CTAC Minutes

Cable Television Advisory Council
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 6:00 pm Monthly Meeting – ZOOM

Attendance: Johnes Ruta, George Alexander, Tom Costa, Amy Horan, Melissa Canham-Clyne
Call to order 6:11 pm
Welcome and Minutes – January Minutes. Minor change made with typo in paragraph seven, to “t”s typo. Mr. Alexander moved to accept the minutes. Mr. Costa seconded. Unanimous approval.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer: George Alexander:
YTD funds balance. Received $2000 from Comcast. $271.22 spent on December meeting. Balance effective today: $6655.42. Ms. Canham-Clyne moved to accept the Treasurer’s report. Mr. Costa seconded. Unanimous approval.
CTV – Executive Director Joseph Schofield, not in attendance
Report
Issues/Topics
Comcast –– Comcast Representative Amy Horan
Report –
Shared information about community initiatives being undertaken by Comcast. Below this information is shared;
Comcast is continuing our partnerships this year with Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Haven, Freddy Fixer Parade, Urban League of Southern CT and United Way of Greater New Haven. As part of our partnership with the United Way of Greater New Haven we are working on some Team Up events – specifically volunteering for Read Across America in March at Clinton AvenueSchool and a project in April timeframe.
We will also continue to work with Concepts for Adaptive Learning as part of a $50K grant they received last year as part of our Adoption Innovation Fund to promote outreach and connection to the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Issues/topics:
Discussion ensued about rate increases that occurred in December. Rate increases are reflective of increases in the industry [i.e. broadcasting fees]. Bundles should have been protected. If a rate increase occurred in the bundle, the account can be reviewed to see what might have happened to the bundle. Committee asked for a list of bundle packages that may have rate increase protection. Committee recommended that Comcast review policies to make it easier for the customer to understand bundle/service price points and expiration dates.
Comcast Abuse Dept. is aware of fraudulent announcements from Comcast. Comcast does notify customers with security updates. Discussion about how Comcast follows up on reports of fraud.
Old Business
CTAC Public Service Announcement: This has not been updated.
Facebook/Website Update:
Update regarding GoDaddy: Mr. Alexander suggested that current membership be added to the account. It is difficult to remove previous members from the account. Ms. Manning-Jones offered to act as a community volunteer and update our Facebook account.
Community Awards 2023 planning:
Ms. Canham-Clyne will contact Hannah Grey and Mr. Alexander will contact Partnerships Adult Day Center to see if these organizations still use Comcast.
Subscriber Issues
Subscriber Correspondence: Difficulties with GoDaddy website make it hard to access complaints. The site suffers a large amount of spam.
Other
New Business
Meeting Adjourns at 7:08. Ms. Canham-Clyne moved. Mr. Alexander seconded. Anonymous approval.
Next meeting March 1

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council
Zoom Meeting for January 4th, 2023
Advisors Present:
Johnes Ruta – Chairperson & turn for Secretary (New Haven)
George Alexander – Treasurer (Hamden) 
Peaches Quinn – Advisor (New Haven)
Melissa Canham-Clyne – Advisor (Hamden) 
Yvonne Manning-Jones – Advisor (New Haven) 
Tom Costa – Advisor (New Haven Library System)
 
 Providers:
Joe Schofield – CTV Representative – Absent
Amy Horan – Comcast Representative – Absent 


I. Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:06 Meeting held via Zoom. 
 
II. Minutes 
 a. November Minutes. George makes Motion to approve. Peaches Quinn seconds the Motion. 
 Vote unanimous.
b. December Minutes – Minutes were not recorded officially as the meeting at Wood n Tap 
 Restaurant did not have a quorum.
III. Treasurer’s Report George Alexander: 
 a. YTD funds balance: $4,655.42 was reduced by the December meeting dinner check at 
 Wood n Tap by $271.54. 
 
 b. Connex reported an attempt to change the VISA password December 14, the same night 
 our dinner at Wood n Tap, and also again on 12/15. Peaches and I compare the credit-card 
 account numbers on our cards – which are different as they should be. 
 
 c. Amy Horan from Comcast had sent a request to confirm George Alexander’s mailing 
 address, in advance of sending the annual check from Comcast for the CTAC Budget. 

IV. CTV – Executive Director Joseph Schofield – No Report received. 

V. Comcast –– Comcast Representative Amy Horan – No report.
VI. Old Business 
 a. George Alexander invited Walt Bradley, formerly of CTV, to attend our Wednesday meeting on the prospect for Walt to join CTAC as Hamden advisor, as we have a vacancy for a Hamden advisor.. Walt has not attended this meeting.
b. The Council discusses strategies to enlist new members for vacant seats of CTAC, 
 especially West Haven which is currently not represented. 
 
 c. Peaches discusses CTAC Facebook updates which Yvonne has offered to perform 
 “as a citizen volunteer.” 

 d. Community Awards: Johnes questions whether there were be any Community Awards given for 2023. Melissa says that she and Yvonne are working on these, and developing award criteria for selection. 

 e. George recommends that CTAC decide on not-for-profit organizations as had been arranged in the past. One organization is the Q-House in Hamden, and the other the Hannah Grey 
 Center in New Haven, which are both in need of support. Johnes agrees that this is 
 a worthwhile purpose.
VII. New Business 

 a. George states that he has tried to remove Laurel Coleman’s, Tad Weinstein, and Anthony 
 Cardo’s names from the GoDaddy Microsoft-365 CTACForward group distribution list, 
 and to add Walter Bradley’s email address. But was unable to effect this task, as he attempted 
 to contact the Comcast Help Line, but was redirected to Microsoft, and waited on hold for 
 23 minutes on the first attempt call, and 42 minutes on the second call attempt. His call was 
 then redirected to Comcast. George says he is unable to make any changes to the Distribution 
 List. 

 b. Peaches asks George what is the advantage to use the Microsoft app, when it is impossible 
 to maintain up to date. ?
c. Legislation: CT Senate Bill SB278 – Changes to the fee schedule for the distribution of 
 the 85 cent charge to be added to the non-Cable-TV subscription customer bills. Peaches 
 recounts her discovery this amendment on the Senate Bill had been excised from the 
 Final version of the Bill – and with it, the entire clause for the ongoing support of 
 Community Access channels, citizens television, and the Cable Advisory groups, 
 (and possibly CTAC groups) – being deliberately sabotaged !. At the last minute, 
 the Office of Legislative Research detected that the Bill was deleting all Public 
 Access TV, and they called the Assembly back into session, and replaced it was a clause 
 for a two-year study. Peaches explains the Streaming Services still will not be required 
 to collect the 85 cent fee per internet subscription bill. 

 d. Tom reports that the CTAC 1990s Archiving Project at the New Haven Public Library 
 is still ongoing, presently waiting for staff assignments to be replenished there. 

 e. Subscriber Correspondence – none.
VIII. Meeting Adjournment 
 George makes Motion to adjourn. Peaches second this Motion. Carried.
 Meeting Adjourned at 7:05 pm. 
 The next CTAC meeting set for Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, at 6:00 PM 
 via Zoom. January Minutes submitted by Johnes Ruta 01/30/2023.

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council Zoom Meeting for September 7, 2022
Advisors Present:
Peaches Quinn – Chairperson (New Haven)
George Alexander – Treasurer (Hamden)
Yvonne Manning-Jones – Advisor (New Haven) 
Melissa Canham-Clyne – Advisor (Hamden) 
Johnes Ruta – Secretary (New Haven)
Amy Horan – Comcast Representative 

 Advisors absent:
Laurel Coleman — Vice-Chair (Hamden) 
Tom Costa – Advisor (New Haven Library System)
 
 Providers:
Joe Schofield – CTV Representative – Absent


. Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:07 Meeting held via Zoom.

Mutual introductions with the Council member Amy Horan, the new Comcast 
 Representative. 

II. July Meeting Minutes 

 George pointed out two typos still in the Final Draft version: There are two 
 Roman numeral designations for New Business – III and IX. Johnes indicates 
 these were because the topic of New Business came up a second time chronologically 
 in the meeting. Johnes will consolidate these and re-submit. Approval vote therefore 
 is delayed. 

III. Treasurer’s Report 

 George Alexander reported a current balance of $5,200.33 in the council’s checking 
 account. Previous charges were $300 for CTAC meeting at Playwright Grill June dinner (no alcohol was included in the bill); also a $500 Donation to the New Haven Public Library John Jessen Memorial Fund (Mr. Jessen was New Haven City Librarian and previously a member of CTAC). No changes since the July meeting. 

IV. CTV Community Television – Joe Schofield’s Report 
 a. Joe Schofield was not present. No report. 
 b. CTV studios are still closed to production sessions due to Covid. 
 c. The CTAC Public Service Announcement is not yet being shown of CTV channels 
 because the CTV studios are still closed to the public and CTV I short-staffed.

 d. Addendum: The Connecticut state Legislature has passed new Community 
 Access fees for all Cable and Internet (streaming & internet browser access, 
 new fees to take effect on October 1st, this year.

V. Comcast Report – Amy Horan’s Report

 a. Amy Horan reported the continuation of the “Internet Essentials” program, 
 and that the monthly fee has dropped from $29.99 to $9.99 for eligible 
 subscribers who do not already have discount services. Subscribers qualify 
 who have Medicade, SNAP, SSI, or Survivor’s Pensions Program. 
 Melissa Canham-Coyne also adds that some subscribers can also qualify for 
 equipment, such as $149 for a laptop. Possibly can qualify for that at $0.00. 


 b. Comcast’s offer for their Internet Only package rate is $39.99 per month, 
 available to those currently subscribed. 

 c. George Alexander raises question regarding public complaints of high rates 
 for extras such as HBO, Showtime, etc. 
 George asks” “What is the minimum rate for internet service only? 
 Amy Horan replies that this low-cost subscription option will be available 
 for the next 5 years. She notes that the outreach offer for this program has 
 received few responses, and that her office is working hard to get the message 
 out. Peaches Quinn notes that “messages don’t always work…”
VI. Election and installation of new CTAC Officers as required by our By-Laws. 

 Johnes Ruta was elected as new Chairperson.
 George Alexander was elected to remain as Treasurer. 
 Co-Chair office was nominated. 
 Secretary was not nominated, but determined to be a “rotating office by all members. 

 Peaches Quinn make a Motion to accept this slate of Officers. Johnes Ruta seconds 
 this Motion. Vote is unanimous of attendees. 

VII. New Business 
 a. Peaches Quinn specifies the By-Laws Requirement of the Annual Yearly CTAC 
 Report to PURA. “There is half of a year to prepare this report.”
 
 b. Topics needing to be addressed at the October meeting next month:
(1) Internet Access for the public. 

 (2) Membership positions needing to be filled: West Haven has not provided 
 CTAC Member Representative since resignation of Tad Weinstein in 2019. 

 c. Melissa Canham-Coyne mentions a new public service radio station operating 
 in Hamden, that CTAC should contact for broadcast of our PSAs. 

Meeting Adjournment 
 
 The next CTAC meeting set for Wednesday, October 12th, 2022, at 6:00 PM, 
 rather than the first Wednesday of the month this time.
 
7:15 PM, Peaches Quinn makes a Motion to adjourn the meeting, 2nded by Johnes Ruta. 
 The Motion is approved unanimously. 

 Minutes Submitted 09/28/2022 by: Johnes Ruta.

Final Draft Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council
Zoom Meeting for July 6, 2022
Advisors Present:
Peaches Quinn – Chairperson (New Haven)
George Alexander – Treasurer (Hamden)
Yvonne Manning-Jones – Advisor (New Haven) 
Melissa Canham-Clyne – Advisor (Hamden) 
Tom Costa – Advisor (New Haven Library System)
Johnes Ruta – Secretary (New Haven)

 Advisors absent:
Laurel Coleman — Vice-Chair (Hamden)
 
 Providers:
Joe Schofield – CTV Representative – Absent
Amy Horan – Comcast Representative – Absent

I. Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:19 Meeting held via Zoom. 

 
II. June Minutes – written and submitted by Johnes Ruta.

 a. Several modifications had been requested by George Alexander and were 
 incorporated by Johnes during June. 

 b. Yvonne made a Motion to accept the June Minutes as submitted, without further modification. George seconded it. Vote is unanimous, and the June Minutes will 
 be submitted as Final to George for posting on the CTAC website.

III. Treasurer’s Report

a. George Alexander reported a current balance of $5,202.33 in the council’s checking account. $801 was spent for annual dinner meeting at Playwright Grill. 

IV. CTV Community Television – Joe Schofield’s Report 
 a. Joe Schofield was not present. No report. 
 b. CTV studios are still closed to production sessions due to Covid. But programming 
 on all CTV Channels 26, 27, & 96 has been consistent.
 
V. Comcast Report – Amy Horan’s Report
a. Amy Horan was not present. She has not attended or communicated with CTAC 
 since her appointment upon Sharon Codeanne was appointed to different 
 Comcast position. We have Amy’s phone, and it is discussed whether we should
 reach out to her to attend a meeting. 

b. It is needed to clarify whether Comcast’s offer for their Internet Only package 
 for $39.99 per month is to be available to those currently subscribed. 

c. It is learned at High Speed Internet must be 25 Gigabyte download speed.
VI. Frontier Report

a. July meeting – representative did not attend.
VII. Old Business

 a. CTAC Public Service Announcement: video of members not yet implemented, but 
 there is a screen card occasionally shown indicating CTAC is seeking new members.
b. Community Awards: Still due to lack of communication with the public, 
 the Community Awards outreach program has been deferred to 2023.

 c. West Haven still has not provided CTAC member representation. 

 d. SB 278 has now been passed in the CT Legislature and signed by Gov. Lamont 
 on May 31, so that the 86 cent charge will take effect on all Cable TV and Internet 
 Billing as of October 1, 2022.

VIII. Subscriber Issues 

No items brought forth.
IX. Other Topics 

 a. Council Officers – September 1st will be the new year of State Business, so CTAC 
 Officers must be nominated and elected. 

 b. Peaches makes a Motion for Nomination Committee to consist of Tom Costa 
 and Melissa Canham-Clyne for all CTAC posts: Chairperson, Vice-Chair, 
 Treasurer, and Secretary.

X. New Business 

a. Sexual Harassment Training update: It is learned that this 2-hour online training 
 and testing course will only apply to actual employees of cable companies, and 
 will not be required of volunteers, such as CTAC members.

b. George Alexander withdraws his Motion at the June meeting that the volunteers 
 of CTAC be required to take the same Sexual Harassment Training. 

c. Peaches make a Motion to skip the August meeting. Yvonne seconds this Motion.
 Vote is unanimous, 

d. George Alexander raises the issue of the CTAC Budget amount for dining for 
 the members. Johnes makes a Motion for outdoor dining for our next meeting. 
 George recommends Wood & Tap with an outdoor deck in Hamden Plaza, 
 Johnes’ Motion is tabled. 

e. Peaches makes a Motion that the members adhere to the ground-rule for dining 
 that no alcoholic beverages be paid for by individual members rather than the 
 group bill – per unit maximum; also that members adhere to wearing masks 
 according to “Best Covid Practices.” Motion is seconded by Johnes, vote 
 is unanimous,

f. George makes a Motion for outreach to the governing bodies of each town in 
 our district – for new members, according to the open positions and the number 
 of members allowed per each town and for Library systems and Board of 
 Educations. 


 g. It is advised to see the cableadvisory.org website to review the By-Laws mandated 
 by PURA of our responsibilities, Melissa second George’s Motion, 
 Vote is unanimous. 

 h. By-Laws note: Each town has 4 regular Advisors, Library Systems are represented 
 by one advisor for all three towns. Boards of Education are to be represented by 
 one Advosor for each town.

i. Two boxes of CTAC archive records from the 1990s are in the possession 
 of Johnes, and are to be stored in the Governors’ Records Archive at the 
 New Haven Museum on Whitney Avenue. Johnes will meet with Tom Costa 
 on one of three days in July – the 25th, 26th , or 27th.
Meeting Adjournment 
 
 Next CTAC meeting set for Wednesday, September 7th, 2022, 6:00 PM. 
 It will be discussed during July and August whether the September meeting 
 will be at a pizza location. 

 7:30 PM, Johnes makes a Motion to adjourn the meeting, 2nded by Peaches 
 The Motion is approved unanimously. 

 Minutes Submitted 07/19/2022 by: Johnes Ruta, Secretary.

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council

Meeting for June 1, 2022
@ The Playwright Grill, Hamden

Advisors Present:                                                     

Peaches Quinn – Chairperson (New Haven)
George Alexander – Treasurer (Hamden)
Anthony Cardo – Assistant Secretary (Hamden)
Melissa Canham-Clyne – Advisor (Hamden)
Tom Costa – Advisor (New Haven Library System)
Johnes Ruta – Secretary (New Haven)

Advisors absent:

Laurel Coleman — Vice-Chair (Hamden)
Yvonne Manning-Jones – Advisor (New Haven)

Providers:
Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative   – Absent
Amy Horan – Comcast Representative – Absent

I.   Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:18

Motion – George Alexander makes a Motion for the CTAC Dinner Bill here at      Playwright, and henceforth, not to include alcoholic drinks.   Melissa Canham-Clyne
2nds this Motion. Vote is unanimous.

II.   May Minutes   – written and submitted by Anthony Cardo.

a. No Revisions were suggested to the draft of the May Minutes by the members                 present.

b. Johnes made a Motion to accept the May Minutes as submitted, without modification.                 Peaches seconded it.   Vote is unanimous, and the May Minutes will be submitted
to George for posting on the CTAC website.

III. Treasurer’s Report

3. George Alexander reported a current balance of $6,003.43 in the council’s checking    account.

   IV.   CTV Community Television – Joe Schofield’s Report
   a. Joe Schofield was not present.

   b. It was reported that SB278 was passed in two parts by the CT House and Senate
   and signed by Gov. Ned Lamont on May 31, 2022. It takes effect October 1, 2022.
   This Bill expands the Community Access Fee charged by Cable providers (86 cents        per month) to include Internet-only providers.

   c. George Alexander questions how will Cable Companies be aware to charge all
   subscribers and to facilitate the fee accordingly?

1. Peaches wants to know if the passed final Bill is the same as the first Draft ?
   It is speculated that Joe Schofield will know the answer to this question.

1. Comcast Report – Amy Horan’s Report

1. Amy Horan was not present.

   b.   Comcast is launching a new streaming service in collaboration with Charter.

2. Frontier Report

(May meeting note: Prior to this month’s meeting, Peaches sent out a copy of the minutes for the bi-monthly statewide meetings which included the Frontier report.)

VII. Old Business

a. CTAC Public Service Announcement: Laurel advised via email that there has been             no change of status of the PSA.

2023. Community Awards: Still due to lack of communication with the public,
      the Community Awards outreach program has been deferred to 2023.

      c. West Haven still has not provided CTAC member representation.

VIII.   New Business

1. The CTAC membership expresses sympathies over the passing of the New Haven
   City Librarian John Jessen, age 56, last week due to his long battle with cancer.
   When first appointed City Librarian of New Haven, John Jessen graced CTAC
   meetings with his constructive, affable, highly intelligent representation of
   the Library System, and for the entire community. His contributions will be missed.

   b.   Anthony Cardo makes a Motion for CTAC to provide a gift of $500 to the memory
   of John Jessen to the New Haven Library Foundation. Johnes 2nds this Motion,
   and it is carried unanimously.

2. George Alexander makes a Motion that the members, volunteers, of the Cable
   Television Advisory Council be required to take the same Sexual Harassment
   Training the same as paid-employees. There is discussion regarding specifics of
   of the program and whether the state Statute requires training for volunteers.
   This is a 2-hour online program with testing at the end.

   Peaches makes a new Motion that more research be done about state law requiring
   sexual harassment training with regards to local law mandating the volunteers
   mandating such training. Melissa Canham-Clyne 2nds this Motion; the vote is
   unanimous. Melissa will follow up.

3. Anthony Cardo announces his resignation from CTAC following this meeting,
   due to a meeting scheduling conflict since becoming a member of VA Veterans
   Commission in Hamden. All CTAC members express sadness for the loss of
   our Assistant Secretary member and friend of several years.

Meeting Adjournment

Next CTAC meeting set for July 6^tht, 2022, 6:00 PM. It will be discussed during June
by members whether the July meeting will be at a pizza location.

At 8:15 PM, Peaches makes a Motion to adjourn the meeting, and Melissa
2nds this Motion. The Motion is approved unanimously.

Minutes Submitted 06/08/2022 by: Johnes Ruta, Secretary.

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council   (final)

ZOOM Meeting for May 4, 2022

Advisors Present:                                                     

Alexander (Hamden) – Treasurer
Anthony Cardo (Hamden) – Assistant Secretary
Yvonne Manning-Jones (New Haven)
Johnes Ruta (New Haven) – Secretary

Advisors absent:

Peaches Quinn (New Haven) – Chair George

Melissa Canham-Clyne   (Hamden)

Tom Costa (New Haven Library System)

Laurel Coleman (Hamden) – Vice-Chair

Providers:
Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative   – Absent

Amy Horan – Comcast Representative – Absent

I.   Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:04

II.   April Minutes   – written and submitted by Johnes Ruta.

a. No Revisions were suggested to the draft of the April Minutes by the members                         present.

b. Yvonne made a motion to accept the April Minutes as submitted, Anthony seconded it.
The vote was carried and the Minutes will be submitted to George for posting on the        CTAC website.

III. Treasurer’s Report

32. George Alexander reported a current balance of $6,032.93 in the council’s checking account.

    IV.   CTV Community Television – Joe Schofield’s Report

    a. Joe Schofield was not present and no report was provided in his absence.

1. Comcast Report – Amy Horan’s Report

1. Prior to this month’s meeting, Sharon Codeanne emailed the council to inform them of her that she will no longer be the council’s point of contact with Comcast. The new point of contact will be Amy Horan, who is their new Comcast Government Affairs Manager and is based out of their Berlin, CT regional headquarters.
2. Frontier Report

1. Prior to this month’s meeting, Peaches sent out a copy of the minutes for the bi-monthly statewide meetings which included the Frontier report.

VII. Old Business

a. CTAC Public Service Announcement: (deferred to October)
– Johnes reported that our banner message asking for new members is still being                             run on CTV’s channel.

1. Facebook/Website Update: Yvonne and George reported that there were no updates to the website or Facebook page as of this meeting.

1. Community Awards: no update.

1. SB 278 status: Yvonne reported that the letter was sent to each of the town representatives of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven. As of this meeting, there was no response nor update on the progress of the bill.

VIII.   New Business

1. No new business

1. Subscriber Issues

1. Yvonne reported that she had issues with trying to change her Comcast plan online because after following the steps she had to then call a phone number to be able to    complete her request to change her subscription status. There was no way for her to         complete her request online although Comcast falsely provides a link for customers to do           so.

1. Johnes reported that he received a notice that his automatic payment did not go through and after several phone calls to Comcast, he found out that the notification was a false    announcement.

1. Other Topics

1. Yvonne asked if CTV has reopened to the public or if anyone knew when they planned to reopen? No one knew at the time Yvonne asked her question.

1. Jonnes asked about having an in-person dinner meeting for our next meeting in June and also mentioned continuing the conversation through email. George responded to    Johnes’s suggestion by heeding we take caution due to Covid still being an issue.

Meeting Adjournment

Next CTAC meeting set for Zoom call, Wednesday, June 1^st, 2022, 6:00 PM.

At 6:47 PM, Anthony made a Motion to adjourn the meeting, and Yvonne seconded the   Motion. The Motion was unanimous.

Minutes Submitted 05/11/2022 by: Anthony Cardo, Assistant Secretary Anthony Cardo

            Johnes Ruta, Secretary

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council

ZOOM Meeting for April 6, 2022

Advisors Present:                                                     

Peaches Quinn (New Haven) – Chair George Alexander (Hamden) – Treasurer
Tom Costa (New Haven Library System)
Anthony Cardo (Hamden) – Assistant Secretary
Yvonne Manning-Jones (New Haven)
Johnes Ruta (New Haven) – Secretary

Advisors absent:

Melissa Canham-Clyne   (Hamden)

Laurel Coleman (Hamden) – Vice-Chair         Yvonne Manning Jones (New Haven)

Providers:
Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative   – Absent

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Representative – Present

I.   Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:05

II.   March Minutes   – written and submitted by Anthony Cardo.

a. No Revisions were suggested to the draft of the March Minutes by the members                      present.

b. Johnes makes Motion to accept the March Minutes as submitted. Tom Costa seconds
Motion.   Vote carried, with Peaches Quinn abstaining, as she was not at the March
Zoom meeting. Minutes will be submitted to George for posting on the CTAC
website.

III. Treasurer’s Report

1. George Alexander reported no changes or monies spent since March report.

   IV.   CTV Community Television – Joe Schofield’s report.

   a. Joe Schofield reported the Staff meeting at CTV concerning reopening the State Street        facility   after recent Covid surges. CTV has a medical doctor on the Board of
   Directors who reaffirms concern about opening the CTV studios because of new              surge.   Peaches Quinn asks Joe who is on the CTV Staff now – Joseph reports
   all staff have survived through the pandemic so far.

2. George Alexander points out that all Public Access channel outlets have funding
   issues. A CTV interactive Program Guide for channels, but the only program
   listing still are available only on the CTV website.

   c.   Question to Laurel (who is absent) whether the 2020 PSA for CTAC has yet been
   completed for CTV airing. Unresolved.

   d. Council discussion of pending legislation CT (Senate Bill) S.B. 278, which
   presently has 24 of 26 votes in the Communications Committee. It is our wish
   and purpose to advocate for this Bill as it will fully arrange funding for the
   state’s Community Access Channels on cable outlets and provide the annual
   stipend for the state’s Cable Advisory Councils:

   Peaches Quinn: “This Bill means that every cable company will contribute
   an 86 cent charge to BOTH cable television subscribers and internet access                         subscribers as well.”   Joe Scofield points out that presently “only cable television                     subscribers see this charge on their monthly bill. This is a Community Access
   Fee equal to 4.11 % of our budget requirements, as cable television subscriber
   membership has been steadily declining over the past several years, due to the
   availability of many video movie & news streaming services, from 70,00                            subscribers 15 years ago to 40,000 subscribers now.”
   Peaches recommends that CTAC produce a group letter (via email) to state
   CTAC’s advocacy of SB#278 to our respective city state legistators. Joe                           Schofield will compose a list of talking points for our advocacy, and Johnes
   Ruta will be appointed to these points to produce a draft letter to Peaches
   and a final Letter of Recommendation to Yvonne Manning-Jones to be sent
   to our CT legislators.   Yvonne make a Motion for this proposal. Johnes
   seconds the Motion. Vole unanimous.

3. Comcast Report – Sharon Codeanne – not present

No new Comcast report available, but during March, Sharon Codeanne had distributed three Comcast flyers announcing the reduction of Internet Essentials monthly charges
to $0.00 for subscribers who qualify according to their reported income.

March 2, Comcast Report
• Comcast is supporting our customers by providing them with important information and
resources and helping them stay connected with loved ones:
o By saying “Ukraine crisis” into our X1 Voice Remote, customers can access a new destination across X1 and Flex featuring the latest news as it develops, information on how to support those in need, and resources to help parents talk about the situation with their children.
o We’re also waiving charges for calls to Ukraine for Xfinity Mobile & Xfinity Voice customers through March 10, as well as all data and Global Travel Pass charges for Xfinity Mobile customers who may currently be in Ukraine.
Programming Updates
• Effective March 22, 2022:
o Afro HD will move from the Digital Preferred tier to the Expanded Basic and Entertainment tiers (will remain on channel 1623).
o Kids Street HD will be added to the Expanded Basic and Kids & Family tiers on channel 1772.
• Effective March 31, 2022, Fox Life will cease operations. Miscellaneous
• $2,000 Comcast stipend check deposited in January

1. Frontier Report

No new Frontier report available.

VII. Old Business D. – CTAC Paper Archives from the 1990s

(There are two medium-size boxes of paper archive records that were transferred
at the October meeting at Luce’s Restaurant from the possession of George Alexander
to Johnes Ruta. The issue is where these records can be stored for safe-keeping?)

a. Tom Costa gave Johnes the contact info for the Local History Room at New Haven
Ives Library, to be inquired as a location: Allison Botelho   203-946-8130 x 245. Johnes has contacted Allison but she has denied his request to store the records at their library. because of insufficient space at NHFPL.

b. Tom Costa contacted Johnes to report that the boxes of past archive papers can be
placed into the Library’s “Government Documents Collection” but will need to be
sorted for this purpose. Johnes agrees to work with this solution. Tom makes Motion
to this effect. George Alexander seconds this Motion. Council unanimous.

VIII. New Business – attendance policy.

a. Peaches make Motion to waive the Attendance Requirement, regarding Laurel
Coleman’s absences.   George Alexander acquiesces to this Motion with out           contest at this time, and states that he will monitor her attendance.

1. George reports that GoDaddy has discontinued its website email service connected
   to our website cableadvisory.com and has implemented a transition to
   MicroSoft 365 email system, for an additional annual charge.
   Discussion about other options with GoDaddy website. Peaches make Motion
   for George to follow-up on this issue. Johnes seconds. Motion carried.

1. Meeting Adjournment

   Next CTAC meeting set for Zoom call, Wednesday, May 4^th, 2022, 6:00 PM.

   6:56 PM, Jonhes Ruta made a Motion to adjourn the meeting.
   Tom Costa seconded Motion. The Motion was unanimous.

   Minutes Submitted 04/21/2022 by: Johnes Ruta _Jonhes Ruta

               Anthony Cardo, Assistant Secretary

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council

ZOOM Meeting for March 2, 2022

Advisors Present:                                                     

George Alexander (Hamden) – Treasurer
Johnes Ruta (New Haven) – Secretary
Melissa Canham-Clyne   (Hamden)
Anthony Cardo (Hamden) – Assistant Secretary
Advisor absent:

Peaches Quinn (New Haven) – Chair

Laurel Coleman (Hamden) – Vice-Chair         Yvonne Manning Jones (New Haven)
Tom Costa (New Haven Library System)
Providers:
Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative   – Absent

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Representative – Present

I.   Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:07 P.M Johnes Ruta presiding.

II.   February Minutes

a. No Revisions were suggested by the members present. An email will be sent out to all advisors for approval of the February Minutes.

III. Treasurer’s Report

364. George Alexander reprted that the CTAC Fund Balance is $6,364.93. George also reported that the Post Office Box Bill is due by the end of the month and that he will pay it off. The Bill is for $332.00.

     IV.   CTV Community Television – Joe Schofield’s report.

     a. No Update

365. Comcast Report – Sharon Codeane
366. Community Impact

• Comcast is supporting our customers by providing them with important information and resources and helping them stay connected with loved ones:

o By saying “Ukraine crisis” into our X1 Voice Remote, customers can access a                             new destination across X1 and Flex featuring the latest news as it                                     develops, information on how to support those in need, and resources to help

parents talk about the situation with their children.

o We’re also waiving charges for calls to Ukraine for Xfinity Mobile & Xfinity                              Voice customers through March 10, as well as all data and Global Travel
Pass charges for Xfinity Mobile customers who may currently be in
Ukraine.

1. Programming Updates

• Effective March 22, 2022:

o Afro HD will move from the Digital Preferred tier to the Expanded Basic and      Entertainment tiers (will remain on channel 1623).

o Kids Street HD will be added to the Expanded Basic and Kids & Family tiers on             channel 1772.

• Effective March 31, 2022, Fox Life will cease operations.

1. Miscellaneous

• $2,000 Comcast stipend check deposited in January

1. Frontier Report
2. Peaches Quinn emailed a copy of the minutes from the Bi-monthly statewide meetings before the start of this month’s meeting which included a copy of the frontier report.

VII. Old Business

Old Business A. CTAC Public Service Announcement: Update Laurel

1. Deferred to April

Old Business B. Facebook/Website Update Yvonne/George

1. Deferred to April

Old Business C. – CTAC Community Award

a. Melissa Canham-Clyne reported that Laurel Coleman has resigned from the committee and the committee was thinking of including Tom Costa to the committee. Melissa also           reported that the committee will be meeting again soon to figure out the requirements for   the award and how to leverage the award to draw in interest from West Haven.

1. George Alexander suggested to the committee to think about giving out the awards to the previous nonprofits that the Cable Advisory Committee has given out to before.

Old Business D. – CTAC Paper Archives from the 1990s

            (There are two medium-size boxes of paper archive records that were transferred
at the October meeting at Luce’s Restaurant from the possession of George Alexander
to Johnes Ruta. The issue is where these records can be stored for safe-keeping?)

a. Tom Costa gave Johnes the contact info for the Local History Room at New Haven
Ives Library, to be inquired as a location: Allison Botelho   203-946-8130 x 245. Johnes   has contacted Allison but she has denied his request to store the records at their library.        She recommended him contact to New Haven Museum.

b. 3/2/2022 – Johnes reported: As of this meeting he hasn’t established contact with the            New Haven Museum in regards to archiving the Committee’s records.

1. George Alexander asked Melissa Canham-Clyne if the Hamden Library could archive and store the records. Melissa stated the Hamden Library did not have the room to do so.

   VIII.   New Business

2. None
3. Subscriber Issues
4. George reported outside of spam emails, no update.
5. Other Topics
6. Johnes Ruta suggested that maybe for the May meeting the committee meet in person for another dinner meeting.
7. Meeting Adjournment

   Next CTAC meeting set for Zoom call, Wednesday, April 6^th, 2022, 6:00 PM.
   6:48 PM, Jonhes Ruta made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. George Alexander   seconded it. The Motion was unanimous.
   Minutes Submitted 3/5/2022 by: _Anthony Cardo ______________________________

Anthony Cardo, Assistant Secretary

Minutes Reviewed 3/15/2022 by: _Jonhes Ruta ______________________________

Johnes Ruta, Secretary