JOINT CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2004: James Bowe moved to approve the minutes of June 2, 2004. The motion was seconded by James Manahan and passed unanimously.

Members Present: Walt Iwaskiw, Chairman; James Bowe, Member; James Manahan, Member; and Scott Harp, Liaison Representing Newtown Township; Not in attendance was Patrick Foster, Vice-Chairman; and Don Smith, Liaison Representing Newtown Borough. 

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

CALL TO ORDER: 

Chairman Walt Iwaskiw called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. 

MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2004: 

Walt Iwaskiw advised he had one correction to the minutes. The minutes should refer to Don Smith not Don Harris.  James Bowe moved to approve the minutes of May 5, 2004.  The motion was seconded by James Manahan and passed unanimously. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

James Bowe commented on an advertisement running on Channel 23.  The committee members discuss advertising on the Township’s channels.  The members agreed they like the idea of helping non-profit organizations but they do have some concerns.  The committee discussed the character generator.  Walt Iwaskiw advised the committee members that he would advise the BOS on the committee’s concerns with guidelines for use of the character generator.  

OLD BUSINESS: 

The members discussed the draft of their recommendations to the BOS for the school channel contract.  Walt Iwaskiw advised he did add a recommendation with regards to inappropriate content.  The committee members discussed the management status of Channel 58 and Channel 78.  The committee members were in agreement to have Walt Iwaskiw submit their recommendations to the BOS.  James Bowe made a motion to have Walt Iwaskiw submit the committee’s recommendations to the municipalities including the added recommendation.  The motion was seconded by James Manahan and passed unanimously. 

The committee members discussed the membership ratio for the seven (7)-member committee – five (5) residents from Newtown Township and two (2) residents from Newtown Borough.  The committee discussed a past recommendation that if the Newtown Borough were able to find a third member, that Newtown Township would consider amending the membership ratio.  The committee agreed that the member could not be appointed until the end of the Newtown Township committee member’s term.

The committee members agreed to discuss further if the situation should arise. 

COMCAST UPDATE: 

Joseph Czajkowski advised the committee members that at this time Comcast has no programming changes. 

Joseph Czajkowski advised the committee members that at this time Comcast has delayed the Channel Realignment until the fourth quarter of this year. 

Joseph Czajkowski advised the committee members there has been no news from The Ridings. 

Walt Iwaskiw questioned the landscaping of the OTN.  Joseph Czajkowski advised the landscaping should be complete.  Joseph Czajkowski advised he would research and advised the committee members.

Joseph Czajkowski advised the committee that the Newtown Industrial Commons are now wired. 

Scott Harp advised Joseph Czajkowski that the Goddard School located at 119 Pheasant Run is having a problem with connecting. 

OTHER BUSINESS/MEMBER COMMENTS: 

The committee discussed the following: 

§         An alternate meeting night.  The committee members that were present discussed what nights would be good for them.  The members agreed to discuss further when all members are present.

§         The committee members agreed to hold the July 7^th meeting.

§         The committee members discussed the August meeting.

§         Scott Harp updated the members on his discussion with Dr. Joe Ugras from LaSalle University.

§         Scott Harp advised that James Bowe has agreed to videotape events from this year’s First Four celebrations.

§         The email address provided by the Township for residents/business owners to express any concerns with regards to cable.  Walt Iwaskiw advised one email was received for web design solicitation.  The email address is tac@twp.newtown.pa.us.

§         Walt Iwaskiw asked Scott Harp of the status of the appointment process for the two (2) open positions available on the committee.

§         Walt Iwaskiw advised that Newtown Borough is advertising for the open positions on the committee.

§         The committee members discussed RCN. 

ADJOURNMENT: 

James Manahan made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by James Bowe.  The motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 7, 2004.   The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Newtown Borough Hall.

 Respectfully submitted:

 ____________________________
Christy Holley, Recording Secretary