JOINT CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD

APPROVAL OF MINUTES at the regular meeting of  November 29, 2001: James Bowe moved to approve the minutes of November 29, 2001.  The motion was seconded by Walt Iwaskiw and passed unanimously, with Dr. Joe Ugras abstaining.

Members Present: James Bowe, Vice Chairman, Walt Iwaskiw, Member, Scott Harp, Liaison, Representing the Newtown Township and Ernie Bancroft, Member, Stuart Myles, Treasurer, Allen Reed, Liaison, Representing the Newtown Borough.  Not in attendance are Dr. Joe Ugras, Chairman, Representing the Newtown Township. 

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman James Bowe called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.

MINUTES OF OCTOBER 25, 2001: Walt Iwaskiw moved to approve the minutes of October 25, 2001.  The motion was seconded by Ernie Bancroft and passed unanimously. 

OLD BUSINESS:  

COMCAST UPDATE:  

The committee discussed the status of the construction progress in Newtown Crossing.  James Bowe advised the committee members Comcast is using a new contractor. 

James Bowe advised he has spoken with The Ridings Homeowners Association.  The Ridings have some questions for Comcast.  James Bowe and Comcast are going to meet with the Homeowners Association. 

James Bowe advised that Gary Roberts of Comcast is no longer in this area.  He will ask Joe DiJulio who our new construction manager is.

The committee discussed an article in today’s issue of the Bucks County Courier Times,  in reference to the Internet Service Provider for Comcast.  The ISP is about to call it quits, which may mean interruption of service for Comcast’s customers.  Comcast is trying to negotiate with Excite to provide the service until Comcast can put their own servers on line to provide service.  The committee discussed posting a notice on Channel 23 to notify the residents. 

SATELLITE DISHES: 

The committee discussed the material Walt Iwaskiw handed out at the October meeting.  The committee will gather more information and discuss further at the February meeting. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

The committee discussed developing more content for the peg channels.

The committee discussed applying for grants.  

The committee discussed meeting with Bucks County Community College and Council Rock School District regarding programming for Channel 78.

James Bowe advised the members that the cable committee is on the agenda of the BOS 1^st work session in January 2002, to discuss the programming on Channel 58. 

OTHER BUSINESS/MEMBER COMMENTS:

Members discussed the name change.  There will be further discussion at the next meeting. 

Members discussed getting to know the other local cable boards. 

Members discussed the Joint Cable/Telecommunications Advisory Board for Bucks County. 

Members discussed the RCN. 

The committee discussed cable competition.  Members discussed setting up a meeting with Charter Communications.  Scott Harp discussed contacting Mr. Paul Allen.  James Bowe suggested contacting Arlen Spector, State Representative.  The committee agreed to continue to look for overbuilders.  There will be further discussion at the January meeting. 

Members discussed going wireless. 

ADJOURNMENT: The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2001.  Walt Iwaskiw made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Ernie Bancroft.  The motion carried unanimously.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. 

  Respectfully submitted:____________________________
                                    Christy Holley, Recording Secretary