Minutes

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Dale Rodell.

Members Present: Jerry Brown, Scott Hugstad-Vaa, Dale Rodell, David Westbrook

Members Absent: Rollin Bible, John Magnusson

Others Present: Charles Grawe, Mark Moore, Ellen Martin, Denis LaComb

2. Approval of Agenda

Mr. Rodell asked for changes to the agenda. Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown to approve the agenda as presented. The agenda was approved.

3. Approval Minutes of December 3, 2001

Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Hugstad-Vaa, to approve the minutes of December 3, 2001. Motion passed unanimously.

4. Task Force Report and Public Input on Public Access Television

Mr. Brown distributed recommendations for public access by the Task Force. He briefly explained the issues that the Task Force discussed and the basis for the recommendations. The recommendations included assuming control of public access playback at the City level, using the Cable Coordinator or a part-time or volunteer position to review the tapes and program playback, running playback on four decks with a timer, and funding the effort from the General Fund expenditures.

Mr. Westbrook asked why PEG revenues were not proposed. Mr. Brown said all the existing PEG revenue is currently committed to the joint powers effort. Mr. Grawe said other funding options include dedicating a portion of the franchise fee from the general fund and raising the PEG fee.

Mr. Rodell asked for comments. No members of the public were present for comment. Mr. Moore said the new concept of community access might be a better fit than a true "public access" service. Mr. Grawe recommended using some insulating commission or organization to manage public access so that complaints are not directed immediately to the Council.

Mr. Hugstad-Vaa moved, second by Mr. Westbrook, to table the issue until the June meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

5. Discuss Future of Regional Channel 6

Mr. Moore explained that Regional Channel 6 is now off the air because of problems with the transmission. Mr. Moore said that Charter has complied with the State law, but that due to elements beyond its control, may not be able to reestablish the transmission link. He said the City would provide a temporary message with a character generator on the channel. However, the channel should be used for some PEG purpose so that it is not lost to other programming. He recommended the City wait to see if the link can be reestablished. If not, he recommended the City use the channel for public or community programming.

6. Approve 2001 Annual Cable and Telecommunications Report

Mr. Grawe presented the 2001 Annual Report. Mr. Brown corrected the number of times the Task Force met to five times. Ms. Martin corrected the increase in the basic service rate to 13.9 percent.

Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to approve the Report as corrected.

7. Discuss Government Access Programming

Mr. Grawe explained that Mr. LaComb has been working under the terms of the previous contract for government programming that has expired. He recommended that the contract be extended to complete the 2002 programming. He said the City might wish to consider joint programming efforts with the rest of the joint powers group in 2003 when additional PEG revenues are available to the other cities.

Mr. LaComb distributed possible topics for additional episodes of Apple Valley Today and requested that the City increase the number of programs by four episodes costing a total of $11,400. There was discussion about the funding mechanism, with general agreement that the existing cable budget funds should not be used for this additional programming. Mr. Rodell said he would like to see fewer "talking heads" and more cover footage. Mr. Moore said he would like to work closely with Mr. LaComb to help increase production quality.

Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to recommend the City Council approve the contract extension until December 31, 2002. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to recommend the City Council approve four additional Apple Valley Today programs at a cost not to exceed $12,500 to be funded by additional funding outside the current cable budget. Motion passed unanimously.

8. 1st Quarter Complaint Log

Mr. Moore noted only three complaints in the first quarter. However, he said he expects more complaints with the new rate increase. He also noted issues surrounding the cable service door-to-door sales people. Ms. Martin distributed the new cable tier rates. She said Charter has acquired HSA and will provide a single bill for both cable and modem services. She said the HSA customer lists were very outdated and some customers have essentially been receiving free service for many months.

9. Coordinator's Report

Mr. Moore briefly went over the items listed in the report.

10. Other

Mr. Grawe said the regular meeting scheduled for September conflicts with Labor Day. Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to make the regular September meeting the second Monday, rather than the first. Motion passed unanimously.

11. Adjourn

Mr. Brown moved, second by Mr. Hugstad-Vaa to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.