HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Cable Communications Commission - 02/26/2001 MAY-15-2001 TUE 07:44 AM CC WATER DEPT FAX NO. 1 361 857 1889 P. 02
Minutes
Corpus Christi Cable Communication Commission
Corpus Christi City Hall- Council Chamber, 1201 Leopard Street
February 26,2001
Committee Members Present: Chairperson Mary Beth Nelson,Charles Spencer,Norma Torres
and Joel Yowell
Time Warner Staff Present; Denise Knippa,General Manager Gordon Harp,and Robert
Hughes
Clearsource,Inc Staff Present:None
City StaffPresent: Lisa Aguilar and P.C. Gracia
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mary Beth @ 7:08 p.m.
The minutes of the Cable Communications Commission meeting for April 10,2000 were
approved as submitted one correction by Spencer seconded by Torres.
Mary Beth Nelson stated that the public access channel users had been invited to the meeting so
that they could dialogue with the commission. She explained that PAUG(l'ublic Access Users
Group) had not met annually as required by their by-laws.
Anita Filmore, Vice President of I'AUG stated that her group had not met this past year as
required due to the lack of a called meeting by the PAUG President. If we do not meet we cannot
give others a chance to be part of PAUG said 1~ilmore. Filmore also wanted to have a meeting to
update the group's by-laws. Lisa Aguilar stated that legally the group can post notice to have a
meeting and that the rules allow the VP to schedule such meetings. Joel Yowell moved to call a
PAUG meeting with Filmore to assume role of President for this purpose. Mrs.Torres seconded
motion. Motion passed.
Robert Hughes explained that he was unable to make contact with the Religious Access Users
Group(RAUG)and that they were not present. Nelson asked Hughes to invite them to appear at
the.next commission meeting. Nelson encouraged commission members to attend the access
groups meetings.
Don Taylor,Asst. Dean for Learning at Del Mar, said that they use the access channel but no user
group is in place. Taylor added that they also present CCISD tapes,as well as,Our Lady of the
Lakes course material.Taylor inquired about having telecasts presented on the Clearsource
system.
Gordon Harp, General Manager for Time Warner, informed the commission that 650 miles of
upgraded plant has been installed from Weber St.to the East Side of Corpus Christi. TW is
currently working on Phase 7(Downtown),past Greenwood for the next two months added Harp.
In May,TW will move into the Calallen area. Harp said that,on January 6,2001 TW officially
completed the transfer with AT&T along with an extension of the cable franchise from the City
until October 2001.
Nesson asked Harp about lW's intentions for public access under the franchise agreement. Harp
responded that TW will continue to support public access under the current franchise.
Clearsouree, Inc was not present at the meeting.
SCANNED
MAY-15-2001 TUE 07:44 AM CC WATER DEPT FAX NO. 1 361 857 1889 P. 03
P.C.Gracia spoke about complaints received by the Pngineering Dept regarding the use of
easement by Time Warner and Clearsource,Inc.Nelson added that she had received complaints
from citizens about open gates,animals getting loose etc. Gracia acknowledged that most of the
complaints were from Clearsource, Inc, the over builder in the area.
Gracia said that the citizens do not understand the easement section of their property. tie added
that the city plans to conduct an educational process via a press conference,ads and solicitation of
assistance from the real estate sector to better inform the public on easements,
Hughes informed the commission that a recent complaint on an access telecast featured an
appearance of a drag queen show, but that it was allowed under the freedom of speech act as
determine by the federal government.
Joel Yowcll asked about the public content and language on public access channels. Hughes
replied that rules to regulate obscenity and language were ruled unconstitutional. In addition,
I lughes said that cable providers could not edit any tape(s). Complaints arc reviewed by Time
Warner and City(Police and Legal)to determine if any violations under the Texas Penal Code
have occurred.
There was a discussing regarding how to review tapes before they arc cablecasted to include a
grading system by Hughes,and a special time to air material geared for adults suggested by
Filmore. Nelson suggested that the first step would be for PAUL to review and make some
recommendations. Nelson also asked that PAUG and Mr.Taylor should meet to advise him on
possibly setting up a higher educational users group.
Nelson had some questions regarding cable cuts and customer notifications. Harp stated that
during the upgrade of the system there are no problems with cuts and customer notification,but
that most concerns are resolved. Gracia stated that a state law requires anyone digging in public-
right-of-way to notify any provider located in the easement of his intent to dig.Harp and Gracia
discussed issues with citizens concerns regarding location of pedestals and power supply boxes
that companies like Time Warner and Clearsource experience during the upgrade process.
Next meeting scheduled for May 14,2001
Submitted By
P.0 Gracia