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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-05-24 Bd Comm minutesI M ,1} MICROFIL14ED BY _....�. 1 _. 'JOR M._.. MIC Rf6LA B_ CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOI VES I � Ott J_ 14INUTES HOUSING APPEALS BOARD APRIL 20, 1982 8:00 AM MEMBERS PRESENT: Goldene Haendel, Mike Farran, Rachel Dennis, Carol Karstens, Fred Krause STAFF PRESENT: Michael Kucharzak, Kelley Vezina, Judy Hoard, David Brown 1 SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTION TAKEN: Chairperson Haendel called the meeting to order. Carol Karstens moved that the minutes from ? the previous Board meeting be approved, this motion was seconded by Rachel Dennis. The motion carried. s APPEAL OF DR. SAMUEL FOMON: Others present: David Fomon. I Inspector Vezina reported thata bi-annual inspection was conducted at 900 Orchard on February 11, 1982. On February 18, 1982, the notice was served by Inspector Malone. On March 3, 1982, an appeal was received concerning two violations. The first violation, Chapter 17-5.N.(4) lack of required minimum ceiling height in the livingroom, third floor for the second floor unit. The ceiling height is 6'11". ` The other area that is being appealed is the basement unit in the bedroom and livingroom that lack the minimum ceiling height. The ceiling height is 6'8k". Mr. Fomon reported that there was no way to change the ceiling height in the third floor due to the structural changes needed in the attic. The basement ceiling abuts directly to the floor joists on the first floor. The cost to make the structural changes are prohibitive. Karstens asked Vezina if there was a serious threat to the health and safety of the tenants. Mr. Fomon reported that $4,000-$5,000 had been, spent for remodeling of the building's walls, plumbing and electrical system. Dennis made a motion to grant a variance of Chapter 17-5.N.(4) lack of required ceiling height. Karstens seconded the motion. The motion carried. Vezina reported that the basement unit did meet the square footage requirement. The windows were in violation and they were going to change the window structures. The ventilation requirement has been met. M ,1} MICROFIL14ED BY _....�. 1 _. 'JOR M._.. MIC Rf6LA B_ CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOI VES I � Ott J_ r --11� ,11 - MINUTES HOUSING APPEALS BOARD APRIL 20, 1982 PAGE 2 Fred Krause made a motion to grant a variance of Chapter 17-5.N.(4) lack of required ceiling height in the basement area. Rachel Dennis seconded the motion. Motion carried. APPEAL OF MR. DARCEL ADAMS Others present: Darcell Adams. Inspector Hoard reported that on February 17 and 24, 1982, a licensing inspection was conducted at 216 E. Fairchild. This is three -dwelling units and two rooming units. She delivered the violation letter on March 5, 1982, and an appeal request was received on March 9, 1982. The two violations being appealed are Chapter 17-5.M.(1) room #1. The convenience outlets are not the required 15'10" apart. They are 11'4" apart. According to the Housing Code they need to be 25% of the perimeter of the room apart and do not meet that requirement. The outlets are located on adjoining walls. The second violation was in room #5. The convenience outlets were eight feet apart and they need to be 12'2" apart. The third violation is Chapter 17-5.N.(4) lack of ceiling height in the kitchen of the third floor apartment. The ceiling height in the kitchen is 6'7". Mr. Adams reported that he recently purchased the property in December, 1981. He wanted the property inspected before purchase but the realtor had said that it had passed previous inspections with only minor violations. The outlets were in good shape and he didn't understand the distance apart requirement. The previous inspections were made before the new Housing Code had been rewritten. i j Karstens made a motion that the violation, Chapter 17-5.M.(1) improper placement of electrical outlets be upheld. Krause seconded the motion. Motion carried. Mr. Adams stated that the outlets were the original ones when the house was built. If plugs were added wouldn't they be closer together and not meet the distance apart requirement. Hoard suggested that an outlet could be added to the wall where there were none at this time. Concerning the violation in Chapter 17-5.N.(4) lack of ceiling height in the kitchen, Kucharzak reported that in 1979 an attempt to change the ceiling height in the apartment was made by making a dormer of the livingroom and bedroom area. Before the wall could be removed to include the kitchen, the City Council, on the advise of the Housing Commission, dropped the requirement for ceiling heights on existing houses. The construction on the dwelling stopped at this point. if MICROFILMED BY 1 1. ...ORM MICRbLAO CEDAR RAPIDS DES MOINES 0 _�N r I 14INUTES HOUSING APPFALS BOARD APRIL 20, 1982 PAGE 3 Mr. Adams reported that a fire escape was on the north wall of the kitchen. The kitchen does not need natural light but only ventilation to meet the required codes. All other violations are being corrected. Farran made a motion to grant a variance of Chapter 17-5.N.(4) lack of required ceiling height in the kitchen of the third floor apartment. Karstens seconded the motion. Motion carried. APPEAL OF MR. BRUCE KNIGHT Others present: Mr. Bruce Knight. Inspector Hoard reported that on February 8 and 12, 1982, a licensing inspection was conducted at 702 N. Ouquque at the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. The violation letter was delivered on February 19, 1982, and an appeal request was received on February 26, 1982. The two violations appealed concern natural light and natural ventilation in room N1 on the third floor. The total amount of window area that is needed is 6.14 square feet for the room of 76.8 square feet. The amount of window area that is present is 5.78 square feet. The room is used for sleeping purposes only. Mr. Knight reported that the room is used for sleeping purposes and the expense involved is large for the small amount of difference needed. Mr. Knight reported that all of the other violations have been corrected. Dennis moved'to grant a variance of Chapter 17-5.J.(1) lack of required natural light. Farran seconded the motion. Motion carried. { Farran asked if a precedent was being set for any other cases. Assistant City Attorney Brown assured the Board that only if the set of circumstances were identical could this precedent be used and the likelihood of this happening would be very rare. Each case is presented on its own and decided on the circumstance presented. The other violation appealed was Chapter 17-5.K.(1)(b). The required natural ventilation requirement was lacking .3 square feet in room N1, third floor. Dennis made a motion to grant a variance of Chapter 17-5. K. (1)(b) lack of natural ventilation. Krause seconded the motion. Motion carried. APPEAL OF MR. LARRY BRUMLEY Inspector Hoard reported that a licensing inspection was conducted at 212 ' E. Fairchild on February 10, 1982. All the violations have been corrected 4 I I except for Chapter 17-5.14.(2) lack of required electric light fixture or i i 1 MICROFILMED BY ? ,•� 'JORM MICR#LAE3 , I CEDAR RAPIDS DES MOINES I 855 J_ _V 14I14UTES HOUSING APPEALS BOARD APRIL 20, 1982 PAGE 4 switched outlet which is being appealed. Hoard spoke in Mr. Brumley's behalf because he recently was involved in a serious automobile accident. There are nine dwelling units on the property and the owner lives in one of them. This particular violation concerns the unit that the owner lives in. The owner does not feel that he needs a supplied light fixture or a switched outlet in the livingroom. He asks a variance of this violation as long as it remains an owner -occupied unit. Dennis made a motion to grant a variance of Chapter 17-5.M.(2) lack of required electric light fixture or switched outlet, as long as the owner occupies the unit. Karstens seconded the motion. Motion carried. Haendel requested that for time sake the Board limit discussion to the violations being appealed and facts relating to each case. Farran made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Karstens seconded the motion. Motion carried, meeting was adjourned. . I Chairperson f 141CROFIL14ED BY li -"JORM- �MIC RbC'A B'" CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES 855 _y r I I MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL ANNUAL CABLE FORUM TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982, 4:00 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Terry, Johnson, Madsen, Eskin MEMBERS ABSENT: Pepper MEMBERS EXCUSED: Pepper OTHERS PRESENT: Slough and Kalergis of Hawkeye CableVision, 45 citizens, 8 person crew for live cablecasting on Government Access Channel 29 STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. MATTERS PENDING COUNCIL -COMMISSION DISPOSITION: The extension policy and required extension to new housing areas and newly annexed areas is being negotiated between Hawkeye CableVision and the BTC. The extension policy will need to be approved by the BTC and the City Council. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: The meeting took the form of a "cable program forum" to enable citizens, Hawkeye CableVision, and the BTC to discuss programming issues of cable television. Forty-five persons attended the cable forum and over 20 phone calls were received. Interactive uses of cable TV were discussed. Slough said CBS cable is coming to Iowa City and probably CNN. Local cable radio was requested. The weather channel will be replaced with a better radar service. More local government programming was requested. Hawkeye access efforts and the library channel 20 were complimented. There were eight requests for CBS cable, eight requests for CNN, five for MSM, four for MTV, two for SIN, two for WOR, two for TeleFrance, four for C -SPAN, one for BBC. Suggested current channel programming to be dropped by citizens were the following: two persons suggested dropping channel 3, six suggested dropping channel 15, two suggested dropping channel 30. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 4:05 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Terry introduced the BTC, and explained its functions and roles. Terry explained that the purpose of this cable program forum which is to enable citizens to have input to the BTC and company on matters regarding cable programming. 1 MICROFILMED BY I -DORM- MIC R¢LAB � CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES I i 854 BROADBAND TELECOMMUN.CATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL ANNUAL CABLE FORUM TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982 PAGE 2 PUBLIC DISCUSSION: The meeting proceeded by taking questions and comments for and from a live phone hookup. Question: What are the two-way possibilities of cable TV? Johnson and Blough spoke of two-way uses such as computerized traffic systems, shopping and banking from the home, home security, and computerized energy management systems. Kalergis spoke of interactive cable uses such as the interactive workshop to be offered at the NFLCP conference in Iowa City on April 16th. Many uses of two-way cable are yet to be determined. Question: How is it determined what new programming services will be offered on Iowa City's cable system? Blough djscdssed the cautious and deliberate approach to new programing services such as CNN. Blough reminded the public 31 of 35' channels are now filled on Iowa City's system. One of these channels the company feels, and Shaffer agrees, should be saved for leased access purposes. If CNN is brought to Iowa City it would probably replace the slow scan news channel 30. Question: What does CBS cable offer? Blough indicated that CBS offers drama, ballet, concerts, and a variety of arts and services. CBS offers a satellite dish free iof charge and a good deal of publicity in providing the channel. Question: 1 Why is WOR TV not offered in Iowa City? j Kalergis said WOR is out of New York and brings American League Baseball and old movies as part of its service offerings. WGN out of Chicago and WTBS from Atlanta were chosen for the Iowa City system as independent super stations. Blough and Kalergis said WOR has had problems financially and with its programming i and for those reasons was not chosen for Iowa City. ' Madsen said this was time the BTC and company could take a look at channel allocations and possibly make changes and still stay within the guidelines of the franchise. Question: Tom Conwood asked why local citizens don't have more control over the channels offered on the cable system in Iowa City. He was told by the company representative when he bought cable, that CNN is a good possiblility, for the Iowa City system, and it still isn't being offered in Iowa City. Terry said the BTC has inquired about CNN and the company has been trying to get CNN here. Blough said Hawkeye and ATC have been waiting to see if j CNN will succeed, which it now appears to have done, and he does expect to get it in Iowa City. 966 MICROFILMED BY � 1_ -JORM MIC R(SL4B Y' CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES i1 _y r BROADBAND TELECOMMUNiuATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL ANNUAL CABLE FORUM TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982 PAGE 3 Johnson asked if the 20 satellite services on the handout (prepared by BTS, see BTC file at the City Clerk) could be shown, or portions could be shown, by the company to let Iowa Citians know what these services are like. A citizen called on the phone and commented that he thought channel 30, the slow scan news channel, is a less than satisfactory service offering. Blough said this would be replaced by CNN when it comes. Eskin inquired if it is still necessary to have the duplication of each of the networks on cable. Blough said the wire service channels could be combined to free channel space. He also said network duplication is a good thing to have for backup purposes in case of problems with one of the network stations. A citizen called and asked if more sports could be obtained on the cable system in Iowa City. Blough said possibly more local sports could be produced by Hawkeye. Terry brought up Hawkeye's matching grant program for local i productions by citizens. He said money was available from Hawkeye on a matching grant basis for productions citizens may { want to produce. Ij Rick Altman commented that the original proposal from ATC said 1 they would offer a foreign language channel, originally, and this idea seems to have been dropped and is certainly not offered in Iowa City. Blough said no foreign language programming has been available in the past, but now SIN and.a couple of other language services are available, which the company will continue to look at and make some decisions about with the BTC. Mr. Frank Eicher asked about getting cable service to his home. Terry said this is a forum for programming issues and not service availability and asked Mr. Eicher to attend the next regular BTC meeting next week to discuss this problem. Mr. Gene Deaken asked if the company is looking toward offering digital or computerized services over the cable. Also, if cable radio is being looked at as a service offering in Iowa City. Finally, he commented that he has had a hard time determining what is an the cable system and asked if a good printed program guide could be offered. Kalergis and Madsen answered the listings in the Press -Citizen are currently the best way of getting this information across to the public. Mr. Ed Allen commented that he thought commercial -free programming was the best thing cable TV service could provide. Question: If CNN is brought in, can local news be included in the two minute availabilities? Local availabilities would be the times left open so that local programming would be inserted. Y56 r, l ' I MICROFILMED BY JORM - MICR6LAE3 J j { i CEDAR RAPIDS DES I101YE5 I -V r /,11 1.. BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL ANNUAL CABLE FORUM TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982 PAGE 4 Kalergis said that this would be a possibility. Question: Why is the Iowa City system a 35 channel 'system? Madsen said the original franchise proposed a 35 channel system. Question: Why isn't a Kansas City TV station, KMBA, offered in Iowa City? -Because it is microwaved from Kansas City to Des Moines and it would cost a considerable amount of money and may not be physically possible to bring to Iowa City. A citizen commented over the phone that they like the duplication of network services now offered over the cable system. Question: Can a Los Angeles TV station be brought to Iowa City? Terry answered no. Question: What happened to channel 22 sports and how is programming determined on channel 24? s Blough said channel 24 is the Apalacian Community Service Network which runs the channels and they control what is on it. d Question: Why are HBO and Cinemax the only pay channels offered in Iowa City? Blough said both are owned by ATC and they like to offer it on 6 their own systems. Secondly, Blough said other pay services such as Showtime and the Movie Channel have been proven to be in competition with HBO; each seems to get about 50 percent of market and nothing is thereby gained. Cinemax is a good compliment to HBO. Johnson said this is a classic example of an antitrust case where the company owns both the distribution facilities and programming. Neither the local operator nor the community has any choice ,in the matter, such as whether HBO or Showtime is received. Question: Why isn't the broadcasting and film department at the University of Iowa more involved in cable TV? That's their choice. . j A comment was received which complimented Hawkeye's local access efforts. Question: Is there a chance of getting an X-rated channel in Iowa City? No, it's prohibited by the ordinance. There was a comment that there were too many channels on the cable system with just data. 1 MICROFILMED BY - JORM-MICR46LAB' ) CEDAR RAPIDS - DES MOINES i _y r BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL ANNUAL CABLE FORUM TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982 PAGE 5 Question: Will the radar weather channel be changed? It is useless as it is. Blough said yes, another weather service will replace it soon. Question: Why isn't MTV (music television) carried in Iowa City? It is being.looked at as a possibility and primarily depends on the demand for it in Iowa City, commented Blough. A comment was received querying why not make CBS (Christian Broadcasting Service) the Christian network a pay channel and force more of a serparation between cable and church. Question: Why not offer cablevision to married student housing residents? If they are on University property, it is up to the University as to under what conditions and timelines such persons will get cable. Question: Can local churches cablecast on cable? Yes. Question: Can there be more local government programming such as the Board of Supervisors on cable? Yes, but it would be up to such bodies to decide and to produce (or pay for the production) such meetings themselves. The City is quickly building its programming base and is extending as far as its resources allow. There was a compliment paid to the library channel 20 programming. There was a comment that the library and/or Hawkeye needs a second editing system to keep up with the ever-increasing demand of local production. There was a suggestion about additional programming which would be an update of what the BTC is doing on a monthly basis. Terry thanked everyone for attending and participating in the cable forum. Johnson invited everyone to attend the NFLCP meeting in Iowa City on April 16th. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Madsen, seconded by Eskin to adjourn. Unanimously approved. Adjourmnent at 6:00 p.m. Resoectfull.Y submitted, William Drew Shaffer Broadband Telecommunications Specialist 1 � I MICROFILMED BY I..--JORM--MICR#LAB CEDAR RAPIDS DES MOINES ;I A S6G _y Jy� IM ""-FILMED BY �AU JORM MICR#LAB 1 Y, CEDAR RAPIDS DES MOINES ' z� , 2 �n1 1 MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TRIANNUAL REVIEW HEARING APRIL 28, 1982 4:00 PM CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Johnson, Madsen, Eskin, Terry MEMBERS ABSENT: Pepper MEMBERS EXCUSED: Pepper STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer OTHERS PRESENT: Kalergis and Blough of Hawkeye CableVision RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. MATTERS PENDING COUNCIL -COMMISSION DISPOSITION: The Extension Policy being negotiated by the cable company and BTC must be approved by the BTC and City Council. Policy concerning conditions of required extension to subdivisions and newly annexed areas is being determined by the BTC. The 100% service clause of the Iowa City ordinance stipulates all dwelling units of Iowa City must be passed by serviceable cable where legally and reasonably available. The deadline for this clause is April 19, 1982. The BTC is determining if this requirement has been complied with. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: 1 In the four hours this public meeting lasted over 50 phone calls were received and at least 50 people attended the hearing in person. Many views were presented, including questions about new programming services; the availability of more local access production equipment; compliments to Hawkeye and the production crew cablecasting the hearing; questions about wiring the schools and the county; financial questions about the money Hawkeye makes from Iowa City; questions and comments about the University channel 28; questions about the possibility of more government programming. Blough said Iowa City would be getting CBS cable soon and possibly CNN by fall. C -span has been saved and put on channel 22. Hawkeye is planning on upgrading the weather channel. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 4:05 PM. IM ""-FILMED BY �AU JORM MICR#LAB 1 Y, CEDAR RAPIDS DES MOINES ' z� , i Broadband Telecommunications Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 2 MINUTES: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Terry introduced the members of the Commission. Terry read an opening statement. Terry stated the public also may address the BTC every third Tuesday of the month at 4:00 PM at its regular meeting. The purpose this afternoon and evening is to give the public the opportunity to address the Commissioners and the company by coming to the Council Chambers or phoning in any remarks, questions or problems. Remarks at this triannual forum, unlike the annual, which was directed at programming only, can cover any aspect of the franchise, company or city involvement, whether it be directed at programming, technical, service, financial or any other pertinent aspect. Before opening up the floor for public discussion, Terry asked that remarks be limited to one question or five minutes. He thanked all the Commissioners for their work and the extra effort that they have had to put in the last month and thanked the volunteers involved in producing the cable cast of the Commission hearing. Volunteers include: Allen Kauzlarich, John Elshoff, Edye Calderon, Sandy Terzis, Rebecca Palmer, Dewey McGuire, May Sim, Cinda Stewart, Don Bailey, Dave Repp, and Bob Pagura. Pagura served as floor moderator. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Doug Allaire of Access Iowa City read a prepared statement citing the uniqueness of the access situation in Iowa City, and thanking the people who were involved between the City, the community and t in writing the franchise agreement. He further noted the spirit of cooperation idea of community access and cable the company and their shared devotion to the amount of new, original programming elevision. Allaire remarked as well on the Allaire went on to outline some prob(49 hours) at the access center last month. current success of local access has lem areas which Access Iowa City feels the caused, and made some suggestions as to improvements that could be made. These include: 1) insufficient number of units of equipment to satisfy the demand; 2) what is available is often in poor operating condition; 3) in order to equitably provide more equipment perhaps a system could be devised similar to the one that governs channel allocation, that is, if a unit of equipment is used for a certain number of hours per week for a certain number of weeks, another similar unit would be provided. This should also take into account the demand for equipment that is not satisfied because of the limits; 4) a part time engineer should be hired to handle minor repairs and preventative maintenance; 5) a backup system such as the one the library has should be initiated; 6) a dissolve unit for the slide/film chain at the community programming center should be installed. Terry asked whether Access Iowa City thought these might be growing pains. Allaire reiterated he believes these are real problems which must be dealt with. Shaffer read a question from a home viewer regarding Johnon's article in the Daily Iowan on 4/27/82 comparing Iowa City and Hawkey CableVision with the franch si a in Boston. The viewer felt the comparison was unfair. Johnson t11LROFILMED BY "JORM MIC RE�LAG I CEDAR RAN IDS BEY 156 1 J Broadband Telecommunications Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 3 responded he didn't think so, because, this hearing should be a thorough evaluation of what this company has done, what more it can do, and that its principal motivation is to make money. Johnson cited Karen Kalerigs as a top flight community programmer but stated that there is no company profit in giving us more unless we demand it and the commission insists upon it in working out some kind of plan for the next three years. Johnson also referred to a community near Palo Alto, California, which is comparable in size and community profile to Iowa City, which has more channels and lower cost for basic service, plus it is two-way interactive. He said his point is that the.state of the. art - which the franchise says the company must provide - is beyond the system that we have. Johnson called on the people of Iowa City to recognize the tremendous opportunity we have now to fashion what is needed from the company over the next three years and that without demands there will come rate increases without increases in services or staff. Madsen commented favorably on Allaire's positive approach to what Access Iowa City called for in its statement. Kalergis noted that along with three full-time Hawkeye community programming staff members, there are also two part-timers, a CETA employee, and two more part-time people in the process of being hired, without any demands being made for same, but because Hawkeye saw a need. Johnson thanked Kalergis for bringing this information to his attention. Subscriber Michael Augustine asked if there was a possibility of C -Span being brought back. Blough announced C -Span has returned to the lineup as of April 28, 1982. Sportswire will be consolidated on Channel 3 with national news. Blough explained Hawkeye had to purchase $7,000 worth of equipment in order to keep C -Span. Terry read a question from a home viewer: "How does ATC make a profit in Iowa City?" Blough said Hawkeye has not made a profit yet. Hawkeye shows a loss for 1981 of over one-half million dollars. Estimates for 1982 are to cut this loss in half and begin to show a profit in 1983. Profit is made by selling services such as movie channels, etc. Terry read a question to Johnson in regard to the number of people who showed up at the cable forum. Johnson expressed frustration with having to deal with the issues without having a firmer sense of what people in the community really want. Again, he called for community response to the issues. Terry asked Johnson whether he considered the annual input hearing and the triannual review a move forward. Johnson responded that he is impatient that more be accomplished. He compared the status of the University's channel 28, with the Kirkwood College telecommunications system. Johnson noted his disappointment in the University for doing nothing with its channel. Bob Welsh asked what authority the BTC has as a result of this review. If the company fails to meet franchise agreements, are penalties built in? Terry responded that as the City proposed originally in 1979, the BTC is in the process of reviewing whether Hawkeye fulfilled its commitments. All information will be sent in an advisory report to City Council. A penalty of up to $100 per day could be levied by Council. Madsen stated basically then it's up to the City Council to make a decision as to how they react to our reports and our recommendations. Welsh commented he trusts the Commission will insist on the continued updating of this system in terms of the state of the art. He expressed frustration on four specific items: 1) marketing tactics of the company; 8166 J,. MICROFILMED BY i -CORM MIC RbLAB j CEDAR RAPIDS •DES MOINES Broadband Telecommunications Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 4 2) quality of service; 3) company's promises and ads; 4) comparing projections on penetration and budgets with actual figures. Blough said equipment is here with the exception of the satellite receiver for CBS cable. The company expects to have this operational by the end of May. Iowa City has been added by ATC to its contract with CNN and hopes to offer it to Iowa City subscribers before the fall season. Hawkeye will replace Slo-scan video news with CNN. Dan Daly addressed five points: 1) In light of a proposed rate increase, the BTC should ask for free basic tier programming and a higher charge for the movie channels. 2) Regular weekly scheduling of series programming by local access producers. 3) Are negative comments to the company squelched for fear of negative reaction? 4) A system of programming evaluation; 5) more programming on access channels by sections of the population which are currently underrepresented. Kalergis said Hawkeye has done special workshops for women's groups, youth and the handicapped and plans to do more for the elderly. She stated she has no problem with negative comments, only inaccurate or misinformed ones. Fred Zehr, manager of the Iowa City Airport, representing the Airport Commission, noted a need for a guide to explain to non -aviators what is being transmitted on weather channel 25. He asked that this service be continued and improved. He said the computerized weather information on Channel 6 is often erroneous. Blough stated Hawkeye intends to improve the service on channel 25. Channel 6 problems stem from winds swirling around Daum House near the site of the weather instruments on the roof of Old Brick. Various solutions are being examined. Zehr proposed Hawkeye might be interested in tying into the Airport's new computerized weather system. Jim Swaim of United Action for Youth commended Hawkeye for its work with teenagers, and supported Daly's suggestion for low cost or free basic tier programming. He also concurred with Allaire on problems with equipment breakdowns and need for an engineer. Swaim noted that ATC has given his group grants to buy equipment and supported the idea of building a larger pool of equipment for access programming. A home viewer called in a question on Hawkeye providing WFMT, a classical music channel. Slough said Hawkeye is looking at the cost of this channel vs. payback. It may come with CBS cable. Johnson questioned Swaim as to whether the Commission should encourage Hawkeye-ATC-Time/Life, Inc. to make grants to the Iowa City Public Library to buy equipment everyone can use rather than to individual groups. Swaim's feeling was that equipment could best be utilized by being located in the Library or comm.unity programming center. Responding to a phone-in question as to when homes located near ACT within Iowa City could expect to get cable, Slough said it is one of the areas presently under consideration. Johnson pointed out one of the major considerations before the Commission is the 100% service clause of the franchise. Phone caller Twyla Misselhorn, Recreation Director for Systems Unlimited, had high praise for Karen Kalergis and the people at Hawkeye for their work with handicapped people. Y56 i - MICROFILMED BY I JORM MIC RbLA B� 1 CEDAR RAPIDS DES MOIYES I J r Broadband Telecommunications Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 5 Doug Hoffer commented a certain amount of complacency in the community is because the present system is much better than two years ago. Hoffer sees a need to fill dead air during the day on local access channels, perhaps with a video feed from the (Johnson County) courthouse or (University) lecture halls, or by making equipment available to any citizen to air opinions. Kalergis said the equipment is available to citizens to air opinions, and the courthouse is part of the institituional network. She suggested Hoffer host Free Form. At Terry's request, Kalergis described Hawkeye's matching grant program and how to go about obtaining such a grant. A phone caller from Dodge Street described interference on HBO. Lee Kester, Chief Engineer for Hawkeye, said that the diagonal lines on HBO are coming over the satellite but so far no one has been able to localize it. The problem is not indigenous to Iowa City's system. Terry reminded the public that if there is a technical problem to call Hawkeye first. If satisfaction cannot be obtained from Hawkeye, call Drew Shaffer. If he is unable to resolve the problem, he will bring it to the Commission's attention. Johnson asked whether anyone in the hearing room or at home had experienced any problems with billing. Blough outlined the company's billing system and how to deal with problems with it. John McGinnis commented on his frustration with workshop signup and certification procedures. Kalergis asked McGinnis to suggest an alternative method for signup procedures. Johnson asked whether McGinnis would object to some of the workshop training being provided on video tape.' Bob Welsh asked Bill Blough whether the new radar weather service would be in color. Blough said it will be in color. Welsh asked when subscribers will get armchair tuning. Blough said it is available. Welsh turned over to Terry a copy of a Hawkeye flier which included a 12 point ad which Terry read. The points were discussed one by one. The Commission kept the copy of the ad for its files. Blough said Hawkeye will trade its 300 page memory service for the City's 16 page service. Pagura objected to programming filler. He asked if there is a feedback system other than the hearing to evaluate programming. Johnson said a phone survey is being conducted. Blough said the addition of C -Span on 22, consolidation of Sportswire and national news would help resolve this problem. Bob Brilow asked if MTV (music channel) is going to be provided. Blough said Hawkeye is considering MN. Meeting adjourned, 6:00 P.M. Meeting called to order at 7:05 P.M. Pagura asked about regularly scheduled programming for local producers.. Kalergis said a method exists now for regularly scheduled programming. A time slot on channel 26 can be booked for 8 weeks running. Hawkeye is also experimenting with live series programming on Monday nights. MICROFILMED BY � "JORM MIC RbLA B- J CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES I J_, _y r i Broadband Telecommunications Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 6 A phone caller asked when the second editing system would arrive. Kalergis said bids are being taken now for a second editing system, and Hawkeye expects to have it this year. Pagura asked why Monday nights were chosen for the live series programming. Kalergis said it was felt combining Free Form, which is on Monday, and other live programming on the same night, would be advantageous to the community. Johnson asked if a section of the cable could be made available for new audio programming. Blough said KRUI could serve in this capacity. Other types of programming like this could also be added if they were non-commercial. A phone caller asked who would be able to use the second editing system. Kalergis said the community programming center might be kept open for more than the 40+ hours it is currently open and the second editing system might then be used by Hawkeye for its local origination programming as well as in a backup capacity to the one now in use. A subscriber in the hearing room asked what's happening with the University's Channel 28? Blough said the University has not decided on a permanent origination site for channel 28. Johnson commented that Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids is far more advanced in utilizing its cable capacity than is the University. Cinda Stewart also expressed frustration as a University of Iowa broadcasting major with the inaccessibility of the University's channel. A phone caller asked what happens to the cable system when the current 35 channels are filled? Blough said that would require evaluating expansion of frequency spectrum. New channel selectors have 41 channel designation numbers. The present system can be expanded to 41 when demand calls for it. Beyond that, a dual cable system would be needed at that time. Fiber optics might be the state of the art and could be utilized to avoid having to go to dual cable. A phone caller asked Kalergis and Blough what they would like to do with the cable system in Iowa City in the next three years. Blough said some of the ideas now being considered are burglar alarms, fire alarms, video text, computer interconnection and two-way interaction. These are compatible with the current system. Kalergis mentioned more local origination programming, cablecasting trials from the courthouse which is part of the institutional network. She would like to see these things done within the next year. Group 26 may put out a cable television newsletter. Blough said he has a five year comprehensive plan for the Iowa City system and would put it in writing for the BTC. Cindy Benton asked when Hawkeye Court would get cablevision. Blough said the Hawkeye Drive area is wired but Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Trailer Park are not because the University and Hawekeye CableVision have not agreed on who will bear what costs for installing the plant. Blough suggested Benton contact the University housing authority. Johnson and Terry agreed the BTC will look into this matter further. Benton requested that a BTC meeting on the subject be held near Hawkeye Apartments so more residents could attend. A phone caller asked whether the BTC serves primarily the public or the cable company. Terry said the BTC's primary obligation is to the Iowa City public. 1. 141CROEILMID BY -DORM-MIC R<I r CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES IF56 1 J_. r I/ Broadband Telecommunications Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 7 Madsen agreed and said further that the community is served best if Hawkeye is also served. A phone caller expressed concern with repetition on the movie channels. Blough said this happens because HBO and Cinemax depend on how many movies are being made each year. Repetition is necessary to fill the 24 hour program schedule. Pagura noted that Hawkeye has a monopoly in Iowa City. What can a citizen do if he is dissatisfied with Hawkeye's service? Madsen said Hawkeye has a non- exclusive franchise. It is up to the BTC and the Council to see to it that Hawkeye provides service which does satisfy the citizens of Iowa City. Another phone caller expressed dissatisfaction with the repetition on the movie channels. She also expressed unhappiness with the quality of the movies offered. Blough reiterated that the movies offered depend on what Hollywood produces and pointed out Hawkeye has no control over what HBO and Cinemax offer. ATC and 20th Century -Fox are collaborating on HBO only productions. HBO will cablecast On Golden Pond next winter. Kalergis asked for community response on the quality of locally produced programs. Johnson said if subscribers don't like what's offered on the movie channels, they should have those services removed from their systems to demonstrate their dissatisfaction. A phone caller asked when cable access would be completed in the Sterling Court area of east Iowa City. Blough said this area will be covered by the new subdivision policy when that policy is determined. A phone caller lodged a complaint about quality of service on the part of Hawkeye cable installers. Blough said that some contract labor has been hired to help complete installation of plant and that this may have been the cause of the problem, but that they do have insurance. He said further complaints could be directed to him at Hawkeye's office. Johnson noted three more callers had requested music TV. Andy Garcia asked what has been done in contacting key City and County departments for public service programming. Kalergis said in November, 1980, a workshop for representatives of County departments who were interested in community programming was held. The greatest participation was by the Health Department. The Health Department also sends regular news reports and press releases to the community bulletin board on channels 5 and 26. Production Coordinator Rick Hindman is working on a health series from St. Luke's Hospital. Garcia encouraged Kalergis to do more outreach work in stimulating government departments to get involved in programming. Kalergis said this is being done and more is planned. Madsen noted Shaffer has been active with various City departments in public service programming. Shaffer said some of these groups have been through workshops and are now active or plan to become so in the future. Shaffer said lack of staff time is a problem in this regard, necessitating reliance on interns and volunteers to produce programs for some departments. The amount of programming on Channel 29 has doubled or tripled in the last three months. The County has also expressed more interest recently. MICROFILMED BY I �' "JORM MICR46LAB -� CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES 0056 1 J� _y r 1/ Broadband Telecommui. ations Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 8 Terry read two other phone requests for Channel 41 from Kansas City and Channel 3 from Des Moines. Blough said these services are brought to Des Moines on a microwave by Heritage Communications Corporation. If these services were on the satellite, there is a good possibility Hawkeye could add them. Frank Eicher asked whether the area of Iowa City in which he lives has yet been determined to be "legally and reasonably" serviceable. Blough stated that he had just this afternoon presented to the BTC a case by case analysis to determine what costs are involved in bringing service to such potential subscribers as Mr. Eicher. This is a cost sharing plan. The problem in Mr. Eicher's area has to do with proposed construction of freeway 518 and the use of Iowa -Illinois utility poles. Madsen read a phone question asking whether the BTC trusts Hawkeye to deliver on its promises. Madsen said she felt Hawkeye is a very responsible company and sees no problem with working successfully with Hawkeye to make the Iowa City system the best around. Blough said if Hawkeye fails here it will not be due to ineffective management. Decisions are made carefully before money is spent. Madsen read a complaint from a home viewer to the effect that there are now 105 channels and ATC is talking about only 41 for Iowa City. Madsen said that when it is apparent that Iowa City is fully and efficiently utilizing its present 35 channels, then adding more channels will be considered. Blough said changing to 105 channels would increase cost to subscribers and would mean laying all new plant. Kalergis pointed out that in the amount of community programming, no other system in Iowa approaches that of Iowa City. A phone caller asked for more major league baseball. He also asked about empty channels. Blough said he would also like to see more major league baseball. Johnson asked which channel is receiving interferance from radio amateurs. Blough said he thought it was 18. Another phone caller wondered why it would cost $17 to reconnect his movie channel service if the reconnection could be done by flipping a switch at Hawkeye's office. Blough said reconnection of that service requires a field trip to the home. The caller also wanted to know how to report trouble needing repair service. Blough said Hawkeye has an answering serving to handle calls outside regular office hours. Robert O'Conner suggested a decrease in charge for basic programming, charging more for HBO and Cinemax, C -span, CNN, cable arts and other extras. Channels 1, 11, 18 and 33 should be filled. Kirkwood should be added to the Iowa City system. O'Conner commended the community programming staff. He mentioned a problem with the wipe section of the studio switching system at the access center and proposed trying more k" equipment. MICROFILM BY _-JORM MICRbLAB CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES i 1 ti 7 � 111� Broadband Telecommunications Commission Triannual Review Hearing April 28, 1982 Page 9 Merrill Crawford of Kirkwood Community College described what his school is doing with its cable channel 13 in Cedar Rapids and Marion. Channel 13 is Programmed with film, videotape, and live programming from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 P.M. Character -generated material is used for the rest of the 24-hour period. Program material includes general educational material and some recasts of IPBN material. These telecourses are offered for credit. Live credit courses j originating from Kirkwood classrooms are also shown. These are two-way interactive with home viewers via the telephone. Plans are for continued improvements. A phone caller asked whether there is a governing board concerned with the effectiveness of the Commission. Madsen pointed out that the Commission is appointed by the City Council and answerable to it. If the BTC isn't doing its job both Council and the community will let the Commission know. Pagura stated that in terms of qualifications both Mr. Johnson and Dr. Pepper are highly j qualified. A subscriber expressed concern over types of programming not currently offered in Iowa City such as cable arts, CNN and others. He also asked to what degree ATC is financially involved in producing programming. To what extent will the community's programming needs be balanced with the financial interest of the people who are providing the programming? (Time limitations did not allow for answering this question during the hearing. Commission noted this subscriber's concern and will deal with it at a subsequent time.) Pagura suggested installing scoop' lights in Council chambers. Shaffer said this is in the works. Meeting adjourned 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Drew Shaffer Broadband Telecommunications Specialist f i I 141 CRDFILI4ED BY _JORM MICR+LAB - I CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MD1NE5 I i _�O %I I � I / I i / I 'I MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MAY 4, 1982 - 4:00 PM CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Johnson, Madsen, Eskin, Terry MEMBERS ABSENT: Pepper i 4 MEMBERS EXCUSED: Pepper OTHERS PRESENT: Kester and Blough of Hawkeye CableVision, Tom Walsh of the Cedar Rapids Gazette STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer, HelIing I RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. MATTERS PENDING COUNCIL -COMMISSION DISPOSITION: The Extension Policy being negotiated by the cable company and BTC must be approved by the BTC and City Council. The 100 percent service clause of the Iowa City ordinance stipulates all dwelling units of Iowa City must be passed by serviceable cable where legally and reasonably available. The deadline for this clause is April 19, 1982. The BTC is determining if this requirement has been complied with. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: 1 i , Motion made, seconded and passed to determine if and how Hawkeye has compiled with the 100% service clause of the Iowa City ordinance. The deadline for this i clause was April 19, 1982. Motion made, seconded and passed on an acceptable definition of extension policy which can be passed on to the cable company. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: i Meeting called to order at 4:05 PM. MINUTES. None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Terry suggested everyone get their information and comments on the Triannual Review to Drew by Friday, May 8. Madsen suggested in order to complete this Triannual processs soon that the BTC set dates to discuss some of the general areas already enumerated. This was agreed upon. FSG MICROFILMED BY .. I DORM "Mlca+ra,B � CEDAR RAPIDS - DES :-0DIYES j i I r I, r— Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 4, 1982 Page 2 Johnson handed out a synapsis of programming issues for the Triannual Review which Pepper had requested he prepare. Terry inquired where the City's character generator is. Slough said he is offering the City use of his 280 page memory service. This character generator is available now for City use and will entail some reworking of current procedures in use by the City. This unit should meet all the City's expectations. Slough added bids will be in to Jerry Yutkin of ATC by Friday for the water cooled air conditioning system for Hawkeye's control room in the library. Terry said he wants to write a letter to the University of Iowa from the BTC to encourage getting the University to facilitate wiring Hawkeye Court. This was generally agreed as a good idea. Slough updated the Commission on the status of the University's channel 28. The University has not yet decided on a permanent location for the origination site for the channel. Slough said he has received Hawkeye's 1983 budget worksheets. He added service to Sterling Court is to be completed by the end of 1982. PUBLIC_ DISCUSSION: Tom Walsh, of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, inquired as to the possibility of rotating meetings of groups such as the County Board of Supervisors and the School Board through the City Council Chambers or the Library meeting room to facilitate cablecasting the meetings of these groups. It was agreed that this is a sensible suggestion but there could be problems in finding personnel to produce these cablecasts and agreement to be cabiecast would be needed from these organizations. Johnson suggested if the groups agreed perhaps they could budget to pay production personnel. 100% UNIVERSAL SERVICE POLICY: Terry listed several alternative formulae the Commission could consider as ways to resolve this issue. Johnson cited the fact that less than 1/2 of 1% of the homes Iowa still ofcostnfacto factors followed. lackTerry ess to handedthe outnetwork. list ofsadditional anlyis served by this policy. They include: 3410 Muscatine Avenue, 234 Madision GSazetreet, Siesta Motel, Iowa City Airport and the office of the Cedar Rapids tte at Rocky Shore Drive and Hwy 6. These addresses were generated in response to an ad placed by the City requesting "failure to get service" reports. this Policy Slough asked what guarantee the company would have that the people served under followed lcable want rlpt if they n thelocationsandthecostsOfcompletingeservice to them.isJohnson diagrammed a decision tree on the chalkboard to help illustrate the alternative formulae and their cost ramifications to both the company and potential subscribers. Slough noted that the company may wire Indian Lookout and Sunset mobile home parks which could resolve current problems of service for South Riverside Drive and Scott Boulevard. Both Indian Lookout and Sunset Mobile Home Parks are in Johnson County and therefore fall under the county ordinance. Madsen moved and Eskin seconded that the 100% universal service policy be stated as follows: That in the interest of resolving the 100% service clause in the franchise, the dwelling units in existence as of April 19, 1979, be served; by MICROFILMED BY JORM MICR<bLAB' CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES IVS6 1 J r I, I ^\ Broadband Telecommun.„ations Commission May 4, 1982 Page 3 extending the trunk access for cable television using the following cost formula; if the cost is three times or less than the average cost per customer of the Iowa City system or $1,500, ; that the first $1,500 (at the current average cost of $500 per subscriber) be borne by Hawkeye CableVision; that should there be additional costs up to $1,000 that it be shared an a 50/50 basis between Hawkeye CableVision and the potential subscriber; that any additional cost beyond the previous amount stated (over $2,500) which shall be involved in installing the cable trunk line, be shared on a 90% Hawkeye/10% potential subscriber basis with the customer's complete amount to be paid in advance to the company. Moved by Johnson, seconded by Eskin to amend previous motion by adding to the end of the paragraph the words: "that this policy covers only the cost of trunk Passing the potential subscriber's house; if such dwelling is more than 200 feet from the trunk another policy comes into affect to deal with the cost of bringing service to the dwelling. Moved by Madsen, seconded by Eskin to separate the question of Rohret Road, Melrose extension west and downtown city block from previous question. Moved by Madsen, seconded by Eskin to exclude areas of Rohret Road, Melrose Extension west and downtown city block from 100% service policy until resolution of problems concerning Highway 518 and Iowa-Illinios Gas & Electric can be obtained from company in writing. Vote on previous question as read and amended with unanimous approval. Vote on separate questions as read with unanimous approval. Blough stated he felt ATC would accept this formula. Terry stated adoption of this formula would make Hawkeye's letter to the City regarding Sand Road null and void. EXTENSION POLICY: Moved by Madsen, seconded by Eskin that the extension policy be defined as follows: That the grantee should make available full service to all dwelling units city limits with the charge by Hawkeye CableVision to be based on beyond 200 feet from the nearest point of existing network but within the time materials to construct additional plant beyond 200 feet. and Moved by Eskin, seconded by Madsen to amend previous question by striking the words to all and inserting "upon the request of the subscriber to any". Vote on previous question as read and amended with unanimous approval. Moved by Eskin, seconded by Johnson to reconsider previous question. (Because of the length of discussion the intent of the motion became unclear and Johnson asked for a clarification of the motion.). 1 MICROFILMED BY -'JORM MICR46LAB ' CEDAR RAPIDS • DES MOINES I 9A 11 J_. Broadband Telecommul...:ations Commission May 4, 1982 Page 4 Vote on motion to reconsider previous question: Aye: Johnson, Eskin, Terry. Nay: Madsen. Motion carried. Vote on previous question. Aye: Madsen, Eskin, Terry. Nay: Johnson.. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Johnson and Madsen to adjourn, second by Eskin. Unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM. Respectfully submitted, Drew Shaffer Broadband Telecommunications Specialist _l i MICROF1LIdED BY '—JO R M:` -M IC R#LA Ei f CEDAR RAPIDS DES MOINES f f 1 J�