April 6, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – April 6, 2011
Joyce Listro, NH
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Shalita Sanford, H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Meeting called to order 6:05 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present.
Minutes from March meeting accepted.
Comcast report submitted. Sharon reported about the meeting that occurred the previous Monday between representatives from One World, CTV, and Comcast regarding the ongoing dispute between One World and CTV regarding the decreased airing of 21st century conversations. CTV board did vote to enforce their rule of one hour of airtime per week per producer. Ms. Shani is not pleased because this means her one hour program will now only be aired once, whereas it used to air twice a week.
Alternative scheduling rules were considered; George expressed concern that if there will be empty slots on CTV, then this seems arbitrary. He suggested CTAC write to DPUC that we disagreed with CTV’s rules. Johnes and others questioned if disagreement was appropriate, without further explanation. Joyce also expressed concern that we don’t have enough info. All agreed we needed to see a log so airings could be reviewed.
Sharon said CTV board agreed the rule would be in effect from May (enforced). Sharon didn’t have the language of the resolution but had requested it from CTV.
Peaches suggested our role could be to request/recommend a quantitative analysis of what actually is aired/how often. It appears that such a log is available on CTV’s website.
Sharon will send a report to the DPUC, the we can send a note, copy the DPUC about arbitrary seeming nature of the rule. They need a fair process for assigning extra time (either a lottery, or one based on public interest), particularly when CTV airs purchased nationally available programming, time slots which could be allocated to locally produced shows, instead. However, Johnes indicated that he agreed with CTV’s ruling in so far as these stated satellite transmissions are daily news productions, such
as “Democracy Now!”, “Grit TV,” (and others originating world-wide, and from all parts of the political spectrum.) He argued that there is a clear public demand for these “alternative news programs.”
Walter, of CTV, came in to the meeting briefly to answer question about the server, and said we are not receiving programming reports because their server is not capable of supporting the generation of the program report. We were instructed to ask the CTV board how many locally produced shows/hours come in to CTV each week.
A customer wrote to us complaining that for the price they pay for Comcast, there is nothing of value to watch on tv. We forwarded that complaint to Sharon, and asked if someone would reach out to the customer to make her aware of lower priced basic packages.
Report from Treasurer: George brought up AT&T issue and fees collected for CTV and role of CTAC in monitoring funds to CTV from DPUC report. Tad and Sharon explained that it does not apply to our area because CTV is independent from Comcast. North Haven is objecting to the DPUC ruling, and so it appears not to be consistent.
Meeting adjourned 7:05 p.m.
March 2, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – March 2, 2011
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
George Alexander, H treasurer
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast Representative
Peaches Quinn, NH
Richard Gay, WH
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Joyce Listro, NH School System Representative
Johnes Ruta, NH
Joe Schofield, CTV Representative
Paul Scanlon, WH
(members listed alphabetically)
Meeting called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
Minutes approve by vote for January meeting.
February meeting was cancelled due to bad weather condition.
COMCAST REPORT – Sharon Codeanne
Sharon gave check received to George.
Community Relations issues:
JFK Presidential Library & Museum On-Demand channel now added to Comcast channel line-up.
Missing-Kids On-Demand channel now added to Comcast channel line-up.
Comcast launched free Xfinity iPad application enabling video streaming on customers’ iPads.
The Annual Notice was filed with DPUC and released to customers, via inclusion in Billing Statements.
Comcast Marketing:
On December 6, the new CPTV channel CPTV4U was added to Basic Tier at Channel 257.
Price changes of 2.6% increment become effective on March 21.
Network electronic upgrades are coming thins summer 2011.
Download speed of programming, and high-speed internet is determined by the number of users accessing a local “node” at any given time. v
Johnes asked again about time frame of possible approval for Comcast to carry Classic Arts Showcase (a free satellite feed to carriers), still under request since October 2009. Tad also believes that this programming would be of interest especially to the New Haven area community, and therefore recommended Comcast attention to this matter. Tad recommended initiation of a local petition to Comcast for inclusion of this free satellite-feed to cable and fiber-optic TV programming providers.
CTV REPORT – Joe Schofield
Joe indicated that the Rules and Procedures of CTV have been revised as follows, notable changes including:
1. Initial suspensions have been reduced from 90 days to 30 days.
2. Most suspensions (all Minor and some Major) may now be stayed pending final appeal decisions locally.
3. Producers may appeal to ED or to the Board of Directors.
4. The Major Violation of our current case is now a Minor Violation, subject to two warnings before a suspension is initiated.
Joe indicated that CTV also had carried the Classic Arts Showcase programming, on a but that the satellite dish for this purpose had been struck and damaged by lightning . Due to CTV seeking another office location, this dish will not be repaired, until replacement in a new office location.
Joe said that CTV carries a Dish Network subscription in order to distribute “Democracy Now!”
and other programming. (Note: Classic Arts Showcase is available on Dish Network Channel 9406.)
Regarding issue of Program Titles and program information, Joeexplained that CTV was not able to adapt to the new Information Display system in place on Comcast, performed by a third-party contractor, mainly because the contractor’s billing system cannot be setup to bill a third-party,
i.e. CTV.
Relocation issue:
Planning is underway to find new location for CTV offices and production studios. Office space of at least 6,000 square feet is needed. There are two more locations to be looked at: Westville, and a vacant former car dealership in West Haven. Proximity to an accessible bus route is an essential requirement. The CTV Board will continue to look at possible relocation spaces.
Paul Scanlon suggested the possible location space in the old Lorenzo’s Restaurant in West Haven.
Government Access:
The cities of Hamden and New Haven both pay for TV coverage services of their Town Council and City Council meetings. Hamden’s is tapes, New Haven’s is live. Expenses paid are for technical services and for personnel services.
AT&T – CTV responded to Docket 10-10-08 regarding costs. Actors’ Equity gave permission to tape productions only if they are broadcast in the same area. AT&T subscribers number 65,000 – 70,000 households. AT&T claims to be paying for community access to CTV but not be getting connectivity from CTV to carry CTV programming on AT&T. This refers to Dockret 11-01-03. Joe specified that CTV has all of the monies received from AT&T for connectivity (still not in effect, monies are still held in reserve until resolution of issues.
Paul Scanlon asked Joe to explain why the new CTV Rules and Procedures were needed ?
Joe indicated that out of 40,000 public contacts in 10 years there have been only 8 suspensions from CTV privileges.
A debate then took place regarding the events at the March 2010 CTAC meeting, Paul Scanlon questioning why the Hamden Police were called to eject a member of the public attending the meeting who had previously been banned from the CTV premises.
Regina Bond’s letter was discussed.
Paul Scanlon questioned the CTV Executive Director methodology of governance.
Joe stated that he has repeatedly attempted to accommodate problem situations with producers by practicing some flexibility in the CTV rules, rather than enforcing the rules to the letter. Such was the case with N’Zinga Shani who Joe said had bragged openly to other producers at the CTV studio that she had never paid sales royalties to CTV for CDs & DVDs produced at CTV.
A discussion took place regarding the threatening behavior exhibited at the January 2010 CTAC meeting by couple of members from ASIM.
Joyce Listro stated that people who entered the January 2010 came as a group and exhibited a high degree of tension, and that the apparent leader of this group made threatening statements to members of the CTAC Board and also to the CTV receptionist. Johnes Ruta (the present writer) concurred with this statement regarding the January and March 2010 CTAC meetings, and also described witnessing the threatening physical presence of Larry Czajowski at the December 2010 meeting at Leon’s Restaurant, which loomed as a physical confrontation when Larry C. closely approached and repeatedly shouted questions at George Alexander, causing Johnes to step forward and ask Larry C. to step back from his immediate proximity to George.
Carl Lambert stated that we must consider our actions in overview.
Peaches Quinn said that problems occurred most when we try to mediate discussion, rather than working strictly by the CTAC Rules and Bylaws.
CTAC OFFICERS REPORT — George Alexander
Postponed to the next CTAC meeting due to the lateness of the time following the CTV Report.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
(Minutes noted and typed by Johnes Ruta, NH)
January 5, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – January 5, 2011
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
George Alexander, H treasurer
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast Representative
Shalita Sampson, H
Peaches Quinn, NH
Richard Gay, WH
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Joe Schofield, CTV Representative
Johnes Ruta, NH
Paul Scanlon, WH
Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
COMCAST REPORT – Sharon Codeanne
Annual Notice filed with FCC – Presented Price List effective December 6, 2010.
New channels included in Channel Line-up: CPTV4U, Discovery Health.
Analog channels have all been discontinued.
Up to three Digital Adapters are available to Digital customers.
Johnes asked question about channel switching issue sometimes occurring on Digital Preferred subscription, requires pressing OK to enable subscription of access channel already subscribed to. Sharon will forward concern to Comcast tech department.
Johnes also asked about time frame of possible approval for Comcast to carry Classic Arts Showcase
(a free satellite feed to carriers), still under request since October 2009. Tad recommended Comcast
attention to this matter.
Joe Schofield asked if there has been any public input or reaction to the Program Descriptions showing
on Digital channel display. He characterized these as questionable personal opinions of program quality, others present agreed. Sharon indicated these descriptions are carried from TV Guide source.
CTV REPORT – Joe Schofield
Joe indicated that CTV management has been preoccupied with the issue before the DPUC, as CTV was brought before the DPUC on a complaint by N’Zinga Shani. DPUC issued a Procedural Order to perform certain functions, in lieu of moving forward to a Hearing. DPUC issued a Procedural Order for a Technical Hearing. CTV was advised by their attorney to not respond as yet, but CTV is willing to abide
by DPUC requirements. Problem also had started last January, 2010, with producers of “America Speaks Its Mind” when a conflict erupted in the CTV office over the immediacy of CTV staff availability to assist their production, as has been regularly provided. The show was cancelled that that one day, but “America Speaks Its Mind” believed that their show had been permanently cancelled. Paul Scanlon requested further information on this and George indicated reference to this is on Docket # 10-10-08.
Joe reported on December 9 meeting of CTV Board (also attended by Peaches Quinn as CTAC representative) : suggestions heard on how to tweak certain management and technical functions of CTV operation. Sharon assisted in rewrites of CTV Rules and Procedures. Draft of this will be submitted to CTV and DPUC. By March 31, 2011, new CTV Rules and Procedures are hoped to be in place. Next
CTV Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 13.
Joe mentioned that the new CTV Digital Server crashed in early December, and that as a result all CTV channels carried on Comcast were off the air for one week, until parts arrived late and repairs completed.
The relocation of CTV studios is still undecided. CTV is looking at possible locations in Westville, the old Mauro Motors building in Hamden, the abandoned Staples on Whalley Avenue, New Haven. Paul Scanlon suggested the old Montesi Motors building in West Haven, Joe will consider. CTV requires
6,500 square feet for studio and office needs and has to be on a bus line. Some considered locations do not have ATT wiring available needed in order to carry CTV on ATT.
George asked about CTV offerings for Comcast On-Demand. Joe indicated all government programs will be automatically included as a priority. Other programs offered for Comcast On-Demand will be discussed and recommended. Joe also discussed general administrative difficulties at CTV.
ATT still has not effected connections to carry CTV Community Access. Joe is lobbying ATT to pay the
expenses of the line connection, as does Comcast. Johnes and others agreed that ATT has better financial resources for this purpose than CTV.
CTAC OFFICERS REPORT — George Alexander
George stated that the attorneys have submitted the report:
(a) CTV is behaving according to requirements.
(b) N’Zinga Shani’s program is no longer under suspension.
(c) “America Speaks Its Mind” had also been previously reinstated.
(d) CTV is now in compliance with issues (b) and (c).
(e) All reports and legal correspondence are in the Docket.
Tad proposed that the CTAC budget submitted by George be accepted. George made a Motion that “the 2011 Budget should be the same as the Budget for 2010 and 2009, with a fixed income of $2,000 per year.
Annual Costs are also usually fixed expenses, with the exception this year of the payment of the
CTAC website Domain Registry and Web Hosting that has been renewed for $401.20 until Nov. 2017.
Peaches stated that “CTAC has no basis for increasing it revenue.”
Tad stated that he has not yet had time to review the Annual Report , but will do so.
George stated that the current balance of the CTAC Checking Account is $8,665.78 as of December 31, 2010.
George made a motion to have the Budget for 2011 the same as that for 2010 and 2009. Motion seconded by Peaches Quinn. Motion was voted and carried.
George stated that “Budget is not needed for Annual Report
DECEMBER MINUTES
Peaches made a Motion to accept the December Minutes. Richard Gay seconded the Motion.
Motion voted and carried.
January meeting Agenda item:
NEW BUSINESS – CTAC Goals for 2011
Tad proposed that due to lateness of hour, this agenda item be postponed to the February meeting.
Motion agreed by all.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
(Minutes noted and typed by Johnes Ruta, NH)
December 8, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – December 8, 2010
Joyce Listro, NH
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Shalita Sampson, H
Richard Gay, WH
Paul Scanlon, West Haven, new member
Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present. Comcast representative not present.
Treasurer’s report by George: our website has been renewed for $401.20 to be hosted until Nov. 2017, which is when our url will expire.
Correspondence: we have gotten lots of correspondence from the DPUC; we get this in summary form online. CTV needs to comply with their recent directives, which we can assess by our January meeting. Comcast’s attorneys are involved in review of CTV’s bylaws and procedures at the request of the DPUC.
Peaches believes we are to be included in the review process as well; she has requested a schedule and documents to review from CTV.
Tad asked our treasurer, George, to present a new budget in February and Tad will start working on our annual report for the DPUC.
Peaches reports from CTV that she spoke with Joe Schofield today; he forgot to start sending her minutes of CTV board meetings for circulation to us prior to our meetings in case we have questions. He will send in a day or two. No update on their re-location—they are in negotiation with a location on Whalley Ave.
Meeting adjourned 6:15 p.m.
November 3, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – November 3, 2010
Johnes Ruta, NH
Shalita Sampson, H
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Richard Gay, WH
Joyce Listro, NH
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Joe Schofield, CTV representative
Meeting called to order 6:02 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. Minutes from Sept. meeting approved by vote.
Report from Comcast. Johnes asked for update on Classic Arts Showcase, but there is none, as the Vice President of Marketing left Comcast and is yet to be replaced. Issue appears to be on hold until there is someone else in that office.
Regarding the issue of the switch off of the Jets game that we got a complaint about, Sharon tells us that it was human error, that there is supposed to be someone who physically flip a switch, but there was not. Sharon has taken the details and will ask for there to be attention to this issue on this Sunday, when channel 2 (out of New York) will need to carry feed from New York at 4:00 p.m.
Johnes asked Sharon about how to use the xfinity interface, and she says there are directions online.
CTV report from Joe Schofield- technology issues have been arising on CTV broadcast during the day (shaky picture). This appears to be due to the lines from CTV being underground with a new building on top, and there appears to be interference from the heat generators, because the shaky picture only occurs when the building is in use. George inquired as to whether or not the equipment itself is FCC compliant. UI and Comcast may need to go out there together to conduct tests.
CTV went down to the Field House, and again there is the issue of no one knowing where the return line is. Someone suggested to Joe that if it were a loose looking wire, someone may have cut it. CTV is going to go again, and if Sharon will give CTV a number to call, CTV will go first and look, and call Comcast to come down as well if they can’t find it.
Joe says that people are still having distortion issues with Channel 96 (government channel); Joe suspects this is a problem that is specific to people on basic cable plans. Comcast had been going out to refit the connections individually, because the connections are too old. Also, the signal is being overmodulated by Comcast, so the channel appears too bright on television (for all Comcast subscribers). The overmodulation is something that Comcast needs to address.
Tad asked about the relocation progress for CTV; they are looking at a place on Whalley Ave., and the engineer is looking at the possibilities for floor plans. CTV is also still looking at possibilities in Hamden; one in particular is on State Street in Hamden, in the old A&P building across from the DMV. CTV has money set aside in their budget for relocation—about $55,000 currently, and hopefully $10,000 more by the end of the year.
Officers’ reports: George brought copies of the bylaws (as revised August 19, 2006) for our newer members. Also, our website posting (the hosting) is expiring at the end of November; George proposes that we renew for 3-5 years. The price is about $50/year. There may be the option of locking it in for 7 years, to expire at same time as our hold on the url. Originally, they gave us 25 megabits for storage space for our emails. George called to inquire, and they tell us we are allowed to have 1 gigabyte with no additional fee. Tad moved that we renew our website lease, Johnes seconded. Vote was unanimous for renewing.
Old business pertaining to DPUC Docket about 21st century conversations. We have been designated as “intervenors” on the docket, which means we can submit perspectives as friends to the DPUC. The hearing is tomorrow; most cannot attend because of work commitments. George reminds us we’ll be able to read the proceedings of the DPUC meeting. Richard agrees to go to the DPUC meeting in New Britain tomorrow.
New business pertaining to DPUC docket investigating the availability of Video Service offered by AT&T. The DPUC has issued some interrogatories regarding how many customers they have, where they are available, etc. Joe has contacted AT&T about the inability of CTV to view their own signal broadcast on AT&T, and also the need for AT&T to absorb the equipment costs upfront, and to provide maintenance of their equipment, the same way Comcast does, at CTV. AT&T has thus far been unwilling to absorb liability for equipment maintenance. Joe has inquiries out to other PEG providers (Waterbury) to see what deals they have made with AT&T.
Tad suggested Leon’s in New Haven for our December meeting, on Wednesday, December 8th, 6:00.
Meeting adjourned 7:06 p.m.
October 6, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – October 6, 2010
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Joe Schofield, CTV representative
Meeting called to order 6:05 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. George moved to amend agenda to include discussion of latest DPUC docket 10-10-08, about the status of CTV as the public access provider.
Minutes from Sept. meeting approved online.
Report from Comcast. New user program guide interface. Comcast is working with new provider on getting program information included for CTV PEG channels. Coming soon is the caller id feature whereby telephone calls will show up on television station. Johnes asked if that feature would be optional, Sharon said it would be. Johnes also asked if there would be an numerical indication of the volume level, as there had been with the old interface. Peaches asked about lack of sync between audio and video; Jen reported this happens at her house regularly as well. Sharon will inquire at Comcast about it, to see if there is a way to re-sync box and remote. Tad asked for update about Comcast buyout of NBC; Sharon says the deal is not final, so there is not more information. Johnes asked again about Classic Arts Showcase; Sharon will check again with marketing department at Comcast. Joe asked if Sharon was aware of any other public access providers who are having titles included under their programs; Sharon says no other providers are doing so. They disappeared when the interface changed, but CTV and Comcast are looking into how to do this again. CTV has been paying for this service, and is willing to continue doing so.
Peaches gave a report of her attendance at the CTV board of directors meeting. She gave a list of the suggested topics that CTAC and CTV could be communicating about. Peaches requested that Joe or a representative of the board of CTV attend our meetings again. Peaches and the CTV board agreed that the CTV program report could be submitted to us via email, as could the budget report and CTV board meeting minutes. Peaches introduced Joe Schofield to the council and reiterated our interest in cooperation, which was echoed by Joe as well.
Joe indicated he would email to us a copy of the CTV rules and procedures for distribution to our group. The CTV board is hoping to revise/update them before December, so we’ll receive the current rules and the proposed revisions before our November meeting, so that we can take action at that meeting, and they can take final action at their December meeting. Joe indicated that he will need to be more cautious about what he discusses with us, so that he can respect the role of the Board of Directors of CTV, as pertains to policy creation for their organization, because ours is a public meeting. So, rather than “announce” considered plans to the “public,” Joe will be more circumspect in some of his conversations with us.
Regarding the move of CTV, they have 3 spaces with public frontage in mind, yet they have a lease on this building, and don’t want to break the lease prematurely and lose the money it would take to cover the current lease. Peaches asked if all three towns have possible spaces; Joe indicated that Hamden and New Haven are possibilities, West Haven does not appear to have a suitable space. New Haven is currently favored to some extent because of the service of the buses available. Joe said the final decision does not rest with him, it rests with the board. Peaches reiterated that that was true. When Joe is looking at spaces, he checks to see if AT&T is available in the new space, and he has not yet seen a space where AT&T is available. Perhaps this is because they are looking at commercial space, and AT&T appears to be only rolling out to residential streets. Joe is concerned that if CTV were to be carried by AT&T, there is no way for CTV to check their own signal if someone is having trouble. Engineering-wise, they won’t be able to know where any problem originates, because there would be no way to check. George and Tad asked if it was possible to ask AT&T would be willing to run a line to CTV. Joe indicated that they would certainly ask as soon as they settle on a new space. George suggested that CTV ask now, if that could be a game changer in terms of where CTV finally decides to relocate. CTV still has other concerns about AT&T, but thus far this is their primary concern.
Regarding CTV video on demand, they have all the recorded town meetings available through Windows media player online. It is not streamed live; it takes a day or so to get the meeting footage up. Joe says he cannot make any promises, but that live streaming may become a possibility in the next six months or so. Johnes asked if there is a way to find a program schedule for CTV online; Joe says it is available online a month in advance.
Peaches asked if the Hill House issue had been resolved, about live feed return lines. CTV is going next week to do a system check; if it works, that would be the end of this issue.
Johnes raised the issue of 21st century conversations and N’Zinga Shani’s complaint. Joe said this the producer admitted to a staff member a major violation of the producer rules. Joe says there was no choice but to confront her or threaten suspension. She never gave an accounting, she was suspended, rather than go through the CTV complaint procedures, she went straight to the DPUC. The board said the DPUC needed to deal with the board, not the executive director (Joe Schofield), the board complained to the DPUC, the DPUC kicked it back to the board of CTV to handle, they indicated immediate reinstatement was possible, provided the producer would write a letter indicating she would comply with the rules. Now, the DPUC has opened a docket to call into question CTV’s right to act as the public access provider. Joe says it is weird that the DPUC is opening a docket in response to an issue of rule breaking that the producer admitted, and has now been resolved.
George gave a personal suggestion to Joe to take to the Board, that it is incredibly hard to find information about who the board is on the website for CTV, and that this could be improved. Peaches said she had a hard time finding the rules and procedures on the CTV site, and that the website could be simplified. Jen suggested there be fewer links possible from the home page. George suggested a site map be included.
Jen asked when the current CTV producer rules were established; Joe says they were last voted on in 2000.
George submitted correspondence to us, including a letter sent to Joe at CTV from the mayor of New Haven, regarding New Haven appointments to our committee. One is for Peaches Quinn, one is for Paul Lukasiewicz, Christopher Korenowsky, NH city librarian, one is for Johnes Ruta, one is for Edward Maher, who used to be a member, but who resigned over two years ago. Mr. Lukasiewicz has been unresponsive to Tad, though he will try again.
We received several communications in support of N’Zinga Shani’s program.
Regarding new business, George tried to find information about the new docket filed by the DPUC about the status of CTV, but was unable to read any information. Sharon believes there is a way to try to sign up for email updates, and so will see if she can forward us this info.
Meeting adjourned 7:10.
September 1, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – September 1, 2010
Joyce Listro, NH
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Shalita Sampson, Hamden
Richard Gay, West Haven
Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present. Comcast representative not present due to illness.
George moved to approve the minutes; seconded; August minutes approved.
George raised the issue of Comcast high school senior scholarship; we have received a flyer from Comcast.
George reported on the correspondence we have received, including a letter from the DPUC regarding N’Zinga Shani’s complaint that was copied to us, requesting more information from each party (Shani and CTV) regarding their dispute, but we have no later update.
We got another letter as a courtesy regarding the status of the Groton franchise of Comcast and their version of CTV, which Comcast runs. There is a candidate who would like to take over the running of their public access channel, and Comcast is supportive, yet the town of Groton is fighting it. George wants the issue of CTV not providing feed to AT&T put on the agenda for our meeting next month, and Peaches agreed to raise the issue to the CTV board meeting.
Check from Comcast was finally received.
Peaches reported about the CTV July meeting that she attended. CTV brought up the email from Joe Schofield of July 7 about why he would no longer be attending our meetings, and what was being alluded to regarding the legal liabilities our meetings may have subjected CTV to. Their point of view is that for Joe Schofield to attend our meetings where the ASIM complaint was being considered, he may subject CTV to additional legal liabilities. So, the CTV board and lawyer asked that he NOT attend our meetings. CTV board would like to be informed about what topics we would like to have them address, so they can send a relevant board member to our meeting to answer the questions we might have for them. Joe will come for meetings where we want program review reports, and other members of the CTV board would attend according to our interests, so long as they know in advance.
Johnes raised the issue of where we hold our meetings; George raised the issue that no public space is fully open to every member of the public, as there may be other reasons why other members of the public cannot enter other facilities (like schools, etc.) In George’s opinion, we cannot move our meeting to accommodate one particular member of the public. Tad and Joyce also pointed out that wherever we hold our meeting, it requires that someone from whatever facility be available after business hours to let us in, etc.
Peaches will attend this month’s meeting of the CTV board, and will ask for an updated financial report about CTV, and also about what is on the horizon regarding AT&T, etc.
George suggested that Peaches become the representative to the CTV board; Peaches agreed on the principle that other people can fill in for her if needed.
Meeting adjourned .
August 4, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – August 4, 2010
Johnes Ruta, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast
Shalita Sampson, Hamden (shalita.silva@gmail.com)
Richard Gay, West Haven (statewide57@sbcglobal.net)
Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present.
Introduction of new member. July minutes approved online. Comcast report from Sharon. General discussion of Comcast/Blockbuster’s announcement of DVD service by mail, but details not yet available.
As there was no representative of CTV present, we have no update. Peaches, who had also attended the CTV board meeting last month, was not present to report back on the meeting last month. CTV has no board meeting in August, and Peaches has agreed to attend in September again.
Correspondence—Tad had an email yesterday from N’Zinga Shani indicating she wanted to address a complaint about CTV to us. Tad responded via email that she should put her complaint in writing. We also received a copy of a letter from Joe Schofield to Ms. Shani indicating she has had her producer privileges revoked for allegedly not furnishing the requisite 20% of proceeds from sales of dvds made at CTV. We have no further information from either Ms. Shani or CTV.
Tad, Sharon, and Carl expressed concern that if the message were sent first to Ms. Shani via email only (as indicated in the followup letter from Joe Schofield), she should have been sent a letter via U.S. mail, probably certified, to remove the possibility that the message could have been missed.
We still have not received the check from Comcast.
George asked Tad if we have an update from the Statewide Video Advisory Council regarding their meeting with the DPUC; we do not, Tad will inquire at the next meeting of the SVAC.
Meeting adjourned 6:55.
July 7, 2010 Minutes
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
Joyce Listro, NH BOE
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast
Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present.
June minutes approved online.
Comcast report from Sharon; Jen asked about rollout of new dvr interface. Sharon believes it is delayed due to technological issues. Johnes asked about Classic Arts Showcase; Comcast appears uninterested in providing access to the feed. Peaches asked if another price increase was coming; prices were just raised in April or May. Johnes raised the issue of net neutrality and advocated on behalf of it. Sharon replied that the internet is not regulated, so it would appear not to apply, but the issue is before the FCC again.
Jen brought letters to leave for the CTV board of directors about Joe Schofield’s email to us, stating he would no longer attend our meetings. Peaches agreed to attend the CTV meeting the following evening.
George distributed FOIA complaints from Lary Czajkowski, and also an email detailing his conversation with the Hamden town attorney saying FOIA complaint is dismissed as baseless, and copies of both letter (pdf file) and email (copied below) are included in these minutes.
We haven’t heard a response from the DPUC about ASIM issue yet, or about the petition we signed last month.
We are still waiting for our annual check from Comcast.
George made us aware that he again exchanged emails with Czajkowski about who CTV and CTAC are, etc. We agreed we would not respond to Czajkowski because of the advice of the Hamden town attorney.
Meeting adjourned 6:38 p.m.
The following is an email from George Alexander to CTAC, June 25th 2010:
“The FOIA mail was received in a large envelope from Americans Speak their Minds that contained copies of the complaint in seven open, individually addressed envelopes to most of our members and Sharon. It also had a copy of a petition to the DPUC regarding CTV reinstating the America Speaks It’s Mind show.
I gave a copy of the complaint to the Hamden Town Attorney. Their office left me a phone message this morning. They talked to the FOI Commission and were told that “the complaint was administratively withdrawn by the commission because Citizens Television is not a public agency as defined by the Connecticut general statues. So, there is NO FOI complaint pending.“
George”
click to read FOIA Complaint
June 2, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – June 2, 2010
Johnes Ruta, NH
Joyce Listro, NH BOE
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast
Shalita Sanford, Hamden, visiting possible member
Richard Gay, West Haven, new member
Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present.
May minutes approved online.
Comcast report from Sharon; Tad and Johnes inquired about the speed of the internet packages. Sharon will email the packages as well as the channel lineup around. Johnes asked about Xfinity service name; Sharon says they wanted to brand internet service distinctly from Comcast, to emphasize that they are not just a cable company anymore.
George told Sharon that we still have not received the check; the original one is missing, so a new one is being issued.
George forwarded one stray subscriber check to Comcast via Sharon. Johnes inquired about the customer complaint regarding her bill that we received via email; Sharon has already forwarded the email to Comcast representatives to respond.
George asked about correspondence we received from Robinson and Cole, attorneys for Comcast. George asked for explanation from Sharon. Comcast collects fees from subscribers that goes to paying for public access, and the DPUC asked cable companies to sign an affidavit that they are in compliance, so they responded.
Tad brought forward the petition being circulated from one person (Stephen Simonin) in Torrington (Cablevision area), who is also a member of a local cable council (Litchfield) and also the statewide AT&T council, who argues that people should pay according to the compression ratio of service, not a flat fee, because he claims the compression decreases the quality of the picture. It is a highly technical issue, and from what we know of him, he is very knowledgeable in the field of cable provision. In late June, Cablevision is eliminating all analog channels, which means if you have an analog tv, you will receive nothing. Based on his testing performed in his own home, the quality of the signal is much below the capacity of the cable, even on HD. Same cable is used to provide voice, cable, and internet, and so cable television is being compressed. Idea in petition is that whoever installed cable throughout the state, that cable should be used only for cable. If this were to pass, internet providers would have to allow outside competitors to install something in central offices and lease time or space to provide competing services to homes. They also ask for a bill of rights for customers, including indication of the compression rate so consumers can shop around. Also wants cable boxes to indicate level of service. Also says that cable companies should pay customers for the space that cable boxes take in their homes. Pixellations, freeze-ups, and sound in-synchronicity would require credits to customers. Also indicates that customers should be able to choose different providers using the same cable lines.
George said that this gentleman had provided his complaint to the FCC via Senator Lieberman’s office, and the FCC responded saying “yes, and please tell us how you measured all this and what equipment you used.”
Johnes moved that we vote on whether or not to sign on to the petition as the CTAC. Jen seconded.
Before vote, Richard Gay, new member of West Haven, introduced himself.
Mr. Sydney Evans interrupted from the gallery to ask if he’d be allowed to speak. He was told no, as he is not on the agenda.
Vote on petition was delayed for several minutes for Richard to read over the petition itself.
Johnes asked if anyone was aware of any updates to the issue of net neutrality. George said that supposedly the FCC was going to install measuring equipment in 3000 households around the US to gauge the issue of signal speed being provided to homes. DSLreports.com is a site that can measure your signal speed.
Vote was taken on petition, all votes in favor, so the motion to sign as the CTAC carries. George asked if he could sign for our group, then scan and send back in to him. We also signed as individuals.
Question of CTV representative no longer attending our meeting was raised. George looked at the DPUC site, and there is no requirement that a representative of CTV attend. On the other hand, we ARE required to monitor the service of CTV as part of our duties. George suggested that Jen write a letter on behalf of CTAC asking CTV’s board of directors for explanation of Joe’s email to our group.
Discussion of CTV and CTAC is tabled until July meeting.
Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m.