CTAC Minutes

CTAC Meeting Minutes   March 3, 2021 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
  (due to virus pandemic)

Attending members:

Peaches Quinn – (New Haven) – Acting Chair
George Alexander – (Hamden) – Treasurer
Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) – Advisor
Laurel Colemen (Hamden) Advisor
Tom Costa (New Haven Library System)
Johnes Ruta – (New Haven) – Acting Secretary

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Represntative
Joe Schofield         – CTV Represntative – not in attendence.

1. Call to order 6:04pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.

   2.     New member greeting: Tom Costa representing New Haven Public Library System,
   Adult Services Center. background in Military Communications; IT Educational instructor;
   Radio station experience. Government Document Librarian. Resides on Temple Street.
   Council members introduce selves to new member.

   3.     COMCAST Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – is in attendance.
   a. To help connect low-income families to the Internet, Comcast has committed to launching
   more than 1,000 WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in community centers nationwide. Comcast
   will provide free WiFi in these facilities to help students get online, participate in distance
   learning, and do their schoolwork

   b. LEAP is now an active Lift Zone and we are also working with the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven, Youth Continuum, New Haven Housing Services and the Urban League of
   Southern CT.

   c. Last month, Comcast increased the speed of our Internet Essentials service for the sixth
   time in 10 years – to 50/5 (without changing the price).

   d.   Programming Updates:
   a. Effective March 9, 2021, NBA in SD format will no longer be available as part of the NBA League Pass HD Pay-Per-View. NBA in HD format will continue to be available
   on Channel 1218 as part of NBA League Pass HD Pay-Per-View.

   b. Effective April 13, 2021, Cartoon Network will move to the Digital Preferred package.

   e. The $2,000 annual support check was mailed to George Alexander; confirmed receipt
   on 12/21/20.

   f. George asks Sharon about Gov. Lamont’s announcement that all areas and households
   in CT have cable service extended to their locations. Sharon explains that there are some
   rural areas in CT not yet served in their service area.

   g. Peaches asks Sharon about the anticipated arrival of 5G WiFi in our district area?
   Sharon replies that there is not yet a time frame for this system ugrade.

   h. George asks Sharon question about turnaround time on DVR replacement.

   i. Johnes asks Sharon where to find Comcast Financial Reports. She directs information
   to the Comcast website page on Investor Relations. Johnes asks about the justification
   for the second rate increase since 2020, $10 January 2020, $10 more in February 2021.
   Sharon argues about other cable competitors in CT, Johnes asks if competition is an issue
   why not lower rates? Sharon argues Comcast’s increasing operational costs.

   j. Peaches asks Sharon for info on criteria in identifying “older adults” eligibility for
   Internet Essentials.

   k. Tom asks Sharon for clarification on zones for Lift Zones initiative. Sharon emphasizes
   implementation for zones for virtual school sessions.

   (After her presentation, Sharon Codeanne signs off from the meeting.)

   4.     February CTAC Minutes.
   Peaches requests distribution of February Minutes, previously sent as Draft to Peaches.
   Johnes emails Final Minutes for February and December Minutes to all members.

   5.     CTV Report     Joe Schofield – Executive Director CTV – not in attendence.
   No report; no one has heard from Joe Schofiled. Laurel needs an update regarding the
   PSA that was video taped before the pandemic shutdown, No update received from CTV.

   6.     Treasurer’s Report  – George Alexander
   George states current CTAC account balance is $5,547.32, including $2,000 check just
   received from Comcast.   Received a bill for Post Office Box charge, just paid, is $332.
   Peaches makes Motion to accept the Treasury Report. Johnes seconds the Motion, Carried.

   7. . Old Business

   a.   CTAC Facebook page: Yvonne states there have been no changes. She has been perusing
   other Advisory councils; she saw one ADA offering plug-in for computer screen access
   for individuals with disabilities. Peaches notes that community constituents would need
   Spanish or other languages for screen texts.

   b. Laurel’s report on PSA: “has not heard anything” from CTV where PSA was recorded in             February 2020. There is no update on work on PSA, as schools are not in regular session.

2. George talks about a major redesign of the CTAC website cableadvisory.org
   George specifies that the design is all done, and has added links for the legislating for
   internet for all, but needs more input about what we at CTAC are doing.

   8. New Business

          a. Peaches brings up CTAC continuing legislative activity on internet for all and
   net neutrality.   Concerns regarding complaints on new data usage caps being proposed
   by Comcast. These additional surcharges have been delayed for one year by CT AG Tong.
   Legislative Aide Jason Knight communicated with Peaches regarding H.B.6157
   Gov. Lamont has proposed a corresponding Bill 4, but Peaches notes that the language
   of this Bill is “more weighted on the side of Internet Security.”   Peaches indicates that
   the CTAC sub-committee of herself, George, Yvonne, and Johnes will address the issues in
   H.B. 5157 in order to get them included in Bill 4.   Laurel Coleman expresses her concern
   for rate increases. Peaches notes that emails to the legislature have little effect, and instead
   recommends multiple telephone calls to State Senators and Representative to join efforts
   to implement rate controls in CT.   Peaces also notes that in the northwest corner of CT, the
   preponderance of internet traffic of Wall Street connections is gobbling up resources
   on cable towers.

   b.  Peaches recounts her participation in the Statewide Cable Advisory Council meeting in
   February, where the main issue addressed was a plan to save the northwest corner of the
   state, which would be “Fiber to Home.” Peaches states that the time spent at this Statewide        meeting going through the Agenda was 22 minutes! When her question was waiting on
   “raise-hand” on that Zoom meeting, regarding Legislative issues, was ignored by the Chair          Person. Peaches says that the other Connecticut Cable Advisory Councils, such as Waterbury,
   Hartford, Bridgeport, should be represented but were not. This Statewide Chairperson
   recommended all the advisory councils raise money for lobbyists for causes that they
   wish to promote.

7:32 pm, Johnes makes Motion to Adjourn. Yvonne seconds. Agreed.

Next CTAC Meeting: Wednesday, April 7, 2021, 6:00pm, via Zoom.

March 3^rd Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven) Acting Secretary.

CTAC Meeting Minutes   February 3, 2021 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
  (due to virus pandemic)

Attending members:

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

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Represntative – not in attendence.
Joe Schofield         – CTV Represntative – not in attendence.

1. Call to order 6:02pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.2.   Meeting Minutes December 2, 2020, (most previous CTAC meeting.) Peaches requests that
   all members read December Minutes, and submit requested changed by Friday , February 12^th.

   3.     Treasurer’s Report – George Alexander

   George will submit Treasurer’s Report updates as soon as possible.

   4.     CTV Report     Joe Schofield – Executive Director CTV – not in attendence.
   No report; no one has heard from Joe Schofiled.

   5.     COMCAST       Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – not in attendance.
   CTAC members stipulate that Comcast needs regular representation and attendance
   at CTAC meetings.

   Johnes states that the situation with Comcast rates and announced data caps

   6. . Old Business

   a. Laurel’s report on PSA: “has not heard anything” so no update on work on PSA,
   as schools are not in regular session.

   b. Anthony’s report on Community Awards: he has sent out many email inquiries only one
   response – from House of Heroes – which turned down the request: “not in our mission profile.” Peaches notes that there are presently no groups are assembling or responding
   on these on this program.

   c. CTAC Facebook page: Yvonne states there have been no changes. She has been perusing
   other Advisory councils; she saw one ADA offering plug-in for computer screen access
   for individuals with disabilities. Peaches notes that community constituents would need
   Spanish or other languages for screen texts.

   7. New Business.

   Peaches brings up subject of where on the internet to find the registry of Proposed Bills
   in the Connecticut Legislature, directs each Zoom meeting participant to open the internet
   to the CGA for the CT General Assembly:   CGA.ct.gov – then find the icon for the
   Energy & Technology Committee – where CT Senator Gary Winfield is the Chairperson.
   Next find the icon on this screen for BILL RECORD BOOK. Here, the prefic PSB
   represents “Proposed Senate Bill,” and PHB represents “Proposed House Bill.”

   On this list we find PHB-6156 : A Proposed House Bill “To Prevent a Cumulative
   Internet Usage Data Cap.” The purpose of this proposed law would be to disallow
   internet cable franchises from charging extra rates when a limited amount of internet                                                                                                                                                                  connectivity.

   At 7:03 pm, CT Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) joins the Zoom call as invited earlier.
   He gives an update of the progress of legislation to regulate cable company imposition of data
   usage caps: PHB-6156, in initial drafts, is one of the Bills before the Communications
   Committee.

   Peaches Quinn, speaking for the CTAC Council asks what we can do to effect more influence
   in the CT Legislature ? Sen. Winfield gives an email address to lobby: [email protected]
   to be sent to individual legislators with a focus on leadership members:

   Writings for Public Testimony, from citizens, and in-person visits to the State Capitol
   (present in-person limit is 3 minutes) and in written form.
   1. contact committee members
   2. provide specifics on how to interface with public
   3. articulate issues
   4. ask for action in State Legislature
   5. put together a coalition.

George will contact Cable Statewide Advisory members   and put pressure on members
and continue outreach to other Cable Advisory councils in Connecticut.

Cable companies to be stated in legislative action:
Optimum,   Frontier, Spectrum, Cablevision,   Comcast (Hartford, Middletown, Danbury,
New Haven, Groton.

Peaches Quinn reiterates our call to have the internet be declared a Public Utility, so that
P.U.R.A. can assume responsibility as the Internet Regulator.

Peaches requests an additional Zoom meeting this Friday, February 5 to continue work on
tis issue. Peaches makes a Motion to engage an advocacy on behalf of internet and prohibition     against cable companies imposition of additional charges of internet usage, especially during
Covid-19 Pandemic.   Johnes seconds this Motion. Carried my CTAC membership vote.
Peaches makes a second Motion to meet outside of regular Council schedule. Johnes seconds
this Motion. Carried by Council agreement.
George Alexander makes Motion to reach out to Statewide Advisory to ask if they want to
partner with our efforts ?   Anthony Cardo seconds this Motion. Agreed.

7:32 pm, Johnes makes Motion to Adjourn. Yvonne seconds. Agreed.

ADDENDUM     Secondary CTAC Meeting on Friday February 5^th.

Peaches Quinn’s contact at PURA is Rosalind Gunn.   Peaches is seeking documentation
for Comcast’s Business Model – She has not found this documentation.

Statement of Goals – What to accomplish for any advocacy for legislation:
*   gather community strength
*   outreach
*   Legislative Bills

– PSB-4 AAC on Data Privacy

Themes

* Data Usage Fee – CTAC – CT Attorney Generat Tong has made executive action
to cable franchises to hold-off Internet Data-Caps imposition for one year.
*   Regulation of video rates

*   Net Neutrality on state and national level – all CTAC members are agreed on need for this
policy.

* Internet as a Public Utility – all CTAC members are agreed on need for this policy.
PHB-6157: introduced by Rep. Matt Blumenthal – contact his aide and determine who
are his legislative allies. We will document case – why this is a good thing?
Rep. Matt Blumenthal 860-240-8585 (son of US Senator) – determine status of this Bill:
how many other reps are associated? What is their priority of this Bill.
Are they looking for advocates ? Take “temperature” of Bill among other legislators,
in public support.

Joint CT Senate/CT House Communications Committee. Co-Sponsor – Rep. Michael
A. Winkler (56^th District).   Will Senator Winfield become a Co-Sponsor ?

Next CTAC Meeting: Wednesday, March 3^rd, 6:00pm, Zoom.

February 3^rd and February 5^th Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven)
Acting Chair.

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

Attending members:

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

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Represntative – not in attendence.
Joe Schofield      – CTV Represntative – not in attendence.

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.

CTAC Meeting Minutes   November 4, 2020 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
            (due to virus pandemic)

Attending members:

Peaches Quinn – (New Haven) – Acting Chair
George Alexander – (Hamden) – Treasurer
Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) – Advisor
Johnes Ruta – (New Haven) – Acting Secretary

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Represntative – not in attendence.
Joe Schofield      – CTV Represntative – not in attendence.

1. Call to order 6:13 pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.a. Peaches notes request for contact from Christian Robles, reporter for The Yale Daily News.b. Peaches asks George if he would prefer to delegate the or have assistance with the
   incoming webmail. George defers, but Peaches determines to make the webmail
   available to all CTAC members, when time allows her to do this task.

   2.         Treasurer’s Report   – George Alexander

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

2. October 2020 Minutes – Submitted by Yvonne Manning-Jones.a.   September meeting Minutes – George requests clarification from Yvonne’s Minutes.
   Peaches says that she will fill in and distribute.4.       COMCAST       Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – not in attendance.

   Johnes notes that Comcast has discontinued the 5 non-Premium commercial-free STARZ
   chanels from the Preferred Channel tier and transferred them into the STARZ Premium tier.

   5.         Old Business

   a.   CTAC Facebook Page – Yvonne speaking of the CTAC Facebook page that she                              implemented earlier this yeaer, she notes that the first Facebook page created by
   Johnes in 2017 still remains online, and shows when CTAC is Googled.
   Johnes notes that he was unable to delete this page, and requests advice to do this.

3. Regarding the Letter to the New Haven Mayor proposing free WiFi in the city
   submitted by Johnes in September, Peaches state that she will appropriate this letter
   for Hamden and West Haven Mayors’ offices.
4. New Business
   a.   Comcast has expanded their Internet Essentials program for poor household that qualify.
   The Sign-up for subscription is $9.99 per month. Comcast offered 3 free months for
   any member of any Public Assistance program such as State, Food Stamps, or Rental
   subsidy. Eligibility for anything equated to financial need.b.   Peaches asked Sharo n Codeanne about certain needy people who have been rejected
   from the Essentials program. It was discovered that these individuals were not
   formally signed up in be eligible for this program. Peaches recommends that we
   go back to correct this proposal. Her concern is also for aging people.7.     COMCAST Report (Comcast Rep. Sharon Codeanne is not in attendance.)

   Subscriber issues: re correspondence received by George Alexander:
   #1 Courtesy Sports Adjustment for this month from Comcast were a $23 credit on each
   subscriber bill.
   #2 Credits given for periods when there was no Comcast service due to electrical power
   outages.   Comcast bill contract guarantees 24/7 Service Restoration.

   #3 Exceptions: Interruption of service caused by “Acts of God,” and extenuating             circumstances.

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

   9.   Other

   Chairperson Peaches Quinn opens discussion about the annual December Dinner Meeting,
   “what to do during the pandemic crisis?” It is decided that the restaurant Nolo on State Street,
   New Haven, be contacted by Johnes regarding delivery of items from their take-out menu.
   All CTAC members who wish to participate will supply their personal delivery address and
   their menu selections (BYOB only) to Johnes, for the Wednesday, December meeting at    6:00pm. Peaches makes Motion to accept this plan; Yvonne seconds. Motion carried.

   November 4^th , 2020 CTAC Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven)
   Acting Secretary, November 27, 2020.

CTAC Meeting Minutes October 7, 2020 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE

Attending members:

George Alexander – (Hamden) – Treasurer
Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) – Advisor
Anthony Cardo – (Hamden) – Advisor

Johnes Rhuta – Not in Attendance

John Jessup – Not in Attendance

Laurel Coleman – Not in Attendance

Peaches Quinn – (New Haven) –  Acting Chair

 Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative.
Joe Schofield      – CTV Representative – Not in attendance.

Call to order 6:05 pm

1. Comcast Report – Sharon Codeanne gave her report.

She elaborated on Comcast’s Community Impact Internet Essentials Partnership Program designed to accelerate internet access and enhance distance learning for school districts and organizations- as well as expanding access to broadband at home

Peaches said some people were complaining of being declined for internet services. Sharon requested that all correspondence should be sent to her for follow-up

George reiterated his concern from the September meeting that all those subscribing to internet and/or television services subscribers be included in the count of Comcast customers, thus maintaining the fee paid to CTAC.

As this requires a modification of Connecticut Law, it is recommended that Joe Schofield appeal the old law which is no longer applicable.

Peaches made a motion to email Joe with recommendations.

The motion was seconded by Anthony. Vote carried.

Peaches recommended changing Subscriber Correspondence (Item VII of Agenda) to Subscriber Issues, sub topics. A. Correspondence and B. Complaints /Other.

The motion was seconded by George and the vote carried

2. September Minutes – The minutes were clarified to
3. Old business
   2019. CTAC Public Service Announcement: L. Coleman reported there had been no update from CTV regarding the release of the CTAC PSA recorded in the summer of 2019.
   2020. Anthony Cardo reports that there are no updates on the development of the CTAC Community Award
   2021. CTAC Facebook page. Yvonne says she continues to post notices from Comcast and other cable related information. She posted an abbreviated notice of the Comcast policies regarding phishing and internet security and a link to the detailed documentation that George placed on the CTAC web page.

George made a motion to delete the Facebook Group page administered by Johnes.

Yvonne seconded the motion. The motion carried.

1. Review of Johnes Ruta letter to the Mayor of New Haven

It is noted that the letter is addressed to the mayor of New Haven but should serve as a template for letters to go to both the mayors of Hamden and West Haven. George made a motion to remove paragraph 3 of the letter as the CTAC group lacks the expertise to offer technical guidance.

The motion was seconded by Anthony. The vote carried.

4. New Business

Peaches made a motion to ask John Jessup to develop a second draft based on his understanding of the need and knowledge of resources already in place and for John to follow up with the Hamden and West Haven libraries.

Anthony seconded the motion. The Vote carried.

Next meeting set for November 4th, 2020 as ZOOM teleconference.

Peaches Quinn makes Motion to Adjourn, seconded by Yvonne Manning-Jones
Adjourned 7:00 pm.

October 7th, 2020 CTAC Meeting Minutes draft respectfully submitted by
Yvonne Manning-Jones, New Haven

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

Attending members:

George Alexander – (Hamden) – Treasurer
Yvonne Manning-Jones  – (New Haven) – Advisor
Laurel Coleman – (Hamden) – Advisor
Anthony Cardo – (Hamden) – Advisor
John Jessen – (New Haven Library System Delegate)
Johnes Ruta – (New Haven) – Acting Secretary

Peaches Quinn – (New Haven) –  Acting Chair (absent from meeting, but has set up the Zoom call.)

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Represntative – not in attendence.
Joe Schofield      – CTV Represntative – not in attendence.

Call to order 6:05 pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.

1.       July Meeting Minutes            No changes proposed.
Yvonne makes Motion to accept.   Anthony 2^nd this Motion. Vote carried.

2.       COMCAST       Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – not in attendance.
George Alexander reports that Comcast has lost of 90,00 of its cable television subscribers,
and Comcast is not counting as subscribers customers without television and therefore
reducing its required monetary grants to dependent agencies such as Citizens Television
and the CTAC.

George makes a recommendation that ALL Comcast company customers – not only those
subscribing to television services, but those subscribing to internet and/or telephone services
– should be included in the count of Comcast customers. Therefore, the current 90,00 count
of subscribers “lost” would change to only include those who canceled all Comcast services.        This would require a modification of Connecticut State Law of 20 years.standing which
George states is out of date,

George proposes this change be proposed to the Connecticut Legislature, and proposes that
Joe Schofield write to the Legislature and that other agencies and customers write to their
legislators.

3.         Old Business

(a) Laurel reports that she does not have an update from Andrew at CTV regarding the                      release of the CTAC Public Service Announcement recorded in the CTV studio in
the summer of 2019. The CTAC PSA has not yet been released to be shown on CTV.

(b) Anthony Cardo reports that there are no updates on the development of the
CTAC Community Awards. This us due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
(c) Yvonne reports on the status of the new CTAC FaceBook page. An inivtation has been                  posted for members of the publis to join. George compliments Yvonne that the
FaceBook page “looks very nice.”     George requests Johnes to delete the old FB page.

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

5.     New Business
   (a)   Yvonne says that each child in the New Haven School System has been provided
with a laptop computer or a tablet with WiFi services in order to enable them to
attend virtual classes during the pandemic.

(b)   John Jessen states that kids will be given Chrome Books and also XBox by the
New Haven Library System. A new technology is being implemented that will
push WiFi three city blocks out from the school location.

(c)   George asks: “Does Hamden have WiFi for students?”   Status is not known.

(d)   Peaches asks Johnes for the status of Comcast Abuse Department investigating
fraudulent “phishing” emails directing Comcast/Xfinity subscribers to “validate
their email address and personal data” for the new Comcast Email roll-out.
These emails come largely from email addresses that decode as ****@comcast.net
Johnes reports that he receives receipts from Comcast Abuse Department for most
of the phishing emails that he forwards to them.

George expresses doubt that these emails can be identified, but Johnes explains
that most email program inboxes shows the decoded email address.

(e) Discussion ensues regarding Comcast trade policies. Johnes relates a conversation
with a client who complained “Comcast is a total ripoff, with poor customer relations
and no government restraints on rate increases.
Other members offer personal suggestions for Johnes’ cultural preferences. Johnes
states that he is not solely concerned for his own viewing, but for the community.

Note: Earlier in the week, Peaces has spoken to Sharon Codeanne about this issue and tells         Johnes to expect a telephone inquiry from a person in the Comcast Administration.

Next meeting set for October 7, 2020 as ZOOM teleconference.

John Jessen makes Motion to Adjourn, seconded by Yvonne Manning-Jones. . Adjourned 7:03 pm.

September 2^nd, 2020 CTAC Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven)
Acting Secretary, September 24, 2020.

CTAC Meeting Minutes   July 1, 2020 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
            (due to virus pandemic)

Attending members:

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

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Represntative – not in attendence.
Joe Schofield      – CTV Represntative – not in attendence.

Call to order 6:05 pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.

1.     TREASURER’S REPORT
George. Alexander states that the bank balance for CTAC’s account is $4,778.35.
No expenditures (or account income) during June. Balance is same as previous month.

Johnes makes a Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report.   Yvonne Seconds the Motion,
Vote unanimous to accept.

2.   SUBSCRIBER CORRESPONDENCE.

None this month as Post Office has not been visited.

3.   CTV Report     Joe Schofield – Executive Director CTV – not in attendence.

CTV Offices scheduled to reopen July 3.

4.     COMCAST       Sharon Codeanne – Comcast Representative – not in attendence.

Comcast Report received from S. Codeanne (received by Peaches Quinn):

Changes to Xfinity TV services per 6/15 notice:

• A couple of channels rebranded (AMC Premier, Urban Movie Channel)
• GSN, Investigation Discovery, Travel, TV Land are now part of Entertainment genre pack.
• Cartoon Network and Tennis Channel now part of Expanded Basic service
• New triple play and double play packages available to new customers 6/16 and existing customers 6/30. Other triple and double play packages will no longer be available to new customers but existing customers will continue to receive then until they make a change or Comcast announces cancellation.
• Xfinity TV and Xfinity Flex HBO customers will now have access to HBO’s new streaming platform HBO max.

1. Old Business
2. a. CTAC Public Service Announcement: Update     L. Coleman – same status
3. b. Community Awards – veteran : Update Cardo         – same status
4. CTAC Facebook page : Update                           Y. Manning – no updates

   – Yvonne notes that the Facebook page has been visited.

5. Draft letter to New Haven Mayor

Urging city-wide wi-fi for each town                 J. Ruta

– letter in progress
– Laurel makes Motion that this letter be distributed to all town mayors and town councils.
George seconds this Motion. Johnes makes Motion for Free city-wide Wi-Fi, and to note
in letter, to specify this Wi-Fi be Un-surveilled Access by police or other authorities.
Peaches seconds this Motion. Vote is carried by all.

1. New Business

   a.   Johnes has brought up issue of phishing emails instructing email recipients to enter
   their personal information in order to update their email profile, such as “a new
   Comcast email version is being rolled-out.”   Johnes makes Motion to have Comcast
   Security Abuse Office investigate originating emails which addresses decode as
   ****@comcast.net which are Comcast subscribers. These are not official Comcast                    communications and misleading to the public, and to report to CTAC the general progress
   of their investigations.

   Johnes makes amended Motion to have Peaches request report on this from Sharon
   Codeanne. . Laurel adds to this Motion to post an Alert about these phishing emails
   on the Comcast monthly bill, and the CableAdvisory.org website. Anthony seconds
   this Motion. Vote carried, but for abstention by George Alexander.
   George will post this info as a separate window on the website.

   Next meeting set for August 5^th, 2020, as ZOOM teleconference.

   George makes Motion to Adjourn, seconded by Anthony Cardo. Adjourned 7:03 pm.

July 1^st   2020 CTAC Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven)
Acting Secretary, July 6, 2020.

CTAC Meeting Minutes   June 3, 2020 – ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
            (due to virus pandemic)

Attending members:

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

Sharon Codeane – Comcast Represntative – not in attendence.
Joe Schofield         – CTV Represntative – not in attendence.

Call to order 6:06 pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.

1,   MAY 6 2020     CTAC Minutes
a.    May Minutes – Anthony Cardo points out that “Anber Oakes” name in section 2, paragraph b     was misspelled. Should be “Abner Oakes”. Peaches indicates that “at VA” in that sentence
should be eliminated. Johnes will correct these items and resubmit.

2.     TREASURER’S REPORT
George. Alexander states that the bank balance for CTAC’s account is $4,778.35.
No expenditures (or account income) during May. Balance is same as previous month.

Johnes makes a Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report.   Yvonne Seconds the Motion,
Vote unanimous to accept.

3.   CTV Report

Peaches received a note from Joe Schofield that CTV studios will reopen by July 3.

4.     COMCAST

5. Peaches received correspondence from Locke & Lord, regarding Comcast changes:
   starting May 5 CLIO Network will be moved to Expanded Basic. Force Entertainment
   will be renamed, and on or before June 30, Bases Loaded services has terminated
   Comcast.

   b.   Johnes ask if we can get more than just an announcement as to explain to the public
   (and to PURA) with detailed reasons for what reasons that Comcast eliminates service.
   Peaches states that this is out of our CTAC jurisdiction, that we have no control, and
   that these are their prerogative corporate marketing decisions. .
   c.   Peaches recommends that Johnes draft a private letter to Comcast to complain, and says
   that she has not had time to focus on. these issues during the Covid-19 pandemonium.
   Johnes notes that the Covid-19 situation has forced the public to remain in their homes
   for three months, unable to go to movies, concerts, or ball-games. Johnes is concerned
   that Comcast continually takes advantage of its captive franchise subscribers to
   inexplicably eliminate service channels (thus reducing their vendor costs) and
   annually raise their base rates and package rates. Johnes notes that actual cable
   service distribution circuitry costs have not been provided so that rates are
   substantiated.   Peaches presses Johnes to compose a letter to Comcast and
   Frontier to substantiate vendor, marketing, and service costs.
   Peaches states that she will not support this Motion.

   d     George talks about Wifi being offered by Comcast and how this will affect rates
   in the future. . Peaches talks about TeleHealth, a Wifi system foer home-based
   medical sevices, that will available in the future and needed by elder residents.

   e.   Johnes makes a Motion that CTAC will draft a letter to the Board of Directors of
   Comcast Xfinity requesting detailed substantive explanations for policies and
   practices and data about services and their vendor costs.

   f.   George notes that internet would not be a problem if the City of New Haven would
   have its own internet for all, such as “New Haven Internet.” Options for television
   services aside from Comcast, Frontier, and satellite services. Peaches also mentions
   Roku, Hulu, Youtube, and Google TV.

   Peaches makes a Motion to that CTAC should draft a letter to the Mayors and City
   Councils of New Haven, Hamden, and West Haven urging need for a free Internet
   service for all city residents of these three towns. Johnes second this Motion.
   Vote to accept Motion is unanimous.

   g.     George makes a further Motion to add instructions to the CableAdvisory.org
   website for input of public comments and complaints about cable television
   services. Laurel, acting on behalf of constituents, comments that people do not
   often complain about deficiencies in paid for services, but sometimes do not
   speak up.

   5.   OLD BUSINESS

   a.   Community Awards – Anthony Cardo: update of the Veteran Award;   Anthony states that
   the VA has not yet responded during this month period.

   b.   Yvonne as Administrator of the CTAC Facebook page now has full authority. The
   group page name has been changed as previously requested.

   c.   CTAC PSA – Laurel: updates last month’s status that work on the PSA still has not
   proceed because CTV studios are currently closed due to the pandemic.

   d. Peaches questions whether Joe Schofield and Sharon Codeanne are included on the
   [email protected] ?   They are not on the list because they are not members.

   e.      Johnes has proposed action to recommend Comcast Security & Abuse office to
   investigate for criminal fraudulent activity many emails which appear to come
   from Comcast demanding Comcast email user to log online and provide account
   “verification updates” with the user’s personal information.   Many of these
   fraudulent emails labeled as “Xfinity” and “Comcast” are decoded as being
   from Comcast email users themselves – as “—[email protected].”

   Johnes has contacted the Comcast Abuse office, and has received email responses
   from them, but with no explanation of how that office will handle these abuses
   sometimes five or ten per day.   Johnes’ concern is for Comcast customers who will                   be drawn into providing critical personal information to fraudulent perpetrators.

   Peaches has made follow up contacts with at Comcast to provide more feedback
   about actions being taken on these fraudulent email announcements and any malware
   being opened to by subscribers inadvertently accessing these links.

   George has identified the source of dozens of spams each day coming to the
   CableAdvisory.org webmail which are jamming the InBox . All these SPAM emails
   are identified as coming from [email protected].

   6. NEW BUSINESS
               None.

   7. SUBSCRIBER CORRESPONDENCE.

        None this month as Post Office hasa not been visited.

   8.   MAY MINUTES.
   
   Peaches makes Motion to accept the May Minutes with the spelling corrections stated in
   this report Item #1.   George seconds the Motion. All agreed.
   
   Next meeting set for July 1, 2020, as ZOOM teleconference.

   Meeting Adjourned by Peaches Quinn 7:02 pm.

June 3^rd 2020 CTAC Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven)
Acting Secretary, June 16, 2020.

FINAL – CTAC Meeting Minutes   May 6, 2020 – TELECONFERENCE (due to virus pandemic)

Attending members:

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

Sharon Codeanne (Comcast) and Joe Schofield (CTV) were both invited to participate in the
teleconference, but neither are present online.

Call to order 6:06 pm.   Teleconference members on Zoom.

1.     TREASURER’S REPORT
George. Alexander states that the bank balance for CTAC’s account is $4,778.35.

George paid the U.S Post Office Box charge for the year of $254 for the year 2020.

Partnership Adult Day Care of Hamden has deposited their check for $2000.
Hannah Gray Elder Residence in New Haven has deposited their CTAC check for $2000.

Johnes makes a Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Yvonne Seconds the Motion,
Vote unanimous to accept.

2.   OLD BUSINESS

a.   CTAC PSA – Laurel: states that work on the PSA has not proceed because CTV studios
are currently closed due to the pandemic. Status remains the same.

b.   Community Awards – Anthony Cardo: update of the Veteran Award;   Anthony states that
the VA has not responded during this month period. The Contact is Abner Oakes,
who is Chairman of the Hamden Veterans Commission.

1. Neither CTV nor Comcast has contacted CTAC during this month since April 1.d.   Yvonne has become Administrator of the CTAC Facebook page with full authority.
   CTAC Cable televsion Advisory of New Haven, West Haven, Hamden.
   She has forwarded the March Minutes to George Alexander to be posted on the CTAC
   website CableAdvisory.org.

   e. Peaches questions whether Joe Schofield and Sharon Codeanne are included on the
   [email protected] ?   They are not on the list because they are not members.

   3. NEW BUSINESS

2. Johnes has proposed action to recommend Comcast Security & Abuse office to
   investigate for criminal fraudulent activity many emails which appear to come
   from Comcast demanding Comcast email user to log online and provide account
   “verification updates” with the user’s personal information.   Many of these
   fraudulent emails labeled as “Xfinity” and “Comcast” are decoded as being
   from Comcast email users themselves – as “—[email protected].”Johnes has contacted the Comcast Abuse office, and has received email responses
   from them, but with no explanation of how that office will handle these abuses
   sometimes five or ten per day.   Johnes’ concern is for Comcast customers who will
3.                      be drawn into providing critical personal information to fraudulent perpetrators.Johnes makes a Motion for Peaches to follow up with Sharon Codeanne at Comcast.
   George seconds this Motion, Vote carried.

   4 . APRIL 1^st CTAC Minutes
   a.   April Minutes – Peaches has edited Johnes’s draft of the April Minutes to remove text
   pertaining to Comcast, as the Comcast Report has been appended separately.

   Motion to approve as revised from George. Yvonne seconds Motion.

   Johnes raises issue that Minutes should record not only that which is voted on in
   Motions. Discussion about amount of detail of text of Minutes, and the recording
   of the meeting in order to have an accurate record of meeting. . Johnes reminds
   members that the CTAC By-Laws allow the recording of CTAC by members of
   the public as allowed to attend, or members of the Council.

   George makes Motion to have Minutes be a summary of discussion which lead to
   Motions taken. Johnes seconds this Motion. Carried.

   Consensus now to adjourn this teleconference.     Next meeting set for June 3, 2020, teleconference. .

   Johnes makes Motion to adjourn. George seconds this Motion. All agreed.

   Meeting Adjourned 6:45 pm.

May 6^th,, 2020 CTAC Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta, (New Haven) Acting Secretary, May 29, 2020.