2017

MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven and West Haven

Meeting Date: January 4, 2017

A regular monthly meeting of CTAC was held at the offices of Citizens Television of New Haven, Connecticut, on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. President Tad Weinstein presiding.
Meeting called to order at 6:06 PM.

Members in attendance:

Tad Weinstein, Chair (WH), George Alexander (H), Ashley Sklar (NH Library),
Laurel Coleman (H), Johnes Ruta (NH).

Representatives attending:   Joseph Schofield (CTV.)

Agenda change: Joe Schofield requests to present his CTV Report first, due to his time constraints. Approved by Tad Weinstein and council without objection.
1.   CTV Report – given by Joe Schofield:
a.          “Frontier is still having issues but their connection to input CTV programming into their statewide system. Frontier has been responsive to work on the problem. They have their amps set too high. The CTV signal level is set correctly. The Comcast signal level is also set correctly.”   Joe sent an email to Steve Gimmel (Frontier Field Manager) to come to CTV to reset the signal level. Another monitor is needed for Frontier in the CTV Reception area where relays to Frontier and Comcast are observed continuously by the receptionist.

b.         Joe: “A new SWITCHER is needed:   “It may be time for a 2008 Switcher to be replaced. The cost would be $30,000. The cost issue will be brought up at the next CTV Board meeting.CTV will need to increase its Credit Line with the Wells Fargo Bank. CTV will pay the interest on its own money account at Wells Fargo. CTV hopes to complete the new Switcher installation by the end of February. Graphics will be improved.”

1. Joe: “CTV wants to get more use from the CTV website http://www.citizenstv.org/
   Program producers must now fill put a “show- log” which will accommodate and expand the channel listings on the CTV website.”d. Joe: “CTV is retraining program producers in terms of their production and technical standards.   Lots of money has been spent on changing sets (curtains & props) so that each show will look different. These have been installed, to improve quality and aesthetics.”

1. Joe: “CTV is implementing a TRI-CASTER to run a virtual sets with a “Chromo-Key”
   to continually monitor transmission color standards.f. Joe: “A Holiday Party on December 20, 2016, given by CTV at its headquarters, was a success. A pianist was hired, and the food catered by Christopher Martins Restaurant.” CTAC members were invited, with apologies for the late date of the invitation notice.

2. CTAC December Minutes.
   Copies of the December Minutes recorded by Don Levy were distributed by Tad Weinstein for review. Clarification on video prizes: two at $1,000 each. No objections raised to text. Johnes Ruta made the Motion to accept the Minutes as written.   Tad seconded the motion. Vote taken, unanimous.

3. CTAC Meeting topic: Don Levy’s resignation.Email received to all CTAC members on December 24, 2016 from Don Levy, CTAC Secretary:
   To my colleagues on CTAC,

Effective immediately I am resigning from the Cable Television Advisory Council.

I am redirecting my energies and my commitments and, as a result, I am not able to devote my time and attention to CTAC.   Please remove my email address from CTACforward.

Regards, Don Levy
George says that Hamden Town Hall should be notified, so a new appointment for a second representative for Hamden will be made for the CTAC.

4. CTAC Video Contest
   Form design submitted by George Alexander.   Changes since December meeting:
5. 14 minute video maximum length.
   b. Digital media only allowed.

CableAdvisory.org home page will have a tab on the menu to link to the Contest Entry form. Rules Page displayed, must be entered with a AGREE check-mark by entrant, in order

1.    for entrant to proceed to the online Application Form.b. Applicant would create a User Account. Applicant completion of this form will notify
   all CTAC members via email at [email protected], so that the applicant’s entry will be review and determined that it meets rules criteria.
2. On CTAC approval of Applicant qualifications will then be qualified as a Contestant.
   The database should then allow the Contestant to upload a video to the website,
   via a private link for the contestant only. The link should allow upload and play
   (for CTAC reviewers) of all types of video files (ex. .mp4, .wmv, .flv, etc)
   (A video file is technically too large to be sent to CTAC as an email attachment.)

1. Applicant approval will then allow Contestant to upload their video to the WordPress      CableAdvisory.org’s contestant’s private account, notifying judging subcommittee that the video is available for viewing and judging.Discussion on Application Form:
   Johnes recommends Name & Age entry field be modified to 3 separate fields:
   First Name, Last Name, Date-of-Birth (to automatically calculate age of applicant).George specifies the need for a Date-of-Entry field. Tad recommends elimination of “Anticipated Budget” entry line. Laurel Coleman voices concerns about accessibility of contest entry, standards to be applied for videos and judging for awards categories.
   Laurel contributes ideas for criteria. Johnes offers a written outline of aesthetic criteria.Motion made by Johnes to accept all modifications to Form: Tad seconded. Vote unanimous.

Meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Johnes Ruta.