HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/03/10 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionCITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park MN 55416
(952) 924-2526
To: Mayor Jeff Jacobs
Councilmember Susan Sanger
Councilmember John Basill
Councilmember Loran Paprocki
Councilmember C. Paul Carver
Councilmember Paul Omodt
Councilmember Phillip Finkelstein
From: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Subject: Cancellation of March 10, 2008 Meeting
Date: March 6, 2008
As we discussed, we are cancelling the Study Session for March 10, 2008. All of the proper
notifications required for cancelling this meeting have been taken care of.
I am enclosing the following written reports listed below that I would appreciate you review as I
would like to keep these items moving along. We will either touch back on these items with you
individually next week or when we meet in a special study session on the March 17.
1) Future Study Session Agenda Planning - March 17 and March 24, 2008;
2) Advertising & Sponsorship Guidelines;
3) Planning Commission 2007 Annual Report and 2008 Work Plan; and
4) 2007 Telecommunications Advisory Commission Annual Report.
If you have any comments or questions regarding the cancellation of the Study Session, or of any
of the written reports attached, please let me know. Thank you.
Meeting Date: March 10, 2008
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Future Study Session Agenda Planning - March 17 and March 24, 2008.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Council and the City Manager to review the agenda for the Monday, March 17 and Monday,
March 24, 2008 study session.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the Council agree with the agenda as proposed?
BACKGROUND:
At each study session, approximately five minutes are set aside to discuss the next study session
agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the tentative agenda and proposed discussion items
for a proposed special study session on March 17 and the regular study session on March 24.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning for March 17 and 24, 2008
Prepared by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Tentative Discussion Items
Monday, March 17, 2008 – 6:15 pm
1. 6:15 pm - Board and Commission Interview
2. 6:30 pm – Discussion on 2008 Property Valuation Results – Finance/Assessing (55 minutes)
Given housing market conditions, this year’s Board of Equalization could prove to be quite
interesting. Property valuation notices will be mailed out starting the week of March 17. To
prepare Council for questions it likely will receive, staff will provide an overview of the
valuations proposed for 2008 for taxes payable in 2009.
3. Immediately after regular Council meeting – Inspections (60 minutes)
Staff will provide the Council with an update on the progress made on the fire station
initiative.
4. Miscellaneous – Administrative Services
This will allow time if necessary to discuss items sent out to Council as report items in lieu of
holding a study session on March 10.
Monday, March 24, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Planning Commission 2007 Report 2008 Goals (Commission Present)
- Community Development (20 minutes)
The City Council previously reviewed the Planning Commission’s work plan and annual
report at their Study Session on March 10, 2008. The Commissioners and staff liaisons will
be present to discuss the Annual Report and Work Plan with Council. Council will be asked
to provide feedback to the Commissioners.
3. Parks & Recreation Advisory Report 2008 Goals (Review) –Park & Recreation (20 minutes)
The City Council will review the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission 2007 annual
report and 2008 goals. On April 14, 2008 the Commissioners and staff liaisons will be
meeting with council to discuss the Annual Report and Work Plan.
4. BOZA 2007 Annual Report 2008 Goals (Review) – Community Development (20 minutes)
The City Council will review the Board of Zoning Appeals 2007 annual report and 2008
goals.
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning
5. Hoigaard Village Financial Assistance Request – Community Development (30 minutes)
Union Land II has requested $200,000 in additional tax increment to fund greater-than-
anticipated environmental expenses it incurred related to soil conditions on the former
Hoigaard/city incinerator property.
6. 36th Street Streetscape project – Public Works (45 minutes)
Staff will review roadway design and streetscape concepts and is interested in Councils
feedback.
7. Communications – Administrative Services (10 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and Council will be set aside on every study session
for the purposes of information sharing.
Reports
February Financial Report
9:00 p.m. End of Meeting
Meeting Date: March 10, 2008
Agenda Item #: 2
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Advertising & Sponsorship Guidelines.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Provide direction to staff on the desire to proceed with an advertising and sponsorship policy; and
provide direction to staff about working with outside vendors to sell advertising and sponsorships.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the council feel an advertising and sponsorship policy is necessary, and if so, should the scope
of the proposed policy be adjusted?
Does the council feel it is appropriate to continue utilizing outside contractors to sell advertising or
sponsorships for city publications and other media?
BACKGROUND:
Advertising Policy
In July 2007, city staff discussed with the council the absence of a city publication advertising policy.
Partnering with advertisers or sponsors is a practice already in place in the city related to
publications, Web, media, events and facility advertisements. Currently, the city enters into revenue-
sharing agreements to sell or place ads with a variety of contractors. This practice has been done on
occasion over the years and we do not have a policy. The city recently adopted an advertising policy
for athletic field advertising.
Staff is recommending that a general policy for advertising and sponsorships be developed to give
staff guidelines to cover publications, other written media, cable television, videos and the website.
The purpose of an advertising policy is to allow the city the opportunity to set standards in its
advertising and make sure our advertising also meets with the vision, mission and values in our
organization along with asset building for children in our Children First initiatives.
Policy for advertising in city facilities is not recommended to be included at this time. This is
controlled in Parks and Recreation and the system used appears to be working. If facility advertising
is to be included, staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Director develop
recommendations.
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Subject: Advertising & Sponsorship Guidelines
Use of Outside Vendors
In 2007, the city began for the first time to utilize the services of an outside firm to sell advertising
for the City/School calendar. The city and school district entered into a revenue-sharing agreement
which allowed for the two organizations to see their annual contributions to the project rise only
slightly, while the project itself grew in scope.
Also in 2007, the city was approached by CGI Communications to produce community videos for
the city website, free of charge. CGI received all revenue from the ads and the city received six videos
with an approximate value of $40,000. These types of offers are continually increasing as private
businesses see ways to partner with government to improve communications by doing what they do
best for government, but earning revenue for themselves at the same time. Staff is interested in
continuing the option of using outside vendors for advertising if it is in the best interest of the city
and meets our business need.
Community Handbook proposal
Contained within the 2008 budget is a $30,000 line item to produce a new Community Handbook.
It has been several years since the last handbook was created and much has changed in the
community. CityImage Communications, the firm the city partners with for most of its
publications, including Park Perspective, recently approached the city with an offer similar to those
mentioned in this report. CityImage is currently expanding its business to become a publisher of
community handbooks. Under this model, CityImage will create a community guide to be mailed to
all homes and businesses in the community that will be fully supported by advertising revenue.
Knowing that we intended and budgeted for our own community guide for 2007, CityImage has
asked the city if it would like to be a partner with them on their publication. They would still sell the
advertising, but they would grant the city and the schools in the community creative control over
content and design, thereby allowing us to implement our branding. If we choose not to partner
with CityImage and produce our own publication, CityImage still plans on proceeding and residents
and business owners would be receiving the same information twice and at a much greater cost.
Additionally, we would likely face challenges selling our advertising as we would now have a
competitor trying to sell a publication similar to our own.
Staff recommends that we work on this project with CityImage for the community guide. If the city
is to take advantage of this opportunity and others like it that may arise, it is important that we have
tools available to us, such as an advertising policy to help guide the process and protect the city’s
interest.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
By selling ads or sponsorships, the city or its partners are able to offset the cost of production,
publishing and mailing. The city-school calendar typically costs more than $30,000 to produce.
With the sale of ads, the city and the school district are able to cut each of their costs down to about
$5,000 - $6,000. The Community Handbook, which has historically been a city publication, also
utilizes ads. The cost of producing this publication by the city, even after applying revenue from ad
sales, is approximately $30,000. By partnering with CityImage we will save these dollars
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Subject: Advertising & Sponsorship Guidelines
VISION CONSIDERATION:
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community. Reaching out to the
public with timely, accurate information enables us to do keep them connected and engaged.
Attachments: Proposed Advertising Policy
Prepared by: Jamie Zwilling, Communications Coordinator
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Subject: Advertising & Sponsorship Guidelines
City Advertising & Sponsorship Guidelines
DRAFT
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for allowing advertising or sponsorships in city
publications and other forms of media.
Application of Advertising and Sponsorship Guidelines
The City of St. Louis Park will consider allowing paid advertising and sponsorship guidelines to
offset the production costs related to certain publications and media productions. Advertising and
sponsorship policies are administered by the City Manager or designee.
Examples of publications and media productions include but are not limited to: City/School
Calendar, Community Guide, New Resident Packet, Maps, Parks and Recreation information, cable
& video productions and the city’s website.
This guideline does not apply to city facilities or neighborhood newsletters. Advertising for field
signage is included in the zoning ordinance.
Advertising & Sponsorship Standards
All advertisements and sponsors are subject to the City Manager’s approval. Advertising or sponsors
will be in line with the Vision, Mission and Values of the City. Standards should be in line with our
designation as a Children First community.
No advertising will be permitted which:
• Is false, misleading, libelous, or deceptive;
• Relates to an illegal activity;
• Contains obscene material as determined by community standards;
• Advertises alcohol, tobacco products or sexually oriented businesses;
• Includes language which is obscene, vulgar or profane;
• Implies an endorsement by the City for the product or service; and
• Promotes a commercial transaction that is prohibited by federal, state or local law or
regulations
Requirements
Staff will develop specific display requirements for each type of advertising depending on the format
of the media. The City assumes no liability for errors in advertisements submitted. Positioning of
advertisements is at the discretion of the City except where a request for a specific position is
accepted as part of the advertising sale, as determined by the City Manager.
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Subject: Advertising & Sponsorship Guidelines
Third-party sales and Joint publications
• In the event that the city contracts with a third party to sell advertisements for any city
publication or media, those advertisements are subject to this policy.
• In the event that the city produces a publication or other media jointly with another
organization, all advertisements and sponsorships are subject to this policy and any
additional standards imposed by the other organization’s policy.
• The City will allow trade-outs for advertising with other community organizations meeting
the above advertising standards with the City Manager’s or his/her designates’ approval.
Administration
The City Manager may establish administrative standards, policies and rules in addition to those
stated above appropriate to this guideline. The City Manager may direct staff to develop and
provide the necessary forms, procedures and instruction for the implementation of this program.
The City Manager has the authority to interpret, develop, change and delete sections within this
program. Exceptions to this policy must be made only at the discretion of the City Manager. The
City of St. Louis Park reserves the right to decline or cancel any submitted advertisement or
discontinue posting of any advertisement previously accepted.
Meeting Date: March 10, 2008
Agenda Item #: 3
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Planning Commission 2007 Annual Report and 2008 Work Plan.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This report summarizes work performed by the Planning Commission in 2007 and outlines the
intentions of Planning Commission work to be completed in 2008. The Planning Commission and
planning staff request feedback and guidance from Council regarding the reports.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with Council policy, the 2007 Annual Report and 2008 Work Plan are attached in
full for City Council review at the March 10th study session. Members of Planning Commission are
planning to meet with Council at the March 24th study session for discussion and guidance.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The 2008 Planning Commission Work Plan intends to address nearly all of the focus areas of the
Vision Process through incorporating Vision into the Comprehensive Plan update.
Attachments: Planning Commission 2007 Annual Report and Work Plan
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of February 11, 2008 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Subject: Planning Commission Annual Report and Work Plan
St. Louis Park Planning Commission
2007 Annual Report
Inglewood Condominiums, 3125 Inglewood Avenue South
Prepared by the City of St. Louis Park Community Development Department
Meeting of February 11, 2008 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Subject: Planning Commission Annual Report and Work Plan
2007 St. Louis Park Planning Commission
Claudia Johnston-Madison, Chair
Robert Kramer, Vice-Chair
Jerry Timian, School Board Representative
Dennis Morris
Carl Robertson
Lynne Carper
Richard Person
St. Louis Park Planning Staff
Meg J. McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Sean Walther, Senior Planner
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
Adam Fulton, Planner
Nancy Sells, Administrative Secretary
Meeting of February 11, 2008 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Subject: Planning Commission Annual Report and Work Plan
In 2007, the Planning Commission held public hearings on numerous applications. The cases are
listed by type, and the projects are described in the paragraphs to follow.
Total 2007 Cases:
8 Conditional Use Permits
1 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
2 Rezonings
3 Zoning Code Amendments
7 Subdivisions
1 Variance
5 Planned Unit Developments
The quantity of cases before the Planning Commission decreased in comparison to previous
years.
Major Development and Redevelopment
2007 saw several major projects come before the Planning Commission for review. Briefly
summarized, the developments are discussed below:
NordicWare (Northland Aluminum) Plat – NordicWare brought forward a plat to combine all their
parcels into a single lot. The plat was part of a broader strategy by NordicWare to improve its
retail operation. NordicWare purchased and is now operating its retail operations out of the
former veterinary clinic just north of the manufacturing buildings.
Village in the Park II – Village in the Park II was reviewed by the Planning Commission and
received preliminary approval in 2007. This complicated redevelopment included both retail
and housing, located at the corner of Wooddale Avenue and 36th Street. At the end of 2007, it
is seems unlikely that the project will come forward as proposed for final approvals.
Frauenshuh Cancer Center – Methodist Hospital proposed a 75,000 square foot building addition
for the Frauenshuh Cancer Center and a five-level parking ramp on the north end of the
Methodist Hospital Campus. The project also incorporates improvements to green space,
landscaping, stormwater management and circulation on the campus. Construction work
began in October 2007 and will be completed in late 2009.
Hilton Homewood Suites – Torgerson Properties proposed the construction of a seven-story hotel
on a portion of the site of the Associated Bank office building. The hotel, which will be under
construction in 2008, will have 125 rooms and features major improvements to the entire site’s
landscaping, outdoor recreation space, and pedestrian circulation. The project also includes a
green roof, the first to be featured on a commercial building within St. Louis Park.
West End Retail (Duke redevelopment) – Duke Realty proposed the completion of site work on its
43.5 acre redevelopment site at the corner of Highway 100 and I-394. Requested was approval
of the preliminary plat together with a conditional use permit for grading. Substantial grading is
required to improve soils for construction and to permit the future completion of underground
parking areas. This project will come before the Planning Commission again in 2008 for
additional review.
Melrose Institute - In a unique partnership between the City of St. Louis Park, Park
Nicollet, and United Properties, a redevelopment was proposed for the site at
3515 Beltline Boulevard. The Melrose Institute, a 67,000 square foot, three-story
building, will be dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders. It will be
accompanied by a three-level parking ramp, numerous landscaping and site
Meeting of February 11, 2008 (Item No. 3) Page 5
Subject: Planning Commission Annual Report and Work Plan
improvements, and the preparation of two potential future building sites for a
civic use.
Single Family Developments
2007 was an active year for new development in single family areas of the City. Some of the
most notable projects reviewed by the Planning Commission include:
2821 Nevada Avenue South – Construction on this single-family lot is complete. This site required
a CUP for substantial fill and grading. As a condition of approval, it was required that the
developer install stormwater control improvements.
2849 Jordan Avenue South – A small residential subdivision along Hannon Lake, this proposal
provides the City with additional ownership of the lake’s frontage and provides a single new
building site for a future resident.
9340 West 28th Street – This proposal was an additional small residential subdivision along Hannon
Lake. In this case, a single new lot is created for additional single family housing within the City.
2942 Boone Avenue South – The proposal for 2942 Boone Avenue South creates two new lots
within the City. Two lots will have access to Cavell Avenue South and one will have access to
Boone Avenue South. The developer also provided addition right of way for Minnetonka
Boulevard and for a potential future trail expansion.
Zoning Amendments
The Planning Commission reviewed several major amendments to the Zoning Ordinance during
2007. These amendments, now adopted by the City Council, have made the Zoning Ordinance
a more functional document and will enhance the community by improving the final product in
development. Major amendments reviewed during 2007 included:
• A complete revision of landscaping and off-street parking standards. The Planning
Commission reviewed modifications to each proposed ordinance and made
recommendations on issues not thoroughly addressed previously. Major changes
include:
Flexibility to allow improved landscaping in the most intensely developed urban
areas of the City, encouraging the construction of public art, green roofs, and
low impact design.
A requirement that bicycle parking be provided in all locations that automotive
parking is provided.
Enhancements to more accurately and effectively utilize off-street parking areas
throughout the City.
• Modifications to the floodplain overlay district, providing a more precise delineation of
the floodplain’s location in the vicinity of Methodist Hospital.
Meeting of February 11, 2008 (Item No. 3) Page 6
Subject: Planning Commission Annual Report and Work Plan
St. Louis Park Planning Commission
2008 Work Plan
1. 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update – Work closely with Staff to update and revise the 2020
Comprehensive Plan to reflect:
The intent of the City’s 2006 Visioning Process
Redevelopment that has occurred since the completion of the previous Comprehensive
Plan
New planning trends and city‐wide redevelopment goals
An improved plan that will be utilized and will inform the regular work completed by
the Planning Commission, City Staff, and the City Council
2. Updates to the Zoning Ordinance – Continue work to update the Zoning Ordinance including
such items as Pawnshops, Floodplain, Signs, Planned Unit Development (PUD), Trash / other
utility containers and structures, zoning districts adjacent to neighborhoods and other matters as
they arise.
3. Review Planning Applications – Hear applications for Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), Planned
Unit Developments (PUDs), Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Rezonings, Preliminary Plats
and variances. Hold public hearings, discuss planning impacts, and make recommendations to
the City Council.
Potential Applications:
West End (Duke) Redevelopment – rezoning, PUD, plat
Village in the Park II site
Santorini restaurant site
Small subdivisions
Erv’s redevelopment site
Al’s Bar site
Oak Hill II – medical office building
Redevelopment of Citgo at Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana
Meeting Date: March 10, 2008
City Council Agenda Item #: 4
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
2007 Telecommunications Advisory Commission Annual Report
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
None.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The Telecommunications Commission officially met five times in 2007 and Commissioners
remained involved in other ways including:
• Commissioners Dworsky Huiras & Morrow attended the March 12 Council Study Session
to discuss the Telecommunications Commission annual report, a proposed fiber optic
ordinance, Mr. Dworsky’s comments on the NATOA conference in Fairfax, VA and the
Commission work plan for 2007.
• Commissioners Dworsky, Huiras, Jacobson and Overend attended the Minnesota
Association of Community Television Administrators (MACTA) spring legislative luncheon
April 18 for an update on state legislation.
• Commissioners Browning, Hartman and Jacobson attended the MACTA annual conference
in the fall which included updates on communications technologies, federal legislation and
Federal Communications Commission actions.
• Chair Huiras contacted staff as needed to prepare or follow up on Commission activities.
• Commissioner Dworsky attended a National Association of Telecommunications Officers
and Advisors (NATOA) conference in Portland, OR and reported back to the Commission
and shared numerous handouts with staff.
School District #283 Funding Grant
On May 4 the Commission recommended fully funding the District’s request for an operations
grant of $35,000 and an equipment grant of $9,000 for equipment and Junior High School video
club staff support. The Council approved the funding request on May 21.
A School District Grant Funding Policy was proposed by Commissioner Overend and approved
October 11. The policy formalizes the Commission’s past practice for the last few years.
School District Grant Funding Policy: October 11, 2007
The Telecommunications Advisory Commission seeks to track School District franchise fee
expenditures to assure a community benefit.
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Subject: Telecommunications Advisory Commission Annual Report
#1. The School District annual request for franchise fees should include:
• A summary of how past grant dollars have been spent
• A description of new funding requested for what purpose and a timeline for the
expected purchase
• Quarterly programming reports including information on titles, length, and
frequency of replays
• An updated production equipment inventory
• An updated three-year equipment purchase plan and background information about
District video production and communications technology needs and plans
#2. Preference will be given for funding requests that support additional programming for
the educational access channel.
#3. Telecommunications Commission motions to approve School District funding should
specify the expected use of the funds. For example: “X” dollars for an operations grant and
“Y” dollars for equipment grant to buy “A, B, C.”
TV Studio arrangement with the High School
The Commission toured the upgraded High School studio and recommended a promotional
brochure about the facility, which John McHugh showed the Commission on August 2.
Commissioner Browning suggested a promotional video about the studio that could be run on the
cable system and posted on the website, and Commissioner Morrow suggested purchasing
advertising space in the Echo (SLP SHS Student Newspaper), which John McHugh and
Communications Coordinator Jamie Zwilling arranged in the fall. A studio promo page appears
with other community announcement pages on TV15/96.
Comcast Local Origination transition to City’s Location
The production van was transferred to the City in December, 2006 and 3 new production staff
joined the City on January 2, 2007. Channel 16 operations were not disrupted in the transition and
the new staff immediately began covering the same events they had covered as Comcast staff. The
10-plus year old titler was replaced in time to debut terrific-looking graphics for the Parktacular
Parade in June. The new Park TV logos were shown to the Commission on October 11. Staff gave
an On Location report to the Commission at each meeting.
Fiber Optic Ordinance
Staff provided a written report on the current state of the telecommunications industry at the
October meeting, with Seattle identified as a model city. The Commission directed staff to continue
to research the subject, including reviewing San Francisco’s model fiber ordinance.
Park WiFi
Staff provided updates at each meeting during the year.
Bylaws amendment
The Commission revised the Bylaws on May 3 to add specific holidays when meetings shouldn’t
occur.
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Subject: Telecommunications Advisory Commission Annual Report
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rule Making
On May 3 staff gave a verbal update about the coalition of associations that are formally opposing
the FCC order on video franchising. Among other things, the FCC Order requires local franchise
authorities to process franchise applications filed by new telecommunications entrants within a 90 or
180 day time frame. (This has been a greater concern in areas served by Verizon and AT&T, since
Qwest has not been improving their telephone system to provide video services).
Legislative Issues
The national cable franchising bill proposed in 2006 by Representative Joe Barton (Republican,
Texas) and opposed by local governments, was not a factor in 2007. Many states discussed, passed
or implemented state-wide franchising laws, mostly detrimental to local governments and
community television production operations.
Minnesota law
At the spring MACTA Legislative luncheon, Commissioners learned about Representative Sheldon
Johnson’s Qwest-supported bill, HF2351, introduced in March, 2007 that is opposed by local
governments. There was no action on the bill in the spring, but the MACTA Legislative Committee
is developing sample resolutions and principals to fight the bill in the 2008 Session.
Comcast complaints
As of the February 1 meeting there were 36 complaints, and 10 were about American Movie Classics
(AMC) moving from the standard analog tier to the digital tier, which requires a converter box. The
Commission reviewed Comcast complaints at each meeting, and Michelle Cutler, Comcast Senior
Director of Customer Care, answered questions from the Commission on December 6.
Telecommunications Commission Attendance: 2007
Commissioner 2/1/07 3/12 @
Council
Study
Session
5/3/07 8/2/07 10/11/07 12/6/07 Total
attended
Ken Huiras (Chair) YES YES YES YES YES YES 6
Bruce Browning (Vice Chair) YES - YES YES YES YES 5
Rick Dworsky YES YES YES YES YES YES 6
Mary Jean Overend* YES - YES - - - 2
Dale Hartman YES - YES YES YES YES 5
Bob Jacobson - - YES YES YES YES 4
Rolf Peterson YES - YES YES YES - 4
Kirk Morrow YES YES YES YES YES - 5
*Mary Jean Overend resigned effective 8/1/07
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Subject: Telecommunications Advisory Commission Annual Report
VISION CONSIDERATION:
This report supports the strategic direction – SLP is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
Attachment: Work plan: 2008
Prepared by: Reg Dunlap, Civic TV Coordinator
Reviewed by: Jamie Zwilling, Communications Coordinator
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of March 10, 2008 (Item No. 4) Page 5
Subject: Telecommunications Advisory Commission Annual Report
2008 Telecommunications Commission Work Plan
work2008
February 21 Council Chambers
♦ Update on Park Wi Fi
♦ Fiber optic ordinance update
♦ Broadband over powerline (BPL) update
♦ Park TV & Community TV update
♦ Franchise fee audit
♦ FCC video franchise update
♦ State law update: resolution supporting MN 238 + background
March Joint meeting at City Council Study Session
♦ Federal Communications Commission & Minnesota statute update
May 8 Council Chambers or at High School
♦ Park WiFi update
♦ School District quarterly report
♦ School District funding for 2008
July 17 Council Chambers
♦ Review draft mid year report
♦ Fiber optic ordinance update
♦ Digital TV transition publicity
♦ Park WiFi update
July 31 mid year progress report to Council
October 16 Council Chambers
♦ Park WiFi update
♦ Review School District reports
December 4 Council Chambers
♦ Comcast presentation on new cable rates and/or changes in the channel line up
♦ Comcast customer service update
♦ Park WiFi update
♦ Set meetings for 2009
♦ Draft Work Plan for 2009
♦ Draft Annual Report for 2008
♦ Elect Chair & Vice Chair, effective next meeting