CTAC Minutes

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

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council

ZOOM Meeting for February 2, 2022

Advisors Present:                                                     

Peaches Quinn (New Haven) – Chair
George Alexander (Hamden) – Treasurer
Laurel Coleman (Hamden) – Vice-Chair
Yvonne Manning Jones (New Haven)
Tom Costa (New Haven Library System)
Johnes Ruta (New Haven) – Secretary
Melissa Canham-Clyne   (Hamden)

Advisor absent:
Anthony Cardo (Hamden) – Assistant Secretary

Providers:
Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative   – Present

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Representative

I.   Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:05 P.M Peaches Quinn presiding.

II. Giovanni Zinn – New Haven City Engineer – CTAC Guest

a. CTAC members self-introductions by Peaches.

b.   Giovanni Zinn (GZ), originally from Hamden, lives in New Haven.
(1) GZ talks about the community need for internet access, and how Comcast’s
provision of the Internet Essentials plan has helped low-income families who
qualify. He further discusses the so-called “Digital Divide” – the inequities
of internet technologies as they’ve been wired in different neighborhoods,
the wiring density and problems with electrical interference.

(2) GZ talks about economic opportunities in the New Haven/ Hamden/ West
Haven district.

(3)   FIOS – Fiber Optic Operating System implementation. GZ talks about issues
regarding installation of FIOS wiring to all sections of New Haven, and issues
around in-ground or above ground lines.

 (4)   George Alexander raises questions about the status of the geographic                                         connections of the New Haven / Hamden cable borders. Giovanni
Zinn replies: “We need to work together for this implementation.”

(5)   Melissa Canham-Clyne asks about Infrastructure access for the public,
especially the connectivity in Senior housing. The elements are:
1. why people connect
2. what is the affordability of plans
3. are there Grants available, such as the Human IT plan in Califirnia?

(6) Internet as Infrastructure
(a) Peaches Quinn question: “Doe Infrastructure provide monetary funds for
internet training ?” GZ: “We will determine how to create Teaching                                    Centers.” Peaches asks if we can involve Boards of Education to
develop digital literacy ? GZ: “We are developing ways to ‘plug’ the
digital gap [pun intended].”

(7) Tom Costa asks about the time frame for the funding of Fiber Optics
implementation. GZ: “Soon.”

(8) GZ talks about the need for digital literacy in order to help cable subscribers
with connectivity problems and how to describe them to cable technical                             support.

III.   November Minutes

a. George Alexander says that requested corrections had not been made to the
documents, but then explains that his email had not received the corrected
Minutes that were sent to him.

364. George Alexander’s Treasurer’s Report: CTAC Fund Balance is $6,364.93.
     There was one expense in 2022 so far” Yvonne paid for GoDaddy SSL
     Certificate $95.94.

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

     a. Joe Schofiled says that the cut in CTV Funding during the pandemic has caused
     CTV to lay-off all their Production Staff, as independent producers was totally
     off during the pandemic, and the CTV facility closed (but for skeleton programming                    staff).

     b. Joe reports that CT-New Haven State Senator (Pro Tem) has joined support for
     CT Senate Bill (yet unnamed) to benefit CTV.

     V.   Old Business A. – CTAC Community Award

     a. Peaches Quinn makes Motion to form an Award Committee in CTAC to be tasked
     with writing two or three proposals as what to do to develop an award protocol?

365. Specifically, what is meant by each idea? Example: How to improve Digital
     Literacy knowledge and access.

     c. George seconds this Motion. Vote unanimous. Laurel Coleman, Yvonne Manning-
     Jones, and Melissa Canham-Clyne volunteer for this committee.

     VI.   Old Business B. – 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?)

     Tom Costa gives 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.

     2/3/2022 – Johnes reporting: his contact with Ms. Botelho, but her question as to the
     potential horizontal size of records to be stored and sorted and filed by subject would
     be much more width than available in the Local History shelves…. Request denied.
     Recommends contact to New Haven Museum.

     VII.   Meeting Adjournment

     Next CTAC meeting set for Zoom call, Wednesday, March 2^nd, 2022, 6:00 PM.

     7:30 PM, Peaches Quinn makes Motion to adjourn the meeting. Johnes Ruta seconds.
     Motion unanimous.

     Minutes Submitted 2/22/2022 by: _Johnes Ruta ______________________________
     Johnes Ruta, Secretary

(Anthony Cardo, Assistant Secretary)

Final Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council

ZOOM Meeting for January 5, 2022

Advisors Present:                                                     

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

            Advisors Absent:
Melissa Canham-Clyne   (Hamden)

Providers:
Sharon Codeane – Comcast Representative
Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative

I.   Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:08 P.M Peaches Quinn presiding.

II.   Review and Approval of Minutes for December 1, 2021, Zoom Meeting

6. George Alexander had stated earlier that he had never received copies of the
   November meeting Minutes, either in Draft or Final. Johnes replies that the
   Draft of the November Minutes had been sent to the email CTACForward on
   November 26, and that the November Minutes had still not been voted on as final.
   Nov. Minutes, approved pending corrections, have now been corrected and                      submitted to George as Final for the website.

   b. Correction to December Minutes written by Anthony was submitted by email
   earlier today by Laurel for correction to the spelling of her surname “Coleman.”
   Anthony had corrected this and resubmitted the December Minutes.
   Peaches makes Motion to accept the December Minutes. 2nded by Johnes.
   Vote is unanimous.

   III.   Treasurer’s Report
   George states that the present balance of CTAC funds is still $5,006. No further updates.
   George states that the End-of-Year Financial Report includes update of expenditures.

   IV.     CTV – Citizens Television   – No report.
   a. Laurel reports that the CTV studio has not yet reopened to the public or for CTAC
   meetings.

   V.    Comcast Report – No report.
   a. Comcast Representative Sharon Codeanne communicated to George Alexander to
   inquire if the Annual Comcast Stipend of $2,000 to CTAC had yet been received at
   the CTAC Post Office Box? George had replied to Sharon by email, yes in the
   affirmative.

7. Frontier Report – No update.
      a. Peaches at tends the statewide council meeting. She did not attend the last meeting
   but will circulate the Minutes.

VII. Old Business

a. CTAC Public Service Announcement, video recorded in Feb. 2020, is still not on CTV,
as the CTV studios are still closed to non-staff due to ongoing pandemic.

b   CTAC Facebook Page: Yvonne reports no news or issues on the CTAC Facebook
page.

c. Tom Costa provides news update of Internet issues addressed in passage of Pres. Biden’s            $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill: $65 Billion was thereby addressed for High-Speed
Internet Access for all US locations. George Alexander questions Tom regarding how       does this Bill provide for development of New Haven’s Internet Infrastructure ?
Tom replies that each state has a certain financial amount to apply for.

d. Peaches asks the council members about inviting the New Haven area CT State                  Senator Gary Winfield to attend the February CTAC meeting to learn more about
the stipulations of this Bill regarding the Internet. Johnes asks whether it is known
if this Bill has redefined the internet as a “Public Utility” as this change was never
addressed under the previous Pres.’s FCC policies. Tom Costa reads Summary of
the Congressional Bill passed with $1.2 Trillion that includes:
1. Broadband delivery to remote areas of the US,
2. High Speed Internet Cable deployment,
3. purpose to “close the digital divide.”

VIII. SSL Certificate purchase for CTAC’s website cableAdvisory.org
CTAC Website: Yvonne Manning-Jones asks for resolution to proposed purchase and      installation of SSL Certificate. There was agreement that GoDaddy’s offer was         acceptable. Peaches Quinn proposes a Motion for Yvonne to obtain and install a SSL
Certificate of her choice up to an expenditure of $150. Johnes 2nds this Motion.
Vote carried unanimously.

IX. CTAC Community Awards – $1,000

Laurel Coleman recommends Fischer House for our Community Award for 2022,
Peaches proposes possible award for one of our district’s school systems to purchase
video equipment. .

X.   New Business

a. Peaches Quinn, as discussed in previous meetings, states she will invite CT Senator
Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) to attend and participate in our next Zoom meeting,
February 2, 2022, regarding CT Legislative issues of cable television and the internet,      and to interpret how the passed US Congressional Bill on Infrastructure will affect
CT. Discussion follows Tom Costa’s recommendation for CTAC to invite the New
Haven City Engineer Director of City Infrastructure, named Giovanni Zinn, and
reads the news article of his award as New Havener of the Year.
Discussion about whether to invite Gary Winfield or Giovani Zinn first to our next
meeting.   George makes a Motion to invite Gary Winfield to attend February or
March CTAC meeting according to his estimation of timing, and, to inquire of
Gary what the CTAC might do to help his work in the CT Legislature. And that
we should similarly contact Giovanni Zinn according to his availability.
Johnes 2nds this Motion. Vote carried as unanimous.

b. Subscriber correspondence: George states there was none in December.

c. Peaches questions the council about any desire to change the starting time of our
monthly meeting. Discussion brings forth no such proposals.
Peaches proposes possible CTAC dinner for the next meeting, possible pizza,
since there were only two dinner expenditures from the CTAC budget, in June
and October. It is agreed that this will be discussed among members during
January by email for February meeting.

XI. Next meeting : scheduled for Wednesday February 2.
Meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm.

Minutes Submitted by: _Johnes Ruta ______________________________
Johnes Ruta, Secretary

(Anthony Cardo, Assistant Secretary)

CTAC Meeting Minutes   December 2, 2020 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
            (due to virus pandemic)

Advisors present:

Peaches Quinn – (New Haven) – Acting Chair
George Alexander – (Hamden) – Treasurer
Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) – Advisor
Laurel Colemen (Hamden) Advisor
Anthony Cardo   (Hamden) Advisor
John Jessen (New Haven Free Public Library System – NHFPL)
Johnes Ruta – (New Haven) – Acting Secretary

Advisors absent:
Melissa Canham-Clyne   (Hamden)
Sharon Codeane – Comcast Representative
Joe Schofield         – CTV Representative

1. Call to order 6:02pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.

   All members have received XMAS benefit Grubhub delivered pizza items from De Legna
   X Nolo at their residences. Requests received and ordered submitted by Acting Secretary
   Johnes Monday and Tuesday. Ordering required reimbursement to Johnes debit-card for
   $169.43 as the CTAC Connex Credit-Union credit-card would not register for payment
   on Grubhub or either UberEats or DoorDash websites. Connex was contacted but card
   problem not solved.   Reimbursement completed by George.

   2.     New Business
   a.   Yvonne reports that Comcast announcement that it will now charge for “excessive data usage.”     $10 extra on bill for every 50GB over the 1.2 TeraByte threshold up to $100.

   Anthony Cardo concurs on this threshold report. Comcast claims that this will only
   affect 5% of its customers. All CTAC members agree that this is a concern for older
   people, especially during the current Covid-19 Pamdemic, when many subscribers,
   especially elders in nursing home, are confined to indoors all the time.

   b.   Johnes reports that Comcast has eliminated their free Norton AntiVirus download
   for subscribers’ internet protection, effective December 31, 2020.

   c.   George Alexander makes a Motion that CTAC writes to Sharon Codeanne, the Comcast
   Representative for an explanation of this added “Excessive Data Usage” charge.
   Johnes seconds this Motion. Vote unanimous.

   3. Old Business

   a.   Regarding New Haven Library System CTAC participation, Peaches Quinn questions
   City Librarian Advisor John Jessen as to what will be the NHFPL agenda to interface
   with the CTAC ?   John Jessen provides his work cell phone number to confer with
   Peaches and CTAC members.

   b.   Peaches also asks John Jessen: “What about NHFPL provision for City-Wide WiFi?”
   John Jessen replies: “Some schools have already installed WiFi antennae on roofs
   for local coverage for up to a 3 city-block radius around a school.”
   George asks John what is the cost to add a WiFi “hotspot” ?
   John reports the charge of $30 per month, so that five hotspots will cost $150.

   George reminds us that CTAC has a “mission” to be mindful of community needs,
   such as school children needing internet access during the pandemic school closings
   and on-line teaching. .

   George questions whether there are funding donors that can be contacted to defer these
   costs ? Laurel Coleman mentions the on-going CT State initiative for expanded WiFi               coverage, scuh as the state Technology Group, and the New Haven IT Group.

   c.   Johnes questions the privacy and security of public hotspots, especially regarding
   retail purchases made with credit-cards ?

   d.   Peaches requests John Jessen to enhance the request letter from City-Wide WiFi before
   it will be submitted to the Mayors’ offices for to New Haven, Hamden, and West Haven,
   and the CT State Legislature Communications Committee taskforce. John agrees to this
   request. This process will be addressed in three steps:

2. Follow-up draft of letter to mayors of the three towns in our district,

   2. We should make contact the CT State IT Committee and invite them to the
   January CTAC Zoom meeting.

   3. John Jessen will reach out to the Legislative Office.

   Johnes Ruta makes Motion to pursue these objectives during December.
   Yvonne Manning-Jones seconds this Motion. Vote unanimous.

   4.         Treasurer’s Report   – George Alexander

   Treasurer’s Report. Peaches asks if there is any news to report for November. George:
   “Not at this time.”

3. COMCAST Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – not in attendance.

   6.     CTV Report     Joe Schofield – Executive Director CTV – not in attendence.
   No report.

   7.   Next CTAC Meeting by Zoom, scheduled for January 6^th, 2021, 6:00pm.
   December 2^nd, 2020 CTAC Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven)
   Acting Secretary, December 22, 2020.

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council

Monthly Meeting for October 6, 2021
in-person venue at Luce’ Ristaurante Italiano, Hamden, CT

Advisor’s Present:                                                    Advisor’s Absent:

Peaches Quinn (New Haven) – Chair

George Alexander (Hamden) – Treasurer

Laurel Colman (Hamden) – Vice-Chair

Johnes Ruta (New Haven) – Secretary

Anthony Cardo (Hamden) – Assistant Secretary

Yvone Manning Jones (New Haven)

Tom Costa (New Haven Library System Representative)

Melissa Canham-Clyne   New member – (Hamden Library System Representative)

 

1. Call to Order & Roll Call: 6:06 P.M

   * Meeting presided by Laurel Colman in absence of Peaches Quinn at time meeting
   convenes.
   * Introduction of new member Melissa Canham-Clyne representing Hamden Public Library
   System, Note of allowance of her membership by CTAC By-Laws, though a resident
   of New Haven. Self-introductions of existing member to the new member.

   II.   Review and Approval of Minutes for August 7, 2021, Zoom Meeting

* Yvonne Manning-Jones specifies an error in Item IV of the August 2021 Minutes
(taken by Anthony) indicating that she had “abstained” on the vote to accept the Minutes,
but states that she did not and “would not have any reason to do so.” A correction to
Item IV of the August Minutes is indicated. Otherwise, with this one correction to be
made, Anthony makes a Motion to accept the Minutes for August. Johnes Seconds
this Motion. Vote – all in favor – carried.

Yvonne Manning-Jones enters a Motion to create a link to the CTAC Minutes to be put
online into the New Haven Boards & Commissions website. Peaches Quinn Seconds
this Motion. Vote – all unanimous, Carried.

Peaches Quinn (Chairperson) arrives and assumes Chair of the Meeting, apologizes for arriving late, due to a health situation at home, states importance and collegialship of our meeting procedures .

III. CTAC Mission

Peaches speaks about the CT State Statutes 16-333 pertaining to Cable Franchises
and Advisory Councils. Peaches’ research discovered a summary by Kevin McCarthy’s
of the OLR – Office of Legislative Research – “What Cable Advisory Councils are All
About,”   and gives copies of this report to the CTAC members, that we exist as an
advisory council to Comcast to represent public issues to Comcast. Johnes points out
that CTAC reports to P.U.R.A. (the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority).

IV.   Treasurer’s Report

George states that the present balance of CTAC funds is $5,006.30. No spending            of         funds occurred during past month. Peaches brings up question of how to show any
spending remittances. Johnes suggests simply printing the online banking statement
of these.   Peaches refused to entertain this as a “Motion.”

Peaches makes Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report; Yvonne Seconds this Motion
All in favor but Johnes who Abstains. Motion carried.

V.    Comcast Report

Comcast Represe ntative Sharon Codeanne was unable to attend this meeting due to         Covid and a recent death in her family. She was also to send her email report, but this
was also not received.

1. Frontier

   * Peaches picks up information on Frontier from the Statewide-Media Advisory Council.
   Says Frontier did not want to participate at the local Advisory councils, rather than on
   the local councils. The Statewide meetings can be attended by members of our Council
   and Peaches recommends that any member do so.

   * Elaine Burkhart is working on re-wording the By-Laws of state and local advisories.
   Peaches wants our Council to learn what the new wording of Legislative Bills
   will be ?

   *   Peaches states she has learned that the names of Cable Tevelision Advisory Councils
   on the state and local level is being changed to “Video Advisory Council.”
   Johnes asks what are the ramifications of this name change might be concerning
   councils’ jurisdiction?   Peaches does not know what this entails.

   VII.    CTV – Citizens Television

   *   Laurel reports that the CTV studio has not yet reopened to the public or for CTAC
   meetings. Nether has the CTAC PSA for CTV been completed for broadcast, but
   meetings are announced on the CTV Community Bulletin Board.

* Peaches asks whether the Citizens Television Comcast channels 26, 27, & 96
are available online. No.
VIII. Old Business

* By-Laws: What changes have been approved to the wording of membership
regulation of Boards of Education and Library Systems of towns in our jurisdiction.

* CTAC Facebook Page: Yvonne reports no new news or issues on the CTAC Facebook
page.

* Community Awards:   No activity has been planned or accomplished.
Anthony is seeking a non-profit Veteran organization to be give a financial award.

* Peaches suggests that CTAC again seek high-school and/or middle-school for
video workshops for video production training. This might help teachers also
who often are the ones purchasing materials and equipment using their own funds.

IX.   New Business

*   Yvonne speaks about a new video internet service in East Hartford called
SiFiNetwork,com which has be come a partner with the town of East Hartford
with a plan with coverage for 30 towns inclusive.

* Yvonne talks about GoNetSpeed which is expanding service to Milford proposing
a FLEX-Plan for subscription payments with no-contracts. Yvonne suggests
CTAC list comparative subscription rates of cable and alternative video options
on the CTAC website, a monthly column “In the News” category for the webpage,
in order to help .

* Yvonne makes a Motion to this extent for a monthly column on “Cable News.”
Johnes Seconds this Motion. Vote is unanimous.

* Tom Costa relates Library actions to provide FREE WiFi Access within 3 blocks
of Main New Haven Public Library. This has been proposed in the past, but no
actions taken to implement. Peaches makes Motion for Melissa to look into
WiFi Access which is outside of NH Library range.   Johnes Seconds this Motion.
Vote – all in favor, carried.

*   Peaches makes a Motion to have Tom Costa and Melissa partner to draft a letter
to the mayors of all three towns (Hamden, New Haven, & West Haven), after
the upcoming town elections for public City-Wide Free WiFi Access, and to
determine the cost information and estimates of how this would be paid-for
for uch a plan.   Johnes Seconds this Motion. Vote is all in favor, carried.

X.   Minutes Archiving

* George speaks about the paper archive records of the CTAC which go back to
the 1990s, of Minutes and financial records. George wishes these records find
a way to be digitized and created into PDF documents to preserve the history
of CTAC. Peaches recommends we hire a service to scan and organize these
records consisting of two heavy boxes of papers and documents.
George makes a Motion to have this done. Laurel Seconds this Motion,
and the vote is unanimous. Johnes offers to take these boxes from George
and seek scanning professional services and costing expenses.

XI.   CTAC Budget

* Peaches recommends a new documentation chart for organizing the CTAC Budget
to work out expense categories into a columned template for such needs as Meeting
expenses, Legal fees, Community Outreach and website expenses, and Community
Awards.   George Alexander objects to this as unneeded for documentation; all that is
needed is simple reporting of expenses.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M.

Next Meeting:   November 3, 2021. via Zoom
Submitted by: _Johnes Ruta ______________________________

Jonhes Ruta, Secretary

Anthony Caro, Assistant Secretary