JOINT CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES OF November 20, 2002: James Bowe advised he had one change to the minutes, on page 2, he had only spoken via telephone with Attorney Robert A. Godwin, the attorney representing The Ridings. James Manahan moved to approve the minutes of November 20, 2002. The motion was seconded by Walt Iwaskiw and passed unanimously.

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

Also present is Joseph Czajkowski representing Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. 

CALL TO ORDER: 

Chairman James Bowe called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. 

MINUTES OF October 30, 2002: 

The approval of the minutes of October 30, 2002 had been postponed due to the lack of a quorum at the November 20^th meeting.  The committee did have one change to the minutes.  The start and end times of the meeting are off by one hour.  The meeting started at 7:35 p.m. and ended at 8:40 p.m. 

The committee also discussed the approval of the September minutes.  Walt Iwaskiw verified he had no changes to the September minutes.  Ernie Bancroft voted to approve the minutes even though he did not attend the September meeting.  Members questioned if that was allowed.  After researching Roberts Rules of Order and speaking with the Township Solicitor it was determined to be ok for Ernie Bancroft to vote. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

The committee discussed Patriot Media and Communications; it was announced that they were no longer being looked into as a cable competitor. 

James Bowe announced that Ernie Bancroft has resigned from the committee.  The committee wishes Ernie Bancroft and his family the best of luck and thanks for all the hard work.  He will be missed. 

OLD BUSINESS:  

The committee discussed the current cable ordinance and the revisions they recommend.  Rand Jaslow updated the committee on how the Borough feels about the changes to the cable ordinance.  He advised that the Borough Council would discuss the revised cable ordinance further at their next work session.  

Walt Iwaskiw made a motion to recommend the revised cable ordinance to the BOS, which was seconded by James Manahan. The motion carried unanimously.  James Bowe advised he would recommend the revised cable ordinance to the BOS at their meeting tonight. 

The committee discussed the volunteer video group.  Walt Iwaskiw advised that per Ron Weaver, Video Gold had some issues.  Walt Iwaskiw suggested inviting Ron Weaver to the next committee meeting.  Walt Iwaskiw advised he would send Ron Weaver an email inviting him to the January meeting.  James Bowe suggested also inviting a representative from Video Gold.  James Bowe advised he has been in touch with the Warminster Cable Committee with regards to a volunteer video group and the videotaping of Zoning Board Meetings.  James Bowe advised he would speak with the township solicitor with regards to videotaping the Zoning Board Meetings. 

COMCAST UPDATE: 

Joe Czajkowski updated the committee on the status of The Ridings community.  He advised that Comcast is reviewing the proposals received from The Ridings.  James Bowe advised he has met with Attorney Robert A. Godwin.  The Ridings are still questioning the equipment being in the right-of-way. 

Joe Czajkowski updated the committee on the launch of Video on Demand.  He advised the committee on the available programming.  He advised that the feedback Comcast has received is positive.  Walt Iwaskiw asked if the committee could be provided a brochure to explain the service. 

The committee discussed a new Comcast service, At Home Pro. 

SATELLITE DISHES: 

OTHER BUSINESS/MEMBER COMMENTS: 

Rand Jaslow advised that the Borough has a new committee member who can start in January.  He also feels he may have another possible member. 

Rand Jaslow advised starting in January 2003 the committee could hold their meetings at the Borough Hall.  

James Bowe made a motion to recommend to the BOS to hold the Cable TV Committee meetings at the Newtown Borough Hall, which was seconded by Walt Iwaskiw.  The motion carried unanimously. 

The committee decided to cancel the December meeting. 

James Manahan updated the committee on the CRSD meeting on November 11, 2002.  He advised that the CRSD Board meetings are being moved to a new location.  The equipment needs to be set up.  CRSD would like to get the students more involved with the videotaping of the meetings.  Currently the videotaping is professionally done; the CRSD is concerned with costs.  They also express concerns with time sharing of Channel 78.  Walt Iwaskiw questioned the liability of the CRSD with regards to students videotaping.  

ADJOURNMENT: 

James Manahan made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Walt Iwaskiw.  The motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2002.  The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Newtown Borough Hall. 

Respectfully submitted:

 ____________________________
Christy Holley, Recording Secretary