HomeMy Public PortalAbout1996_03_19SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 19, 1996
A special meeting of the Leesburg Town Council and Cable Commission was held on Tuesday,
March 19, 1996 at 7:00 p.m., in tile C(mncil Chambers, 25 West Market Street. Notice having been
delivered to all Councilmcmbcrs and Cable Comnfission members prlorthereto. The purpose of the
meeting was to discuss the cable franchise agreement. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Clem.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present
George F. Atwell (absent)
J. Frank Buttery, Jr.
Jewell M. Emswiller
Joseph R. Trocino
Kristen C. Umstattd (absent)
William F. Webb
Mayor James E. Clem
Cable Commission members present
William Fiske
Robert Latta
Barbara Cassidy
Staff members present
Town Manager Steven C. Brown
Susan Farmer
Mayor Clem suggested another meeting bc scheduled so that Cable Commission Chairman Richard
Herndon will be in attendance. He asked that Mr. Brown prepare a letter to Max Kipfer to remind him
of the meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 1996. Mayor Clem stated he expects the Town Council members
to also be present to listen to the concerns. He stated he received numerous calls this weekend regarding
cables that could not get buried for one reason or another - cables that have been lying on the ground
for months. Cars are driving over the cable. He stated a lady was watching a religious program, during
mid-day and when it was over the lady turned the channel and had to sit through pornography. Upon
calling the cable company, they did respond but could not kill it - it continued to be on TV regardless
of what they did. Numerous avenues were explored when finally the cable company had to provide the
lady with a new box - but even then it docs not kill it totally - it just scrambles it. Mayor Clem stated
he has reviewed the franchise agreement and there seems to be quite a few items that have been elevated
to the Council's attention that need to be examined and looked at and have answers provided. The
town's Cable Commission is doing an outstanding job but a lot of times decisions are made based on
information provided. Mayor Clem stated he docs not feel that Leesburg is getting its just treatment with
the franchise agreement.
Mr. Webb stated that 13 members of the public appeared before the Cable Advisory Commission. Each
individual expressed concern that they had been cut off from their presentation or were not renewed.
Most were not given any notice. At that meeting, Chairman Herndon asked Cablevision to respond to
each of these concerns by April 8, 1996.
Mr. Brown pointed out that Cablevision has responded, today, to Mr. Herndon's request.
Mayor Clem stated the Town Council owes the public an explanation of the complaints being heard from
petitioners. The agreements that the Council signed, the Council will honor. He has received complaints
regarding the hike in the rates.
Mr. Webb stated there have been some very strong accusations made and the Council should not take
any action without the presence of its legal counsel. He stated if any or all of these things that
Cablevision is being accused of are true then the town might have the legal right to terminate the
agreement.
Mayor Clem agreed with Mr. Webb.
Mr. Charles Kaster submitted proposals for a public access show, The Loudoun County Civil War
Roundtable to be put back on air immediately in accordance with Cablevision's Rules and Regulations.
He also submitted three proposals for Loudoun County High School Soccer Teams to use the production
mobile van beginning next Friday, March 29, 1996.
Cable Commission member William Fiske stated these allegations are being researched by the Cable
Commission and a report will be forthcoming.
On motion of, and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned.
, ~ Clem,
,, .~ ~ & _~) /
Clerk of Council
Mayor