HomeMy WebLinkAboutSBCCF Min 1988-03-14
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SEAL BEACH CABLE COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION
Board of Directors Meeting
Special Meeting
March 14. 1988
At the request of Chairman Mr. Peter Arnold, an emergency Board meeting was called for the
evening of Monday, March 14. 1988. This meeting was concerning the sub-leasing of office
space and the studio located in the Comcast offices in the Old City Hall, 201 8th Street,
Seal Beach. The meeting began with Chairman Mr. Arnold calling the meeting to order and lead-
ing the Salute to the Flag.
Roll Call:
Present: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Stein, Mr. Claw, Mr. Looney
Absent: Mr. Covington
Mr. Covington was not present at the meeting, but a copy of his correspondence related to the
items discussed is attached to these minutes.
NEW BUSINESS--Move of Comcast Facility/Lease of Comcast Building 2nd Floor
Mr. Tom Kezar of Comcast Cable spoke to the Board, and brfefly explained the history of Com-
cast's lease of the Old City Hall and their recent opportunities to sub-lease portions of
the bUilding (in order to alleviate the aubstantial monthly lease paid by Comcast.) Mr. Ke-
zar said that Monogram Entertainment Corporation had recently entered into negotiations with
Comcast to sub-lease office space on the second floor, and an agreement had been reached that
was acceptable to both parties at this time. He apologized to the Board for not maintaining
. constant communication during the negotiation with Monogram, but emphasized that the agree-
ment had come about very quickly and he would accept responsibility for this oversight. Miss
Lisa Yale then explained to the Board that in this agreement, Seal Beach local origination
and public access would have a minimum of nine days per month, and more if necessary, for
use of the studio and its equipment for production and post-production work.
Mr. Arnold then expressed his concern that the public access classes (for Portapak certifica-
tion) be taught in a studio environment, not in a small conference room. Miss Grab explained
that the conference room is used for only two of the four class sessions, with the remaining
two sessions taught in the studio. Mr. Arnold also expressed his concerns over the potential
class time and potential in-studio time that is needed to prod~ce access programming, versus
the agreement mentioned by Miss Yale that calls for nine days per month of studio use. He also
felt that it was important that Comcast use every available square foot in the building for
public access and community television. .
Miss Yale then told the Board that Comcast was preparing to introduce two new series, one to
be produced by Miss Grab with the Leisure World Portapak Club which will concentrate on Lei-
sure World activities and issues, and the other an in-studio production that will deal with
issues that affect all of Seal Beach. The Board then toured the building to see the changes
that have taken place because of the new lease agreement With Monogram Entertainment.
After the tour. the Board was told by Miss Yale that Monogram would be leaSing about 4,000
square feet, and that Comcast would probably be continuing to sub-lease other space in the
building should the opportunity arise. Mr. Arnold then suggested that a third editing bay be
established for use by the access program. Miss Yale also told the Board that the equipment
in the studio and in the control room would be remaining the same, with the exception of
possible equipment upgrading by Monogram, She also sais that Comcast would be allowed to uti-
lize any additional equipment provided by Monogram to the studio, and that Monogram would be
~ responsible for the costs of that equipment's maintenance.
,.., Mr. Arnold then suggested that Comcast provide each member of the City Council with a tour
of the Old City Hall in order to provide an open-door policy with the City concerning these
changes, and how they may affect Comcast's franchise obligations. Mr. Arnold also suggested
at several points throughout the meeting that the public access program needs to develop a
weekly series, or several different series. to further promote community television in Seal
Beach, and he urged Miss Grab and Comcast to continue reaching the public and promoting pub-
lic access. Miss Yale agreed, but reminded the Board that a successful series on Seal Beach
_ requires cooperation from large se~ents of the community.
~Mr. Arnold concluded the meeting by suggesting that each Board member contact his City Coun-
cil member and inform them of the developments of this meeting, and also expressed his hope
that the Foundation and Comcast Cable continue to develop a positive and open relationship.
a sentiment that was shared by the Board and the staff of Comcast Cable.
It was the consensus of the Board, and so ordered by the Chair, to adjourn the Seal Beach
Cable Communications Foundation at 8:50 p.m.
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