11-12-2012 SWC MIN Minutes of the SherburneNWright County Cable Commission
Thursday, November 29, 2012, 1:00 p.m.
Delano City Hall
Present: Chair Myles McGrath, Commissioners: Cathy Shuman (1:15 p.m.), Mert Auger,
Nancy Carswell,Linda Hruby, Phil Kern, and Tina Allard
Absent: Commissioners Luke Fischer, Lori Kampa, and Don Levens
Also present: Technology Consultant Bill Bruce,Attorney Bob Vose, and Video Production
Coordinator Mark Davis
1. Call to Order
Chair McGrath called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.
The agenda was amended to add franchise fees and chair appointment to Other Business.
2. Approval of Minutes-May 3,2012
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CARSWELL AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER AUGER TO APPROVE THE MAY 3, 2012 MINUTES.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Treasurer's Report
There was discussion about rebating the third quarter franchise fees after noting there are
adequate funds for currently budget operations.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER AUGER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KERN TO APPROVE THE RETURN OF THIRD QUARTER FRANCHISE FEES
BACK TO THE CITIES. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Financial Statements
Mr. Auger presented the financial statements in the staff report.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KERN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
ALLARD TO APPROVE THE FINANICAL STATEMENTS AS PRESENTED.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. Attorney's Report
Attorney Vose stated there are some cities that are considering an audit of Charter regarding
franchise fees but there haven't been any recent audits that have revealed any significant
underpayments.
Commissioner Shuman arrived at 1:15 p.m.
There was discussion regarding PEG fees and how some cities are considering raising them.
Attorney Vose noted this would be a policy decision of the Commission and wanted the
Commission to be aware, that per the Franchise Agreement, they are allowed to raise this fee.
There was discussion about sending out a survey to customers in regards to PEG
programming.
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Chair McGrath stated the Commission could consider whether the fees our adequately
covering the expenses associated with them.
Mr. Bruce noted he is still working on inventorying equipment.
Commissioner Allard stated her city may be hesitant about raising this fee but it may be worth
evaluating how the fee covers current costs.
Attorney Vose noted that Charter would have a right to have input on the questions in the
survey.
This matter was tabled.
5. Equipment Report
Mr. Bruce presented his staff report. He discussed the use of Apple TV and noted that some
cities are requesting it.
Commissioner Kern suggested getting the Apple equipment installed in all cities that may want
it due to the minimal costs.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER SHUMAN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER HRUBY TO APPROVE THE EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES
AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT PLUS INCLUDING THE
EXPENDITURE OF APPLE EQUIPMENT FOR ALL COMMISSION CITIES.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
6. Programming Report
Mr. Davis presented his staff report.
7. Commission Business
a. Charter Communications Representative: Tom Bordwell
(1) Update on Area-Wide Channel
Mr. Bordwell was not present at the meeting.
b. Selection of Movie Dates (Lottery?)
There were no conflicts with the movie scheduling so it was decided a lottery system is
not needed at this time.
c. Other Business
Chair Position
Chair McGrath noted he will be finishing his employment with the City of Dassel soon
and questioned if the Commission would like to appoint a replacement for the Chair seat.
The Commission decided to wait on the appointment until their next meeting when all the
appointments will be due.
TDS in Monticello
Commissioner Shuman noted that Monticello has not been forwarding franchise reports
to the Commission because they have been having trouble getting the correct detailed
reports from TDS. She stated they are working on the issue.
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Personnel Committee
Commissioner Carswell noted it is time for Mr. Davis' review and wage discussion. The
Committee is to have a report available prior to the next Commission meeting.
8. Upcoming Meeting Dates
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2013 in Maple Lake.
9. Adjourn
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CARSWELL AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SHUMAN TO ADJOURN THE SHERBURNE WRIGHT
CABLE COMMISISON METING AT 2:10 P.M.
Minutes pa• ommission Secretary Tina Allard.
Secretary,Tina Allard
i
Ch.. ,My s McGrath