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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/12/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular 1 OFFICIAL MINUTES ST. LOUIS PARK TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF December 7, 2006 ST. LOUIS PARK COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Bruce Browning, Rick Dworsky, Dale Hartman, Ken Huiras, Bob Jacobson, Kirk Morrow, and Rolf Peterson MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Jean Overend STAFF PRESENT: Reg Dunlap, Civic TV Coordinator; John McHugh, Community TV Coordinator OTHERS PRESENT: Arlen Mattern, Comcast Public Affairs Administrator; Kim Roden, Comcast Vice President of Public Affairs and Programming; Tom Marble; St. Louis Park School District Technology Department, Charlie Fiss, St. Louis Park School District Technology Department 1. Call to Order Chair Dworsky called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. 2. Roll Call Present at roll call were Commissioners Browning, Dworsky, Hartman, Huiras, Jacobson, Morrow and Peterson. Commissioner Morrow, new youth member of the commission, introduced himself. 3. Approval of Minutes for August 3, 2006 Commissioner Huiras requested page numbers on future minutes and to receive them earlier. Commissioner Browning suggested they be sent electronically. It was moved by Commissioner Huiras, seconded by Commissioner Browning, to approve the minutes of August 3, 2006, without changes. The motion passed 6-0-1, Commissioner Peterson abstained. 4. Adoption of Agenda Commissioner Huiras asked if there would be a studio update? Mr. McHugh replied representatives from the School District could provide information. It was moved by Commissioner Huiras, seconded by Commissioner Browning, to approve the agenda. The motion passed 7-0. 2 5. Public Comment - None 6. New Business A. Comcast Report on the service transition from Time Warner to Comcast Ms. Kim Roden, Comcast, reported there had been some issues and a number of calls once the transition started. They fell within three categories: 1) Billing conversion related (incorrect bills). She believed those issues had been resolved. 2) Email migration-They had 162 different user ID’s migrate through this process and 99% went flawlessly. There was a flaw on the web site for the transition of Mac users, which had been addressed. 3) Setting up secondary Email accounts and problems with the total number of user ID’s. Those issues had all been addressed. They were going to be doing a channel line up change as well as a series of other changes over the next several months. There could be an occasional misstep. They were working through the issues and she believed making good progress. Commissioner Huiras asked if the billing dates had changed for residents of St. Louis Park? Ms. Roden replied she did not know if billing cycles had changed. Commissioner Huiras stated based on the complaints received, he looked at his bill and with Comcast the bills were 9/25, 10/12, 11/4 and he was waiting for the December bill. Ms. Roden indicated she could research the issue. Mr. Dunlap added there were several examples of residents who indicated they did not receive a bill for two months. An explanation of that would be helpful. Commissioner Hartman asked if they would be changing the direct pay dates? Ms. Roden replied she could look into that. Commissioner Jacobson stated he had received bills with different dates and the same amount and he noticed that the payment date was way ahead of when they received the bill. The due date had varied. He suggested it could be a computer-programming problem. Ms. Roden responded they would look into that. Commissioner Jacobson requested seeing Comcast’s mission statement. Mr. Dunlap indicated he had received that information from Ms. Donnelly-Cohen after the last meeting and would send it. Commissioner Browning indicated he uses check free and the Comcast logo appears, but the bill didn’t appear when he tried to pull it up. He received an Email from Comcast that it might be a bit of time before they had the electronic bill ready and he asked how much more time that would be. He was able to pay the bill. Ms. Roden and Mr. Mattern replied they hadn’t heard about that problem, but would look into it. 3 Commissioner Peterson asked if they were done transferring Emails, he hadn’t received a notice other than the first one? Ms. Roden replied they were being done in stages and it didn’t have to be done yet. Commissioner Browning felt this had gone smoothly overall. Ms. Roden replied that was good, but it was frustrating for those in the 1% they were trying to help with issues. B. Comcast updates on new cable rates and/or changes in the channel line up (if any) Mr. Mattern indicated they were making channel changes as of January 8th. There would be a little disruption. There would be more movies, music and sports. One of the most exciting offerings would be video on demand and digital Latino ($6.99/mo) for Spanish speaking citizens. He reviewed the channel line-ups. For questions, people can contact 651-222-3333. Commissioner Jacobson asked the difference between digital and HD? Mr. Mattern replied people are required to have an HD (high definition) television. The resolution on the TV is much higher. You require an HD receiver to receive programming and need a digital receiver to receive digital channels. HD is probably a little better quality. The HD package costs more. Commissioner Jacobson asked why the ESPN II got changed to a premium channel. Ms. Roden replied one of the reasons they were going through the channel line up change was to try to make a Twin Cities consistent channel line up regardless of what City you live in. Some channels are changing because of the programming agreements between the cable operator and the programmer. There are some subtle differences between Time Warner programming agreements and what Comcast offers, which is why some programming is continuing and some isn’t. Some people want a lot of sports programming, which is the most expensive type of programming a cable operator buys, so most sports channel programmers would like to see their programs on a basic or standard line up. The cable operator tries to balance the needs and desires of the majority of the customers and the ability in paying. Not everyone values sports programming the same. Because of its expense, they were trying to put most sports programming on a sports tier, so those who want it would incur the expense. She believed the pressure would continue on cable operator to put sports programming at the lowest level, but that would lead to higher bills. The trend would be to put sports channels on a higher tier. Commissioner Huiras asked about the NFL network? Ms. Roden replied the NFL network is offered on the St. Paul side. The NFL network and Comcast have an issue related to the new systems Comcast had acquired (Time Warner). Comcast would like to put the NFL network in the Time Warner and Adelphia systems that were acquired onto a digital tier. The NFL network had filed a lawsuit against Comcast and until litigation is resolved, they wouldn’t have the NFL network added. 4 Commissioner Huiras asked if the “old” Comcast has a lot of channels that Time Warner customers would not be receiving? Ms. Roden replied no, it was pretty rare. Mr. Mattern indicated there was not a lot of difference. Commissioner Jacobson asked why they split ESPN between I and II? Ms. Roden replied that was probably a programmer question. It went back to cost and the programmer’s interest in having more than one channel and trying to vary programming. Ms. Roden discussed the NFL Channel and satellite dishes. Mr. McHugh asked if the channel line up card was a prototype or what would be distributed? Ms. Mattern replied it was the actual card customers would receive. Mr. McHugh asked on the standard package if channels 47, 59, 65 and 98 would remain blank? Ms. Roden replied if there was nothing listed, they were blank. Mr. McHugh requested when the channel line up card is reprinted there be corrections made to the local listings and would send them the information. Where can people get a channel line up card in the future? Mr. Mattern replied at any of the service centers. Mr. McHugh requested that 50-100 cards be sent for distribution at City hall? Ms. Roden replied yes, when they were available. C. Bylaws amendments Chair Dworsky indicated the City Council adopted revised rules and procedures for boards and commissions on Sept 18, 2006. He reviewed the changes. Commissioner Huiras asked if all commissions would be under the new guidelines? Mr. Dunlap replied yes, they vast majority of the bylaws would be very similar. Each commission can set their own bylaws, but the general format is more uniform. Commissioner Huiras asked if they wanted the chair to serve two consecutive terms, could they do that? Mr. Dunlap believed they could do that. Commissioner Huiras asked if they were subject to Council approval? Mr. Dunlap replied they give the Council notice. The Council had given a directive and asked that all commissions make the bylaws changes. Commissioner Jacobson believed they had been on target with what was in the bylaws. Commissioner Huiras stated they could draft the due dates as part of the work plan. They could table discussion on the term of the chair or make a decision. It was moved by Commissioner Browning, seconded by Commissioner Huiras, to approve the revised bylaws. The motion passed 7-0. 5 D. School District quarterly report Tom Marble, St. Louis Park School District Technology Department, presented the quarterly report, specifically opening the TV studio facilities for public use. The facility would be available 12 hours per month and no fee charged for facility use. They will revisit the demands and adjust as necessary. Individuals interested in using the facility can contact Mr. McHugh. A qualified employee will be required for technical assistance. The School District is finalizing purchase of camera equipment for the studio in January. Commissioner Jacobson asked if they had a preferred camera? Ms. Marble replied the 2100. Mr. Fiss indicated they have the 2000 model, which is by site and specs exactly the same camera with the addition of a rocker switch on the handle. Commissioner Jacobson asked if there were other big differences in the others listed? Mr. Fiss responded he looked at some of the more expensive cameras and he believed the 2100 had a better picture. Mr. Marble added they wanted to have digital quality. Commissioner Huiras asked if the studio would be publicized? Mr. Marble replied yes, that was part of future discussions and it could be put on the school districts and the City web site with contact information. Commissioner Huiras suggested a listing in community education books, and Mr. Marble responded that was a possibility as well. The facility will be reserved through community education. Mr. Dunlap indicated it is possible they sell ads for those books, but it would be hundreds of dollars of investment. That was a valuable place to advertise. Commissioner Peterson asked if the camera was compatible with the hand controls? Mr. Fiss replied it has the LANC control, which was universal. Commissioner Huiras asked if some of the current broadcasts would be moving? Mr. McHugh replied yes, they were being done in the studio they currently have access to with the cable company. Commissioner Jacobson asked if there was a separate place to keep the equipment dedicated for community education users or would this be used for student activities as well? Mr. Marble replied it would be used for both. The amount of use of the studio facility had declined due to media production classes being eliminated. Any use of the space by students is supervised. There are other cameras used for student projects. Commissioner Huiras asked if they were looking at this as a permanent location? Mr. McHugh replied they would take it on a year-by-year basis. If opportunities present themselves with a new larger building being constructed by the City that could accommodate a studio or a partnership with another entity in the City, those would be something they would strive to do. The School District had been helpful with the initial need. It is often the case that community TV operations try to have a separate facility from the School District because they cannot use the facility during normal business 6 hours. There may be need for studio use during the day. The hope would be that there would be a different facility in the future. Mr. Marble added the biggest issue is from a security standpoint things were tightening up and access is restricted during school hours. Commissioner Jacobson asked once they get the recording done in the studio facilities, is it supposed to go on the public channel? Mr. McHugh replied if it is supervised by community TV or Civic TV, which would be the case, unless it was a training session. Commissioner Jacobson asked about follow for what is produced in the studio to get it edited to be used on the channel, were there needs in that area? Mr. McHugh replied no, they would be recording it on community TV equipment, using community TV tape stock and it would remain the possession of community TV. They wouldn’t record direct to DVD if there were going to be editing needed. Mr. Marble noted they had the ability at the high school facility to master record onto a mini DV format tape or go straight to hard drive. Commissioner Jacobson asked if there were facilities to do DVD editing? Mr. McHugh replied the expectation would be that they would record using a recorder they would bring to the facility and when they left they would have the recorder and the original studio recording and additional editing would be done out of their facility in a community TV facility. The studio would be just for mastering it. Mr. Marble commented that he and Mr. Fiss had been in conversation and in partnership with KUOM, University of Minnesota radio station, with KDXL and had discussions about web streaming. There are some legal changes dealing with streaming of licensed music and licensing fees that would be paid. He was not sure as part of this they would get into doing KDXL, because they needed to be aware something might change and based upon licensing fees they might have to pay to do that. Commissioner Browning believed they would have to pay if they aligned themselves with the intercollegiate broadcasting system, and it is a reasonable fee on a yearly basis. Mr. Marble replied yes, they were talking with the University about “piggy backing” on them in terms of the fees being paid. They would both be sharing the same airwaves instead of being double dipped and would be able to share some of the expense. There was a little hesitation on jumping into that arena until they were clear on a licensing fee standpoint. Commissioner Jacobson asked if they should hold off on a motion because of the fees? Chair Dworsky believed they could proceed. Commissioner Huiras asked if they were talking about web streaming channel 14 completely? Mr. Dunlap replied yes. The motion would be to purchase a computer and pay for the hosting of video on demand and 24/7 web streaming for channel 14. Commissioner Huiras asked if it would be on the City’s web site? Mr. Dunlap replied it was up to the web masters. In the future, they would be able to have all of the local channels on one web page with their schedule and information. 7 Commissioner Morrow asked how the students would be involved? Mr. Marble replied channel 14 is done as an automatic play back system and would be simulcast through the web. Commissioner Browning asked if KDXL was 24/7 now? Mr. Marble replied yes, it is automated. It is not 24/7 on the airwaves, they are time shared with the University of Minnesota. Mr. Fiss added 106.5 FM has two inputs, the studio from the high school or the signal coming from the college (KUOM). KUOM broadcasts on AM 24/7. Whenever school is not in session, KUOM will be on the air. Whenever school is in session, 8 AM – 4:30 PM KDXL is on, after that time it is KUOM. Commissioner Jacobson asked what they were trying to accomplish by doing this? Mr. Dunlap replied the reason he suggested it was because it was another way to support what the school district is doing because in the past the Commission had asked about adding web streaming for the School District to the City’s license with Implex. Commissioner Browning asked what the proposed cost is? Mr. Marble replied they had looked at web streaming KDXL in the past and since they were already going to be doing something with video, adding additional bandwidth for just audio would not be a tremendous cost. They were not broadcasting in stereo, it would be a mono signal. Commissioner Browning asked if they would be adding any processing to the signal or would it be a raw signal from the studio? Mr. Fiss replied no, currently the signal is processed both from KUOM and from the school. It is processed to go out over the airwaves. Mr. Dunlap added it might be as little as $1,000 for a computer and $200-$300 for a distribution amp that would split the signal, so the signal would go to a web streaming computer and to a channel modulator to be distributed onto the cable system. The license fee for Implex is an incremental cost. It was moved by Commissioner Browning, seconded by Commissioner Jacobson, to purchase a computer and pay for the hosting of video on demand and 24/7 web streaming for channel 14. Commissioner Huiras asked if they were talking about streaming it over the City’s channels? Mr. Dunlap replied it would stream separately and be a fourth channel available either from their web site or from slp.org. They didn’t specifically think that the City would host it. They would need to put it on their web site. Commissioner Huiras stated he would support this if it was linked from the City’s web site to the Schools web site, otherwise he was not in support. Mr. McHugh believed it would be a link on the web site that would then go to the signal provided by Implex, not actually streaming from the school building? Mr. Marble replied yes. Commissioner Jacobson asked if this was duplicated with a signal being picked up from another source like the regular analog? Mr. Marble replied it was duplicated in the sense that it is duplicated the same as the City was doing now. They had one program, but it was being shown on two different outlets, cable TV or on the web. 8 Commissioner Peterson indicated he could watch a school board meting from another location, even live meetings. The motion passed 7-0. E. Discuss if the Commission supports adding web streaming for School District channel 14 and audio for KDXL Mr. Dunlap indicated there is money in the budget and they talked with Implex, the vendor that hosts the web streaming capability and video on demand. They hadn’t gone forward purchasing anything for the school district, but had a verbal agreement that they could take care of it if they had a computer. Mr. Fiss had an idea for sending KDXL on the same stream with the video and the audio if they had to do it that way. He was suggesting the Commission give Council direction if they supported this idea and if so, do a motion saying they support the capital purchase of the computer necessary for this to happen and support for the School District doing the hosting by the same vendor the City is now using for the three channels they were already web streaming. Commissioner Huiras asked where the capital expenditure would come out of? Mr. Dunlap replied it would come out of the franchise fee equipment grant. Commissioner Huiras noted there was still funding remaining on the Schools report. Mr. Dunlap replied that was true. He was suggesting this be an additional purchase funded by the City, separate from the grant that they had received so it wouldn’t eat into the planning they had already done for the studio facility. F. Set meetings for 2007 2007 meeting dates (the first Thursday of the month): February 1, March (TBD by City Council), May 3, July 12, October 4, and December 6. G. Draft Work Plan for 2007 Chair Dworsky asked for suggestion or modification to the draft work plan. Commissioner Huiras suggested adding to the February agenda an update on the studio and local origination. What is Park TV update? Mr. Dunlap replied Park TV is what they were calling local origination after it transitioned to City employees and service. Commissioner Jacobson asked on the Park TV and public access if City employees could use the facility more than they were doing now to help citizens know about the different things being done, for example forestry services etc.? Would it be a good idea to try to promote educational programs by City staff and use studio facilities? Mr. Dunlap replied promotion of the community TV services available, including using the high school studio when available was a good idea. 9 Commissioner Jacobson noted information about the Inspections Department and building issues around the City and ways to do things in building efforts would be helpful. H. Draft Annual Report for 2006 Chair Dworsky asked for suggestions or modifications. Commissioner Peterson indicated on the attendance on page 2, he was not at the August 3rd meeting. Commissioner Huiras indicated on page 3, under School District 283, it had the “Commissioner recommended” and it should read Commission. Under December 7th section about adding web stream and audio for KDXL paid by City, could they add “from franchise fees”. I. Elect Chair and Vice Chair, to assume duties at next meeting Chair Dworsky opened the floor for nomination for Chair and Vice chair. Commissioner Browning nominated Commissioner Ken Huiras as Chair. Commissioner Huiras accepted the nomination. Commissioner Jacobson nominated Commissioner Bruce Browning as Vice Chair. Commissioner Browning accepted the nomination. Chair Dworsky called for second nominations. There were none. Chair Dworsky called for third nominations. There were none. It was motioned by Commissioner Jacobson, seconded by Commissioner Huiras to close the nomination and approve nomination of Commissioner Huiras as Chair and Commissioner Browning as Vice Chair. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Old Business A. Fiber Optic ordinance report from staff Mr. Dunlap indicated there was nothing further to report at this time. They had a conversation on the direction of where to go next and there would be more at the next meeting. Commissioner Browning asked if there was a timeline or was it exploratory now? Mr. Dunlap replied it was exploratory and part of it was pending to see what the City Council voted for Park WiFi. They had voted to go forward and the Commission needed to take 10 that into consideration with whatever recommendation they made to Council, that Park WiFi was going to happen. B. Park Wi Fi Update and next steps Mr. McHugh stated the City Council approved the customer service component plan for WiFi. The staff report was made available to commissioners. There is also a print out, which is also posted on the City web site, about frequently asked questions about the WiFi project, when it would take place, and proposed next steps. In a discussion with Clint Pires, he described how they anticipated adding more subscribers in the second quarter. Presently there are only the subscribers that participated in the pilot project. He would also like to have members of the commission partner in information sessions with the community and an “install-fest”. That is anticipated to happen at the end of February, beginning of March. There will be more information coming. It was a perfect opportunity to try more things. The master plan for WiFi has the entire system constructed and turned on prior to exactly one year from now. The City is in the process of contacting 2700 (registered and pilot project participants) residents to confirm if they want to be notified when WiFi is available. Commissioner Huiras asked the goal numbers? Mr. McHugh replied he did not have that information, but would follow up. He believed 3,000-4,000. They anticipate business would be big participants. Commissioner Browning asked if the number of people connected affected connection speed? Mr. McHugh replied the number of radios is flexible and not determined by being located where there is a traditional power source from the electrical company. The amount of fiber that would be put in by the City to specific locations is less flexible. If there are more subscribers in one area of town, another radio can be added giving a mesh network. They had that flexibility because they were using an independent power source. Commissioner Browning asked if only two homes out of 400 use WiFi, the connect speed will be “x” amount, but if 400 homes are using the same receiver at a given time, would the connect speed stay the same? Mr. McHugh replied the expectation would be that the traffic on the network would be monitored and they have flexibility to increase capacity. There will also be security in case someone uses more bandwidth than normal use. C. Local origination programming transition update Mr. Dunlap indicated they had advertised for new Park TV employees. The City has been looking for a communication coordinator and is in the final stages of the process. They had received a number of applications and expected to start interviews in the following week. There is an agreement with the Municipal Service Center to store the Comcast van, when it is deeded to the City, inside the Municipal Service Center. They had been working on upgrading the channels for the playback systems. As of this date, they did not have programming playing on the channels due to the upgrades. They had a character generator for channel 16 going from their office. They had ordered an edit 11 system for the new staff to continue a similar workflow to what is presently happening with Comcast employees. Commissioner Huiras asked where local on demand was? Mr. Dunlap replied channel 1,000. 8. Reports A. Complaints Mr. Dunlap indicated he distributed an update for complaint #47 and #32, the person without Email, which had been fixed after Ms. Roden intervened. Complaint #47 was the letter to Comcast, which had also been resolved. Commissioner Huiras asked if someone had really been transferred to Adelphia? Mr. McHugh replied he had received the phone call and it could be that they had been transferred to a different Comcast call center and they were answering the phone Adelphia because they had recently been Adelphia. 9. Communication from the Chair Chair Dworsky appreciated his time as chair. There had been a lot of technical advances, some challenges and changes in the franchise and provider. 10. Communications from City Staff Mr. McHugh stated he would like commissioners to use the promotional materials for the new efforts for marketing. 11. Adjournment Commissioner Huiras made a motion, Commission Browning seconded to adjourn at 8:49. The motion passed. Respectfully submitted by: Amy L. Stegora-Peterson Recording Secretary