HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 16, 2003CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
590 40th Avenue N.F., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 "I•DU (763) 706-3692
Vi.ci! Onr Webs'i!e at Irralr.ci. rn6unGin-heiglus.nrn. uc
MEETING OF
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
7:00 PM, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2003
CITY I-IALL CONFERENCE ROOM
Please contact Jean at 706-3613 it' you are unable to attend.
AGENDA:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of July 17, 2003
4. Old Business
a. Channel Check
b. Correspondence Lag and Company Follow Up on Complaints-Hurley
c. Other Old Business
5. New Business
a. Franchise Pees for 2id Quarter 2003
b. Rate Regulation Options
c. Joint Boards and Commissions Recognition Dinner
d. Other New Business
7. Reports
a. Report of Commissioners Assigned to Access Channels:
Educational Access--Dennis Stroik; Libt•aly Access-Bob Buboltz; Government Access--Ken Henke; Public Access--
Reuben Rtlen
b. Report of AT & T Broadband-
June, July, August, September 2003 Reports
--Phone Statistics 2"d Quarter
--Outage Report
--Programs Produced
c. Other Reports
Adjournment
Attachments
The City or Colombia Heights does no[ discriminate mr the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or fi•eatment or mnployment in, Its
services, programs, or activities. Upmr regneat, ncconunodation will be provided to allmv indlvlAuala with disabilities to pmtleipate in all City of
Colombia Pleights' services, programs, and ae[IvlHes. Auxilimy aids for handicapped pm~smrs arc available upon request when [ke refines[ is made
at least 96 home in advance. Please call the Uepnty City Cim~k a[ 706-3611, [o make arrangemm~ts. (TDD 706-3692 for dent m' hearing impah~ed
only)
TRe CITY OR COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOTS NOT DISCRIMW ATE ON THE dASI50F DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR TIiG PROVISION OF SERVICES
COUAL OPPORTUNITY F_MPLUYER
THE MINUTES OF THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
FROM
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Dennis Stroik, Chairperson.
ROLL CALL: Commission Members
Dennis Stroik, Reuben Ruen, Dan Swee, and Dave
Mahoney.
Excused-Absent Members:
Unexcused Absence:
Council Representative:
City Representative:
Legal Counsel:
Comcast Representative:
APPROVAL OF' MINUTES
Ken Henke
Brad Peterson and Bob Buboltz
Bruce Nawrocki
Linda Magee and Jean Kuehn
Steve Guzzetta
David Nyberg, Corp Affairs Manager
Motion by Denr:is Stroik, second by Dan Swee, to approve the minutes from the meeting of May IS, 2003.
All ayes.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Channel Check
Everything was ok.
B. Correspondence Log and Follow Up on Complaints
Don Wiegand--1606 W. Innsbruck Pkwy NE; He was unhappy with the Comcast telemarketer
regarding incorrect information he was given for a special package offer. The situation was
resolved by Comcast giving him aone-month credit to his account and checking to make sure that
he is pleased with the new digital package he is receiving.
C. New Digital Packages
A letter was received May 20, 2003 regarding the new digital packages being offered to new
customers. Current customers will be able to keep their existing packages, but will eventually be
transitioned to a common channel lineup and packaging.
D. Other Old Business
Commission members commended Jean Kuehn and Steven Antus on the Jamboree coverage and
the narration of the parade which has been broadcast on our Access Channel.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 17, 2003
PAGE2
NEW BUSINESS
A. Annual Report
Chairperson Stroik asked for any comments on the Annual Report. This report is considered to
be a standard report that meets the minimum requirement of our franchise. It is sure to be a
topic of discussion in the negotiations of the renewal of the fi•anchise.
Motion by Dave Mahoney, seconded by Dennis Stroik to accept tl2e Annual Report. All Ayes.
MOTIONPASSL'D.
B. New Channel Guide and Pricing Sheet
Enclosed in the agenda packets was the new channel guide and pricing sheets that became
effective July 1, 2003, for both the analog service and the digital service line up.
C. Franchise Fees
A letter was received July 1, 2003 regarding the review of the itemizing of franchise fees
which is done to avoid over or under collecting fees from cable service customers. The
franchise fees were adjusted effective July 1, 2003, from 5.49% to 6.05% to reflect payment
amounts per government regulations.
Commission members questioned the percentage amount as they thought the previous fee had
been set at 5%. Steve Guzzetta explained to the members that the City did receive 5% of the
gross revenues and that Comcast can now also pass through revenues received from
Advertising and the Home Shopping Channel. The wording on the notice to subscribers
caused some concern, therefore, there was a meeting with representatives of the cable company
and Steve Guzzetta to establish acceptable wording to reduce the amount of confusion
regarding the amount of franchise fees collected. It was also decided to discontinue using a
specific % amount and that fees will be reviewed annually. The revised wording will be placed
on bills starting with the next billing cycle.
D. Annual Privacy Notice
A copy of the bill insert of the Annual Privacy Notice was enclosed in the agenda packets.
These were sent out beginning with the July 5 billing cycle.
E. Grant Request from Bryan Olson
Bryan Olson from Real Life Video proposed the making of a video production that focuses on
the history of the City of Columbia Heights. He plans to produce a 60 to 90 minute video and
enclosed an estimate of what he feels the costs would be to produce such a video. He is
requesting a grant of $18,445.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 17, 2003
PAGE3
Ken Henke who could not be present at the meeting, sent his comments to Jean regarding this
request. Ken was not in favor of granting the request for funds as he feels it is a commercial
company looking for funds to do a project possibly resulting in a profit for them, which is not
allowed under the current guidelines. He also raised the following issues:
1. Not a Columbia Heights Resident
2. Grants are not meant for wages, they are meant for supplies.
3. The proposal does not specify what the money would be used for, and that is a requirement
in the grant guidelines.
4. The amount we can give out as a grant is limited, and that amount is only a small portion of
the dollar figure requested. What are the other sources of funding?
A discussion took place regarding the request. Dan Swee also felt it looked more like a bid
and that the request included the billing for his time. Steve Guzzetta advised the commission
that according to the guidelines, incomplete applications are not to be considered, and this is
not a complete application. Also each organization requesting funds cannot be awarded more
than $10,000. If it met all the criteria necessary and was approved by the commission, the
request would then be forwarded to the City Council for their approval. Jean stated that she
had given Mr. Olson a copy of the grant guidelines when he submitted the application enclosed
in the agenda packets. Mr. Olson felt he had submitted everything he needed at that time to
qualify it as a proper application.
Bruce Nawrocki commented that he felt the project maybe of interest to the Columbia Heights
Historical Society and they may want to have some input in a proj ect of this sort. He would
like to see what they think of the project.
Motion by Dan Swee, seconded by Dave Mahoney to reject the request as it is not a proper
application. Staff was directed to send Mr.Olson notification of the decision and to enclose
another copy of the guidelines/criteria that nuzst be met. All ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
A. Election of Officers
Dennis Stroik stated he was no longer interested in serving as the Chairperson of the
Commission. However, the other commission members felt he does a goodjob and with the
renewal of the franchise coming soon, they felt he would be the best person to continue serving
in this position.
Motion by Dan Swee, seconded by Dave Mahoney to nornirzate Dennis Stroik for Chairperson.
All Ayes.
Motion by Dave Mahoney, seconded by Dan Swee to close nominations. Swee, Ruen, and
Mahoney-aye. Stroik-abstain. Motion Passed.
B. Annual Holiday Dinner
It was the consensus of the Commission to go on record that due to the budget constraints of
the City, that the Annual Holiday Dinner for members and their spouses, be discontinued.
They would enjoy something low key such as ordering pizzas or subs for their December or
January meeting, but thought they should be fiscally responsible and set precedence for other
commission groups.
TELCOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 17, 2003
PAGE 4
C. Other New Business
Jean shared a copy of a report of the June testing of the emergency warning systems on the
digital systems. Time Warner, Comcast, and Charter all reported they had problems with the
audio when the testing was done. They have since corrected the problem.
Commission members would like to see NASA programming added to one of the reserved
channels not being used currently, even if it is temporary. Channels 14 and 20 were mentioned
as being two available at the present time.
REPORTS
A. Report of Commissioners
Education-Nothing to report
Library-Nothing to report
Public-Nothing to report
Government-New equipment has been ordered and will be installed soon for Channel 16
(Government Access) and Channel 19 (Library Access).
The new computer and software will aid the programming and scheduling for the
channels.
Liaison positions will be assigned at the next meeting.
B. Report of Comcast-
The reports for April and May were included in the agenda packets. Dave Nyberg,
Corporate Affairs Manager for Comcast, updated the Commission on the transition of the
domain change for their Hi-speed customers. He also stated Comcast is in the process of
testing new technology for programming for high definition TV. They hope to offer this
programming by the end of the summer. He reported that they have been in contact with
local broadcasting channels to include them in the packages that will be offered.
C. Report of the Cable Attorney
Steve reported that Comcast is reviewing the way sales tax is figured to ensure it is being
done correctly.
D. Report of the Assistant to the City Manager
Nothing further to report.
Motion by Reuben Ruen, seconded by Dan Swee, to ar journ the meeting at 8.•00 pm. All ayes.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Hanson
Secretary
SUBSCRIBER COMPLAINT FORM
COMPLAINT (x) INQUIRY~~
Construction _ Restoration x Customer Service x Billizag _ Rates x E7ui7Zn:ezzt
Coznpetition Line Extensioza Progran:zz:ing x Technical Service x Izaterzaet
Service Other
Submitted by
Jean Kuehn, 763-706-3613
City of Columbia Heights,
590 40'x' Ave NE
DATE Sept 22, 2003
On behalf of:
Name :Joyce & Michael Hurley
Address: 1119 42 '/z AveNE
City: Columbia Heights State: MN Zip: 55421
Home Telephone 763-781-600
Work Telephone: 612-788-7030
Description of Complaint: Has phone, cable and internet services, Problem for at least 6 weeks, various
techs have been out, one connected a power accelerator improperly, burned Ethernet cable and damaeed
Computer, has had NO cable service since storm two nights ago, e-mail has been erratic . On Sunday
tech came, rebooted box, removed accelerator and put in amplifier and now has nothing. Very utrlrappy
with Comcast, lost e-mail in transition from ATT and has nothing except hieh bill. No credit has ever
offered for loss/lack of service or access.
Other
Resolution requested (if applicable):.Please contact, problems seem quite complex and overlapping.
Please resolve no later than 4:30 p.m. on: Tue__sday, Sept 23, 2003
Information given to:
Date:
How complaint resolved:: Jean- As you know, since you were copied on Bob Gontarek's E: Mail, the
following results are from a visit at the Hurley home on the evening of 9/23/03, "Set up appointment with
sub tonight to meet there at 6:OOpm. They were both very polite and understanding. Found several issues,
Internet was down due to amplifier inline to close to modem, causing very high signal levels. 3 digital boxes
down, all stuck on zero. We removed amplifier and reinstalled in main split area in laundry room, replaced
the boxes and reconfigured several areas. Also, had bad jumpers behind all TV's. Sub at this point is happy
with us again and more then satisfied with our products. Will do a follow up call this coming Sunday to
customer". Company Representative who processed the complaint/inquiry: Lead Technician Bob
Gontarek; reported by Bruce Pierce, Customer Liaison; September 24, 2003
Time:
} COMCAST FINANCIAL REMITTANCE ADVICE
~~~~~t AGENCY CORPORATION
A Comcast Cable Communications Group Company
Mid West Division Off ce
29777 Telegraph Rd. Sto. 44008 NO. 229273524
Southfield, MI 48034
Dale : 14-JUL-03 Vendor Name :COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CIT Vendor No.: 154604
INVOICE N0. INVOICE DATE DESCRIPTION DISCOUNT AMOUNT NET AMOUNT
2NDQTR2003 09-JUL-03 2-CE/MN 0.00 34,429.26
TOTAL o.o0 34,a2s.2s
Comcast ~ NO.229273524
~
.
ONE ss-,a4a ~4a,
BANK
~
,
cowc~sTSnaAgcu~~cer+crconroq,anoe .:_
~
:~..
, ~,- ~~
644359333
.- _
.
,
~ Cpncesl Csdo C«nmwcatrons Group Company _ .. - -
Wweai Umron ortke Bank One, NA _.
tarn r ,w, nd. st.. uooe Date 14-JUL-03 -
"
sau/,w~ii aeosa -Columbus, ON -
- -
" Vold After f80 Oa
r,y _ $ „'.';`34,429.26
ThirtyFour Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-Nine Dollars And 26 Cents
- -Authorized Signature
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY OF MN
590 40TH AVE NE -
-
Order
Or COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421-3878
United States
u
_.
.
A
ltwrized Signature ,
,. ,
r2 29 2735 24r ~:044i15443s; 644359333'
-" - '~f MEMORANDUM
Creighton~t.
Braille (~~ TO: Comcast of Minnesota, Inc. Municipal Clients
Guzzetta,yLLC
~,,,,,,,,,,,,,~„k,,,, t,aw FROM: Creighton Bradley &Guzzetta, LLC
444 Cedar street SUBJECT: Review of FCC Forms 1240 & 1205 (Basic Service,
Su;te 95o Equipment and Installation Rates) Filed by Comcast of
St. Paul, MN 55101 Minnesota, Inc. in Februa 2003
P/(651)379-0900 ~
F/(651)379-0999
DATE: Apri19, 2003
Attorneys at Law
Thomas D. Creighton
Michael R. Bradleyt
On or about February 26, 2003, Comcast of Minnesota, Inc.
Stephen J. Guzzetta ("Comcast") filed FCC Fonns 1240 and 1205 with you, the designated
rate regulation authority for your franchise area. As you know, the
Legal Assistants
Jennifer Bakkom Forms 1240 and 1205 are used by Comcast to justify its proposed rates
for basic service and associated equipment and installation charges.
Legisla(ive Consultan! The current forms establish proposed rates for the period from June 1,
Maureen Flahaven 2003, through May 31, 2004, although Comcast may choose a slightly
different start date for the new rates. At a minimum, however,
Comcast's proposed rates will not become effective until at least ninety
(90) days after the date the Forms 1240 and 1205 were filed with your
office. See 47 C.F.R. § 76.933(g). To prevent the proposed rates from
becoming effective you would need to act within ninety (90) days of
the date of the rate filing.
If you take no action within the 90-day review period, Comcast's
proposed rates will become effective, but you will have 12 months
from the date Comcast filed its Forms 1240 and 1205, in which to
review and act on those forms (e.g., by issuing a rate order that requires
a refund and/or a prospective rate reduction). If you take no action
within the 12-month review period, you cannot at a later date order a
refund or a prospective rate reduction with respect to the current rate
filing.
We should point out that, unlike in past years, it appears that Comcast
will charge the maximum permitted rate it calculates for basic cable
service. This means it is possible that subscribers could see a
significant rate increase this year. We should also point out that Mr.
Garth Ashpaugh, our rate analyst, has performed a perfunctory review
}Also admitted in Wisconsin
`Also admitted in Massacbesetts end the
Disvicl of Columbia
www.creightonbradley.com
of the 2003 Forms 1240 and 1205, and has discovered certain errors. The exact significance of
these errors on subscriber rates is not currently known, although it is believed that any detailed
review of Comcast's basic service rate filing may not result in a rate reduction.
Your primary options for addressing Comcast's February 2003 Forms 1240 and 1205 are as
follows:
A. Do Nothing.
You could perform no review of the Forms 1240 and 1205, and allow Comcast's proposed basic
service and equipment rates and installation charges to become final upon the expiration of the
12-month review period.
Potential Benefits
"Doing nothing" is contemplated by and permissible under the FCC's rules. See, e.g., 47 C.F.R.
§ 76.933(g)(2). No action or expenditure of funds is required. You would remain certified to
regulate rates and could review and act on future rate filings from Comcast.
2. Potential Drawbacks
Once the 12-month review period expires, you lose your right to order refunds or a prospective
rate reduction concerning the rates and charges Comcast calculated and implemented. This
would be the case even if it is later determined that the rates and charges imposed by Comcast
were incorrect or unreasonable under FCC rules. Another potential problem is that Comcast may
claim that you cannot properly evaluate data and calculations used in the current rate forms as
part of a future rate review, since you arguably missed your opportunity to do so during the
appropriate 12-month review period. In the future, it could be difficult to argue against any
methodology used by or error committed by Comcast in this rate filing since (i) you had the
opportunity to undertake a review and declined to do so and (ii) you have in the past completed a
review of Comcast's prior rate filing and thereby established a precedent that you understand and
acknowledge the responsibilities associated with rate regulation. Further, it may be difficult to
obtain some important information for future rate proceedings if you take no action at all on the
instant rate filing, since Comcast could (and likely would) argue that such information is no
longer relevant or that identified issues are moot. Lastly, subscribers could allege that you have
failed to discharge your fiduciary responsibilities as a regulatory body since you are certified as a
rate regulation authority.
B. Decertify.
Before you started regulating basic service and equipment rates and installation charges, you had
to become certified by the FCC to do so. See 47 C.F.R. § 76.910(a). If you no longer wish to
regulate rates, you may decertify at any time. In order to decertify, you must notify the FCC that
you no longer intend to regulate rates for basic service, equipment and associated equipment.
Such notification must: (i) include a determination that rate regulation no longer serves the
interests of cable subscribers in your franchise area; (ii) specify that you have received no
consideration for decertifying; and (iii) be served on Comcast. Decertification would become
effective upon notification to the FCC. The FCC, however, reserves the right to review a
decertification notice and to request the factual finding underlying the decision to withdraw
certification. See 47 C.F.R. & 76.917.
Potential Benefits
You would not have to spend time or limited funds reviewing Comcast's basic service and
equipment rates, and installation charges. Funds that would have been devoted to rate regulation
could be reallocated to other important issues, such as compliance with customer service
standards and the development of information service ordinances. You would, however, incur
the costs of preparing and filing a decertification petition with the FCC.
The underlying rationale for decertification is that rate regulation is no longer important,
meaningful or useful, since cable operators may now offset basic service rate reductions with
corresponding increases in other service rates (e.g., expanded basic service rates and premium
service rates), and since the FCC has issued orders and decisions which dramatically limit local
rate regulation authority. If you wanted to regulate rates in the future, you could re-certify. As
with decertification, you would incur legal fees in connection with the re-certification process.
2. Potential Drawbacks
As a general matter, you could no longer ensure that Comcast's basic service and equipment
rates and installation charges comport with FCC rules. Since you would no longer be engaging
in rate regulation, Comcast would no longer be required to file rate forms supporting its rate
increases. This maybe significant, since Comcast is not currently subject to effective
competition in your franchise area, and may be able to implement monopoly pricing. In this
regard, most cable rate increases have significantly outpaced increases in inflation. If you stop
regulating rates, you may be perceived by subscribers as abandoning them to the pricing whims
of Comcast. Given that Comcast may be charging maximum permitted rates for basic cable
service, this could become a sensitive political issue. Further, if you wish to re-institute rate
regulation in the future, should significant issues arise in the future or if the FCC's rules or
decisions change in a favorable manner, there maybe disputes about what historical calculations
and data may be reviewed, and what information must be provided. Such disputes may make it
difficult to regulate rates effectively going forward if you ever opted to re-certify. As
importantly, you would be unable to monitor any impacts the AT&T Broadband/Comcast
Corporation merger has on local rates. Consequently, it would be almost impossible to enforce
the condition in some transfer resolutions which states that rates will not increase as a result of
the merger.
C. Perform No Review and Issue a Rate Order Preserving Your Rights.
You could forego a substantive review of the Forms 1240 and 1205 filed in February 2003, and
issue a rate order that neither approves nor disapproves Comcast's proposed rates, but preserves
any rights you may have going forward. Such an order would have to be adopted within the 12-
month review period provided for under the FCC's rate regulation rules.
Potential Benefits
You would not need to spend the time or funds needed for a substantive review of Comcast's
rate forms. At the same time, you may be able to preserve all of your rights for the future to look
at the data and calculations in the current forms, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Such
an approach may maximize the options available to you, as a rate regulation authority, while
minimizing the financial commitment that would need to be devoted to acting substantively on
the Forms 1240 and 1205.
2. Potential Drawbacks
This approach would require an expenditure of funds to draft the rate order itself, along with
necessary notices, and to engage in limited discussions with Comcast on acceptable rate order
language, if necessary. Since similar rate orders were drafted for AT&T Broadband's prior rate
filing, we anticipate that rate orders addressing the current filing could be prepared relatively
inexpensively (probably for between $1,000 to $2,000 for all the orders and notices that need to
be written, which amount would be split amongst participating rate regulation authorities). Any
rate order issued could be appealed by Comcast, especially if no agreement on language can be
reached. We were, however, able to reach an agreement with AT&T Broadband on most of the
rate order language last year, and AT&T Broadband did not appeal your prior rate orders.
Consequently, we do not believe that an appeal is likely with respect to any similar rate orders
adopted this year. That said, there are some new decision-makers in the Comcast hierarchy that
could appeal any rate orders adopted pursuant to this option. Responding to an appeal would, of
course, require the dedication and expenditure of funds. Depending on the complexity of the
issues involved, the cost of defending against an initial appeal typically runs from $5,000 to
$15,000. Such an amount would be split amongst similarly situated rate regulation authorities.
You should also be aware that if you do not specifically address Comcast's proposed rates before
the 12-month review period expires, it is unlikely that you could implement any changes at a
later time. Notwithstanding that fact, you may be able to make corrections to the current rate
filing in the course of reviewing a subsequent filing and flow those corrections into a rate order
addressing the subsequent filing. Comcast, however, would likely argue that all problems with
the February 2003 Forms 1240 and 1205 are beyond the scope of a future rate proceeding.
D. Perform aFull-Blown Rate Review.
You could perform afull-blown substantive analysis of the FCC Forms 1240 and 1205 filed by
Comcast, as was done with AT&T Broadband's rate filing two years ago. Such a review would
entail the issuance of data requests and a detailed analysis of Comcast's rates and supporting
documents. Appropriate rate orders would be drafted and adopted within the 12-month review
period, based on the findings contained in the report that would be prepared by Ashpaugh &
Sculco, CPAs, PLC. If you opt to pursue this option, you would have to act quickly, since it
takes a significant amount of time to complete a detailed rate analysis.
4
1. Potential Benefits
You would be able to determine whether Comcast's proposed calculations and rates comply with
FCC rules and decisions (and the requirement in some of your transfer resolutions which states
that the AT&T Broadband/Comcast Corporation transfer cannot result in increased subscriber
rates). Refunds and prospective rate reductions could be ordered, as necessary. Reasonable
rates, that follow FCC precedent and reflect a competitive environment, could be imposed in
your rate orders. In the end, subscribers would be protected against unreasonable basic service,
equipment and installation rates, and you would have fully discharged your duties as a certified
rate regulation authority. This approach may be the most popular with subscribers, since you
would be zealously advocating their interests.
Potential Drawbacks
It is likely that a detailed substantive review would be long, expensive and difficult. As in our
last review of AT&T Broadband's basic service, equipment and installation rates, we anticipate
that Comcast would resist providing a significant amount of necessary information, thereby
compelling us to devote significant resources to document and information production. We also
anticipate that there would be legal disputes about the scope of our review, Ashpaugh & Sculco's
findings, and the processes we followed in conducting our review. You should also be aware
that any detailed review of equipment rates will almost inevitably lead to intractable differences
of opinion concerning Comcast's national aggregation of equipment and installation costs. By
way of example, fundamental problems with such aggregation of costs, as calculated and
reported by AT&T Broadband, were uncovered in our last substantive review and were not
resolved as part of the 2001-2002 settlement.
In the end, any basic service rate reductions you impose may be offset by corresponding
increases in other service rates (e.g., expanded basic service rates and premium service rates).
As importantly, Ashpaugh & Sculco has tentatively opined that a substantive review of
Comcast's basic service rate filing may not even result in any significant downward rate
adjustments.
As indicated above, any review of Comcast's proposed equipment and installation rates would be
very difficult and very controversial. Furthermore, it is likely that any rate orders adopted would
be appealed, especially if you decided to address the inherent flaws in Comcast's nationalized
equipment and installation ratemaking methodology. As previously mentioned, defending
against appeals can be very expensive, depending on the complexity of the issues involved. We
should also note that the FCC would likely grant a stay of our rate orders, pending the outcome
of an appeal, which means the rate orders would not be effective unless and until we prevailed on
the merits of the appeal. Historically, rate appeals have taken years to conclude. Further, even if
we win on appeal, it is possible that Comcast could file additional appeals, which could delay the
effectiveness of our rate orders. It is therefore possible that subscribers may not enjoy the
benefits of a detailed review for three to five years.
Excluding the costs of an initial appeal (the costs of which were approximated above), we
estimate that the legal costs associated with this option would be between $5,000 and $15,000.
The accounting costs associated with this option would be approximately $27,000-$30,000
(excluding travel and travel-related costs and the costs of appeals). All costs would be split
between those rate regulation authorities choosing to perform a detailed substantive review of
Comcast's most recent Form 1240 and Form 1205.
Recommendation
Given that we do not believe a substantive review of Comcast's basic service rate filings would
likely result in a significant reduction in basic service rates, and because any review of
Comcast's national equipment ratemaking methodology would be extremely difficult and the
results of such a review would be uncertain and subject to almost certain appeal, we recommend
that you pursue Option C again this year. We do not recommend decertifying at this time,
because the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, as described above. We also do not recommend
doing nothing, since you risk losing certain rights, and because Option C rate orders can be
prepared inexpensively, in light of our experience last year.
* ~
As always, please feel free to call with any questions you may have.
COCT1CgSt®
Kathi DonndlyCohcn
Director - Govermnent Affairs
Flione: (651)493-5281
Fax: (651)493-5268
July 31, 2003
Linda Magee
Assistant to the City Manager
Columbia Heights Cable Commission
590 40tH Avenue NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Dear Ms. Magee:
Comcast
10 River Park Plaza
Saint Paul, MN 56107
Please find enclosed our phone statistics for the tnotlth of June 2003, atld for second quarter,
2003. Per usual practices, the attached data reflects total numbers of phone calls, prior to
factoring in those time periods considered exempt under federal guidelines.
Though our year-to-date telephone response results have been strong, we faced a number of
weather and construction-1•elated challenges for the second quarter with the onset of the spring
season. When combined with other factors -including increased employee training and call
center technology upgrade initiatives - we have seen a lower than expected phone service level.
We are working diligently to effectively address the situation and expect improved statistics as a
result of short-term efforts as well as the full ilnplementatiou of our call center improvements
through the balance of the year.
Please feel fi~ee to call with related questions.
Best Regards,
Kathi Donnelly-C.....,..
/aps
Enclosure
~^.
'~' ~
,
~
v
14
e'
S 1.
~CU
fT)cast &y
e
7Vl~nn c ..x T?.. ~ R
esota
Uideo ~ i'Y"yllt"~'9v ~.7.'
~
~~
~
~' ^Y~
"
i
~ ^'pA x
~~
~ ~.
Y~
~~~ n+' 4
~ Y
~
Q3
ti..
_
+t ~
.
w
~
_
.e.w., ..z , ` ,
~,
~
~ ,J.a
.~~:
°n
~. e. X,.,
g q ~
~ ' ~
c ~g { i t~
' S+R ~
Cwsto n A
merS '~v~'i
ervice ~
~ Y ~v~
Sales~
~ 4 `^iwCtN
Disco J.trv. sS "" r~ i
nnect/Saye
, ~' ~3 a }
~~S
um ~
T
to
Que
ues~z~
+~~~{~uF T
j .
i~,~,;~Yr~
R
~~
-~
~~~~ . r _
p ,~ ,
F"'µ ,~ ~. ' Ils't~, o~
a ,~ ~Queue~ ~Tl'Calls to
"
lnfr~
,
v ~ Queue ~' 4Calls to '~~`~,,,,, :Queue ~..Ca(lsato ., ~~ ~'~
. Queue ' e ~; ~, ~ e,i 1~1~~@@'',`
~S
1 A1~Tunks :;
z161onth; IVR ~ ±y~0ueue'r~''c ~
,~gbartu? ..
Ans.c30 S
4Queue~ f
"1#AlJBn~ ~%IOS C'30 ~.
::=Queue„ _
;;~Aban, ,~Ans"~30 ^„~Oueue ,. ~
...
Atian ; ~Ans <30 'a,:A&A
, 1
TSG% s} Bus
~
~~??Janua ~~' 56,318 7 173,909 1,625 703,628 49,688 1,364 42,506 ,
; 5,339 25 5,110 ~ 168,936 3,014 151,244 ,.
70 ,
93% r 0.00% _
~~Februa" 54,255 98,246 1,547 90,180 ~ 40,306 1,015 37,153 _
:` 6,496 72 6,327 _
~ 145,048 2,634 133,660 ~
: 9 96% 0.04%
ww
=Maiclr
56,579
104,674
1,963
91,780
~
46,223
7,475
39,452
_
7,543
77
7,234
158,440
3,515
138,466 _
12
92%
0.00%
~.'A ?il 50,500 a 104,329 1,148 97,230 ~~ 42,299 7,010 37,785 ' 7,222 42 7,125 ~r 153,850 2,200 142,140 _
- 7 94% 0.00%
~~yra~Ma` 46,679 " 99,526 3,104 77,492 48,061 2,886 31,340 8,509 96 7,780 ~ 156,096 6,086 116,612 `- 28 83% 0.00%
';:~.~'+June 48,921 ` 109,553 3,833 83,737 '~ 57,906 3,741 34,271 8,620 104 7,868 ~ 170,079 7,078 725,670 ~; 30 82% 0.01
Juf` _
Au` ust - _
,Se"ember _
"November
~ _ _
December
~ .
`,
_ _
_
cYTD 313192 ? 630237 13220 643,457 : 278,483 10,891 222,507 ;, 43,729 416 41,444 `.- 952,449 24,527 907,408 ~ l8 J 89% !, 0.02%
,
TSL
100%
90 %
80
70 %
60 %
50
40 %
30 %
20
10%
~%
Z' r
> > L
` T
¢ `~ N T y
~ ~ ~ a ~ a
c n` m
~
~
~ m m m
m
ti ¢ ° o d
~ Z ~
,tt7~ .£k.. ~ a.'d
~' If "~f
Y~
l '~ S Ls ~
'
~
~
~`} Sk"~`'4'~<~ Y`
~ pye-
1 ~Y ~' y -.* J-y ac:'yyti ,,..++
see
l
~
a>~'`~Tk ~•°''TS4
~
'~' y~k'f £f
2
,at Cz`
#
.
6a., }
c
:
i ~
"Y
~v'a'~
sx
ts ~^~tir ~
z
~
M
~
.
\ a`
~
~3 e
:
+~~~a'
5
~>^
'F ya" ..
.
~'~ .
~
°~hJ
~ ~"+N
nd ,.,~
1.^
:
,
,..
{.,
'Y
G
~~ h ,.}
M~~k
r
~~h~j~{
T
s~ 7
: ~} 1
~
.S
;7;
~ 9
q,
.
~..
i
.. ^.:,s y~~
~ ~
'*r ~
'h
~
w
~6
"~
„r ..
x ..zr .+
, C .
, e
..
4
u
,.a , a, .` u]
*'z
.
y ~
~
dR},.
k'!
`i
S~'a
`~
Sit _
+
"~
A ~ ~~t~tzb~~a~~ fw WX,.~"-I~ < -
" .fin,
~i
e,&~
~h'Sw
y~i~°`1~"~h
3~f
.
mv;.={ v/
:.T.E3~ 1 a'`K ,.
j~
~ardld .:
c~
2wY. ~
~
,~ p
..
t
`tY''~'A,t ~f.~''Tiu
i~v ~..<. ~U'; c.r aY:. .K.i' k! YrzN...
f 1{ ~ ~~ Ti
f`
~ v^1t ;' ~ a
ZY~•Nn
~~- mss'
'~ R} ~~,
2
h~ ~r`~
y.'i
['o- ~
:. r~ ,
Y
Y'~n °,
.
h .t+
.(
a
c
£3 tis;" N-~ie ~'
~
~ ~ ~r~'
°~
i„~
~~
t, ..
t~~v 'SS.k 4
~ 1~3r .
.
,
L s
i1.
Z..
..
.
~y, N' a
"x2 ,9 Y ~'iT'$.3 4.a~„ <
m ~ ,
'
z
~
~
^
~N»:. .±~ t",:~d% ,.i Z rsz„~,1Hw
rt, u~.
.:
.~...x
.~;s+i..rx,.`.~.ro-^_'f'~
'~.
~~ y ~
5'~ t" "
3S
^y:
~
'
~
~rv
Y
`G r;.
i» *.v
~.: M&
NM t
X
:sF T•:
~
.~ ~
- ~
~ 9 i~
.
yj ~
^
^
'
n1 y4A ~. ~
v
kF*z
^"~
a"s`
~
~
^
+ . ua
'
'eH A ~
a
.
g
1
..
..
.. _
L
i6", +
"
S
?`
'"
4
^~ h
$C
T
~
~' fY
~ ~ M
~ y~
v~ .^2.. +
d
,sv~
C y ~ '.
~
~'Su"Tl .,~,YVNW' ~ ~:
y
~~
~
~~~ '
' >
'~ a;a ~ t ~,.
~'
~a~~ r
vre"'
"L °
t,~}1'y^'4.~~
'
~ ~u:
u '*~:'
~
~ ~ ~
~ ~~...
~
~b ,,,,+Y„r`,~ 9~{r ~"I~~`~.-c~"y Y4k~t
`1r'v ~"~ax. S .
jT
~
r
~
li .~X
H p
, Oy
,. d ~
.L SJ4 Eby
)~VYA~~„ve 3i~ Y_v°.>iS~
~u~.
e
~
~3 ~6 ~J.„
~4}. ,.~~
i ~
a
'O
~ g
~
`
~
y °.
~. ~L~~~'y~rt"'YZen
~
~~.'; ~e ~
^~'~ ~~~ 3y~
. L
~
~5
v
~u'Y3h„\.~^
~~.t~ ~5~'~"'N,.3:.(r~3vnAi!. ..'.
Nmc Telephone Smrice Factor is an internal benchmark mNa Nen an FCC service standard Ir guages the percent of calls slut was auwaed in 30 s«onds or las.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Jun-03
DETAILED OUTAGE REPORT
Average
Time # Subs
Date Citv Cause Minutes Amps Affected
17-Jun Columbia Heights Amplifier 48 1 6
25-Jun Columbia Hei hts Passive 131 10 187
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
DETAILED OUTAGE REPORT
Date City
Cause
JuI-03
Average
Time # Subs
Minutes Amps Affected
4-Jul Columbia Heights Node 143 15 203
22-Jul Columbia Hei hts System Maintenance 60 1 10
~1'1CI11~
Basic Service $ 29.82
Basic Service....... -,____.,. _.....,~~~"~~$ 37.99
Basic 2 Service .. - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ' ~ ' .c & Basic 2) .......... ~ ~ ~ ~ $ 2.00
Standard Cable (includes Basl r rammrng) - ~ ~ ~
cational 8 Government P og
d -
u
pEGfee (Pubtlc, E $ 13 99
Premium Channels
Cinemax, TMC, Starz! (each) . ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ " ~ "
l Plus)
time
it
,
RgC, Show
a
Incl. Std. Cahle and Dig
..... - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
l Cahle $ as99
74 89
.
~l Premium Channels) ......
Digita
Digital Platinum (
mium Channels) - ~ ~ ' ' ' " -' " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ _ _$
$ 63.99
2 Pre
Digital Gold IAnY .. _ .
l Sliver (Any t Premium Channep ... - - ~ - ~ ~ ~ ' ~ ~ - ~
........ .
~ - ~ 15 99
Digita
. . .
plgital Plus (Includes boz & remote) .......
. ~ ~ $ 6,99
Digital Exira ............
...... $ 6.95
..
...
Cable Latinolndutles box & remote) . ' ~ " ~ " ~ ~ "
l NO l
Digisa
.5 5795
.............
Internet $erVlGeS
.. .
"
.......
.~
4
.........
...... .. .
Monthly Service Fee
d Monthly Service ee o-+ " ~' ~
t . .. ....
$
3A0
g 95
e
Discoun
Monthly Cable Modem Lease Fee ...... . _ , - ,
" $
, ,
,$ 60.95
Home Networking Service
~' Service + Modem tee)
Service (Monthly , ,
' - _
~ ~ ~ $ 45 95
... - . ~ '
5
To[at Monthly
_ .
ounted Total Mon[h1Y Service ........ - - ~ ~ ~
i 98,9
, _ , ... - ~ ' ~ 49.95
sc
D
."
Premium Installation < . ~ - ~ ~ " ~ ~ ' , , . - .
.'..... $ 49.95
~~
Basic Nsta-ation<~~~-""~ :........ ..........
. .. .~
19.95
'"~~
~
Service Call ............. ,,,., _,,,,. ,, .
... ....
$ A9.95
..~
........
Retoca[ion Installation .......
" - ~ ~ ~ ~
$
.......
13.49
Ethetne[ Device . ~ - - ~ ~ ~ ' ~ ' '
................. . -
19.99
'''
Data Outlet ..............
ected of time of Installation . - ~
~ ~ ~ "
...$ 9.95
.....
fee ..............
Additional Gullet conn
dem Activation Processing ...
0
Mo
es and ee
i $ 5.0
.........~
............
c
Other Serv
..... $ 20.00
..
Late Fee ................
.......
-~-"'" .......
. ..$ 20.00
.
......
Returned Check Fee .....-~~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .......
..$ 2.85
poor Collection Fee azine (month)
~ ' ' ' _ , . .. .varies
~ ~
Channet Guide Mag
................ _
..~
S 2,00
PaY-Per-View .............
................. ..$ 4.70
~ ~ ' ' ~ ' '
Basic 1 only receiver ......
..... - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ' ' ' ~ ~ ~ ,30
- ~ ~ ~ -
Non-basic only receiver .....
. • ...........
Prces subi~r w change.
Remote COMf01 . - - ...... • ..
ces
Rancrrise lee andfa aPPlicable razes rwt'rocwdad in above Pn
lieC on a Qar cabin moCem bases'
ices Ger .
resuicnoas aPPIY-
[tin
'MOnmIY sen'ice te¢ i5 ePP
rgPPbcabia it customer purchases Omer Comcast serv
b¢r0ar devica
uire
e
r s a Mome lAN-
t
q
d
<n025 nDl rpClUde COS[ D1
uters to a single csbla modem r
ri le comp
--Connecting mW P
1-888•COMCAST www-camcast.com
GHMNT30A0 ]107
Comcast.
Installation and Service cable plant) ......
125' of existrng $ 41.99
. $ 24 99
..
..... .. .....
Unwired Install (within
" - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
$
.
1349
Prewired install ... - - ~ ~ ~ "'
...
at rn $ 19,89
.....
........
Additional Outlet'
a~ate trip .... - -
...
-sep
$ 58.99
......
........
Additional Outlet
~ ' ' $ 1.99
'"'~
ices .............
Relocate outlet - ...... - - ~ ~
rade of addressable sere . , _ ,
~ ~ ' " .~~
$ 15.99
.....
9 9B
UPipmvng
Upgrade optional services' SePa'rate top ~ - -
crate tnP ...".""
s -sep
i $
~~ ,. $ 5.99
ce
, .. " -
rade optional serv
Downg at initial ins[a11 ..~'~"-""'~
-
~ ~ ~ ~ $ 12,99
.-.
~ ~ ~
VCR connection
crate tdP ~ • ' ~ ~ ' - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
-sep
' ' .$ 2-95
~ ~ ~ -
VCR connection
lntenance plan Per month ~ ~ ~ - - ~
Cable Guard (Ma ...........
....... $ 27.99
" -
tiourlYservice charge .......
Unreturned Equipment .
nveder ......... ~ ..... $3~~
. ~ -
.. ,
Unreturned addressable cp
l converter ................. _ _ ,
_ $ 7.00
... . . .
lta
Untetumed dig ........... -
' '
Unreturned remote - - ~ ~ ~ ' '
Curing me Year. This Prioe fepres¢n(s tnz fee as of mrs Peiein9~
s Prices suniect to ~angs~o product.
FGC re9ularory fee maY "a`Y s no[ mclud°tl m above Prke
l cable tax¢ hWmmeaN~accWnts or bulk mte azran9~d.[rnsof the
FrarcM~ lee andlo* aPP ~~ t Faase refer to m¢ re*ms and con
Fa customers recawing service lhmu9 nM aPP R
pricing antl other information herein maY zemeM Vi II aPPH~
seParale agreemzm' Terms of the separate ay
~Qmcast.
r
111 Weatherscan Local
120 Noggin
121 Discovery Kids
122 Toon Disney
125 Newsworld International
726 Nick Toons
128 Bloomberg
135 MN 2
136 G4
137 TRIO
738 Wisdom
167 The Game Show Network
162 BBC America
t64 ShopNBC
782 Ovation
183 Style
201 Discovery Home & Leisure
215 Nick GAS
220 Discovery Health
222 The Health Network
230 Trinity Broadcasting
231 Inspirational Life
240 International Channel
271 Discovery Times
272 Discovery Science
273 National Geographic
274 Discovery Wings
275 Biography Channel
276 Hisroryrylnternanonal
294 TechTV
401 Fox Sports World
402 ESPNews
406 Outdoor Channel
408 Speed Channel
413 Fox Digital Sports Atlantic
414 Fax Digital Sports Central
415 Fox Digital Sports Pacific
471 VH-1 Country
472 MN Hits
473 VH-t Classic
474 VH-1 Saul
47fi FDSE
481 BET Jaa
482 MBC
494 Great American Country
486 The Word
503 IFC
504 Lifetime Movie Nelwark
505 Sundance East
506 Fax Movie Channel
516 WAM!
517 Encore
519 Encore Love Stories Easi
521 Encore Mystery East
523 Encore Westerns East
527 Encore True Stor"ies East
529 Encore Action East
600 Utilisima
601 Discovery en Espanol r
602 Fox Sports en Espanol 900 Showcase
603 NElnternacional 901 Today's Country
604 CineLatino 902 Classic Country
605 VH7 en Espanol 903 Americana
606 MN Espanol 904 Bluegrass
608 CNN en Espanol 905 R&B and Hip-Hop
609 Toon Disney en Espanol 906 Classic R&B
670 HNMusica 907 Smooth R&B
~~n~~aanr~~~ 908 Rap
r r ~11~a'iCiL'iL l 909 Metal
112 KARE-NBC (HDN) 910 Rock
113 KTCA-PBS (HDN) 911 Power Rock
114 KMSP-FOX (HDN) 972 Classic Rock
115 KSTP-ABC (HDN) 913 Alternative Rack
551 HBO East (HDTV) 914 Electronica
576 Showtime East (HDN) 915 Dance
916 Progressive/Adult
' Alternative
440 NBA Previews 917 Soft Rock
918 Hit List
441-457 NBA Sports Packages
461-470 MLB/NHL Sport 919 Party Favorites
'
Packages 920
SOs
921 New Wave
800 PPV Previews 922 '70s
807-830 iN DEMAND
844 Hot Network 923 Solid Gold Oldies
857 Spice 924 Singers & Standards
852 Spice 2 925 Big Band & Swing
853 Playboy 926 Easy Listening
927 Smooth Jaa
• • 928 Jaa
533 Starz! 929 Blues
930 Reggae
535 Siarz!Theater 937 Sountlscapes
537 Black STARZ! 932 Classical Masterpieces
538 STARZ! Cinema East 933 Opera
539 Starz! Family 934 Light Classical
550 HBO 935 Show Tunes
552 HBO 2 East 936 Contemporary Christian
554 H60 Signature East 937 WRNB
556 HBO Family East 950 Gospel
558 HBO Latino East 951 For Kids Only
559 HBO Comedy East 952 Sounds of the Seasons
560 HBO Zane East 953 Musica Latina
562 Cinemax 954 Salsa Merengue
564 More MAX East 955 Rock'En Espanol
566 Action MAX East 956 Latin Love Songs
567 Thriller MAX East 957 Mexicana
575 Shawlime
577 ShoTOO East
579 Showtime Showcase East Le
end
581 Shawlime Extreme East g
583 Showtime Next Digital Plus
584 Showtime Family Digital Extra
585 Show[ime Women Premium
585 Flix East Pay-Per-View
590 TMC East Cable Latino
592 TMC 2 East High Definition Television
CHANNEL GUIDE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, NtN
Effective Jufy 2003
2 KTCA -PBS
3 KPXM -PAX
4 WCCO -CBS
5 KSTP -ABC
6 Metro 6 Regional Access
7 TV Guide
8 KMW8-WB
9 KMSP-FOX
10 WFTC - UPN
71 KARE -NBC
12 KSTC - IND
13 Local Programming
15 Puhlic Access
16 Government Access
17 KTCI -PBS
18 Educational Access
79 Lihrary Access
21 BRAVO
22 78S Superstation
23 WGN
24 OVC
25 ESPN
26 ESPN2
27 Fox Sports Net
28 Goll Channel
29 ESPN Classic
30 Hallmark Channel
31 CNN
32 CNN Headline News
33 CNBC
34 Fox News
35 The Weather Channel
3fi AtSE
37 The Discovery Channel
38 History Channel
39 The Learning Channel
40 AMC
47 Turner Classic Mdvies
42 Travel Channel
43 Lifetime
44 Food Network
45 Home & Garden TV
46 USA
47 TNT
48 FX
49 Sci-Fi
50 Comedy Central
51 E!
52 TV Land
53 Disney
54 Nickelodeon
55 Cartoon Network
56 Animal Planet
57 ABC family
56 C-SPAN
59 C-SPAN 2
66 Court TV
62 Spike N
63 Great American Country
64 VH-1
65 MTV
fib BET
fi7 Women's Entertainment
70 MSNBC
76 iN DEMAND 1
77 Outdoor Lite
96 Home Shopping Network
98 EWTN
98 Inspiration
99 Univision
Legend
Basic
Basic 2
Pay-Per-View
Universal Service
Channel Line-Up subject to change.
Digital line-up Dn reverse side.
1-688-COMCAST www.comcast.com Comcast.
CHMN73M0
0703
Line-Up subject to change.
OMCAST www.comcast.com Comcast®
A'Ci~l' onv~u~~+-ii'l~"v
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY TELEVISION
JULY 2003
PROGRAMS
• Heights Calendar - 0:58:26
• Mayor's Report (7/1) - 0:22:44
Mayor's Report (7/15) - 0:22:11
• Mayor's Report (7/29) - 23:21
• Thunder v. Seattle - 2:05:55
• Thunder v. Portland - 2:13:30
• A Band of Ballplayers (Quicksteps vs. Villagers)- 0:58:30
• On Deck Circle (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Affordable Health Care - 0:58:15
• You've Got To Be Kidding (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
• Tuff Guy II Championship - 2:00:00
• Tub Time News - 0:30:00
• Hour of Restoration (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
• Reality Cluistianity (2 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Newsworthy (4 shows) @ 030:00
• Music da camera (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Enviromnental Journal (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Vet's Visit on TV (2 shows) @ 0:29:30
• Love Power (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
• Light On The Gospel (2 shows) @ 1:00:00
• The LaRouche Connection (4 shows) @ 0:5830
• Jimmy Swaggart (4 shows) @ 0:58:30
• Army Newswatch (4 shows) @ 0:28:30
• The Prophetic Word (4 shows) @ 0:28:30
• That Which Is (4 shows) @ 0:59:00
• Atheists Talk (4 shows) @ 0:29:00
• On Main Street (4 shows) @ 0:28:15
• Cluistopher Close Up (4 shows) @ 0:28:00
• Somali TV of Minnesota (4 shows) @ 2:00:00
• MPW TV (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
Programs Produced (internal) 7
Programs Produced (external) 78
CHANNEL PROGRAMMING
• Cablecast Programs 107
• Cablecast Hours 106
FACILITY USE
• Studio Hours 28
• Editing Hours 66
• Mac G - 4 Usage Hours 50
• Portable Equipment Checkouts 2
CLASSES
• No classes were scheduled for the month of July.
Notes:
• Playback schedule is gradually being expanded.
• When playback software is installed in late August schedule expansion can be
completed.
• Transfer of data from old bulletin board computer to new one was completed.
• Towards the end of July staff shot several interviews with organizers of and
participants in Sister City visit.
• Regular season coverage of the Thunder will be completed in August. Possible
playoff coverage depends on truck availability.
J rsnww~.Qrw~®
A'1~7' Qnvr~v~r~rrlr',r'
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY TELEVISION
AUGUST 2003
PROGRAMS
• Heights Calendar - 0:35:55
• Mayor's Report (8/12) - 0:23:43
• Mayor's Report (8/27) - 0:27:50
• Community Redevelopment Update - 0:25:33
• Thunder v. El Paso - 2:05:45
• Quicksteps Vintage Baseball -1:26:23
• Rice Creek Watershed District Meeting - 0:37:24
• The Road to Clean Elections - 0:28:17
• The 25°' Frame -1:26:40
• The Kennedy Limousine - 1:58:00
• Altera Vista - 0:58:14
• The On Deck Circle (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Hour of Restoration (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
• Reality Christianity (2 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Music da camera (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Enviromnental Journal (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Vet's Visit on TV (2 shows) @ 0:29:30
• Love Power (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
• Light On The Gospel (2 shows) @ 1:00:00
• The LaRouche Connection (4 shows) @ 0:58:30
• Jimmy Swaggart (4 shows) @ 0:58:30
• Army Newswatch (4 shows) @ 0:28:30
• The Prophetic Word (4 shows) @ 0:28:30
• That Which Is (4 shows) @ 0:59:00
• Atheists Talk (4 shows) @ 0:29:00
• On Main Street (4 shows) @ 0:28:15
• Cluistopher Close Up (4 shows) @ 0:28:00
• Somali TV of Minnesota (4 shows) @ 2:00:00
• MPW TV (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
Programs Produced (internal) 6
Programs Produced (external) 72
CHANNEL PROGRAMMING
• Cablecast Programs 120
• Cablecast Hours 138
FACILITY USE
• Studio Hours 32
• Editing Hours 70
• Mac G - 4 Usage Hours 65
• Portable Equipmeut Checkouts 3
CLASSES
• No classes were scheduled for the month of August.
Notes:
• Playback schedule has been expanded.
• The playback software will be fully integrated into the system in early
September.
. df~AA!\bN6f
Ali DI7t•1/~VDI~f~~
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY TELEVISION
SEPTEMBER 2003
PROGRAMS
• Heights Calendar - 0:58:00
• Mayor's Report (9/9) - 0:22:49
• Mayor's Report (9/23) - 0:24:30
• Milwaukee v. Thunder Playoff (9/7) - 2:25:45
• Columbia Heights v. St. Anthony Football - 2:02:30
• Rice Creek Watershed District Meeting - 2:58:14
• Rice Creek Watershed District Meeting 3:49:11
• Flag Day Celebration Concert - 1:00:00
• Minnesotans For Kucinich Rally - 0:58:30
• Capra's Outdoor Frontiers (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• The On Deck Circle (4 shows) @ 030:00
• Hour of Restoration (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
• Reality Cluistianity (2 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Music da camera (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Enviromnental Journal (4 shows) @ 0:30:00
• Vet's Visit on TV (2 shows) @ 0:29:30
• Love Power (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
• Light On The Gospel (2 shows) @ 1:00:00
• The LaRouche Connection (4 shows) @ 0:58:30
• Jimmy Swaggart (4 shows) @ 0:58:30
• Army Newswatch (4 shows) @ 0:2830
• The Prophetic Word (4 shows) @ 0:28:30
• That Which Is (4 shows) @ 0:59:00
• Atheists Talk (4 shows) @ 0:29:00
• On Main Street (4 shows) @ 0:28:15
• Christopher Close Up (4 shows) @ 0:28:00
• Somali TV of Minnesota (4 shows) @ 2:00:00
• MPW TV (4 shows) @ 1:00:00
Programs Produced (internal) 4
Programs Produced (external) 75
CHANNEL PROGRAMMING
• Cablecast Programs 122
• Cablecast Hours 119
FACILITY USE
• Studio Hours 38
• Editiug Hours 64
• Mac G - 4 Usage Hours 45
• Portable Equipment Checkouts 4
CLASSES
• No classes we-•e scheduled for the month of September.
Notes:
• All the bags have been worked out with the new playback software and it is
operating smoothly.
• Steve has a big shoot scheduled with the Doling Dancers in October. They
perform traditional Polish music and dance. We will be using the CTV studio
in Roseville since it is much larger than ours.
• Another Commuuity Redevelopment Update is scheduled for October covering
the old Kmart site. More of these shows will probably be produced throughout
the winter and spring...hopefully on a montlily basis.
• Plaus are ah•eady in the works for staff s coverage of the city library's 75"'
Birthday Celebration iu December.
Real Life Video
Documentaries • Community issues and events • Meetings • Weddings • Commercial
Legal depositions • Politics and campaigns • Photo Montages • Public and Private Events • Histories
Single cam or multicam shoots
Bryan Olson
PO Box 581703 (651)646-5825
Minneapolis MN 55458-1703 Res. (651) 646-5788
COdI l1}@V Id@O@hQf mdII.COm
August 12, 2003
'%
To: Columbia Heights Telecommunications Commissioners; Linda Magee
I am in receipt of the minutes of the Telecommunications Commission
meeting of July 17, 2003.
My inquiry was not submitted on the commission's Grant Applications
Guidelines form because I did not.have this form at the time nor did I have any
knowledge that such a form existed; the Grant Application Guidelines form was
mailed to me after the July 17 meeting.
Since my history video proposal does not meet the criteria of the
commission, and seemingly no provision can be made to deal with afor-profit
vendor, I shall not be submitting a grant application and therefore withdraw my
proposal.
Sincerely,
_i j/V~
~~''
Bryan Olson
Real Life Video
We shoot, edit, and air your program on public access channels
Audio and Video tape duplication services
CD, DVD, DVCAM, Mini DV, SVHS, VHS, Audio Cassettes
r
cc: MayorJuliemie Wyckoff, Catheizne Vesley
CITY OF COLUMBIA ~~EIGHTS
590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights. MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visit Our Web.rile a!; wn•w.ci.colwnbin-heighls.uur.us
ADMINISTRATION
July 21, 2003
Bryan Olson
P.O. Box 581703
Minneapolis, MN 55458-1703
Dear Bryan:
Moor
Julienne Wyckoff
Coundlmom6v~
Tami Ericson
Bruce Kelzenerg
Bruce Nawrocki
Bobby Williams
Ctty Monoper
Walter R. Fehst
At its meeting of July 17, 2003, the Columbia Heights Telecommunications Commission rejected the grant
request you submitted, as it was not a proper application.
Enclosed is a copy of the Grant Guidelines and Application Form for your review.
Should you have any questions regarding the grant guidelines and application, please contact me at (763)
706-3609.
Sincere~y,
I /
~ v""' 1
~/ L' da L. Magee
Assistant to the Ci
Human Resourct
cb
2003/42
Enclosures
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BA515 OF OISABILITV IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Real Life Video
Documentaries • Community issues and events • Meetings • Weddings • Commercial
Legal depositions • Politics and campaigns • Photo Montages • Public and Private Events • Histories
Single cam or multicam shoots
We shoot, edit, and air your program on public access channels
Audio and Video tape duplication services
CD, DVD, DVCAM, Mini DV, SVHS, VHS, Audio Cassettes
Bryan Olson
PO Box 581703 (651) 646-5825
Minneapolis MN 55458-1703 Res. (651) 646-5788
real lifevideo@hof mar l.com
June 25, 2003
To: Columbia Heights Telecommunications Commissioners
I wish to p1•opose the malting of a video production that focuses on the
history of the city of Columbia Heights. Please find attached a summary of
estimated costs involved to produce a 60- to 90-minute broadcast-quality
production. It is this amount that I would seek in the fm•m of a grant from the
Telecommunications Commission or other proper entity.
Two VHS copies of a short compilation video I have made are being left
with Linda Magee so that you may see some examples of my work. On these
tapes is a clip from a history video done for Roseville (not produced by Real Life
Video) and the RLV production of a short subject about the Heights Theatre
which played many times over a number of months on Columbia Heights channel
15. You may also watch my latest documentary, "The Missing Piece: Affordable
Health Care" on channel 15, Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. and at other times
after that yet to be determined. This documentary represents 250 hours of pre-
and post-production, so I am estimating the city history video to take nearly
twice that much production time.
I have a video shoot each third Thursday of the month so I will not be able
to attend one of your meetings. I would like to arrange another time to discuss
this proposal. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Bryan Olson
Real Life Video
cc: Linda Magee, Jean Kuehn, Mayor Julienne Wyckoff
Real Life Video
Bryan Olson
PO Box 581703 (651) 646-5825
Minneapolis MN 55458-1703 Res. (651) 646-5788
reallifevideoC~hotmail.com
6-25-03
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HISTORY
VIDEO PRODUCTION ESTIMATE
Shooting and mastering formats: DVCAM and MINI DV
Editing system: Final Cut Pro
Estimated footage to be shot: 35 hours C~ 12 DVCAM tapes $
Pre-Production time (interview planning, reviewing footage, etc.)
100 hrs.
Research 100 hrs.
Editing/Post-Production 250 hrs.
Shooting 35 hrs.
Total Labor 485 hrs. C~ $30/hr.
Transfer 8mm/Super 8mm/16mm movies to DVCAM or Mini DV format
Transcribe 35 hrs. footage
Mileage est. 500 mi C~,33/mi
Distribution/Final product:
480.00
14,550.00
250.00
3,000.00
165.00
$ 18,445.00
100 units DVD* 600.00
100 units VHS* 600.00
1 DVCAM master 40.00
1 SVHS master 30.00
1 DVD master 100.00
* There is much to consider in the pricing of DVD and VHS. Price breaks occur after 500 units,
and deeper discounts after 1,000 units. Labeling and packaging can be apartan or as elaborate
as Hollywood moviea. 1,000 units of VHS with laser-printed labels and anon-printed, blank
cardboard sleeve are about $3.00 per unit. 1,000 units of DVD would be about the same price
with jewel case and thermal printing on the discs. Printing deluxe quality sleeves for VHS and
jewel case inserts/or J-cards for DVD will add to the expense.
RLV estimates the coat of production to arrive at a finished master, at $18,445.00. How much
to spend for copies to sell to the public can be decided by the client at a later time.