CTAC Minutes

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

Minutes from the Cable Television Advisory Council

Monthly Zoom Meeting for August 8, 2021

 

To view the recording, please click the following link and observe the instructions if prompted:

 

If prompted for a password, enter:

 

Advisor’s Present:                                                    Advisor’s Absent:

Peaches Quinn (New Haven) – Chair                         Laurel Colman (Hamden) – Vice-Chair

George Alexander (Hamden) – Treasurer

Johnes Ruta (New Haven) – Secretary

Anthony Cardo (Hamden) – Assistant Secretary

Yvone Manning Jones (New Haven)

Tom Costa (New Haven Library Representative)

 

Call to Order & Roll Call: 5:35 P.M.

1. Review and Approval of Minutes for July 7, 2021, Zoom Meeting

Ms. Quinn made a motion to approve the minutes, which was seconded by Ms. Jones. The motion passed unanimously.

1. Council Issues:
   1. Officer Elections:

Officer election results: Chair – Peaches Quinn, Vice-Chair – Laurel Colman, Treasurer – George Alexander, Secretary – Johnes Ruta, Assistant Secretary – Anthony Cardo

Mr. Ruta made a motion to approve the officer elections, which was seconded by Mr. Alexander. The motion passed unanimously.

1. Revision to By-Law:
   1. Proposed revision 1, change all mentions of Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) in the By-Laws to Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to reflect a change in the organization.

Mr. Ruta made a motion to approve proposed revision 1, which was seconded by Ms. Jones. The motion passed unanimously.

 

1. Proposed revision 2, incorporate the revision proposed by Mr. Alexander revision, which was brought up and approved by the council in May. (See May Minutes)

Mr. Ruta made a motion to approve proposed revision 2, which was seconded by Ms. Jones. The motion passed unanimously.

• Action Item:

Mrs. Quinn volunteered to mark up the By-Laws with the suggested revisions and will submit them to the council for final approval and publishing.

• CTV Report:
  1. No new report
  2. Issue/Topic/ Viewer Complaint:

Viewer complaint: Mr. Ruta noted that network programs were featuring programs that were being cut off before the end of the scheduled showtime. This issue may have been resolved but will be followed up with CTV.

1. Comcast Report:
   1. No new report
   2. Issue/Topic/ Viewer Complaint:
      1. July 7^th subscriber letter update

No connection has been made with the family by Peaches Quinn and an update from Comcast Representative Ms. Codeane confirmed that a consumer can fall in a perpetual late fee payment loop.

Ms. Quinn made a motion to publish a public warning/comment on the dangers of getting caught in a late payment loop on the council’s website and Facebook page, which was seconded by Mr. Ruta. The motion was passed with 4 votes Yay and 2 votes Abstain. (Ms. Quinn, Mr. Ruta, Mr. Costa, Mr. Cardo voted to approve and Mr. Alexander and Ms. Jones voted to abstain)

1. Action Item:

Mrs. Quinn volunteered to write up the alert and submit it for publishing.

• Mr. Costa suggested to contact the Attorney General and inform them of this anti-consumer practice

Mr. Ruta made a motion to follow through with Mr. Costa’s suggestion, which was seconded by Ms. Jones. The motion passed unanimously.

1. A suggestion was made to contact Ms. Codeane and ask to provide a contact phone number for consumers to call and seek help if caught in a late fee payment loop.
2. Another suggestion was made to include the consumer number in the PSA as well.

1. Frontier Report:
   1. No new report
   2. A motion was made to advertise the next bi-monthly Frontier meeting on the website and the Facebook page. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Old Business:
   1. CTAC Public Service Announcement:
      1. No update
   2. CTAC Facebook Page:
      1. No update
   3. Community Awards:
      1. No update
      2. Open to other suggestions
   4. CTAC Website:
      1. Ms. Jones made a motion to add a link to the Facebook page to the website, which Mr. Ruta seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
   5. Letter to 3 Mayors Urging City Wide Internet:
      1. No update

• New Business:
  1. No new business
• Subscriber Issues:
  1. No update

1. Other topics:
   1. Costa learned that Cross Point Federal Union in Hamden, CT is the local point of contact for Comcast’s Inclusive Funding program
   2. Alexander made a motion for Mr. Costa to use his connections to reach out to the West Haven’s head librarian to find out about their interest in joining the CTAC meetings, which Mr. Ruta seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Motion to Adjourn:

Mr. Ruta made a motion to adjourn, Ms. Quinn seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 7:27 P.M.

Next Meeting:

September 1, 2021.

 

 

 

Submitted by: _______________________________

Jonhes Ruta, Secretary

Anthony Caro, Assistant Secretary

CTAC Meeting Minutes   July 7, 2021 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
 

Attending members:

Peaches Quinn (New Haven)   Acting Chairperson – ZOOM Host
Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) Advisor
Laurel Coleman (Hamden) Advisor
George Alexander (Hamden) Treasurer
Tom Costa (New Haven Library System)   Advisor
Anthony Cardo (Hamden) Advisor
Johnes Ruta – (New Haven) – Acting Secretary

Joe Schofield         – CTV Representative – not in attendance.

Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – not in attendance

1. Call to order 6:06pm. II.   Welcome and Minutes(a) Zoom video recording:   Peaches make Motion to henceforth video record the
   Zoom meetings and publish to the CTAC Facebook page and the CTAC website
   https://www.cableadvisory.org/ George states that CTAC meetings are “public meetings”
   according to our By-Laws, including Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven.
   Johnes seconds Motion to video our meetings on Zoom. Brief discussion.
   Motion vote – all are in favor, Yes.

   (b) June Minutes – acceptance is deferred pending revisions.

   (c)   May Minutes approved? Yes, all drafts are complete. Peaches has sent a copy of the
   Fourth Draft. George will put the May Minutes onto the CTAC website.

   III.    Treasurer’s Report – George Alexander

   (a) George reports that the Brewery Street P.O. Box charge has been paid. Otherwise
   “there have been no changes” – no expenditures, no income.

   (b) CTAC Connex Card: Johnes reports that the Grubhub charges for members’ June
   meeting orders did not execute, so that he had to use his own credit-card to pay
   for all six orders. Was then reimbursed, Peaches recommended that Johnes contact
   Connex and Grubhub again to configure the credit card into the Grubhub account.

   IV.     CTV Report – Joe Schofield – No report filed.   Mr. Schofield is not in attendance.

   V.     Comcast Report – Sharon Codeanne (not in attendance).

(a) COMCAST PRESS RELEASE

Comcast

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.comcastcorporation.com

COMCAST ADVANCES ECONOMIC MOBILITY AND RACIAL EQUITY IN UNDERSERVED

COMMUNITIES THROUGH $10 MILLION INVESTMENT WITH INCLUSIV

NEW YORK, NY & PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 9, 2021 –

Inclusiv and Comcast Corporation today announced that Comcast has committed to invest $10 million specifically aimed at building equity in credit unions led by and/or serving people of color through Inclusiv’s Racial Equity and Resilience Investment Fund (“the Fund”). Launched in 2020, the Fund leverages investments to increase lending to minority owned businesses, homeowners, and consumers, providing access to capital and new financial opportunity to traditionally underserved and underbanked communities. As Inclusiv’s first corporate investment, Comcast’s commitment will enable local financial institutions to deploy at least $200 million in total capital in communities that need it the most and help ensure hardworking individuals have access to the capital needed to build and strengthen their financial lives.

This high-impact investment also paves the way for additional contributions from social impact investors, further growing the Fund’s impact and reach. The Racial Equity and Resilience Investment Fund builds upon the highly successful Inclusiv Resilience Grant Fund, which raised more than $1 million in grant funds for 59 minority-designated credit unions serving more than 200,000 members.

The unprecedented economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the long-standing racial wealth gap caused by generations of systemic racism in the United States. People and communities of color saw their income levels, ways to accumulate wealth, and entrepreneurial opportunities lag behind that of their white counterparts before and after the pandemic, disparities that became even more pronounced over the past year. Currently, the unemployment rate for Black workers is almost double that of white workers. Additionally, Black-owned small businesses have experienced the most significant decline among active small business owners nationwide, shutting their doors at more than twice the rate of white-owned businesses.

“Our partnership is driven by the simple – but powerful – idea that businesses can help change and

improve lives,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation. “This investment reflects our commitment to advancing pathways to economic mobility and racial equity. We applaud Inclusiv’s leadership in removing barriers to financial opportunity and helping drive powerful returns that reach across entire communities.”

Community Development Credit Unions (CDCUs) and Minority-Designated Institutions (MDIs), which are locally owned financial institutions, have stepped in to meet essential needs in their communities. They helped unbanked consumers open accounts to receive stimulus checks safely, delivered low and no-cost emergency loans to meet basic household needs, provided forbearance on existing loans, and made at least $4 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans to small and micro businesses during the pandemic.

“Large-scale investments grow community-based financial institutions to fulfill their mission – helping

people traditionally left out of the financial mainstream to access and use financial products to build credit,start and grow small businesses, and achieve the dream of homeownership,” said Cathie Mahon, President and CEO of Inclusiv. “Comcast’s investment enables these crucial front-line institutions to provide solutions to inequitable access to credit in communities of color. Inclusiv welcomes Comcast as a new investor, moving investment into action to build strong and diverse local economies.”

Community development and MDI credit unions can have significant impact on their communities if

supported with the capital necessary to thrive. Secondary capital allows CDCUs and MDIs to do more of what they do best – extend credit and provide safe and affordable financial services to underserved

individuals who may not otherwise have access to them. Inclusiv studies have shown that CDCUs that

received these investments leveraged capital up to 60 times over 5 years – resulting in more loan

deployment, more financial products and services offered, and more specialized lending.

About Inclusiv

At Inclusiv, we believe that true financial inclusion and empowerment is a fundamental right. We dedicate ourselves to closing the gaps and removing barriers to financial opportunities for people living in distressed and underserved communities. Inclusiv is a certified CDFI intermediary that transforms local progress into lasting national change. We provide capital, make connections, build capacity, develop innovative products and services and advocate for our member community development credit unions (CDCUs). Inclusiv members serve over 14 million residents of low-income urban, rural and reservation based communities across the US and hold over $184 billion in community-controlled assets.

Founded in 1974, Inclusiv is headquartered in New York, NY, with offices in Madison, WI and Atlanta, GA. For more information about Inclusiv visit us at Inclusiv.org and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia.

Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

 

Interested supporters with questions about the Inclusiv Racial Equity and Resilience Investment Fund

can contact Cathi Kim, Director of Inclusiv/Capital, at ckim@inclusiv.org.

Media Contacts:

Audrey Wang

Inclusiv   awang@inclusiv.org

Joelle Terry

Comcast Corporation   Joelle_terry@comcast.com

Comcast Minutes Wednesday, July 7^th, 2021 – CONTINUED

(b)   Comcast Customer complaint – being multiply charged subscriber “Late Fees.”
Comcast official reply: “Not a problem.”   It is agreed among CTAC advisors
present that this is not an acceptable reply. The customer reported that this Late
Fee had been repeatedly imposed as an extra charge of their monthly bill, as the
payments of the initial Late Fee was being contested, and therefore the payments
were considered by Comcast to be two months behind. The subscriber’s name
is Kimrose.

Peaches makes a Motion to pursue Comcast explanation if they can justify an
additional Late Fee being imposed every month, adding up to hundreds of dollars
of extra charges. Laurel Coleman asks about the sequence of this subscriber’s
letters of complaint to CTAC.   Laurel, George, and Johnes agree that Comcast’s
                        response to this situation is inadequate.  Peaches Quinn says that she intends to
follow up with Sharon Codeanne at Comcast and will formally request a letter of
acknowledgement. Laurel Coleman seconds Peaches’ Motion. Vote – all in favor.

(c)   Peaches proposes Motion: Question to Sharon Codeanne; “How does Comcast
respond to this revolving circular motion.   Yvonne Manning-Jones seconds
this Motion. All in favor.

(d)   Comcast P/R – Employment – Peaches – “Are employment opportunities easy to come
by?”   Laurel discusses issues of people’s needs” “How can people access these
resources?”     Peaches: “Comcast is sending monies $ to resources: MBI, Credit
Unions, Equity Financials, Community Development, Science Park Development
Corp. etc.     Peaches makes Motion to follow-up with Comcast P/R for Hamden,
New Haven, West Haven? Johnes seconds the Motion. Vote – all Yes, but George
abstains.

Tom Costa asks: “Can we get Comcast to to include a copy of the the Press Release
in their billing customer letters?”   Peaches responds, “Comcast is not likely to do
that in their billing, and more likely to push-back against this request. She asks Tom
to follow-up about eligibility, and how Comcast’s money is being disseminated?

VI.   Old Business

(a)   CTAC Public Service Announcement update – Laurel Coleman – requested report
is deferred to October, when CTV has fully reopened.

(b) Community Awards
* Veterans outreach – update – Anthony Cardo – no info to update.
* Other ideas: e.g. Community rooms, public housing – no info to update.

(c) CTAC Facebook page : Update —Y. Manning – No update.

 

(d) Lettter to 3 Mayors urging city-wide internet – Issue deferred to next meeting.

 

 

(e) General Assembly – Bill 6442- Internet Equity – Update from Sen Gary Winfield
– Sen. Winfield was invited to this meeting but was unavailable.

 

 

VII. New Business

(a)   CTAC Officers nominations:   Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary.

1. Peaches makes Motion for procedural to multiple positions – canvas to these
four positions:

Chair – Peaches offers her incumbent position to others but no takers. Johnes
renominates her. Laurel seconds Motion. All – yes.

Vice Chain – Laurel Coleman volunteers.   All in favor.

Treasurer – George offers to continue to handle financial matters. All in favor.

Secretary – Anthony volunteers. Johnes volunteers to continue his responsibility.
Johnes proposes alternating services month-by-month.

George questions whether this is or is not an option in the By-Laws? Issue for
further discussion. Johnes and Anthony will discuss.

George makes Motion to approve slate of Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer.
Johnes seconds Motion. All are in favor.
           

(b) CTAC By Laws

• Revision   – Issue not addressed.
• Updating – Issue not addressed. Adjournment (a) George makes Motion for August meeting – Wednesday August 4^th 5:30 to 7:30.
  Johnes seconds Motion. All in favor.

  (b) Peaches asks for Motion to Adjourn. Johnes makes Motion. Yvonne seconds.

  Meeting adjourned 7:25 PM

  Draft of July Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta. July 28, 2021.

FINAL   CTAC Meeting Minutes   June 2, 2021 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
 

Attending members:

Peaches Quinn (New Haven)   Acting Chairperson – ZOOM Host
Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) Advisor
Laurel Coleman (Hamden) Advisor
George Alexander (Hamden) Treasurer
Anthony Cardo (Hamden) Advisor
Johnes Ruta – (New Haven) – Acting Secretary

Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative – not in attendance.

Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – not in attendance

1. Call to order 6:13pm.  

   II.    May Minutes

_ Peaches requests the Comcast report to be attached to Minutes for May and subsequently
(if there was one) versus summarizing commentary.
_ Section #8 – Subscriber issues – Peaches will provide revisions.   Vote Carried.

III.     Treasurer’s Report

George Alexander reports “Balance remains the same.” (No expenditures)

Johnes reports that the Connex Credit Card that he was issued did not function when he
used it to pay for Grubhub dinners for CTAC members for this meeting, even though
he had recently verified its active status with the Connex Credit Union. Johnes paid for
all GrubHub orders via his own Credit Card, and was later reimbursed for the full amount
by the CTAC Treasurer. There has been no further resolution of this problem.

Treasurer’s report– Johnes makes Motion to accept. Yvonne seconded to accept. Vote -all yes,

IV.        CTV Report – Joe Schofield is absent from the meeting.

Peaches asked whether Joe mentioned the progress of the PSA for CTAC that we all attended       for video recording in early February 2020, before the pandemic was called. There was no         mention. The Council             expects that when the CTV opens in September 2021, that the recorded
PSA will get attention.

(Note from May Minutes: TV offices and studios have been closed since March 2020
due to Covid-19, but will reopen June 1^st for staff only, not for producers.   Then September       1^st for producers. All persons who enter must show proof of vaccination (CT Vaccination
Card. Masks and Social Distancing will be required for all. Otherwise, persons
will not be allowed entry.)

 

1. COMCAST Report – None submitted to CTAC.

   a.  Subscribers’ issues:   CTAC has only one Comcast contact – Sharon.
   Peaches Quinn will distribute Sharon’s email contact so that we can all reach her.

   b.  Yvonne Manning-Jones notes that Comcast subscriber contracts are known to expire
   without notification or warning and subscribers’ bills will suddenly increase by
   a large amount to the next higher subscription tier.
   Peaces inquires if there was any alert to subscribers of immanent increases showing
   on the Comcast website? None known.

   c.             George added a post to the CTAC website (cableadisory.org): for “FAQ [Frequently
   Asked Questions] published by PURA, including info about the Comcast app to view
   the status of a subscriber’s data usage.

   VI       Old Business

   a. PSA. Laurel informs the council that, since the video PSA has not been completed,
   CTV will put an announcement indicating CTAC is recruiting for new members on the       community calendar. Peaches request Laurel submit the announcement to be posted            on the CTAC website and Facebook page.

   b. Community Awards –
   (1) Anthony Cardo reports on the progress of outreach from the Veterans Hospital
   and veterans groups.
   (2) Other ideas:
   Senior Centers
   Community rooms: usage for seniors – ? should the CTAC give grants for these
   programs ?

A community award be provided to the Q-House once it reopens.
Discussion to continue.

c.   CTAC Facebook page & website update:
George states that our site is presently reaching out to the public. No design changes          needed.

d.   Letters to Mayors (of towns of our jurisdiction) – Peaches has sent out request from
mayors on status of our request for city-wide WiFi. She reports that there have been
deferred actions now pending outcome of the CT General Assembly activity.

e.   General Assembly – Focus on Gov’s Bill 6442 – Internet Equity —PQ

Joint Favorable in Approps, 05/03; Tabled for House Calendar, 05/04

https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?
selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB6442&which_year=2021

Contact with Comment: Reps, Elliot, Horn and/or Candelaria (Appropriations);
Sen Gary Winfield, Energy and Tech Committee

1. Annual Report:

   (1) George submitted all the monthly Minutes for the past fiscal year. Approved.
   The inclusive report goes to PURA.

   (2) Financial Report of Expenditures. Peaches stresses that all expenditures
   should be reported.

(3)   George and Peaches debate on how to submit the Annual Report to PURA –
whether submission on the preset Form.

(4)     Peaches Quinn stresses Community Outreach needs. George reminds that CTV
provides free meeting space for CTAC’s monthly meetings. Johnes agrees that
Community Outreach contributions by Comcast are essential to enabling CTAC’s
mission working with the cable subscriber public.

(5)   George Alexander makes a Motion that major contributions made as one-time gifts                        from CTAC in 2020 for financial assistance to Hamden and. New Haven
be put into the Annual Report..   Johnes seconds this Motion.
All – Yes; Laurel abstains.

(6)   Laurel suggested adding a financial footnote to the annual report financial section to

highlight the community awards which CTAC awarded the past year. However, the discission from members was not to include the footnotes.

(7)   Johnes makes a Motion to approve the submission of the Annual Report to PURA
as prepared by the Treasurer through email, contingent on the the addition of
George’s point reference to the body of .the Minutes. Yvonne makes the Motion to
Second. Vote – all in favor,

VII. New Business

1. a. CTAC Officers Nominating Committee – Not taken up.

   CTAC By-Laws 1) Revision; 2) Review updating – Not taken up.

   c. May Statewide Meeting –   Not taken up.

7:10 pm,   Johnes makes Motion to Adjourn. Yvonne seconds Motion. All Agreed.

Next CTAC Meeting: Wednesday, July 7^th, 2021, 6:00pm, via Zoom.

June 2^nd, 2021 Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven) Acting Secretary.

FINAL— CTAC Meeting Minutes   May 5, 2021 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
 

Attending members:

Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) – Stand in Chair
(Peaches Quinn (New Haven)   Acting Chair – absent
Laurel Coleman (Hamden) Advisor
George Alexander (Hamden) Treasurer
Anthony Cardo (Hamden) Advisor
Johnes Ruta – (New Haven) – Acting Secretary

Joe Schofield         – CTV Representative – in attendance.

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Representative – not in attendance but report submitted

1. Call to order 6:03pm.  

   2.     April Minutes

   George’s requested edits – done.
   Laurel’s requested edits – done.

   Yvonne – Motion to accept April Minutes.   Laurel – seconds the Motion.
   Vote Carried.

   3.     Treasurer’s Report

George reports “Balance remains the same.” (No expenditures)

Anthony makes Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Johnes seconds the Motion.
Vote: carried.

4. CTV Report – Joe Schofield.

   a. CTV offices and studios have been closed since March 2020 due to Covid-19,
   but will reopen June 1^st for staff only, not for producers.   Then September 1^st for
   producers. All persons who enter must show proof of vaccination (CT Vaccination
   Card. Masks and Social Distancing will be required for all. Otherwise persons
   will not be allowed entry. )

5. The Cable Television Advisory Council can resume meetings in the CTV office in
   September.

   c.   Laurel states her concern for unvaccinated individuals, but agrees with CTV   protocol.
   Joe notes that Laurel uses the CTV Editing Room, but indicates that there is a CTV
   editing program that can be downloaded onto her computer for use at home.

   d.   George asks Joe if CTV had gotten any Small Business Loans?
   Joe indicates that CTV is not eligible for C(3) Funding. But CTV is trying to get
   additional money from the State of Connecticut.

   5.   Comcast Report – S. Codeanne

   Sharon Codeanne submitted the Comcast Progress Report.   Please see attachment
   below..

   6.     Old Business

   a. CTAC Public Service Announcement- PSA call for new CTAC members: Laurel requested an update from CTV program scheduling to learn when this PSA would be run. Laurel reported CTV has not given a date the PSA will be run, but has stated they recognize our need to recruit council members.

 

1. Community Awards – Anthony Cardo – No response from outreach as yet

 

1. CTAC Facebook Page- ? Yvonne, status?

CTAC Website-   George say that he has updated our website (cableadvisory.org) info with news about Comcast programming for children, and further commented that Comcast really needs the same programming options for seniors.

1. Letter to 3 Mayors urging city wide internet – still deferred….

Within your networks and social media: Urge all to send letters to the Mayors of our 3 towns   to implement Internet city wide wifi free of charge.

Comcast has not yet responded to CTAC’s call for city-wide WiFi.

 

1. General Assembly-

1) Governor’s Bill 6442- Internet Equity

Continue to write/call legislators daily!

2) Support Bill in U.S. Congress proposing internet become a public utility

7. New Business

1. Annual Report- Minutes review and financial report being added
2. Appoint CTAC Nominating Committee – Discussion took place
3. Subscriber Issues
4. Subscriber Correspondence – None
5. Complaints: Laurel states that there have been numerous complaints to Comcast about their   “unjustified” rate increases during the pandemic, + $10 in February 2020 and an additional $10 in January 2021.
6. Other: Consumer Inquiry
   Laurel spoke with Peaches about a Comcast subscriber hoping to get assistance for her monthly bill. Peaches checked with Sharon . Unfortunately there is a wait period of 3 months an individual needs to be on unemployment before any funding help from Comcast kicks in.

 

7:07 pm,   Laurel makes Motion to Adjourn. Johnes seconds Motion. Agreed.

Next CTAC Meeting: Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 6:00pm, via Zoom.

May 5^th,, 2021 Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven) Acting Secretary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMCAST ANNOUNCEMENT

Good afternoon!

We have seen time and again how access to technology opens a new world of possibilities, and that’s why we are thrilled to ask you to join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Internet Essentials, our comprehensive effort to close the digital divide. Since launching in 2011, the Internet Essentials program has connected more than 44,000 households in Connecticut to high-speed Internet. As we look back on our decade-long commitment to connecting the unconnected, we’re also looking ahead. We will continue to work to close the digital divide by sharpening our focus on programs that provide media and technology skills training that can lead to economic mobility.

In Connecticut, we have continued to drive Internet adoption through several initiatives, which include increasing the speed of our Internet Essentials service to 50 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps upstream. This was the sixth time since the inception of Internet Essentials that we increased speeds for these customers while keeping the price of the program at $9.95/month. We are also continuing to offer 60 days of free Internet Essentials service to new customers through June 30, 2021 and our public WiFi hotspots remain open for free to everyone, even non-Xfinity Internet subscribers.

In addition, we are proud partners of the Connecticut State Department of Education to provide Interest Essentials to even more low-income families, through our Internet Essentials Partnership Program.

Lastly, we’re excited to announce the launch of 25 WiFi-Connected “Lift Zones” across Connecticut, 13 of which are now open. Comcast “Lift Zones” enable us to forge partnerships with community centers to support safe spaces for homework, training, social activities, and more, driven by connectivity.

We’re immensely proud of everything Internet Essentials has accomplished – and we know from our work over the past 10 years that the digital divide can only be addressed through a comprehensive effort by nonprofit and community-based organizations, educational institutions, faith leaders, as well as the government and private sectors. We can’t thank you enough for being part of this journey with us and invite you to view our 2021 Internet Essentials Progress Report to learn more about how we have evolved to serve our communities over the years, as well as through the ongoing pandemic.

 

Thank you again for your support and the work you do in your communities every day.

 

Best regards,

Sharon

 

Sharon Codeanne

Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs

Comcast

222 New Park Drive

Berlin, CT  06037

860-505-3477

Sharon_codeanne@comcast.com

 

PRESS RELEASE

Comcast Corporation

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.comcastcorporation.com

COMCAST LAUNCHES DISNEY+ AND ESPN+ ON XFINITY

Millions of X1 and Flex Customers Can Now Enjoy Disney+ Original Series, Feature-Length Films, Documentaries, Live-Action and Animated Series, the Latest Releases from The Walt Disney Studios and More via the Award-Winning Xfinity Voice Remote

ESPN+ Launches on Flex Today and X1 in the Coming Weeks, Bringing Fans Thousands of Live Sports Events Including the Upcoming FA Cup Semi-Finals, UFC 261, new MLB and MLS seasons, The Masters & PGA Championship, Original Programming and More;

PHILADELPHIA – (March 29, 2021) – Comcast and The Walt Disney Company today announced the start of the rollout of Disney+ and ESPN+ on Xfinity, giving X1 and Flex customers access to the Disney+ library of movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with thousands of live sports events and original programming from ESPN+.

The launch means in the coming days tens of millions of customers will soon have access to Disney+ in an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art user interface that provides access to the best entertainment, just in time to enjoy the newly released series Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” and upcoming series “Big Shot,” premiering April 16, and “Secrets of the Whales,” premiering April 22.

Additionally, ESPN+ is now available to Flex customers via the ESPN app, with plans to launch on X1 in the coming weeks. ESPN+ programming includes over 10,000 live sports events including exclusive UFC events, hundreds of MLB games, Golf (coverage from PGA Tour, The Masters and PGA Championship), an incredible lineup of international and domestic soccer (including the FA Cup, Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, Copa Del Rey and more), college sports from 20 conferences, boxing and much more. ESPN+ also features exclusive ESPN+ Originals and signature studio shows like “Stephen A’s World,” “SportsNation” and “Peyton’s Places” – plus exclusive access to the entire library of ESPN’s award-winning “30 for 30” documentary films and more.

X1 and Flex customers can access Disney+ or ESPN+ by saying “Disney+” or “ESPN+” into the Xfinity Voice Remote or by saying the name of a desired title from one of the streaming services (like, “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” or “Stephen A’s World”). Xfinity customers will also be able to find the Disney+ and ESPN+ content libraries integrated throughout their user experience, including in collections such as “TV,” Movies,” “Sports” and more.

“With the launch of Disney+ and ESPN+, our X1 and Flex customers will now be able to enjoy all the best entertainment from today’s most popular streaming services on one device that makes it easy for them to find their favorite programming, or discover something new,” said Rebecca Heap, Senior Vice President, Video and Entertainment, Comcast Cable.

“The launch of Disney+ and ESPN+ on Comcast’s Xfinity platforms comes at an opportune time with the new Disney+ Original series from Marvel Studios ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ in full swing, the return of Coach Gordon Bombay in a new series ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,’ and “Secrets of the Whales” from National Geographic premiering on Earth Day. It will be a big April on ESPN+ too with UFC 261, the start of MLB and MLS seasons, The Masters, and more,” said Michael Paull, President, Disney+ and ESPN+.

Disney+ and ESPN+ join a growing collection of streaming services available over the Internet on X1 and Flex including Peacock, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Vudu and Pandora, amongst many more.

Xfinity delivers all the best entertainment to customers via its X1 and Flex devices and through its leading Xfinity Internet service. X1 provides the most comprehensive library of entertainment on one platform with thousands of choices – aggregating live TV, On Demand, and all the best apps. Xfinity Flex is a 4K streaming device included with Xfinity Internet that extends the best features of X1 to customers who prefer a streaming experience, with all the favorite video and music apps, as well as the ability to manage Xfinity WiFi, mobile, security and automation services – all controllable with the award-winning Xfinity Voice Remote.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Media & Entertainment Distribution; and three content groups—Studios, General Entertainment and Sports—focused on developing and producing content for DTC, theatrical and linear platforms. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $65.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2020.

# # #

Media Contacts

Comcast

Debbie Frey

215.983.0563

debbie_frey@comcast.com

Disney

Bridget Osterhaus

bridget.osterhaus@disney.com

April Carretta

april.carretta@disney.com