TC 04-06-88Cable Television Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 6, 1988
Cupertino City Hall -- Conference Room
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:.02 p.m. by Leonard Batchelor, Chairman
ROLL CALL
Committee members present: Leonard Batchelor, Bill Fletcher, Dorothy Schmid,
Jane Chiavacci(arrived 7:.10 p.m.)
Absent Committee members: Michelle Mann
Staff Present: Donna Krey, Community Relations Officer
Eliott Margolies, Channel 30 Director
Carol Frausto, Community Relations Assistant
Guests Present: Joe Wilcox, General manager of United Cable Television
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 1988
Batchelor moved to approve the minutes with no changes and Schmid
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORT
Krey introduced new staff member Frausto and said she has not
recieved any complaints recently regarding United Cable service.
REPORT FROM JOE WILCOX, UNITED CABLE
Wilcox submitted copies of a status report outlining subscriber statistics
for March and a summary of customer complaints. There were 13 complaints in March,
four relating to the late fees, three relating to billing questions or problems.
He spoke about promotions underway through United. Krey suggested Wilcox draft an
article for the Cupertino Scene regarding late fees. Committee members discussed
present cable guide and on-screen electronic program guide for the future. Wilcox
said that Channel 32 would be temporarily set up on another Channel by June 1988
and then put back on 32 by Jan. 1, 1989. Wilcox assured the committee that
Channels 30, 29 and 53 would not be moved. Committee members discussed UCTV and
UA merger and Wilcox reported that the .5tockholders for both companies
have not yet voted for the plan, nor has the FCC approved the merger. When
approved, he said the merger would probably not affect Cupertino subscribers.
DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR NEXT REGULAR CTVAC MEETING, MAY 4
Krey recieved a letter from the City Attorney's office suggesting a
public hearing at the next CTVAC meeting on May 4th, inviting people from
Gill Cable area for input regarding Gill Cable. Fletcher moved to support the
public hearing on May 4th and Chiavacci seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously. Batchelor said if needed a half-hour meeting could be
held before the public hearing, which would be scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in the
Council chambers.
DISCUSSION OF BUDGET FOR 1988-89 FISCAL YEAR
Krey said she met with City Finance Director Snyder for a
preliminary budget proposal. Batchelor indicated there is $66,000 for
next years budget including the 1987-88 rollover. Funding from the franchise
fee for next years budget was estimated at $54,000 The committee proposed
DISCUSSION OF BUDGET FOR 1988-89 FISCAL YEAR, CONT.
to increase funding in most of its activities. Chiavacci began
discussion regarding increase in community involvement and promotion of
Channel 30. Further discussion on outreach projects will be placed on a
future agenda. Batchelor moved to allow Margolies to purchase items
discussed with money out of the remaining fixed asset acquisition budget,
not to exceed $6,500 and Schmid seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Joe Wilcox left 8:15 p.m.
HOMETOWN VIDEO FESTIVAL ENTRY FEES
Margolies said $60 he paid for entry fee will be reimbursed by the
city.
NFLCP JULY CONVENTION FUNDING
Commission discussed scholarships and grants. Krey said she would
find out if grant funding can be used to subsidize trips to the NFLCP
convention. Chiavacci moved to accept applications for such grants until
May 15,1988 and look at them at the first meeting in June and Schmid seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Batchelor asked Krey to renew the committee's membership.
VCR AWARDS - ADDITIONAL FUNDING
The budget was overspent by $100. Fletcher moved to approve an
added expenditure of $35 toward Cupertino's portion of the VCR awards and
Chiavacci seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF MODIFICATIONS FOR PRODUCER AGREEMENT
Margolies said a shortened version of the original agreement could be
used for renewals. He volunteered to draft a clause to attach to the producer
agreement and he will bring the amendment at the next meeting.
REPORT FROM ACCESS COORDINATOR
Margolies reported an increase in local participation including
Los Altos groups regarding the portapack training. Commission discussed the
possibility of groups paying producers to do the work instead of doing the
production themselves. Margolies discussed future equipment replacements by
United Cable. Current and future projects include: publicity workshop, school
district teachers involvement, a Channel 30 call-in show with Konnyu,
hometown video festival (taped entry sent) and he mentioned a new live
"talk back" show under consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
Chiavacci made a motion to adjourn; Schmid seconded and Batchelor
adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.