11
May
2010

May 5, 2010 Minutes

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – May 5, 2010

Johnes Ruta, NH

Joyce Listro, NH BOE

George Alexander, H treasurer

Tad Weinstein, WH chair

Jen Sacco, H secretary

Carl Lambert, Sr. H, new member

Sharon Codeanne, Comcast

Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein.    CTV representative not present.

April minutes approved online.

We received two certified and unopened letters from CTV to Mr. Sydney Evans, which he sent to us because it was not mailed to his desired/appropriate address.   We returned them to Mr. Evans at our meeting; he wanted us to note that it was not sent to the appropriate address.

Comcast report from Sharon; George inquired about why the “free” set top boxes never materialized for some customers who requested them, because they would have had to go to New Haven to pick them up.  The offer is now expired.

Tad, Jen, and Joyce expressed concern that new rate hike  is the second price increase within six months.  There are some packages that were raised separately, so that not everything being raised now was raised in December, but to our recollection a number of these same packages (particularly basic) were raised both times. This outstrips inflation, and so the board asked for justification for the price increases.  None were really forthcoming.

Johnes raised the issue of net neutrality.  Comcast is opposed to regulation; Johnes is questioning what justifies that.  Sharon offered to connect Johnes to a person with technical expertise to discuss the issues of internet speed/net neutrality.

George mentioned that a website, DSL report.com, can measure the speed of your internet; Jen asked George if we could put a link to that on our webpage so that anyone interested might be able to do this. 

Johnes asked Sharon about the “Classic Arts Showcase” channel, which he had raised to her before.  Sharon says they prioritize channels for which a really high demand.  Marketing v.p. and division office make the final decisions regarding channel lineup.  Sharon said she would check with them to see if there is a final decision about “Classic Arts Showcase.”

George asked when the 2010 check from Comcast would arrive.  Sharon will mail it to George’s house, so he can make the deposit ASAP.

Johnes asked about the CTV bylaws, which since our last meeting are now available on the CTV website.

CTV had Hamden police come to remove Larry Czajkowski, who was observing the meeting, due to ongoing disputes between CTV and Mr. Czajkowski.  We received a certified letter from CTV containing a copy of an April 8, 2010 letter addressd to Mr. Czajkowski.  The letter concluded with “Staff [CTV] has been instructed to call the police immediately should you enter the premises.”

Though they were not on the agenda, Mr. Sydney Evans and others representing ASIM raised the issue, and wanted to know why the CTAC “authorized” having Mr. Czajkowski “arrested.”  Many minutes were spent explaining to the observers that we do not control CTV, nor the police.  Repeatedly members of the council were told by Mr. Evans that we would be held “individually accountable” for the removal of Mr. Czajkowski.  Mr. Evans also pointed his finger at the Council and each member separately and said that if his issues were not resolved it “will cost you your whole life.”  Mr. Evans was told repeatedly that the threats were unwarranted and not appropriate. 

George read the response of CTV (to the DPUC’s request for information pertaining to the dispute lodged by representatives of ASIM) to the board and observing guests.

CTV has now responded to the DPUC; now the CTAC awaits the finding of the DPUC.

CTV is still broadcasting old tapings of ASIM; according to Mr. Evans, CTV is not airing the newly recorded shows that he has been bringing on DVD to CTV.

Due to the length of the discussion, the meeting extended beyond the normal time of adjournment and CTAC was asked by CTV to leave because no one was available to lock the building.  Meeting continued in the parking lot where it was decided to contact the Hamden Mayor’s Office regarding the threats by Mr. Evans.

Meeting adjourned 7:40 p.m.