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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUntitled (2) t • 7 , CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY s JOINT CABLE COMMUNICATIONS C, : MISSION JUL 2 2 MEETING MINUTES I J Wednesday, July 15, 199 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Turnquist (Oak Park Heights) at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Park Heights City Hall. ROLL CALL Present: Ann Bodlovick (Stillwater), Gale Bush (Oak Park Heights), Gary Talbot (Stillwater), Sharon Ridgway (Bayport). Absent: Patrick Chapman (Bayport). Also: Steve Hanson, Karen Wandmacher, Gail Munkelwitz, Dave Magnuson, Don Fixmer and Kathy Cinnamon. APPROVAL OF AGENDA One item was added to the agenda: under Cable Commission business, add letter f. Update on Cable Company Proposal. MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to approve the agenda with the addition, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to approve the minutes of June 24, 1998, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. OLD BUSINESS 1. Joint Powers Update - The City of Bayport discussed Oak Park's letter concerning changes to the Joint Powers Agreement and sent the Commission a letter. They agree with some items but not all of them. The City of Stillwater will discuss the proposed changes at their upcoming Council meeting of July 21st. Oak Park Heights wants a meeting of the 3 City Administrators to discuss the proposed changes. We will have another update next month. 2. Lease Update - the Commission's office lease was reviewed by Dave Magnuson and Kathy. Changes were then discussed with the landlord. There are some concerns about a "waiver of subrogation" clause in the lease and our insurance agent and the League of Minnesota Cities are reviewing it. The landlord will send the Commission a letter confirming our agreement that we will continue on with our current lease and rate for the next 2 months until the cable company's leases renew. The cable company hasn't worked out the details of their leases with the landlord yet, but they anticipate renewing for a year when their leases expire. The Commission will renew at the same time with the same dates. 3. Access Center Reports - The Commission is now receiving program schedules from the Access Center, which gives a better idea of what programs are being shown • • 7/15/98 Commission Meeting - Page 2 and how often. No further comments on the issue. 4. Editing Equipment Update - Karen reported that the editing equipment in the control room is now w o up and running but that the source deck isn't back; one was taken from the toaster to put in the control room and therefore now the toaster is not available for use. Steve indicated that the source deck has been at Alpha Video for repair and that it would cost $5,000 to replace the deck. Ann stated that if the deck can't be repaired that we should replace it. Steve will check the status of the source deck and report to the Commission tomorrow. Karen suggested the possibility of buying a used deck. 5. Channel 12 Modulator - Don said that he got a replacement modulator to use while his is being repaired. NEW BUSINESS 1. Media One Company Report - was received at the meeting. The cable company is now officially Media One. Steve brought the signed franchise extension document . 2. Access Center Report - was received. The Commission would like to continue receiving the program schedules that Roy has been providing. 3. Corporation Report - Gail Munkelwitz reported the programming that they have been working on: 4th of July Festival Mass of Freedom, Afton 4th of July parade (they also had a float and camera in the parade). Karen and Don Fixmer will be doing some programming with the United Way, Marguerite Rheinberger is working on some Stillwater historical programs, Bob Utecht is working on a weekly news program, and Valley Access Channels will be doing a live cablecast of the Lumberjack Days Parade, to be hosted by Bob Utecht, Marguerite Rheinberger and Gwen Marty. Karen reported that Valley Access Channels will have an intern from Century College working with them; he will be working with Bob Utecht on his news program. Karen said that the intern will have to be covered under Workmen's Compensation and in order to do that he has to be on their payroll; he will receive some pay. Terms of his internship are still being worked out. Karen expressed her concerns that she has a lot of community programming but doesn't feel it is getting played enough. MOTION by Gary Talbot for the Commission to grant $250 to Valley Access Channels to cover expenses for the coverage of the Lumberjack Days Parade, seconded by Ann Bodlovick. MOTION CARRIED. Gary suggested that Joe Goulet could make a grant request from Valley Access Channels to help cover his expenses in his coverage of I _ • • 7/15/98 Commission Meeting - Page 3 the parade. He further suggested that if Joe's costs exceed the grant (Valley Access Channels grants are $25) that it be brought to the attention of the Commission. Update on Cable Company Renewal Proposal - Kathy was asked for her update on this issue. She spoke with Jim Commers, who said that when there was discussion about the franchise extension, that Bob Vose and John o Gibbs (cable company attorney) had also discussed extending the timeline for the proposal. The Commission wasn't informed of this - Kathy will call Bob and find out. Jim said that the proposal is being worked on and that we should have it by the end of the month. 4. Cable Commission Business a. Review of changes of premium services - this wasn't a rate change issue, just a change in the premium program packages. This is due to the consolidation of cable companies and makes it so that everyone is offering the same packages. Steve reported that these new packages are for new subscribers to these services; that the customers currently getting premium programming will continue with what they have. b. Workshop Report - There was a workshop on July 9th to discuss funding issues for the new franchise. Jerry reported that it was discussed that we should negotiate for "state of the art" equipment replacement instead of dollar amounts. It was suggested and decided that we have a meeting with the 3 City Administrators and get their input/suggestions regarding job descriptions, hiring, etc. and also their input on what % of the franchise should go to public access. It was reported that the Cities of Bayport and Oak Park Heights have said it is OK for the Commission to continue keeping the franchise fees from their Cities at this time. Ann and Gary want to discuss the franchise fees with the City of Stillwater. c. Set worksho p date - No date has been set to meet with the Administrators. d. Secretary Review - Gail and Ann met with Kathy and made the following recommendations to the Commission: Increase Kathy's paid vacation from 20 hours to 40 hours (this is an increase from 1 week paid vacation to 2 weeks) and a 50 cent per hour increase of wages. MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to increase Kathy's paid vacation to 40 hours and increase her hourly wage by 50 cents, retroactive to May 1st. Seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. e. I-N t Problems roblems - Karen reported problems with signal quality for live programming on the Channels and Don was told by a technician that the I-Net needed to be "swept". It is thought that the problem might be between the Access Center and the headend. Steve will speak with Marty Welch and report back to the Commission. Karen wanted to discuss the issue of nursing homes who do not receive cable service. Steve said that the cable company has to work with nursing home administrators on $ • 7/15/98 Commission Meeting - Page 4 this and that they have to wire an entire building, not just a few rooms. He stated that sometimes a nursing home will buy cable service for a common area for their residents. Art Edhlund requested that the Commission keep the churches in mind when we renew the franchise, concerning live coverage of church services. He was told that we have indicated to the cable company a need for the churches to be able to be on the I- Net if they wish to, but that it probably would not be without cost. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to approve Resolution 98-7-15 for payment of bills/funds transfers, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. OTHER BUSINESS The Commission received a flyer on the upcoming MACTA Conference and there will probably be some people going. Will decide after more information comes out. Kathy suggested that we might want to consider joining MACTA becauses the rates for these conferences is considerably lower if you're a member. AFFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE The next monthly meeting of the Commission will be Wednesday, August 19th at 7:30 p.m. at Stillwater City Hall, if available. A franchise renewal workshop was tentatively scheduled prior to the meeting at 6:30 p.m. - will see if there are some issues to work on when it's closer to the time. ADJOURNMENT MOTION to adjourn by Gary Talbot, seconded by Ann Bodlovick. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Submitted by Kathy Cinnamon Administrative Secretary • • CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY JOINT CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSI e rr\ © OW ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES t)) 1' February 18, 1998 1 FEB 2 6 1998 CALL TO ORDER The Annual meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman Ann Bodlovick (Stillwater). The meeting took place at Oak Park Heights City Hall, 14168 N. 57th St. ROLL CALL Present: Gale Bush (Oak Park Hts.), Gary Talbot (Stillwater), Sharon Ridgway (Bayport), Jerry Turnquist (Oak Park Hts.) Also: Dave Magnuson, Steve Hanson, Don Fixmer and Kathy Cinnamon AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to approve the agenda, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 1. Chairman Gary Talbot nominated Jerry Turnquist for Chairman, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. A vote was taken; ALL IN FAVOR. 2. Vice Chairman- Gary Talbot nominated Ann Bodlovick for Vice Chairman, seconded by Gale Bush. A vote was taken;ALL IN FAVOR. 3. Secretary/Treasurer - Gary Talbot nominated Sharon Ridgway for Secretary/Treasurer, seconded by Ann Bodlovick. A vote was taken; ALL IN FAVOR. ANNUAL DESIGNATIONS 1. Official Newspaper - MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to keep the Courier as our official newspaper for legal publications, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. 2. Official Depositories - MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to keep Central Bank as official depository, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. a. Designated Signers - MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to have designated signers be the 3 officers and Kathy Cinnamon, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. ANNUAL TASK SCHEDULE Franchise renewal is our priority for the year. Some additional Needs Assessment items were presented for Commission approval to include with the previously approved items. MOTION by Gary Talbot to approve the additional items, seconded by Ann Bodlovick. MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to adjourn, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. The Annual meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m. • • • 1 • CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY JOINT CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Turnquist (Oak Park Hts.) at 7:36 p.m. The meeting was held at Oak Park Heights City Hall, 14168 N. 57th Street. ROLL CALL Present: Gary Talbot (Stillwater), Gale Bush (Oak Park Hts.), Sharon Ridgway (Bayport), Ann Bodlovick (Stillwater) Also: Dave Magnuson, Steve Hanson, Karen Wandmacher, Don Fixmer and Kathy Cinnamon. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Jerry deleted 2 items from the agenda: Under New Business, King Videocable Company, delete letter e. Access Expenditure Reports (more information and discussion needed) and under Commission Business delete letter b. Complaint Procedures (discuss when Patrick returns). MOTION by Sharon Ridgway to approve the agenda with the above mentioned deletions, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to approve the minutes of 1/21/98, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. OLD BUSINESS 1. King Video - Legal opinions re: programming issues: Steve Hanson indicated that he has spoken with his legal/public access people regarding programming on Channel 3 and rather than try to define what is educational and what isn't, they came to the conclusion that programming on Channel 3 should be limited to programming from schools or about schools and school events; other public access programming is to run on Channel 10. Access Center staff has been informed of this. Steve will write a new policy about this and forward it to the Commission by the next meeting The question was raised about Channel 22 and the fact that this is a channel dedicated to religious/senior programming. Steve will check to see if there have been any problems with programming on Channel 22. 2. King Video - Company approval of equipment to be purchased for the Access Center from escrow: Jim signed off on the list and signatures were also obtained from Jerry Turnquist and Dave Magnuson. No information was available on character ner or ge at bids. 3. King Video - Info about increase of franchise fees charged: Steve Hanson explained that the customer has been paying a 5% franchise fee, which is included in the gross revenues, and that the company has to pay us 5% of the gross • • 2/18198 Commission Meeting - Page 2 revenues as their franchise fees to us, so the increase to 5.25% is a pass through fee to the customers and allows the company to recoup what they are losing by paying "5% on top of 5%" on franchise fees to the Commission. NEW BUSINESS 1. King Videocable Company Report - was received. a. Program Complaints - Joe Goulet - house burning segment: Commission member Gary Talbot had received calls from both Mr. Buckley of the Stillwater Fire Department and a resident, Mrs. Stormont regarding a Joe Goulet program in which video footage was done of a training burn conducted by the fire department. The Fire Department's complaint was that the video was not within the scope of what was discussed; that the fire department wasn't happy that the footage was intermixed with segments from the Mall of America. Joe had done a video of a burn in the past and the fire department thought they would be getting the same type of video. The complaint from Mrs. Stormont, owner of the home that was burnt, was that she didn't want the footage to appear on cable television; that she didn't give permission for the public airing of the burning, and that she wanted the program to be taken off the air. She made a number of phone calls requesting it be taken off and it was not taken off. Steve Hanson called the fire department to get more information and spoke with Bob Barthoi, acting Chief of the fire department. Mr. Barthol came to the meeting to address these issues. Mr. Barthol indicated that the fire department knew the footage would appear on cable; that it was not intended to be an in-house training film but that the filming of the training burn was meant to be of interest and education to the public. They felt that the way the program was put together was in poor taste; that it was taken out of context and not shown in its entirety and the fire department wanted the program to either be taken off the air or for Mr. Goulet to edit out the parts that were mixed in. Mrs. Stormont had also called the fire department because she was upset at seeing the burning of her home on television. Mr. Barthol indicated that sometimes people choose not to watch a burn because it is upsetting to them. He also stated that when a demolition permit is signed that the property belongs to the fire department during the burning, then is returned to the owner. Both the fire department and Mrs. Stormont spoke with Joe about their dissatisfaction with the program and their wanting the program taken off the air and neither Joe nor the Access Center staff would remove the program. Steve Hanson stated that the Cable Company operates under Miller rules and state statutes and that the company has some leeway to regulate programming issues where obscenity is concerned but really no leeway if the material isn't obscene. He stated that the program is through running and will not be on anymore. Dave Magnuson stated that the Commission has no control where this issue is concerned and that the Commission is immune from liability. Gary Talbot asked that the Cable Company review their policy regarding the continued • :• 2/18/98 Commission Meeting - Page 3 airing of a program when there is an issue such as someone not having permission to air a program. He also asked for the Company's policy regarding the assessment of a program. Gary also advised Mr. Hanson that the company should be concerned about possible copyright infringements by producers. Mr. Hanson replied that the producers assume responsibility for getting the appropriate release for copyrighted materials. Mike Knutson gave Mr. Barthol a business card and said that Valley Access Channels would be willing to come and tape a program for the fire department. As for complaints regarding text inserted over the Howard Stern portion of the video, the company still feels that they can't regulate that because it is not obscene. People have felt that the message was intimidating and Commission members wondered if any laws were broken in doing this. Dave Magnuson felt that it was more a case of a ay g g producer being rude. b. Request for Complaint log - was received. c. Complaints - Access Center Closed: Steve Hanson explained that the center was closed on 2/11 because Roy was attending a company meeting; John was on vacation. He stated that it's not always possible to have someone there all the time when someone is ill or on vacation. He stated that in the future maybe Roy should put a character generated message on Channel 10 if the Access Center will be closed. As for the center being closed on 2/6, Steve will speak with John. The secretary in the King office has had to open the Access Center to let people get their tapes when the staff is not there and the company does not want this to be occurring; however, they are considering having the secretary be able to combine with the Access Center and take care of some chores there. It was suggested that the employees have a certain posted time for lunch as the secretary does, so people will know when not to come. The hours of 9-9 are in the Operating Rules, not in the franchise. The Operating Rules were done jointly between King Videocable and Valley Access Channels. Gary stated that a letter should be sent to the company regarding the numerous closings of the Access Center, some legitimate and some questionable, and that a remedy of the situation is requested. Chairman Turnquist questioned how many violations before we are entitled to get bids from other cable companies for renewal? Public Information Request - Commissioner Talbot had requested that the cable company forward the address of Joe Goulet to the Commission, as Mrs. Stormont requested to be able to send a letter to Mr. Goulet. The cable company has concern about the release of this information and requested that letters to producers be sent to the Access Center, who in turn would give it to the producers. Mr. Hanson was told of the last time we dealt with privacy issues concerning public information, when Kent Leacock was still here. It was agreed upon at that time that the name and address of the producer is public information but the telephone number is not, and only certain • • . 2/18/98 Commission Meeting - Page 4 individuals had access to the phone number. Mr. Hanson wasn't aware of this agreement and says he'll abide by it. Dave Magnuson will forward a copy of this agreement to Mr. Hanson. d. Internet Access information - Steve Hanson stated that the Access Center does not have Internet access and that the computer is being used by John & Roy only. He states that there are future plans to be able to do E-mail. Mike Knutson told the Commission that the first commitment that the company has is to honor the terms of the franchise, which states that the Access Center must be staffed 100 hours a week. Dave Magnuson states that the franchise says the center must be readily available; that it doesn't say that the center must be continuously open from 9- 9. 2. Access Center Report - was received. 3. Corporation Report - The board has approved a mini-grant application and policy and will forward copies for the Commission's review. They have requested that copies also be available at the Commission office. 4. Cable Commission Business a. Grant for Fire Department - Gary Talbot has proposed that the Commission consider a grant for the fire department so they can have a training video done. Sharon Ridgway questioned whether this would fall under the Corporation's mini-grant program. It was also felt that if we gave this opportunity to Stillwater Fire Department that we would need to do the same for Bayport. Mr. Barthol acknowledged that they sometimes do things jointly. Gary asked Mr. Barthol to assess what the fire department(s) would like to do concerning a public education/public safety video and the estimated costs and bring it to the Commission for consideration. c. Extra Hours for Secretary Kathy has had to put in extra hours due to working on Needs Assessment and has requested to be paid for extended hours. MOTION by Ann Bodlovick to suspend the hours limitation for her job and pay Kathy for all hours she works for the next 6 months, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Gary Talbot to approve Resolution 98-2-18 for approval of payment of bills and funds transfers; seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. AFFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE The next monthly meeting of the Commission will be Wednesday, March 18th at 7:30 p.m. at Bayport City Hall, if available. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Gary Talbot to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED, meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Submitted by Kathy C innam o n, Administrative Secretary N 1 • CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY JOINT CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIO MCCEDWE MEETING MINUTES 41 II January 21, 1998 JAN 3 0 1998 101 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting was called to order by Chairman Ann Bodlovick (Stillwater) at 7:35 p.m. at Stillwater City Hall. ROLL CALL Present: Jerry Turnquist (Oak Park Heights), Gary Talbot (Stillwater), Doug Bergmann (Oak Park Heights), Sharon Ridgway (Bayport) and Patrick Chapman (Bayport). Patrick was introduced as our newly appointed Citizen representative from Bayport. Also: Karen Wandmacher, Dave Magnuson, Gale Bush, Don Fixmer and Kathy Cinnamon. Steve Hanson arrived about 10 minutes after the meeting started. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Gary Talbot to approve the agenda, seconded by Jerry Turnquist. MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Jerry Turnquist to approve the meeting minutes of 11/19/97, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC COMMENT - None OLD BUSINESS Items on the agenda were taken out of order, due to Steve Hanson's arrival after the meeting began. MOTION by Gary Talbot to delay the Cable Company issues until the arrival of Steve Hanson, seconded by Doug Bergmann. MOTION CARRIED. FCC Update - Mr. Magnuson stated in a memo to the Commission that he had received a response from King Video, along with the Form 1210, which showed that the rate increase was 10 cents below the maximum permitted rate; therefore the Company appears to be in compliance with FCC rules and Dave recommended no further action be taken. He did say, however, that there appears to be no penalty in continuing the complaint process. The Commission had discussion about the fact that not only was there a substantial rate increase but that there had been manipulation of Channels as well; the moving of the Disney channel from the premium tier to the basic tier; the removal of the Travel channel and the adding of Fox News and Animal Planet. Gary also questioned the rate increase and it being inappropriate to do that when the company had just been sold. It was felt that we should let the FCC know that we aren't happy with any of these changes. MOTION by Doug Bergmann to have Dave Magnuson continue the complaint process and send a letter of complaint to the FCC r y • 110 41- 1/21/98 Commission Meeting - Page 2 regarding the issues mentioned, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. Cable',Company - 11/14 complaint - Steve Hanson acknowledged that the Access Center was in fact closed from 10:30 to 1:30 p.m., as the staff was helping install video equipment at the High School. He admitted that the situation should have been handled differently, in that only one of the guys should have gone, and he said that the employees were spoken to about this. Steve stated that it is somewhat of a problem having the Access Center open so many hours, considering the amount of usage and the number of people on staff (2 full time and a part time) and asked the Commission to consider reducing the number of hours. Dave Magnuson stated that the franchise says that the studio and equipment must be readily available for public use but that the hours of operation are not in the franchise - hours of operation was decided upon between the Company and the Corporation. Jack Doerr reminded the Commission that the Access Center staff had agreed to having staggered hours so that there would always be someone there, but that it had lasted only a week before going back to the old way. Dave gave the Commission a memo regarding penalties for a violation of the franchise - we had to give the Company a 10 day written notice about the violation and the penalty which would be assessed if the violation didn't cease. His opinion was that the Commission didn't give this 10 day notice, that the violation had been quickly cured, and therefore we would not be entitled to assess a penalty. Mike Knutson asked to revisit his complaint of 11/17/97 about refusal of public information. He had requested information on equipment checkouts and John Lindell didn't give it to him, was argumentative about it, and told Mike that he'd have to ask Roy for that information the next day. Steve Hanson didn't feel that it was unreasonable for John to ask Mike to get the information the next day. Dave Magnuson indicated that requests for information doesn't mean that the information must be given on the spot. There was some discussion about whether Roy is the only one who can take care of information requests or whether it can be handled by whatever staff person is on duty. It was felt that whoever is on duty should be able to handle public access to records. Cable Company - Policy on number of times a program can be shown: There was much discussion about the fact that some shows seem to be played over and over. The operating rules states that a show can be shown up to 4 times a week. Jerry Turnquist indicated to Steve Hanson that he was going to start keeping track of how many times programs are being shown (objectionable programs in particular). OLD & NEW BUSINESS Complaint of Mrs. Anderson/ Inappropriate channel for programs: There have been complaints about Joe Goulet's program appearing on Educational Access Channel 3; a complaint from Ethel Anderson was received recently concerning this 1/21/98 Commission Meeting - Page 3 there was a segment of Howard Stern on the show which she objected to, mainly because it was shown on Channel 3. Steve Hanson says that the Cable Company's hands are tied concerning a number of public access issues. FCC rules and guidelines severely restrict King's ability to regulate issues concerning programming and producers. Censoring of programs which producers submit (1st Amendment issue) is not allowed and the producers also get to choose what channel their show goes on and how many times they would like it to be shown. When asked why then were there specific channels set up for Public Access, Education & Government and we can't control what goes on those channels, Steve replied that rules for the PEG channels have changed over the 15 year franchise period. He stated that Commissions used to have more control over such things as programming and rates. NEW BUSINESS Complaint from Mrs. Anderson - Continued - Mrs. Anderson's complaint was received and discussed not only because of the inappropriate channel, but also because of further concerns since she made her complaint. A small portion of a video was shown - it was the show Mrs. Anderson had complained about, but had been edited after the complaint had been received and some messages had been inserted which were felt to be intimidating. Steve Hanson indicated their hands are tied on this type of issue also, but said that the Cable Company would get an opinion from their attorney regarding the extent to which the cable company can deal with programming and producers and share that opinion with Dave Magnuson. Dave said he would also look into the issue. It was stated that after a program has been shown once, that our obligation to the producer has been met. Jack Doerr stated that the company should be concerned about possible copyright infringement because of some of the materials being used in programs, such as the Howard Stern segment, portions of concerts, etc. On the issue of intimidation, Jack told Steve Hanson that he had received calls from 3 different people who are producers, who have heard the staff at the access center plot against the Commission and the Corporation and that the callers didn't want to be identified. Gale Bush asked whether we have the right to see complaints filed with the Access Center. Steve indicated that he believed so. Complaint procedures was discussed. Steve stated that when there are 3 complaints about a program that the program is pulled in order to review the issue and make an assessment. Gary wants the complaint process to be clarified on the scroll through messages on the cable channels. He feels we should let the public know that it is King's policy to review a program after 3 complaints are received, and to eliminate • • L 1/21/98 Commission Meeting - Page 4 some of the numbers listed. He suggested that only the Commission and Access Center phone numbers be listed, as that is where all of the complaints are logged. Sharon Ridgway,commented on how Mrs. Anderson was treated when she called about objectionable programming; that she was treated rudely. Steve is to tell-the Access Center staff that they must be polite to the public. A letter was received from Mr. & Mrs. Funari regarding the dropping of the Travel Channel - they had not been able to receive an explanation as to why. Steve said that they only have so many channels for programming and that they choose programs that are of the most interest to people. The Travel channel had consistently received low ratings in the Nielson ratings and therefore was replaced. Kathy was asked to send a letter to both Mrs. Anderson and Mr. & Mrs. Funari, assuring them that their complaints were heard. Steve Hanson said that the cable company calls also. MOTION by Gary Talbot to have Kathy send letters out to the 2 customers with complaints, seconded by Doug Bergmann. MOTION CARRIED. The equipment list for purchases from escrow which had been presented 11/97 was discussed briefly; everything had been approved by the Corporation and Commission at the 11/97 meeting except for the computer, and there were questions regarding replacement of the studio monitor. Steve said that the monitor is now working and that they can make do with it, but that Roy's preference was to have it replaced. Steve said that he would talk to Jim and get his approval and prices for the playback decks and audio components. Roy is still working on getting bids for a character generator for the control room. There was some discussion about the mandated increase of franchise fees charged - Steve will get us more information on this. ACCESS CENTER REPORT - Was received. CORPORATION REPORT Karen stated that the Corporation regretfully accepted Patrick Chapman's resignation from the board to accept his appointment on the Cable Commission. The Corporation had applications for 2 new board members: Art Edlundh, who has experience with studio equipment and has worked at Suburban Community Channels, and John Bilello, who has produced programming here. MOTION by Doug Bergmann to approve the new candidates to the Corporation board, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. Karen is working on a business proposal for the transfer of public access to the community, as part of our Needs Assessment information. She plans to have this to 1/21/98 Commission Meeting - Page 5 Kathy by January 31st. Karen asked the Commission for direction on this issue: When Cities want information about the Corporation or have comments about its management, policies or programming, can we have the Cities channel those comments through the Commission or is it to come directly to the Corporation as it has been? There was discussion on this issue, and Dave Magnuson's opinion on the issue was that the Corporation is a private, non-profit organization, kept separate from government and that the Commission only controls the approval of their budget and the approval of new board members; therefore they are a separate entity and should be dealt with directly. There were varying opinions from the Commissioners so it was put up for a vote. MOTION by Jerry Turnquist that if the Cities want information about the Corporation that they should make their request to the Commission, who will attempt to get the information needed. Seconded by Doug Bergmann. Patrick in favor, everyone else against - MOTION FAILED. COMMISSION BUSINESS a. Approval of Don's Salary Increase - Don's job duties were discussed and the Commission was asked to approve the raise recommended by the Budget Committee. MOTION by Jerry Turnquist to increase Don's salary by $2 an hour (increase from $11 to $13); that the salary covers the duties listed; and that the raise be effective January 1st, 1998. Seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. b. Don's new billable rate - Due to Don's salary increase, we will have to increase Don's billable rate for extra services. MOTION by Jerry Turnquist to have the new billable rate at $15 an hour, seconded by Doug Bergmann. MOTION CARRIED. c. Discussion of Renewal Issues - It was decided to schedule a workshop to decide on some renewal issues and to try to wrap up Needs Assessment. Depending on how things go, Kathy will set up a workshop for either Tuesday, February 3 or Monday, February 9th at 6:30 p.m. She'll pick a place and let everyone know. Doug indicated that he will be out of town until March 5th. Kathy described the time frame and the remaining tasks for Needs Assessment and we need to get the Needs document written by our attorneys for approval by the Commission - if not the February meeting, then for sure by the March meeting, so we can stay on schedule for renewal. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Jerry Turnquist to approve Resolution 98-1-21 approving payment of bills/funds transfer, seconded by Sharon Ridgway. MOTION CARRIED. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Mr. & Mrs. Funari - already addressed. 2. Appointments from City of Bayport - Sharon is elected rep., Patrick Chapman is the • S 1/21/98 Commission Meeting - Page 6 citizen rep. and Jim Menard is the alternate. 3. Decision Resources Survey - final bound copy was received and copies distributed to our Cities. 4. Videotapes received from Charter Communications with information about technology they plan to implement; copies given to Commission members. AFFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting is our Annual Meeting, where we elect new officers. Annual Meeting at 7:00, regular meeting at 7:30 on Wednesday, February 18th, to be held at Oak Park Heights City Hall, if available. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Doug Bergmann to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Gary Talbot. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Submitted by Kathy Cinnamon Administrative Secretary � qg �7 / � I cl 1.��lPd� �� 1�1,.!.d i,�' r_.l' fe..b'A} /��f` r � •.. ,J