03-22-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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LMCCC - February 1993 Meeting Page Three b) Accountant's Report on 1992 Financials Brancel re-introduced Dennis Sparks. Sparks then stated that extensive testing has been done on the reports and records for 1992 as part of the Annual Review. They did not find any errors that resulted from these tests. He stated that the information was well reported and thanked Daniels and staff for their excellent records and help. c) Reply to FCC on Section 8 (Customer Service) Daniels stated that included with the packets was a copy of the response to the FCC. He thought that it represented the Commission's position well and was clearly stated. Daniels then explained that Cable Commissions have the right, at this point, to file their position officially with the FCC. d) Reply to FCC on Rate Regulation Daniels explained that there was a thirty page reply that was sent to th.. FCC on Rate Regulation. The information and money to have it legally drawn up came from 6 different Cable Commissions. The amount paid was based on ihe number of subscribers (this Conmission paid approximately S460). He then explained that in 1984 rate regulation was taken away from Commission contrcl. This is an effort to bring rate regulation back within the Commission's authority. As there were no questions regarding this matter, Daniels then distributed a copy of the quarterly newsletter. Brancel gave staff credit for a job well done. The Commission concu.Ted. e) Triax Report on Future Plans (current/1ong range) Finch stated that within his first six months in Minnesota, his goal was to improve customer service and response time. He has increased staff considerably to achieve this. He has also juggled schedules to include technical service being available on Saturdays. A new phone system is also on the way, which will decrease the number of busy signals the customer receives. It will also be able to indicate which days have more calls coming in so that staff scheduling can reflect this. Training customer service people in phone etiquette will be given as well. Technically, Triax has done the Seal Test, which is to show any leakage of signals that would create a poorer reception for the subscriber. The Proof-of-Performance test is a new FCC requirement. It's to show that the cable company meets certain FCC criteria. Deployment of the "Star Port" is also planned. Mrch stated that he hopes to have 4000 units out by the end of 1993. "Encore" is a pay-service that will be through Star Port technology. Hopefully, by the second half of 1993, one pay-per-view service should be for one movie per night. In addition an 800 number will be available, so that it be necessary to call Triax and ask for it - it will be automated. The "Sci-Fi will be launched, as well, in the second half of the year. The new home construction, that does not currently receive cable, is a consideration that is being looked into. Finch stated that he plans to contact the developers of new construction sites, as well as the city they are located in, to with them prior to completion to avoid the complications that arose last year. Finch stated that these are basically it for plans for the coming year, distant future plans, however, are technically, almost unlimited. Fiber optics are planned, but he is not sure when or where exa tly. Personal computers and telephone service through cable compan »s is generally things that will come from large cable companies. Triax will most 1 kely not be in forefront of this advanced technology, but will keep a watch on it for the future. Finch asked if there were any questions. Rosen stated that he had noticed on the conversion grid in the TV Guide. Lake Minnetonka has 16 open spaces where other cities have channels available. He asked why? launched available will not channel w>rfc The some the