HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/1998 Telecommunications One Mind Productions 2148233324 P.02
minutes of'the Telecommunications Board
of the
City of The Colony
January 20, 1998
A SPBCIf,A:L SESSION of then Teleceammar iom Berard of the City of The Colony,
Texas was called to order by VCe-Chair Bill C=ningham at 7.10 P.M-, at City Hall, 5151
Worth Colony Dlvd., The Co", Texas.
Present: Vice Chair Bill Cunningham, Lisa Leary, Walter Gillett, Russell
Raybourn, Michel' Bar+tl % Doty Gun City Liaison Joan Sveimjon,
Special Guest - City Manager Lanny Lambert
Absent: Chair Clark Switzer - Excused JUms
1. City Manager Lanny Lambert was present to discuss the Cable Channel Six Policy
regarding the cablecasting of political candidate/rneastncmaterial. The following are a few
suggestions that Mr. Lambert tirade regarding preparitag the policy to be presented to the
Council to become an ordinance.
1. Allow cmdidatef=mm matcriat to o m t for only 30 daps prior tcy chr-tion
date,
2. Proposed tapes be shown a rAy bet woen the- hom of 8-5 weekdays,, exdwing
holidays.
3. City staff to operate, tape pfayers dtmng before stated time periods.
(2 and 3 will. assist with airing of political tapes. Due to the nature of The Colony
CWc TV being alf vohmteer - this will insu that tapes are slnov+m without use of
volunteers assistance.)
4. To not makes proposed ordirattcato rigid and restrictive.
Mr. Lambert also wants input from the Telecom Board regarding the new city hall
building arA th& broadcast facility. He requested-tht Board discuss th4 matter and
present him with ideas.
Firalkyr, Mr. Lsmbert cxpl Liz that many axe cifim have found a good source of
revenue is to lease space on city water towers to telecommunication firms for use as
menrtar kxmtions. He requested that the-Teloaorrtnmt~rdeatiasts Board fiuther mwclr out
information.
1 arrtbe~rt Departs t~rc° t' ati~as Board Meeting.
Further discussion occurs regarding Mr, Lambert's suggestions for the political
candidatefmokllre policy.
Ideas tb cc►nsider far inch~fixc~tl iri ae ordne~ for t'okit3s`al ('andidate,~ >res
All eligible (those eligible at filing deadline) candidates will be notified of Channel
Six Policiesregarding cablecasting of cwdidafic vi eo.
Tapes will be shown beginning 3,0 days prior to election date.
One Mind Pr OdUGtiOnS 2148233324 P•03
Minutcs of tho Tcl commun icatxons itsoard
of the
City of The Colony
January 24, 1998
Each caadidate will' be allawect up to one hour of caHc time per 24• hour period, `
subject to available air time.
Eacft candidate will be chmpg d- $25. @&per 34 minute time slot.
The $25.00 charge will be used for Chwwel Six equipment maintenum.
All money will be depos4od in the City of The- Cotony Cable Yod.
Candidates must pre-pay weekly for cablecast of tape.
Time available wilt bt based upon time slots divided by comber of candidates.
'tapes must be received by 5PM Monday one week prior to there cablocast date.
• ffpcs moat be•submitted in pemon to the City receptionist.
Receptionist will have written instructions for receipt of candidate tapes.
Them will be a name draw for order of prescatatiozt of cabl at of tapes. N
draw will be performed by Cable Programming Committee and all candidates and/or
candidate-representatives arc welcome to attend. Ctnxd s wifl be informed of tinnc and
place of name draw- Name draw will stand-
CikC Pmgramwi ng Co= tttet will oomist of three pins.
Mcctirq adjouracd at 10.45,P_Nf_
_ :r'` = x "
Bill Cunningh, Vice-Chair
r
Lis Lear, S retary
From: Leary Fat: M Z2-6-16090 at TC LIBRARY Leary Page2o(A Tuesday, July 21, 1998 A:13:43 PM To
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the
City of The Colony, Texas
January 27, 1998
A REGULAR SESSION of the Telecommunications Board of the City of The Colony,
Texas, was called to order by Chair Clark Switzer at 7:00 P.M., at City Hall, 5151 North
Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas.
Present: Chair Clark Switzer, Bill Cunningham, Walter Gillett, Russell
Rayboum, Lisa Leary, Don Guill, Joan Sveinsson-Library
Director,
Staff Liaison
Absent: Michel Bordes (Unexcused)
City Staff: Lanny Lambert - City Manager, The Colony, Texas
1. Discussion occurred regarding the proposed Cablecast Policies. Mr. Lambert
suggested that the Telecommunications Board present to the City Council as soon
as possible Policies regarding the operation of Channel Six. City attorney
suggested to present the policies in Resolution Form. The Resolution Format
allows for easier amendment at as needed in the future.
Mr. Lambert advised that Channel Six operate with the GTV (Govt TV) formal.
Lisa Leary presented information about the operation of Austin Government TV,
as to exactly what a GTV is and what its functions are.
Discussion about GTV / candidate and election policies. If candidates are
presented, will the presentation be free of charge or will there be a cost to the
candidate to cablecast presentation. Clark Switzer- sited the cost of the video
tapes, Lisa Leary volunteered to purchase the video tapes for candidate
presentation. Suggestion made to allow for a five minute free presentation.
Suggestion also received for charging candidates per viewing.
Joan Sveinsson suggested that a free candidate presentation be written into the
new resolution. No action take other than suggestion to write separate resolution.
Discussion on how to make fair and equal access to all candidates for Channel
Six.
Upon closing date of candidate registration, Board will gather all eligible
candidate names and addresses. A letter will be prepared and sent inviting every
candidate to a taping of a five (5) minute platform /candidate presentation. Using the
same equipment, same background, same format. Each candidate will have fair
presentation. If a candidate opts to not accept the invitation to present themselves
then they can not in the future claim that they were not given fair and equal access.
Motion made by Walter Gillett, Seconded by Russell Raybourn to forward to the
City Council a revised resolution regarding Candidate and Channel Six.
Leary Page S a(A Tuesday, Jvy 21, 1998 /:11_d6 PM To'. JO
_eary Fax: 9721i26h090 at: TG 118RARY
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the
City of The Colony, Texas
January 27, 1998
Vote:
YES - Five (5) - Clark Switzer, Bill Cunningham, Don Guill, Russell Raybourn
and Walter Gillett.
NO - One (1) - Lisa Leary
Members requested to be present at the next council meeting.
Chair Clark Switzer brought forward infonnation and discussion occurred about
the new TC Select League Youth Football and televising football games and
events on Channel Six. Lisa Leary formally requested that Mr. Switzer abstain
from voting on matters that involve the Select Football League due to Mr. Switzer
being the Secretary of the League.
Discussion about where sports should be present. A category of Special and
Community Events was suggested.
Presentation of videos by various groups would be a first come first serve.
Letter be drafted to go out to each community organization explaining the interest
of the city to air sporting events. Procedures for submission and airing of tapes
discussed. Chair Switzer stated that if sports are not telecast, that the community
will be outraged and go to the City Council.
Next Telecommunications Board Meetings are February 10 and February 24.
Joan Sveinsson agreed to handle the preparation of the agenda packets for the
Telecommuncations Board.
Bill Cunningham was requested by other Board Members to contact Rick Allen,
General Manager of TC1 and inquire about the following.
1. Can an additional channel be opened for community access?
2. Can the channel be added to Basic Cable and not Extended Cable?
3. When can the additional channel be added?
4. When will the second character generated be available for installation?
5. Can an override for Emergency and Public Safety be installed?
Committees were formed to insure that official Telecom Board Meetings could be
expedited. Suggested committees:
TCI
Equipment
Public Safety
Policies
Telephone
PCS, Digital, Cell
Radio
Internet
Cable Production
Training
From: Leary I_ a,: 972.622 b090 at TC LIBRARY Leary Page 4 of 4 Tawdry, Jury21, 1998 4:16:38 PRA To
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the
City of Thy; Colony, Texas
January 27, 1998
Satellite
Technology Overlap
Suggested agenda itetns for future meetings:
Citizen Impute
Budget
Fees
For Production
For Cablecasting
Policies
Adjourn: 10:15 P.M.
Clark Switzer,, a),r
Lisa Leary, Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the
City of The Colony
February 10, 1998
A REGULAR SESSION of the Telecommunications Board of the City of The'Colony,
Texas was called to order by Chair Clark Switzer at 7:05 P.M., at City Hall,' 5151- North
Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas.
Present: Chair Clark Switzer, Walter Gillee~ Russell
Rayboum, Bill Cunningham, Don Guill,
Michel- Bordes, Joan Sveinsson - Library
Director, Staff Liason, Wilma Avey - City
Council- Representative
Absent: Lisa Leary (Personal Business)
1. No Citizen Comments.
2. Minutes of the December 9 h meeting stand approved as submitted.
3. Reports by committees as follows:
a) Emergency Override switch for Channel Six has been installed in the
police department.
b) An attempt is underway by Wedgewood Communications to avoid local
franchising regulations by leasing lines in the public right of way from the
telephone company. Technology Overlaps committee wilt investigate
further.
c) Internet committee- Discussed publishing Email addresses-of city
council members. W. Avey said that Email is not functional at this time.
4. Discussion occurred regarding the possibility of obtaining minutes of city council
meetings that contain references to Channel 6 or TCI cable. W. Avey will try to
obtain this information for the Board's review.
5. Discussion and consideration of fees and discussion and consideration of
budget requests-were tabled until a future meeting-
6. A special session was suggested and approved for Tuesday the 17"' of
February, 1998.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
fKY~3~1-1b111f tZer, Crlai r
yyy
P~
Den Gui i 1 , Acting Secretary
February 17, 1998
The Colony Telecommunications Board
Special Meeting
Attending: Clark Switzer (Chairman), Joan Sveinsson, Bill
Cunningham, Russell Raybourn, Walter Gillett, Wilma Avey,
Michel Bordes,
Absan,t: L,'" sm (J',n«af3',-V." CScss-r~~S
Purpose: Discuss proposed policy for government access on
TCI channel 6 to,present to the City Council for acceptance
as prepared by Lisa Leary with the following changes for
better readability:
Page 6 Goals add as number 6 the last two sentences of
page 5 Ki-ssion Statement and deleting the referenced two
sentences from the Mission Statement.
Discussion evolved into an attempt to define "community
events" and 10governmental entities". It was decided by
consensus that we (the Telecommunications Board) would
suggest that channel 6 be governmental access, bulletin
board, and emergency services airings only for 1998 and that
we would need more time to develop policies and procedures
for public access and/or educational on other cablecast
channels as these become available.
Joan, Sveinsson wrote a condensed version of our suggested
policies for review in a special meeting called for 7:00 P.M.
Friday, February 20, 1998.
Board adjourned approximately 10:10 P.M.
- - - - -
ark-Svli tzer, Cha
Russell RciybcSu , t~g-s tary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board of the
City of The Colony February 20, 1998
A Special session of the Telecommunications Board of the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order by Chair Clark
Switzer at 7:08 P.M. at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd.,
The Colony, Texas.
Present: Chair Clark Switzer, Joan
Sveinsson - Library Director,
Staff Liaison, Wilma Avey -City
Council Representative, Russell
Raybourn - designated acting
recording secretary, Walter
Gillett, Bill Cunningham, Lisa
Leary
Absent: Don Guilt (work)
Michel Bordes (work)
1. No Citizen Comments.
2. All Telecommunications
Board members to be present at the regular session of the
City Council of The Colony Monday, February 23, 1998,
7:30 P.M. to be available to answer any questions
regarding the submitted Cablecast Policies, agenda item
3_.1..
3. Policy changes recommended and approved:
a. Minor wording and grammatical corrections to make the
policy more readable.
b. (Exhibit B) renamed (Exhibit B1-B3)
c. (Exhibit B-3) renamed and included as (Exhibit C)
d. Community Bulletin Board:
(1)added new policy 2: "Advisory information from city
departments may be posted for longer than the thirty
(30) day limit."
(4)original policy 2 renumbered 113"
(3)added new policy 4: "Public safety notes may be
placed on the "crawl space" or bulletin board at the
discretion of the Chief of Police with out prior notice
to the Telecommunications Board.''
4. Joan Sveinsson recommended a cover letter
indicating areas of further discussion and revision
accompany the proposed Cablecast Policies, approved
unanimously.
5. Recess called at approximately 9:00 P.M. to move to
the library so the revisions could be printed, reviewed,
and voted on.
6. Telecommunications Board reconvened at about 9:05
P.M. The cover letter was read to all members present,
approved unanimously and signed by Chair Clark Switzer. The
revisedpolicy was reviewed and approved as corrected by a
majority.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M.
OC4 Switzer it
Russell Rayfiourn, ' 64A:±ng-Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the City of The Colony
February 24, 1998
A REGULAR SESSION of the Telecommunications Board of the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order by Chair Clark
Switzer at 7:05 P.M., at City Hail, 5151 North Colony Blvd.,
The Colony, Texas.
Present: Chair Clark Switzer, Joan
Svf4nsson - Library Director,
Staff Liaison, Russell Raybourn
Acting Recording Secretary,
Bill Cunningham, Donnie Guill,
guest Tony Johnston - City
Financial Officer
Absent: Lisa Leary (Personal Business),
Walter Gillett (Illness),
Michel Bordes (Work)
1. Citizen's Input: none
2. Minutes for meetings February 10, 17, 20, 1998
considered, corrected and approved. No minutes
available for December 16, 1997, January 20, 27, 1998.
3. Reports: Agenda item 7: Co-serve (formerly Denton Co-op)
memo to Tony Johnston, Finance Director regarding
telephone service to The Colony for consideration at the
next regular Telecommunications Board meeting on March
10, 1998 after review and presentation by telephone
subcommittee (Walter Gillett, Michel Bordes, Bill
Cunningham).
Agenda item 3.1: Bill Cunningham contacted Rick Allen at
T C I regarding the cost of equipment for the city's
second channel. Calls not returned.
Agenda item 3.3: Lisa Leary working on the wording of
revision 3 of the policies adopted by City Council
adding "city-sponsored events".
Agenda item 3.4: Lisa and Clark to meet Wednesday,
February 25, 1998 to discuss production guidelines,
fees, etc.
Agenda item 3.7: Ham radio club will be assisting with
the July 4, 1998 parade.
Agenda item 3.12: Telecommunications conference in Ft.
Worth Feb. 25, 1998 no board members able to attend.
TCGTV to include a city-wide weekly news program and to
move into the new city hall when the Food Lion
conversion is completed. Our second channel will
probably be dedicated to educational programming.
Agenda items 3.2, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11: no
reports
4. Joan Sveinsson to draft a letter from this board to
Lanny Lambert, City Manager to request T C I begin the
process of bringing on line a second channel on the
analog side for city use.
5. Discussion and consideration of fees for recommendation
to the Fees Committee tabled until March 10, 1998
meeting.
6. Discussion and consideration of budget request
thfor
recommendation to City Council approved with
addition of a cover letter and reformatting of the
budget request to conform to the format used by the
city. Review and discussion to occur at March 10, 1998
meeting.
7, ether business:
A. Schedule of airings to be provided both city papers
weekly.
B. Russell Raybourn elected as Recording Secretary
with Don Guill as designated substitute secretary.
C. We all appreciate the contributions of time,
talent, and familiarity with city verbiage and
forms Joan brings to our board. A very big and
heart-felt thank you.
D. Clark expressed need for additional help in video
recording the additional board and event meetings
we will be expected to cover for the city.
Meeting adjourned 9:00 P.M.
Clark Switzer, Ch r
Russell Raybourr7, Secrary
05/13/98 10:23 a P,01
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the
City of The Colony
March 10, 1996
A REGULAR SESSION of the Telecommunications Board of the City of The Colony,
Texas was called to order by Chair Clark Switzer at 7:05 P.M., at City Hall, 5151 North
Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas.
Present: Chair Clark Switzer, Walter Gillett, B i 11
Cunningham, Don Guill, Lisa Leary
Absent: Russell Raybourn - other business,
Michel Bordes - personal,
Joan Sveinsson - Worts
. No Citizen Comments.
2. Minutes of the February 2e meeting submitted and approved.
3. Reports by committees as follows:
a) TO Liaisons - Letter is being written to request 2"d channel from T.O.I.
This channel will most likely be analog.
b) Cablecast Policy - Policy changes are being prepared to cover
broadcasting community events and to include LISA as a government
entity. These changes will be presented to the board as soon as they are
availat5ie. .
c) Telephone - Telephone committee is checking on the 625 and 370
changes. Will try to have information ready for next meeting.
d) Ham radio - ATV is on-line at the central fire station and will be available
for severe weather. Ham radio operators will be available for
supplementary communications during O of July activities and the
parade.
e) Internet - We have received information from BRC (Business Records
Corporation) regarding setting up and maintaining city Internet services.
This information has been forwarded to Lanny Lambert.
f) Technology overlaps - A note should be sent from the Telcom board to
the city suggesting that a letter be sent from the city to the FCC
concerning it's upcoming ruling on franchise agreements and "resold"
lines and satellite dishes in apartment complexes. This ruling could have
far reaching impact on a dty's ability to require franchise agreements.
05/13/98 10:24 S P.02
g) Other (Programming) - We received one cell. They Interested party did
not retum our call or turn in a tape. (Poetry reading) - The library is
sponsoring a poetry reading. This event will be taped and broadcast.
4. Fees- A proposal has been prepared setting the fees as follows: $75M Per
hour plus associated production costs for all tapes shown. City Government
tapes will be shown with no fee.
5. The budget request will be presented to council at their next meeting.
6. Other - Discussion of using students from media teat classes to do production
work and film events. This idea will be looked into and discussed at a future
meeting.
Meeting adjourned at $:45 P,M-
,j ~
C;#srrc SAW, Cwr
ton 0u{1l,
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the City of The Colony
April 07, 1998
A Special session of the Telecommunications Board of the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order by Vice Chair Bill
Cunningham at 7:15 P.M., at City Hall, 5151 North Colony
Blvd., The Colony, Texas.
Present: Vice Chair Bill Cunningham,
Joan Svensson - Library
Director, Staff Liaison,
Russell Raybourn, Recording
Secretary, guest Jim Chism -
Coserve, Lisa Leary, Walter
Absent: Gillett,
Chair Clark Switzer (Personal
Business), Don Guill (Unknown),
Michel Bordes (Unknown)
Agenda:
Presentation by CoServe Assistant Manager Jim Chism of
proposal for telephone service in The Colony.
Background of CoServe: in existence since 1937,
"mother ship" of Denton Co-Op located in Denton County,
serving Denton and Collin Counties. Have close working
relationship with developers and feel electric service
will soon be deregulated. CoServe is a 'single source'
utility provider with a switch station in Frisco.
CoServe is a CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange carrier)
as opposed to Southwestern Bell which is an ILEC
(Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier). CoServe is a
facility based telephone company with fiber-optic
telephone service. They use Nortel state-of-the-art
switches and run fiber-optics through their electric
service lines. Their lines run from McKinney to
Alliance Airport and are on poles which were pre-
existant and underground in new developments. Main
office in Corinth, Tx.
CoServe offers three service packages: bronze,
silver, and gold. Plan Internet, long distance services
in near future. Not presently involved in cable
television but will be available to discuss
possibilities in sixty to ninety days with The Colony
Telecommunications Board. Internet service will precede
cable t.v. service probably.
CoServe also has a gas company.
Once a franchise agreement has been adopted,
service would proceed in forty to sixty days. Fiber
optics would run to the curb and copper from the curb to
the end user.
Meeting adjourned 10:15 P.M.
Bill CumninQhar, ice-Chair
Russell Raybourn, Se~rre.-
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the City of The Colony
April 14, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order by Chair Clark
Switzer at 7:05 P.M., at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd.,
The Colony, Texas. The meeting was immediately turned over
to Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham to avoid a possible conflict
of interest due to presentation by Southwestern Bell
Telephone.
Attending: Chair Clark Switzer, Vice Chair
Bill Cunningham, Joan Svk4nsson
-Library Director, Staff
Liaison, Russell Raybourn-
Recording Secretary, Lisa
Leary, Walter Gillett, Don
Guill, Michel Bordes, and
guests: Duane Sanders-
interested citizen and Holly
Rorshach-Southwestern Bell
Telephone
Absent: None
Agenda:
Southwestern Bell Telephone presentation: Holly
Rorshach of Southwestern Bell Telephone (SWBT)
presented an update on the Extended Area Calling
Service as the 370, 624, and 625 numbers will be
affected and custom calling features included in
the package. The new rates were reviewed for
residents and businesses in The Colony. Holly
informed us only Allen has a similar plan in
operation already. The Public Utility Commission
(P.U.C.) reviewed the ballots from November and
issued the final order April 01, 1998. SWBT has
six (6) months in which to implement the order but
plan to have the rates in place around June 01,
1998. Notice will be given through press releases,
ads in the newspapers, and on the telephone bills.
Current custom calling features remain at the current
price as does extended service plus. A question
was asked about "in-line" service and we were told
this is from the point of demarcation to the
customer's residence and all repairs are the
responsibility of SWBT. In-line plus is available
and covers the internal wiring of the residence.
our new apartment complex is in the 731-exchange, giving
The Colony four (4) telephone exchanges Holly was
asked if there were plans to remove The Colony fr
Frisco's listing and provide us with our own
listing. We were assured that this was being
studied.
Citizens Input:
Duane Sanders introduced himself and gave a brief
background of why he was interested in The
Colony Telecommunications Board. His
background includes several years in
television and radio broadcasting and setting
up cable television criteria for public
access, government access, and education
access. Duane informed us that Texas is
attempting to implement laws requiring cities
with less than sixty thousand (60,000)
population to establish an Emergency Alert
System (EAS). Duane stated his understanding
of our franchise agreement with T C I is that
T C I should furnish the equipment for EAS
pursuant to section 3.13.
Approval of minutes:
None
Agenda item 5: mid-year budget adjustment requests
to the City Council must have a Council Agenda
Request Form attached and documentation. We are
requesting money to carry our broadcast commitments
from April 20, 1998 through September 30, 1998 when
the new city budget takes effect. September 30 is
the end of the fiscal year for The Colony. We are
now broadcasting live or taped: Denton County
Commissioners' Court, The Colony City Council, the
Economic Development Corp., 4-B Board, and Planning
and Zoning Board meetings. We are also making
duplicate tapes for the library and City Council
records. We need at least semi-annual maintenance
on all of the broadcast/recording equipment.
Agenda item 4: amendment to program item 1 to add item
E to carry Lewisville Independent School District
Board meetings and events on channel 6. Approved.
Add amendment to programming item 1 adding city
sponsored or cosponsored events. Approved. Both
amendments passed unanimously.
Agenda item 7: motion made and seconded to table until
next meeting (April 28, 1998).
Informational: Candidate forum to be held in and
televised from Council Chambers on April 23, 1998
at 7:30 P.M.
Meeting adjourned: 10:10 P.M.
Clark Switzer,..Cfiairma~n
Russell T Raybourn, Jr., Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the City of The Colony, Tx.
April 28, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order by Chair Clark
Switzer at 7:10 P.M., at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd.,
The Colony, Texas.
Attending: Chair Clark Switzer, Vice Chair Bill
Cunningham, Joan Sveinsson - Library Director,
Staff Liaison, Russell Raybourn - Secretary,
Walter Gillett, and guests: Duane Sanders -
interested citizen, Patti Hicks - City
Secretary
Absent: Don Guill (personal business), Lisa Leary
(personal business), and Michel Bordes
(business)
Acjenda :
1. Citizen input: none
2. Patti Flicks presented information packets
regarding advisory board compliance with The open
Meetings Act and Robert's Rules of Order governing
the accepted procedures of meeting conduct in The
City of The Colony. Governing bodies are
identified in our local codes and include,but are
not limited to, the following: City Council and
Board of Appeals and Adjustments. Advisory only
boards e.g. The Colony Telecommunications Board,
are not bound by the open Meetings Act but should
follow the same procedures as governing bodies.
Minutes are a permanent record of meetings for the city
and are filed in the city vault for archival
purposes on special acid-free paper. Meetings may
be recorded and the tapes kept for a minimum of six
months in addition to the minutes being written.
Minutes should be signed after approval by the
presiding person and the acting secretary for that
meeting.
Parliamentary procedures such as Robert's Rules of order
were adopted by The City council as guidelines to
conduct meetings in an orderly fashion. The city's
policies and procedures were adopted by The City
Council for the guidance of all city boards. Each
meeting should have and follow an agenda. Call to
order and adjournment does not need to be an agenda
item. A motion to adjourn needs to be addressed
immediately. Agenda items postponed should be
postponed to a definite, specified date and should
be posted on that meeting's agenda.
Public hearings may be opened and closed without a
motion at the discrettion of the presiding person
and do not necessarily require public notice.
3. The Colony Telecommunications Board minutes for
April 07, 1998 and April 14, 1998 were presented
and
approved, with corrections, unanimously.
CoServe franchise agreement is to be on the TCTB
agenda for May 12, 1998 for discussion and
presentation to The city council on May 18, 1998.
4. Discussion and consideration of fees for
recommendation to the Fees Committee, hopefully on
their May 07, 1998 agenda.
A. $25 per hour for showing any approved tape
B. The Colony High School football $225 per game,
2 hours at $25 and production costs of $175,
includes live telecast of games, coaches show,
and one additional airing of each game.
C. Basketball and all other high school sports,
league football (Select League), and city league
games $25 per hour telecasting and $100 per game
in production costs. Motion made by Walter
Gillett, second by Bill Cunningham, approved
unanimously.
5. Reports:
5.1
5.1.1. Suggestion made of a Saturday work shop to
discuss adding public access to our city
channels and rulings regarding what may or may
not be aired as public access. No date set.
5.1.2. Other topics: public hearing for
complaints and praises for current cable
television programming, customer service, etc.
Meeting with Rick Allen's boss re replacement
of equipment, furnishing additional graphic
generator, repair or replacement of power
source, effect on public safety if channel 6
goes off the air possible grounds for
breaking franchise agreement. Meeting has
been requested by Mayor Watts, City Manager
Danny Lambert, TCTB chair Clark Switzer, and
Duane Sanders, and any other interested
parties.
5.2. TCI Liaison WGN is to be back on system
including The Colony, 30 day notice must be
given re channel assignment changes. Update
on cable hook-up for city offices with
expanded basic service
5.3. A M radio Duane Sanders advised this board
that the F.C.C. has lifted financial fees for
low power A M and/or F M (10 kw or less)
municipality radio stations. Government
grants are available for such station start-
ups and he will provide this board with copies
of a newsletter he received regarding this
topic.
5.4. Telephone committee meeting canceled
5.5. Public Safety need back-up power generator for
the current telecast room, police access, and
TCI.
5.6. Cable cast policies add section 1 G non-profit
youth athletic leagues based in The Colony My
be televised on channel 6.
5.7. Cable cast production Duane Sanders and Gregg
Ruschy (sp?) at Dale Jackson Career Center to
check the available and availability of
equipment and operators to expand our
capabilities for telecasts.
5.8. Cable cast training open subject to
availability of instructors
5.9. Ham radio storm season, operators out and
looking.
5.10. Internet none
5.11. Satellite none
5.12. Technology overlaps none
5.13. Other reports
Texas Municipal League workshop in Austin
May 29, 1998 with a one hour
telecommunications franchise issues study
group.
Citizen suggestion for The Colony
Telecommunications Board to advise The City
Council (f.y.i.) another telecommunications
company desires entry into our city. Mayor
and City Manager want to be aware of Optel re
any line(s) crossing city property for
franchise fee avoidance. Clark Switzer to
draft a report re Optel to be presented to The
Colony City Council.
Suggested agenda items for the May 11, 1998 regular meeting
presented to Joan Sveinsson for member packets.
Adjourned 9:37 P.M.
Clark Switzer, a' an
Russell T Raybourn,'"Jr., Secretary
m
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the City of The Colony, Tx.
May 12, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order by Chair Clark
Switzer at 7:12 P.M., at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd.,
The Colony, Texas.
Attending: Chair Clark Switzer, vice Chair Bill
Cunningham, Joan Sveinsson - Library Director,
Staff Liaison, Russell Raybourn - Secretary,
Walter Gillett, Don Guill, Lisa Leary and
guests: Duane Sanders -interested citizen,
Chief Joe Clark, Chief of Police.
Absent: Michel Bordes (business)
Agenda:
1. Citizen's input: Chief Joe Clark, three items:
A. Police radios 800MHz operating on Denton
County's 806 band, inadequate coverage, pay
annual fee to Denton County. Working with
D/FW Communications to do frequency test to
determine what problems are and determine how
to correct problems.
B. Contacts made with Carrollton, Lewisville,
Plano, and Collin County re participating on
their systems. Plano is only option and will
require upgrade to 821 compatible equipment,
two towers and fifteen repeaters. Chief's
Plan A.
C. Chief's Plan B buy complete UHF system
with two radios per car (700 system), one for
inter agency contacts and one for our
department only.
2. Consideration of approval of minutes:
March 10, 1998 approved with corrections
April 28, 1998 approved with corrections
Motion by Walter Gillett, second by Lisa Leary,
approved by majority.
3. Discussion/consideration CoServe Franchise
Agreement re recommendation to City Council: by
using existing poles and underground installations
and by running new service underground, The Colony
Telecommunications Board recommends the CoServe
Franchise Agreement be approved by City Council,
motion made by Russell Raybourn, second by Bill
Cunningham, approved unanimously. 4. Reports:
4.1. Chair
m
4.1.1. Budget $2,240.14 maintenance and supplies
approved by City Council. through
city's fiscal year end.
4.1.2. Addition of LISD activities to
our policy was approved by City
Council. 4.1.3. Fees to be discussed
by Fees Committee on May 14, 1998.
4.1.4. Optel concern voiced re avoidance of
franchise fee by using microwave. Duane
Sanders informed us FCC classifies
microwave emissions as a line which
should entitle the city to additional
revenues. Concern voiced re public
service messages, emergency notices,
etc. by not carrying our community
channels. Suggested Chief Clark and
Chief Morrison send a letter to TCTB
requesting a letter from TCTB to Optel
re safety/public interest concerns.
Suggestion made that TCTB needs to
request inspection of Bristol Oaks for
FCC standards and The City of The
Colony standards compliance. FCC
requires on site copy of license for
microwave receiving or transmitting
equipment.
4.2. TCI Liaisons - announced rate
increase effective June 01, 1998 and WGN
added to channel lineup
4.3. AM Radio - Fire Chief Van Morrison
would like to pursue getting an AM station
operating. Licensing could come under travel
and tourism. Russell to contact Lanny for
packet at 625-3944.
4.4. Telephone - there will soon be a third
area code for the Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex
as an overlay requiring all dialing to be ten
digit.
4.5. Public safety - Chief Joe Clark
addressed his concerns re police radios. The
Telecommunications Board expressed concern as
to how Bristol Oaks would receive our
community broadcasts.
4.6. Cablecast policy - LISD events added to
programming policies and approved by City
Council.
4.7. Cablecast production - clarification
needed as to where the City Council will meet
r
in order to have TCI install another
character generator for the Bulletin Board
and other needs.
4.8. Cablecast training
4.9. Ham radio ready to assist at the
July 4th parade if requested by parade
officials or the police department.
4.10. Internet
4.11. Satellites packet still not in
possession of Telecommunications Board.
4.12. Technology overlaps
4.13. Other reports motion made and
seconded to add Duane Sanders to the mailing
list for The Colony Telecommunications Board
packets.
Meeting adjourned 10:32 P.M.
42-
Clark Switzer, air erson
Russell T Raybourn, Jr.
Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, Tx.
May 26, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
cancelled due to lack of a quorum at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony, Tx.
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Secretary Russell Raybourn,
Joan Sveinsson Library Director / Staff Liaison,
Duane Sanders guest
Absent: Walter Gillett ( excused, work), Lisa Leary ( excused, personal
business), Bill Cunningham (excused, out of town), Don Guill
(unexcused), Michel Bordes (unexcused)
Clark Switzer, Chair-per
IIZ-
Russell T Raybourn, Jr., Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of the City of The Colony
June 09, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order by Chair Clark
Switzer at 7:10 P.M., at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd.,
The Colony, Texas.
Attending: Chair Clark Switzer, Secretary Russell
Raybourn, Library Director/Staff Liaison
Joan Sveinsson, Lisa Leary, Don Guill,
Walter Gillett, Duane Sanders--guest
Absent: Bill Cunningham (excused - illness),
Michel Bordes (unexcused)
1. Citizen°s Input:
Duane Sanders possible acquisition of block of six to
eight frequencies in 821 series from friend in
Florida. The Colony would need to purchase
radio equipment. Chief Clark and Chief
Morrison contacted. Fee will have to be paid
to FCC. Three frequencies will be used for
radios, tracer line, and computer (lap top) in
cars.
Emergency awareness test sirens and and
emergency override of channel 6 through TCI
within the next thirty days with volunteers of
the Telecommunications Board to assist. Both
sirens and emergency override need to be
tested on a regular basis.
2. Minutes for January 20, 1998 presented for approval;
motion by Lisa Leary, second by Don Guill to approve as
written, approved.
Minutes for May 12, 1998 presented for approval; motion
by Don Guill, second by Lisa Leary to approve as
written, approved.
3. Approval of additions to list of volunteers for access
to Cable Room at City Hall, approved as written.
4. Reports:
4.1. Chair
A. Update of TCI cabling of city properties
B. Appointed committee to establish an
election policy: Lisa Leary--Chair, Don
Guill, Russell Raybourn
C. Patty Hicks presented name of Jeannie
Ladd (sp?) of TCI Dallas as possible
contact for equipment. City Council
chambers will move to City Hall on Main
and Lanny Lambert desires cablecast
equipment to be as state-of-the-art as
possible. Consensus of the board is to
pursue possibilities.
D. Clark will order one nineteen inch
television to monitor outgoing signals
from Cablecast Room and two nine inch
monitors as well as cleaning supplies and
cables. Also, will purchase one
inexpensive slim-line condenser microphone
for use in the Council Chambers as a test
unit and will purchase ten more if
appropriate.
E. Mayor Watts, City Manager Lambert
desire the Telecommunications Board to
open a public hearing regarding TCI on
July 28 or July 30, 1998 at 7:00 P.M.
Joan to do press release for The Colony
Courier, The Colony Leader and Channel 6
telecast.
F. John Hill, City Attorney is to be at a
board meeting to inform us of any
franchise compliance ramifications.
G. Appointed committee to work out a
Telecommunications Board budget for Fiscal
Year 1999 (October 01, 1998 - September
30, 1999) Walter Gillett, Clark
Switzer, Russell Raybourn. First meeting
to be June 16, 1998 at Clark Switzer's
house.
4.1.1. Fees - proposed fee schedule
approved by Fees Committee to be on Council
Agenda for June 15, 1998
4.1.2. Other - none
4.2. TCI Liaison - cable laying update presented
4.4. Telephone switch made for fees for 370, 625,
624
4.5. Public Safety - need to request test of
emergency awareness system
4.6. Cablecast Policy - committee appointed see
4.1.B
4.7. Cablecast Production - Trinity Medical North
ground-breaking to be held Thursday, June 18,
1998, no time given
4.8. Cablecast Training - Lisa's son started on
video mixer Monday, June 15, 1998 and will
start on camera training soon.
4.11. Satellites - Optel Denton office states
no franchise fees are required when using
microwave. Our City Ordinance requires a
public safety channel per City Manager Lanny
Lambert and Chief Clark, we were told. We
can pursue a telephone franchise agreement
for new telephone service. Duane was asked
to procure a copy of FCC requirements for
microwave service: FCC license on site,
transmitter license on site, registry of
equipment, personnel licensing, etc.
5. Other Business:
Don presented information re National
Association of Telecommunications Officers
and Advisors and suggested the City of The
Colony become a member of this organization.
Video-tape presentation from National League of Cities --tape
did not work.
Adjourned 8:45 P.M.
Clark Switzer, it son
Russell T Raybourn, Jr.
Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, Tx.
June 23, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Chair Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas:
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Lisa Leary, Walter Gillett, Vice Chair Bill
Cunningham, Secretary Russell Raybourn (7:27 P.M.), Duane
Sanders-guest, Don Guill (8:37 P.M.)
Absent: Joan Sveinsson--Library Director/Staff Liaison (vacation), Michel
Bordes (unexcused)
1. Citizens Input:
Lisa Leary (acting secretary) taped and took minutes of citizens input.
2. Consideration of approval of minutes of the board meetings of December 16, 1997, January 27
1998, May 12, 1998, and June 9, 1998. December 16, 1997 were not available. January
27, 1998 minutes approved; May 12, 1998 minutes approved; June 9, 1998 minutes
approved. Reference tape made and notes by Lisa Leary.
3. Discussion and consideration of sending a request to TCI for a copy of the equipment
inventory done in May, 1998 was approved. Reference tape made and notes by Lisa.
Leary.
4. Discussion and consideration of recommending that the City Manager contact Optel in writing
regarding the lack of a franchise agreement for telephone service. Reference tape and
notes by Lisa Leary.
5. Discussion and consideration of sending a letter to a board member requesting a letter of
resignation and return of Board documents. Approved, Russell Raybourn to write letter.
6. Discussion and consideration of a letter to all civic organizations and churches regarding
current and planned TCGTV programming. Friend of Duane's in the FCC is pulling rules
and regulations from the FCC Rule Book for us. Motion to table made by Walter Gillett,
second by Russell Raybourn, approved.
7. Discussion and consideration of a recommendation to City Council for appointment of a
Television Production Director for TCGTV. This person would oversee budget items,
direct personnel assignments, and provide quarterly financial reports. This position could
become a full-time city staff position. `Fa 61 ed
8. Discussion of proposed rules for the second community channel. Motion to table made by
Lisa Leary, second by Bill Cunningham, approved.
9. Reports:
9.1. Chair
A. Cables and speakers have been purchased and are being shipped for the new
new City Hall on Main.
B. Mike Catz has been talking to Harry Persaud regarding TCI's alleged failure
to follow the franchise agreement. Mike is chairman-elect of the Chamber of
Commerce.
C. Sue Walden has volunteered to update the bulletin board and provide schdeules
of all board meetings for all boards on the bulletin board.
9.2. Budget
Subcommittee to meet Tuesday, June 30, 1998 at 7:00 P.M. at Clark Switzer's
house. The subcommittee's proposed budget will be presented at the regular
board meeting on July 14, 1998.
9.3. TCI Liaison update from Rick Allen regarding status of equipment requested.
Bill Cunningham to notify Mayor Mary Watts and City Manager Lanny Lambert
advising of Telecommunications Board and Rick Allen with other TCI represen-
tatives at our regular July 14, 1998 board meeting.
9.4. AM Radio Chief Morrison has packet, needs to contact Telecommunications
Board regarding requests or suggestions.
9.5. Telephone 370 rate increase appeared on bills as of May 27,1998 as scheduled.
Lower rates for 624 and 625 did not appear on May's bills as scheduled. Credit
should be issued on July's bills and August bills should reflect correct rates.
9.6. Public Safety e'Yes six frequencies in the 821 range for; police (3), • fire (1);
,
public works(1); and parks and recreation (1)
9.7. Cablecast Policy question of present guidelines not being followed in regards to
the showing of the Top Cats tape prior to the City Council meeting of June 15,
1998.
9.8. Cablecast Production no update
9.9. Cablecast Training no update
9.10. Ham Radio--volunteer operators assisting with 5K run on July 4, 1998, providing
testing for anyone wishing to become a Ham by the club (Technician, no code, 2m
and 440 restriction).
9.11. Internet--city URL is lead site for internet users, we should encourage the city to
develop a city web site.
9.12. Satellites--Michel Bordes has packet, unable to contact via telephone per Clark.
9.13. Technology Overlaps--no report
9.14. Other Reports--none
10. Other Business:
none
Meeting adjourned 10:12 P.M.
Clark Switzer, Ch ' _ 1/
Russell T Rayboum, Jr.,5` retary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
July 14, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Chair Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas
at 7:06 P.M.
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham,
Secretary Russell Raybourn, Walter Gillett, Joan Sveinsson
Library Director/Staff Liaison, Mayor Mary Watts, City Manager
Lanny Lambert, Duane Sanders - interested citizen/de facto tech-
nical advisor, Rick Allen - TO Manager, Gary Hinkle - TO chief
technician, Pat Boostus(sp?)Robinson - TO Regional Director of
Governmental Affairs
Absent: Michel Bordes - unexcused, Don Guill - sed-C6-
1. Citizen's Input none
2. Discussion with TO representatives regarding the Board's concerns:
Equipment at City Hall on Main will TO or volunteers pull cable in new chambers?
Desire to upgrade to four cameras (one per wall, remote control)
NOAA weather radio on back order
Character generator unbudgeted item ordered from TexScan(sp?), modem needed to
communicate when multiple keyboards are used, current generator too old, no
compatible modem made
New community channel new character generator to develop new bulletin board, old
generator/bulletin board stay with channel 6 "Public Safety", second channel (95)
available within three or four months once cable splicing begins, fiber optic cable
from head-in to neighborhood nodes
High-definition television may be required to be carried by cable companies by FCC
Lanny Lambert stated that customarily local cable companies help provide good quality
equipment for community usage. Desires new equipment in City Hall on Main.
Equipment upgrades standby power for headin when have power outages, fiber optics
reduce chance of power outages, backup power system needed for all audio/video
systems
Emergency Area Service if channel 6 goes down, no way to alert citizens at present
redundant fiber ring being built in Metroplex with either Plano or Stonebridge feed
working toward direct feed from broadcast studios and standby power at all head-
ins
Service outages rely on customer call ins
Items 3 through 6 tabled motion by Walter Gillett, second by Bill Cunningham, approved
7. Reports:
7. 1. Chair tabled
7.2. Budget discussed proposed budget, reading for all Board members present
Motion by Bill Cunningham, second by Russell Raybourn to recommend the
adoption of an operating budget of approximately $7100 and a capital
improvement budget (new city hall) as presented to The City Council of
The Colony, Texas. Approved unanimously.
7.3. TCI Liaisons--tabled
7.4. AM Radio--tabled
7.5. Telephone--Southwestern Bell trying to get The Colony in telephone books instead
Frisco
7.6. Public Safety--Police Chief Joe Clark and Fire Chief Van Morrison to be invited to
regular meeting scheduled July 28, 1998
7.7. through 7.14.--tabled
8. Other Business
Subcommittee appointed by Chairman Clark Switzer for determining election policies,
consisting of Bill Cunningham, Chairman; Russell Raybourn; Don Guill
Adjourned: 10:07 P.M.
Clark Switzer, gliA r nan
Russell Raybourn, Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
July 28, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The
Colony, Texas at 7:14 P.M.
Attendance: Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham, Secretary Russell Raybourn,
Walter Gillett, Joan Sveinsson Library Director/Staff Liaison,
Duane Sanders - interested citizen, Don Guill, Police Chief Joe
Clark
Absent: Michel Bordes - unexcused, Chairman Clark Switzer - excused
1. Citizen's Input none
2. Discussion with Chief Clark regarding public safety concerns.
Radio coverage maps of Denton County shown depicting current systems and new areas
with Denton County's radio system expansion
Repeaters located in Flower Mound, Aubry, and Denton
Three problem areas: 1) 2000 date stamp--Motorola does not know what they will do
2) lack of frequency availability, possible interference with Denton
County Sheriff and Denton Fire Department
3) lack of coverage south of SH 121
Stay with 800 series if possible so will not have to scrap current equipment
Exploring possibility of acquiring frequencies in 200 MHz band, advised that may have
static problem
One goal: ideally have city-wide system so all departments can communicate with each
other
Dallas Fire Dept. went to UHF recently
Consideration of prospect of an alliance with Little Elm
3. Discussion with Fire Chief regarding public safety concerns--tabled due to training/cri-
tique session
4. Consideration of approval of minutes of the board meetings held December 16, 1997, June
23, 1998, and July 14, 1998.
December 16, 1997 unavailable, June 23, 1998 approved with corrections,
July 14, 1998 unavailable
5. Reports:
5.1. Chair -none
5.2. Budget - City Council approved 10% of franchise fee from TCI for Telecommunica-
tions Board's revenue budget
$55000 for sound/video in new chambers
Bose speakers purchased for new chambers
5.3. Staff Liaison - Telecom franchise
M E -k-h'c ~ m
Subcommittee of Policies/procedures Bill Cunningham, Chair, Russell
Raybourn, Don GO meet Tues. Aug. 4, 1998 at 7:00 P.M. in Library
Meeting Room
Gary Hinkle (TCI tech.) to call Hutton for NOAA radio
Rick Allen and Gary Hinkle to be present at the public hearing Thurs. July 30
Metrocom Internet Wireless Service's use of light poles, demonstration of system
Walnut Hill and Stemmons; Harry Persaud indicated their franchise fee
would be between 3% - 5%, probably 4%
5.4. TCI Liaison -none
5.5. AM Radio - Chief Morrison talked to Farmers Branch, told only about 1/2 mile
coverage in ideal conditions, no radio in storm, can only apply through Parks and
Recreation for AM or low-powered FM station for tourism; Hidden Cove Park
would be our only source to apply for station permit and equipment. Chief
Morrison still desires a local radio station
5.6. Telephone - Holly investigating getting The Colony instead of Frisco in phone books
5.7. Public Safety
National Weather Service offers weather safety programs for school districts
Reschedule Chief Morrison possibly August 11
Emergency Area Service must be in place by January 1, 1999
5.8. Cablecast Policy - subcommittee to meet Thur., Aug. 3, 1998, 7:00 P.M.
5.9. Cablecast Production
Football begins Aug, 8, 1998
Community Development Corp., Planning & Zoning meetings desired to be cable.
cast, need to get meeting schedules for each to have volunteers to cover
5.10. Cablecast Training - no report 5.11. Ham Radio - FCC is measuring ham antennae and citing operators with antennai
more than twenty (20) feet above ground, if not attached to a structure and within
city limits ($2750.00 fine) compliance with new Part 97 effective April, 1998
5.12. Internet - Metrocom attend Aug. 11, 1998 meeting?
5.13. Satellites - no report
5.14. Technology Overlaps - contact Michel Bordes for packet
5.15. Other Reports - no reports
6. Other Business -none
Adjourned 8:38 P.M.
Clark Switzer,
A-4
Russell Raybourn, Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
August 1.1,1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Chairman Clark Switzer at The Colony Public Library, 5151 North Colony
Blvd., The Colony, Texas at 7:11 P.M.
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham,
Secretary Russell Raybourn, Walter Gillett, Joan Sveinsson Library
Director/Staff Liaison, Duane Sanders - interested citizen, Don
Guill, Police Chief Joe Clark, Gary Hinkle - TCI Technical Mgr.
Absent: Michel Bordes - unexcused
1. Citizen's Input none
2. Discussion with Public Safety representatives and TCI representatives regarding public safety
concerns postponed due to Chief Clark and Chief Morrison having conflicting
commitments
3. Consideration of approval of minutes of the board meetings held December 16, 1997, July 14,
1998, July 28,1998, and of the public hearing held July 30, 1998.
December 16, 1,997 unavailable,
July 14, 1998 approved with corrections, motion to approve by
Duane Sanders, second by Walter Gillett
July 28, 1998 approved with corrections, motion to approve by Walter
Gillett, second by Duane Sanders
July 30, 1998 public hearing notes not available
4. Reports:
4.1. Chair
$55,000 for equipment for City Hall on Main approved by Council with request to
attempt to stay around $40,000 - does not include emergency generator
Tom Brewer searching frequency availability for Chief Clark and Chief Morrison
for city-wide radio system, approximately $6,000 to find frequencies, apply
to FCC, needs letter from City Manager Lanny Lambert and letter from
Mayor Mary Watts requesting his assistance, pursue seeking block of eight
(8) frequencies. Once frequencies found, must purchase and pay annual fee
4.2. Budget approval of $55,000 for new city hall as above, revenue of
approximately $8,000 from TCPs franchise fees (based on 10% of current
TCI fee - $80,000)
4.3. Staff Liaison Joan signing off on Telecommunications Board's purchases
Policy Subcommittee policy revisions taken to Lanny who wants us to
have the City Attorney review document for legality, consensus of
board is to proceed
4.4. TCI Liaison TCI desires Telecommunications Board to decide if revisions are
needed in Franchise Agreement due to TCI/AT&T merger
4.5. AM Radio none
4.6. Telephone ten digit dialing mandatory effective Dec. 05, 1998
4.7. Public Safety
Emergency Area Service--new ruling states compliance by Dec. 31,1998 for
cities with over 10,000 subscribers and by Oct., 2002 for cities with under
10,000 subscribers, per Jim Aug(sp?). Robert Downing of the FCC stated
to Duane that all cities must comply by Jan. 01,1999. This ruling may not
effect The Colony due to roll in of head-in into Piano's system or Stone-
bridge. New system will have video to assist hearing impaired
Weekly testing of EAS is responsibility of the city for cable interruption and sirens
Sirens are intended as outdoor warning only
Fiber optic lines are laid to The Colony currently
Need to address community access to community/public safety channels for
satellite systems
Channel 95 can not be picked up on cable-ready TV. except through a box
4.8. Cablecast Policy through 4.15. Other Reports tabled by majority vote
5. Other Business none
Meeting adjourned 9:10 P.M.
Clark Switzer, &airftian
~t lei~E ~"c=7 y L C u27~
' °-'j- _
Russell T Raybourn, Jr.
Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
August 25,1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Chairman Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony,
Texas at 7:18 P.M.
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham,
Secretary Russell Raybourn, Walter Gillett, Joan Sveinsson Library
Director/Staff Liaison, Duane Sanders
Absent: Michel Bordes - unexcused
Don Guill - unexcused
1. Citizen's Input none
2. Discussion with FCC representative regarding FCC regulations postponed due to
representative in Washington, D.C., rescheduled for Sept. 22, 1998
3. Consideration of approval of minutes of the board meetings held December 16, 1997,
August 11, 1998, and of the public hearing held July 30, 1998
Notes of July 30 public hearing approved, motion by Bill Cunningham
second by Walter Gillett
4, Reports:
4.1. Chair
When charts are shown during council meetings, need to be able to show on TV
Public hearing scheduled for Sept. 3, 1998 at 7:00 P.M. press releases to both
papers, channel 6 bulletin board already prepared
TO / AT&T merger - some cities have a "consent book", possibility of name
change
to take advantage of AT&T's reputation, compete in local and long
distance
telephone, cable, Internet, and e-mail, Clark and Joan went to Arlington for
meeting regarding the merger on 8/14/98
Tommy Briggs' show will begin on channel 6 Thursday, Aug. 27, 1998 at 7:00
P.M., recording began Aug. 25, 1998, TCHS football will be Cablecast
beginning Sept. 5, 1998 at 3:00 P.M., ten (10) week season unless qualify
for playoffs. Board members should be present for airing of Briggs' Show
to learn how to operate the Cablecast system
Mayor Watts requested Telecommunications Board research system to Cablecast
tapes without attendant sitting at console to be included in capital budget
for fiscal 1999-2000
4.2. Budget
Council work session for budget, tax rate 6:00 P.M. August 31, 1998,
present for approval regular council meeting Sept. 14, 1998, add
to Fiscal 1999-2000 operating budget technical manuals and travel
reimbursement
4.3. Staff Liaison - none
4.4. TCI Liaison - none
4.5. AM Radio - rename as Radio, after talking to Farmers Branch, Chief Morrison
desires FM station rather than AM (Farmers Branch stated AM worthless)
4.6. Telephone - none V-Y
4.7. Public Safety - Fire Fest on Oct. +0; 1998
Duane stated new rules and regulations and frequencies available in a paper
200' foot tower available (4 sections) in Houston which could be
sold to The Colony for 20% of its regular value
Current plan for radio system is to implement fixes to problems discovered
FCC is pulling in unused frequencies which can be purchased for $50 each
4.8. Cablecast Policy - current channel guidelines not presented to Council yet
Subcommittee (Walter, Bill, Russell) needs to meet regarding election
policy, tentative schedule Oct. 20, 1998, 7:00 P.M. at Library
4.9. Cablecast Production - Sept. 18, 1998 first Cougar home game
4.10. Cablecast Training - Thursday, Aug. 27, how to run tapes in production room
4.11. Ham Radio - none
4.12. Internet - TCUAT&T merger
Metricom proposed franchise agreement prepared to be mailed with agenda
4.13. Satellites - none
4.14. Technology Overlaps - none
4.15. Other Reports - none
5. Other Business: none
Adjourned 8:17 P.M. J
Clark Switzer,~aman
Russell T Raybourn, Jr.
Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
September 8,1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Chairman Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony,
Texas at 7:01 P.M.
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham,
Secretary Russell Raybourn, Walter Gillett, Joan Sveinsson Library
Director/Staff Liaison, Duane Sanders
Absent: Michel Bordes - unexcused
Don Guill - excused (business)
1. Citizen's Input none
2. Presentation from Metricom representatives regarding wireless data services:
Blake Cummings - area representative, publicly traded company founded in 1985,
making mark in high-tech industry with wireless communications.
Ricochet: pole-top radio, desire to mount in area; main point - make subscriber
mobile with no cabling, community friendly service including Internet,
e-mail, private network access using less than one watt of power; 2.4 Ghz,
902 - 928 MHz band - no licensing required, laptop transmits to nearest
pole top which transmits to wired access point to the Internet provider, cell
attaches to light pole arm or building, use four to six cells per square mile.
Operations are set up in Houston: monitors all radios twenty-four
hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Battery back-up
installed at Metricom's expense at wired access point (one to two hours).
Work within the framework of the city's needs with a non-exclusive
agreement.
Permanent office for D/FW area main operations is out of the
Houston area market. All maintenance is covered by Metricom.
Several references available.
Metricom desires access to utility right-of-ways to deploy cells, information
on procedures and agreement process, and a designated representative
to work with them.
Metricom will give our city: potential revenues with no liability to our city,
discounts on subscription services, mutually beneficial public/private
relationship. Security provided at the gateway. Agreement to be worked
out in sixty to one hundred twenty days. We are classified as a priority-tier
market. Need all agreements/commitments by end of March, 1999 for
D/FW area; with all agreements in hand, deployment would be complete
within six to nine months.
Internet address: www.Metricom.Com. Blanket preliminary agreements with
utility companies in area obtained. Requirements: 56Kbaud up to
128Kbaud for existing system. $29.95 for basic service up to $49.95 per
month.
3. Consideration of approval of minutes of the board meetings held Dec. 16, 1997, Aug. 11,
1998, and August 25, 1998
Minutes of Dec. 16,1997 not available
Minutes of August 11, 1998 motion to approve by Clark Switzer, second by Bill
Cunningham, approved
Minutes of August 25, 1998 motion to approve as corrected by Walter Gillett,
second by Bill Cunningham, approved with correction to 4.7. Public Safety date for
Fire Fest corrected to Oct. 24, 1998.
4. Reports:
4.1. Chair
Equipment for new city hall out on bid, ECI Video bid $45,583 leaving about
$9000 for other uses in conversion budget. Current cameras will not interface
with new switcher, buying three new remote cameras rather than four. Demoli-
tion on old Food Lion building already started. David Kovatch had volunteer
group from EDS to check wiring and conduit locations. We are conccened with
telecommunications cabling and conduit installation and location.
Saturday night volunteer cameraperson needed for Cougar football game at
Keller, leave The Colony by 3:45 P.M.
All reports for agenda items 4.2. - 4.15. tabled by unanimous vote until next regularpeeting
scheduled for October 13, 1998.
5. Other business: Don Guill's letter of resignation from The Colony Telecommunications
Board *ill be submitted to the city council at their September 15, 1998 regular meeting:
Adjor~`'n 25 P.M.
Clark Switzer, Chairmen
Russell T Raybourn, Jr.-
Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
October 6, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
cancelled by Chairman Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas
75056.
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
October 13, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
cancelled by Chairman Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas
75056.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 27, 1998
1. No quorum was established; therefore the meeting was canceled.
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
November 10, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Chairman Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony,
Texas at 7:03 P.M.
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham,
Secretary Russell Raybourn, Walter Gillett, Duane Sanders
Absent: Joan Sveinsson, Library Director/Staff Liaison
1. Citizen's Input none
2. Consideration of approval of minutes ogthe boardd dmet meetings held he20, ld 1December 16, 1997,
September 3, 1998, September , 1998, Motion made by Walter Gillett to approve the minutes as written for Sept. 8,
1998, October 6, 1998, and October 13, 1998; second by Bill Cunningham
approved unanimously.
3. Discussion of communication to non-profit youth athletic leagues based in The Colony
and to LISD schools located in The Colony regarding airing of productions.
A letter stating that if requested and manpower available, the Telecommunications
Board will tape games. If the various teams desire to tape their own
games they must use VHS or Super VHS format tape, keep the camera(s)
focused with no sudden zooms, and present the tape to the Telecommuni-
cations Board for review. A minimum of five days should be allowed for
review and scheduling which should be no less than twenty-four hours
before airing. NO TAPES WITH OBSCENITY OR FIGHTS WILL
AIRED. These guidelines will apply to all schools with The Colony kids
enrolled.
4, Discussion of proposed Co-Serve Cable Television franchise agreement.
No discussion due to document in possession of City Attorney and no response
regarding new equipment requested.
5. Reports:
5.1. Chair: three cases for portable video equipment, electronics tool case ordered
field equipment case with connectors to be ordered
budget very tight for City Hall remodel -
football season continues for at least one more week
possibility of taping and airing home basketball games
two vacancies on Telecommunications Board exist
possible candidate available after Jan. 1, 1999 - instructor
at community college level
5.2. Budget: equipment ordered
5.3. Staff Liaison: Joan handling all purchasing for Telecom. Board
Ruth Ann putting together binders for all franchise agreements which are
to be kept in broadcast room
Warranty copies for video/audio equipment are being compiled into a
reference book for board
5.4. TCI Liaison: upgrade for Allen, Frisco completed; Highland Village begun,
The Colony will be begun after the first of the year, Flower Mound and
The Colony channel line-up will be compatible, minor differences
Continuing problem with NOAA radio receiving Channel 8's secondary
audio
5,5. A.M. Radio: Chief Morrison desires local FM station rather than AM
5.6. Telephone: none
5.7. Public Safety: none
5.8. Cablecast Policy: proposed revision at lawyer, will go to council after board
review
5.9. Cablecast Production: none
5.10. Cablecast Training: come to games to learn camera/announcing techniques
5.11. Ham Radio: The Colony Amateur Radio Club offering free testing for new
operators
5.12. Internet: looking for help with city web page for us with the North Texas
Council of Governments
5.13. Satellite: looking for places to mount satellites
5.14. Technology Overlaps: plan to budget for textbooks, manuals, training in the
2000 budget
5.15. Other Reports: none
6. Other Business: none
Adjourned 8:15 P.M.
Clark Switzer, jan
Russell T Raybourn, Jr.
Secretary
Minutes of the Telecommunications Board
of The City of The Colony, TX.
November 24, 1998
A Regular Session of the Telecommunications Board of The City of The Colony, Texas was
called to order by Chair Clark Switzer at City Hall, 5151 North Colony Blvd., The Colony, Texas
at 7:05 P.M.
Attendance: Chairman Clark Switzer, Vice Chairman Bill Cunningham,
Secretary Russell Raybourn, Walter Gillett, Joan Sveinsson Library
Director/Staff Liaison
Absent: Duane Sanders
1. Citizen's Input none
2. Discussion of airing tapes related to topics on City Council agendas.
Memo from the board or presenting staff member to City Council and Mayor to
introduce tapes related to agenda items before presentation. Memo to be
presented to Joan so personnel could be assured of being present.
3. Consideration of approval of minutes of the board meetings held Dec. 16, 1997, Sept.
3, 1998, Oct. 20, 1998, and Nov. 10, 1998.
served as Recording Secretary.
Dec. 16, 1991 no notes available, Lisa Leary
Sept. 3, 199 public hearing, no notes available
Oct. 20, 1998 Bill Cunningham took notes
Nov. 10, 1998 to be presented at next regular meeting
4. Discussion and consideration of nay recommendations regarding the CoServ franchise
agreement for cable services.
Approved by City Attorney, passed back to CoServe's attorney, awaiting results of
their review. Tabled to Dec. 8,1998 when we should have clean copy to
work from. Tony Johnson is point person.
5. Discussion of provision of weather radio on Channel 6.
Weather radio is on Channel 8's second carrier band and is pre-empted by Channel
8 broadcasts frequently. Mayor requested radio be shut down until
corrections can be made to get NOAA only. Bill Cunningham to call
Ricky Allen or Gary to get correct receiver.
6. Reports:
6.1. Chair: Cables for new location to be ordered by Joan from the remodel budget,
connector kit already on order
First high school basketball game to be video taped Friday, Nov. 20, 1998.
Basketball cablecaast will change set up times, probably shown on Saturdays
Basketball coaches show will not be possible due to scheduling conflicts
Recommend The Colony purchase a plaque to show appreciation to Dale
Jackson Career Center students and faculty for their participation
to be presented during a City Council meeting. Possibly thank you
S
*anl-yeu certificates for the volunteers
6.2. Budget: down to about $800 in Telecommunications fund
6.3. Staff Liaison: Franchise agreement notebooks to stay at City Hall or be brought to
every Telecommunications Board meeting.
6.4. T.C.I.Liaison: Feb., 1999 will be start of upgrade in The Colony, scheduled com-
pletion in three months, same channel line-up as Flower Mound by May
1, 1999. New cost center located in area. Ricky to be over new center but
not in Allen Local office trying to standardize lineup for all areas. The
Recreation Center has digital cable boxes as does the fire station, TVs are
not yet up in commons areas of some city facilities.
6.5. AM Radio: after Jan. 1, 1999 look into changing team to community radio
6.6. Telephone: private number/line to be provided videocast room at new city hall
6.7. Public Safety: radio system has been tested, new Denton County repeaters have
been installed, still have problems with Denton County system
6.8. Cablecast Policies: subcommittee for election policies (Bill Cunningham, Russell
Raybourn, Walter Gillett) to meet with Joan on January 5, 1999.
6.9. Cablecast Production: will video all home basketball games (girls and boys) as
manpower available.
6.10. Cablecast Training: Tuesdays or Fridays basketball games, shooting begins
6:00 P.M. girls, 7:30 P.M. boys, come and learn camera operations
6.11. Ham Radio no report
6.12. Internet: city web page, Gene Ramsey met with Mike Catt, not getting
information for THE COLONYTX.ORG (combined Chamber of
Commerce/City Council )
6.13. Satellites no report
6.14. Technology Overlaps no report
6.15. Other reports: Year 2000 compliance committee Joan Sveinsson, Joe Clark,
Tony Johnson make up the city committee
7. Other Business.
Need new board members, interested parties to come by City Hall, fill out
applications, be interviewed by City Council.
Adjourned: 8:48 P.M.
Clark Switzer, ai an
Russell T Raybourn, Jr.,
Recording Secretary