02-05-2015 SWCSR MIN 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
Yagcr, 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 02-05-15
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 1256 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 56 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. : •urn-Me-:n. I 'urned at 2:17 p.m.
Chair,Tina Allard Secretary,Gina Wolbeck