Minutes

1. Call to Order

Chair Rollin Bible called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Members Present: Rollin Bible, Dale Rodell, David Westbrook Jerry Brown

Members Absent: John Magnusson, Scott Hugstad-Vaa

Others Present: Charles Grawe

2. Approval of Agenda

Mr. Bible asked for changes to the agenda and there were none offered.

3. Approval Minutes of September 8, 2003

MOTION: Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown, to approve the minutes of September 8, 2003. Motion passed unanimously.

4. Discuss Charter Communications Proposed Rate Decrease for the Basic Cable Service Tier, Effective February 2004

Mr. Grawe noted the proposed rate decrease for the basic service tier. A copy of the rate calculation form was distributed with the agenda packet.

5. 4th Quarter Complaint Log

Mr. Grawe noted there were relatively few complaints. Mr. Grawe noted the recent disputes between cable companies and individual channels. Several news articles were distributed with the meeting packets. Mr. Grawe noted that stalled negotiations between the cable companies and the channel providers could result in high profile channels not being offered on the cable system until a resolution is reached. The ongoing dispute between Metro Area cable companies and Victory Sports Network has been publicized in the newspapers. According to news reports, the dispute could result in the cable companies not carrying Victory Sports Network, which would mean Gophers basketball and Twins baseball games would not be available to cable customers. Mr. Grawe said it is possible that the City would receive complaints from cable customers who don't understand the nature of the dispute and the City's role in cable franchising. He suggested that the City might want to start considering what level of public education about this dispute is appropriate when responding to the complaints.

Mr. Bible said he believes the Committee should encourage the cable companies to add programming that is desired by customers. He also expressed concern about the legal implications of an organized effort by multiple cable companies to negotiate with a channel provider in concert with each other. Mr. Rodell expressed that the cost of individual channels would not be such an issue if the channels were offered a la carte. Mr. Bible suggested that staff could work with local news reporters to help them become aware of the issue and print stories that explain the issue and encourage subscribers not to contact the City with complaints on the negotiations between two private parties. The group expressed agreement that the media should provide the public with education on the issue.

6. Coordinator's Report

Mr. Moore's report was included with the packet that was distributed to the committee. There was no further discussion.

7. E-Commerce and Business Development Issues

Mr. Bible said that he believes an emerging issue for small businesses is the use of the Internet for telephony. He said he would like to hear about Charter's plans to provide this service.

8. Other

Mr. Bible said that due to work commitments, he is resigning the position of Chair of the Committee. Mr. Bible nominated Mr. Westbrook to be the new Chair.

MOTION: Mr. Bible moved, second by Mr. Rodell, to elect Mr. Westbrook as Chair of the Committee. Motion passed unanimously.

9. Adjourn

MOTION: Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.