JOINT CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2003: James Bowe advised he had one change to the minutes, on page 2, Cornell’s name is still appearing on correspondence from Comcast, not on the Comcast brochure. Walt Iwaskiw moved to approve the minutes of February 19, 2003. The motion was seconded by James Manahan and passed unanimously.

Members Present: James Bowe, Chairman; Walt Iwaskiw, Vice Chairman; 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 were Joseph Czajkowski and Michael Sinback representing Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. 

CALL TO ORDER:  

Chairman James Bowe called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m.

MINUTES OF JANUARY 15, 2003: 

Walt Iwaskiw moved to approve the minutes of January 15, 2003.  The motion was seconded by James Bowe and passed unanimously.

MINUTES OF OCTOBER 30, 2002: 

James Manahan moved to approve the minutes of October 30, 2002.  The motion was seconded by James Bowe and passed with one member abstaining. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

The committee discussed correspondence received from Council Rock School District.  Members agreed to draft correspondence advising the township and borough officials.

The committee discussed an email Walt Iwaskiw had sent with regards to the Tech Republic Article – FCC vote to set broadband’s future.  Joe Czajkowski advised that the article had to do with telephone service. 

The committee discussed James Manahan’s article in the Courier Times with regards to township run cable systems. 

VOLUNTEER VIDEO GROUP: 

James Bowe updated the committee on the response received from Jeff Jim, Producer/Director with Video Gold Productions, Inc.  He advised that Video Gold’s insurance company would not approve any changes with regards to additional parties in the operating booth.  Video Gold did offer discounts for additional services.  Video Gold gave the committee a price for a new 16 hook up audio board. 

Walt Iwaskiw asked Comcast if they could offer any help with the volunteer video group.  Joseph Czajkowski advised he felt Comcast would not be able to offer any help at this time.  He would look into and get back to the committee. 

OLD BUSINESS:  

COMCAST UPDATE: 

The committee discussed the correspondence received with regards to L & I. 

The committee discussed Comcast’s On-Demand service.  Members asked about any problems with the service.  Comcast advised any problems are being handled.   

James Bowe advised Cornell’s name is still appearing on the Comcast brochure. 

Committee members discussed Form 1240. 

Comcast advised the committee on a possible new channel in the line-up.  Channel 60, WBPH – Bethlehem, PA. 

The committee discussed the status of The Ridings.  Joseph Czajkowski advised the committee that Comcast has met with  representatives of The Ridings and is waiting for more information from them.  James Bowe suggested that Comcast show The Ridings the changes that were made in Tyler Walk and Newtown Crossing.  Walt Iwaskiw asked Comcast to keep the committee up to date. 

Members discussed changes to the channel line-up. 

The committee discussed the OTN. 

The committee discussed the Emergency Alert Signal.  Michael Sinback explained how EAS works.  Comcast advised that the service was not part of the franchise agreement and the township would have to purchase the equipment.  Committee members agreed it was an issue for the JCTAB for Bucks County. 

Rand Jaslow asked about having the cable wire run underground or behind the buildings on some streets in the borough.  Michael Sinback explained how the underground system works. 

OTHER BUSINESS/MEMBER COMMENTS: 

Rand Jaslow updated the committee on his progress with finding new committee members from the borough.   

James Bowe advised he would announce at the next BOS meeting that the committee is looking for new members. 

The committee discussed the following: 

§         The quality of the programming on Channel 23.  The committee members agreed to research other production companies.

§         Receiving correspondence. 

ADJOURNMENT: 

James Manahan made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by James Bowe.  The motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2003.  The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Newtown Borough Hall. 

Respectfully submitted:

____________________________
Christy Holley, Recording Secretary