Cable Commission

CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION MINUTES March 26, 2015 Commission Attendees: Dennis David, Chair Howard Piggee, Jr. Fred Howe Bob Young, FCPS Chris Glover, CRRL Attendees – Cable Representatives: Brandon Thalmon – Cox Louise Anderson – Verizon Attendees – Other: Mark Whitley, City Manager’s Office Joe Cornelius, City Information Technology Department Commission Chair David convened the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Whitley gave a brief update as to upcoming meetings dates. The Commission then discussed the A/V project in the City Council Chambers. Mr. Cornelius of the City’s IT Department helped to coordinate the project with the vendor. There were four television monitors mounted for the audience, monitors mounted for the members of the Council or other commissions on the dais, new sound systems, new cameras, and new equipment in the back. The quality of the signal was much improved, but there are still limitations on the back- end. Mr. Piggee asked about maintenance going forward – there is a warranty period, and then any major maintenance and replacements would be a City responsibility. This is something to remember for future planning. The Commission members were generally pleased with the project. Mr. Howe asked Mr. Whitley for a budget update on the PEG Access funds. This will be provided at the next meeting. Mr. Whitley gave a general update on the cable work on Central Park Boulevard, and its impact on the paving project. According to public works, the cable work was done and did not interfere with the reconstruction of Central Park Boulevard. The Commission noted that there are still very poorly served areas in Central Park, and that should be a goal going forward to improve service in these areas for the business community. Old Business There was some discussion of an initiative at the George Washington Regional Commission concerning high speed internet throughout the region. New Business There was discussion concerning how to handle complaints about general maintenance issues – for example, bad service drops or wires hanging. The Commission wanted to establish a process whereby complaints could be made to staff and the Commission, and have them forwarded to the various utility companies for correction. The Commission suggested amending the web site to allow for citizens for make these complaints on the Commission web site. Staff noted that the web site contact form in general needed to be updated in terms of the staff contact, and this will be worked on. Old Business (continued) Mr. Piggee requested an update on the schools and the cable companies’ various offers of access for families with school age children for inexpensive access. Mr. Young reported that the access offers had been relayed to the school population, and provided a general update. There is a tv station being set up, and the schools were in communication. The Commission also asked about the closing of the physical Verizon loop to City Hall. Ms. Anderson was going to check with her engineers. The Cox representative noted that the Channel 24 access channel was converting to digital after May 20, 2015. Mr. Glover gave a general update on the library. The public computers at the Headquarters Branch have been updated. There was general discussion about upgrading access to physical infrastructure, and upgrading the access to the infrastructure for the television broadcasts. The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.