07-25-2012 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 25, 2012 cities' and schools' channels, be able to migrate to high definition, and have information about the public channels on the information guide. Wilson noted that the commission has 13 channels, 5 of which are currently loaned back to Comcast. These channels have value, and the commission receives other benefits from Comcast for them. It was noted that the PEG fee is approximately $3.49 per month per subscriber. This is shown as a separate line item on Comcast bills, and is essentially a pass through from the subscriber to the commission. Wilson indicated that Comcast would like to lower that amount which would result in the lowering of the benefits gained by the commission. The initial result would be a lower cost to subscriber, which Wilson felt would just result in subsequent rate increases by Comcast in succeeding years. Wilson discussed the amount of revenue that the commission sees through the franchise fee, noting that the commission allocates franchise fee revenue to member cities based on size as well as CTV provides 100 hours of free production and technical assistance each year. It was noted that approximately 60% of homes have cable TV. Wilson indicated that that penetration rate has been fairly stable for the past 20 years. Wilson reported that CTV has been in its new location for one year. She reported that the activity has increased since moving to this new location, and commented on youth media programming efforts which have been very successful. Wilson also reported that as part of the needs assessment, the commission has been doing some strategic planning and has put together a mission statement, goals, and plan draft. Wilson reported that the 2012 legislative session was quite from the commission's standpoint, although there may be issues of discussion in the 2013 session. She noted that Century Link would like to start franchising, and have entered into their first franchise in Colorado. Wilson also indicated that the FCC continues to encroach on local zoning authority. Wilson reported on other issues such as California's discussion about deregulating IP- enabled services. Wilson stated that these efforts appear to be slowing down given the negative impacts that would result. There is also discussion about rewriting the Communications Act; however that will not be a quick process. Wilson asked if there were any additional questions. Van Alstine suggested that as part of the transition to high definition, that there be a core system plan for standardized equipment in each of the member cities. Wilson noted that each of the cities changes out equipment at different times, which makes standardization difficult. 3