HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 22, 1980PUBLIC HEARING--CABLE TV COMMUNICATIONS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 22, 1980
The public hearing was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 8:00 pm.
1. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--present Hentges--absent
2. The statement of purpose of this meeting was made by Mayor Nawrocki. It is
as follows:
a) that the Council will be hearing a report from the Cable Communications
Advisory Committee with regard to the work of a Cable Communications
Franchise Ordinance and a Request for Proposal (seeking proposals for
Cable companies),
b) that the City Council will be deciding whether to proceed further with
the Cable Communications franchise process,
c) that the City Council adopt the Request for Proposal,
d) that the City Council approve a draft franchise ordinance regarding the
Cable Communications franchise, and
e) that the City Council consider a cooperative agreement~between the Cities
of Columbia Heights and Hilltop for Cable Communications.
In his opening remarks the Mayor commended the members of the Cable TV Commission
for their commitment to this project. He suggested the members of the Commission
had done an admirable job, spending countless hours over the last two years, and
complimented them on their dedication and commitment.
Councilman Hentges joined the meeting at 8:05.
Ron Naegele, Chairman of the Cable TV Commission, introduced members of the
Commission in attendance at this hearing. They were as follows: Joan Niznik,
Vice Chair, and Committee members, Dave Szurek, Jim Fowler and Dick Johnson.
Bill DeCoursey, who has recently applied to serve on this committee, was also
introduced.
Ron Naegele reviewed the work of the Commission. On February 7, 1979 the Mayor
charged the committee to formulate a proposal for Cable TV for the Council.
They explored many avenues for information. They were also asked to assess the
community needs on the subject. The committee mailed out an assessment ques-
tionaire and found that the majority of the questionnaires returned defined the
residents' primary interest was one of entertainment. There was limited response
from clubs, organizations and churches. After some investigation the committee
has found innumerable possibilities for use of Cable TV other than entertain-
ment.
Joan Niznik reviewed, in detail, the draft cable communications ordinance for the
cities of Hilltop and Columbia Heights. She explained that the initial franchise
period is for ten years with a five year extension possible.
Dave Szurek, committee member, explained specific details dealing with the system
design, number of channels and institutional coverage. He also spoke to the
techinical details of Cable TV in considerable detail.
Anita Benda, the City's Cabl~ TV Consultant, detailed what is expected from the
franchise and what criteria must be met by an applicant and ultimately by the
franchise selected. Henry De E1Casteno, an associate of the Consultant, defined
the financial section of the Request for Proposal. Specifically, he addressed
the owners, their holdings by percentage, what investigation will be done as
to their character and references and their experience, if any, in other Cable
TV franchises.
Public Hearing--Cable TV
October 22, 1980
page 2
Another associate of the Consultant spoke to the technical section of the plan.
She addressed performance specifications, maintenance planning and construction
data. The Consultant and her two associates summed up what would be expected
from applicants and fielded questions from the Council relating to the Request
for Proposal.
Councilman Norberg asked questions relating to the lock-out feature of Cable TV
and if it would be available. He was advised that it would be available but at
an extra charge. He also asked technical questions concerning interference,
interruption of power, and maintenance procedures. Concerns on behalf of the
subscribing residents were voiced by members of the Council such as installation,
tree trimming, commercials, connecting and disconnecting charges and rate struc-
tures.
Motion by Heintz,second by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to accept proposals
in accordance with the Request for Proposal document as submitted by the Columbia
Heights/Hilltop Cable Communications Advisory Committee. Said document will be
considered as instructions to applicants who will be proposing to provide cable
communication services to the Cities of Columbia Heights and Hilltop and amend-
ments to the Request for Proposal must be forwarded to the Councils for approval.
Roll Call: All ayes
Motion by Heintz,second by Hentges to approve the Draft Franchise Ordinance
establishing a Cable Communications Franchise in the City of Columbia Heights.
The Draft Franchise Ordinance shall be submitted at a future Council meeting
with appropriate amendments for consideration of a first and second reading.
Roll Call: All ayes
Motion by Heintz,second by Hentges to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
execute a cooperative agreement between the Cities of Columbia Heights and
Hilltop for the purpose of establishing a Joint Cable Communications Advisory
Board to assist the City Council and staff in the administration of a Cable
Communications Franchise.
Motion to amend by Norberg,second by Hentges to have a volunteer board that serves
without compensation.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--nay Norberg--aye Motion fails.
Roll Call on Main Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay
Motion by Heintz,second by Hentges to adjourn the meeting.
Roll Call: All ayes
Adjournment: I0:15 pm ~~,
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Student,
Secretary