork sports fans. SportsChannel pre- sents coverage of more than 250 exclusive games of five metro- politan pro teams including the New York Meta, New York Yan- kees, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and New Jersey Nets. SportsChannel also pre- sents up-to-the-minute coverage of the New York sports scene twice each weeknight on New York Sports Nightly, the first sports news show tailor-made for the New York sports fan. THE EXPANDED TIER The Expanded Tier gives you nine channels of the most popular, diversified cable programming for only $5.00 per month. WithACC's chan- nel selector you will be able to receive all the channels of- fered on the Expanded Tier. Channel 17 Cable News Network telecasts in-depth news coverage 24 hours a day, every day of the year. CNN transmits news live, as it happens, from anywhere in the world. It also offers daily sports highlight shows, busi- ness news and talk shows like Larry King Live. On weekends, CNNprovidesspecial interest _ programming on health, science, fashion, cooking and travel. For those who want to keep informed, CNN surely is "The world's most important network" --_ TM c=r11 Channel 18 THE total sports network, ESPN provides sports fans with the broadest and most in-depth coverage of sports on television. From NFL pre -season and regu- lar season games, NHL's Stanley Cup and the race for the Ameri- ca's Cup to college football, baseball and basketball, ESPN has it all: rugby, tennis, soccer, boxing, lacrosse, auto racing, golf and skiing. SportsCenter, recognized by many as televi- sion's most comprehensive daily sports news show, is another highlight of ESPN, one oftelevi- sion's most popular channels. FINANCIAL NEWS NETWORK Channel 19 Monday through Friday, 6am to 8pm, Financial News Network is television's most comprehen- sive, up-to-the-minute business and financial news, data and in- formation service. FEN features live stock market analysis; interviews with top financial analysts, economists, business leaders and government officials plus updates on stock market news. A continuous ticker in- cludes the New York andAmeri- can Stock Exchange quotes and NASDAQ stock quotation. SCORE/Channel 19 Monday through Friday, 8pm to midnight, weekends 5pm to mid- night— sports fans enjoy SCORE's broadcasts of action - packed live sporting events and sports news as well as some of the greatest moments in sports history. One of the most popular call-in sports trivia games, Time Out For Trivia, canbe seen every night. TELSHOP/Channel 19 Monday through Friday, midnight to Gam, weekends mid- night to 5pm, this shop -at-home service offers popular merchan- dise at discounted prices. MUSIC TELEVISION( Channel 21 Music Television is America's leading 24-hour music video channel featuring continuous videos, rock concerts, music world news and special events. MTV is available in FM stereo. USA® NETWORK Channel 22 The USA Network has some- thing for everyone! USA has the movies, the sports and the spe- cials plus classic suspense and drama series for the entire fam- ily. Mornings, after school and weekends are devoted to USA's award-winning children's programming. During the day, exciting lifestyle programs, great movies and fun -filled game shows can be found. During prime time, USA viewers watch original comedies, exclusive series, and sports. WNYW-5/Channel 23 This New York City FOX Inde- pendent station carries comedy and drama series, talk andvari- ety shows, cartoons, an award- winning lOpm news show and some of the best movies avail- able on television. C:SpAn ORK Channel 24 The Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network is best known for its live unedited proceedings of the US House of Representatives during the day with rebroadcast highlights at night. Other pro- gramming includes live Con- gressional hearings, Press Club speeches and daily call-in shows that allowviewers to speak with politically prominent guests. NICKELODEON ° Channel 25 Each day from 7am to 8pm "Nick" will keep the children and young adults entertained with award-winning adventure, sci- ence, comedy, cartoons, movies, music and special programming. Nickelodeon has been endorsed by the National Education Association. Channel 25 Arts & Entertainment brings together a boundless array of visual arts, action -adventure, suspense, music and comedy with all the colorful excitement of the Broadway theater, the Grand Opera, the glittering ballet and the Hollywood sound - stage. Additional highlights of A&E's schedule include family series like Oliver Twist, double feature movie presentations by directors such as Ingmar Berg- man and popular documentaries on the World Wars and .Africa. WVIA-44/Channel 26 One of our most requested chan- nels, this PBS channel from Scranton offers classic movies, comedy and sci-fi series from the '50s—'70s as well as the best variety of PBS programming. OTHER CABLE SERVICES PAY-PER-VIEW/Channel 01 The big screen comes to your screen! ACC offers recent hit movies, and major boxing and wrestling events on a pay -per - event basis. Modern technology makes it possible for us to send the movie into your home via the ACC channel selector. To order call our Customer Service office at 272-3456 any time before the event. CABLE NEWSCENTER 7/ Channel 7 Every weeknight at 6 and 1 1pm you can tune to the only televi- sion news source for. Tompkins County. Cable NewsCenter 7, one of the country's premier news programs produced by a cable company, brings you local and national news, sports and weather plus special weekly news series. COMMUNITY CABLE/ Channel.13 See the best in locally produced programming from ACC's public access studio, Ithaca College and the Tompkins County Library. Cable 13 also offers our custom- ers the opportunity to learn and get involved in video production. For more information, contact Cable 13 at 272-7272. CABLE FM STEREO You can expand your FM stereo offerings with a cable FM stereo hook-up. Music for every taste including rock, jazz, classical and country stations from all over Central New York, plus satellite stations from Chicago and New York City. You can also receive HBO, Cinemax, Disney, MTV, and Arts and Entertain- ment in stereo. (See channel line-up for details.) Volume 2, Number 1 January 1988 March Price Increase New cable service prices will be introduced to our customers on March 1, 1988. The price of basic service will increase from $8.00 per month to $9.00 per month, while the price of the Expanded Tier will increase from $4.00 per month to $5.00 per month. At the same time, the price for our premium services -HBO, Cinemax and The Disney Channel -will decrease from $10.95 per month to $9.95 per month. Customers who subscribe to higher levels of service will continue to receive significant discounts as part of our various service "packages." The pricing changes are the first in more than two years for ACC and are SERVICE Basic Tier (Ch. 2-13) Expanded Tier (Ch. 17-25) Remote Control HBO (Premium Service) Cinemax (Premium Service) Disney (Premium Service) Basic Additional Outlets/FM Expanded Additional Outlets the result of increased costs for programming, equipment, additional customer service staff, and our basic costs of doing business. The increase in our price of our basic service represents a two-year average increase of just 6.25 percent. The increase in the price of our Expanded Tier service is almost totally related to increased programming costs incurred by cable programmers as they continue to produce more and more original and exclusive -to -cable programming. ACC is pleased to provide our community with outstanding cable programming and excellent customer service at prices that are among the lowest in the State of New York. OLD PRICE 8.00 4.00 4.00 10.95 10.95 10.95 2.50 4.00 DISCOUNT PACKAGES "Starter" (Basic, Expanded, Remote) "Entertainer" (Basic, Expanded, Remote, 1 Premium) "Performer" (Basic, Expanded, Remote, 2 Premiums) "Showcase" (Basic, Expanded, Remote, 3 Premiums) NEW PRICE (3/1 /88) 9.00 5.00 No Change 9.95 9.95 9.95 No Change 5.00 OLD PRICE NEW PRICE SAVINGS 15.00 17.00 1.00 24.95 24.95 3.00 30.90 31.90 6.00 37.95 38.85 9.00 Dear Official: Cable Currents is a monthly newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision franchise authorities abreast of activities affecting our customers. Your comments about any topic mentioned in Cable Currents are always welcomed. Please phone or drop me a note anytime. Mike Withiam General Manager Rebuild Preparations Under Way. American Community Cablevision is looking ahead to 1988 with great anticipation. A great deal of work lies ahead for our staff as we launch the three -year-long rebuild of Tompkins County's 35 -year-old cable system. The actual rebuild of our physical cable plant is slated to start in late February or early March, with the first customer connected to our new 60 - channel capacity in June. To achieve this timetable, our technicians have been completing the necessary "make- ready" jobs, such as ensuring the accuracy of our system maps and securing the necessary pole permits and clearances from utility companies. During the next few weeks we will be determining our channel lineup for the additional channels, and undertaking an extensive customer communication effort to make the transition from the old to new as smooth as possible. As 1987 drew to a close, we completed an evaluation of our present customer service operations. This review was necessary to help us prepare for the.volume of activity we expect during the rebuild so that we will be able to maintain the high level of service that our customers have come to expect from us. The anticipated increase in customer activity will affect us in four main areas: personnel, facilities, billing, and telephone service. Personnel During the next six months we will add 10 to 12 new positions to the staff of ACC, all strictly to support the additional customer service demands we expect. ACC, by the way, currently employs 76 people and contributes more than $1.3 million in salaries alone to the local economy. The staff additions will be in our business office, and in our technical, programming and marketing functions. Facilities To provide our expanded staff with adequate workspace, ACC will be leasing office space across the street from our present two West State St. locations. We expect to house all technical and administrative operations at 520 West State, and to renovate and reorganize our facilities at 517 and 519 West State for maximum efficiency. The reorganization of facilities will start January 25 and should be largely completed by the end of April. In addition ACC. will rebuild our reception tower on Snyder Hill and install additional satellite dishes to prepare for the expansion of channel capacity in June. Billing Service Near the end of February, we will complete our conversion to new, more customer -friendly billing service. The change will not only expand our all - ready itemized bills, but will provide the computer processing capacity to support the higher levels of customer activity we expect. The new billing system will also provide us with mechanisms for evaluating the technical performance of our system. Telephone Service ACC will purchase a new telephone system to further improve our ability to efficiently transact telephone business. The new. phone system will help us to better monitor phone activity, and will give us the ability to track the number of incoming calls per line; customer time on hold; and the length of customer calls. We can use this information to better schedule our staff to meet customer demand. We expect that the new telephones will be installed by March 1. Annual Holiday Food Drive Quadruples Last Year's Total: Over 1,000 Persons Given Food Donations ACC's Annual Holiday Food Drive for the needy collected over 4,100 cans— quadruple the amount collected during last year's drive. The people of Tompkins County were wonderfully generous in their response. Over 1,000 residents had a brighter holiday because so many others shared. Canned food was collected at over 25 Tompkins County grocery stores, at schools in Dryden and Groton, and by the Ithaca Weight Watchers and Caroline Boy Scouts during a seven - week period, November 14 through January 2. Last year's campaign collected over 1,000 cans which the Kitchen Cupboard Meet ACC's Managers Pat Hourigan, ACC's chief engineer, has spent the past five of his 15 -year career in cable television here in Ithaca. Pat is. responsible for all of ACC's technical operations and it has been under his leadership that ACC has consistently earned outstanding technical ratings from the New York State Cable Commission. Our cable system rebuild will be completed under his skillful direction. Pat offers ACC a range of engineering expertise rarely found in a cable system of our size. In addition to his knowledge of cable technology, Pat has an extensive background in video equipment maintenance, fiber optic technology, and computer and data communications. Prior to assuming his present position in 1983, Pat held cable engineering assignments in Troy and Albany, New York, and in Torrington, Connecticut. In his spare time, Pat, a resident of the Village of Trumansburg, operates Cayuga Lake Opus, a public domain computer bulletin board. emergency food centers and Loaves & Fishes put back into the community. We're thrilled that 1987's effort was so successful. Food for those in need was readily at hand throughout the Thanksgiving -Christmas period. 1987 was the third year ACC has worked with the Kitchen Cupboard, a satellite service of Area Congregations• Together, and Loaves & Fishes, to sponsor the drive. During 1986 the Kitchen Cupboard Emergency Food Centers of Ithaca, Newfield, Dryden, Groton and Trumansburg fed over 4,000 people. Loaves & Fishes, located in Ithaca's St. John's Church, provides hot meals to over 50 persons weekdays. Pat Hourigan Mike Withiam, Publisher Regina Deschere, Editor ©1988 ACC 1 ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CAELIIVIAWN • •- ; • , . • • • • Advertisement I HI BLE , • , • Withiam on Cable is a weekly column by American Community Cablevision General Manager Mike Withiam. Each week he discuss cable television issues affecting.ACC's,ustomersin Tomplcirw.and northern Tioga Counties.: at Your Service : ns •‘'When most people think of customer seryice from ACC, corrected, generally before you notice any problems on ,1th• ey,think of the installers and service tecluncians who ' • 1. your screen. A .i.v..visit.your.home, the customer service representatives , - ', ' A second key to our maintenance program is equip- ',-,•A,who answer your telephone call, or therepresentatives , :i ment replacement Although we will be totally rebuilding Itsgat,,Onr front counter., .' .: , • - -, : vk our cable system beginning next year; we often replace ..::•K3 -;;These people are problem solvers in the most posi- , '' .':V or rebuild small portions of the system when it becomes . „ .`• • !ive'sense—working with you to make mire you receive , necessary. Ilie greatest possible value from your cable service. We've also replaced or upgraded many of the key '..v -4F... Problem solving is certainly a key part of our pus- electronic components of our system. The addition of -' ,tOrtier service effort, but problem prevention is without : modern; addressable converters three years ago was questiori the most important component. That's why . one step in that process. During the past three years, : we're so pleased to see the number of requests for repair ' we've also rebuilt our "hub," or central signal processing :`: i•service decline sharply for the third straight year. -: area, replaced more than one-third of the drops (the link Repair requests cover a wide range of activities from telephone pole to your home), improved our . ,4 including drop and cable repair converter repair, broadcast reception with new, higher gain antennas and amplifier repair, customer education and outages. • upgraded amplifiers and other signal processing ' •11 For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1987, ACC • equipment as the need appeared. responded to 5,126 repair requests, a decline of 815 •, A third approach has been the setting oftigher work , qrequests` or a 13.7 percent reduction from the previous ,` standards for both installation and repair service:These year. During the past three years, we've seen the number , , higher standards often mean a few more minutes fOr our ;.12of repair requests drop from 8,930 to this year's 5,126.•• :,teciuncian in your home, but serve you by identifying That's a decrease of more than 3,800 repair calls, or a 1.' . and so preventing problems before they affect your '....: ? 42.6.percent reduction. . ', ', reception. • , To • .-.i • it s important to note that this repair record has been e f. ' ' Finally, should a service problem arise, we provide j established during a period of steady growth for ACC., ...prorript repair service at no charge. Our standard for -. During the same three-year period that service requests , response time is no later than the next business day, a .s. dropped 42.6 percent, our customer.base increased by .. • standard we meet in virtually every case, and we , •,,,' almost. 14 percent., ' . , , •: • maintain round-the-clock response to outages. , • ' Results like this don't just happen:They come about • This approach to re - because people make a concerted effort to prevent. : - ' „ pair and maintenance problems before they affect you. Chief engineer Pat ..:'''",'. of our system pays off roach for you in better pic aggressive a an and his staff take a ver liouri*nriitehave paid.oftin better service to our customers.ind quicker response to maintaining our system; and the testing and improye- (4tures, fewer problems, CC; gypp; ', 'pl,,- ISK The heart of our maintenance program is testing. '1' ,.,. when repairs are ANVe monitor the performance of our system regularly, , necessary. , A Whole New View. testing some points as often as twice each week, and. .' .taking readings at 24 standard points monthly to detect •' • "Watch Withiam on • 519 West State Street variances in signal strength that may affect your pic- , ,• • Cable" Wednesdays at • Ithaca, New York 14850 .',•ture.' When problems are identified, they are quickly • • .7 p.m. on Cable 13. • 607-272-3456- AIIIMICAN COMMUNITY IsbN UNTTED WAY CAMPAIGN IN. FULL SWING by ACC General Manager Michael Withiam ' Now is the time to "Make Your Day the United Way" by contributing to the year-round opera- tions of 24 human services agencies and over 70 community based programs in area towns. United Way agencies touch the lives of thousands of Tompkins County residents. To maintain these ,community services, United Way asks that each of us, gives our fair share of support. Because local United Way volunteers spend over 1,000 hours reviewing budgets and pro- grams of United Way agencies to distribute funds according to community needs, you can be sure that your contribution is well -spent. United Way contributions help support the fol- lowing agencies and services: Alcoholism Council Boy Scouts Camp Fire Challenge Industries Day Care Council Displaced Homemakers Family & Children's Service Fish Gadabout Girl Scouts Greater Ithaca Activities Center Human Services Coalition Learning Web Mental Health Association Neighborhood Legal Services Offender Aid & Restoration Red Cross Salvation Army' Senior Citizens Council Southside Community Center SpeclalIChildren's Center Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service Task Force for Battered Women Y.M.C.A. Brooktondale Community Center Danby Community Council Dryden Community Council Enfield Community Council Etna Community Council Freeville Community Council Groton Community Council Lansing Community Council McLean Community Council Newfield Community Council Slaterville-Caroline Community Council Ulysses Community Council West Dryden Community Council The 1987-88 Tompkins County United Way goal is $1,232,440 – 8 percent more than last year's total received. The increase will be used to maintain current services and to increase fund- ing for high priority services. Thisyear, the United Way of America ca celebrates es its 100th anniversary. To mark the second century of service, United -Way of Tompkins County has joined other local communitiesin a nationwide effort called the Second Century Initiative. Over the next five to seven years, the Second Century Initiative will endeavor to double the number of United Way volunteers and double contributions to meet community needs. Please give the United Way–you'll be glad you did. CABLE -WATCH Gadabout Girl Scouts Red Cross Greater Ithaca Activities Center DAY n1s UNITED WAY Counseling & Rehabilitation Services 21.1% Health. Emergency & Special Transportation Services 18.8% Where Each Dollar Goes tlIMAY - t 63293F Youth & Family Services 20.O% Fund Raising & Year -Round Administration 14.5% Community Education & Support Services 11.7% Provision for Collection Lass 4.7% Town/ Community Based Programs 6.8% Dues & Designations to Other Organizations 2.4% Attention: ACC Candor Customers For your convenience, ACC op- erates a satellite office in Candor, open every second and fourth Tuesday each month between 5 —2— p.m. and 7 p.m. The office is located at the Can- dor Town Hall (in front of the li- brary) on the first floor. OCTOBER CABLE CURRENTS Vol. 1, No. 1 August, 1987 • • • Welcome to Cable Currents — a newsletter designed to keep American Community Cablevision franchise authorities abreast of news from our company. We will issue Cable Currents each month with information covering system activities, important cable television issues, refranchising, and our system rebuild. Your comments about any topic mentioned in Cable Currents will always be welcomed. Please phone or drop a note anytime to ACC General Manager, Mike Withiam. —ed. ACC's "Letter Home" to Customers Earlier this month, ACC subscribers throughout all our franchises received the following letter from Mike Withiam regarding the issues surrounding the City of Ithaca's denial of ACC's franchise renewal proposal. The letter appears in its entirety for your information. Dear Customer: As you have probably heard through the media, ACC's proposal for a renewed franchise was denied by the City of Ithaca on August 5. While we are disappointed with the City's decision, we remain optimistic that we will eventually obtain the renewal we have sought. Without a renewed franchise we will be unable to rebuild and modernize our cable system, and will therefore be unable to provide the additional programming choices and other services you have requested. Please note that the terms of our franchise with the City of Ithaca do not affect our 18 Other franchises in Tompkins and northern �I ioga counties. ACC may choose to begin revamping our cable system in areas outside the City of Ithaca should we be unable to come to terms with the City. The total rebuild of our 35 -year-old system is scheduled to start in Spring 1988, and should be concluded by the middle of 1991. In negotiations with the City, ACC has reached an impasse over two issues: financial support for public access television equipment and financial support for two-way cable communications. At the heart of the dispute is the City's demand for $240,000 in support for these activities beyond ACC's original franchise renewal proposal. Our proposal offered a significant upgrade to the public access facility, costing about $100,000. The City has demanded an additional $160,000 for the purchase of public access equipment and an additional $80,000 to underwrite the development of a two-way computer communications system for a City "government information center." If ACC were to provide this equipment to the City, the cost of the equipment and the associated expenses to operate it would be borne by you, our customers. The facilities requested by the City could add as much as $1.00 per month to the cost of basic cable service for City residents. Despite the current impasse, it's important to recognize that we have reached an agreement with the City on a wide range of issues. These agreements, however, are contingent on the resolution of the remaining issues. Among the items tentatively agreed to are: • A 60 -channel, two-way capable system that will allow ACC to provide customers with exciting new services. • Elimination of duplicated channels in the basic tier lineup and expanded tier service that would offer customers at least twice as many cable -delivered programming choices as are now available. (See the anticipated programming lineup on the following page.) • Additional cable outlets at no extra charge to customers. • Remote control units at no extra charge to customers. • Customer option of owning converters and the internal cable wiring within their homes. ACC's customer service record received high ratings in two independent surveys, one of which was conducted under the direction of the City. Our high customer service standards will be maintained and have been written into the franchise in the following ways: • Specific customer service standards to be used to measure ACC's overall performance. • Stringent technical and construction standards for the development and maintenance of the entirely new cable system ACC would build at a total cost of almost $10 million. • Consumer protection provisions to provide customers with remedies should they feel that ACC has damaged them in any way. Anticipated Programming Line-up at System Rebuild: Basic Cable Services * Arts & Entertainment (A&E) + Black Entertainment Television (BET) + CBN Cable Network C -SPAN Cable News Network (CNN) + Cable Value Network (CVN) + The Discovery Channel + Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) ESPN FNN/Score + Headline News * The Learning Channel (TLC) + Lifetime MTV + The Nashville Network (TNN) * Nickelodeon (NICK) USA + Video Hits -One (VH -1) The Weather Channel WOR WPIX Broadcast Services WIXT (ABC) WSTM (NBC) WTVH (CBS) WCNY (PBS) WSKG (PBS) WVIA (PBS) WNYW (IND) Premium Services + American Movie Classics (AMC) + Bravo Cinemax The Disney Channel Home Box Office (HBO) + NY Sports Channel Public, Educational and Government Leased Channels 9 channels (at least 1 on the 12 -channel basic service) 5 leased access channels * currently carried part-time; anticipate full-time carriage + new programming All of these changes require substantial new investment in the cable system. In addition, the new system discussed with the City of Ithaca will also be more expensive to operate. As a result, there will be an increase in the cost of cable service for most of our customers. Although none of our prices are firmly set, we plan to restructure most prices. At present, we anticipate a $1.95 increase in the cost of basic service with no charge for additional outlets. We will continue to offer significant discounts for those customers who subscribe to higher levels of service. The public access and two-way cable communications equipment demanded by the City will increase the price you pay for basic cable service. In order for ACC to purchase the additional equipment the City desires, and meet associated operating expenses, City customers may pay as much as an additional $1.00 per month for basic cable service. The City's willingness to increase customers' bills by such an amount during franchise negotiations seems directly at odds with its willingness to go to court to fight ACC's proposed 50 -cents price increase earlier this year. We believe it is time for the City to accept responsibility for its position and use some of its own resources, such as the nearly $100,000 per year in franchise fees that it will collect from ACC during the term of a renewed franchise for the development of these facilities if the City believes they are truly needed. These City franchise fees, incidentally, represent 5 percent of the cost of cable service to City customers. The City has refused to use these franchise fees for any cable related purpose, including public access and two-way communications services, despite ACC's request during negotiations that the City contribute a portion of them to the development of these services. The Public Access Issue At the heart of the impasse in negotiations is the City's request for an additional $160,000 in equipment for our public access facility. This facility allows community residents who so desire to produce programs at no charge and is paid for through our charge to you for basic cable service. The City's request for funds was in addition to ACC's original proposal, which pledges a $100,000 upgrade of our current access facilities to include three studio cameras, two portable cameras, a portable production facility, a half-inch VHS editing system, and video graphic generators. With this addition, the total value of the equipment in our access facility will exceed $250,000 and will be comparable to the studio configuration of many small TV stations. Most of the City's requested additional $160,000 in access equipment duplicates equipment already in place, or appears intended to support functions that our proposed equipment upgrade will already provide. Our proposal for a renewed franchise would also make available a total of nine public, educational and governmental access channels. During negotiations, we offered an access equipment replacement formula based on 1 percent of City -only subscriber revenues (the City has asked that the formula be based on total system revenues from all 19 of our franchises); committed to an additional six access origination sites within the City (for a total of nine); and committed to significant day-to-day operational support of public access. Included in this operational support are minimum staffing levels; government programming requirements; equipment maintenance and repair programs; limited equipment damage liability options for volunteers; first priority scheduling of production facilities for access volunteers; and the continuation of our training and community outreach programs. ACC's proposed upgrade for public access will easily meet the needs of the community members who produce Cable Channel 13 programming. In addition to our public access facilities, ACC has also committed to produce more commercially -supported local programming. Currently we produce the Cable NewsCenter 7 program as well as videos for the business community. Few cable systems of our size have local production facilities capable of providing the breadth of locally -produced programming available to our customers. The Two -Way Issue The impasse with the City of Ithaca also involves the City's belief that ACC should provide two-way cable communications services, whether or not such services are financially viable. Our proposed new system can be easily upgraded to provide two-way services in the future, should the need for such services develop in our community. So that you better understand the issue, here are some facts about two-way cable communications. Two-way cable communications allow video, audio or data signals to be transmitted in two directions. Traditional cable TV sends a one-way signal to your home. A two-way system allows the return, or reverse, channels to be used for video or data transmission. An example of a two-way service would be the live transmission of local programming from sites outside our studio. Most of the controversy about two-way services however, centers on the City's desire to use these capabilities. The City, at the start of the franchise renewal process, demanded that ACC explore the development of two-way services and make these services part of the cable system at no additional cost to traditional cable customers, if possible. The City also asked us to spend $80,000. to underwrite the government information center. In addition the City has asked us to provide other potential two-way services to customers at a low rate. Our market research shows minimal interest in such services, so low in fact that two-way is not self-supporting. For two-way service to become viable, traditional cable customers would have to underwrite the cost of two-way service through higher basic prices. There's one other way two-way service could become a reality in Ithaca. We have told the City that the provision of two-way capabilities could be feasible if a major institutional user would utilize two-way services at a level that would cover the cost of providing them. Cornell University has expressed interest in becoming such an institutional user, and we have placed a formal proposal in the hands of Cornell officials. We are hopeful that we can develop a plan with Cornell that will make some form of two-way communications a reality. We will not, however, provide two-way services if these services adversely affect the price you pay for basic cable service. We have also made it clear to the City that ACC would provide the City with channel space on a two-way system. The City could use these channels as it pleasedfor data or other transmissions if active two-way services become available during the term of a new franchise. It is unfortunate that the City appears to regard ACC and our customers as a source of unlimited funds for underwriting the development of capabilities that are clearly the responsibility of city government. Throughout the negotiating process, the City has asked ACC to incur unnecessary capital and operating costs. It,would be impossible to keep your cable rates low and still provide the services that City representatives, and not you, demand. What's Next? In voting on August 5 to deny the renewal of our franchise, the City was required by federal law to use at least one of the following four reasons to justify its decision: * Whether the cable operation has substantially complied with the material terms of the existing franchise and with applicable law; * Whether the quality of the operator's service, including signal quality, response to customer complaints, and billing practices, but without regard to the mix, quality, or level of cable services or other services provided over the system, has been reasonable in light of community needs; * Whether the operator has financial, legal and technical ability to provide the services, facilities and equipment as set forth in the operator's proposal; ACC AMENICAN COMMUNITY CANL[VIAION and * Whether the operator's proposal is reasonable to meet the future cable - related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests. Since the first three criteria were not at issue during the negotiations, it appears that the City's decision to reject our franchise proposal agreement was based on the last reason listed. Yet our franchise renewal proposal more than meets the future needs and interests of our customers within the City. In demanding more, the City's representatives seem to have little concern for the cost, to you and ACC, of providing the public accessand two-way services for which there is no proven use. ACC will continue to work toward a negotiated agreement for a renewal of our franchise with the City of Ithaca. However, the vote to deny renewal on the 5th has prompted us to request an adni , istrative hearing required by federal law. At this formal legal proceeding, both ACC and the City will present evidence to support their respective positions and will hear testimony from individuals with an interest in cable service. At the conclusion of the administrative hearing, the Ithaca Common Council will be required to vote again on ACC's proposal. If the Common Council chooses to deny a renewal of ACC's franchise at this second vote, ACC would then have a federal right to take legal action to renew its franchise. As we work to resolve our differences with the City, we remain committed to providing the widest possible selection of entertainment and information programming for you and your family. Our goal in negotiating a renewed franchise is to provide additional cable services to you at the lowest possible price. It is our hope that the City's negotiating team will also carefully consider the costs that its requests for additional services will impose on you, the cable customer. Sincerely, Michael M. Withiam General Manager Cable Currents Regina Deschere, Editor ©1987 ACC • �-4 October 5, 1988 meeting, and attempted to impose some sort of priority order. Hydropower - Request to Cornell for Lease of liana and Water Rights', //, By Alddrperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderpersgn'Nichols WHEREAS;,\ the City of Ithaca, under licen"se/from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, intends to construct and operate a hydropowe electric generating facility at i haca Falls, and WHEREAS,Cornell Universityowns land :and water rights required �. . s, g � for construction and operation of this):hydropower facility, and WHEREAS, the rt -y is -committed- to' construct_ the hydropower facility with'extreme care for erivrironmental protection, public safety and appea\lance of the surrounding area, and WHEREAS, the Citof Ithaca /provides many services to Cornell University without charge, and/ WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca,,;is willing, subject to the agreement by Cornell University `r,to ;the terms below, to permit Cornell to continue to own its 1'rid` and water rights indefinitely; now, therefore, be it 4, RESOLVED, That the City o \:`Ithaca requests Cornell to allow the City free access to land\and water rights as required for the construction and operation f\ a hydropower facility at Ithaca Falls, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca requests Cornell to lease to the City the same land and water rights at a . cost of one dollar ($1.00) per year for the life of the facility, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereb rected to transmit this request to the President and Board of:Trustees of the University. Discussion/followed on the floor. Resolution to Refer to Committees By Alde'rperson Nichols: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson RESOL QED, That this request to Cornell Univers=ity be referred to the Planning and Development Committee an the Hydropower Commission. Carried Unanimously CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE *17.1 Cable Ordinance Amendment By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Peterson WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has undertaken to make certain amendments to its "Cable Communications" Ordinance in order to make it consistent with the Franchise Agreement with American Community Cablevision, and WHEREAS, the Charter and Ordinance Committee of Common Council --d-id=--review the proposed __!Cable_ Communications" _Ordinance_ amendments at its meeting on September 15, 1988, and did recommend passage of the amendments as shown on the marked -up copy of the current Ordinance provisions, with inclusion of a legal memorandum from the City Attorney regarding the legislative intent of certain amendments, and WHEREAS, the city's consideration of said "Cable Communications" Ordinance has delayed the final execution of the Franchise Agreement with American Community Cablevision, which may cause delay in completion of the Cable System rebuild as provided in the said Franchise Agreement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the "Cable Communications" Ordinance amendments as shown on the marked -up copy of the current Ordinance provisions are hereby adopted, and be ,it further 5 October 5, 1988 RESOLVED, That the legal memorandum of the City Attorney as shown below to said marked -up copy is hereby adopted as the legislative intent of Common Council in making the amendments therein noted, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City Attorney is directed to provide the City Clerk a clean copy of said "Cable Communications" Ordinance including all adopted amendments, and be it further RESOLVED, That American Community Cablevision .shall have up to a three month extension from the March 1, 1989 date provided in the current -approved -Franchise -Agreement in order to complete the rebuild of the Cable System in the City of Ithaca. City Attorney Nash's Memorandum "TO Mayor Gutenberger All Aldermen FROM : Ralph Nash, City Attorney DATE : September 22, 1988 RE Cable Ordinance Amendments The proposed Cable Ordinance Amendments were reviewed by the Charter and Ordinance Committee of Common Council on September 15, 1988. Certain provisions are being deleted from the Ordinance by these proposed amendments. This memo will confirm the intention of the Committee and myself as legal counsel that the following deletions were made only in order to make the Ordinance neutral with regard to the items in question and not to indicate a legislative denial of their provisions: Former Section 4.7 "Police and Regulatory Powers Reserved." Former Section 5.12 "Right to Purchase." Section 5.2 "Regulatory Authority" - Former Subdivision (7) regarding promulgation of rules and regulations applicable to the terms of the Ordinance and Franchise." Alderperson Booth explained the amendments. Discussion followed on the floor. Alderperson Booth thanked City Attorney Nash for all his work on this ordinance. Common Council members questioned City Attorney Nash regarding the changes that were made in the ordinance particularly in regards to "first purchase rights" in the event of sale or purchase. -- At ty :- Nash-- explained--that-,the - _decision was made by_ the_ negotiating committee that the city realistically did not have a desire to purchase the cable system. The cable company seemed very concerned about that possibility and we negotiated that away for other things under the franchise. He also was of the opinion that we were not negotiating away our rights to exercise eminent domain powers, if we wanted to do that at some time. It is not one hundred percent clear but it was felt that the legal authority could be maintained in that case. Rather than negotiate what that right of first purchase would be, fair market value or the offer put in by someone else, we decided to back off and rely on whatever eminent domain powers we have. Alderperson Nichols stated for the record that the statement was made by two attorneys on the committee that in fact the city would have the right to exercise eminent domain even without the 6 October 5, 1988 provision. The argument was that we weren't giving away anything. City Atty. Nash further pointed out that we aren't necessarily saying we can't purchase it but we aren't obligating them to sell it to us at the same price as someone else. He believes the city does have provisions in place controlling the transfer if we felt that someone ACC was transferring the franchise to was not fit to run it, at that point we could exercise some authority. Further discussion followed on the floor. A vote --on the resolution resulted --as follows: Ayes (8) - Booth, Nichols, Johnson, Cummings, Killeen, Peterson, Hoffman, Lytel Abstention (1) - Romanowski (conflict of interest) Carried Unanimously (Corrected copy of the Cable Ordinance is attached to the Minute Book) An Ordinance Amending Section 60.32, Maximum School Speed Limits of\the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Alderperson Booth withdrew this resolution to take back/to the Charter and Ordinance Committee for further review. Alter ate Side Parking - Report Alderperson Booth reported that the Charter and Ordinance Committe is still working on this issue. It is the opinion of the Committee that the Department of Public Works,efforts to hire new parking personnel should be given a chanceo get underway Cluster Zona.'nq Amendment - Report • Alderperson Booth reported that the Comittee will have a recommendation for Council to go to ,public hearing at the and see ho it impacts parking in the city. November meetir\ of Council. Smoking Ordinance Education Materials �r= Report Alderperson Booth Y'eported that the ,materials are being worked on by the Committee. \\lthough it istill not certain it appears the Legislature will adopt statewide regulations when they come back after the elect s . rf," \\ BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE; *14.1 Police Department Authorized Equipment By Alderperson Hoffman:S#conded by Alderperson Cummings RESOLVED, That the authorized Equipment List of the Police Department be amended to5`inclde the purchase of one desk, at a cost not to exceed $510,,// as requested by the Police Chief, and be it further Via'' } an amount not to exceed $510 be transferred within De a'rtment Budget from Account A3120-105, Slaries,_ to—Acco nt A3120-205, Furniture and Carried Unanimously *14.2 Audit/0 By Alderperso' Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Peterson RESOLVED, That the bills presented as listed on Audit Abstract #18/1988, ri the total amount of $47,27: .28 be approved for payment. 7 RESOLVED, That the Police Administrative - Fixtures. Carried Unanimously *14.3 Sick Leave Settlement By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by AlderpersonyRomanowski RESOLVED, That those individuals not covered ya Collective Bargaining Agreement have the option of receivinggall or part of thejapplicable sick leave cash settlement, as ar addition to REMARKS TO CITY CABLE COMMISSION By Mike Withiam ACC General Manager December 13, 1988 Anyone who has been at least half awake during the past two. years, or for the past two decades for that matter, is probably aware that the relationship between American Community Cablevision and the City of Ithaca has been, at its best, strained, and, at its worst, downright hostile. We have an opportunity, starting tonight, to change this relationship, but it will take work on both sides to develop a positive, trusting, cooperative relationship. We have the framework to achieve that goal in our recently renewed franchise, a franchise that spells out in great detail what is expected of American Community Cablevision during the next 15 years. Many of the issues that have been bantered about during the past few years have been addressed in this document, and it remains our role -- the Commission, as the City's representative, and ACC as the franchise holder -= to implementthe terms of the franchise in a way that best benefits the consumer. My purpose tonight is not to relive the past, but to speak directly to you about your responsibilities and obligations as members of this Commission, from my viewpoint as General Manager of American Community Cablevision. You may not agree with everything I am about to say, but I offer my perspective on our relationship as a way of starting to recognize more fully where we are similar and where we are different. Only in this way can we build on our agreement and work to resolve our differences. I hope you will take my comments in that light. I don't envy you your position, by the way. In fact, I might suggest. that I have an insight into your role that few General Managers are likely to have. My late uncle was a member of the Cable Commission in Scottsdale, Arizona until he passed away this spring. He helped negotiate the original franchise, to modify it over time, and to enforce its provisions. He and I spent almost no time talking cable, but in our brief exchanges I came to understand how he and his associates saw their role not as watchdog but as partner. I've also had the privilege in recent months of working directly with the General Manager of the Scottsdale system,and to hear her side of the story. Her attitude toward the Scottsdale Cable Commission is similar -- she sees the Commission as an important partner in the growth of cable in that community. My point here is simple. It is possible for cities and cable operators to work cooperatively toward common goals and understanding. As I have spent more time in cable, and especially during the past year when I have had the opportunity to work with some of our national organizations, I have seen and heard innumerable success stories -- stories of positive relationships between cities and their cable operator. I believe that a positive relationship can be built here in Ithaca. To achieve this goal will require a number of things from you in your role as commissioners. My list reads like this: ### You must develop a level of trust in ACC. Our relationship has long been characterized by mistrust. We gain nothing from misleading statements, and I can attest that during the four years I've worked here at ACC that we have spoken openly and honestly on every issue. Yes, there has been disagreement and yes, there have been changing circumstances, but there is a big difference between honest disagreement and mistrust, and I believe it is time that both parties recognize that. ### You must understand and accept that ACC is a business -- not a utility -- and evaluate us in that light. You may personally disagree with this statement, but the reality of Federal law and FCC regulation is that cable operators are specifically excluded from classification as utilities. In fact, the current trend in regulation of cable is to allow more and more potential delivery systems to exist in the marketplace,creating more and more competition for the industry each day. ### You must understand that we have common goals. It is in our interest to offer the best possible programming, to keep prices as low as possible, to implement new technology, to offer excellent customer service, to seek new sources of revenue, to develop local programming and public access, and to be a good corporate citizen. It's good business to do all of these things. We face these issues everyday, we are open to ideas for improvement, but nothing is gained if you fail to understand that it's good business for us to do all the things we've often been asked to do but said no. We don't say no without reason, and we don't say no without looking for a way to say yes. ### You must understand that a financially strong cable operator is vital to the City's interests. Without a financially sound company, we cannot invest in new i technology, new programming, improved service, and so on. I hope that you will understand that we can be, flexible and responsive when we are financially healthy, and that you will work with us toward that goal. ### You must develop for yourselves a true role in the development of cable in this community. You, as a commission, must decide whether you will be a positive or negative influence on cable, whether you wish to be simply a watchdog or an active participant in the growth and development of most exciting communications technology in this country. ### To define this role, you must either develop it for yourself -- hopefully working with us -- or you must ask for guidance from Common Council. Without purpose, you will lose your enthusiasm, you will be ineffective in any role, and we will quickly revert to the ways of past. Part of this purpose, I believe, also includes leaving positive things alone. ### You must understand the limits on your authority imposed at the Federal and State level and by the. franchise, and elect to work effectively within those rather than .seeking to extend beyond your limits. ### You must understand the industry you are now involved in. Cable television is not just a wire coming into the home -- it is the programming and information carried on that wire. ### You must understand the nature of programming available, how much it costs, where it goes in a channel lineup, what Federal regulations impact the selection of programming, what copyright means, what syndex means, what the compulsory license means. ### You must understand the technology that delivers the picture to the home, the ways in which that is changing, and how the consumer will be impacted. ### You must understand the myriad of issues involved in serving 25,000 homes on a 24-hour a day basis, the costs involved, and the methods available for. measuring and tracking customer service and satisfaction. ### You must understand what is involved in supervising local programming, and the issues that affect the daily operation of any production facility. •S ### You must understand cable finances -- the realities of huge capital investments and franchise costs and how those costs impact return on investment. You must understand cable revenue sources,. programming costs, operating costs, margins, cash flow, depreciation, amortization, interest payments -- all the financial buzz words that have real everyday meaning to a strong cable company. In short, to be effective commissioners you must understand the industry you are involved in, and you must understand the company you are working with. I will be happy to answer any of your questions at any time. I will offer right now to take 15-30 minutes each month to brief you on a topic of your choice -- and. I promise to be balanced. You can check my information too easily, and I have nothing to gain by misleading you. I suggest you subscribe to at least 2 or 3 trade magazines -= I suggest. Mutltichannel News, Cablevision Magazine and Broadcasting as 3 that will provide a broad picture of cable and other telecommunications issues. I suggest you attend at least one cable show per year, and among the five of you that you seek a balance of issues and meetings that will help you. understand this industry. I suggest you prepare a plan for the next year and ask the City for funds -- we will pay the City nearly $100,000 in franchise fees this year, surely some can be used on behalf of the Cable Commission. Most important, I suggest that you approach your new responsibilities with an attitude of professionalism toward your role and toward us at ACC. You will find that ACC is professionally led, aggressive in serving its customers, innovative in seeking new revenue and the use of new technology, and a good corporate citizen. You won't find that out unless you take time to understand our business, learn about our company, and place at least a small amount of trust in us. I would like to develop a cooperative, respectful relationship, and I am prepared to do all that I can to achieve that. Frankly, I think I have operated in that mode for four years as a staff member and general manager at ACC. I hope we can use tonight as a starting point along those lines. I / / I i (r i , /. Meeting for Government Officials Ammerican Community Cablevision April 7, 1988 LOCAL PROGRAMMING - News and News Related - Public Access & Local Origination ("L.O.") * Public Access Mandated by franchises; N Federal Law prohibits editorial control * L.O. is totally ACC's initiative and responsibility. We make L.O. programming decisions. Our long-term goal is to serve Tompkins County as a local TV station might. • Production Facilities * 517 W. State Studios • expand studio by 200 square feet • ability to playback & produce programming simultaneously * 519 W. State Studios • new studio cameras - 2nd editing suite • 2 new porta-paks • portable capability • control room • studio & office space renovation - storage - move present editing suite • renovation will make useable for sets, of studio - provide meetingroom/viewing room • off-site production capability N City of Ithaca governmental television 1 etc. 2nd half Local Origination Plans * Current programs on Channel 7 • Cable NewsCenter 7 - NewsForum • Reporters' Round -up - Occasional specials * Current ACC -produced programming on Cable 13 • Withiam on Cable - Our Community - United Way Today * Original and Local programs under consideration for Channel 7 • 2 with Cornell Coaches • 1 local history show - 1 real estate show • 2-3 access producers have interest in doing L.O. - Buffalo Sabres hockey - Researching syndicated programming * Facility also supports our professional video production unit. * Total 517 facility investment: about $400,000 * We expect to generate a return through advertising and production charges for these programs and business units. Local Programming and Advertising success will help take pressure off prices for regular cable service. * We're a highly penetrated system, with little room to grow through additional customers. * We'll focus efforts on maximizing sales of more than basic service. * Ancillary businesses such as advertising, production and profitable local programming provide us with financial growth without additional pressure on customer prices. • Public Access Changes * Facility renovation * Equipment upgrade * Total capital expenditure: $300,000 • Equipment: • Construction: • Vehicle: $200,000 $ 70,000 $ 25,000 * Total facility value: $350,000 * Operating support 3 full-time staff in 1989 materials and supplies • repair and maintenance - training • promotion N light, heat and power (lights & equipment draw heavily on power) N equipment replacement * Annual Operating Cost, starting - equipment replacement: - staffing (3 full-time): • repair and maintenance: N materials and supplies: - general operating OH: 1989: about $150,000 $36,000 (minimum) $45,000 (inc. benefits) $20,000 (materials, time) $20,000 $45,000 (LHP, promo, training, etc.) • About 50 cents per customer per month with no financial return. 3 CITY OF ITHACA FRANCHISE UPDATE I/24. %lei �` �� ; 7 Basic Service Pricing and Price Regulation 1988 $9.00 1989 $11.00 (eliminate additional outlet charge) 1990 $12.10 1991... $13.31 1992 $14.64 1993 5 percent maximum, unless Consumer Price Index is higher Basic Service - 12 channels N PEG Requirements * Up to 9 channels * Facilities and staff already discussed Consumer ownership of wiring and equipment - Consumer ownership of converters and remote control - Ordinance and franchise status CABLE.SYSTEM FRANCHISING 3 YEAR TIMETABLE Municipality Expiration Status 1988: C. Ithaca January 1988 Renewal V. Newark Valley September 1988 Renewal T. Newark Valley April 1992 Renewal T. Danby October 1988 Renewal T. Ulysses November 1988 Renewal V. Trumansburg October 1994 -Extension T. Ithaca November 1993 Extension V. Lansing November' 1990 New V. Cayuga Heights ? New V. Freeville July 1989 Renewal 1989: T. Lansing November 1990 Renewal T. Dryden May 1991 _Renewal /. Dryden September 1994 Extension T. Groton June 1994 Extension V. Groton February 1990 Renewal 1990: T. Newfield February 1991 Renewal T. Caroline April 1991 Renewal T. Candor February 1992 Renewal V. Candor July 1995 Extension 5 REGULATORY ISSUES (1 Je (/K) d&- . Cable Television is in the news, especially atthefederal level. Four separate investigations of the industry are expected to be completed by this July. - .House Telecommunications Committee Hearing N Senate Antitrust Committee Hearing • FCC review of the cable industry - White House administrative policy review - Lots of rhetoric. Here are the issues: PRICING * Impact of deregulation of cable prices * New FCC effective competition rules TECHNICAL ISSUES * Consumer compatiability • Lack of common standard - Changing technology a Converters often create more problems than solve - We use converters as security and to assist with volume. * High definition TV - Great pictures! More than doubles resolution. • Expanded bandwidth could make most production and transmission equipment obsolete. N Number of groups working on solutions a Need to set common standard for U.S. * Who sets technical standards? Level: federal, state, local - FCC Cumulative Leakage Index (CLI) - in effect by 1990 $2 million added this year for enforcement stiff fines will occur for violations * Satellite transmission (C -band vs. KU band) SCRAMBLING OF SATELLITE -DELIVERED PROGRAMMING 6 SEN. GORE'S BILL - Satellite issues often get confused with broadcast issues. Satellite transmissions are private, and those receiving them are obligated to pay for them if the sender so chooses. Controversy revolves around: - Distribution of programming subscriptions programmers cable operators third party - other sources? cost - Bulk discounts large cable companies often get lower price for programming than smaller. industry itself is split on this issue - Distribution is working fine after shaky start; Gore bill threatens to impose regulation that will drive most distributors out of t`he business. ANTI-TRUST ISSUES - Consolidation of ownership of cable companies - Vertical integration of industry - ownership interests in other operations - ownership of programming vendors - ownership of equipment vendors BROADCAST SIGNAL CARRIAGE/PLACEMENT * Philosophical - history of communications - U.S. policy geared to wide distribution, great diversity, and local responsiveness in television programming. - Broadcast television has achieved wide distribution but has not met the diversity of local responsiveness test. - Many cable operators are dropping duplicate network channels and poorly rated independents, or shifting them about in the channel lineup in favor of more highly -valued satellite -delivered programming. - Broadcasters don't like it and are complaining to anyone who will listen. Consumers seem pretty satisfied. - Broadcasters are pushing for reinstatement of must -carry rule, which has been declared unconstitutional three times. Local impact on ACC Duplicate networks are biggest negative complaint. If must carry reinstated, we would be required to carry 11 broadcast stations (3 ABC, 3 NBC, 2 CBS, 2 PBS, 1 independent; with as many as two more coming) - 12 -channel basic would be solely duplicated networks -- Significant minority prefers duplication - Considering second broadcast tier Compulsory License - Allows cable companies to re -transmit broadcast programming from any channel it receives. - Links back to wide distribution of broadcast TV - Elimination would require cable companies to negotiate carriage rights with each broadcast channel, or possibly each programmer on the channel. - Would almost certainly lead to dropping of broadcast channels. Copyright - Fee paid as a percentage of revenues for right to carry copyrighted broadcast programming. - Local vs. distant signals - Recent court rulings will result in higher fees - Linked to compulsory license in some ways -- Has impact on second broadcast tier (copyright fee) Syndicated Exclusivity Requires cable operator to "black -out" programming on a channel if more than one channel carries program, regardless of time on the air. In effect until 1980 and extremely unpopular with consumers. Very expensive for operator; equipment intensive to operate. Will create great customer dissatisfaction. - CALIFORNIA TRILOGY OF COURT CASES - Sacramento, Palo Alto, Santz Cruz all had similar tones Call into question constitutionality of franchising proce -46 meets, Including: G access�/ , 7o Jef cu e-� - technical s _ndards - universal service - unreasonable franchise fees - equipment demands - e c usive ranchise - Erie case constricts on access issue only - Impact: - easier to overbuild - more competition directly from other cable operators - Other Legal Issues: - access to buildings and private developments - utility pole rental rates - relationship between cable and telephone companies REBUILD TIMETABLE 1988 * City of Ithaca * Town of Ulysses * Village of Trumansburg 1989 * Village of Lansing * Danby * 'own of Dryden * Village of Dryde Village of Groton * Town of Groton * Freeville * Proposed Newark Valley Upgrade * Cayuga Heights 1990 * Town of Lansing * Caroline * Newfield * Village of Candor * Town of Candor NOTE: Town of Ithaca will be built in stages as its position relates geographically to municipalities with work underway. 10 IMPACT OF THE SYSTEM REBUILD Highlights: - Channel Capacity/More Programming - Line Extensions: 45-50 Miles -- Between 20 & 35 Homes p/Mile Better Picture Quality - Ability to Monitor Repair Activity, More Closely - Increased System Reliability Backup Power Supplies Two -Way Capability - Two -Way I -Net in the Ithaca City Core * City Hall * Police Station * Green St. Fire Station * Cornell University * Ithaca College * Tompkins County Library * Youth Bureau * Greater Ithaca Activities Center * Ithaca High School * Boynton Junior High School * Ithaca Alternate Community School PROPOSED CHANNEL LINEUP BEGINNING JUNE 1988 01 Pay -Per -View BASIC TIER 02 ABC Syracuse -9 03 NBC Syracuse -3 04 PBS Syracuse -24 05 CBS Syracuse -5 06 ABC Elmira -36 07 Weather Channel/ACC Local Origination 08 PBS Binghamton -46 09 WWOR New York -9 10 NBC Binghamton -40 11 WPIX New York -11 12 CBS Binghamton -12 13 Cable 13/Learning Channel/Bulletin Board *14 HBO ,*15 Cinemax *16 Disney EXPANDED TIER 17 CNN 18 ESPN 19 FNN/Score/Telshop *20 NY SportsChannel/Cable SportsTracker 21 MTV 22 USA 23 WNYW New York 24 C -SPAN 25 A&E/Nickelodeon 26 WVIA Scranton *27 Showtime *28 Festival *29 Bravo 30 Discovery 31 Arts & Entertainment (Full Time) 32 Headline News 33 CBN 34 Nashville 35 Nickelodeon (Full Time) 36 VH -1 37 Lifetime 38 BET 39 Tempo 40 The Learning Channel (Full Time) 41 Cable Value Network 42 The Weather Channel (Full Time) 43 Prevue (Program Listings Service) *Premium Cable Channel CUSTOMER SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND CHANGES - CUSTOMER SERVICE MATTERS. WHY? - Cable is a customer -intensive business. - To most people in our area, television = cable. - We are tested every time the set is turned on. - Estimated 50,000-60,000 incoming calls per year - Estimated 20,000-25,000 outgoing calls per year - 11,000-12,000 installations and upgrades per year - 5,100 service and repair calls in 1987 - Plus administrative call volume - Plus programming and news call volume 50,000 mail contacts per month (bills/guides) - HOW ARE WE DOING? - In both 1987 and 1988, we received an average service score of 3.17 on a scale of 1-4 (4 highest) from our customers. - 87 percent said we are doing a very good or fairly good job serving the community. - Weakest area is generally programming, with customers usually asking for services we do not carry. - Strongest area is generally customer response to the actual contact with ACC; staff, knowledge, courtesy, etc. WHAT ARE WE DOING? - Measurement of customer service performance - Underway during past 2 years in systematic approach • More detailed tracking and analysis soon to be available - Office Expansion and Renovation - Will occupy 3 buildings (just 3 years ago in only 1) - Double the work space for the business office - Double the engineering office space - More efficient warehouse space plus new inventory sytem - Expansion of studio and production facilities at both 517 and 519 W. State St. offices - Additional Customer Service Staff - 3 FT/2 PT customer service representatives, total now 11 FT/ 5 PT 4 direct sales staff 23 technical staff (added 4.5 positions in 1986 and 1987, 2 construction positions this year, plus 1-2 positions expected during next 1-2 years) 11 programming and production staff (5 FT/6 PT) - 8 reporters/Cable NewsCenter 7 staff - 5 Cable Ads staff - Total employment by end April '88: 85 people (35 in 1984) 13 -- New Billing System - Misnomer; tracks activity for all phases of our business - Maintains itemized, easy -to -read bills - Improved ability to track installation and repair service activity Improved ability to monitor customer activity and service levels Improved support for pay-per-view - New Telephone System - Ability to monitor all incoming and outgoing traffic by extension - Old system only allowed cumulative data Will allow us to set standards and maintain at system and individual levels: response time, on -hold time, busy signals, etc. Key focus is on being there forour customer when they call our business office or repair line - Extensive Training and Re-training Changes mean new information must be understood by staff so that we can communicate with and serve our customers Large number of new staff people increases need for extensive training Extensive training and reinforcement of basic customer service skills . Extensive training and reinforcement on cable programming and products Extensive training and re-training as new facilities are installed - new cable system technology - new programming lineup - new billing system - new phone system *Critical*: Customer and Community Communications * "Customer Update" Bill Inserts * Cable Programming Guide * Updated customer brochures and information * Direct Mail & Newsletters * "Cable Currents" * Brochure for Rebuild * "Withiam on Cable" Print Ads * "Withiam on Cable" Program * Cross-channel Promotion KEY CUSTOMER SERVICE ISSUE IN THE FUTURE Consumer ownership of equipment and wirin * No additional outlet charge 26'. "lear,,���-=• * Negative option on ownership * Those electing ownership may be charged for service calls & repairs but have the option of going elsewhere for repairs. * Issue is consumer choice. * Our concern is that the system be maintained within FCC standards for leakage and other technical areas. consumer installed equipment is troublesome: - poor equipment - poor installation 711)\\ - j1- prompts service calls - prompts dissatisfaction with ACC poor installation results in poor technical performance of the system, which makes us liable for stiff fines FCC requires instant repair or disconnectionon of any equipment or drop found to be in violation of rules consumer ownership will most likely result in more technical problems; a real shame with brand new plant * To combat this, we'll mount an extensive consumer education effort: To establish and communicate standards to homeowners, landlords, and builders Encourage having ACC technicians complete all cable - related work To explain consequences if cable is not properly installed or maintained Communications start in late 1988. - Consumer ownership of converters and remote controls * Converters are essentially unique to this system * Converters are costly * Converters are not generally available through other outlets because the vendor at this time sells almost exclusively to cable operators * Universal remote controls COMMUNITY SERVICE - Public Service Announcements and Tours - ACC's 1987 Annual Holiday Food Drive quadrupled the number cans collected for Loaves & Fishes and the county -wide Kitchen Cupboards. This year will be 5th year of drive. - ACC will be the official sponsor of the Women's Community Building's Centennial Flare Lighting of Cayuga Lake on July 4. - United Way: videotape, PSAs, staff involvement - Ithaca Centennial: videotape, TV show, staff tin err plans to give Tompkins -Cortland Community College a holarship for a gifted electronics student. - ACC sponsors the Time Education.Program *** National Cable Month *** * 56 -hour "Kickoff" Programming Marathon on channel 7 * Launch of Child Development Programming Series with the County's Day Care Council - Free Basic Service to Day Care Centers - Equipment Donations• of * April 9 -- 16 is The Week of the Young Child. Locally produced PSA's air on Day Care Council services such as the car seat loan program and Warm Line phone service for parents and child care providers. * Tonight's Meeting * National Cable Month Essay Contest for 4th -6th graders Grand prize: Trip to New York City to watch a live taping. of a NICKELODEON children's program. * Local ACE Awards - April 18 at the Ithaca Ramada * Video Exhibit - April 23-24, Pyramid Mall's "Discovering Ithaca Trails from the Past..Footsteps to the Future" show. * Cable -Ads April 26 Cocktail Reception for the Business Community re)', free' J 12'16 I/ 6‘e(' /6 j / 1 %e.W4 /t/Le_,6a I g° /e.L/ /eV 17.E ,Ai5~ 2 1988 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY STATEMENT Ara Ezzwaraa ® Dluzzoi Attu:Hi:an lelrvi :iun t1 Cnuunuuu::dunts Cotputahun Corporals Headquarters 160 Inverness Drive West Englewood. Colorado 80112 303 799-1200 American Television and Communications Corporation (ATC) reaffirms its commitment to take Affirmative Action in providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, ancestry, medical condition, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap or status as a disabled or • Vietnam -era veteran. This commitment i -s a result of ATC's acceptance of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action as a social obligation and an economic and business necessity. ATC's policy, which has the steadfast support of each person in management, ensures equal opportunities for all individuals through the development and administration of equitable personnel practices and actions in areas such as recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, educational assistance, transfers, lay offs, returns from layoffs, promotions, discipline, company -sponsored recreation and social activities. The commitment espoused by ATC extends beyond a merely "neutral policy" and requires the ongoing efforts of all employees to achieve successful results. Accordingly, managers will share the responsibility of establishing Affirmative Action goals designed to correct any inequities found to exist in any area of employment at ATC. Each system and corporate department will submit reports to the Director of Employee Relations on a semi-annual basis. This information will be consolidated and analyzed to determine trends and accomplishments. The Affirmative Action Plan, including goals and timetables, will be revised on an annual basis. The performance evaluations of ATC managers will take into account their acceptance and achievement of Affirmative Action goals. Successful performance on Affirmative Action goals will provide positive benefits to ATC through full utilization and development of our human resources. Through our Affirmative Action Plan (AAP), we are taking positive steps to ensure that equal employment opportunities prevail. Elements of our written plan are available to all employees upon request. Anyone interested in reviewing this program should contact their respective Human Resources Director or Manager within the business unit, or any ATC division president or system manager. Trygv4( E. hren CEO and Ch • firman oma'' Board Pi nvidutn rnity l W:nrul AM! tnlrn n• 0•04 114 4 • •: Cal I ista42, aolangel i pitAlerk C ty ti I I �', 108 E�:� io tt. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 DEC29'88 N.�.; r�.c,•;ud�;t .. Thomas Terrizzi 714 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, New York 14850 I:U:{_:11:II::I:UE:I:JII:MI! II OFFICIAL NOTICE OF MEETING CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK A Regular Meeting of the Cable Television Commission will be held Tuesday, Jan. 10 19 89at 7:30 P.M. in the Common Council Chambers , City Hall. Your attendance is requested. Please plan to arrive at 7:00 P.M. for an organizational meeting.. The pbulic portion _of the meeting will convene at 7:30 P.M. as usual. Thank You. Aatt_t Date December 29 1988 David Lyte �— BUND X138 LLEN H.TREMAN STATE MARINE PARK STEWART PARK ;1 IGHT,; I T.E1 A C YUGA El ( BLUEGRASS L'. A„: HACA mss, E �.J BEEB °REsr HOME LAK hECKLENBURG 1 'L'"^'SE 1 nj AVE. \ �^op z _ __ S tE13%1AN _=E`i ERr: LOI CLOCrR nOST'Ni�x ITHACA • COLLEGE J CABLEI3 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CABLE 13 FIFTH ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE Official Rules and Instructions 1. Program must have been produced within Tompkins County. 2. Program must have been produced for cablecasting on CABLE 13, and have been first cablecast between March. 18, 1988 and March 24, 1989. 3. Producer must have the authority to submit the Program for this contest, and sign a statement on the entry form verifying that all appropriate copyright clearances have been obtained. ACC will not be liable for any copyright violations. 4. Program must have been produced primarily using 3/411 or 1/211 video equipment. Programs transferred from film or computer will not be accepted. However, programs primarily produced using video equipment may include limited use of slides and consumer -grade computer images. 5. The 1989 CABLE 13 A.C.E. Awards have 12 Entry Categories. Each program may only be entered in one category. For programs which might be appropriate for more than one, the producer may select the category under which the program is entered. For example, a talk show made by teens might be entered either under the Talk Show or the Youth Programming category. Programs which the judges feel do not represent. the category into which they were entered will be disqualified. 6. Entries may be submitted on 3/411 or 1/211 (VHS) videotape, clearly labeled on both the tape box and the tape cassette with: Program Title, Program Length, Series or Single Program, Producer Name and Telephone Number, and Entry Category. All entries must be accompanied by a completed Official Entry Form. 7. Do NOT submit masters. Access staff will be available to make--Uubs for entry purposes; ACC will not be responsible for lost or damaged videotapes. 8. Minimum length of entries, except Short Subject, is 10 minutes. Maximum length of entries is 30 minutes. For programs longer than 30 minutes, excerpts will be accepted. "Television for Tompkins County" 9. Series programs may be represented by a single show or by a composite tape. Composite. tapes for long (over 30 minutes) single programs or series must have: a) black at tape start; black with titles between each segment; b) a cue sheet; example: Black 00:00 to 00:30 Title 00:30 to 00:45 Segment #1 00:46 to 05:00 Black 05:01 to 05:31 Title 05:32 to 05:47 Segment #2 05:48 to 09:00 Etc 10. Entrants which do not follow the above instructions will be disqualified. If you are unsure about any of the entry procedures, please note that access staff will be available to check over entry materials to make sure they conform to contest specifications. 11. Winners will be chosen by a panel of 3 independent judges. 12. Entries will be judged for the following criteria, as applicable to each program: Technical Criteria (weight : 50%) Camera Work, Audio, Lighting, Editing or Switching, Graphics and Effects, Use of Sets or Props, Attention to Detail. Content (weight : 50%) Originality and/or Style; Content Development (Interviewing techniques, Pacing, Organization, How effectively the program's subject is presented); Color, excitement and/or emotional power; How well program holds viewer interest; and an overall content rating by each judge. 13. Judges will also be instructed to disregard differences in program quality attributable to differences in local non- profit video facilities. For example, a more expensive character generator or 3 -tube camera image will not be judged superior to programs using simpler CG's and cameras. 14. Deadline for entries is Friday, March 24, 1989, at 5:00 pm, to the Comunity Access Studio at 612 W. Green St. 15. Winners will be announced and awards presented at a ceremony to be held at the Community Access Studio, 612 West Green St., at 7:30pm on May 25, 1989. Producers of winning programs will receive plaques at that time. Crewmembers of winning programs will receive certificates. Good Luck! CABLE1 3 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CABLE 13 FIFTH ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE 1989 Official Entry Form (Please type or print clearly) Producer Name • Group (if Applicable) Address Phone Program Title Series Single Program (check one) Production Facility Used Cablecast Date(s) Crew Members (technical crew, co -producers, and talent participating the in technical production of the program. Do not include program subjects or guests who did not participate in tie technical production of the program): Category: (There are 12 entry categories. Please check only one) Arts Performance: music, dance, mime, "performance art," theatrical or other artistic performance. Comedy/Variety: comedy skits, "talent shows," free -form entertainment programs. Dramatic Work: edited videotape of a dramatic work. "Television for Tompkins County" Instructional: "How -To" Programs, Advice Programs. Religion/Philosophy: traditional and non-traditional religious and philosophical issues. Innovative: including programs with an experimental, "avant garde" or otherwise unconventional approach to television, video art, etc. Youth: programs produced by young people under 18 years of age. (An adult executive producer is required under CABLE 13 rules for producers who are minors, and does not disqualify entrants in this category) Tompkins County: programs about Ithaca or the Tompkins County area; programs covering community events. Documentary: examination of a single issue, event, person, place or organization. Talk Show: interview programs, discussion groups. Magazine -Format (Series only): Programs dealing with several issues with more visual detail than possible in a talk show, usually including edited field material. Short Subject: Program of less than 10 minutes in length, on any subject. The purpose of the CABLE 13 Awards for Cablecasting Excellence is to promote the best in local community access programming. By signing below, I avow that I have the authority to submit this videotape, and have obtained all necessary copyright clearances. I know that ACC will not be liable for copyright violations. I also agree to allow ACC to cablecast this program or portions thereof on CABLE 13 as part of A.C.E. programming. Signature Date