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Minutes of the Sherburne/Wright County Cable Commission <br /> Thursday, February 5, 2015, 1:00 p.m. <br /> Elk River City Hall <br /> Present: Chair Tina Allard, Commissioners Mert Auger, Kitty Baltos, Phil Kern, Cathy <br /> Shuman,Annita Smythe, Gina Wolbeck, and Lee Ann Yager. <br /> Absent: Commissioners Jim Bart,Terri Boese, Dan Carlson, and Shane Fineran. <br /> Also present: Technology Consultant Bill Bruce, Attorney Bob Vose, and Video Production <br /> Coordinator Mark Davis. <br /> 1. Call to Order-Chair Tina Allard called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. <br /> 2. Approval of Minutes-October 9,2014 and November 24,2014 <br /> Commissioner Auger motioned to approve the October 9, 2014 and November 24, 2014 <br /> Sherburne Wright Cable Commission Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Commissioner <br /> Yagcr, unanimous ayes, motion carried. <br /> 3. Treasurer's Report - Mert Auger presented the financial statements as outlined in the staff <br /> report. <br /> Commissioner Kern motioned to accept the Financial Statements as presented. <br /> Seconded by Commissioner Wolbeck,unanimous ayes, motion carried. <br /> 4. Attorney's Report <br /> a. Charter/Comcast Update - Commission Attorney Bob Vose reviewed the Charter and <br /> Comcast transaction agreement and noted that the Commission approved a Resolution <br /> authorizing the reorganization of Charter at the last Commission Meeting. Vose also <br /> informed the Commission that the merger is no longer inevitable explaining that is has <br /> become questionable if the FCC will approve the merger. Time/Warner's stock value <br /> has significantly dropped, the FCC has set a high bar for broadband requirements, and <br /> Comcast has issues with potential federal regulations regarding internet access. Vose <br /> also discussed that the MN Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has opened <br /> investigations on Charter and Comcast regarding their phone service activities that <br /> could affect their phone consumers. <br /> b. Charter Converter Update - Vose discussed Charters conversion from old style <br /> analogue to digital, which created channel changes for all government access channels <br /> and Channel 19. Vose noted that member cities are currently being charged for boxes, <br /> yet it is still unclear exactly what pricing charter is proposing. Vose also noted that it <br /> appears Charter is also unclear on how many boxes each City has. Vose recommended <br /> that Commission City's don't pay for box fees until this matter is settled. Vose <br /> discussed that Charter is proposing to structure a relationship similar to the St. Cloud <br /> model. Commission Auger discussed the need to consider implementing a cap on how <br /> much the Commission will cover. Commissioner Kern stated his frustration that <br /> Charter feels they can change the terms of the Franchise. Commission Members noted <br /> that Charter has been a good partner with the Commission up until this past year and <br /> questioned if our situation is unique. Vose noted that this issue is unique to the State <br /> of Minnesota, but not necessarily nationwide. Discussion was held that better <br /> communication from Charter at the onset of their digital conversion would have <br /> alleviated some of the problems that we have experienced. Vose also informed the <br /> Board that Century Link has announced its intention to operate a cable service in the <br /> near future and will most likely be seeking a Franchise. <br />