2.a. SWCSR 08-06-2015 Minutes of the Sherburne/Wright County Cable Commission
Thursday, February 5, 2015, 1:00 p.m.
Elk River City Hall
Present: Chair Tina Allard, Commissioners Mert Auger, Kitty Baltos, Phil Kern, Cathy
Shuman,Annita Smythe, Gina Wolbeck, and Lee Ann Yager.
Absent: Commissioners Jim Bart,Terri Boese,Dan Carlson,and Shane Fineran.
Also present: Technology Consultant Bill Bruce, Attorney Bob Vose, and Video Production
Coordinator Mark Davis.
1. Call to Order- Chair Tina Allard called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes—October 9.2014 and November 24.2014
Commissioner Auger motioned to approve the October 9,2014 and November 24,2014
Sherburne Wright Cable Commission Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Commissioner
Yager,unanimous ayes,motion carried.
3. Treasurer's Report - Mert Auger presented the financial statements as outlined in the staff
report.
Commissioner Kern motioned to accept the Financial Statements as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Wolbeck,unanimous ayes,motion carried.
4. Attorney's Report
a. Charter/Comcast Update - Commission Attorney Bob Vose reviewed the Charter and
Comcast transaction agreement and noted that the Commission approved a Resolution
authorizing the reorganization of Charter at the last Commission Meeting. Vose also
informed the Commission that the merger is no longer inevitable explaining that is has
become questionable if the FCC will approve the merger. Time/Warner's stock value has
significantly dropped, the FCC has set a high bar for broadband requirements, and
Comcast has issues with potential federal regulations regarding Internet access.Vose also
discussed that the MN Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has opened investigations on
Charter and Comcast regarding their phone service activities that could affect their phone
consumers.
b. Charter Converter Update —Vose discussed Charters conversion from old style analogue
to digital,which created channel changes for all government access channels and Channel
19. Vose noted that member cities are currently being charged for boxes, yet it is still
unclear exactly what pricing charter is proposing. Vose also noted that it appears Charter
is also unclear on how many boxes each City has. Vose recommended that Commission
City's don't pay for box fees until this matter is settled. Vose discussed that Charter is
proposing to structure a relationship similar to the St. Cloud model. Commission Auger
discussed the need to consider implementing a cap on how much the Commission will
cover. Commissioner Kern stated his frustration that Charter feels they can change the
terms of the Franchise. Commission Members noted that Charter has been a good partner
with the Commission up until this past year and questioned if our situation is unique.
Vose noted that this issue is unique to the State of Minnesota, but not necessarily
nationwide. Discussion was held that better communication from Charter at the onset of
their digital conversion would have alleviated some of the problems that we have
experienced.Vose also informed the Board that Century Link has announced its intention
to operate a cable service in the near future and will most likely be seeking a Franchise.
Sherburne Wright Cable Commission
Meeting Minutes from 10-09-14
Page 2 of 2
5. Equipment Report-Bill Bruce thanked retiring Board Member Cathy Shuman for her years of
service on the Commission Board. Bruce also presented the equipment report discussing the
charter converter install and shutoff issues,Charter's unacceptable request to have all technical
issue calls go through their 800 number instead of contacting local Charter employees,
discussed phase I of the HD camera system upgrade,reviewed the Delano gym install project,
and discussed various equipment repairs/upgrades.
6. Programming Report - Mark Davis presented the programming report. Davis discussed
programming projects during the winter months for wrestling matches, basketball games,
hockey games, the upcoming video shoot for Maple Lake's 125th Anniversary, Delano's Old
Fashioned Christmas audio project, and the Wright County Cares video. Davis also discussed
repairs and install of new tires recently completed on the production trailer, and filling in as
the video producer at various cities. Davis also discussed work that still needs to be done on
the Budget City Works video and Commissioners discussed volunteer and announcer needs.
7. Commission Business
a. Employee Committee Update — Chair Allard provided an employee committee update.
Committee Members met prior to the February 5th Commission Meeting and conducted
an employee review for Mark Davis. Discussion was held on starting up the monthly
production reports again, the need to complete City Works videos in a timely manner and
to establish a six month development plan to allow Davis time to complete the Budget
and Sewer videos. Bill Bruce discussed contacting the University of MN journalism
department to seek a paid intern to assist Davis. Allard also discussed the benefits of
Davis attending storyboard continuing education classes. Auger discussed the need to
prioritize the City Works videos as they will help educate citizens on what their tax dollars
pay for and services available to them. Commissioners discussed the change-over in
Commission Members and the need to review which City Works videos are designated to
specific cities. Kern discussed the benefits of showing PSA City Works videos on social
media sites.
Commissioner Kern motioned to approve the recommendation from the Employee
Committee to establish a six-month development plan to allow Mark Davis time to
complete the Budget and Sewer City Works videos and to meet again with Mark in
August 2015. Seconded by Commissioner Auger,unanimous ayes,motion carried.
b. Tina Allard discussed the current Executive Board that consists of Chair Tina Allard,Vice
Chair Phil Kern,Treasurer Mert Auger,and Secretary Gina Wolbeck.
Commissioner Yager motioned to appoint the same Executive Board Members to
their respective seats for another term consistent with guidelines set forth in the
Joint Powers Agreement. Seconded by Commissioner Baltos, unanimous ayes,
motion carried.
8. Upcoming Meeting Date - The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 7,
2015 at the City of Big Lake.
9. Adjourn-Meeting adjourned at 2:17 p.m.
Chair,Tina Allard Secretary, Gina Wolbeck