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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/10/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - Community Technology Advisory Commission - RegularUNOFFICIAL MINUTES ST. LOUIS PARK TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2009 ST. LOUIS PARK COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Bruce Browning, Rick Dworsky, Dale Hartman, Toby Keeler, and Rolf Peterson MEMBERS ABSENT: David Dyer, Mike Mulligan STAFF PRESENT: Reg Dunlap, Civic TV Coordinator; John McHugh, Community TV Coordinator; Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer; Jamie Zwilling, Communications Coordinator OTHERS PRESENT: Arlen Mattern, Comcast Cable Public Affairs Administrator; Carl Torarp, LocaLoop Chair and Chief Executive Officer; Tim Johnson, LocaLoop President; Nick Stanley, LocaLoop Network Manager; Tom Pavek, Ellert and Associates 1. Call to Order Chair Keeler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. 2. Roll Call Present at roll call were Commissioners Browning, Dworsky, Hartman, Keeler and Peterson (via teleconference). 3. Approval of Minutes for August 13, 2009 It was moved by Commissioner Browning, seconded by Commissioner Hartman, to approve the minutes of August 13, 2009, without changes. The motion passed 4-0-1, Peterson abstained. 4. Adoption of Agenda The agenda was approved. 5. Public Comment Mr. McHugh expressed comments on behalf of a public employee that wished the cable box could serve three TV’s and hoped there wouldn’t be many more channels that migrated to a higher tier of service for those without a cable box. Mr. Mattern was not sure they would be having boxes that could serve multiple televisions soon because the technology was not available. 6. New Business A. Long term fiber infrastructure planning Mr. Pires reported the City needed to discuss what should happen with the 26 miles of fiber that the City of St. Louis Park has installed for both the short term and in the long term. The Council will discuss what happens with fiber in the City on October 26, and so the Commission’s comments and suggestions are appreciated. For the short-term opportunity, LocaLoop has approached the City about providing WiMAX 4th generation (4G) services for the private sector, not provided by the City. They would use City- owned assets, specifically water towers, and would lease capacity on the City’s fiber optic system. There is an issue of fairness and accessibility to other providers. This would not be much different than the current relationships with other wireless providers using water towers. Carl Torarp, Local Loop, presented their business proposal: • Building “Mobile WiMAX 4G” Broadband Service (affordable internet service combined patented technology with standard mobile, creates profitable business for mobile and fixed broadband • Timing – There is an increased demand for Broadband • Technology - Speed, capacity and spectral efficiency separates the 4G from 3G (can handle both fixed and mobile and the technology is proven) • Community Benefit – This would provide community broadband for all of St. Louis Park, anywhere in the city. In additional to the fixed service to the home, LocaLoop would offer a complimentary service that is mobile, competitively priced, and performs 5-6 times the speed of cellular 3G. LocaLoop is a local St. Louis Park company. • Benefit to City – Private affordable broadband, utilize City assets, utilize City’s investment in fiber, extension of City fiber at LocaLoop cost, available city-wide for public safety and additional applications (Police, Fire, Inspections, Public Works, GIS), aid in establishing long term policy for fiber leasing, no financial up front cost, long-term obligation or risk, special programs for under privileged groups, first Minnesota city with complete mobile coverage for next generation broadband internet services • Consumer Pricing – Mobile: $29/month, $99 device, $29 activation; fixed- home, $49/month, $8/rental, $79 activation; Indoor/WiFi, $49/month, $9/rental, $99 activation; Outdoor, $49/month, $9/rental, $149 activation. Commissioner Browning asked if WiMAX was the defined standard? Mr. Torarp replied yes. Commissioner Browning asked if there were issues with signal interference or with weather? Mr. Torarp replied one reason this was the global standard and WiMAX was developed was because of those issues. It is a non line of sight product that gets to the user. Distance can diminish the signal, but the network will be designed in an intelligent way to compensate. Commissioner Browning asked how fast it was? Mr. Torarp replied by feeding WiMAX with fiber, you don’t have the bottleneck others have. It is 5-6 times better than 3G, 700- 800 kilobits average (x6), with peak speed up to 30 megabits/second. It also depends on usage of the network. They will only offer a premium service. Chair Keeler asked if the 4G network had been rolled out in other countries? Mr. Torarp replied this application would take back the lead in wireless broadband Internet technology. Europeans are stuck in cellular technology. WiMAX is being implemented in many places all over the world. Chair Keeler asked if he purchased the WiMAX antenna, could it be used outside of St. Louis Park? Mr. Torarp replied initially no. Outside of St. Louis Park it would receive WiFi, but it won’t take long for the potential hand off to other carriers where WiMAX is available. Chair Keeler asked about the administration and if LocaLoop would be the seller of the service and do the sign up of St. Louis Park residents? Mr. Torarp replied yes. Chair Keeler asked if they had an anticipated staffing plan? Mr. Torarp replied they would hire according to need as the business grows. There would probably be 20 people just for St. Louis Park. Chair Keeler asked if they had deployed this anywhere? Mr. Torarp replied this was the first deployment. Chair Keeler asked about the financial backing? Mr. Torarp responded there were no issues with the financing, they are privately financed. Commissioner Hartman asked if this would be compatible with the 4G network that had been announced by Verizon? Mr. Torarp replied Verizon was using competing technology, which would be tested in the spring. Commissioner Browning asked about the scalability and if there was capability to enhance from premium service? Mr. Johnson replied part of the premise of WiMAX was to go beyond the best effort service. It is an adaptive, intelligent network. The next standards to come out hold promise of bigger speeds. The experience is different with WiMAX. Mr. McHugh asked if they would be able to cover ten square miles with the existing towers? Mr. Torarp responded that was what they were proposing with the three towers. Mr. Johnson added there would be more deployed. Mr. Dunlap asked why there would be need to install more fiber? Mr. Torarp replied to fill the gaps from the fiber network to the tower locations. Mr. Pires stated the proposal is to build fiber at their cost and turn over the assets to the City. Chair Keeler asked if they had determined a pilot area? Mr. Torarp replied they would have 50 consumers with both businesses and residents and run for a month. They were considering Southeast St. Louis Park. Commissioner Browning asked about power levels? Mr. Johnson replied that power levels vary but the design of the network will compensate for that. They need to look at the density and number of stations. Tom Pavek, Elert and Associates, stated there were global issues to consider from a long- term standpoint. This is an aggressive time line for this opportunity and the City needs protect its long term interests. There is excess fiber that does not have another city use and is valuable for others to use. It is like renting space on the water towers, or if there was another empty floor on this building, renting it because it’s an available asset. The City needs to make a distinction between renting and leasing and the business opportunity. It’s LocaLoop’s business to market and be successful; it’s the City’s interest to provide the asset at a market rate and not subsidize the service. Options for the fiber include: lease or sell strands; do nothing, barter services, or could sell services like a phone company, which is more difficult. • Because this entity (LocaLoop) wants to fast track, the City needs to make sure there is enough capacity for other users and that there is no preferential treatment • Different than in the prior wireless project, it is their (LocaLoop) risk • This is renting space • The City doesn’t have much role in what LocaLoop does with this asset • Don’t let short-term interests affect the long-term plan • From a down side, they aren’t substantial, but they exist. Will residents make a connection that this is not the City? • The City needs to maintain the fiber network – much like it does now • Make sure everyone has opportunity to set up private enterprise – not subsidize their business • Long-term, the City needs a policy for this is a valuable asset • Look at short-term opportunities and protect the long run Commissioner Hartman asked if they could add more fiber to the conduits? Mr. Pavek replied yes, there would be costs to install more fiber. We’d need to look at the routes to determine if there were any limited routes and consider adding more fiber to that area. It looks as though only one area is vulnerable but we’ll work with the School District on that. Chair Keeler asked what the current excess capacity is, and what the City and School are using? Mr. Pires replied it varied by part of town and what they were running. One example is the new fiber installed by ARINC included 48 strands and almost none of that is being used. Mr. Pavek stated if there are aspects with this agreement where they run out, they will address that in the agreement. Chair Keeler asked what the market rate was for leasing? Mr. Pavek stated they have some preliminary information, but need substantial documented information. Mr. Pires stated over the past twelve months the City had been approached by seven firms interested in leasing fiber, so that’s another reason for a long term policy. Commissioner Browning asked how much bandwidth was available? Mr. Pires said from 24 strands to close to 200 strands. Mr. Pavek replied they are likely to improve electronics and less likely to increase fiber, and that you don’t want to lease all strands. Chair Keeler asked what role the Telecommunication Commission played? Mr. Pires responded when this was discussed with City Council they wanted the Commission’s input and recommendations. Mr. Dunlap noted the Council would discuss this issue at their October 26th meeting and that they could be provided with this meeting’s minutes for background. Mr. Pires added they had discussions with the City Attorney and had determined leasing of fiber would be very similar to how the City leases water tower space. Mr. Pavek felt it was good timing and could be a nice package for the City if they were protected. Commissioner Browning liked this concept and felt it was coming at the right time. The only option for broadband was in bundled services. He has issues with bundled services, but understood the marketing. This is a great opportunity for the City. Commissioner Dworsky indicated he would send his comments to Mr. Dunlap. He agreed that LocaLoop is responsible for the service but the City has responsibility for the hard asset. Commissioner Hartman asked how trees affected the frequency? Mr. Torarp replied they have licensed frequency to make it work. He said when Sprint deployed the mobile WiMAX system in Baltimore, they did a lousy job because they fed the base stations with T1 telephone lines. That wasn’t enough capacity to provide the service. So it goes back to network design, and this technology will go through the tree canopy assuming you design it correctly. Chair Keeler felt this was a good opportunity for residents of St. Louis Park and good timing. He agrees we need to develop a long-term policy on fiber and include fairness to other parties and maintenance plans for City future use. It was moved by Commissioner Browning, seconded by Commissioner Dworsky, to recommend the City move forward with the project as proposed. The motion passed 4-0. (Peterson was no longer on teleconference). It was moved by Commissioner Browning, seconded by Commissioner Hartman, to proceed with a long-term fiber policy. The motion passed 4-0. (Peterson was no longer on teleconference). Chair Keeler noted the Commission had formed a sub committee to work on fiber issues, was that an appropriate forum to work on a policy? Mr. Pires replied yes. B. Comcast customer service update Mr. Mattern reported the Comcast is announcing a program called Comcast Customer Guarantee to include: • Customer friendly and reliable • Superior service • “Make it Right” cards – include a phone number to call • Technical tools (handheld devices for technicians, expanded hours including Sunday, “Working to Earn a 10 from you”, aiming for a rating of 9 or 10, if not, what do we need to do to earn a 9 or 10?) • Guarantees: 30-day money back guarantee; treat you and home with courtesy and respect; answer questions at your convenience; offer easy to understand packages and provide you with a clear bill; we will continually offer the best and most video choices; we will quickly address any problem you experience; we will schedule appointments at your convenience and be mindful of your time Commissioner Browning felt this was an excellent plan and had received good service on his recent interactions with Comcast. Mr. McHugh asked about the hand held devices and if they stored customer accounts? Mr. Mattern replied there would be no billing information, but there would be information about previous service calls. Mr. McHugh noted the web site does not describe any analog packages. Mr. Mattern responded the web site shows their most popular packages. Mr. Dunlap thought the guarantee was great and asked if there would be follow up on the service ratings? Mr. Mattern replied the service tech will provide customers with a business card so they can be called directly if there are issues. If there are problems, people can go to Comcast.com for further help and support. C. Review School District programming reports Mr. Dunlap noted there was no report available. D. Report from NATOA Conference in New Orleans Mr. McHugh discussed the report he sent to Commissioners and the sessions he attended at the conference. Commissioner Dworsky indicated he attended different sessions than Mr. McHugh and discussed those. Mr. Zwilling reported that the Park TV crew won two awards, a second place and an honorable mention for high school sports programs. He said the City had also recently won two Savvy Awards for the web site and also won the Best Web Site in the Nation for their city size. 7. Unfinished Business A. Comcast audit update Mr. Dunlap reported findings from the audit. For the Time Warner period of 7/1/05- 9/30/06, there was an unreported revenue of $14,672. For the Comcast time of 10/1/06- 6/30/08, it was $6,181. Comcast has been notified of the findings and the next step would be to receive and evaluate their reply. He would continue to update the Commission. Commissioner Dworsky asked when they should schedule the next audit? Mr. Dunlap replied he needed to review proper notice so that it would cover from 7/1/08 and onward. He would put it on the Commission’s work plan. B. Park TV production van update Mr. Zwilling reported that the van needed to be taken out of service. During that time staff had been working on other projects. They were able to obtain a truck and it was being outfitted in Michigan and would be ready for delivery in the next three weeks at which time the equipment would be installed (2-3 weeks). They had received the new cameras and hoped to be completed by the end of the year. So far it was under budget. Chair Keeler suggested a PR piece be done about the production van in the Sun Sailor. C. Proposed Park TV & School District #283 agreement Mr. Zwilling indicated they weren’t as far as they had hoped to be. There was a setback in that the International Baccalaureate class was not production related and they had hoped to have school concerts covered by those students. The City will provide training and is considering the possibility of a school club. They expect to bring this to the City Council soon. Park TV staff has started covering School Board meetings. 8. Reports A. Complaints Mr. Dunlap indicated he had no report. The escalation team had done a great job resolving the problems. Commissioner Dworsky noted complaint #3 where Comcast rep said that the City determines the channels, which wasn’t the case. Complaint #8, a solution could be to leave information on the date of clean up and phone number. Mr. Mattern indicated that was a training issue and would be addressed. Commissioner Browning noted comment #6 where the customer was hung up on, didn’t bode well. Mr. Mattern stated they were addressing customer issues like that and need to be and accountable and fix problems. Chair Keeler asked for customer service staff to attend in December. Mr. Mattern stated it was a busy time of year for those people, that he was at meetings to address those issues and was also available via phone. 9. Communication from the Chair - None 10. Communications from City Staff Mr. McHugh distributed the programming report, and noted that Scott Smith now works on the Park Update weekly news program so that has affected the number of Community TV premiers. 11. Adjournment Commissioner Dworsky made a motion, Commission Browning seconded to adjourn at 9:06. The motion passed. Respectfully submitted by: Amy L. Stegora-Peterson Recording Secretary