JOINT CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES OF August 21, 2002: Walt Iwaskiw moved to approve the minutes of August 21, 2002. The motion was seconded by James Bowe and passed unanimously.

Members Present: James Bowe, Chairman, Walt Iwaskiw, Vice Chairman, James Manahan, Member, and Scott Harp, Liaison, Representing Newtown Township. Not in attendance is Ernie Bancroft, Member Representing Newtown Borough. 

Also present were Joseph Czajkowski representing Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. and Newtown resident Ken Halbe. 

CALL TO ORDER: 

Chairman James Bowe called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. 

MINUTES OF June 19, 2002: 

James Bowe moved to approve the minutes of June 19, 2002.  Walt Iwaskiw advised the committee on one change to the minutes, on page 2, Time Shift Programming is related to Video on Demand and will not be available until the 3^rd or 4^th quarter of the year.  The motion was seconded by Walt Iwaskiw and passed unanimously. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

OLD BUSINESS:  

The committee discussed the volunteer video group.  Members suggested contacting area colleges. 

COMCAST UPDATE: 

The committee discussed the status of the property belonging to Kelly Rufus, a resident of Newtown Crossing. Joseph Czajkowski updated the committee on the status of the project. 

The committee discussed the status of Newtown Industrial Commons. 

The committee discussed Comcast’s current equipment – digital receivers.  Joseph Czajkowski explained how the equipment works. 

Walt Iwaskiw asked about set top boxes.  Joseph Czajkowski advised he would email him the information. 

Newtown resident Ken Halbe questioned Comcast about correspondence received in reference to a price increase for High-Speed Internet service.  Scott Harp asked Joseph Czajkowski to look into.  The committee will also research.  

SATELLITE DISHES: 

Walt Iwaskiw advised he is still waiting to hear from Tom Harwood in reference to Satellite Dishes. 

OTHER BUSINESS/MEMBER COMMENTS: 

The committee discussed the need for cable competition.  Members suggested sending correspondence to political parties.  Scott Harp suggested starting a group for cable competition.  Walt Iwaskiw advised the committee on a state run program.  He advised he would email the link to members. 

James Bowe advised the committee that the BOS would be presenting Dr. Joe Ugras with a plaque at their next meeting on August 28, 2002. 

Members discussed the following:

§         increasing the size of the committee.  

§         RCN. 

§         the technology audit. 

ADJOURNMENT: 

Walt Iwaskiw made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by James Manahan.  The motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, 2002. 

Respectfully submitted:

________________________________
Christy Holley, Recording Secretary