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Minutes
Corpus Christi Cable Communications Commission
Corpus Christi City Hall-Basement Training Room, 1201 Leopard Street --+
May 14,2001 :
Committee Members Present: Chairperson Mary Beth Nelson, Charles Spencer,Norma
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Ton-es, Hector Morales and Joel Yowell
Time Warner Staff Present: Denise Knippa, General Manager Gordon Harp, and Robert
Hughes
Clearsource,Inc Staff Present: Becky Weaver.and Ray Perez
City Staff Present: Lisa Aguilar and P.C. Gracia
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mary Beth Nelson at 7:12 p.m.
The minutes of the Cable Communications Commission meeting for February 26, 2001 were
approved as submitted.
The first item on the agenda dealt with a discussion on the continuance of public access channels
in cable franchises.
Reverend Jerry Vestal, President of the Religious Access Users Group,was invited to update the
commission on their programming and to discuss any concerns. Vestal informed the commission
that RAUG was running smoothly with 35 churches and organizations given time slots as per an
annual lottery. He stated that although the quality of the programming is poor due to inadequate
equipment that is owned by the groups. But RAUG is meeting a need allowing churches of all
faiths to be on access stated Vestal. Vestal added that some churches have gone to channel 10,
but they are welcomed on 18.
Mary Beth Nelson asked Vestal how he would feel if the plug were pulled on public access.
Vestal stated that it would be unfortunate for the community. Vestal said that it would be a
disservice to the city and to the churches. Vestal also wanted the opportunity for the new cable
company(Clearsource,Inc)to allow them the opportunity to carry religious programming on their
system.
Joe E. 0' Brien asked Rev. Vestal what position RAUG would take if there was an attempt to
eliminate the religious channel. Vestal responded that RAUG would pray but would not join in
litigation, adding that RAUG doesn't have an attorney or legal representative.
Jose Marroquin stated that if public access channels were removed he would ask the community
to boycott the cable company. He also stated that he would speak at the council meeting
tomorrow afternoon about this issue.
Doug Hoffman stated that his program could be moved to Channel 18 if public access was
denied.
Mr. George Balli, member of PAUG stated that Channel 18 is a public access channel, public
access of a religious channel. It is a question of person(s)who get insulted which is a not a cause
to change the system.
Cruz Colom';o, from the Coalition for Advancement of Women of Nueces County, stated that six
months ago there was a move to stop public comments by the City Council and now public
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access. She explained that her programs are educational and informative,for the good of the
community-said Colombo. Public access should not be penalized if someone makes a mistake.
Nelson explained to Vestal that Time Warner has been trying to get out of access across the
nation as they negotiate new franchise agreements. It has been a sticky point in the current city
negotiation with TW added Nelson. Vestal stated that he would appeal to the commission and
city council to continue the public access channels.
Yowell stated that the commission needed to make a resolution to the city council for their
consideration and Spencer agreed.Nelson read the following resolution: A resolution of Corpus
Christi Cable Communications Commission in support of continuation of public access channel
requirements in cable television franchises.
Yowell moved for adoption and motion seconded by Spencer. Nelson stated she was saddened
to hear that public access is being considered for removal. Spencer added that was not only TW,
but that some politie5wanted access to go away.
Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Jose Ortiz, from the PVT Longoria-GI Forum, stated that his show was for civil rights for not
only Hispanics but for the whole community. He stated that he had lost an election due to his
show presenting coconut awards to certain people. Nelson stated that his program was not being
discussed or on trial at this meeting.
Gordon Harp, TW General Manager, informed the commission that under the existing franchise
TW has an obligation to provide public access channels. He said that TW under the franchise
renewal process has spoken to the city about public access. According to Mr.Harp,there has
been no discussion to eliminate public access. TWs' main issue is in the area of who administers,
operates and handles public access. Harp said that TW feels discriminated in this issue because
TW does not believe that we should share costs with another cable company. TWs' position, as
per Harp, is that Clearsource, Inc, establish its own studio to promote public access. TW believes
that PEG rules need to be reviewed because there are no concise clear rules that govern access.
Harp added that TW would lead an effort to review, revise and appoint a committee along with
Clearsource, Inc, to update any rules.
Yowell asked that TW review and bring comments back to the commission. I understand that
TW does not want to manage public access, but I believe that anyone in the city should have a
voice in public access(Free speech)and it should be via the cable carrier added Yowell.
Nelson asked Lisa Aguilar to give Mr.Harp a copy of all public access rules.
Becky Weaver, Clearsource, Inc,Mgr., said that they plan to provide public access channels, one
educational, one religious and two governmental channels,but needed to negotiate with TW to
acquire the cross connection to broadcast public access from TWs' feed. Weaver informed the
commission that work has begun from Saratoga to Calle Del Oso to Greenway on the northside of
SPID. Weaver, responding to Spencer's question, stated that pole spots to serve the island have
already been purchased. Weaver also added that Clearsource has completed approximately 20-
25%of its system build out. She stated that Clearsource had made a negotiated $200,000
payment to the city at time of the franchise was awarded. Nelson stated that the city used the
money to purchase equipment in the city council chambers.
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Under the cities complaint report, PC Gracia stated that we want citizens to use the cable
complaint number(857-1845)to centralize all citizens inquires.
Nelson asked Harp about a citizen complaint involving a generator in a residential area. Harp
responded that a hub lost power requiring TW to use a generator that affected 4 homes. TW is
trying to muffle the sound caused by the generator according to Harp.
Under public comment-Jose Ortiz, from the Felix Longoria Chapter- GI Forum spoke about the
use of the term coconut on his access program. A coconut is a person who wants to be other than
Hispanic as per Ortiz. He gave the example of Council Member Longoria who wants to be
Republican and part of the establishment. Ortiz stated that if two black organizations were at
odds no one would interfer. Ortiz stated that they are being picked on because they bring out the
issues and not because they broke any rules.
Nelson told Mr.Oritz that she would defend his right to call someone a coconut, but it was her
opinion that it was a racist remark.
Mr.Marroquin said that the attitude of the City Council towards members of the community was
one of the Council knowing what is best for all of us. He was against the city trying to control
public access programs.
Colom_:o wanted to thank TW for their public access effort and the commission allowing her to
speak before them.
Bill Vessey approached the Commission about a concern regarding right-of—way and easement
issues. Recently, Clearsource dug up his yard damaging some shrubs and compost pile.
Although Clearsource was willing to pay for damages,Vessey wanted to know how many times
they would dig and possible create more damage. PC Gracia stated that all entities digging in the
easement including citydepartment personnel have a difficult time in narrow and tight easements.
Lisa Aguilar pointed out to the commission that the supplemental agenda was a filing by TW to
the FCC seeking a ruling that TW is now subject to effective competition in our city. TW
contends that Clearsource, Inc., known as an overbuilder in the industry, now provides effective
cable competition. If the FCC grants the petition,the city would no longer be able to regulate
basic cable service rates, equipment and installments. Aguilar also said that the city had filed in
opposition to the petition due to the fact that Clearsource had not sufficiently built out its system
to meet the FCC's test of effective competition.
Ms. Torres thanks TW for not proposing to eliminate public access in the city.
Next meeting scheduled for August 13,2001
Meeting adjourned at 9:08 PM
(Cai‘tted B
Y
P.0 Gracia