Minutes Cable Teleprogrm 4 6 04
MINUTES OF CABLE COMMUNITY TELEPROGRAMMING COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 6, 2004
CITY HALL ANNEX CONFERENCE ROOM # 2
Sr. Carol Hoverman, Paul Kohl, Burton Everist, Jennifer Tigges
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Three seats remain vacant on the Commission
OTHERS PRESENT:
Jim Barefoot, Mediacom
Merrill Crawford, Cable Franchise Administrator
Mr. Kohl called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
1.
Acceptance of the Agenda.
Upon a motion by Sr. Hoverman, seconded by Ms. Tigges, the agenda was accepted
as published.
2.
Approval of the Minutes of the December 2, 2003 Meeting.
Upon a motion by Ms. Tigges, seconded by Sr. Hoverman, the Minutes of the
December 2, 2003 Commission meeting were approved as distributed.
3.
Public Comment.
Mr. Crawford distributed copies of a letter from Robert Roethig, local community access
programmer, advocating some sort of cooperative local news channel via cable
television, in the absence of a local broadcast television news operation for Dubuque.
Commissioners discussed the ideas in the letter.
4.
Access Equipment Expenditures.
Mr. Barefoot reminded Commissioners of prior authorization which had been granted to
update the automated playback system and introduced a proposal to alter that prior
authorization and replace the videotape-based playback system with a digital video
server which could help Mediacom manage playback responsibilities for the public
access and La channels on a twenty-four hour/seven day basis.
Following discussion, it was moved by Sr. Hoverman, seconded by Mr. Everist, that the
Commission update the video server playback system and accessories, increasing the
authorized expenditure from $24,000 to $30,000. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Barefoot showed samples of the versatility of a new access center management
software called Facil which he was considering recommending for use in Dubuque. It's
possible Mediacom may be able to arrange a group purchase of the software at a lower
price.
Mr. Barefoot also informed Commissioners of the availability of a satellite receiving
antenna and system at the Mediacom headend for picking up special programming that
could be used on local community channels.
5.
Access Programming.
Mr. Barefoot reported there was nothing of interest and no issues.
6.
Mediacom Cable Franchise Renewal.
Mr. Crawford reported on the February 26 face-to-face negotiating session which
included for the first time new Mediacom regional Vice-president Scott Westerman, as
well as additional meetings which have occurred between Mediacom's Washington, DC
attorneys and Rick Ellrod representing the City of Dubuque, and contacts which have
now begun between technical representatives of both sides pertaining to the I-Net and
network expansion designs.
7.
City Expo.
Mr. Crawford invited Commissioners to the April 13 event at the Five Flags Center and
briefly discussed his intention to build a display reviewing the 50-year history of cable
television in Dubuque.
8.
Mediacom Cable Report.
Mr. Barefoot distributed summaries of community access facility and channel use for
December 2003, and January, February and March of 2004, as well as a summary for
entire 2003 access year. He also told Commissioners of a very successful presentation
General Manager Kathy McMullen had made to a Mediacom meeting, regarding PEG
access programming and activities in Dubuque.
Sr. Hoverman left the meeting at 6:24 p.m. and a quorum was no longer present.
MC/cj