August 7, 2013 Minutes
Weds. August 7, 2013
Present:
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Jennifer Sacco, H
Tad Weinstein, WH, chair
Peaches Quinn, NH vice-chair
Johnes Ruta, NH
CTV representative not present
Comcast representative not present
Meeting called to order 6:15 p.m.
George moves we approve minutes; Johnes seconds. June minutes approved. General discussion of PEGPETIA grants ensued; Johnes raised the question of who administers the funds, particularly if the fund gets raided by the state. Other members argued this issue did not fall under the purview of our council, specifically.
843 State St. has been purchased by CTV; they hope to relocate in December.
Comcast report given via email. George raised concern about the move by Comcast to start encrypting television signals so that consumers can no longer access Limited Basic signals from Comcast as of Sept. 17th without additional (for fee) equipment This means consumers will have to pay on a regular basis for use of decryption devices for their televisions, an effective rate increase on Limited Basic customers. Council agreed to ask Sharon for more information about this change.
September meeting will be postponed to Weds. Sept. 11th, because the 4th is the start of Rosh Hoshannah.
Jen will put the discussion about the grant decisions to be made in an email.
Meeting adjourned 7: 03 p.m.
June 5, 2013 Minutes
Weds. June 5, 2013
Present:
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Jennifer Sacco, H
Tad Weinstein, WH, chair
Peaches Quinn, NH vice-chair
Joe Schofield, CTV
Comcast representative not present
Meeting called to order 6:11 p.m.
May minutes approved by online vote.
CTV report given. AT&T is still not connected because CTV is month-to-month at their current location, and the landlord does not want the disruption or expense involved with the installation under the parking lot since they do not have a long-term lease.
The new location for CTV still has some environmental issues that the bank wants a costly process to look into further, which is delaying the process. Joe believes the concerns will be answered fairly easily, however, and they have new assessments ongoing. They are hopeful to close within the next month or so.
Comcast sent a written report of their public outreach and channel lineup changes.
The news release that Don drafted regarding the PEGPETIA grants was reviewed, with some additional clarifications suggested by Joe Schofield about stipulations of the grant program—that programs be aired on CTV, and that the support offered by CTV for grant-seekers is for residents of the three towns served only. Also, Joe raised the concern that the state may be raiding the PEGPETIA funds (again), so that there is a chance there will be no funds available, anyway. We will hold off on releasing our press release until we know that the funds are available, which Joe is looking into for us.
George summarized the contents of our mail received. We received a paper copy of price adjustments sent to the state by Comcast; Peaches suggested that we seek an electronic copy from Sharon so that we can post a link from our website. A general suggestion was raised that we seek all documentation from Comcast in digital format so that we can post on our website.
We revisited the issue of making grants to schools in the three districts; we had discussed in the past asking students to submit video public service announcements, possibly about the value of public access in a democratic society, or possibly about the value of voting. We had agreed previously that we would target the public middle schools as eligible schools (though George suggests that we reconsider this). The PSAs could be aired on CTV. We will continue our discussion online to firm up our contest specifications. We need to firm up: which types of schools are eligible, how many prizes to offer and for how much and for what, what format we want to receive the videos in (and length), how many students count as a team, what the subject of the PSAs should be, stipulations around ownership of the content (becomes property of CTV), how we’ll announce the contest, the deadline/timetable, our criteria for judging and when it can be judged.
July meeting will be cancelled because of proximity to the 4th.
Meeting adjourned 7:13 p.m.
May 1, 2013 Minutes
Weds. May 1, 2013
Present:
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Johnes Ruta, NH
Jennifer Sacco, H
Tad Weinstein, WH, chair
Peaches Quinn, NH vice-chair
Joe Schofield, CTV
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast
Meeting called to order 6:10 p.m
Comcast report given. A few increases for installation and equipment fees will be effective July 1st.
CTV report given. AT&T is still not providing a return line to the CTV headquarters. Also, there is language in the proposed contract with AT&T which CTV is not willing to sign because of concern that it contravenes state law, and CTV still hopes to be able to resolve the problem without resorting to legal action. George has proposed that if the issue cannot be resolved soon, our board could contact PURA with our concerns about the issue being resolved.
CTV hopes to close this month on a new location.
July meeting will be cancelled because of proximity to the 4th.
Notifications have been sent to all the mayors, library directors, and superintendents that we have openings and need new appointees.
Don will draft a press release highlighting the availability of PEGpetia funds from the state.
Meeting adjourned 7:12 p.m.
April 3, 2013 Minutes
Weds. April 3, 2013
Present:
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Johnes Ruta, NH
Jennifer Sacco, H
Tad Weinstein, WH, chair
Joe Schofield, CTV
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast
Meeting called to order 6:06 p.m. February minutes reviewed because March meeting was cancelled due to snow. Johnes moved to accept the Feb. minutes, Don seconded. Minutes approved.
Comcast report presented. Some installation service prices are decreasing slightly. George mentioned a letter from the State that legacy packages are being phased out, as some customers who had packages that were no longer available to new subscribers had been grandfathered in before, but would be losing their access to those packages. They would have to buy a package available to the entire public (at a higher price.)
Johnes expressed concern that his Comcast bill had increased by $20/month, due to price increases. Comcast claims that this is somehow due to competition.
CTV report is that the problems with the new cameras in the studio have a temporary fix, and fix should be permanent after they move, which hopefully will be November or December.
Return line from AT&T still not available to CTV. There are some issues to be hammered out in the contract, as well as issues pertaining to the broadcast of licensed music outside the 3 towns where CTV is available on Comcast.
George indicated that we had received our $2000 check from Comcast to support our work for the year.
We received a copy of a letter from Joyce Listro (NH BOE), resigning her position on the council.
Motion made that letters will be sent to the mayors with copies to city school superintendents and librarians about the openings on our council.
Meeting adjourned 7:10 p.m.
January 2, 2013 Minutes
Weds. January 2, 2013
Present:
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Johnes Ruta, NH
Jennifer Sacco, H
Tad Weinstein, WH, chair
Joe Schofield, CTV
Meeting called to order 6:05 p.m.
Comcast representative not present, but submitted written report of proposed price increase. Jen mentioned an article in the Atlantic magazine recently about channel bundling which she said she would send around.
Minutes from December 2012 meeting were reviewed and amendments suggested regarding notifications already having been sent to former members about de facto resignation from the council by non-attendance. Discussion of appropriate titles to use for organizations, individuals, and representatives ensued, and amendments will be made to reflect that.
Don moved and Tad seconded that we accept the minutes from the December meeting with the discussed changes.
George moved and Johnes seconded that the mayors be sent letters by Jen indicating the openings on the council due to these withdrawals and reminders of other openings in existence.
CTV report: CTV is attempting to get an HD-compatible switcher, so that the broadcast picture can be improved.
We received communication from PURA that CTV can file reports yearly instead of monthly in docket 10-10-08 (docket is not closed).
December 5, 2012 Minutes
Wednesday. Dec. 5, 2012 CTAC Meeting
Present:
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Peaches Quinn, NH
Johnes Ruta, NH
Tad Weinstein, WH, chair
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative (non-voting)
Annual Dinner Meeting at App’s Restaurant, West Haven.
Meeting called to order 6:25 p.m.
George Alexander gave report on status of N’zinga Shani complaint against CTV: She wants a second weekly hour for her video show “One World,” while CTV offers only one hour per week, according to its Charter. N’zinga has been communicating directly with PURA and bypassed CTAC from the very beginning. — Discussion takes place about how to best remedy conflict between N’zinga and CTV. Tad explains that Sharon Codeanne, Representative of Comcast, had a meeting with both N’zinga and CTV in 2011, but issue of second hour demanded was not agreed, show has Sunday showing, but she also wants a Wednesday showing added.
From October meeting (last previous meeting because of November 7 storm meeting cancellation),
Tad reminds us again of the recent passing of Sidney Evans, who frequently attended and taped meetings in 2010 & 2011. Peaches Quinn proposes to remember memories of Stuart Arotsky (former CTAC member and Chair who passed away in 2010) and to Sidney Evans for his work and involvement with the CTAC to defend and enforce the public’s First Amendment rights at Citizen Television.
CTV – Not attended and report
COMCAST REPORT – Sharon Codeanne
Comcast bought 500 backpacks for students which were donated to Strong Elementary School of New Haven, in order to replace that school’s teachers’ use of zip-lock bags for homework assignments, Elementary classes K thru 6th grade. This gift will be announced tomorrow, Dec. 8th. Kids will also get internet access at reduced subscription rates.
FINANCIAL REPORT – George Alexander
1. George says that the CTAC bank account with TD Bank has now been closed and remaining 2012 balance transferred to a new CONNEX Credit Union account: approximately $11,000, minus tonight’s bill for the annual CTAC dinner at App’s .
2. George proposes motion to authorize payment for web design work. Budgeted amount authorized in September by CTAC was $500, and the total Bill for Services came to $480 — $20 under budget.
George’s motion to make payment is seconded by Peaches Quinn. Vote taken and carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
October Minutes recorded by Don Levy are submitted for approval. Two typographical errors had been corrected. Johnes makes motion to accept. Don seconded motion. Vote taken, carried unanimously.
Johnes recommends that CTV give N’zinga Shani second hour for her show “21st Century Conversations” to resolve her issue once and for all. General comments that this offer would not resolve her complaint as well as CTV modified their rules and procedures which makes not possible to add the second showing live. George recommends previous offer be made again – to put all her shows onto the CTV On-Demand system, for easy access. CTAC awaits response indications from PURA as to follow up on this issue. No actions will be taken by CTAC until then.
General discussion regarding CTAC protocol of responsibilities to advise CTV and Comcast planning and policies, CTAC advisory responsibilities to the Connecticut Legislature, and reporting to PURA of CTAC research and minutes.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Letters approved to be sent to 3 CTAC representative members who have not attended 50% of meetings, or have missed more than three consecutive meetings without communicating their reasons to CTAC – that they are no longer members.
2. Accordingly, letters have been sent to mayor’s offices of represented towns (Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven) of CTAC membership positions for towns, libraries, and school systems, to recommend for each town mayor to notify their Board of Education Superintendants and Library Directors to appoint new members to fill vacant positions on the CTAC Council.
Meeting adjourned 9:10 p.m.
October 4, 2012 Minutes
Weds. Oct. 4, 2012
Present:
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Joyce Listro, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
Johnes Ruta, NH
Jennifer Sacco, H
Tad Weinstein, WH, chair
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast
Joe Schofield, CTV
Meeting called to order 6:05 p.m.
Johnes moved to approve August minutes, seconded by Peaches; motion carried. George moved to approve Sept. minutes with minor change to reflect “links to documents on homepage;” Johnes seconded. Motion carried.
Sharon gave Comcast report.
Johnes asked about Classic Arts Showcase being added On Demand; acc. to Sharon, seems not likely, because not in demand by the public. Classic Arts Showcase is available on CTV in our area.
George asked about Comcast’s policy about returning equipment at end of service—does Comcast regularly pick up boxes, or do they have to be brought to a service center. Seems to be some different responses from Comcast.
Jen asked Sharon to suggest that the website for Xfinity make it possible to adjust services for a customer more easily; one cannot add a DTA or a DVR via the website.
Joe gave CTV report. CTV received the grant for $45,000 for new studio cameras and accessories from the state. These will be digital cameras with HD capability (though CTV does not broadcast in HD). Joe anticipates the cameras will be on site and running within a few weeks.
CTV has found a property of interest to move in to, though it will not be available for a year. AT&T has agreed to hook up CTV here, as well as when they move. There are still some outstanding issues to be worked out, including the return line. Some purchased national programming will not be available to AT&T users, however, because it would go statewide, instead of just to the three towns, as it does on Comcast. Proprietary issues will prevent broadcast to the rest of the state.
George moved that the CTAC recognize Mr. Sydney Evans for his efforts to defend and enforce the public’s First Amendment rights at Citizen Television by means of our Cable Television Advisory Council for Hamden, New Haven and West Haven. Johnes seconded; motion carried.
George moved that we transfer the balance of funds of CTAC at TD Bank to the CTAC account at Connex Credit Union and thereafter close the CTAC account at TD Bank. Peaches seconded; motion carried.
Peaches moved that we list our names on our website, but only contact info for the group email address and P.O. box. Joyce seconded.
We reviewed the list of members to see who has effectively resigned by their non-attendance (consistent with our bylaws.) The towns will be notified of the vacancies, and Peaches moved that we email members to let them know that they are effectively resigned, according to our bylaws. This applies to Paul Scanlon, Shalita Sampson, and Richard Gay. Peaches moved that we send notice to our resigned members; Joyce seconded. Motion carried.
DRAFT
“According to the bylaws of the CTAC (September 6, 2006), Section 2, Paragraph B “Term of Members” “Each member of the Advisory Council shall serve for a term of two years from the first day of July in the year such members is appointed. At the end of the two-year term, a member may remain on the Advisory Council until re-appointed or replaced. If an Advisory Council member has three consecutive unexcused absences or does not attend 50 percent of meetings duly noticed and held within a 12 month period, then the member will be deemed to have resigned from the Advisory Council.” The council has determined that you have resigned; we appreciate your previous service and will notify your town of the vacancy on the council.”
Meeting adjourned 7:13 p.m.
September 5, 2012 Minutes
September 5, 2012
Present: George Alexander, Treasurer, H, acting chair
Don Levy, H
Johnes Ruta, NH
Jennifer Sacco, H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast
Meeting called to order 6:07 p.m.
CTV Representative not present.
George updated the council on the server problems related to our website. George is proposing that we not continue to provide a forum (which only seemed to generate a ton of spam messages), and that we not provide a login to outside members, as this was targeted by machines with junk content. George is proposing a homepage, font magnifier, a menu, and latest documents on front page, (a simplification of our previous website). The quote we have from our web designer to migrate to the new site is $500 or less, and can be done next month.
George moved that we authorize an expense of up to $500, Don seconded.
We have agreed to approve the minutes for August and July via email vote.
Sharon presented Comcast report.
Correspondence that was intended for Comcast was directed to Sharon.
Jen will send an email solicitation asking everyone to respond with the end-dates of their appointments, so we can maintain a quorum at each meeting, and we will make a master list at next meeting.
Meeting adjourned 6:55 p.m.
August 1, 2012 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – August 1, 2012
Present: Tad Weinstein, Chair, WH
George Alexander, Treasurer, H
Don Levy, H
Johnes Ruta, NH
Jennifer Sacco, H
Joe Schofield from CTV present
Comcast Representative not present. Meeting called to order 6:07 p.m. Comcast report read by group. George moved to amend June minutes; Johnes seconded; minutes to be approved after amendments made by Don.
Regarding June discussion, Joe said that producer at One World Institute refuses to give permission to put program On Demand online, so people who missed the live airing are not able to access it On Demand. Also, the schedule of programs on CTV, though accessible online, can also be accessed by calling CTV directly, and they will give information about the schedule to anyone who does not use the internet.
George moved that Jen draft our response to PURA about the dispute between CTV and One World Institute be that we have suggested what we believe to be reasonable accommodations—making the program available online on demand for anyone who misses an airing on request, and by making the program lineup visible on CTV’s website, and also by phone to anyone who misses a program. One World Institute has the prerogative not to cooperate if that is what they wish, but CTV has been cooperative. Johnes seconded. Motion carries.
Joe indicates that AT&T has not yet provided a return line so that CTV programming can be carried on AT&T. Joe is going to contact Kinson Perry, attorney for AT&T.
CTV is going to get a new realtor; they are in need of a commercial broker. They are on a six month lease in the present location.
CTV had a burglary in June. Four computers were taken; the thieves were in and out in less than a minute.
CTV has an order 8 new cameras; 4 for field, 4 for in studio use. They have requested funds from the state for the in-studio cameras.
George reports that the city of Hamden has sent us a letter that Carl Lambert will not be continuing on our board, so there is an opening for a Hamden member.
Meeting adjourned 7:12 p.m.
June 6, 2012 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven and West Haven
Meeting Date: June 6, 2012
Call to order: A Regular meeting of the CTAC was held at CTV, Hamden, Connecticut on June 6, 2012. President Tad Weinstein presiding. Don Levy acting secretary.
Members in attendance:
George Alexander, H, Treasurer
Don Levy, H
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
Joyce Listro, NH
Tad Weinstein, WH Chair
Sharon (Comcast)
Chairman Weinstein called the meeting to order at 6:02.
Approval of Minutes of May 2, 2012. Motion was made by Johnes and seconded by Joyce. Motion carried.
Commission decided to ask Jen to write a letter to PURA with regard to a request on the part of a citizen with regard the program schedule concerning the CTV program “One World Institute.” The letter to PURA would explain:
1) that CTAC in conjunction with CTV had provided the citizen with the means to view “One World Institute” using the on demand capability of the CTV system.
2) The producer of “One World Institute,” however, would not authorize CTV to cablecast “One World Institute” as part of the on demand programming. And therefore
3) Having provided a reasonable opportunity to meet the citizen’s complaint which was effectively vetoed by the program’s producer CTAC has fulfilled its obligation to address this complaint. CTAC requests that PURA consider any further action on its part unnecessary and to dismiss this cause of action once for all.
A concern was raised that it may be difficult for some viewers to determine the schedule of CTV programs. It was decided to ask Joe Schofield of CTV to review the cable outlet’s current manner of posting its schedule in order to provide ease of use to subscribers.
There was a discussion regarding when to reschedule the July 4 regularly scheduled meeting. Numerous individual scheduling conflicts arose which made it difficult to arrive at a new date for the July meeting. A decision was postponed and the July date was to be determined via email communications.
Sharon presented the most recent iteration of the Comcast schedule indicating several channels which would no longer be carried, along with a handful of new choices. Sharon also reported on the winners of the annual Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarships.
Board members were concerned that the promised cable allowing CTV programs to be seen by AT&T subscribers had not yet been installed. The Committee decided to ask Joe Schofield to report on the progress of establishing such a link.
A protracted discussion ensued regarding the final report, dated April 4, of PURA, concerning the advisability of mandating or at least of providing incentives for the sharing of local programs generated by Connecticut Cable franchisees. PURA’s position was that however beneficial it might be to encourage such cross-system sharing its mandate did not warrant any action on its part. The report proposed that any system which sought a broader dissemination of its locally-generated programs was free to do so using online file sharing resources such as YouTube.
There was further discussion of an earlier proposal to use CTAC resources to fund a video contest for middle schools. Issues raised included which schools were to be included, the size and number of the awards, precisely how to make eligible schools and students aware of the contest and criteria for determining who were to be judges and what standards would be used to judge video projects. Action was deferred.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:00
Respectfully submitted by. D. Levy, acting CTAC secretary