CTAC Minutes

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – May 5, 2010

Johnes Ruta, NH

Joyce Listro, NH BOE

George Alexander, H treasurer

Tad Weinstein, WH chair

Jen Sacco, H secretary

Carl Lambert, Sr. H, new member

Sharon Codeanne, Comcast

Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein.    CTV representative not present.

April minutes approved online.

We received two certified and unopened letters from CTV to Mr. Sydney Evans, which he sent to us because it was not mailed to his desired/appropriate address.   We returned them to Mr. Evans at our meeting; he wanted us to note that it was not sent to the appropriate address.

Comcast report from Sharon; George inquired about why the “free” set top boxes never materialized for some customers who requested them, because they would have had to go to New Haven to pick them up.  The offer is now expired.

Tad, Jen, and Joyce expressed concern that new rate hike  is the second price increase within six months.  There are some packages that were raised separately, so that not everything being raised now was raised in December, but to our recollection a number of these same packages (particularly basic) were raised both times. This outstrips inflation, and so the board asked for justification for the price increases.  None were really forthcoming.

Johnes raised the issue of net neutrality.  Comcast is opposed to regulation; Johnes is questioning what justifies that.  Sharon offered to connect Johnes to a person with technical expertise to discuss the issues of internet speed/net neutrality.

George mentioned that a website, DSL report.com, can measure the speed of your internet; Jen asked George if we could put a link to that on our webpage so that anyone interested might be able to do this. 

Johnes asked Sharon about the “Classic Arts Showcase” channel, which he had raised to her before.  Sharon says they prioritize channels for which a really high demand.  Marketing v.p. and division office make the final decisions regarding channel lineup.  Sharon said she would check with them to see if there is a final decision about “Classic Arts Showcase.”

George asked when the 2010 check from Comcast would arrive.  Sharon will mail it to George’s house, so he can make the deposit ASAP.

Johnes asked about the CTV bylaws, which since our last meeting are now available on the CTV website.

CTV had Hamden police come to remove Larry Czajkowski, who was observing the meeting, due to ongoing disputes between CTV and Mr. Czajkowski.  We received a certified letter from CTV containing a copy of an April 8, 2010 letter addressd to Mr. Czajkowski.  The letter concluded with “Staff [CTV] has been instructed to call the police immediately should you enter the premises.”

Though they were not on the agenda, Mr. Sydney Evans and others representing ASIM raised the issue, and wanted to know why the CTAC “authorized” having Mr. Czajkowski “arrested.”  Many minutes were spent explaining to the observers that we do not control CTV, nor the police.  Repeatedly members of the council were told by Mr. Evans that we would be held “individually accountable” for the removal of Mr. Czajkowski.  Mr. Evans also pointed his finger at the Council and each member separately and said that if his issues were not resolved it “will cost you your whole life.”  Mr. Evans was told repeatedly that the threats were unwarranted and not appropriate. 

George read the response of CTV (to the DPUC’s request for information pertaining to the dispute lodged by representatives of ASIM) to the board and observing guests.

CTV has now responded to the DPUC; now the CTAC awaits the finding of the DPUC.

CTV is still broadcasting old tapings of ASIM; according to Mr. Evans, CTV is not airing the newly recorded shows that he has been bringing on DVD to CTV.

Due to the length of the discussion, the meeting extended beyond the normal time of adjournment and CTAC was asked by CTV to leave because no one was available to lock the building.  Meeting continued in the parking lot where it was decided to contact the Hamden Mayor’s Office regarding the threats by Mr. Evans.

Meeting adjourned 7:40 p.m.

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – April 7, 2010

Johnes Ruta, NH

Joyce Listro, NH BOE

George Alexander, H treasurer

Tad Weinstein, WH chair

Jen Sacco, H secretary

Carl Lambert, Sr. H, new member

Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein.  Introduction of council; Sharon/Comcast not present; CTV representative not present.

Feedback from state video advisory council meeting from Tad Weinstein; Tad is now treasurer of SVAC by election.  They are working on picture quality, video quality.  At&T and Cablevision were present at the SVAC meeting.  George was uncomfortable with the lack of information about picture quality and technical information.  Should output signal be measured, or signal strength into a box be measured?  George was told that no signal is technically digital; all transmissions are on RF frequency which is a carrier of a digital signal that is converted at the box itself.   So the question is, what are we interested in?  The picture quality, or the signal quality.  Tad responded that the SVAC maintains that picture quality could be better if it were not so compressed, that an engineer on the committee has done independent testing and found better quality picture.  That man maintains that pay for service should be tied to picture quality; if the signal will be highly compressed, he believes consumers should be able to pay less. 

George raised issue of court decision in favor of Comcast that the FCC had no oversight for maintaining “net neutrality.”  “Nuclear Action” would be for FCC to declare that video providers are the equivalent of the bell system of phone providers.

Tad reported that Comcast has received notice that Comcast rates are going up.

Introduction of new member of CTAC. 

Heard from Sydney Evans, of “America Speaks It’s Mind” show.  Alleging that friction between CTV and the ASIM show was “premeditated.” 

Heard from Larry Czajkowski, who says they refuse to back down until they get a ruling favorable to their claim, which is that they  arbitrarily and capriciously had their show cancelled by CTV and that they were thrown out and threatened with the police.  He feels he has been slandered, in front of the press, without evidence.

Mr. Evans claims this is an issue of freedom of speech, and that the future of the U.S. is at risk as a result. 

George clarified that their first complaint, which was filed with the DPUC, is now out of our hands as an advisory committee.  He asked for clarification about the claim of censorship; is there evidence Joe Schofield saw their tape prior to not allowing them to air their show? 

Larry Czajkowski claims that CTV is being mismanaged by CTV; Tad cautioned us not to lose sight of what the real topic at hand was, which is their original complaint.  They said that when they were denied a film crew, everyone else should be denied a film crew as well.

They claim the rules of CTV need to be updated, and are also mad that Comcast did not send a representative to the meeting.  

While we are waiting for CTV to respond (they have until April 21^st), Jen suggested that we ask for a copy of CTV’s rules and regulations, so that we can look at them to see if there is some substantiation of the claims of not following due process on the part of CTV.

ASIM claims to have never been given a reason why as to why their show was cancelled.

Mr. Evans believes the reason the show was cancelled was because of personal friction, not because of content. 

Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m.

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – January 6, 2010

George Alexander, H, Treasurer

Tad Weinstein, WH, chair

Jennifer Sacco, H, secretary

Sharon Codeanne, Comcast

Joe Schofield, CTV

Joyce Listro, NH Library

Johnes Ruta, NH

6:05 p.m. meeting called to order.

Joe Schofield gave report from CTV.  CTV is very interested in moving out of current location because of lack of parking due to construction, and costs due to having to have front door open on Saturdays because back of building cannot be used for parking.  They will be putting this space up for rent shortly, and they have an agent looking for a new space.  The board of CTV really wants something centrally located to the three towns.  May wind up in New Haven, but still considering a space in Hamden.  George suggested Whalley avenue near 15 (around A1 car dealership).  All is dependent on finding a tenant to sublease the current space, even if at a loss.

Joe Schofield has been looking into AT&T to see if CTV wants to broadcast on it, now that the viewer has improved.  Joe is still not happy about the lack of surfing-discoverability.   AT&T can’t be obtained here at the headquarters, and most of the producers for CTV also cannot get AT&T service at home; it cannot reasonable be monitored.  Joe is leaning to at least putting the government channel on AT&T, but not necessarily the others.  Board may be opposed to putting any channels on AT&T.  CTV is still pursuing a rollback with the state senate; CTV wants the state senate to bring AT&T into compliance with all of the regulations that Comcast had been subject to.  CTV is making the case of economic discrimination by AT&T regarding neighborhoods where service is not available.  Joyce asked Joe about the return line from the field house, and he says it is ready to go and that they are just waiting for something to broadcast from there.

Comcast report given by Sharon Codeanne, including price decreases for services.   George inquired about DTAs (things that make boxes unnecessary and allow for digital channels but not OnDemand in other rooms); they are to be available in New Haven second quarter of 2010 and will be $1.99/month.  Johnes asked about the Classic Arts Showcase; they CAS does have a “digital sidecar” which Johnes wanted to know if this would make it carry-able by Comcast.  Sharon agreed to forward the specs to the marketing department and head-end engineers at  Comcast.

George cannot close the books for our 2009 year without the bank statement for December yet.  He will send info. out by email so Tad can put together our year-end report.

Tad raised the issue as to why CTV still refuses to be on AT&T, when AT&T is collecting money from subscribers and CTV is getting the funds.  Tad argues that CTV should be on AT&T.  Jen asked what they would actually lose by joining in terms of their leverage to pressure AT&T to provide a better situation for public access.

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – October 7, 2009

George Alexander, H, Treasurer

Tad Weinstein, WH, chair

Jennifer Sacco, H, secretary

Sharon Codeanne, Comcast

Joe Schofield, CTV

Guest from the public, Johnes Ruta, art director of New Haven Public Library

6:08 p.m. meeting called to order.

Comcast report given by Sharon Codeanne.   Tad raised the issue of the extreme increase for the cable modem rental, which will be $2/month, when a modem can be purchased for about $50 total.  George raised the issue of cable cards, which are much cheaper than cable boxes, yet Sharon informs us they don’t have full functionality, as they don’t have a hard drive, and so they are not capable of Video on Demand, etc.

George forwarded checks we received which belong to Comcast to Sharon.

Joe Schofield reported on behalf of CTV, including that they will be covering the three mayoral debates in the three towns.  They will not be covered live, but they will be recorded and broadcast within 24 hours.  The board of CTV formed an exploratory committee to explore sites for relocating CTV.  They did visit 5 or 6 sites, but did not find one quite yet.  George asked if there were any sites considered in Hamden or West Haven.  Jen suggested that CTV consider some of the available office space on Dixwell Avenue.  Joe is concerned how someone from West Haven would be able to get there by bus.  Jen volunteered to send addresses of available office space on Dixwell to Joe.  Joe does not anticipate necessarily moving before the first of the year.  George asked how much space they want (5000-6000 sq ft.) with parking and access to public transportation.

Tad raised discussion of CTV sending signal to AT&T subscribers.  Tad suggested that perhaps AT&T had made enough improvement in the quality of their signal, so maybe it was time to re-evaluate broadcasting on AT&T.  Joe says CTV still has an issue of not being able to surf channels.  Joe recommended that we come to the CTV meeting to raise the issue to the board of CTV.  We will send a message to the board to ask them to re-consider their position.  CTV is unwilling to pay to hook up to AT&T.

Johnes Ruta brought forth a letter describing programming – the “Classic Arts Showcase”—and would like to see it added to the Comcast lineup on a channel below 99.  Sharon said that she would bring this to Comcast, but Comcast would not be adding any analog channels to their lineup.  Joe said that CTV had carried Classic Arts Showcase, but they lost it because they needed an additional antenna, which would require a commercial install, which the Dish Network will not do, nor will they let CTV put it up themselves.  (They had a dish antenna, but it appears to have been hit by lightning and needs to be replaced.)  Joe indicated that CTV could get behind this issue, and that perhaps it would save Comcast some customers from leaving to the Dish Network in order to receive it.

George presented the mail to Comcast.

We postponed a decision on the renewal of our financial support of the Alliance for Community Media until we are able to get the point of view of CTV next month.

Tad and Joyce attended the statewide meeting of the AT&T advisory council.  Cablevision has a statewide contract as well, though they are not available in all areas, though they were present at the meeting.

Tad asked George to send an email to Joe Schofield to take back to the CTV board about bringing CTV to AT&T, now that the viewing capability is improved.

December meeting in West Haven will be held on the second Weds. Of the month instead of the first Weds. to meet Tad’s schedule.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – September 2, 2009

Tad Weinstein, WH, chair

Jennifer Sacco, H, secretary

George Alexander, H, treasurer

Joyce Listro, NH BOE

Sharon Codeanne, Comcast

Joe Schofield, CTV

Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m.  Technically, we don’t have quorum, so can’t approve minutes from last meeting.

Sharon gave Comcast report; lots of sports channels moved around because of deal with ESPN and in order to make room for all of the channels picked up.

Tad raised issue of the free boxes with Sharon because John of Comcast indicated to us that the deal expired, but no one who had contacted our council appears to have ever gotten one.  Sharon said that the deal might be renewed in the future.  Next year as expanded basic is brought into digital, customers will be offered a free digital converter box forever, but this is not rolled out in our area yet and Sharon is not sure when it will be.

Tad asked about the message Gabriel Michael had received from Comcast when he moved which had email addresses for more than the relevant cable council. Sharon will look at the message that went out.

Joe Schofield asked if info. for CTV shows could be made available to Comcast customers, instead of just a generic description of “public access programming.”  Sharon will look into this to see if it is technologically feasible for the info. to be associated with the shows.

CTV had to file a report with the DPUC for the $64,000 grant that they received.  The idea had been to use the money to expand PEG programming, and Joe said the money would be used to create 2-3 new programs per channel.  As of the end of July, 39 new programs had been created (including outside programming and locally originated shows, which are about half and half of the new shows created.)  The server has been quite a boon to CTV in terms of getting new programming, and CTV will provide us with a report by the end of the year with all of the data about the impact of the server.

CTV is looking to move locations because parking is at a premium, and potentially will be a bigger issue when a new building is completed in this location.  The parking situation has meant that CTV had to have 2 staff members on Saturdays to supervise the entrances, and so have shut down on 2 Saturdays a month.  They would also like foot traffic, and so would like to move to downtown New Haven.  Finances are an issue, though, for moving to New Haven.  Joe believes they should be looking for a space to buy or at least have an option to buy.  Subscriber numbers are going up, more program content is going out, but people coming in to the station has leveled off.  The staff has been going out to the field to record things, but they would like to get back to a model where the public comes here to make their own programming.  They want to be on a bus line and have parking available which would at least be free to the producers.  Rent at the North Haven location has ballooned significantly, so move to North Haven hasn’t necessarily saved them money from whatever deal they would have had at the old New Haven location.

Joyce asked Joe about the return line from the Field House, and he said she should call CTV once a week to pester them to get out there to try to get it functional.

George will inquire about getting an additional key to our mailbox since Stu had the other one.

Alliance for Community Media membership is up for renewal.  We discussed whether or not to send an additional contribution. We didn’t send extra last year, because CTV had a difference of opinion with ACM about the collection of fees.  Joe had to leave early, so we tabled the issue until next month since we have time before the membership is due.

Tad asked if anyone could attend the ATT meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 23^rd, but we do not know where the meeting is being held. Joyce made a deal with Tad that they would go as a team so long as it is not ridiculously far away (more than 20 miles away).

Jen raised the issue with Sharon of the difficulty of trying to pay cable bill online at Comcast.com (or Comcast.net—not clear which site it was, and the online chat person said they were combined).  George also said it was very difficult to get price/product information from Comcast.com.

Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven –  August 5, 2009

Tad Weinstein, WH, chair

Jennifer Sacco, H, secretary

George Alexander, H, treasurer

John Biaros, Comcast

Joe Schofield, CTV

Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m., though no quorum.  Joe Schofield was with us briefly to let us know that things are slow since it is summer and there is nothing much to report.  George let Joe know that the minutes of the meetings of the statewide video advisory council are available online.  Tad let him know that the channel 99 broadcast of PEG channel on AT&T is drastically improved in quality (in terms of loading speed).  Joe asked that the labels on the channels (26, 27, and 96) have incorrect labels on Comcast.

Those present agreed to vote on minutes online with 4 yes votes to approve (when number of members is 6)

John let us know that Red Sox on demand is available.  Accepted 8 checks, an application for senior discount, and a customer complaint.  Senior discount is 10% off and means-tested.  Comcast is no longer a sponsor of the tennis tournament.

Tad let us know that we had some publicity from our grant in the New Haven Register. 

No report back to us from CTV board meeting.

Correspondence-  bank statement and community media review.

George asked John about the free digital boxes in Hamden, because channels being bumped up to higher numbers and basic members were supposed to get a free digital box for a year, then for life, according to Sharon Codeanne at previous meetings.  John said promotion is over, but that the people who had contacted George directly could probably be provided for.

Tad distributed copies of Statewide Video Advisory Council (SVAC) schedule to see if anyone can attend.  No meeting place was identified in advanced.  At September meeting when we have more attendance, we will inquire if anyone can attend.

George gave us treasurer’s report.  We don’t have applicants from Hamden or West Haven for our grants.

Meeting adjourned 6:50 p.m.

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – July 1, 2009 

Tad Weinstein, WH

Jennifer Sacco, H

George Alexander, H

Gabriel Michael, NH

Joyce Listro, NH

Sharon Codeanne, Comcast

Joe Schofield, CTV

Peaches Quinn, NH

Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. 

Introduction of guests Matt Lafferty, potential replacement for Gabriel Michael, and Larry McDonald, New Haven Board of Education.

Presentation of Stuart Arotsky Memorial grant funds to Larry McDonald of New Haven BOE.

Sharon presented July report from Comcast.

Jen asked Sharon about the establishment of “Police Blotter on Demand” on Comcast, and about whether Tivo interface would be made available to DVR customers with Comcast.  Sharon said the blotters have been very popular in other states and she believed Comcast approached the state to see if they wanted to make it available in our area.  She also said she did not think Tivo was planned for our area soon, but that she would inquire.

Joe gave CTV report: CTV engineer is contacting counterpart at Comcast to try to get the return line at the Field House functional.

George asked about digital boxes that will be free for a year from Comcast, if they had been given out yet.  Sharon will look into it to see if they are being distributed.

Update to last month’s issue of: “Joe asked about the availability of boxes because Comcast called CTV and asked them to take the bulletin about their availability from Comcast off the air.

Sharon will email appropriate wording for a bulletin to Joe with a Comcast number for people to call with questions.”

Sharon said that Comcast does not feel it is appropriate to broadcast consumer/promotional information on a CTV bulletin, so they would not be posting a new message.  She said there will be a new offer of “free” digital box and DTAs (sub-boxes for secondary televisions) for life, and that she believed that offer was to be rolled out in the fall.

Joe asked if PEG channels would be transferred to digital, but they will not be.

Joe said CTV is doing an audit next week on July 9^th at 6:00 p.m., and invited a member of our board to attend.  Peaches is going to try to attend.

Joe said CTV is slowing down activity over the summer, however they are getting more programming submitted because it is easier to submit with their new system.

Regarding issues of the digital transition:  Comcast anecdotally did not have a report of too many calls.  People have experienced the “digital cliff,” however, where channels that came in weakly via analog will not come in at all anymore.

House bill 6604 appears to have died.

George reported there was no information to be found about AT&T advisory board, and also passed checks that came to our mailbox along to Sharon.

Election of officers:  Tad Weinstein, chair.  Peaches Quinn, vice chair.  George Alexander, treasurer.  Jennifer Sacco, secretary.

Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m.

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – May 6, 2009

In attendance:
Gabriel Michael NH
George Alexander H
Jennifer Sacco H
Tad Weinstein WH
Joyce Listro NH BOE

No representative present from Comcast; no representative present from CTV.

Review of grant letter for New Haven Board of Education with updates for this year’s grant for 2 cameras and a computer.  Gabriel will write up a draft copy of the updated letter and will send to council via email.

No update from Hamden about a grant request; at last meeting a representative from Hamden was going to speak with Joe Schofield of CTV.  

Tad will be sending a letter to the superintendant of West Haven to see if they would like to request grant money as well.

Customer complaints that we received were largely in relation to removal of the Fox 5 channel from New York.

Jen suggested that we generate a fact sheet about how to use an antenna and make print copies for distribution to senior centers and to send in the mail to people who write in (who are not internet users.)  George does not believe we should suggest to people that they put up their own antennae because of the lightning concerns.  It should be done by a professional.  George and Gabriel suggested that a handout be printed in large type so it can be easily read.

Recruitment discussed; Gabriel will contact someone at Yale for a replacement.

George gave a financial report; the new check that Sharon Codeanne of Comcast said she would send has not arrived.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – April 1, 2009

Call to order

Members present:
Tad; Peaches; Joyce; George; Gabriel

Comcast (Sharon)
CTV (Joe)

Comcast Report:
– discussed Comcast Cares Day
– discussed PBS station’s choice of digital carriage (WNET-DTSD)
– George reported a complaint of someone losing channel 13 WNET; this is because of the WNET switch
– Changes that require a “digital converter box” will work either with a Comcast box, which is free for a year, then $1.95 / month after that; may also work with some TVs that have a digital QAM tuner
– Sharon noted that the plan is to eventually drop all analog channels, and have a completely digital basic tier. This could take two years.
– George asked if the digital basic tier would fall under FCC rules, but no one knows what that tier will look like, or the price of it, yet.
– Sharon mentioned the Digital Economy package (digital package w/o sports).
– Sharon will send lineups and prices to CTAC.
– Sharon mentioned DTAs or DTCs (basically small cable boxes so you only need one main cable box).
– Discussed loss of channel 5 (WNYW-FOX); legal rule that cable providers have to block out most of that channel, so Comcast decided to drop it.
– Joyce mentioned that even when there isn’t duplicative programming, sometimes it’s blocked out – in the case of news from CT vs. news from NY. Peaches mentioned that even if it’s only a fraction of the programming, it’s important.
– Sharon is going to send Joe an e-mail detailing how people who are losing 13 WNET can get a digital box from Comcast free for a year, which CTV will broadcast as a public service.
– Sharon discussed the ongoing negotiations with NFL Network (channel 275) that may fall through.

George:
– noted that we’re getting lots of misdirected payment. George thinks it may be because the Comcast bill has the correct address in fairly small font, and the CTAC address is the same size. People have remitted payment in the Comcast envelope, folding the bill so that the CTAC address shows.
– Described a complaint from a customer complaining about lack of voice service (they may be confused about if they have Comcast voice service or not).
– A compliment! Someone who complained before wrote back to note excellent service.
– We still have not received the Comcast $2000 check for the year; it may have gone to Stuart’s house. Sharon is going to have the local office write us one instead.
– Noted contact information changes that need to be made in the Comcast/CTAC announcements that CTV carries.

Gabriel: asked if there were service issues with Internet reported in the East Rock area – Sharon will inquire about it.

End of Comcast Report

—

Info on Grants

Gabriel reporting on New Haven grant proposal – Larry McDonnell is the contact at NHPS.
– We agree to read the proposal in detail, and vote on it at the next meeting (May 1).

George reporting on Hamden grant proposals:
– George contacted someone who suggested that the Hamden system needed modulators; these would be too expensive for this grant ($3k to 5k; we discussed a limit of $1 to 1.5k). The Hamden system person contacted Joe at CTV, and Joe will help him apply for a grant from DPUC.

Stuart may have been in touch with someone in the West Haven school system; Joe suggested calling Tony in West Haven to discuss the grant.

Joyce asked Joe about progress at the field house connection. Joe is going to try and move the date for wiring up the field house so that Joyce can attend.

Joyce motioned to name the technology grant in memory of Stuart; Peaches seconds. Vote: unanimous in favor.

—

CTV Report from Joe:

New digital equipment is installed; they are in the process of getting the programs back on the air. Picture quality is better now.

—

Grants:

Peaches asked about the New Haven proposal’s context.

I gave Larry’s specs:

“The Mac Mini they have chosen includes AppleCare, so it comes to $946 (from the education store), with the following specs:
 
– 2 GHz
– 2 GB RAM
– 320 GB hard drive
– DVD-burner (superdrive)
– Keyboard and mouse
– AppleCare Protection Plan (3 years)
 
Larry told me to update the proposal with this number.”

The $946 plus 2 x $150 for TuffCams comes to a total of $1246.

Peaches proposes that we act on the grant tonight; George wants time to read over the proposal. It was suggested that we review the NHPS proposal, and motion and vote online.

Meeting is adjourned, 7 PM.