Telecommunications Meeting Minutes August 2, 2010
North Liberty Telecommunications Commission
Meeting Minutes
August 2nd, 2010
Attendance: Katie Colony, Denise Schechinger, Valerie Hoffman and Joseph Wagner
Also Present: Telecommunications Director Cheryl Caplinger and Promotion Producer Erika Harper
Absent: Glen Cox and Production Coordinator Nick Bergus
Hoffman called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Comments from the public. None
Mediacom Update.
Grassley stated that included in our packet was Mediacom’s letter of intent to renew their franchise with the state of Iowa. Grassley met with Ryan Heiar the City Administrator and with Caplinger regarding the renewal. Grassley said that the new renewal which is with the state of Iowa instead of North Liberty itself will not affect the relationship with North Liberty. Wagner wanted to know what this means to the city and Mediacom’s subscribers since this will now be with the state instead of the city. Caplinger said that the PEG fees will no longer go to the city, but the services will be unchanged. Grassley said that because Mediacom has transitioned to a digital platform that every new subscriber has to have digital service if necessary using the converter. Mediacom will give one converter free for life for those who need one and each additional converter is $2.00. Because of the faster internet and more HD channels more bandwith is needed. Wagner asked what the impact on NLTV and its operations would be regarding the PEG fees. Caplinger said that they are altering their budget and they make money in other areas. Also that the NLTV’s services would not go down. The PEG fees equaled about $4,000 per quarter from Mediacom. It may affect NLTV more if South Slope does the same. NLTV is preparing now for equipment that they may need in the future. Caplinger said they have been fiscally responsible so the impact would be minimal. Wagner wanted to know if the city can’t deny the renewal with the state instead of the city. Caplinger said correct, they cannot deny it, but they are working on a community partnership agreement with Mediacom. And also that South Slope would soon be sending an agreement similar. Wagner wanted to know if the North Liberty citizens were concerned who should they go to? Caplinger said to send questions/concerns to the Telecommunication Commission. We are also waiting for more information. Caplinger said that residents shouldn’t see anything different as far as the renewal with the state instead of the city.
Grassley said there is also the Sinclair issue. Mediacom wanted a three year agreement and they didn’t get that and had to settle with a one year agreement so now they’re in negotiations with Sinclair again. Grassley said they have offered Sinclair plenty of options. Grassley stated that they are working hard on Capitol Hill for customers. Mediacom said they don’t want to be shut off again that if no agreement it should be taken to an arbitrator. Sinclair does not agree with that. The current agreement expires December 31st. Grassley said that there were two big fights on the east coast with broadcasters. Also that IA may be playing football after January 1st in a bowl game so not having Sinclair may be a big deal in that regard. Grassley said that the community can contact their congressmen and we should expect a nasty fight again. Grassley said if they do go off the air again that there won’t be a fix like last time when antennas were available.
South Slope Update.
The South Slope franchise agreement expires in 2014. The City Administrator has a meeting set up to discuss the agreement with them. Included in the packet and available on the website are South Slope’s lineup changes.
Meeting Schedule Decision From City Council.
Caplinger stated that City Council approved the schedule change of having it quarterly or as needed.
Board Appointments.
Joe Wagner has renewed his term with the commission which will now expire June 2013.
Commissioners’ comments.
None
Telecommunications staff report.
Caplinger stated that there is a lot of information in the packet. One special thing is the press release regarding construction. Also that the system Code Red is being looked into which would send text messages to phones like the current emails being sent out now. Caplinger stated that the Fun Run is in the middle of September and that their looking for runners/walkers and volunteers. Caplinger also said that there is a lot of independent community programs, people giving NLTV programs to show.
Approval of May 3rd, 2010 meeting minutes.
Wagner moved to approve the minutes from May, Hoffman seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Determine Next Possible Meeting Date.
Hoffman said it can be scheduled tentatively for November, but if nothing changes or important happens then December.
Colony moved, seconded by Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 pm. Motion passed with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Schechinger, Secretary
