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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSBCCF Min 1996-10-21 . . . -' SEAL BEACH CABLE COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 21, 1996 The Board of Directors for the Seal Beach Cable Communications Foundation met October 21, 1996 at 7:00 pm at Comcast Cablevision in Seal Beach, California. Mr. Mueller called the meeting to order at 7: 00 pm. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Mueller. ROLL CALL Mr. Mueller, Mr. Anninos, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Rowland and Mr. Clow were present. Ms. Marilee Jackson and Ms. Robin Fort-Lincke from Comcast were also present. CONSENT CALENDAR REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 19, 1996 Mr. Clow made a motion to accept and file the minutes for the Board of Directors Meeting of the Seal Beach Cable Communications Foundation on August 19, 1996. Mr. Rowland seconded the motion. A YES: Mr. Anninos, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Clow, Mr. Rowland NA YES: -0- ABSTAIN: Mr. Arnold MOTION PASSED: 4-0 REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 of Directors Meeting of the Seal Beach Cable Communications Foundation on September 16, 1996. Mr. Arnold seconded the motion. AYES: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Anninos NA YES: -0- ABSTAIN: Mr. Clow, Mr. Rowland MOTION PASSED: 3-0 FINANCIAL REPORT Mr. Mueller stated that the Board had finally received the financial reports for the months of July and August of 1996. He said that the Board was still solvent and explained that the $14, 000 dollars in professional services included the $10,000 for the consultant, Carl Pilnick and $4,000 for the accounting services. Mr. Arnold asked for clarification regarding the miscellaneous amounts for the months of July & August. Mr. Mueller said that Ms. Fort-Lincke would be able to look those up for him from the previous check requests. Ms. Fort-Lincke stated that she would research the amounts. .. . . PG 2 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 CHECK REQUEST Mr. Mueller stated that the Board had received copies of the current check request and asked if anyone had any questions and suggested that the Board vote on paying the items listed. Mr. Arnold asked if there was a breakdown on the Comcast billing and said that he would like to see it. Mr. Mueller said that he had all of the backup paperwork for all of the items on the request. Ms. Fort-Lincke showed Mr. Arnold the backup paperwork for the Comcast billing. Mr. Clow made a motion to accept and pay the items listed on the check request. Mr. Rowland seconded the motion. AYES: Mr. Mueller, Mr. Anninos, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Rowland, Mr. Clow NA YES: -0- MOTION PASSED: 5-0 OLD BUSINESS COMCAST FRANCHISE RENEWAL Mr. Mueller stated that the Board has had this item on the agenda regularly to discuss the topic and that perhaps Mr. Anninos and Mr. Clow had some more information after attending the seminar. Mr. Anninos stated that the Board is on the right track regarding the negotiations. ' Mr. Arnold stated that the Board was not in negotiations; that they are fact- finding and representing the city, who will be negotiating. He asked Ms. Jackson for a copy of any notification of a formal request or request for renewal from Comcast to the city of Seal Beach. He also asked Ms. Jackson for the name of the representative for Comcast who will be doing the negotiating. Mr. Anninos stated that the process should have been started 3 years prior to the end of the franchise. There was a discussion regarding written and verbal requests for renewal and the seminar on franchise renewals. ' Mr. Arnold asked Mr. Clow and Mr. Anninos for a report on the seminar. Mr Clow and Mr. Anninos were reluctant to discuss openly their thoughts about the seminar. There was a brief discussion about whether or not it was appropriate to discuss publicly at this time. . e . PG 3 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 Mr. Arnold asked Mr. Anninos for a written report on the seminar. AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION Ms. Maritza Cook thanked the Board, Ms. Jackson and Ms. Fort-Lincke for providing the van for the Los Alamitos Choir shoot at Los Alamitos High School. She said that it was short notice and the van makes such a difference in the production quality of the program and she appreciated everyone's efforts very much. Mr. Fred Aguilar said that he has been involved in the public access program for the past 11 months and although he mostly participates in the acting end, he has been getting more involved in the technical end. He said he likes it and is very impressed with the other access producers' abilities. Mr. Anninos read a letter from Mr. Larry Means a citizen. Mr. Anninos stated that Mr. Means is also an employee of Comcast but wrote this letter as a private citizen. In summary, the letter read suggested that the Board members reconsider their decision not to pay for contest fees and also suggested purchasing additional copies of the awards for the Board and crew members. Mr. Means indicated that he was familiar with the Santa Ana Cable Board and others who do this as standard operating procedure and offered to help the Board with ideas and suggestions in the future. It was suggested to put this item on the agenda for the next Board meeting. NEW BUSINESS ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Clow made a motion to nominate Mr. Anninos as Board Chairman. Mr. Rowland seconded the motion. Mr. Mueller made a motion to nominate Mr. Arnold as Board Chairman. There was no second. Mr. Arnold expressed concerns about Mr. Pilnick and upcoming negotiations. Mr. Anninos stated that he expected good will on the part of Comcast to consider the city's desires regarding public access. Mr. Arnold suggested having an executive session to bring things to light. He said that perhaps they could have PEG together as one like it is now, but make it a more formal setup. Mr. Rowland expressed concern that Mr. Arnold was suggesting that the parties involved would be adversaries. There was discussion about this. . . . PG 4 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 Mr. Arnold said that the Board should be more active, not just 3 hours a month. Mr. Clow stated that the Board was very active and said that Mr. Arnold has not been around during the past 5 years and therefore may be unaware. It was suggested to take to vote for Chairman. A YES: Mr. Clow, Mr. Rowland. Mr. Anninos NAYES: Mr. Mueller ABSTAIN: Mr. Arnold MOTION PASSED: 3-1 Mr. Anninos stated that he was requesting help and input from the access producers, the community and the Board. He said he had gathered some research and found that Lakewood operates on an annual budget of $100,000 from the cable operator and Long Beach operates on an annual budget of $530,000 from the cable operator.. He said Seal Beach operates on $75,000 from Comcast but returns $50,000 of it. There was discussion about recommendations to the city council and prioritizing. Mr. Arnold asked Ms. Fort-Lincke what dates she had received from Joanne Yeo for the council chambers in November for the public hearing with the Board. Ms. Fort-Lincke said that Joanne had not figured out any dates yet and knowing Mr. Arnold would be expecting them at this meeting, she had asked for them twice. Mr. Clow said that he had a letter from every club he is involved with at Leisure World stating their support of the public access program. Mr. Arnold said that the Pasadena Board is not involved with the negotiating process and he said that he is the landlord for public access and the school board. Mr. Clow made a motion to nominate Mr. Arnold as Secretary. Mr. Arnold declined. Mr. Rowland made a motion to nominate Mr. Mueller as Secretary/Treasurer. Mr. Mueller said that an officer could not hold two positions. There was discussion about the responsibilities of the Secretary. Mr. Clow made a motion to nominate Mr. Arnold as Secretary. Mr. Mueller seconded the motion. AYES: Mr. Clow, Mr. Anninos, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Rowland NA YES: -0- MOTION PASSED: 5-0 . . . PG 5 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 Mr. Arnold made a motion to nominate Mr. Mueller as Treasurer. Mr. Clow seconded the motion. AYES: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Rowland, Mr. Anninos, Mr. Clow NA YES: -0- MOTION PASSED: 5-0 DONATIONS TO LEISURE WORLD VIDEO PRODUCERS CLUB Mr. Clow stated that he had asked for this to be on the agenda because he had a situation come up and he thought the Board should be involved in it. He explained that someone had given a check to the video producers club in Leisure World and that it was a donation, not a check for copies of programs or anything. There was extensive discussion regarding donations, Leisure World and Old Town. Mr. Anninos made a motion to carry charitable contributions,fundraising and soliciting to the agenda for the next meeting. Mr. Arnold seconded the motion. A YES: Mr. Mueller, Mr. Anninos, Mr. Arnold NA YES: -0- ABSTAIN: Mr. Clow, Mr. Rowland MOTION PASSED: 3-0 AVAILABILITY OF BOARD MEETING IN NOVEMBER IN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS WITH THE PUBLIC Mr. Arnold asked Mr. Anninos to contact Joanne Yeo regarding the availability of the council chambers and Dan Dorsey regarding Mr. Pilnick. Mr. Arnold asked Ms. Jackson if she could find out if Comcast would include a bill stuffer in their bill to customers regarding the public hearing meeting. He said that the Board would be obligated to listen to the public regarding issues that some of which would not be Board issues. Mr. Rowland said that he felt that this was wrong and that the Board should not be doing it. Mr. Arnold said that it was an opportunity to gather input on all areas of interest to the community. Mr. Mueller stated that he also felt that there were more people in the community who know what the contract is all about. There was discussion about Comcast and service and Mr. Clow expressed concern about badmouthing Comcast. Mr. Anninos suggested that in addition to the bill stuffer that a flyer be placed in the newspaper. . . . PG 6 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 LOS ALAMITOS PARTICIPATING IN SEAL BEACH Mr. Arnold stated that he wanted to notify the school administrators of the public hearing. There was extensive discussion about the Los Alamitos School Board Meetings, the live coverage of them and who might be covering them, and the playback of the meetings. Mr. Mueller asked Ms. Jackson about the live coverage of the Los Alamitos School Board Meetings. He stated that he has been reading in the Register that there have been discussions between both cable companies concerning the live cablecasting. HEAD-END/PLAYBACK MOVING TO FULLERTON Mr. Arnold stated that the playback equipment which belongs to the Seal Beach Cable Foundation should never have been moved to Fullerton. Mr. Clow said that the Board did not know that it had been moved to Fullerton and explained that it became known to the Board sometime after it had taken place. He said that he thought it had something to do with the previous public access producer and Mr. Bill Gray. Mr. Anninos explained that he thought it had less to do with a particular incident that happened and more to do with Comcast consolidating playback facilities under one roof. He said the move happened without the Board's knowledge or permission and was not sure if the city knew anything about it. Ms. Jackson explained that she was not a part of the move, but wanted to add that under her direction and with Ms. Linda Hossinger's approval she has expanded the playback hours to include part of Saturday. Mr. Arnold asked Ms. Jackson hour many hours per week in Seal Beach were dedicated to PEG, not including local origination. EXPANDING INFORMATION ON CHARACTER GENERATOR Mr. Arnold said that the page information for the character generator were limited and asked why there was no more capacity. He asked if system wide, the CG was better and if it was, Seal Beach should have it as well. He asked if Comcast has a channel line-up card and if so, is PEG listed and how is it listed. He asked if public access specifically was listed on it and if not, why. UPDATE AND STATUS REPORT ON BOARD'S EQUIPMENT Mr. Arnold stated the importance of knowing the status of the Board's equipment. Ms. Fort-Lincke explained that a form is filled out and given to Ms. Jackson to report equipment repairs and failures. . . . PG 7 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 ST A TUS OF STUDIO EQUIPMENT Mr. Arnold asked if the public access producers were happy with equipment and the quality of the equipment. Mr. Anninos said that he would write a memo regarding his unhappiness with the studio equipment. BUDGET FOR 96-97 Mr. Mueller stated that he had not received a copy of the proposed budget. Ms. Fort-Lincke pointed out that it was printed on the back of something else in the packet. After a brief review, Mr. Mueller explained that adjustments had been made to account for different needs this year. There was a discussion about professional services and Mr. Mueller recommended an additional $1,500 be added to account for auditing fees that would be coming up. Mr. Arnold asked if there was a breakdown of the part-time employee. Ms. Fort-Lincke said that the breakdown in on each original invoice that is give to Mr. Mueller for approval. Mr. Arnold said that it was important to maintain the equipment and replace it when necessary and he was concerned about the replacement money. Mr. Mueller explained that the budget proposal was a guideline to work with and that it did not reflect what the Board actually spends. Ms. Fort-Lincke explained that what the Board actually spends is reflected on the monthly financial statements prepared by the city accountant. Mr. Rowland made a motion to accept and file the budget proposal for 96-97. Mr. Mueller seconded the motion. AYES: Mr. Anninos, Mr. Clow, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Rowland, Mr. Mueller NA YES: -0- MOTION PASSED: 5-0 LIABILITY INSURANCE RENEWAL Mr. Mueller explained that all of the renewal paperwork for the Board of directors insurance had not arrived, but the process had been started and the deadline date was very close. Mr. Arnold made a motion to allow Ms. Fort-Lincke to prepare a check request for the Board of Directors insurance renewal not to exceed $2,500 for a one year period or to purchase a 6 month plan if it was available. Mr. Anninos seconded . PG 8 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 the motion. AYES: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Rowland, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Clow, Mr. Anninos NAYES: -0- MOTION PASSED: 5-0 REPORTS PUBLIC ACCESS Ms. Fort-Lincke stated that she had attended the WAVE Awards on behalf of Mr. Rob Roy and herself who were nominees and that she was pleased to announce that Mr. Roy was a finalist in two categories Best Live proln"'mm;ng and Best Proln"'mming By/For Seniors for "Inside Leisure World" and "Club Dar" and received two beautiful certificates. She said that she was also very pleased to announce that she had won the category Proln"'mminR: That Made A Difference for her program "Orange County Marshal's Dept. Most Wanted" and she would like to thank the Board and the volunteers who have helped her with the production. She displayed the WAVE Award to the Board. Ms. Fort-Lincke said that one of the producers had suggested putting out a newsletter and asked the Board if they would be willing to spend money on a newsletter. . There was discussion about a newsletter and newsletters in the past. Ms. Fort-Lincke introduced Mr. Earl Chessher from the audience and said that he was an editor at the Golden Rain News and that he had offered to put a newsletter together. She said that maybe he could explain what kind of an idea he had and perhaps the Board could answer some of his questions. After some discussion, Mr. Anninos asked that this item be added to the agenda for the next meeting. Ms. Fort-Lincke stated that she had received a last minute request to televise the Los Alamitos School Board Debate that would be held in two days in the city council chambers and whether or not it could be live, taped or both. There was much discussion about the possibilities and the short notice and the Board was concerned about the ramifications if some of the candidates didn't know it would be live or taped, who would get copies of the program, where else it would be shown and when it would be replayed if it was not live. It was decided that there were too many unanswered questions on such short notice. Mr. Anninos said that he would handle contacting the individual who had made the request and explain the dilemma to them. LOCAL ORIGINATION/LOS ALAMITOS . Mr. Arnold said that he had a list of the Board's equipment that showed two 3/4" machines in playback at Fullerton and that there should be 4 machines. He asked Ms. Jackson to find out what happened to them. . . . PG 9 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 Ms. Jackson said that she had updates on the programs proposed for local origination and that she was working on the segment on "Places' of the History of Seal Beach series. She said that some suggestions had also included the Garden of Allah and the Krenwinkle House. She explained that the segment "People" would be the second installment on the series. Mr. Rowland briefly explained the Garden of Allah and also suggested to Ms. Jackson to consider the old Seal Beach airport and the old power plant. Ms. Jackson read Comcast had several events coming up i.e. the VH-l Fashion Show Awards, Comcast Vote-In, a New Year's Eve special and a Movie marathon. She said that these events would be available if the Board would like to have them. Mr. Arnold asked Ms. Jackson if these events were going to be on Channel 3 and if they were, would Comcast be taping them to show at a later time. Ms. Jackson said that they would be live satellite feeds and that to her knowledge Comcast would not be taping them. Ms. Jackson said that she had also received a last minute request to cover a workshop regarding land uses with Patty Campbell. She said that the workshop was one day away and it was a public access night and she said that she explained to Patty that it might not be able to be cablecast live. Mr. Anninos suggested that if it was going to be held in the city council chambers that public access producers could cover it with the Board's equipment that is already available to cover events on the council chambers. Mr. Arnold suggested that it could be a cooperative effort between SBTV-3 and Comcast and that it would be covered by public access producers with the Board's equipment and Comcast would cover the cost of the crew. Mr. Arnold asked if airing this live would present a problem with pre-empting programming. Mr. Roy said that he objected to airing this last minute request live because he just shot his Halloween program which would be airing in this time slot. It was agreed that if it is covered at all, that it would not pre-empt programming and would be shown at a later time. Ms. Jackson said that she would like to include it as one of the 25 LIO programs. The Board said no. Mr. Arnold said that it was a fifty dollar shoot, not a $1,000 shoot . Mr. Anninos said that any advertisement should be displayed as a joint effort by SBTV-3 and Comcast. Ms. Jackson agreed. . . . PG 10 SBCCF MINUTES 10/21/96 CORRESPONDENCE Ms. Fort-Lincke said that she had received no correspondence for the Board. Mr. Anninos submitted the letter written by Mr. Larry Means for the record. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Anninos asked Ms. Jackson if the camera in the studio that was not working properly had been fixed. Ms. Jackson said that it had been working fine. Mr. Mueller said that the reception of Channel 55 was still bad. Ms. Jackson stated that GTE is sending the signal in analog and it should be converted to digital, but that we are getting analog. Mr. Mueller said that sometimes at night the signal is worse than during the day. There was discussion about the signals and bad reception. Mr. Anninos stated that Ms. Hossinger had said several months ago that the rebuild would start in July. He asked Ms. Jackson for a status report. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Rowland made a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 9:10pm. Mr. Mueller seconded the motion. AYES: Mr. Rowland, Mr. Clow, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Anninos, Mr. Mueller NAYES: -0- MOTION PASSED: 5-0 (~:d;cl~ Peter Anninos, Chairman, SBCCF