Present: Chairman Rackow, Commissioners Curtis, Patton, Pintar, Wyhuske; Aldermen Phillips, Walther

Excused: Commissioners Colantonio, Lysne

Also Present: Mayor Wescott, Clerk Zdroik, Alderman Moore, John Klismet (Park Ridge), President Kell (V of Whiting), Tom Hagen (V of Whiting), Jessie Hlad (Charter), Paul Chronis (Journal)

1. Approval of minutes of September 19, 2001.

Commission Patton moved, Alderman/Commissioner Walther seconded, for approval of the minutes of September 19, 2001.

Ayes, all, nays, none. Motion carried.

2. Stevens Point/Plover Area Telecommunications Commission.

Work has been suspended on this item. Once we are able to get the rest of the proposal and have a discussion with Charter, the Commission will be close to taking this item up.

3. Report of Charter Communications.

In a letter addressed to Chairman Rackow, Attorney Brian Grogan, Stevens Point’s Telecommunications consultant, reviewed general information on customer service, as set forth in FCC regulations at 47 C.F.R. SS 76.102. In particular, the Attorney noted that subparagraph (b)(6) of the FCC regulations requires the cable operator to provide to subscribers its billing and complaint procedures, including the address and telephone number of the local franchise authority’s cable office. He added this will provide another contact for subscribers if the cable customers are having difficulty reaching the cable operator in order to voice their concerns.

Attorney Grogan’s letter to Attorney Jane Bremer, Charter Communications Legal Counsel, regarding the City’s proposal to Charter for franchise renewal was briefly discussed. The proposal is based on a 5-year franchise term and the elimination of the institutional network issue.
In his letter, Attorney Grogan is asking if at all possible, to receive a response from Charter on or before November 2, 2001.

Charter Communications reported they will be adding four channels to the expanded basic line-up starting November 1, 2001. The new channels are Inspirational Network on channel 54, International Channel on channel 55, PAX on channel 56, and WE (Women’s Entertainment) on channel 52.

Jessie Hlad, Charter Communications, reported that the International Channel will not be offered on November 1, 2001, but will be considered at a later time.

Ms. Hlad added that Charter also plans to retire the analog set top converters in the Stevens Point area. By retiring the analog converters, Charter will recapture analog channel space for new channel launches in the future. Affected customers will be notified of the change. Cable customers who opted to upgrade to the digital services with Charter digital terminal will be offered an introductory price for the service.

4. FCC News dated October 4, 2001.

The FCC news talked about the cable operators’ ability to pass through franchise fees to consumers and itemizing on the monthly bills the entire amount of franchise fee assessed by the local franchising authority, including franchise fees from non subscriber related revenue, such as advertising sales and home shopping commissions. Franchise fees are paid to local franchising authorities as a mechanism to reimburse the local government for the use of the public rights-of-way. The calculation of the franchise fee is limited to 5 percent of the cable company’s gross revenues.

The FCC also clarified that, under the statute, cable companies may itemize franchise fees separately on subscriber bills to inform consumers about the portion of their bill that is paid to the local government.

5. Date, time, and location of next meeting.

The next Telecommunications Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 15, 2001, at 6:00 P.M. in Conference Room D, County-City Building, 1516 Church Street.

6. Adjourn into closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to discuss franchise negotiations.

Alderman/Commissioner Phillips moved, Commissioner Curtis seconded, to adjourn into closed session.

Roll Call: Ayes: Chairman Rackow, Commissioners Curtis, Patton, Pintar, Wyhuske;
Aldermen Walther, Phillips.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

7. Adjournment - 7:10 P.M.

The meeting minutes reproduced on this website are derived from the computer files used to produce the official minutes for the City of Stevens Point, but are unofficial. The minutes on this web site cannot be certified under s. 889.08, Wis. Stats., and cannot be considered prima facie evidence under s. 889.04, Wis. Stats. Certain tables, maps, and other documents that are a part of the official minutes are not included in the files reproduced on this website. Please consult the printed minutes, available in the City Clerk's Office, for the official text. The decisions made by City of Stevens Point boards, committees, and commissions (other than the Police & Fire Commission) are advisory only and are not binding on the city until affirmed at a meeting of the Common Council. Some of the minutes on this web site might not be approved by the Common Council as of today.