Telecommunications Advisory Committee
City of Apple Valley
December 2, 1999
7:00 P.M. City Hall
Minutes
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chairperson Bible.
Members Present: Rollin Bible, Jerry Brown, Scott Hugstad-Vaa, Dale Rodell, David Westbrook
Members Absent: John Magnusson
Others Present: Charles Grawe, Neal Heuer, Dennis LaComb, Ellen Martin
2. Approval of Agenda
Mr. Bible asked for changes to the agenda. No changes were requested. The agenda was approved as presented.
3. Minutes of June 7, 1999, August 19, 1999, and September 13, 1999
Mr. Rodell moved, second by Mr. Westbrook to approve the minutes of June 7, 1999. Motion passed unanimous.
Mr. Rodell moved, second by Mr. Westbrook to approve the minutes of August 19, 1999. Motion passed unanimous
Mr. Hugstad-Vaa moved, second by Mr. Westbrook to approve the minutes of September 13, 1999. Motion passed unanimous
4. Metricom Wireless Proposal
Mr. Heuer said the City was approached by Metricom to provide a wireless Internet access service in the City. The speed of the service is128 kps and would largely benefit persons working from their vehicles. The service is expected to cost $40 per month. The City has not received a formal proposal at this time.
Mr. Heuer described the equipment used for the service as a shoebox-size receiver and palm size modems. Metricom estimates the need for seven receivers per square mile. The receivers can be mounted with nylon straps to light poles around 35 feet in height and are designed to plug into the light sensor units for power. In addition, Metricom requires three large network receivers that gather information from the receivers. Metricom is requesting access and use of the City’s right of way to access the poles. There is no need for digging or stringing wires. Mr. Heuer plans to locate the network receivers at the City’s reservoir sites. Dakota Electric owns the light poles.
Mr. Bible asked what revenue the City would receive from the proposal. Mr. Heuer said most of the revenue would be derived from the lease at the reservoir sites. Mr. Bible asked if Metricom would be allowed to add extensions to existing smaller light poles. Mr. Heuer said additions would not likely be structurally feasible. Mr. Bible expressed concern over the proliferation of utility poles to provide for wireless services. Mr. Heuer said the City attempts to keep most of the resources on the City’s sites and out of the public eye as much as possible. Mr. Bible requested staff research Metricom’s claims of use for public safety services.
5. Government Programming
Mr. LaComb gave a brief presentation on his proposed programming. The Committee briefly discussed current programming. Mr. Bible said he is happy with programming to date. He noted that some of the suggested programming blurs the lines between government and public programming. He said he will support programming that is linked to City-sponsored events, provided it doesn’t become political in nature. The Committee discussed several program ideas. Some preferred ideas included an art series, a focus on the future, environmental issues, city civics, city history, and episodes featuring natural resources. Mr. Bible asked Mr. LaComb to come to Committee in January with a proposal for the preferred programs and a budget.
6. Update on Joint Powers Agreement for Government Access
b. Mr. Grawe said plans for the new City Hall continue. He noted a firm is helping the City design the new cable equipment. Mr. Grawe said he would like to present the Committee with a list of all the proposed equipment and prioritize it for purchasing. Mr. Bible asked if the budgeted funds would be insufficient. Mr. Grawe said it may be insufficient to include some forms of digital media storage and playback.
c. Mr. Grawe said Mr. Creighton notified the City that an overbuilder may be looking at the area and the Committee should be prepared to deal with another franchise process this winter.
d. Mr. Grawe said staff continues to monitor legislation that may affect franchise fees and franchising authority.
e. Mr. Grawe said the Principal of the Zoo School requested the City ask Charter to fund the entire cost of providing wiring to the Zoo School. Mr. Grawe said he has advised the Principal that funding must be mutually agreed upon. Mr. Grawe asked if this was also the Committee’s understanding. The Committee indicated they agreed with Mr. Grawe’s understanding.
f. Mr. Grawe said the three cities are in a dispute with Charter concerning the funding of costs to wire the three city halls.
g. Mr. Grawe said Representative Chris Gerlach approached the City about providing public access. Mr. Grawe said the City first must get its joint government access into operation. Mr. Bible said his position is not to address the public access issue until a new City Hall is built to accommodate it or until the current building is converted to provide public access.
7. Government Programming
The Committee received the report regarding rate increases.
8. 3rd and 4th Quarter Complaint Log
The Committee reviewed the complaint log. Ms. Martin said she is committed first and foremost to customer service. She noted the former contractor installing the digital boxes was not meeting Charter standards and was replaced.
9. Other
a. Mr. Westbrook asked what additional services are available through the digital service. Ms. Martin said the service provides additional tiers or pods of service. This adds eight Discovery channels, 38 premium channels, digital music service, and an interactive program guide. Mr. Bible requested a copy of the fee schedule for the digital service.
b. Mr. Grawe said one playback deck was in for repair and programming had been adjusted.
c. Mr. Grawe said he would attempt to schedule the next meeting for the third week of January.
10. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.