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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Cable Communications Commission - 08/31/1998 G2:7 28 29 Corpus Christi Cable Communications Commissiontiv August 31, 1998 OCT 2018 get ��.•l`.�,J tr t—.�.i (t UIre!i:. Minutes of the Cable Communications Commission meeting held August 31, '598;in the,' Council Chamber at City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas. Meeting called to order by Chairperson Mary Beth Nelson at 7:07 p.m. Members present: Mary Beth Nelson,Norma Tones, Sandra Eastwood, and Cefe Valenzuela City Staff Present: Lisa Ortiz-Aguilar and P. C. Gracia TCI Staff Randy Grimes and Robert Hughes Minutes of the Cable Commission meetings of May 18, 1998 were approved. Mr. Robert J. Southard, Executive Coordinator, for the Padre Isles Property Owner's Association was out of town and unavailable to address the Commission on agenda item #3. Mary Beth Nelson expressed concerns about cable wires in neighborhood areas of Padre Island. Randy Grimes, TCI Manager, stated that there were some areas in the island that were of concern to TCI staff. Grimes added that an unresolved problem of property owners adding concrete to the right-of-way, contractors cutting cables and damaged pedestals caused service problems. TCI averages about 15 cuts a month in the island, which is more than in the entire City according to Grimes. Grimes added that the new state law requiring notification of line locations prior to digging could be beneficial. The problem of repairing cable under concrete is difficult if boring is required. Grimes informed the Commission about positive discussions with CPL to use their poles across the Intercoastal Waterway(ICW) at a cost of about $470,000. In order to establish this process, pole adjustments will have to be made by CPL, and TCI will need to work on the engineering and plant building. He also said that he is placing monies in TCI's 1999 capital budget for fiber optics to serve the island. Mary Beth Nelson stated that costs should be based on a global structure to reduce impact on rates for subscribers. George Balli, President of the Public Access User Group (PAUG) appeared before the Commission to address two issues local programming and obscenity in program content. Balli stated that PAUG has not addressed the issue of what constitutes local programming, although rules allow someone to sponsor a programming even though it's not produced locally. Anita Gilmore from Galaxy Video stated that Channel 10 should be local programming only. SCANNED f Robert Hughes, TCI Access Coordinator, stated that rules give priority to local programming over other programs. In the beginning, the Catholic Diocese was showing programming via satellite. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules were checked and it was determined that local sponsor had a right to show programs on Channel 10. The issue deals with the freedom of speech amendment that can not be violated. Mr. Balli asked about how to change this rule regarding sponsorship and the prime time slots taken over by shows not produced locally specifically those shown on prime time hours. Mrs. Ortiz-Aguilar stated she could research and respond in writing. Ms. Eastwood suggested that perhaps locally produced programs be given priority during prime time. Hughes indicatedthat repetitive programming is a growing concern or possible problem but again they are not taking prime time slots. He added that addressing repeat programming could solve this concern. Ms. Nelson added that there is a concern with national movement programs such as Race and Reason. Eastwood suggested that local origination definition be explored at next meeting. Mr. Balli stated that a clarification on obscenity, nudity and lucid behavior needed to be defined as it relates to public access. Grimes stated that access channels are afforded more leeway than regular channels by virtue of the public forum designation given to access channels. Nelson explained that a tape with an obscenity complaint charged against it is sent to the City Legal Department. The City Legal Department then forwards the tape to the Police Department so they can make a determination of any possible violation. Balli stated that perhaps a determination of community standards would be explored. Nelson added that a panel could be appointed for such a purpose. Balli also questioned what constitutes self-promotion citing the example of programming by the band Thre3. Mrs. Torres added that in April 1998, guidelines were established with the assistance of Ortiz-Aguilar and determination was made to allow some self-promotion. There was a discussion on whether religious programs should be allowed on public access channels and whether public access programs be allowed on religious channels. Religious programming that does not meet RAUG rules can be allowed on public access according to Hughes. The franchise has designated channels for public, and religious, as well, as government channels that probably need to be discussed as part of the franchise renewal process. A comment was made that perhaps a regulation exists that may not be enforceable. The Commission discussed the ban on political advertisement on public access and whether it was an enforceable rule. Liza Ortiz-Aguilar stated that other City do not have a regulation*}ung political advertisement and that perhaps constitutional issues could be raised by thp rule. Ms. Ortiz-Aguilar stated that since public access is currently being viewed as gpublic forum, it is therefore not viewed as an issue. The Commission passed a motion to remove the banning of political advertisement on public access channels and forwarded to the City Council for approval. Grimes made reference to his quarterly report and announced the launching of the Warner Brothers programming on September 21st on Channel 16. This will also move TBS from Channel, 16 to Channel. 51. Grimes added that TCI relies on marketing ) • customer surveys to determine programming. He also added that surveys could probably be conducted as part of the francise renewal process: . . . Hughes commended Mr: Ba11.ifix:appearing before the Commission and suggested that users group members attend periodically.taprovide inforniatiOn"fr:Oin their otgamations: • - Meeting,adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The.next meeting..of the COriiiiiigion'i scheduled on October 19-, 1998. .- • • • •