TC 12-04-91CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
December 4, 1991
Conference Room A
City Hall
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by chairman Walter Trefz Jr. at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Trefz, Len Batchelor, Jane Chiavacci, Mike Winch
Absent: Eunice Cox
Staff present: Laura Domondon Lee
United Artists Cable: Daryl Henderson
Channel 30 staff: Suzanne Orcutt
Guests: Mike Duran, Linda Grodt, Dick Frazier, Jim Black
APPROVAL OF NOV. 6, 1991 MINUTES
Chiavacci made a motion to approve the November meeting minutes; Wincn seconded
and the motion passed unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
Oral: Producer Mike Duran told committee members that the Norwegian Cruise Lines
asked for permission to show a taped program of "iZIow To Do Country Western Dance" aboard a
ship. Duran said the cruise ship would mn the. tape in its entirety, including dosing credits. The
CTVAC clarified that the tape be used for instructional purposes only, not for commercial or
promotional use. Chiavacci suggested that the company give a nominal fee to De Anza College'
for the cost of making a copy of the video tape. Orcutt said the producer could write Norwegian
Cruise Lines to verify this information. Batchelor mentioned that the show be checked for
copywritten music. Trefz summed up the discussion, saying that if the proposal is acceptable to
Duran and Orcutt, it is agreeable with the committee.
Producer Linda Grodt told the committee she received a thank you letter from the Amigos
de las Americas for recent coverage on Silicon Kids. She also researched and distributed survey
information from the public ,~.~:~c~.~ station in Sacramento,-: Grodt discussed ~two issues: frbm
producer Don Yeager, who could not be present. She said Yeager expressed his displeasure with
TCI of Sunnyvale's handling of changing channel 29 to channel 34. He toId'her that producers
were not informed of this recent change and that publicity is harmed since all written material
for shows advertises channel 29. The CTVAC said they represent Cupertino only and cannot
become involved in Sunnyvale's affairs. Grodt also said Yeager found a dolly that belonged to
the access station, with De Anza's label taped over channel 30's identificationS' Chia{racci asked
that Yeager send a written complaint to the committe to help monitor equipmeht whereabouts.
Dick Frazier from The Better Part expressed his concern over sharing acceg$'fadlities With
Sunnyvale. This topic will be discussed in De Anza's report.
_ Jim Black asked the CTVAC about its relationship with United Artists and discussed his
concerns with poor cable reception to his residence. Committee members discussed the function
of the CTVAC, namely that the city is not responsible for monitoring cable operations in
individual homes. Black mentioned that he is a resident of Northpoint. Henderson said that
particular area is experiencing problems due to the Portofino project. He said he wrote a letter to
residents and has been in touch with the homeowner's association regarding this matter.
Henderson assured Black that the problems should already have been taken care of and that
complaints are filed with the Public Information Office. Winch suggested that Henderson
provide Black with a copy of the letter written to community members. Trefz stated that the
CTVAC should receive a written complaint letter if a problem arises.
Chiavacci expressed her concern with the length of the meetings. She stated that in the
past, oral communications were kept to five minutes per speaker. Trefz suggested that when an
item of concern is brought before the committee, one committee member should volunteer to
follow up outside of the regular meeting time. Winch said guests should have five minutes to
speak, and follow up could take place at the next meeting. The CTVAC agreed.
Written: There were none.
OLD BUSINESS
Re-franchising: Major Activities, T'unelines, Plans, Progress: Chiavacci and Wincn
reported that they were unable to meet and provide additional information on re-franchising.
Batchelor discussed two approaches to form a non-profit organization: 1) operating a channel
without De Anza College as a third party in an agreement; and 2) incorporating the use of De
Anza's facilities, with participation from the college and dry. He expressed his concern with
pending telcos issues and warned the group to be prepared for any changes. Batchelor will
request a copy of proposed telcos regulations from Rep. Tom Campbell's office.
TV Production by Fremont Union High School District: There was no discussion with
Cox's absence.
Advertising of Adult Programming During Younger People Hours: Chiavacci said she has
not heard any negative comments about this issue since last discussed. Henderson told the
committee that previews for adult programming on United Artists do not have profanity or
nudity.
NEW BUSINESS
STAFF REPORT
Lee distributed a letter from United Artists Cable formally announdng its change to TCI; and an
article discussing Sunnyvale's interest in cable. She told members that the coundl approved ail
cable grant proposals submitted. Batchelor said he attended the coundl meeting to support
possible grant questions.
REPORT FROM DE ANZA COLLEGE
Orcutt said the Christmas party was successful and the caroling tape will be aired on Dec. 24, 25,
31; and Jan. 1. She reported that producer Scot Southworth is graduating, therefore C3 Video is
no longer qualified for the grant. She said she spoke with Lee about holding the grant check until
a new producer steps in or until there is further information about the show's status. Chiavacci
asked that a time limit be set to notify the city with updated information. By consensus,
committee members agreed that Orcutt provide a letter to the city within 45 days regarding the
status of C3 Video.
Orcutt said new audio DAs were installed.
She also reported that the high school program is going well; 28 high school students will
work through the winter and spring quarters on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. beginning Jan. 6. A
staff representative from high schools involved also will work with access producers. She said
associate dean Dave Barney presented a proposal stating De Anza will help Sunnyvale produce
government programming, any other types of programs could be produced with the assistance of
Access Los Altos. Orcutt mentioned that Sunnyvale will have its own facility once its access
program gets stronger. She also expressed her concern with administration of Sunnyvale's cable
ope=ations on campus.
Chiavacci asked Lee to check into sending a letter of absenteeism to Barney for missing the
past three CTVAC meetings.
Orcutt reported that the TV Center will be shut down Dec. 23 - 27 and that a budget update
will be submitted by Jan. 1.
REPORT FROM UNITED ARTISTS CABLE
Henderson said United Artists Cable officially became TCI on Dec. 2. He is currently redoing the
budget with TCI's format. He mentioned that new state manager, Jeff Smith, may move the
headend but that he will inform the committee of any updates.
Henderson has not received many negative comments from recent price increases and will
provide the Public Information Office with November's Customers Complaint Summary figures
by next week. Trefz said he was interested in total call volume for UA/TCI. Henderson
responded that the former phone system logged call volume, but did not indicate the nature of
the calls. A new phone package with sophisticated features costs approximately $15,000.
Chiavacci asked that a letter in support of a new phone system be sent to TCI.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR lAN. MEETING
Committee members discussed the agenda items for the Jan. meeting. The following
topics will be included: re-franchising, a non-profit corporation approach; a possible quarterly
report to councilmember Wally Dean, as per his request.
ADIOURNMENT
Chiavacci made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.; Batchelor seconded and the
motion passed unanimously. The next CTVAC meeting will be held Jan. 8, 1991 in Conference
Rooms C & D at City Hall.
APPROVED BY:
Walter Trei~z, O~.,~C~ai~rperson
ATTEST:
City C1 erk