HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-09-96 COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSIONCOMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
LYNWOOD CABLE STUDIO
3560 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD.
LYNWOOD, CA
5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
September 9, 1996
I. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
CITY OF LYNW
A. Call to Order CITY CLERKS OOF
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B Pledge of Allegiance App GEP 0 51996 PU
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C Invocation
D Roll Call
E. Minutes - August 12,1996 - Regular Meeting
II. SCHEDULED MATTERS
A. Preview of Lynwood Showcase #84
III. COMMISSIONERS'/ STAFF REPORT
IV. PUBLIC ORALS
V. ADJOURNMENT - TO NEXT REGULAR MEETING ON
October 14,1996
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COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 12, 1996 MEETING
The regular meeting of the Community Cable Access Advisory Commission of the City of
Lynwood was held August 12, 1996, at the Lynwood Cable Studio. (The Agenda was
duly posted as prescribed by the Brown Act.)
Commissioner Ada McZeal called the meeting to order at 5.35 P.M. Commissioners in
attendance were Ethel Pacheco, Bill Lewis, Ada McZeal, Bill Cunningham and A Ann
Fields.
Staff present were Johonna Jacobs- Howard, Ron Roberson, and Melinda Porter
Commissioner Cunningham motioned to approve the minutes of the July 8, 1996, meeting
with corrections. Commissioner Pacheco seconded the motion.
Corrections to the July 8, 1996 minutes of the CCAAC Meeting
I. Scheduled Matters, Section B CCAAC Itemize List for Cable Franchise
Agreement
Added correction: Page 2, Paragraph 1, line 10, reads; Commissioner Fields
stated that she would like to know the total amount of senior citizens that subscribe to
Continental Cablevision here in Lynwood. Instead it should read; the total number of
senior citizens.
Added correction: Page 2, Paragraph 1, line 12, reads; Commissioner Lewis
stated that based on what Staff person Howard stated in the June 10, 1996, meeting, there
are about 3000 subscribers and it was estimated that 20% of these subscribers are senior
citizens, which would make a total of 600 senior citizen subscribers here in Lynwood.
Instead it should read; Commissioner Lewis made the supposition that if there were 3000
subscribers and if it was estimated that 20% of these subscribers were senior citizens, the
total number of senior citizens subscribers here in Lynwood would then be 600
SCHEDULED MATTERS
A. Memorandum to City Manager regarding Cable Franchise
Agreement
Commissioner McZeal stated that there should be a correction in line one
of the listed items on the memorandum. She stated that it should read;
Relocate the Lynwood Studio to larger facility within the city limits. She
also stated that the fifth line of the listed items should read; Provide
reimbursements to the City of Lynwood. Commissioner Fields asked if
the memorandum had been sent to the City Manager's Office yet. Staff
COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 12, 1996 MEETING
person Howard answered no, and stated that it wouldn't be sent until the
Commission approved it. She also stated that she didn't receive any calls
from the commission concerning the agenda. Commissioner Lewis asked if
it would be inappropriate to add: Maintain ongoing communication with
the Lynwood senior population, providing them with special services
available pertaining to them, i.e. health, nutritional, and social services.
Commissioner Cunningham stated that he is still getting questions as to
how to access Channel 28 He also stated that there are still some seniors
who don't understand how to operate their cable systems, and that it was
for that primary reason that he brought the subject up in the last meeting.
Commissioner Lewis stated that that was all the more reason to have
special services available for seniors. Commissioner Cunningham stated
that it was very important to have the necessary access available and that it
could probably be provided in the form of a city wide mailer
Commissioner Lewis stated that the Commission had discussed including
certain information on senior subscribers' bills quarterly, and several other
ways to advise the seniors of various services. Commissioner Cunningham
stated that posting the information on the air wouldn't help. Commissioner
Lewis agreed, and stated that the Commission had also talked about an 800
number where seniors could call if they have questions about their services.
Commissioner McZeal stated that the idea was mentioned in the minutes.
Commissioner Lewis stated that it was not mentioned in the memorandum.
Commissioner McZeal suggested that Commissioner Lewis give his
opinions on the equipment requested to be provided in the Cable Franchise
agreement, stating that he had expertise in that area. Commissioner Lewis
stated that the equipment list was developed with Staff person Roberson.
Staff person Howard stated that the list indicates items that are in the
Bellflower studio Commissioner Lewis asked if the Lynwood studio
would model the studio Continental Cable already has in existence. Staff
person Roberson answered yes. Commissioner McZeal asked if there
needed to be any additions to the list. Commissioner Lewis stated that the
list should specify the number of monitors. Staff person Roberson stated
that there would be four types of monitors. Commissioner Lewis asked
what a Pyxix is, and if there would only be one of those. Staff person
Roberson answered yes, that there would be one Pyxix. Commissioner
McZeal suggested that the monitors be listed separately, to make them less
"idiot proof" Commissioner Lewis asked if Staff person Roberson
already had a turntable, and stated that there is still a lot of good music on
records. Commissioner McZeal asked if that equipment would go under
'audio Commissioner Lewis answered yes, and asked if there were any
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COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
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headphones on the list. Staff person Roberson answered yes.
Commissioner Lewis asked if the headphone system was for field or studio
use, and stated that the headphones used in a studio are different from the
ones used in the field. Staff person Roberson stated that the headphones
listed are ones that are for camera inner studio communications.
Commissioner Lewis stated that he would like to see a couple of head sets
for the camera crew added to the list, and asked how many crews are sent
out a day Staff person Howard stated that they send out maybe one or
two a day Commissioner Lewis stated that it would be better if they had
three portable headsets so that if one were out of order, it could be sent for
repairs and two would still be available. He also stated that the headsets
are relatively inexpensive, and that having them would allow for monitoring
of audio while recording, which he stated, has been a problem with some
past recordings. Commissioner Lewis stated that, in addition to the
headphone system, three headphone sets for in -field use should be
requested.
Commissioner Lewis asked if the Strand Century-Color Tran lighting kit
includes anything for portable lighting, like an on- camera mount and a
couple of battery packs for in field use. Staff person Roberson stated that
basically they go straight electricity with strand sets, and that there is also
an Lowell kit next to that, both in reference to the grids. Commissioner
Lewis stated that there had been problems with shooting inside businesses
due to difficulty with fluorescent and outside light situations. Commi ssioner
Lewis also stated that if they had maybe one portable light, and a couple of
battery packs, that would allow the camera operator to strap on a battery
pack, mount a light on the camera, and be able to put in a dicroic filter to
match daylight, and still be able to shoot out. Staff person Roberson stated
that they need barn doors for the dicroic filters that they have, and that they
also have the battery packs. Commissioner Fields asked if they had a back-
up battery pack. Staff person Roberson stated that the back -up is blown
out, and that it had actually caught on fire. Commissioner Fields stated
that they should request additional back -ups. Commissioner Lewis agreed,
and asked if they had dicroic filters. Staff person Roberson stated that he
had some in the Lowell kit but that they were not made for that light, and
that he needed the barn doors for the filters. Commissioner Lewis asked
what the wattage on the bulb was. Staff person Roberson answered 100
watts. Commissioner Lewis stated that it would be nice if they could get
250 watts with a dicroic filters because that when you put a dicroic filter
over the bulb it cuts down on the light so much that you can barely use it.
He also stated that 100 watt lighting is only for inside with no outside
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COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
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lighting available. Staff person Roberson stated that they do have filter
and gels available inside the Lowell system. Commissioner Lewis stated
that none of those were set up for portable use, and that is what he would
like. Staff person Roberson stated that he usually bounces or reflects
whenever he uses it. Commissioner Lewis stated that a lot of the video
recording done is done from a news point of view, and that if you walk into
a donut or barber shop, covered many times, you really don't have the
time, manpower, nor is it safe to set up the portable lights and try to go
with them. Commissioner Lewis then stated that if they were to get Lowell
or Color Tran, a good portable lighthead with brackets that could be
mounted on cameras, along with several good rechargeable battery belts
this would increase maneuverability, and the overall quality the of product.
Commissioner Fields asked Commissioner Lewis what he wants, exactly
Commissioner Lewis stated that he wants three Color Tran 650 watt
portable lightheads with dicroic filters for camera mounts, with three 12
volt supporting battery packs. Staff person Roberson stated that NRG puts
out good battery packs. Commissioner Lewis asked what was the
condition of the battery pack that Staff person Roberson has, and asked if
the battery pack could run cameras. Staff person Roberson stated that the
battery pack he has is fine, that it can run cameras with the proper adapter,
and that it belongs to Continental Cable. Commissioner Fields stated that
Staff person Roberson needed his own just in case Continental Cable needs
theirs back. Staff person Roberson stated that Continental Cable has two
more battery packs. Commissioner Lewis stated that they would need the
battery packs almost every time they go out in the field. Staff person
Howard asked if they wanted Continental Cable to provide the City with
their own battery packs. Commissioner Lewis answered yes, and that part
of the negotiation should be that Continental Cable should give them a
minimum of four battery packs, because of everyday shooting. He then
asked how often do they shoot. Staff person Howard stated that they do
not shoot everyday, but that they do shoot three to four times a week.
Commissioner Lewis stated that they should have a minimum of four
battery packs for alternating, because if they are not completely discharged,
and then they are charged prior to use, the cells develop a memory, quickly
wearing down the battery Commissioner Lewis also stated that if they
have more than one and one goes down, there is always a back up.
Commissioner Fields stated that they should ask for four because they may
only get two. Commissioner Lewis stated that he was unsure of the exact
wattage of the lightheads he mentioned earlier, and that they may only be
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COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
MINUTES FOR THE AUGUST 12, 1996 MEETING
500 or 250 watts, but that it is a 12 volt system and that's what counts.
Commissioner Lewis stated that he would place a call to find out. Staff
person Howard asked if Commissioner Lewis would place the call and let
them know the wattage tomorrow Commissioner Lewis answered yes.
Commissioner Lewis motioned that he be allowed to take the
memorandum home and look at it to see if there was something else he
thought should be added to the equipment list, and be able to call Staff
persons Howard and Roberson with recommended additions. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Fields. Commissioner Lewis stated that he
has access to people who are knowledgeable in the audio equipment field,
and that he would ask them for suggestions. Commissioner Lewis also
stated that the City is working with a one man band, one person who has to
try to take pictures and record audio under adverse circumstances, and
that therefore that person needs to have state -of -the -art equipment in order
to turn out a quality product. Commissioner Fields stated that they have
always advocated that they want the very best. She also stated that they
needed to ask for enough equipment because they're not sure that
Continental Cable will give them all of what they ask for Commissioner
Lewis stated that the additions he gave tonight can be used for sure. Staff
person Howard asked when Commissioner Lewis would get back to her
Commissioner Lewis stated that he would call her tomorrow, if not tonight.
Staff person Howard said that it would be okay for Commissioner Lewis to
call her later than tomorrow, but to definitely call this week. Commissioner
Lewis asked for Staff person Howard's number at Media Services. Staff
person Howard stated that the number is 886 -0445
Commissioner Lewis stated that he doesn't subscribe to cable, so he
doesn't know what kind of service is out there. Commissioner Pacheco
stated that she does not subscribe to Cable either Commissioner Fields
stated that she also doesn't subscribe to cable. Commissioner Lewis asked
if the cable company checks with the subscribers to see how the
subscribers feel they are doing. Commissioner McZeal answered no
Commissioner Lewis stated that he wondered how the quality of service in
Lynwood compares with service in other cities, and that he wondered if
there is anything that Lynwood can do as a city to make sure that they are
getting the same quality of cable service that gets provided to other
communities. He stated that one of the ways to get equal quality of service
would be for the City to require the Cable provider to survey it's
consumers, turn the actual surveys over to City Manager's office, and be
financially penalized if the quality of service is poor Staff person Howard
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COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES
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asked if Commissioner Lewis was referring to reimbursing the consumers.
Commissioner Lewis answered yes. Commissioner Fields stated that she
wrote a letter to Continental Cablevision, about a year ago, asking if they
gave a 10% senior discount for Lynwood residents, and they said that they
didn't. She also stated that they get a discount in Los Angeles.
Commissioner Cunningham stated that Continental Cable gives a senior
discount to other communities also Commissioner Fields stated that a
senior discount should be part of the negotiations. Staff person Howard
stated that it is listed. Commissioner Fields stated that the statement
should include; in accordance with other communities. Commissioner
Lewis stated that it would probably be good to include the responding
letter sent to Commissioner Fields about not offering the senior discount
with the memorandum, if she still had the letter Commissioner Fields
stated that if she doesn't still have the letter, she knows how to get
another
Commissioner McZeal asked if there were any other suggestions. Staff
person Roberson stated that they already have the Omega 2000 computer,
but that Continental Cable has upgraded their system since he made the
equipment list, and they have the Omega 4000, which is faster He then
stated that they should request the 4000 upgrade. Commissioner Lewis
stated that instead of just requesting the 4000 upgrade, a request should be
made for all future upgrades related to the Omega system, and all other
future software upgrades be made by Continental Cable. Commissioner
McZeal asked when the Memorandum had to be turned in. Staff person
Howard stated that she has no deadline, and would turn it in only after the
Commission was completely satisfied with the equipment list, but that she
would appreciate if it were soon. Staff person Howard asked if the
Commission wanted her to turn the revised memorandum into them
personally, or to mail it. The Commission stated that they wanted it mailed
to them.
Commissioner Fields asked if someone's term was up. Commissioner
Pacheco stated that she had read that someone's term was up, in the
newsletter Staff person Howard stated that she thought Commissioner
Lewis' term might be up. Commissioner Lewis asked if he needed to
submit a letter Commissioner Pacheco stated that he needed to turn a
letter in to the City Clerk. Staff person Howard stated that she would pull
her records to verify who's term is up. Commissioner Fields asked if each
Commissioner could be given a slip notifying them of their upcoming term
COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 12, 1996 MEETING
expiration, and a list of all Commissioners' term expirations. Staff person
Howard answered yes.
B. Planning Discussion - Cable Awards Program
Staff person Howard stated that she just wanted to put the Cable awards
program on the Commissioners' mind. Commissioner Pacheco asked the
what the date of the Cable Awards program is. Staff person Howard
stated that the date is November 18, 1996 Commissioner Lewis stated
that they should try to get an Olympian for the program. Commissioner
McZeal stated that they needed to get someone local. Commissioner Fields
suggested Sheryl Miller Staff person Howard stated that she wanted to
have Beverly White, a reporter for NBC, as speaker Commissioner Lewis
stated that he would go to work on getting her
C. Preview Lynwood Showcase #82
The viewing of Lynwood Showcase #82 included the following program
segments:
1 Lynwood's Fourth of July Unity Festival Celebration
2. Senior Citizen's indoor picnic styled open -house tribute to
Lynwood's 75th Anniversary
3 Lynwood's 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration
including torch relay, certificate presentations, time capsule
additions, and birthday cake candle lighting.
Commissioner Fields asked if the City was still selling the shirts and logos
advertised in the Showcase. Commissioner Pacheco stated that she was
told that the City was out. Staff person Howard stated that she checked
with Recreation today, and they did still have some shirts. Commissioner
McZeal asked for comments on the video Commissioner Pacheco stated
that she laughed a lot, and really enjoyed it. Staff person Howard stated
that it was nice.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE COMMUNITY CA19LE'
ACCESS ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT
7:00 P.M.