August 3, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – August 3, 2011
Call to order: A regular meeting of the CTAC, was held at CTV, Hamden, CT on 8/3/2011. The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m., Tad Weinstein, Chair. Jennifer Sacco, Secretary, absent this meeting. Minutes recorded by Johnes Ruta, CTAC New Haven #2.
Members in attendance:
(Secretary not present.)
(Quorum not present.)
Kinson B. Perry, Area Manager External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T
Kelly Wade Bettuci, Area Manager External affairs, AT&T
Sharon Codeanne, Area Public Affairs, Comcast
Paul Musco, President Board of Directors, CTV
Joe Schofield, Executive Director CTV
objected to by Johnes Ruta and George Alexander. Issue tabled for further consideration.
AT&T Representatives:
Kinson Perry, AT&T addressed the meeting: Describes AT&T service to area, hopes for AT&T to provide
CTV service to area. AT&T collects Subscriber Fees which are sent to CTV quarterly, accumulating to $250,000 since AT&T received a State wide license. Previous representatives of AT&T met with CTV Board several times.
AT&T acknowledges “learning curve” for connectivity with CTV, as the technical architecture of AT&T is different from CTV’s. AT&T: All Government Access Programming will be provided to CTV from AT&T channel 99. Special Audio programming will be available in SAP. AT&T Channel 99 is a Menu Selection channel by which viewers will select and subscribe access categories. Selection of program drops a “cookie” for a specific PEG reception interconnect process. Subscriber Fees are collected by AT&T and forwarded to CTV.
The technical specifications required are listed. A vendor will be authorized for the interconnection agreement, with a present choice of four different vendors. CTV’s North Haven State Street location can be provided with a signal for Uverse Service within range of one of the T1 boxes. A private website URL will be provided by AT&T to monitor their signal strength. AT&T has 12,000 subscribers within the Hamden, New Haven, West Haven district. AT&T will provide feed and monitor Addresses defined in terms of “Green Zones”
where service can be provided, and “Red Zones” where service cannot be provided. AT&T will provide the equipment. AT&T will pay for the T1 connection to CTV. The T1 line will be a demarcation point, external to the CTV building only.
AT&T will provide a 1-Year Maintenance Agreement for CTV. CTV will then own the equipment,
CTV will pay for the maintenance from the Demarcation Point into the CTV building. CTV will pay for inside wiring to their TV distribution module.
AT&T will perform tests for connectivity once connection is established and when any connection problems occur.
AT&T is unable to “black-out” coverage of live performances (such as at the Schubert Theatre in New Haven) and local sports events. This situation with theatre performances carries issues of Equity Rights. (George Alexander brought up issues also of “Intellectual Property” of license to broadcast certain programs especially those taking place in the coverage area itself where distribution cannot be allowed.Joe Schofield questioned aspects of “Equity Authorization.” Mentioned that CTV is scheduled to broadcast Garrison Kellior local talk. There followed a discussion of issues of “feed” and “distribution.
CTV has three issues with the interconnection with AT&T:
(1) Return Signal monitoring.
(3) Distribution of contractually restricted content beyond the Hamden, New Haven and West Haven franchise.
“All AT&T derived fund are to be dedicated to AT&T.” Kinson Perry responded, “There is a Repair Protocol for network repair and maintenance support.
Peaches Quinn addressed choices as connectivity issues. AT&T would set up monitoring.
Equipment:
DA = Distribution Amplifier. AT&T Business Model was discussed: (1) different from Comcast; (2) issue of Program Distribution.
AT&T guards against unauthorized equipment access into its network system.
AT&T Participation in CTAC:
George Aleaxander furthers this issue by indicating that CTAC district’s residents expect AT&T to be responsible to CTAC advisory.
Member Reappointment:
George Alexander reported receiving a letter from the Hamden Mayor’s Office that he and Jennifer Sacco have both been reappointed to the CTAC each for another two year term.
Officers’ reports: Not addressed due to lateness of the hour following above proceedings, now 8:00 PM.
Unfinished business: Not addressed
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
July 6, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – July 6, 2011
Johnes Ruta, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Peaches Quinn, NH
Paul Scanlon, WH
Joe Schofield, CTV
Comcast representative not present
Meeting called to order 6:05 p.m. by Tad Weinstein.
June minutes approved by vote. Sidney Evans, member of the public on the agenda, not present.
Comcast report sent electronically, but accidentally deleted, so Tad will request Sharon re-send.
Joe Schofield of CTV reports that on average, there are 126 producers over a six week period at CTV. Joe estimates 75 actually use the facility during a 6 week period. There are not enough slots for everyone to have more than 1 hour per week.
Joe says there was a rule for 11 years that if a producer allowed students to learn how to produce on a show, that show could have an additional airing. Ms. Shani no longer wanted students producing on her show with the CTV staff, and she developed her own crew, and other shows asked to be the training shows, so her show no longer qualified for a second hour.
In discussion, Joe indicated that CTV has video on demand capability, but does not make all shows available at all time, as the space is finite. Jen asked Joe if it was possible to put Ms. Shani’s show on demand, say, for two weeks after an episode’s initial airing, and would CTV be amenable to that as a resolution to the problem. Joe said yes, so long as a viewer would call the station and request her show being put On Demand. Acc. to Joe, the DPUC would like for the CTAC to be able to help resolve the issue. If Ms. Shani would appear before our council, we could propose this as a solution to her.
Joe reports that he met with Mr. Sidney Evans to discuss the ASIM situation. Mr. Evans expressed a desire to come back and do his show at CTV, and Joe said he’d need to come up with his own crew, as the CTV staff would not be made available. Mr. Evans said he understood, and was interested in returning to produce at CTV. Mr. Czjakowski is still not allowed in the building, unless he comes with his lawyer. If he attends civilly, he could attend our (public) meeting in the CTV building without his lawyer, but not as a producer.
Paul proposes that we dedicate a meeting to dealing with an AT&T representative. Peaches seconds the motion. Tad will reach out to the AT&T representative.
Paul suggested that we meet away from CTV to ensure that we are accessible to more of the public.
George read his proposed response to the DPUC docket pertaining to Ms. Shani’s complaints. Peaches disagreed with the substance of the letter
In our discussions of the dispute between CTV and Ms. N’zinga Shani, we would like to propose the following solution. CTV now has Video On Demand capability. We propose that when an episode of any show airs (including Ms. Shani’s), if a member of the viewing public calls in and requests for CTV to make a specific episode available for additional airing, CTV put the episode requested up On Demand for the period prior to the airing of the next episode of the show, so that interested members of the public can view it at their leisure and see it more than once. Clearly Ms. Shani’s show is of interest and service to the public, and CTV has responsibility to operate in a way that is fair to each of their producers. We believe this is a reasonable solution to the problem as we understand it, and consider it fair to CTV, Ms. Shani, all other producers, and members of the CTV viewing public.
Johnes moves that we send this language to the DPUC provided we can see the completed wording of the letter; seconded by Peaches. Approved by vote for our review by tomorrow. If no response by 10:00 a.m., approval will be assumed.
A viewer wrote us a three page letter which Tad will scan and send to us online due to the late hour.
Meeting adjourned 7:38 p.m.
June 1, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – June 1, 2011
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
George Alexander, H treasurer
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast Representative
Richard Gay, WH
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Joyce Listro, NH School System Representative
Johnes Ruta, NH
Joe Schofield, CTV Representative
Paul Scanlon, WH
(members listed alphabetically)
Meeting called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
Minutes approve by vote for May meeting.
COMCAST REPORT – Sharon Codeanne
George gave customer’s check received to Sharon.
Sharon tells us that Comcast has added new functions to their viewing system : (1) May 26, WUVN_LATA was added to Basic Tier Service. (2) Effective July 4, 2011, VeneMovies will change its name to “Viendo Movies” and “SiTV” will change its name to “Nuvo TV.” (3) Effective August 1, 2011, Comcast will change the name of “Basic Service” level to “Limited Basic.” (4) “DVR Record & Watch from Any Room” is now available.
Johnes Ruta raised the question about Comcast hiring Meredith Atwell Baker immediately after resigning from the FCC, raising a question of a “revolving-door” conflict of interest and reward of a former FCC Commissioner for favoritism to Comcast. Johnes also noted that Comcast had cut off funding for a Seattle, Washington, local TV access project called “Seattle’s Reel Girls” which had criticized Comcast for hiring Meredith Atwell Baker immediately after resigning the FCC.
Joyce Listro asked Sharon what constitutes the difference between Comcast and “XFinity”? Sharon said that this is just a renaming for marketing purposes.
Johnes asked whether Comcast’s “Price Changes” of “Bundled Services” would ever show a lowering of rates, considering that technological advances meant a lowering of Comcast’s costs ? Sharon stated her doubts that prices would go lower, and argued that Comcast’s costs were rather rising.
George Alexander commented about Comcast’s introductory Bundled Prices were only good for 6 months, and only to new customers.
Paul Scanlon commented about Comcast Rebates were effective as attractive marketing. Sharon explained that the availability of Bundled Package prices cannot be specified 12 months in advance. She also commented about the complexity of Bundled Package prices.
George commented about Comcast Customer Service, saying that a question to a representative he called about had been passed from Rep to Rep. He criticized the tiers of Customer representatives, that many did not have the knowledge of how to resolve problems encountered with the Internet and are not willing to escalate problems that are beyond their knowledge,
George said each Comcast rep had opened a new trouble ticket, requiring him to explain each time his internet problem, giving him the impression that there were different Comcast tech support groups that do not access the same open-ticket data base.
George told how eventually a Comcast Technician had come to his house, had talked to his Earthlink tech to resolve the email client problem.
George also asked about Comcast threshold to add another CTV channel to accommodate the need for more local access production programming, i.e. more than one hour per week per producer. Joe said that they neither have the volume of programming to require another channel nor the funds for the equipment.
Joyce Listro commented about a school field-trip which took place to Comcast to see the technical operations.
CTV — Joe Schofield
Joe Schofield commented about Comcast Production helping to train CTV.
The CTV Server is going back to the Tightrope system.
The CTV production studio is quieter during the summer months.
CTV is still seeking a new space for its offices and studios.
An Open Letter from N’Zinga Shani to DPUC Commission Chairman Kevin DelGabbo was distributed regarding One World Progressive Institute’s program “21st Century Conversations” current scheduling on CTV.
Old Business — George Alexander
George asked Joe Schofield if he could provide the number of regular CTV producers using CTV studio facilities. Joe said the number is around 280, but would confirm the actual number and email to George.
Joe said this number also changes from month to month. Producers fall into two categories:
(1) “Producers” are those who use the CTV Facility to record their programs, and (2) “Sponsors” are all other program producers, i.e. those who submit their externally produced programs on DVD for CTV broadcast.
Someone asked about the transmission codes that CTV follows regarding categories of programming.
The CTV codes are incompatible with the system that Comcast uses for on-screen Info display of TV program data. Acquisition of these codes requires an expensive subscription that CTV does not have funds to afford.
Joe was asked about what are the “laws” by which CTV determines which program is qualified or restricted on which “Program Educational Governmental” (PEG) channel. He replied that they could be found under Federal Code specifications and if CTAC was interested, CTAC members should find them by themselves.
Discussion took place about the Qualifications of scheduling for locally produced shows: Joe specified that all programs are limited to 1 hour per week. Producers who produce multiple shows are allowed one hour per week per show.
Joe said that there is currently no one on the Waiting List for schedule time slots, and that CTV is having trouble filling all available time slots of the week. Joe said that it is “an administrative nightmare to schedule all producers and all programs per week.” Joe said further , “It was one person who had contacted the DPUC and contested this issue who caused this CTV Regulation to be strictly enforced now. He discussed possible planning measures to accommodate this problem.
Joe said the President’s Weekly Address is now not on the Government Channel and sponsored by a local producer in order to enable it to be viewed by all customers.
Comcast moved the CTV Government Channel to channel 96. Joe mentioned that some Comcast customers have old wiring in their homes that disable channel 96, and that each of these wiring deficiencies must be serviced; Comcast rewires customer wiring on CTV request.
Docket # 10-10-06
Paul Scanlon asked whether CTV is available yet on ATT ? Joe stated that this is still a license issue that is unresolved, and that “ATT should be invited to a CTAC meeting to discuss their Policy and technical issues.
CTAC May Minutes
Tad told the CTAG meeting that the May Minutes had not yet been approved. All members indicated that they had read the May Minutes distributed by email. Paul made a motion to approve the May Minutes, and Richard Gay seconded this motion. Vote take to approve was carried in affirmative.
New Business
Regarding Sydney Evans’ request to be added to the CTAC Agenda to make statements. Johnes made a motion to add Sydney Evans to the July agenda to be allowed to speak for 5 minutes. Paul Scanlon seconded, and vote approved. Mr. Evans in attendance as member of the public agreed to this time allocation.
Tad adjourned the meeting at 7:04 PM.
May 4, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – May 4, 1011
Johnes Ruta, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Richard Gay, WH
Joyce Listro, NH
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Paul Scanlon, WH
Meeting called to order 6:06 p.m. by Tad Weinstein.
Report from Comcast. Johnes asked how to remove things from “favorites list” for cable box—asked for access to instructions from Comcast. George commented that he had trouble with tech support three times, in reference to delayed receipt of email from Comcast servers. Tech support was unable to help him because they didn’t understand the problem, or were unable to do anything to help. Sharon asked that George forward her the details so a tech could look into it. Johnes said he experienced a similar problem.
Richard moved to accept minutes from April, Johnes seconded. Minutes from April meeting approved.
Discussion of policy change regarding the scheduling of CTV producers’ shows has been conducted online between George and Joe Schofield from CTV. Question is whether producers can ever be offered a second hour of airing per week. Rule was recently implemented by CTV that producers can each only have one hour per week, but that would appear to leave some room in the schedule for additional airings. Joe agreed with George in email that priority should be given to locally produced shows, over satellite produced programs. Johnes and Joyce expressed an alternate concern, which is that alternate news programs (via satellite) may be more preferred to locally produced shows, from the standpoint of viewers. George and Joyce want clarification of what legal restrictions exist dictating what qualifies to be shown on public access, educational, and government channels. Johnes and Joyce raised the question if there should be a second public access channel (if government and educational channels can’t be used for overflow). Sharon says there are regulations from the DPUC that may answer these questions of definition and threshold for additional channels, so she will forward to us.
We agreed Joe should be asked again to answer what number of active producers are currently producing shows. We still don’t have an answer to this.
Joe had sent an update to docket 10-10-06 electronically (pertaining to broadcast issues with AT&T), and Tad expressed sentiment that CTV should be being broadcast on AT&T—this is an ongoing stalemate, apparently.
George reported that we received mail copies of all kinds of DPUC filings, pertaining to AT&T and CTV and the DPUC. All are available online to be read.
Tad suggested that we have a sit down between AT&T and CTV to try to resolve the issue of CTV not being broadcast on AT&T.
Paul moved that we send a statement to the DPUC indicating we want to see a resolution to this. George seconded. Motion passed; Paul will draft language and circulate to the rest of us via email.
Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m.
April 6, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – April 6, 2011
Joyce Listro, NH
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Shalita Sanford, H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Meeting called to order 6:05 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present.
Minutes from March meeting accepted.
Comcast report submitted. Sharon reported about the meeting that occurred the previous Monday between representatives from One World, CTV, and Comcast regarding the ongoing dispute between One World and CTV regarding the decreased airing of 21st century conversations. CTV board did vote to enforce their rule of one hour of airtime per week per producer. Ms. Shani is not pleased because this means her one hour program will now only be aired once, whereas it used to air twice a week.
Alternative scheduling rules were considered; George expressed concern that if there will be empty slots on CTV, then this seems arbitrary. He suggested CTAC write to DPUC that we disagreed with CTV’s rules. Johnes and others questioned if disagreement was appropriate, without further explanation. Joyce also expressed concern that we don’t have enough info. All agreed we needed to see a log so airings could be reviewed.
Sharon said CTV board agreed the rule would be in effect from May (enforced). Sharon didn’t have the language of the resolution but had requested it from CTV.
Peaches suggested our role could be to request/recommend a quantitative analysis of what actually is aired/how often. It appears that such a log is available on CTV’s website.
Sharon will send a report to the DPUC, the we can send a note, copy the DPUC about arbitrary seeming nature of the rule. They need a fair process for assigning extra time (either a lottery, or one based on public interest), particularly when CTV airs purchased nationally available programming, time slots which could be allocated to locally produced shows, instead. However, Johnes indicated that he agreed with CTV’s ruling in so far as these stated satellite transmissions are daily news productions, such
as “Democracy Now!”, “Grit TV,” (and others originating world-wide, and from all parts of the political spectrum.) He argued that there is a clear public demand for these “alternative news programs.”
Walter, of CTV, came in to the meeting briefly to answer question about the server, and said we are not receiving programming reports because their server is not capable of supporting the generation of the program report. We were instructed to ask the CTV board how many locally produced shows/hours come in to CTV each week.
A customer wrote to us complaining that for the price they pay for Comcast, there is nothing of value to watch on tv. We forwarded that complaint to Sharon, and asked if someone would reach out to the customer to make her aware of lower priced basic packages.
Report from Treasurer: George brought up AT&T issue and fees collected for CTV and role of CTAC in monitoring funds to CTV from DPUC report. Tad and Sharon explained that it does not apply to our area because CTV is independent from Comcast. North Haven is objecting to the DPUC ruling, and so it appears not to be consistent.
Meeting adjourned 7:05 p.m.
March 2, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – March 2, 2011
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
George Alexander, H treasurer
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast Representative
Peaches Quinn, NH
Richard Gay, WH
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Joyce Listro, NH School System Representative
Johnes Ruta, NH
Joe Schofield, CTV Representative
Paul Scanlon, WH
(members listed alphabetically)
Meeting called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
Minutes approve by vote for January meeting.
February meeting was cancelled due to bad weather condition.
COMCAST REPORT – Sharon Codeanne
Sharon gave check received to George.
Community Relations issues:
JFK Presidential Library & Museum On-Demand channel now added to Comcast channel line-up.
Missing-Kids On-Demand channel now added to Comcast channel line-up.
Comcast launched free Xfinity iPad application enabling video streaming on customers’ iPads.
The Annual Notice was filed with DPUC and released to customers, via inclusion in Billing Statements.
Comcast Marketing:
On December 6, the new CPTV channel CPTV4U was added to Basic Tier at Channel 257.
Price changes of 2.6% increment become effective on March 21.
Network electronic upgrades are coming thins summer 2011.
Download speed of programming, and high-speed internet is determined by the number of users accessing a local “node” at any given time. v
Johnes asked again about time frame of possible approval for Comcast to carry Classic Arts Showcase (a free satellite feed to carriers), still under request since October 2009. Tad also believes that this programming would be of interest especially to the New Haven area community, and therefore recommended Comcast attention to this matter. Tad recommended initiation of a local petition to Comcast for inclusion of this free satellite-feed to cable and fiber-optic TV programming providers.
CTV REPORT – Joe Schofield
Joe indicated that the Rules and Procedures of CTV have been revised as follows, notable changes including:
1. Initial suspensions have been reduced from 90 days to 30 days.
2. Most suspensions (all Minor and some Major) may now be stayed pending final appeal decisions locally.
3. Producers may appeal to ED or to the Board of Directors.
4. The Major Violation of our current case is now a Minor Violation, subject to two warnings before a suspension is initiated.
Joe indicated that CTV also had carried the Classic Arts Showcase programming, on a but that the satellite dish for this purpose had been struck and damaged by lightning . Due to CTV seeking another office location, this dish will not be repaired, until replacement in a new office location.
Joe said that CTV carries a Dish Network subscription in order to distribute “Democracy Now!”
and other programming. (Note: Classic Arts Showcase is available on Dish Network Channel 9406.)
Regarding issue of Program Titles and program information, Joeexplained that CTV was not able to adapt to the new Information Display system in place on Comcast, performed by a third-party contractor, mainly because the contractor’s billing system cannot be setup to bill a third-party,
i.e. CTV.
Relocation issue:
Planning is underway to find new location for CTV offices and production studios. Office space of at least 6,000 square feet is needed. There are two more locations to be looked at: Westville, and a vacant former car dealership in West Haven. Proximity to an accessible bus route is an essential requirement. The CTV Board will continue to look at possible relocation spaces.
Paul Scanlon suggested the possible location space in the old Lorenzo’s Restaurant in West Haven.
Government Access:
The cities of Hamden and New Haven both pay for TV coverage services of their Town Council and City Council meetings. Hamden’s is tapes, New Haven’s is live. Expenses paid are for technical services and for personnel services.
AT&T – CTV responded to Docket 10-10-08 regarding costs. Actors’ Equity gave permission to tape productions only if they are broadcast in the same area. AT&T subscribers number 65,000 – 70,000 households. AT&T claims to be paying for community access to CTV but not be getting connectivity from CTV to carry CTV programming on AT&T. This refers to Dockret 11-01-03. Joe specified that CTV has all of the monies received from AT&T for connectivity (still not in effect, monies are still held in reserve until resolution of issues.
Paul Scanlon asked Joe to explain why the new CTV Rules and Procedures were needed ?
Joe indicated that out of 40,000 public contacts in 10 years there have been only 8 suspensions from CTV privileges.
A debate then took place regarding the events at the March 2010 CTAC meeting, Paul Scanlon questioning why the Hamden Police were called to eject a member of the public attending the meeting who had previously been banned from the CTV premises.
Regina Bond’s letter was discussed.
Paul Scanlon questioned the CTV Executive Director methodology of governance.
Joe stated that he has repeatedly attempted to accommodate problem situations with producers by practicing some flexibility in the CTV rules, rather than enforcing the rules to the letter. Such was the case with N’Zinga Shani who Joe said had bragged openly to other producers at the CTV studio that she had never paid sales royalties to CTV for CDs & DVDs produced at CTV.
A discussion took place regarding the threatening behavior exhibited at the January 2010 CTAC meeting by couple of members from ASIM.
Joyce Listro stated that people who entered the January 2010 came as a group and exhibited a high degree of tension, and that the apparent leader of this group made threatening statements to members of the CTAC Board and also to the CTV receptionist. Johnes Ruta (the present writer) concurred with this statement regarding the January and March 2010 CTAC meetings, and also described witnessing the threatening physical presence of Larry Czajowski at the December 2010 meeting at Leon’s Restaurant, which loomed as a physical confrontation when Larry C. closely approached and repeatedly shouted questions at George Alexander, causing Johnes to step forward and ask Larry C. to step back from his immediate proximity to George.
Carl Lambert stated that we must consider our actions in overview.
Peaches Quinn said that problems occurred most when we try to mediate discussion, rather than working strictly by the CTAC Rules and Bylaws.
CTAC OFFICERS REPORT — George Alexander
Postponed to the next CTAC meeting due to the lateness of the time following the CTV Report.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
(Minutes noted and typed by Johnes Ruta, NH)
January 5, 2011 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – January 5, 2011
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
George Alexander, H treasurer
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast Representative
Shalita Sampson, H
Peaches Quinn, NH
Richard Gay, WH
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Joe Schofield, CTV Representative
Johnes Ruta, NH
Paul Scanlon, WH
Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
COMCAST REPORT – Sharon Codeanne
Annual Notice filed with FCC – Presented Price List effective December 6, 2010.
New channels included in Channel Line-up: CPTV4U, Discovery Health.
Analog channels have all been discontinued.
Up to three Digital Adapters are available to Digital customers.
Johnes asked question about channel switching issue sometimes occurring on Digital Preferred subscription, requires pressing OK to enable subscription of access channel already subscribed to. Sharon will forward concern to Comcast tech department.
Johnes also asked about time frame of possible approval for Comcast to carry Classic Arts Showcase
(a free satellite feed to carriers), still under request since October 2009. Tad recommended Comcast
attention to this matter.
Joe Schofield asked if there has been any public input or reaction to the Program Descriptions showing
on Digital channel display. He characterized these as questionable personal opinions of program quality, others present agreed. Sharon indicated these descriptions are carried from TV Guide source.
CTV REPORT – Joe Schofield
Joe indicated that CTV management has been preoccupied with the issue before the DPUC, as CTV was brought before the DPUC on a complaint by N’Zinga Shani. DPUC issued a Procedural Order to perform certain functions, in lieu of moving forward to a Hearing. DPUC issued a Procedural Order for a Technical Hearing. CTV was advised by their attorney to not respond as yet, but CTV is willing to abide
by DPUC requirements. Problem also had started last January, 2010, with producers of “America Speaks Its Mind” when a conflict erupted in the CTV office over the immediacy of CTV staff availability to assist their production, as has been regularly provided. The show was cancelled that that one day, but “America Speaks Its Mind” believed that their show had been permanently cancelled. Paul Scanlon requested further information on this and George indicated reference to this is on Docket # 10-10-08.
Joe reported on December 9 meeting of CTV Board (also attended by Peaches Quinn as CTAC representative) : suggestions heard on how to tweak certain management and technical functions of CTV operation. Sharon assisted in rewrites of CTV Rules and Procedures. Draft of this will be submitted to CTV and DPUC. By March 31, 2011, new CTV Rules and Procedures are hoped to be in place. Next
CTV Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 13.
Joe mentioned that the new CTV Digital Server crashed in early December, and that as a result all CTV channels carried on Comcast were off the air for one week, until parts arrived late and repairs completed.
The relocation of CTV studios is still undecided. CTV is looking at possible locations in Westville, the old Mauro Motors building in Hamden, the abandoned Staples on Whalley Avenue, New Haven. Paul Scanlon suggested the old Montesi Motors building in West Haven, Joe will consider. CTV requires
6,500 square feet for studio and office needs and has to be on a bus line. Some considered locations do not have ATT wiring available needed in order to carry CTV on ATT.
George asked about CTV offerings for Comcast On-Demand. Joe indicated all government programs will be automatically included as a priority. Other programs offered for Comcast On-Demand will be discussed and recommended. Joe also discussed general administrative difficulties at CTV.
ATT still has not effected connections to carry CTV Community Access. Joe is lobbying ATT to pay the
expenses of the line connection, as does Comcast. Johnes and others agreed that ATT has better financial resources for this purpose than CTV.
CTAC OFFICERS REPORT — George Alexander
George stated that the attorneys have submitted the report:
(a) CTV is behaving according to requirements.
(b) N’Zinga Shani’s program is no longer under suspension.
(c) “America Speaks Its Mind” had also been previously reinstated.
(d) CTV is now in compliance with issues (b) and (c).
(e) All reports and legal correspondence are in the Docket.
Tad proposed that the CTAC budget submitted by George be accepted. George made a Motion that “the 2011 Budget should be the same as the Budget for 2010 and 2009, with a fixed income of $2,000 per year.
Annual Costs are also usually fixed expenses, with the exception this year of the payment of the
CTAC website Domain Registry and Web Hosting that has been renewed for $401.20 until Nov. 2017.
Peaches stated that “CTAC has no basis for increasing it revenue.”
Tad stated that he has not yet had time to review the Annual Report , but will do so.
George stated that the current balance of the CTAC Checking Account is $8,665.78 as of December 31, 2010.
George made a motion to have the Budget for 2011 the same as that for 2010 and 2009. Motion seconded by Peaches Quinn. Motion was voted and carried.
George stated that “Budget is not needed for Annual Report
DECEMBER MINUTES
Peaches made a Motion to accept the December Minutes. Richard Gay seconded the Motion.
Motion voted and carried.
January meeting Agenda item:
NEW BUSINESS – CTAC Goals for 2011
Tad proposed that due to lateness of hour, this agenda item be postponed to the February meeting.
Motion agreed by all.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. by Tad Weinstein, Chairman.
(Minutes noted and typed by Johnes Ruta, NH)
December 8, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – December 8, 2010
Joyce Listro, NH
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Shalita Sampson, H
Richard Gay, WH
Paul Scanlon, West Haven, new member
Meeting called to order 6:00 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. CTV representative not present. Comcast representative not present.
Treasurer’s report by George: our website has been renewed for $401.20 to be hosted until Nov. 2017, which is when our url will expire.
Correspondence: we have gotten lots of correspondence from the DPUC; we get this in summary form online. CTV needs to comply with their recent directives, which we can assess by our January meeting. Comcast’s attorneys are involved in review of CTV’s bylaws and procedures at the request of the DPUC.
Peaches believes we are to be included in the review process as well; she has requested a schedule and documents to review from CTV.
Tad asked our treasurer, George, to present a new budget in February and Tad will start working on our annual report for the DPUC.
Peaches reports from CTV that she spoke with Joe Schofield today; he forgot to start sending her minutes of CTV board meetings for circulation to us prior to our meetings in case we have questions. He will send in a day or two. No update on their re-location—they are in negotiation with a location on Whalley Ave.
Meeting adjourned 6:15 p.m.
November 3, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – November 3, 2010
Johnes Ruta, NH
Shalita Sampson, H
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Richard Gay, WH
Joyce Listro, NH
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Joe Schofield, CTV representative
Meeting called to order 6:02 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. Minutes from Sept. meeting approved by vote.
Report from Comcast. Johnes asked for update on Classic Arts Showcase, but there is none, as the Vice President of Marketing left Comcast and is yet to be replaced. Issue appears to be on hold until there is someone else in that office.
Regarding the issue of the switch off of the Jets game that we got a complaint about, Sharon tells us that it was human error, that there is supposed to be someone who physically flip a switch, but there was not. Sharon has taken the details and will ask for there to be attention to this issue on this Sunday, when channel 2 (out of New York) will need to carry feed from New York at 4:00 p.m.
Johnes asked Sharon about how to use the xfinity interface, and she says there are directions online.
CTV report from Joe Schofield- technology issues have been arising on CTV broadcast during the day (shaky picture). This appears to be due to the lines from CTV being underground with a new building on top, and there appears to be interference from the heat generators, because the shaky picture only occurs when the building is in use. George inquired as to whether or not the equipment itself is FCC compliant. UI and Comcast may need to go out there together to conduct tests.
CTV went down to the Field House, and again there is the issue of no one knowing where the return line is. Someone suggested to Joe that if it were a loose looking wire, someone may have cut it. CTV is going to go again, and if Sharon will give CTV a number to call, CTV will go first and look, and call Comcast to come down as well if they can’t find it.
Joe says that people are still having distortion issues with Channel 96 (government channel); Joe suspects this is a problem that is specific to people on basic cable plans. Comcast had been going out to refit the connections individually, because the connections are too old. Also, the signal is being overmodulated by Comcast, so the channel appears too bright on television (for all Comcast subscribers). The overmodulation is something that Comcast needs to address.
Tad asked about the relocation progress for CTV; they are looking at a place on Whalley Ave., and the engineer is looking at the possibilities for floor plans. CTV is also still looking at possibilities in Hamden; one in particular is on State Street in Hamden, in the old A&P building across from the DMV. CTV has money set aside in their budget for relocation—about $55,000 currently, and hopefully $10,000 more by the end of the year.
Officers’ reports: George brought copies of the bylaws (as revised August 19, 2006) for our newer members. Also, our website posting (the hosting) is expiring at the end of November; George proposes that we renew for 3-5 years. The price is about $50/year. There may be the option of locking it in for 7 years, to expire at same time as our hold on the url. Originally, they gave us 25 megabits for storage space for our emails. George called to inquire, and they tell us we are allowed to have 1 gigabyte with no additional fee. Tad moved that we renew our website lease, Johnes seconded. Vote was unanimous for renewing.
Old business pertaining to DPUC Docket about 21st century conversations. We have been designated as “intervenors” on the docket, which means we can submit perspectives as friends to the DPUC. The hearing is tomorrow; most cannot attend because of work commitments. George reminds us we’ll be able to read the proceedings of the DPUC meeting. Richard agrees to go to the DPUC meeting in New Britain tomorrow.
New business pertaining to DPUC docket investigating the availability of Video Service offered by AT&T. The DPUC has issued some interrogatories regarding how many customers they have, where they are available, etc. Joe has contacted AT&T about the inability of CTV to view their own signal broadcast on AT&T, and also the need for AT&T to absorb the equipment costs upfront, and to provide maintenance of their equipment, the same way Comcast does, at CTV. AT&T has thus far been unwilling to absorb liability for equipment maintenance. Joe has inquiries out to other PEG providers (Waterbury) to see what deals they have made with AT&T.
Tad suggested Leon’s in New Haven for our December meeting, on Wednesday, December 8th, 6:00.
Meeting adjourned 7:06 p.m.
October 6, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES of CTAC of Hamden, New Haven, and West Haven – October 6, 2010
Johnes Ruta, NH
Peaches Quinn, NH
George Alexander, H treasurer
Tad Weinstein, WH chair
Jen Sacco, H secretary
Carl Lambert, Sr., H
Sharon Codeanne, Comcast representative
Joe Schofield, CTV representative
Meeting called to order 6:05 p.m. by Tad Weinstein. George moved to amend agenda to include discussion of latest DPUC docket 10-10-08, about the status of CTV as the public access provider.
Minutes from Sept. meeting approved online.
Report from Comcast. New user program guide interface. Comcast is working with new provider on getting program information included for CTV PEG channels. Coming soon is the caller id feature whereby telephone calls will show up on television station. Johnes asked if that feature would be optional, Sharon said it would be. Johnes also asked if there would be an numerical indication of the volume level, as there had been with the old interface. Peaches asked about lack of sync between audio and video; Jen reported this happens at her house regularly as well. Sharon will inquire at Comcast about it, to see if there is a way to re-sync box and remote. Tad asked for update about Comcast buyout of NBC; Sharon says the deal is not final, so there is not more information. Johnes asked again about Classic Arts Showcase; Sharon will check again with marketing department at Comcast. Joe asked if Sharon was aware of any other public access providers who are having titles included under their programs; Sharon says no other providers are doing so. They disappeared when the interface changed, but CTV and Comcast are looking into how to do this again. CTV has been paying for this service, and is willing to continue doing so.
Peaches gave a report of her attendance at the CTV board of directors meeting. She gave a list of the suggested topics that CTAC and CTV could be communicating about. Peaches requested that Joe or a representative of the board of CTV attend our meetings again. Peaches and the CTV board agreed that the CTV program report could be submitted to us via email, as could the budget report and CTV board meeting minutes. Peaches introduced Joe Schofield to the council and reiterated our interest in cooperation, which was echoed by Joe as well.
Joe indicated he would email to us a copy of the CTV rules and procedures for distribution to our group. The CTV board is hoping to revise/update them before December, so we’ll receive the current rules and the proposed revisions before our November meeting, so that we can take action at that meeting, and they can take final action at their December meeting. Joe indicated that he will need to be more cautious about what he discusses with us, so that he can respect the role of the Board of Directors of CTV, as pertains to policy creation for their organization, because ours is a public meeting. So, rather than “announce” considered plans to the “public,” Joe will be more circumspect in some of his conversations with us.
Regarding the move of CTV, they have 3 spaces with public frontage in mind, yet they have a lease on this building, and don’t want to break the lease prematurely and lose the money it would take to cover the current lease. Peaches asked if all three towns have possible spaces; Joe indicated that Hamden and New Haven are possibilities, West Haven does not appear to have a suitable space. New Haven is currently favored to some extent because of the service of the buses available. Joe said the final decision does not rest with him, it rests with the board. Peaches reiterated that that was true. When Joe is looking at spaces, he checks to see if AT&T is available in the new space, and he has not yet seen a space where AT&T is available. Perhaps this is because they are looking at commercial space, and AT&T appears to be only rolling out to residential streets. Joe is concerned that if CTV were to be carried by AT&T, there is no way for CTV to check their own signal if someone is having trouble. Engineering-wise, they won’t be able to know where any problem originates, because there would be no way to check. George and Tad asked if it was possible to ask AT&T would be willing to run a line to CTV. Joe indicated that they would certainly ask as soon as they settle on a new space. George suggested that CTV ask now, if that could be a game changer in terms of where CTV finally decides to relocate. CTV still has other concerns about AT&T, but thus far this is their primary concern.
Regarding CTV video on demand, they have all the recorded town meetings available through Windows media player online. It is not streamed live; it takes a day or so to get the meeting footage up. Joe says he cannot make any promises, but that live streaming may become a possibility in the next six months or so. Johnes asked if there is a way to find a program schedule for CTV online; Joe says it is available online a month in advance.
Peaches asked if the Hill House issue had been resolved, about live feed return lines. CTV is going next week to do a system check; if it works, that would be the end of this issue.
Johnes raised the issue of 21st century conversations and N’Zinga Shani’s complaint. Joe said this the producer admitted to a staff member a major violation of the producer rules. Joe says there was no choice but to confront her or threaten suspension. She never gave an accounting, she was suspended, rather than go through the CTV complaint procedures, she went straight to the DPUC. The board said the DPUC needed to deal with the board, not the executive director (Joe Schofield), the board complained to the DPUC, the DPUC kicked it back to the board of CTV to handle, they indicated immediate reinstatement was possible, provided the producer would write a letter indicating she would comply with the rules. Now, the DPUC has opened a docket to call into question CTV’s right to act as the public access provider. Joe says it is weird that the DPUC is opening a docket in response to an issue of rule breaking that the producer admitted, and has now been resolved.
George gave a personal suggestion to Joe to take to the Board, that it is incredibly hard to find information about who the board is on the website for CTV, and that this could be improved. Peaches said she had a hard time finding the rules and procedures on the CTV site, and that the website could be simplified. Jen suggested there be fewer links possible from the home page. George suggested a site map be included.
Jen asked when the current CTV producer rules were established; Joe says they were last voted on in 2000.
George submitted correspondence to us, including a letter sent to Joe at CTV from the mayor of New Haven, regarding New Haven appointments to our committee. One is for Peaches Quinn, one is for Paul Lukasiewicz, Christopher Korenowsky, NH city librarian, one is for Johnes Ruta, one is for Edward Maher, who used to be a member, but who resigned over two years ago. Mr. Lukasiewicz has been unresponsive to Tad, though he will try again.
We received several communications in support of N’Zinga Shani’s program.
Regarding new business, George tried to find information about the new docket filed by the DPUC about the status of CTV, but was unable to read any information. Sharon believes there is a way to try to sign up for email updates, and so will see if she can forward us this info.
Meeting adjourned 7:10.