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North Liberty Telecommunications Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2010

Attendance: Joseph Wagner, Glen Cox, Valerie Hoffman and Katie Colony

Also Present: Telecommunications Director Cheryle Caplinger, Production Coordinator Nick Bergus, Promotion Producer Corinne Lemmage and Mediacom Representative Lee Grassley

Absent: Denise Schechinger

Hoffman called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Comments from the public.  None

Mediacom Update.
Lee Grassley stated the Sinclair/Mediacom eight-day extension for a broadcasting contract indicates a favorable sway in the negotiations. “If they were not in good favor,” Grassley said, “they wouldn’t have come to a temporary agreement.” Therefore, Grassley is very optimistic an agreement will be reached. Mediacom is hoping for FCC intervention if necessary. Broadcasters throughout the country tend to favor Sinclair while providers favor Mediacom. This is not just an issue in Iowa, but throughout the nation.

Hoffman asked, “Mediacom put a different CBS/FOX signal on the last time this happened. If an agreement is not reached, can’t you just do that again?” Glassley responded the FCC ruled that was not a lawful alternative.

Caplinger then asked, “If there is no agreement or signal, what happens?” Grassley said that without signal the channels would just go black. He added that some people may be asking, “Well, what about SouthSlope? I will still be able to get those channels through SouthSlope. Why is that?” He remarked that Sinclair and SouthSlope have reached an agreement; therefore, SouthSlope customers would not lose a signal.

Colony followed up by asking, “So after days of an extension and if there is no agreement, will the FCC intervene?” To which Grassley replied that the FCC has already contacted both parties.

Finally, Caplinger asked “If Mediacom paid Sinclair, would there be a rate increase?” Grassley said, “There will be no rate increase for local customers. If there would be an increase, it would be at a regularly scheduled timetable. I believe it’s in April or August for this area. I will follow up on that.”

South Slope Update.
Name changes for channels that were included in the packet.

Commissioners’ comments.
Hoffman remarked on the new Council Chambers equipment including cameras, tripods and lavs. She thanked the Telecommunications Department for their hard work on the set up.

Telecommunications staff report.

Caplinger thanked Bergus for his time and energy replacing equipment in Council Chambers. She also mentioned the department is working on goal setting sessions, as well as budgets in the coming weeks. The department also has several project videos in development. Finally, Caplinger said plans for the annual Super Bowl party have yet to be announced due to the Sinclair/Mediacom contract. As the Community Center has a Mediacom signal in the Gerdin Conference Center, there may or may not be a signal for the game depending on the contract. As the department needs at least a month to plan and if arrangements have not been reached by Friday, January 8 at midnight, the party will be canceled.

Wagner recommended seeking a SouthSlope feed for the Community Center or even holding the event at SouthSlope. Caplinger said she would follow up with SouthSlope to see if relocation to that facility is a possibility.

Approval of November 2, 2009 meeting minutes.
Cox moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Colony.  Motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting is scheduled for the second Monday in February (the 8th), 2010.  

Wagner moved, seconded by Cox to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 pm.  Motion passed with all in favor.
Attendance: Joseph Wagner, Glen Cox, Valerie Hoffman and Katie Colony

Also Present: Telecommunications Director Cheryle Caplinger, Production Coordinator Nick Bergus, Promotion Producer Corinne Lemmage and Mediacom Representative Lee Grassley

Absent: Denise Schechinger

Hoffman called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Comments from the public.  None

Mediacom Update.
Lee Grassley stated the Sinclair/Mediacom eight-day extension for a broadcasting contract indicates a favorable sway in the negotiations. “If they were not in good favor,” Grassley said, “they wouldn’t have come to a temporary agreement.” Therefore, Grassley is very optimistic an agreement will be reached. Mediacom is hoping for FCC intervention if necessary. Broadcasters throughout the country tend to favor Sinclair while providers favor Mediacom. This is not just an issue in Iowa, but throughout the nation.

Hoffman asked, “Mediacom put a different CBS/FOX signal on the last time this happened. If an agreement is not reached, can’t you just do that again?” Glassley responded the FCC ruled that was not a lawful alternative.

Caplinger then asked, “If there is no agreement or signal, what happens?” Grassley said that without signal the channels would just go black. He added that some people may be asking, “Well, what about SouthSlope? I will still be able to get those channels through SouthSlope. Why is that?” He remarked that Sinclair and SouthSlope have reached an agreement; therefore, SouthSlope customers would not lose a signal.

Colony followed up by asking, “So after days of an extension and if there is no agreement, will the FCC intervene?” To which Grassley replied that the FCC has already contacted both parties.

Finally, Caplinger asked “If Mediacom paid Sinclair, would there be a rate increase?” Grassley said, “There will be no rate increase for local customers. If there would be an increase, it would be at a regularly scheduled timetable. I believe it’s in April or August for this area. I will follow up on that.”

South Slope Update.
Name changes for channels that were included in the packet.

Commissioners’ comments.
Hoffman remarked on the new Council Chambers equipment including cameras, tripods and lavs. She thanked the Telecommunications Department for their hard work on the set up.

Telecommunications staff report.

Caplinger thanked Bergus for his time and energy replacing equipment in Council Chambers. She also mentioned the department is working on goal setting sessions, as well as budgets in the coming weeks. The department also has several project videos in development. Finally, Caplinger said plans for the annual Super Bowl party have yet to be announced due to the Sinclair/Mediacom contract. As the Community Center has a Mediacom signal in the Gerdin Conference Center, there may or may not be a signal for the game depending on the contract. As the department needs at least a month to plan and if arrangements have not been reached by Friday, January 8 at midnight, the party will be canceled.

Wagner recommended seeking a SouthSlope feed for the Community Center or even holding the event at SouthSlope. Caplinger said she would follow up with SouthSlope to see if relocation to that facility is a possibility.

Approval of November 2, 2009 meeting minutes.
Cox moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Colony.  Motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting is scheduled for the second Monday in February (the 8th), 2010.  

Wagner moved, seconded by Cox to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 pm.  Motion passed with all in favor.

North Liberty Telecommunications Commission

Meeting Minutes

December 6th, 2010

Attendance: Katie Colony, Denise Schechinger, Valerie Hoffman, Joseph Wagner and Glen Cox

Also Present: Telecommunications Director Cheryl Caplinger, Production Coordinator Nick Bergus and Promotion Producer Erika Harper

Hoffman called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Comments from the public. None

Mediacom Update.

Lee Grassley with Mediacom was at the meeting to discuss the current Sinclair negotiations.  Grassley stated that there was movement by both sides.  He is optimistic that there will be a deal by the expiration of the current contract which is 12-31-10.  Grassley said that news will be coming soon regarding the deal.  They are trying for a 2 year deal instead of a 1 year deal like they normally have had.

Tom Larson also from Mediacom was at the meeting to discuss the digital transition update.  Larson handed out a packet regarding the transition which will take place June of 2012.  They are phasing out analog for all digital devices.  The analog channels between 23-78 will be phased out for faster internet, 105-Meg faster downloads which is one of the fastest in the state.  The picture and sound quality will be faster.  Larson stated that DTA’s (Digital Transport Adapter/Digital Tuner) will be going out for free for analog TVs to their customers.  It’s a small device with cords and a remote that’s hooked up to your TV.  These DTAs will be stocked on trucks in January and February and can be installed at that time by Mediacom employees.  The DTAs will also be available at the call centers, can be sent by mail or you can drop by a Mediacom office to pick one up.  Larson said that in March a few of the analog channels will be turned off, just doing a few at a time.  With the analog channels being removed this will mean more channels and product enhancement.  There will be community forums four to six weeks before all channels are switched over from analog to let people know.  Cox asked if the remote has multifunction like a universal remote.  Larson stated that he didn’t believe it was a universal remote it was just for the tuner itself.  Hoffman asked what customers would see on the TV screen once the analog channel has been removed/the ones that are no longer offered?  Larson said he believed there would be a message on the screen.  Grassley also stated that there will be some sort of a crawl at the bottom of the screen.

South Slope Update.

JR Brumley from South Slope was at the meeting for updates.  Brumley said that the process to connect the fiber directly to the home started last April/May.  The copper that was being used was being pushed by customers for more such as HD and faster internet.  So due to this, fiber is being put in.  Six years ago fiber started going in in the new sub-divisions.  They have now started putting in fiber everywhere in North Liberty.  Brumley stated that they are ½ done at this point and hope to be done by July.  However, Brumley stated that the fiber directly to the home itself may not be in the mobile home parks.  When South Slope finishes with North Liberty they will move on to Fairfax, Norway and Newhall.  Dan Swick was also in attendance for South Slope.  Swick stated that more HD will be offered after the fiber project is done.  $54.95 is the top programming cost.  Swick stated that South Slope also is going through retransmission negotiations.  South Slope is also trying to keep costs down.  Justin Miller was also there as a representative for South Slope.  Miller stated that as long as the weather holds out they will keep on working on installing the fiber.  And with the current fiber that is being installed, that in the future if this is not enough they will be able to just switch out the ends instead of having to install new fiber.  Cox stated that his son has been approached at his home for the physical install of the fiber and needed to dig up his yard.  Cox’s son said no so Cox wanted to know how customers are notified and if they have to do it.  Miller said South Slope has taken a list from the Post Office and that a postcard is sent to the customer prior to this happening.  Miller said that right now the cable installation is free, but it may not be in the future.  Miller stated that the customer’s yard is fixed after the install and they make sure the customer is happy when the contractors leave the area.  If a customer chooses not to have the fiber installed at the time the contractors are in the area and later changes his/her mind the customer might have to pay for the contractors to come back to the area to do the install.  Miller said it does matter on the location of the home as to how much ground/yard interruption is done.  Miller encouraged the public not to let the opportunity go by since it’s free at this time.  Wagner asked how does South Slope re-coop the cost of the fiber install?  Brumley stated that South Slope is a Coop, a non-profit organization.  Some have one service and some have multi-services.  This is being done for all members.  Wagner asked what enhancements are we getting now?  Miller stated that the multi-room DVR is available along with 3D services and more HD.  Miller said there is no plan to raise rates.  They will be increasing services such as voice services/features for phone and computer along with other new features.  Miller said to come into the South Slope facility to see the new services.  Colony asked about the subdivisions that were done about 6 years ago that they were talking about earlier, how are they being handled.  Miller said that those subdivisions had a fiber connection that was sufficient but was updated bored/plowed in with a new backbone fiber.  Caplinger asked about the new development and how was that handled with the new fiber.  Miller said that from this point forward it will not be an issue that the backbone piece is good and would just have to change the equipment on both ends.  Brumley stated that South Slope did hire a contractor now to get the install of the fiber done faster, but South Slope does have it’s own crew that can do the install in the future.  Miller also indicated that they have employees that work with the contractors and the customer so you can work directly with a South Slope employee.  Caplinger asked if the South Slope fiber lines were exclusive.  Miller stated that they are exclusive lines.  Cox wanted to know if Mediacom could piggy-back on these fiber lines or any room for anyone else like Kirkwood.  Miller said this is a dedicated plan just for South Slope.    Swick said that there can be a fiber feedout for Kirkwood.

Commissioners’ comments.

Cox thanked the cable representatives for being there and answering questions.  Brumley said that the copper had reached the end of it’s life and needed something new.

Telecommunications staff report.

Bergus said that the playback system was acting sick and died last week.  Bergus said that they now had a nice big video server.  We now have a system that we needed.  The new system was built for playback of videos on PEG channels.  You can access it remotely which makes scheduling easier.  Bergus said he is still figuring out how to do things with it, but it’s easier to use and is happy with it.  Caplinger stated that before this new system for example snow emergencies had to be posted before leaving the office, but now can be done from home.

Caplinger said that Code Red is a new system on the North Liberty website.  Residents could sign up for the new Code Red system which is a notification system that can use either emails or text messaging.  This new system is similar to the Hawk Alert system.  This is also free.  Customers can choose where the notifications are sent either via emails or text messages.  The public can sign up for this on the North Liberty website under Community Links.  The alerts are specified by address and not by area codes.  Wagner asked what policy dictates when messages go out or for what.  Caplinger said there is a contract with Johnson County that the city council approved.  It is specific to emergencies only and not used for things such as PR.  Wagner wanted to know if the website says what it can be used for?  Caplinger said that they will put the info on the website to explain what it’s used for.  Colony asked if there was a way to track the number of people that sign up.  Caplinger said yes that messages come back if calls are answered or for bad phone numbers or failed attempts.  Wagner asked if the system was designed for lots of notifications and for how fast the messages can go out.  Caplinger said the system will continue through the list even if it gets stuck on one.  We will see how the first year goes.  Caplinger encouraged residents to sign up for this system.  Colony asked who can residents complain to or if they have suggestions.  Caplinger stated that it depends what the complaint/suggestion is, possibly it would have to go to Code Red itself.  Caplinger said that this is not an automatic sign up, that residents have to physically sign up themselves.

Caplinger said that the new Playback system is a little noisy so they will be putting it in the closet and getting rid of the broken and unused equipment that’s currently occupying the closet.  The NLTV’s current projects are listed in the packet and there is info on the website, newletters and TV channels.  Caplinger said that it’s been a busy but good year.

Approval of August 2nd, 2010 meeting minutes.

Wagner moved to approve the minutes from August, Colony seconded.  Motion passed with all in favor.

Determine Next Possible Meeting Date.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 7, 2011.

Cox moved, seconded by Wagner to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 pm.  Motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Schechinger, Secretary

North Liberty Telecommunications Commission

Meeting Minutes

November 2, 2009

Attendance: Joseph Wagner, Denise Schechinger and Katie Colony

Also Present: Telecommunications Director Cheryl Caplinger, Production Coordinator Nick Bergus and Promotion Producer Corinne Lemmage

Absent: Glen Cox and Valerie Hoffman

Wagner called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm.

Comments from the public. None

Mediacom Update.

Lee Grassley talked about the Mediacom rate increase.  Grassley said that Mediacom owns nothing and that they have to buy everything.  He said that sports programming is very expensive, 60% of total budget is from sports.  Next month he is going to put some information together for us.  He doesn’t believe that the lawsuit to the FCC will see the light of day.  He said that as costs increase the consumer has to pay for it.  Grassley stated that the management team for Mediacom saw no pay raise this year and that their benefits were changing.  Mediacom is trying to give their customers more for their money as far as more HD channels.  Grassley said they’re at the mercy of someone else their just a rebroadcaster.  He said that the Sinclair contract is up for renewal.  They have filed a lawsuit with the FCC against Sinclair.  Grassley said they believe Sinclair has a monopoly.  Grassley is hoping the Mediacom customers won’t lose the Fox stations as of January 1^st when the contract is up.  He said there was no additional increase based on Sinclair alone.  Grassley said that some contracts were supposed to be up December 1^st and that didn’t happen at that said time and so they needed money for quarter 3 when they were up causing some of the rate increase.  He said that 60% of customers are paying lower than the published rates and that it is possible to get lower rates – the more you have with Mediacom the lower their prices will be.  Grassley stated that other companies do control the rates and that we do need to care about those companies controlling the costs for everyone else.  He said the retirement of analog will bring some more expense.  Grassley said there will be no more increases for 2009 and shouldn’t be for the 1^st and 2^nd quarter for 2010 as far as he knew.

South Slope Update.

Name changes for channels that were included in the packet.

Commissioners’ comments.

Wagner congratulated Caplinger for being a nominee for volunteer of the year for the Iowa City Chamber.

Telecommunications staff report.

Cheryl thanked Nick and Corinne for their work with Coral Vision.  Cheryl also thanked Janet Lubben.  The November 12^th banquet video will be played on the channel.  Cheryl  encouraged people to vote.  Nick was working with contractors for new equipment for the council chambers, cameras and audio equipment.  Cheryl and Corinne took pictures at the Haunted Happenings and there are lots of pictures available on the city website.

Approval of October 5, 2009 meeting minutes.

Schechinger moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Colony.  Motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 4, 2010.

Colony moved, seconded by Schechinger to adjourn the meeting at 6:34 pm.  Motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Schechinger, Secretary

North Liberty Telecommunications Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 14, 2009

Attendance: Valerie Hoffman, Joseph Wagner, Denise Schechinger

Also Present: Telecommunications Director Cheryl Caplinger, Production Coordinator Nick Bergus and Promotion Producer Corinne Lemmage

Absent: Glen Cox

Hoffman called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Comments from the public. None

Mediacom Update.
There will be a rate adjustment to Mediacom rates which was included in the packet. MediaMax subscribers on or about September 12th will increase $4 on Family; $2 on HBO; $1 on SHO; and $1 on MAX.
Also beginning October 1st VOD and Pay Per View movie prices will increase by $1.

South Slope Update.
None

Web site redesign update.
The new site has been launched. Updates still coming. Questions about content should be directed to Cheryl Caplinger. There are some new features on the site. Wagner suggested updating the bookmark sites.

Commissioner application status.
Caplinger let us all know that an application has been received and it will go before the September city council meeting. The applicant could possibly join us at the October meeting.

Possible spring 2010 video camp.
Instead of the open house normally held by NLTV they are working on a Saturday video camp or possibly a day that schools are closed. NLTV wants to bring the public in and recruit volunteers. They are hoping to help the public become more knowledgeable about the channel. Hoffman asked about starting a video club with some of the local schools. Bergus stated that he has tried, but has had no one interested. Schools have problems with getting someone in the school to be in charge of the club. Bergus does want to reconnect with the schools about it. Wagner suggested to try Clear Creek.

Commissioners’ comments.
Hoffman said good job on the website.

Telecommunications staff report.
Nick and Corinne are working with Coral Vision on West High and Fry Fest. Nick directed production of the Fry Fest which is also playing in Coralville. They are also working on the North Liberty banquet. Administration has requested a storm water video which they are also working on and hoping for a Spring 2010 delivery date. Fun Run is this weekend. Hoffman asked if the adult and kid run is at the same time and Caplinger stated that it was.

Approval of August 10, 2009 meeting minutes.
Schechinger moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Hoffman. Motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2009.

Wagner moved, seconded by Schechinger to adjourn the meeting at 6:12 pm. Motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Denise Schechinger, Secretary