Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of January 20, 2010

Minutes:
A motion was made and second to suspend the January meeting and hold the annual holiday party this month. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned. 7:04

NO DECEMBER MEETING

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of November 18, 2009

The meeting was called to order at __7:30 pm______.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Guests Comments:

Mr. Gersham Flynn of Bloomfield spoke to the HACTAC Board about concerns he has about being denied to have a weekly program at the church he attends located in Hartford on the Bloomfield line run on Bloomfield Public Access TV. Dick Ostop asked if he has contacted the Bloomfield Access Board of Directors regarding this matter. Lawrence Jaggon responded that they have on numerous occasions. In his opinion Bloomfield appears that they keep changing the rules. Now Bloomfield is saying should be 80% in town and 20% out of town programming. He said that he feels that he is having a hard time getting information.

Dick advised that the station does not have the right to refuse to show their program if it is presented to them by a Bloomfield resident. They do not have to show it at the time you want, but they should run the program. Dick asked that Mr. Jaggon and Mr. Gersham send him a letter outlining what was discussed at tonight's meeting. It will then be reviewed at the next HACTAC Board meeting, voted on, and if approved, Dick will go to Bloomfield with the complaint. Dick asked them to make sure to give him as much background as they can in writing. A copy of the video that they would like run was also requested. As the Board is not meeting until after January, they will not be able to get back to Mr. Flynn and Mr. Jaggon until after that.

Minutes:

A motion was made by Hyacinth Yennie and second by Bill Stephenson to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
A motion was made by Leo Canty and second by Bill Stephenson to accept the Treasurer's report subject to audit. Motion carried. .

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Joe has received seven (7) calls from AT & T to sign up for service. There will be a meeting on Tuesday of next week with Howard Friedman, Al Schwap, President of BATV, Walter Mamlock and Mark Harutunian to review and purchase new equipment for Bloomfield.

Howard has been a great person to work with. Bloomfield now has a media arts class with 18 students. They have done several commercials/promos for the arts program and for the football games.

East Hartford:
Irene reported that East Hartford has been busy with Holiday Fest. The water company came in last night and did a program on the clean water act.

Hartford:
Hyacinth reported that they are working hard trying to get more children involved with public access. They are also working to get everything in order at the station from the recent renovations.

Simsbury:
SCTV did receive the Peg Petia grant. A new server has been installed for the station with this money. Mike asked Steve to check to see if Comcast is putting Ethernet is some of the buildings within Town. Dick Ostop reported that the weekend of Thanksgiving, SCTV opens the station and the children can get on TV and wish everyone a happy holiday. It was also reported that the Town Charette public input period is over.

West Hartford:
Zena reported that on Nov. 7 West Hartford hosted the Alliance for Community Media Northeast Region Video Conference. Over 200 people attended. The Chuck Schurwood Leadership Award was presented to Jennifer Evans. The station and two (2) of the programs at West Hartford also won awards. West Hartford created a button on their website called Election Central which pulls together all the election news and has candidate profiles. It has received over 3000 hits. There is also a link to the League of Woman Voters. West Hartford also videoed every WWII veteran honored by the Secretary of States program in Hartford that live in West Hartford. West Hartford has requested and has received permission from the DOT to run J-Pegs from the traffic cameras so you can now see updates every five (5) minutes on traffic.

Windsor:
Bill reported that Steve Washer has resigned from the Board. Bill also advised that they are looking for a part-time employee. Rachel is going to CT School of Broadcasting and making inquires about getting some internships from there. Windsor may not need to hire someone if the interns work out.

Carol reported that the conference at West Hartford went well. CT Chapter was officially incorporated and authorized at this conference.

David reported that he was having problems getting on the internet at his home and just wanted to say to Steve that the two (2) gentlemen that came out from Comcast to check the system were both very good and professional

AT & T:

Making lots of calls trying to make deals and offers with the PEG stations. Also have young people going around door to door trying to get people to sign up.

COMCAST:
NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Steve reported that as of Nov. 26, NFL network has started putting games on Thursday nights. The Giants are playing on Nov. 26 so you may get a few calls.

Dick has received some calls regarding ESPN U that does not show UConn games. The other complaint Dick has received is that when people call to register a complaint, they are not getting local people, but someone out of the area. He thought that had been stopped.

Steve reported that the calls will roll over at times, but Dick says it is happening quite often. Steve said he will check into. More often than not, they get a busy signal and then they get someone from out of the area.

Statewide Advisory Council:
Carol advised that the next meeting is not until January.

Legislative Committee Report:

Public Relations Committee Report:
Dick thought that each local Board member would be sending letters with the discs that were sent out last month. He thought the letter explaining them would be better coming from the station rather then him, but he is being asked why he didn't send out a letter with it. It was determined it would be better coming from the station or the appropriate Board member. Mike will write one for Simsbury.

Zena reported to the Board Jen's concerns over the information on the discs.

If any member of the Board needs a set of the discs, please e-mail Dave and he will get you a copy.

Nominating Committee:
No report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
No copy handed out as there was only one (1) item to be discussed. On Nov. 3 he received the East Hartford docket 090725 new questions.

Annul report due on Dec. 31. Dick will need a copy of all the minutes and the Treasurer's reports.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Reviewed earlier.

Old Business:
None.

New Business:
The Holiday party normally held in December will be held in January at the Simsbury Inn at 6:00 pm. A motion was made by David Raney and second by Carol Hartman to have only HACTAC members and station managers attend the holiday party. Motion carried.

The arts festival will be on April 8th.

Schedule 2009-2010:

Sept. 16, 2009 Bloomfield High School
October 21, 2009 East Hartford
November 18, 2009 Windsor
December Cancelled
January 20, 2010 Simsbury @ Simsbury Inn 6:00 pm
February 17, 2010 Hartford
March 17, 2010 West Hartford
April 21, 2010 Simsbury
May 19, 2010 Hartford
June 16, 2010 Comcast

Adjournment:
As no other business was presented to the Board, a motion was made by Hyacinth Yennie and second by Joe Olzacki to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:29 pm.

Next Meeting and Location:

The next meeting will be January 20, 2010 in Simsbury.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of October 21, 2009

The meeting was called to order at ___7:05_______.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
A motion was made by Mark Harutunian and second by Joe Olzacki to approve the June minutes as presented. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Joe Olzacki and second by Peter Stempien to accept the September minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Joe Olzacki to accept the Treasurer's report subject to audit. Motion carried. .

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
The Bloomfield Schools would like to thank Mark Harutunian for his countless hours of assistance and direction in getting equipment. The new wing is finished and they have moved in. BATV station and Board were very helpful and cooperative.

East Hartford:
Irene reported that this is local election time of year. Child Plan applied for a grant to do programs. Board of Education Chairman will be doing programs. St. Francis Woman's Cancer Center will also be doing a program.

Hartford:
Hyacinth reported that the Executive Director is still working on getting things reorganized and stream lined. She is focusing on what needs to be done.

Simsbury:
Mike Paine reported that Simsbury had a charette. Simsbury did receive the PEG PETIA grant. Not sure if they received the check yet but have been told they were approved. SCTV has purchased a new digital server with the money. SCTV has been loading programs onto the internet so that they can be viewed. Last month SCTV had their 25th anniversary party for the station.

Peter explained what a charette is.

West Hartford:
No additional news to report.

Windsor:
No report.

AT & T:
No report.

COMCAST: NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Steve Fitzgibbons reported that they have had some discussions with AT & T how to connect with stations. 3-4 issues have been followed up on and taken care of from the last meeting. Effective November 1 there will be a price adjustment; $2.00 additional per month for expanded basic only. Basic will stay the same, digital starter will be going down $2.00 per month.

Steve explained what the on-demand for computers will be.

Statewide Advisory Council:
The statewide AT & T meeting was cancelled.

Legislative Committee Report:
Peter advised that Kevin Witkos would like to attend a HACTAC meeting. Peter also sent a copy of the letter West Hartford wrote to Linda Scofield. Dick handed out copies of the video that has been made. Each Town will receive a set for the station and one for each of the two representatives to be distributed.

Public Relations Committee Report:
It was asked at the last meeting if anyone was interested in taking over the HACTAC website. No one on the Board feels they have the time. Steve Washer was asked to give a price, but Dick does not have it with him at this time so this topic will be tabled until next month.

Nominating Committee:
No report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
See attached.
Dick passed off three (3) payments to Comcast to Steve.

A motion was made and second to cancel the December meeting and have the January 20, 2010 meeting at the Simsbury Inn and have HACTAC pay for the dinner. Motion carried. Peter will make the arrangements.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
None received.

Old Business:
Nothing to review.

New Business:
Nothing to review.

Schedule 2009-2010:

Sept. 16, 2009 Bloomfield High School
October 21, 2009 East Hartford
November 18, 2009 Windsor
December Cancelled
January 20, 2010 Simsbury @ Simsbury Inn (in place of our December meeting)
February 17, 2010 Hartford
March 17, 2010 West Hartford
April 21, 2010 Simsbury
May 19, 2010 Hartford
June 16, 2010 Comcast

Adjournment:

As no other business was presented to the Board, a motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Hyacinth Yennie to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

Next Meeting and Location:

The next meeting will be November 18, 2009 in Windsor.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of Sept. 16, 2009

Guest: Dr. Title discussed Bloomfield's interaction with other HACTAC communities as well as the new magnet school that has opened. They also have a non-traditional high school called Big Picture High School which is built on the concept that every child has their own individual learning plan. They have standards they must meet to graduate, but they have their own agenda for getting there. Bloomfield would like to make this high school into a player in the TV scene. Dick Ostop thanked Dr. Joe and Dr. Title for the Bloomfield School district working with the PEG stations. Joe Olzacki gave a CD of the Bloomfield High School first video commercial for everyone to review.

Bob Berman is a member of the Bloomfield Town Council. He asked for some assistance with issues regarding AT & T and Comcast. Those people that have switched to AT & T would like to be able to view local television stations through this service and are not able at this time. Dick Ostop advised that HACTAC has been working with AT & T to try and get this resolved but have not been getting too far with getting AT & T to get PEG stations back on line. He also asked for the attendance records for the past year.

Members not appointed:
The meeting was called to order at ___7:00 pm_______________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to:.

Minutes:
A motion was made by Bill Stephenson and second by Joe Olzacki to table the June meeting minutes until the October meeting. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
A motion was made by and second by Bill Stephenson to accept the Treasurer's report as presented. Motion carried. Report will be filed for audit.

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Dr. Joe advised that things are going well. Comcast is going to be a sponsor for the Arts Festival once again. The identity program will be going to Poland. He is working on raising funds.

Windsor:
Bill advised they are plugging along, nothing outstanding. Windsor is planning an antique appraisal day. Carol did not have anything to add.

Simsbury:
Mike Paine advised that Simsbury had a very quiet summer. First week in September they were working on a charette, which is basically a process for town development. SCTV did tape the opening of the charette and the last 2 hours of the event and it will available for viewing.
Mark reported that he was the one who was able to set up the high school students participating in the charette.

Hartford (Town):
Hyacinth reported that the have a new director for the station. Her name is Billie Scrooge. She is doing an excellent job. They will be having a group of students that will be rotating through the station learning the different jobs around there.

Hartford (Schools):
No report.

West Hartford:
Two new hires. One is Jon Bose who is the Technology Outreach Coordinator and the second is Virginia Fisher who is working part time. Created first program from video submitted from schools and other organizations around town that have equipment. They are currently taping candidate profiles and they will begin to be broadcasted in October. West Hartford has created new virtual set with a green screen.
The Alliance for Community Media, Northeast Region will be having hometown meeting and video festival in West Hartford on Nov. 11 at Town Hall. Several producer's workshops will be offered. There will be charge to attend. West Hartford is still negotiating with AT & T about installation costs.

East Hartford:
Irene reporting that they are going into the political season. Teacher at the high school that has brought over news footage from the school, which was edited very well and overall a very informative show. Riverfront recapture coming over and will be doing program with the station.
Chuck reported they are proceeding with some major technology upgrades including a total digital base cable cast environment. Several other activities are going on. Chuck reported that their AT & T representative is different from the other stations. He launched the idea of AT & T partnering with Comcast to get the PEG stations on the AT & T system and she reported back that she had reviewed it and as far as she knew, the Comcast lawyers and the AT & T lawyers were talking to each other.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Steve passed out some channel line-up cards. Mark showed everyone the new digital box. This box will allow you to get expanded basic channels without the digital box. This is for those that have standard cable and not digital. You can get up to two (2) of these boxes for your home without an additional charge. If you need more than two, (2), the charge will be under $2.00 per box per month. Once set up, you still need to call to activate.
Added NFL Red Zone. Separate channel that will cut away from each football game when the team is on the 20 yard line. The feedback has been, if you are a football fanatic, you love the station.

Legislative Committee Report:
No report.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Dick Ostop reported on the programs done by Steve Washer. The first one is for public viewing that runs 22 minutes and the second one for the legislator viewer that runs 8 minutes. Both are called I want my CTV.
A motion was made by Bill Stephenson and second by Irene Cone to have Dave Rainy mail out the two (2) CD's to the right people. Motion carried.
A vote was taken and passed to send both versions to the legislators, Town officials and HACTAC peg stations..

AT & T:
Carol advised that the meeting is next week. She is now taking a class at University of Hartford and will not be able to attend. Someone can attend in her place. Unfortunately no one is available to attend in her place.

Nominating Committee:
No report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Dick advised that the letter sent to the DPUC from Steve Mitchell regarding the ability to advertise is still open and pending.
Dick also reviewed the letter from DPUC to East Hartford. Please make sure to answer their questions by 10/5/09. HACTAC also has to respond to three questions in this letter. Dick stated that as far as HACTAC is concerned East Hartford is operating correctly. HACTAC has received only one complaint regarding East Hartford and it was in regard to AT & T and not the PEG station. HACTAC also feels that East Hartford should be allowed to continue to operate.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
One complaint was received from a resident in Bloomfield.

Old Business:
None.

New Business:
Dick advised that the HACTAC website needs to be brought up to date. WinTV's website is easily manageable. A motion was made by Joe and second by Mark to get a price quote to update the HACTAC website from the person that did WinTV and also one from Steve Washer. Motion carried.

Schedule 2008-2009:
Sept. 16, 2009 Bloomfield High School
October 21, 2009 East Hartford
November 18, 2009 Windsor
December Holiday Party
January 20, 2010 Simsbury
February 17, 2010 Hartford
March 17, 2010 West Hartford
April 21, 2010 Simsbury
May 19, 2010 Hartford
June 16, 2010 Comcast

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Next Meeting and Location:
The next meeting will be October 21, 2009 in East Hartford.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of May 20, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:28 pm.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to KimberlySanttiepetro@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Leo Canty to accept the April minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Mark Harutunian to accept the report as presented subject to audit. Motion carried.

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Dick Ostop reported that Woody Dixon requested to be excused from tonight's meeting. Jean Ward has submitted her resignation. Peter Stempien and Bill Stephenson moved to accept.
Joe reported that they are slated to move into new addition on August 27. Comcast came and ran fiber optic line into the high school. All the new equipment has been received. A second commercial has been produced and BATV is happily running it. They are up for a Carnegie grant for 1.7 million for the Identity project. He advised that they are trying to raise funds so that they will be able to go to Africa to do the Identity project and are about halfway there. In April as part of the Identity project, they will be going to Czechoslovakia, Germany and Poland to see the death camps.

East Hartford
Irene reported that things are moving right along. She also found out that in MA Verizon is like AT & T and they have a deal with Comcast who takes care of everything for a fee and then the rest is sent to the Town. Irene had a copy of the information. Mike will scan it in and send along with these minutes. Going into graduation time and every school has a spring concert.
Irene reported that they had a problem with Comcast where East Hartford was receiving the Hartford channel. Steve advised that there was a temporary problem with power that has been corrected.

Hartford:
Hyacinth reported that they are moving along and doing well. Busy with budget hearings. The station has not hired an Executive Director yet. It is in the works. Graduation is coming up and they will be doing that.

Hartford (Town):
No report.
Simsbury:
Mike reported that SCTV has just received a new server. A number of pieces have been received over the last two weeks which will allow them to do more of the storage in the station rather than on the internet. Simsbury will also be having a 25 year anniversary celebration later this year. Invitations will be sent out.
Peter reported that they are in the process of reviewing land use permits. They will be doing a charette with an outside consulting firm, basically a charette is a town wide review and discussion of what the residents would like the center of town to look out. New form based code. Simsbury will be one of the first towns in the country to have this. Peter also reported that he has been participating in a West Hartford activity where they teach legal immigrants English as a Second Language as they study for citizenship.
Mark reported that he is trying to start a conversation to have showcases on Hopmeadow St. that will allow students to show their art work. Trying to get them placed so as people walk around town they can view the students work. The Town has been discussing the possibility of a magnet school in Simsbury that would allow students to have the ability to have real life situations with video. Mark advised that channel 3 showed up at the flower bridge today while digital video class was assembling the sprinkler system and boxes. Channel 3 advised they would be on TV tonight on the Town to Town news.

West Hartford:
Jen reported that they will be having a Day of Caring. Volunteers have offered to paint the studio and offices. West Hartford will receive $50.00 per person who signs up to help and so far they have 9 people. They will use this money to purchase supplies. Outreach is looking forward to Celebrate West Hartford where they will have a booth that will allow people to experience what it is like to work with a green screen. They have 30 cameras that they are putting out in the community. One will be at each of the schools in West Hartford. Have set up an Ethernet network and put in a server so once the clips are made they can be sent to server and available to make clips for viewing. Jen reviewed with the group how they handle faces of people being shown on the internet and complying with the rules.
Jen also reported that the area Station Managers and Directors are getting together once a month to share ideas.
Dick asked that when the discuss any legal aspects or things regarding the law, please get back to HACTAC so that everyone can be on the same page.

Windsor:
Carol reported that the Shad Derby had been taped. Rachel their Executive Director is a really hard worker and getting things done.
Leo and Dave did not have anything to report.
Bill advised they have just purchased a new computer for digital storage. Air conditioning will be installed in the studio in June.

AT & T:
Nothing to report.

COMCAST:
NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Steve reported on two issues. The first one was that they reached an agreement with NFL network. It will be broadcast on digital classic which is not the standard digital cable. You must subscribe to digital 2 in order to receive. The second issue is they announced and agreement with ESPNU which will also be on digital classic effective Aug. 1.

Statewide Advisory Council:
Meeting next week with AT & T at 4 Points Sheraton. Expecting reports from the committees at this meeting.

Legislative Committee Report:
Dick has not heard from Steve Washer. In West Hartford things have gone well. Went to a home in Avon that has U-verse to see how it works. It took 17 minutes to access public access station.
Jen reported that regarding house bill 6604 Vicky Nardelo was planning, she believes, on negotiating with AT & T to come up with some type of compromise.
A recent amendment to house bill 6604 states that any town that has a budget over $100,000, a non-profit can petition to take control of the access center.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Nothing to report.

Nominating Committee:
Nothing to report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Only had three (3) phone calls this month. No checks received to pass on to Steve.

Old Business:
Nothing to report.

New Business:
Set new schedule listed below.

Adjournment:
As there was no other business to come before the Board a motion was made by Joe Olzacki and second by Peter Stempien to adjourn. Motion carried.
Meeting was adjourned at _____8:34 pm______________

Next Meeting and Location:
The next meeting will be June 17, 2009 at Comcast.

Schedule 2009-2010:
June 17, 2009 Comcast
Sept. 16, 2009 Bloomfield High School
Oct. 21, 2009 East Hartford
Nov. 18, 2009 Windsor
Dec. 2009 Holiday Meeting
January 20, 2010 Simsbury
February 17, 2010 Hartford
March 17, 2010 West Hartford
April 21, 2010 Simsbury
May 19, 2010 Hartford
June 16, 2010 Comcast

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of April 15, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to: KimberlySanttiepetro@po.state.ct.us. .

Minutes:
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Bill Stephenson to accept the March minutes as corrected. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Bill Stephenson to accept the Treasurer's report as presented and subject to audit. Motion carried.

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Joe thanked Comcast. 2200 people showed up for the Arts Festival. Construction at Bloomfield High School for the Video and Performing Arts Center is progressing. Scheduled to be complete by Sept. 27. Fiber Optic Cable is being run throughout the building.

East Hartford
Irene reported that everything is running. Station is starting to look at new digital equipment. Busy with programs.
Irene would also like to thank "Bob" at Comcast when the station was having a problem being off air and he took care of it right away.

Hartford:
Hyacinth reported that Troy will try to attend next month. No other information to report.

Hartford (Town):
No report.

Simsbury:
Mike reported that things are going well. Station is continuing to upgrade their equipment. Peter reported a problem with audio by Comcast during the Selectmen's meeting.
Karen Handerville reported that SCTV received a $25,600 grant from PEG PETIA to upgrade playback system to a computer server system. Grant has been approved but money has not been received yet.
Dick thanked Mark for hosting the meeting. Mark advised that he is in contact with the Fire Chief and next year he has made a commitment to build a hover craft. This commitment will happen each year between the automotive class and the wood class so that each fire station in Town will have a search and rescue hover craft.

West Hartford:
Zena reported on two (2) political items first one concerning Comcast, AT & T and other providers petitioned the DPUC for no CPI adjustment this years allocation. Jennifer, in the name of West Hartford TV, opposed it and funding will stay as is. The second one is in regard to House Bill #6604 being out of committee without any of the suggested changes. The bill language does not say anything about HACTAC. Dick reported that he heard this bill is out of committee and should not be going anywhere.
Zena commented on the problems they were having with Channels 95 & 96; the audio has been fixed but the visual is still not working correctly. Steve reported that the problem is an unbalanced video and that it was adjusted while the repair crew was there but there still needs to be more work done to it.
West Hartford is in the middle of their membership drive. In June the Town has Celebrate West Hartford. Station is trying to create an interactive game that will have video for their booth this year. With the money they received from a grant they have been installing additional cameras around Town. Jennifer has a column in the West Hartford News regarding WHCTV. Jennifer will also be a speaker at NE ACM conference.

Windsor:
Leo did not have anything to report.
Dave thanked everyone for their support they have shown him with the passing of his mother.
Carol reported that they received a grant for a children's workshop for this summer. The workshop appears to have a lot of interest. Carol will be retiring at the end of this year.
Bill Stephenson will be retiring as of June 30th after 34 years.

AT & T:
Nothing to report. Representative unable to attend.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Steve Fitzgibbons reported that he delivered the checks he received last month from Dick. The NFL network ends at midnight on 4/30/09.
Hyacinth asked how can individual PEG stations share programs? A general discussion followed regarding how the stations would need to get a coordinator to administer stations.
A list of various packages was again requested for Steve to bring to the next meeting.
A lengthy discussion followed regarding the switch from analog to digital transmission and the equipment that will be required to view. In a nutshell, any TV that receives cable through a box does not need to have any additional equipment. At this time, any cable ready TV that hooks the cable connection direct to the television will not need any additional equipment at this time. At some time in the future, a digital receiving box will be required to be attached to your television but Comcast will be supplying up to 2 units to each household at no charge. Anyone who receives TV transmission through rabbit ears or an antenna, will need to get a digital receiver box before the June 12 deadline so that they can still view in analog signal.

Statewide Advisory Council:
Carol reported that SAC did have a meeting. They passed their by-laws. AT & T gave them 2 checks. Asked AT & T about coming to the HACTAC meetings and they reported they would not be coming to the meetings. AT & T did not feel they were required to attend HACTAC meetings and only required to attend two (2) Statewide Advisory Council meetings. Chairman will check on the law. AT & T still has the issue where the cable franchiser is the producer for access. In an area like Windsor, they are required to send a check. In Enfield, where Cox is providing public access they will not give Cox a check. Across the State there are a lot of issues regarding this. Money is currently going into escrow until an agreement can be made.
Cox in Manchester puts most of the money in Manchester so Newington and Wethersfield have broken off and done their own programming. Newington has filed with DPUC to be recognized independently so that they can get their money.
Cablevision has joint the Statewide Advisory Council. They sent four (4) representatives to this meeting.
A representative from Norwich attended. They have Thames Cable in their area who is also considering joining the Statewide Advisory Council.
The stations they say they have are Nutmeg, Soundview, North Haven, Brandford and Trumbull Educational Channel. They claim to have engaged West Hartford.
At this meeting, they appointed three (3) sub committees; Technology Users Support Group, they want an Outreach Committee and they would like a group of people to tape the meetings.
Carol received a sample contract and sample of equipment you need to buy.
Carol advised about 20 people showed up for the meeting.

Legislative Committee Report:
Nothing to report.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Steve Washer wrote script for PR video and has completed the interviews. He has started to working with video and several questions came up what the overall focus of the program should be. Felt that program was focused way too much on deficiencies of U-verse product that AT & T will be rolling out and not nearly enough time on idea of access to access challenges. Steve will need to rewrite the script and focus on the high level stuff, PEG realities. Need to make the program easier for people to understand. Focus on maintaining the community voice and that the playing field should be level for all competitors. Point of this program is to raise awareness and educate the citizens and legislators. Steve expects that the program should be done in the next 30 days.
Dick opened up for discussion what would be the best time to present this to the legislators. The closer you get to May, the more they focus on budget. Might be too late to present now; need to focus on the incoming officials so it might be best to get it out to the public and then get to legislators closer to November.

Nominating Committee:
Nothing to report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

Comment on Bloomfield issue and HACTAC has not heard anything back regarding issue on how much people charge for a copy of a DVD. Copies of policy books were requested from all stations but some would not like to participate.
Meeting with superintendent of schools of Bloomfield and Lt. Swab from the Bloomfield PEG station Board has not happened yet due to scheduling conflicts.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Dick has received a few e-mails. Nothing of significance.

Old Business:
Karen Handerville reported that the channel switch problem was the result of operator error within the ProCon system and partly due to the fact that the channels are labeled with old numbers from three (3) channels ago. They hope this can be corrected by Comcast. She gave a letter to Steve that she believes should go to John Burris to open a dialogue regarding the Pace 3000 system.

New Business:
Last month's recommendation to leave the officers of the Board as they are currently as of today for the next term. A motion was made to amend last month's minutes to reflect this recommendation. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Joe Olzacki to leave the officers of the current Board as they are for the next term. Motion carried.

Adjournment:
As there was no other business to come before the Board a motion was made by Joe Olzacki and second by Peter Stempien to adjourn. Motion carried.
Meeting was adjourned at _____8:34 pm______________

Next Meeting and Location:
The next meeting will be May 20, 2009 at in West Hartford.

Schedule 2008-2009:
April 15, 2009 Simsbury
May 20, 2009 West Hartford
June 17, 2009 Comcast

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of March 18, 2009

The meeting was called to order at _______7:06 pm___________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to KimberlySantripetro@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
A motion was made by Leo Canty and second by Mayme Casady to accept the February minutes as corrected. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
A motion was made by Daisy Chavez and second by Leo Canty to accept the Treasurer's report, subject to audit, as presented. Motion carried.

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Daisy reported that they have been doing the Town meetings. Joe Olzacki reported that they did the 2nd commercial on education. They have their Arts Festival on March 27 for the visual arts & March 31 for the concert. They have followed the Simsbury model.

East Hartford
Irene reported that they are busy. Things at the station do not appear to have a slow time any more. Teacher at the high school reported that the students have been doing the news. They have also been working on fund raising. Mayme did not have anything else to add.

Hartford:
Nothing to report.

Hartford (Town):
Nothing to report.

Simsbury:
Mike thanked Comcast for the check. Karen from SCTV was going to be calling Comcast, regarding stations 95 and 96 somehow getting switched in early March.

West Hartford:
Zena advised that she had nothing to report.

Windsor:
Leo advised that he had nothing to report.

AT & T:
No report.
COMCAST:
NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Dick Ostop gave Steve another bill payment. Steve did report that he did hand in the two (2) payments he received last month from Dick. Steve had a chance to review the new bills. Major difference is that they are much easier to read. They are now color coded and broken down a little differently.
Steve reported that the Simsbury check has been received. He also checked into a larger font size for the channel lineup but it is not available. Steve will ask Comcast about putting a directory back on one of the non digital channels and let them know that HACTAC is asking for it as well as the customers.
At some point later this year, Comcast is looking into a connector for all consumers with cable ready televisions that will attach to the TV so that they will be able to view digital TV. This will be for those televisions that currently do not require a box to view cable TV.
Big East Tournament - Comcast does not have an agreement with ESPNU. A copy of ESPN response to complaints received was that the problem was not with the ESPN, the problem is with Comcast. Customers were advised to contact their cable provider, meaning Comcast. They are basically saying that Comcast has not come to an agreement with ESPN.
EWTN was added as a separate channel on digital basic as of March 10. Music Choice is realigning and renaming some things as of April 15.
Steve has followed up with Jennifer in West Hartford regarding channel 95 and the audio issues. This is an intermittent issue impacting people who are not watching on digital. People who are calling may have some wiring issues from within their homes. It is only happening on channel 95 because it is susceptible to this. Anyone that calls, advise them that they may need to have someone come in to check their wiring.
Comcast bundle package information is available on the Comcast website.

Legislative Committee Report:
Nothing to report.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Steve Washer working on piece. Should be ready soon.

Nominating Committee:
Nothing to report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
There are a number of proposed bills up for review. Bill #6604 which is composed of two parts; first part weakens the advisory council and the second gives the consumer the ability to negotiate with the cable provider. Bill #5814 Act concerning cable access television, looks similar to #6604.
Dick attended a Bloomfield meeting. Made good progress and had a good discussion. Another item that came up at this meeting was a question regarding getting a copy of a tape and should there be a charge. The first copy is given to the producer at no charge. Any additional copies you would be charged for.
Received an e-mail from WinTV also questioning being charged for a copy of a tape which Dick has replied to.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Answered one from last month. Still receiving complaints about the $11.00 service charge.
Mayme was advised to have Chuck call Steve regarding time in and time out for stations.

Old Business:
None

New Business:
Leo asked if different PEG stations have exchanged policy books with others. Might not be a bad idea. It was done a while ago. A motion was made by Leo and second by Joe that a letter be sent to each of the PEG stations requesting their policy books with a note saying that HACTAC will copy each and send them back along with a copy of everyone else's. Motion carried. Leo also volunteered to make copies of everything and send them out.

Adjournment:
As there was no other business to come before the Board a motion was made by __Leo C and second by __Joe O____ to adjourn. Motion carried.
Meeting was adjourned at _____8:00 pm______________

Next Meeting and Location:
The next meeting will be April 15, 2009 at Simsbury High School on Old Farms Road. Dinner will be at Maple Tree/Apollos.

Schedule 2008-2009:
April 15, 2009 Simsbury
May 20, 2009 West Hartford
June 17, 2009 Comcast

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of February 18, 2009

Alvin S. from BATV spoke to the group. He advised that he has just taken over recently and is trying to understand the role HACTAC plays in area television. Peter Stempien gave a brief history of how things were set up and that HACTAC is an ombudsman and advocate for the PEG stations.

Dick Ostop reviewed the requirements of each PEG station and what they should be providing to HACTAC. Dick also suggested to everyone that all parties should move beyond what has happened in the past in Bloomfield and try move forward to have BATV succeed in the future and that HACTAC is available to ask questions or concerns off other people from the other access stations.

A lengthy discussion followed that HACTAC is here to help and Bloomfield can call on HACTAC at any time with questions.

Joe Olzacki advised that what the schools are trying to do at Bloomfield High School is to model their program after Simsbury High in an attempt to get the right equipment the first time.

The meeting was called to order at _______7:00 pm___________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Dave Raney to accept the January minutes as corrected. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:
See attached.
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Zena Kovack to accept the Treasurer's report as presented. Motion carried.

Town Reports:
Bloomfield:
Joe Olzacki advised that he was asked by a resident to explain the Comcast bill, he thinks that she is all set. Wayne (Comcast rep.) is reviewing what is needed for running the wire at the Board of Education.

East Hartford
Mayme did not have anything to report
Irene advised that budget time can be challenging. They have written to AT & T to review what they are advising the customers including that they provide their equipment free, which is not completely true. They provide the first one free.

Hartford:
Nothing to report.

Hartford (Town):
Hyacinth reported that everything is going well.

Simsbury:
Peter reported that SCTV will be celebrating their 25 anniversary this year. An event is being planned for either Sept. or October. He also advised that as of yesterday, SCTV had not received their first quarter check from Comcast.
Mike did not have anything else to add.

West Hartford:
Zena gave a presentation on HACTAC to the Board of WHTV. Could not find anything for when HACTAC was started. Went well. The franchise was created in 1972. Zena advised them that they are entitled to have more representation on HACTAC and they are very interested. WHTV is trying to add high school students to the Board. They were notified that they would be receiving the Petia grant for $15,000. The day after they were notified that they won the grant, the Governor cancelled that program so they are not sure what will be happening. WHTV has hired a technology outreach coordinator and are trying to improve their website. Tomorrow they have a program for meet the stars of WHTV. WHTV is interested in checking into video on demand. Mike P. advised to check with Simsbury as they are doing it.
Image quality for channel 95 & 96 is still being worked on.

Windsor:
Carol advised that the AT & T meeting was cancelled. Was not able to ask them when they would be able to attend a HACTAC meeting.
Bill advised that February 24 is their annual winter celebration, 5:30 - 7:00. Asking for $15.00 donation.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Dick gave Comcast two (2) bill payments that he received.
DTV was pushed back to June 12. CT local stations did not change except channel 8 and a few others.
Peter mentioned that his wife is an accountant and she still had a problem understanding the Comcast bill. Is there anyway to simplify the Comcast bill? Steve said that he saw a new bill that should be going out next month and should make it a little easier to understand.
Joe asked if there was any way to get easy reading cards for the elderly with bigger print.

Legislative Committee Report:
See Chairman's report regarding proposed bill #6132

Public Relations Committee Report:
Steve Washer rescheduled program meeting to next Tuesday afternoon in Hartford. Everyone who is needed will be receiving a call from Steve.

Nominating Committee:
Nothing to report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
WinTV invite on February 24. Comcast channel changes. Final item is the community access reports filed with DPUC and how they are filed with a protective order so if you would like to view them you will have to go direct to DPUC. They will not be posted.
New ACT coming out, proposed bill 6132; act for promoting public service TV. Some good and bad things included. The part of the bill that people are complaining about is to allow employees of community access station providers be members of local access advisory council.
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Joe Olzacki to send a letter in opposition of allowing employees of community access station providers be members of local access advisory council. Motion carried.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Received one complaint regarding the changeover of stations and quality of the picture.

Old Business:
None

New Business:
Daisy requested that the minutes be sent read receipt. Mike advised that they will be.
It was suggested that a letter be sent to Bloomfield TV thanking them for attending the meeting and offering Dick's services to attend the meeting between the Superintendant of Schools and the President of Bloomfield TV.
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Hyacinth Yennie for the chairmen to write a letter to the President of Bloomfield TV and the Superintendant of Schools offering his services and to also be present at their meeting. Joe abstained from voting. Motion carried.

Schedule 2008-2009:
March 18, 2009 Hartford
April 15, 2009 Simsbury
May 20, 2009 West Hartford
June 17, 2009 Comcast

Adjournment:
As there was no other business to come before the Board a motion was made by Peter Stempien and second by Zena Kovack to adjourn. Motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned at _____8:46 pm__
Next Meeting and Location:
The next meeting will be March 18, 2009 in Hartford.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of _1-21-2009

The meeting was called to order at _7:01_.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to KimberlySanttiepetro@po.state.ct.us.

Chairman asked to amend agenda to hear from Steve Washer, from Total View Media, regarding the video development project regarding and historical explanation of how cable television was developed in CT and the differences between cable franchises and the "AT& T video system". Video project is expected to be completed and available to stations and local and legislators by early spring.
We also heard from Comcast regarding the proposed analog change over and several other items. See the Comcast comments under the Comcast section.

Minutes:
Motion to approve the minutes for October and December 2008 as presented, with one change, regarding the contact person at DPUC, to KimberlySantiepetro@po.state.ct.us. The November 2008 meeting did not have a quorum and therefore no minutes are available. Chair also discussed several calls from members, regarding not receiving the prior meeting minutes, the secretary said that in the future he would email draft minutes to members with a read receipt.

Motion: _Peter S._______________2nd: ____Zena K.____Motion Passed - unanimous vote

Treasurer's Report:
Treasure presented both the monthly report and also audited financials for the time frame for May of 2004 to December of 2008. Treasurer note that we received a donation from Comcast.
Balance beginning was: _See Attached_____________
Balance ending was: __See Attached ______________
Motion: approve financial report by Peter S 2nd:Hyacinth Y Motion Passed - unanimous vote
Motion: _To approve audit financial report by Peter S
2nd: ___Irene C_________________________Motion Passed - unanimous vote

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
See report of Woodrow Dixon attached
Chairman Ostop received notice from Bloomfield Public Schools regarding appointment of Doctor Joe Olzacki until December 31, 2010. See attachment.
Joe O. schools have formed a partnership with CT Public Broadcast for a satellite facility in Bloomfield school. Thanks to Simsbury and Comcast for input and assistance. Also described program of elders with high school students very positive for both elders and students
Dick O., on 12-1-2008, meet with the Bloomfield Mayor and Assistant Mayor regarding how and what Hactac was setup to do and also the regulations and statues that set out the expectations and rules that Hactac operates under. The chairman was also still trying to meet with the President of BTV and expected to meet shortly now that the holidays were past.
The chairman also asked that Bloomfield and other stations send a copy of their annual DPUC reports to Hactac as well

East Hartford
Irene - Working with HP Communications on station equipment upgrades. Had a resident who had a problem with AT & T and called the station for resolution, the station was not able to assist him as his problem was with AT & T. Chairman Ostop also received a call from the same gentleman and stated that he had directed him to AT & T for resolution of his problem.
A general discussion was raised about a way to honor the original people who helped to setup Hactac. More to follow at future meetings.

Hartford (Schools):
No Report

Hartford (Town):
Hyacinth Y - continuing with training and community programs

Simsbury:
Mike P - Station ha s started streaming video of past Bd. of Selectman meetings and continues to work on and look to upgrade our equipment at the station and the Town Hall.
Mark H - High School was able to watch the inauguration through some creative use of low technology. Students are providing digital video of events at High School. Mark handed out holiday picture and calendar for 2009 to all.

West Hartford:
Zena K - Have just started using live streaming video on demand. Station received a $ 1,500.00 Puch grant. Station purchased a small video flip screen camera for use around town. Station covered the Town's Martin Luther King day event and speaker. Station will also be covering the town budget process.

Windsor:
Carol H - Station put in request for a puch?? grant, hoping to hear shortly. Station is finishing a video edit class using final cut pro.

COMCAST:
NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
The date of the transition from analog to digital may be moved back from the February 2009 date some time in May or June. Legislation was supposed to be passed today that would change the implementation date.
Discussion regarding the PEG stations to a higher channel position that was done in December and the associated cost to the individual stations. Peter S. made a motion for the individual stations to send their reimbursement requests to Steve Fitzgibbons at Comcast. Seconded by Carol H. motion passed unanimously.
Discussion regarding the movement of the government channel and the effect of "marginalizing" the public access stations with the change of station location.
Discussion about how Comcast customers could find and then download the current channel station lineup.

Legislative Committee Report:
No report

Public Relations Committee Report:
No report

Nominating Committee:
No report

President's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Chairman requested update from Carol H regarding At & T Statewide Board, Carol stated that AT&T board was meeting next week and were expecting to meet 5 times per year. There had been conversations by email regarding Freedom of Information (FOI) process and what facts were. Also had discussions who would host the AT&T website.
Dave R made a motion to ask AT&T for a response and meeting date of when Hactac can expect for AT&T to be attending a Hactac meeting. Second by Zena K the motion passed unanimously.
Chairman stated that he had received information that North Haven and Branford had signed agreements with AT&T for PEF access broadcasting.
Chairman requested that each PEG station also send their DPUC report to HACTAC. He also requested that Comcast provide HACTAC with their Compliant notices as least 4 times per year.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com
Complaints:
Hactac received 3 complaints and all three were responded to and resolved timely.

Old Business:
None

New Business:
Zena K shared concerns about AT&T that had been raised by West Hartford TV specifically about how AT&T would provide equipment, hookup connections and also the way that they did not have the ability to go live with shows.
Joe O. requested home addresses to invite all HACTAC members to Bloomfield Arts Festival program at the Bushnell on March 27, 2009. He also suggested that Hactac consider a sponsorship at Talcott Mountain Music Festival. A discussion followed with the Chairman pointing out that Hactac was unable to do sponsorships.

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at _8:36 PM_____
Motion: Joe O 2nd: __David R___

Next Meeting and Location:
Bloomfield February 18, 2009 @ 7:00 PM meeting site and dinner location to be determined
Hartford March 18, 2009 @ 7:00 PM meeting site and dinner location to be determined
Simsbury April 15, 2009 @ 7:00 PM meeting site and dinner location to be determined

Schedule:

March 18 Hartford
April 15 Simsbury
May 20 West Hartford
June 17 COMCAST

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of December 10, 2008

The meeting was called to order at: ___6:30 pm_________________
Dick Ostop called the meeting to order and as this was the annual holiday celebration, no official business was discussed and the meeting was immediately adjourned.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of October 15, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm Approx.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
The minutes from the Sept. 17 meeting were approved as presented.

Treasurer's Report:
The Treasurer's report for September was reviewed. Report was accepted as presented subject to audit.
A motion was made and second to transfer the money from the maturing CD, $2,074.09, into the checking account for operating expenses.

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
John reported that the high school is under renovation and they will be getting a TV studio. Simsbury has been extremely helpful with passing on design assistance. A number of people have been extremely helpful during the renovation including Mark H. who has been helping put together budgets for equipment and Comcast who has been helpful with running of wires so they are done right. Bloomfield is also working on a grant for 2.7 million dollars to take the identity project to South Africa. Hartford Stage and Hartford Symphony have pledged their support and have even given Bloomfield their grant writers to help them with the writing of the grant.

East Hartford
Looking at updating some of the equipment which will be done in stages. Very busy with programming. Town hall is being redone. Makes things a little difficult because on election night the absentee ballots will be counted where East Hartford normally sets up.

Hartford Schools:
Hartford (Town):
Working on budgets right now as well as the charter revision.

Simsbury:
Simsbury has gone on the internet and has been getting some positive feedback on it. Website is SCTV.org. Town is in process of looking at a Charette process, which is to develop a new planning mote for all the planning and zoning regulations for town; half million dollar project.

West Hartford:
Busy with hearings. Second budget was turned down. There will be a celebration for Cheryl Fine and Kate Dixon on their retirement. It will be a fund raiser. It is going to be on Sat., November 15, at 6:30 pm at the West Hartford Town Hall.

Windsor:
Met with Town Manager and discussed options of getting cable TV, telephone and dish. Going to work on getting communication component in Town making sure people understand what their options are in. The Town Manager is willing to work with Windsor to help with government issues.
Griffin Land Services purchased a new camera for Windsor TV.
Received a letter from the Mayor of Windsor appointing Leo Canty, Carol Hartman and Dave Raney to council.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Digital TV comes up in Feb. 09. Trying to do educational presentations all over the state mostly at senior centers. For those who do not have cable, AT & T had an announcement that they would be offering free basic cable for a year if sign up for one other service. Added four Hi Def channels today. You will see more and more HD added in 09. Have a channel realignment coming up in Dec. that impacts the educational and government access channels and CTN. Moving to current positions to 95, 96 and 98. Peter has stated that they have always had the PEG stations at the lower tier channels. Some people who have the lower channel TV will not be able to get these channels. Dick has had several complaints regarding this. He has also received complaints on the short notice of these changes. HACTAC was not notified of the change. Dick was finding out from the PEG stations of the change.
Steve commented that the older people are getting discouraged with the amount of changes in Comcast.
For those people that have only basic cable, they seem to keep losing channels and as they lose channels they should be compensated.
Dick asked that in the future HACTAC be notified of the changes earlier so that there are no surprises.
Peter made a motion that HACTAC contact DPUC regarding channel changes, in particular the PEG stations being moved and the movement of basic channels by Comcast. The motion was second and approved by the Board

Legislative Committee Report:
Carol reported they have a meeting scheduled for Oct. 30 for the statewide advisory council.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Covered under Chairman's Report

Nominating Committee:
Nothing new to report.

Government Relations:
Covered under Chairman's Report

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

Received a letter dated Sept. 19, 2008 from Robinson & Cole, Attorney regarding Comcast channel additions and deletions. Nowhere does it mention that they are changing public access channels. Other letters received were one from DPUC dated Sept. 25, 2008 to East Hartford regarding response to reserve account, and a third letter from SCTV to DPUC regarding docket 08-04-18, request by Steve Mitchell to clarify advertising and business sponsorship. HACTAC needs to respond to this letter. Dick asked if the Board thinks he should just send DPUC the information on sponsorship and advertising from Nutmeg as a response. Everyone agreed that that was the way to go.
After much discussion, a motion was made and second to send a letter to DPUC in support of allowing advertising on PEG stations the same as what is currently being done by PBS. 6 in favor, 3 against and 2 abstained from voting.
DPUC has a program, PEG Petia Grant concerning video programming to increase quality, quantity and variety of community access production made available to service providers. Grant can be applied for on line. Final round is Jan. 2. Go to the DPUC website to find additional information. Dick advised everyone to have their groups look into this grant.
Mr. Washer from Medview is putting together a program as to advise people of the differences between Comcast and AT & T. He has put together a really good program. The objective is to create two (2) videos to educate and motivate the general public and the politicians to lobby for legislative change. The goal of the program is design something to familiarize citizens and town officials of the current state of affairs as regard to access and what's coming unless the state takes some action now. Mr. Washer will be coming back for a special working meeting. Target date to complete proposal is October. 20.
A motion was made, second and approved by the Board to affirm the web vote to support a public relations plan.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com
Complaints:
A complaint was received from Hartford. It was given to Steve to address.

Old Business:
None.

New Business:
Peter mentioned that there was a new bill as of Oct. 1, 2008 that if you are a commission and you have meetings, you have to publish the minutes within 7 days of the meeting. Dick received a ruling from FOI and HACTAC is not a commission so they do not have to submit to the Town website their minutes within 7 days. The FOI did suggest that HACTAC put a draft of the minutes up on the website within 7 days. It is a good practice to get into. An FOI representative will attend the January meeting. It was suggested that the meeting be taped and have a question and answer period that can be broadcast.
Holiday Party will be Wed. Dec. 10, 2008 at Sorrento's in Rocky Hill.

Schedule 2008-2009:
Sept. 17, 2008 Simsbury
October 15, 2008 East Hartford Town Hall
November 19, 2008 Comcast
December 10, 2008 Holiday Party
January 21, 2009 Windsor
February 18, 2009 Bloomfield
March 18, 2009 Hartford
April 15, 2009 Simsbury
May 20, 2009 West Hartford
June 17, 2009 Comcast

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at: 8:10 approximately
Motion: Peter 2nd:

Next Meeting and Location:
November 19, 2008 at Comcast

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of September 30, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm

A special meeting was held on September 30, 2008 to set goals to carry out cable law changes. The following items were discussed.

Dick opened the meeting by outlining the goals of the meeting and what he feels needs to be done. It also needs to be clarified who is going to do the work, the timeline to do it and what the goals will be.

Dick discussed the challenges people will face to get to their PEG stations. DPUC stated that there are different rules for different players. AT & T is not a cable provider. Why is AT & T not a cable provider? The reason he was given is because they do not supply their service through the cable.

Dick feels the Board of Selectmen and the PEG stations need to be notified of the concerns and the differences between the two so that the public is aware of what is going on.

Leo brought up for discussion user fees to fund local access stations. Dick advised there are various techniques for funding. We can only speak to our concerns and not say it should be statewide.

West Hartford advised that they have a section for frequently asked questions to help the public understand the difference between AT & T and Comcast.

Mike suggested the following goals to help with the lobby for change. First get PEG stations involved and educated. Next the Town Government educated. Third educate the State Legislators and also try to produce a show to educate the general public.

Steve from WinTV was introduced at this time. He has expertise in producing the informational programs that HACTAC is referring to. All felt there should be two (2) versions; one directed to the general public and one for the governments in Town. Message needs to be understandable and quick.

The goals of the programs are:
Standardization of the following items:
" PEG program
" Access
" Quality
" Functionality
" Funding
" Availability
" All competition held to the same standards

Peter discussed the original statute 16-33 that addressed all of the above issues but it was overwritten when AT & T came into the picture.

A motion was made by Peter to have Steve from WinTV develop two (2) programs to educate the public and the legislators. Motion was second by Zena and approved by the members.

Steve was asked to have a quote and brief description of what will be in each program by the Oct. 15 meeting. Dick asked that if it was at all possible to have it earlier, it would be appreciated. He would then send it to all members and try to get everyone's go ahead approval before the meeting so that things can continue to move along.

Steve quickly gave a few thoughts concerning the programming stating that they will need to say the only way these changes can happen is for specific steps to happen both by the public as well as the Town officials.

A motion was made by Peter to adjourn the meeting and second by Leo. Meeting was adjourned at 7:08 pm.

Schedule 2008-2009:

Sept. 17, 2008 Simsbury
October 15, 2008 East Hartford Town Hall
November 19, 2008 Comcast
December 10, 2008 Holiday Party Sorrento's Rocky Hill
January 21, 2009 Windsor
February 18, 2009 Bloomfield
March 18, 2009 Hartford
April 15, 2009 Simsbury
May 20, 2009 West Hartford
June 17, 2009 Comcast

Next Meeting and Location:

October 15, 2008, East Hartford Town Hall

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of September 17, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:07 pm.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
The minutes of the June 18 meeting were accepted as presented.
Motion: Mark H. 2nd: Peter S.

Treasurer's Report:
The Treasurer's reports from June, July and August were accepted as presented.
Balance beginning for August was: __$6, 516.47 with a withdrawal of $682.00
Balance ending for August was: $5,834.47. Balance in the CD's are $15,055.65 and $2,066.54.
Motion: June Mark H. July Dick O. August Dick O 2nd: June Peter S. July Peter S. August David R.

Town Reports:
Bloomfield:
No report.
East Hartford
Irene reported that they are going into election time. Schools are starting up again also. Have had a large number of meetings regarding adult entertainment issues. Had an interview with a doctor on woman's health issues.
Regarding HD tv you will need nothing for upgrade when everything goes digital. If you have an old style tv, and you have cable you will not need a box. If you have an old tv hooked up to an antenna, you will need a box.
PEG stations do not need to do anything at this time.

Hartford Schools:
No report.

Hartford (Town):
No report.

Simsbury:
Mike reported that they are looking at digital equipment for the Town. New President Mike Churilla. Having hard time getting volunteers.
Peter advised that the registrar is having a hard time getting in touch with the station. They would like to get something on the air to show the new election machines but have been unable to reach someone. Mike will mention this to Karen.
Trojan News started last year is now having people ask if they can advertise. Trojan News is not on PEG; it is internal only at the school and on the internet. Not a HACTAC issue as you are running it through the internet.

West Hartford:
Zena brought to everyone's attention that West Hartford Community Television is having a meeting on Friday to explore revising a CT chapter of Alliance for Community Media. Everyone from HACTAC is invited to attend this meeting, to be held at the West Hartford Town Hall, room 400 at 5:30 pm.
Both Cheryl Fine and Kate Dixon have retired. Jennifer Adams is the new Executive Director at West Hartford Community TV. Nov. 15 there will be a roast for both Cheryl and Kate at the West Hartford Town Hall. Details are not nailed down yet.
According to Jennifer, as far as she knows, AT & T has not put any boxes into West Hartford. This does not mean that no one has subscribed to AT & T.
During the summer they had their youth volunteers organize a band concert calling it Keep 5 Alive. It was not a fund raiser; just an event to make the public aware of the issues facing the station.

Windsor:
Carol would like to strongly suggest attending the meeting on Friday in West Hartford. Dick feels the council is more geared towards people involved in the PEG stations and not people on the Advisory council.
New staff at WinTV. Fred is no longer there. The new person will help with the technical issues.

COMCAST:
NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
No Comcast representative. Received another Comcast check. Check was made out by Comcast who then endorsed in on the back to pay Comcast bill. Received complaint from person in Bloomfield regarding programming internet and telephone. Can only talk about programming. Somehow must get message to DPUC that HACTAC is receiving letters regarding all services, but can only comment on programming. Mike suggested sending a copy of the letter to DPUC stating that people are looking to HACTAC to be their advocate for all services and how should they address these issues. As more companies are bundling services, this is coming up more often. Moved and second to have that done. East Hartford received another complaint regarding telephone service. The third complaint comes from West Hartford, complaining about bundling services. They all seem to be complaining about the phone service and HACTAC cannot comment on that unless DPUC directs them to.
Under DPUC rules your cable provider does not have to show up for every meeting. If they show up for one (1) meeting, they have fulfilled their obligation.
Carol was asked to comment on the AT & T Council. The current challenge is to find a common agreeable meeting date for entire statewide council. They are trying to hold meeting in October with the purpose of determining interpretation of the by-laws and several other issues.

Legislative Committee Report:
No report.

Public Relations Committee Report:
No report.

Nominating Committee:
No report.

Government Relations:
There is still an opening for Government Relations. If someone would like to chair, please let Dick know.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Getting tons of letters and e-mails regarding AT & T and PEG operations and funding.
Received copies of letters directed to DPUC. They are as follows. July 16 Murtha Cullina regarding Cox Reporting Requirement, July 16, AT & T Service regarding Access Funding Report, Aug. 1, Robinson & Cole regarding Comcast channel additions/program changes, Aug. 5 Comcast CATV monthly report and Aug. 26, Robinson & Cole, Comcast channel additions/changes effective 9/1/08. Other letters received were from DPUC; one July 16 regarding the DPUC investigation to impose Fed. rate reg's on cable providers decision and the second dated Aug. 12 sent to East Hartford regarding Community Access funds in reserve. DPUC is investigating a complaint that East Hartford has too much money in the bank. East Hartford is not a 501C so this is being handled differently.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Reviewed previously.

Old Business:
AT & T vs. PEG meeting in July. Mike questioned whether this was an executive meeting or a special meeting. It was determined to be a special meeting. Minutes from the meeting will be sent out. At that meeting they came up with five (5) areas of concern. Goal was to educate Town legislators what is going on today with PEG stations vs. AT & T. It was suggested to have a special meeting and maybe open it to the public and Town legislators. Dick also advised the Board of a CRS report for Congress that he received regarding some of the same issues we are facing so it is not only a local issue. Everyone agreed that a short one (1) page document listing the problems and solutions should be developed to be sent to the Town legislators. A discussion followed whether individual meetings for each Town should be held or have one meeting and invite all towns. What type of media to use as documentation for concerns/points outlined in the letter was also discussed. A motion was made to have a special meeting before the 15th of the next month to develop the letter and finalize issues. Motion was second by Irene and passed by the Board. It was determined to have the meeting Tues. Sept. 30 in West Hartford at 6:00 pm.

New Business:

Schedule 2008-2009:

Sept. 17, 2008 Simsbury
October 15, 2008 East Hartford Town Hall
November 19, 2008
December 10 Holiday Party Rocky Hill
January 21, 2009 Windsor
February 18, 2009 Bloomfield
March 18, 2009 Hartford
April 15, 2009 Simsbury
May 20, 2009 West Hartford
June 17, 2009 Comcast

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at __9:06____
Motion: ___Dave Raney_________2nd: ______Peter Stempien__________

Next Meeting and Location:

The next meeting will be held on October 15, 2008 at the East Hartford Town Hall at 7:00 pm.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of June 18, 2008

The meeting was called to order at __7:00 pm________________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:

There were no minutes to approve from the previous meeting.

Treasurer's Report:

Balance beginning was: $6,613.44 plus $268.00 minus $349.39 for a total of $6,532.10. There are two (2) CD's that we also have in place. The larger of the two in the amount of $14,895.09 is set to mature. The smaller one has a current balance of $2,043.54. A motion was made by Peter Stempien to direct the Treasurer to roll over the mature CD to an account and term with the best interest. The motion was second by Joe Olzacki.

Motion: to accept Treasurer's report Peter Stempien 2nd: David Raney

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Steve has gotten together with the construction people for the new high school so that they can have drops in every room. They are working on an Elders Project that pairs elderly people with children in need. These children may not have their grandparents around and these people can tell them first hand what it was like when they were growing up. It truly is a intergenerational learning experience. They will be pairing approximately 50 children with adults. The date for the project is Sept. 17, 2008 and the cost is approximately $250.00 - $275.00 for the adults. The children's expenses for travel will be covered. They will be going by plane for a day trip to Washington DC to visit the Holocaust Museum. Past programs have made a difference in several of the children that have attended. If anyone is interested in joining them, the person to call is Paula Wolcott at 860-242-2432.

East Hartford
No Report.

Hartford:
We have been busy with graduation. Politics are over for the time being but they will be coming up again. Troy could not make tonight's meeting. Celestino has been ill. He will be out for awhile. It was suggested that the group send him a get well card.

Hartford (Town):
No Report.

Simsbury:
Mike reported that they have had a change in the Presidency. Mike Jurella is the new President and Mike Paine will be the Secretary. Most of the Board has stayed the same. SCTV is working with the Town to upgrade equipment. Peter Stempien did not have anything to report as he has been out of Town. Dick Ostop mentioned that he was interviewed by SCTV regarding HACTAC issues with AT & T. Mike advised that you can pull the interview with Dick and Buzz from the SCTV website. Dick feels we need to get it out to the public the problems/differences between AT & T and Comcast. It was suggested that each station does a regional show to highlight these differences.

West Hartford:
No Report.

Windsor:
Dave Raney reported hearing from Jane how thrilled she was with Dick for coming to the meeting and his comments. There will be two (2) openings on the Board of Director's. Dick mentioned at this time that he has said it already, but Windsor under its' current leadership has done a fantastic job to turn things around.

COMCAST:
NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Dick gave Steve a check he received for someone's bill payment. He gets about one (1) a month. Should he not hold onto them until the meeting? Should he be sending them to someone else? Steve talked about the scholarship program. A $1,000 scholarship was presented to several children. It was suggested that HACTAC send letters of congratulations to each of the individuals. Steve also advised that they had three (3) channels go HD in July with two (2) more coming on board in August. This will most likely be the schedule for the remainder of the year with 2-3 channels per month going HD.

A question was raised if you need a box in order to receive HD channels. Steve advised that if you have a Qum turner, you do not need a box. An e-mail was received from a woman questioning why she could not get C-Span 2. C-Span 2 went digital in November 2007 and if she does not subscribe for digital service, she will not be able to receive the channel. There is a project in Branford to get all channels digital.

Legislative Committee Report:
No report. Looking for help for this committee.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Carol stated that she did not know why Leo was not at the meeting. Carol has attended a meeting regarding AT & T. She will e-mail the minutes from the meeting to the group. AT & T was invited to the HACTAC meeting but they refused to attend. They stated that they have an advisory council and that HACTAC should speak to them.

Nominating Committee:
No Report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Dick advised that he has received a ton of e-mails regarding AT & T entering into the market. Several of them have been in regard to the ugly boxes on the side of the road. If seems that they are putting them wherever they want regardless of the location. If they get enough complaints about a specific location, they will move it. There was an article in the Hartford Business News regarding AT & T that Mike will copy and send to everyone.
A message can be left for Dick at 658-2739. You will get the Simsbury Marshall, but you can leave a message for Dick.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
See above regarding e-mails about AT & T equipment.

Old Business:
Dick advised that with everything that was going on, he neglected to have an election for new officers. The committee should have come up with names in May and then new officers voted in for June. Peter moved that the group reappoint all current officers for another term of office. Motion was approved by Irene and seconded by Peter.

New Business:
Mary Glassman came to the meeting to discuss concerns regarding AT & T vs. Comcast. She opened her comments by saying how important SCTV is to the Town of Simsbury and the impact that local TV has had to not only the community but on the state level as well. Simsbury would like to upgrade the current equipment so that town meetings can be broadcast live.
At this point the discussion evolved around the requirements for AT & T vs. Comcast. AT & T says they do not need to do everything that Comcast does because they are a franchise. They do not feel they need to offer hook-ups like Comcast has to. Mary suggested that the members of HACTAC develop a proposal for the legislative bodies for what they want from AT & T. Need to be clear about what you are asking for. People want competition. Because of this, the group felt the approval for AT & T was done a little too quickly and requirements were not spelled out or not made clear. Everyone feels that AT & T is not living up to what was expected. Their price was originally less expensive than Comcast but it has now become higher. They also do not offer a senior discount like Comcast does.
After several other comments, Mary did leave the meeting but reinforced the idea that HACTAC come up with a recommendation asking the towns and our legislative bodies to support. Again make sure to be clear and specific.
While Dick was giving his report he asked that the group put together a program to address the recommendation letter. He suggested a non-formal meeting in July with everyone present so that the group can put this recommendation together for the towns and legislative. It was determined to have a dinner meeting on July 30th at 6:00 pm in Rocky Hill. Dick will get the name of the restaurant and e-mail it to everyone with directions. The goal of this meeting will be to come up with a letter to be sent to each of the towns with what the group wants from AT & T and Comcast. It was also suggested that the Sept. meeting be held in a larger venue and invite legislative bodies to attend. Mike advised that if the meeting was held in a non-government building, Mary can buy into more and become an advocate for HACTAC. A motion was made and second to have the meeting at the Simsbury Library. Peter was asked to call and get it set up.

Schedule 2008-2009:

Sept. 17, 2008 Simsbury
October 15, 2008 Comcast
November 19, 2008 East Hartford
December Holiday Party
January 21, 2009 Windsor
February 18, 2009 Bloomfield
March 18, 2009 Hartford
April 15, 2009 Simsbury
May 20, 2009 West Hartford
June 17, 2009 Comcast

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 8:46 pm.
Motion: Peter Stempien 2nd: Irene Cone

Next Meeting and Location:
Rocky Hill, July 30th 6:00 pm. Dick will e-mail name of restaurant and directions to everyone.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of March 19, 2008

The meeting was called to order at __7:09 pm________________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
The minutes from the last meeting on Jan. 20, 2008 were accepted as presented.
Motion: ___Hyacinth Yennie________________2nd: _____Joe Olzacki_______________

Treasurer's Report:
The treasurer reported the following information:
Balance beginning was: __$6,189.86 + $14,726.86 + $2,020.80__________________
Balance ending was: ____$22,937.52___________________________________
Motion_PeterStempien______________________2nd:__David Raney______________________

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Discussed a formal invitation to their 4/10 black tie event.

East Hartford
Finally through with budgets. Video group at the high school is taping the news each week with the help of one of the teachers.

Hartford:
No new information to report.

Hartford (Town):
It was reported that there is a new superintendant for the schools.

Simsbury:
The bylaws are almost done. Progress has been very good. Feedback from the has been that written material contrast as written words are lost into background and need to have better contrast.

West Hartford:
No new information to report.

Windsor:
Leo Canty was excused. David Raney discussed Board has high standards and expectations for the station. Carol Hartman discussed the beginning of a new tradition of a community open house. They have also hired a person to do the paperwork. Bill reported on staffing; 1 full time and 3 part-time 6 - 18 hours each.

COMCAST:
NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Joe Olzacki extended a thank you to Comcast for help in Bloomfield. One channel is off the air; EZN and college sports is now CBS College Sports. Steve Fitzgibbons reported that Comcast has a exercised a 2 year option that they will then not be under their current franchise agreement. David Raney said thank you to Steve, we enjoy working with you.

Legislative Committee Report:
No new information to report. Mike Coyle has moved on to another position with the State of Connecticut.

State Wide Advisory Board:
Carol reported that there have been a number of e-mails from around the State. Representative S. Fontana did a wonderful job at last month's meeting. Carol, Dave Raney and John Burge attended the Vernon Advisory Council. Atty. Dale Cliff was the speaker. It was suggested that they try and get a tape of that meeting. HACTAC should hold a public meeting for P.E.G.. Have an open discussion on State of the State. Peter Stempien advised that the issues are the same at Time Mirror cable as in the past. The 1st Selectmen, Mayor P.E.G. station and CT Energy Commission should be invited. Mark Harutuian made a motion to accept and Peter Stempien second.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Will need to get the Black Book from Peter Stempian.

Nominating Committee:
No new information to report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Dick will draft a letter to each of the Towns. He will also schedule a meeting with Brad Davis, the Attorney General and Jim V. Peter Stempien made a motion to accept and Bill Stephenson second. Meeting will be April 21 a the Chowder Pot in Hartford from 6:00 -6:30. They will talk to Leo Canty about putting it on the website.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
None received.

Old Business:
None.

New Business:
AT & T representatives and HACTAC members discussed the following items: Abby Jewett represented East Hartford, Tom Buckley, Simsbury, Kinson Perry, Windsor, Hartford and Bloomfield. Dick Ostop discussed Hartford and questioned what will happen to PEG station. John Emra mentioned that Simsbury does not have a driver. AT & T wants PEG on network. Who and how will PEG program pay for equipment and routine T-1 line and operating costs to install encoder by station. AT&T will carry the PEG stations differently than traditional methods. Comcast cable has at least 1 and in most cases 3 local insertion point(s) in each Town. AT & T does not use the local insertion point(s) technolgy. Issues with network, estimated 300 PEG stations Statewide. Using channel 99, click on __then select P.E. or G. Local program will be loaded once clicked on. Simsbury has 3 broadcast channels, 5, 19 and 21. A concern was raised that an encoder would be provided and the each station would need to pay for installation and to maintain the encoder and to also replace it at some point in the future. Dick Ostop voiced a concern that the rules are changing.
John Emra stated that it was physically different viewpoint or operations. Peter Stempien stated in Simsbury of 8000 homes, possibly 20-30% are seniors and are challenged just to get to channel 3. It was suggested that a training program be done and also interactive help. Bill stated the challenge that the current system at PEG is easier to find, default to last viewed. Karen Handville stated overly confused senior will not switch. John E. said that AT&T will only provide router and do not install or maintain. Also questioned what is AT & T Video Advisory Council, (SWVAC)? The acronym stands for State Wide Video Advisor Council that meets 2 times a year. HACTAC does not have jurisdiction over SWVAC. AT & T does not provide any senior citizen discounts. $40.00 is the lowest monthly charge for 100 channels, $100+ highest level 400 channels.
John E. will send to Dick Ostop most recent link for stations. Bill Stephenson advised that the channels change/add all the time. Currently providers are required to provide some notification as requirement by DPUC. Program additions and changes should be sent to Carol Hartman monthly. Dave Raney stated that the good thing of HACTAC by local contact point for feedback and into to Comcast. Joe Olzacki stated that each current Hactac representative is appointed by each town and he was put off by AT&T cavalier attitude. John E. advised that AT & T would be providing some equipment and no support. Equipment upgrades caused by AT & T, and the local PEG stations would bear the cost. Karen Handville stated prescription cost sheet going out this week. Slip sheet option for encoder. Dave Raney Comcast issue, I do not watch a lot of TV. Option to add/cut program AT& T would not be offering that option. AT&T is required by Required by Disney to purchase 40/ U-5, U-100, U-200, U-300, U-400. Status regulation not true. Statewide seating on a board does not allow reviewing comm. member to be cable or AT & T employee. Karen stated the CT-N is separate channel. Lag time down and resolution is up. AT&T said that shortly they will be writing new code changes. Bill Stephenson asked a question about whether and was told by AT&T that analog TV will work on the AT&T system.
Peter Stempien wondered where AT&T complaint calls will be to - John E. do not know where that site will be. Mike P questioned whether Towns will have a choice and ability to join AT&T say in 6 months later. A guestion about who does AT&T report to, John E said that, Ordinance 5418, section 3 does not apply to AT & T. Peter Stempien asked who does AT & T report to with formal consumer complaints, John E. said that AT&T has a statewide board that they will share that information with. PA 07254 with 2 differences:
Local community legacy peg obligation
Statewide Community Carriage peg.
Does AT&T need to provide service to everyone in franchise or service area. John E. no not all parts of a town.

Schedule:
October 17, 2007 East Hartford
November 14, 2007 Windsor
December Holiday Party
January 16, 2008 Simsbury
February 20, 2008 Hartford
March 19, 2008 Bloomfield
April 16, 2008 Comcast
May 21, 2008 Hartford
June 18, 2008 Windsor

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at __9:30 _________________
Motion: __Peter Stempien_____2nd: __Hyacinth Yennie________________________

Next Meeting and Location:
April 23, 2008 at the Sheraton East Hartford Hotel, 100 East River Drive, East Hartford

FEBRUARY 20 , 2008 - NO QUORUM

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of _January 16, 2008

The meeting was called to order at __8:59________________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
No prior meetings minutes were discussed or approved

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
No report

East Hartford
No report

Hartford (Schools):
No report

Hartford (Town):
No report

Simsbury:
No report

West Hartford:
No report

Windsor:
No report

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
No report

Legislative Committee Report:
No report

Public Relations Committee Report:
No report

Nominating Committee:
No report

President's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

President discussed and shared concerns of HACTAC member Towns regarding the Certificate

of Cable Franchise Authority (CCFA) action taken by and approved by DPUC on 12/18/2007

and granted to AT&T. Requested answer and verification that Comcast franchise is until 2012,

that HACTAC would be first about any change in that date or requirements of Comcast.

AT&T has been very active through out state but have not responded to several invites by

HACTAC to come to our meetings to talk with us. President appointed Carol Hartmann to

represent HACTAC on the SNET/AT&T statewide advisory council.

Still waiting for rest of refund of $ 750.00 from deposit for attempted meeting/seminairs.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:

Two complaints about no power both resolved quickly, also billing compliant resolved quickly

Old Business:

Date of March 8, 2008 for seminars' on Fund Raising Grant Writing and discussion with

Senator Fonfora, Chairman of Energy Committee and Mike Coyle at DPUC., site to be determined

New Business:
No report

Schedule:

October 18 East Hartford March 19 Bloomfield
November 15 Windsor April 16 Comcast
December ___ Holiday Party May 21 Hartford
January 16 Simsbury June 18 Windsor
February 20 Hartford

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at _9:20______ Motion: __ Leo C_________________
2nd: ____Dave R______________PASSED_____

Next Meeting and Location:
February 21 Hartford

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of November 14, 2007

The meeting was called to order at ____7:03 pm______________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
The minutes were accepted as written.
Motion: __Bill Stephenson__ 2nd: _____Hyacinth Yennie _

Treasurer's Report:
The current CD will mature on Dec. 1; what should been done with it? It was voted and approved to roll over the current CD to a term not more that 12 months but one with the best rate. It was also voted and approved to take an additional $2,000 from the checking account and open a separate 6 month CD.
Balance beginning was: $9,006.38 with withdrawals of $20.00 CD's beginning balance was $14,442.11 with $59.98 interest being paid.
Balance ending was: __$8,986.38 and the CD's ending balance was $14,502.09
Motion: __Peter Stempien____ 2nd: _____Troy Stewart _____

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
No report. Dick will give them a call as they have not attended the last two (2) meetings.
East Hartford
Got through all the elections. Instead of having a debate with all the candidates, we did something different where we had three (3) candidates at a time come in and just have open conversation. It was received well by people and they felt they got to know the candidates better. Election night also went well. They have received requests to rebroadcast the show. Going into Holiday Fest time. East Hartford plays Manchester on Thanksgiving at Rennscheler Field. Irene also reported that they have approximated 15-20 high school students that have started doing a news program.
Hartford:
Things are quiet; elections are over; had less than 10% voter turnout.
Hartford (Town):
Simsbury:
Peter reported that they had elections and needed to do a recount. Prior to the recount, one office had a tie for candidates. Mike reported that they are continuing to upgrade equipment and shortly the station will be purchasing a teleprompter. The studio is about ¾ painted and renovations continue.
West Hartford:
No report.
Windsor:
Elections are over. Bill reported that they had received a donation of various types of equipment. The station made out pretty well. They have had a few volunteers; one from Windsor, another from Australia and one from Canada all due to web site. Bill also advised that he has been using a new software package called Invisible Gold software that is very easy to use and has several templates in it for use when you are designing a web page. Would recommend taking a look at it should you have a need. A question was asked of Bill what Digital Starter cable service is and he advised that is the same as Standard buy only digital.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
The reliability report for October was handed out for everyone's review. They have given two (2) grants one for the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford for Youth for Unity Program and the second to Protective Humanities Council for Book Voyagers Programs. It was originally reported that some channels would be moving to basic, but upon further review, there are no changes at this time. As far as AT & T and providing television service, it is all up in the air on the regulations. DPUC feels they can go to each individual Town and make a deal with the Town's access stations; no one really understands how it will all work. AT & T does have boxes in the Bloomfield area. Dick will invite AT & T to the January meeting to see if they can have someone come to speak with HACTAC about their services and how they plan on marketing and providing service to people. Not sure if they will attend, but it is worth a try.

Legislative Committee Report:
Nothing to report.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Carol had nothing to report. Dick reported that he had not heard from anyone at St. Thomas Seminary regarding whether they would be interested in being the site to host the seminar. Dick is not sure there is still an interest in the seminar. With the new AT & T involvement, what is the future of access in CT? At this point there was a lengthy discussion on the franchise agreement and how it works. The conversation then turned back to the seminar and a question was posed whether is should be postponed, how are we going to get people to attend? Only 8 people signed up for the first one. Do we offer it to our franchise only and not State wide? What will be the best approach? It was suggested that Dick send a letter to all six stations with topic choices and have them rate them in order as to what they would like to have a seminar on. Dick would then offer the seminar to other Association Presidents with the topics from the six stations stating we are hosting the following seminar that will be covering these topics, it will cost you $ to attend, please let us know if there is any interest.

Nominating Committee:
Nothing to report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Dick advised that he had received approximately 126 e-mails regarding AT & T and their service. He then reported that in regard to Thank You notices for business support, only the company name can be used; no phone numbers or addresses may be published. He sited section 16-331-A-4 of the DPUC regulations for the clarification on the ruling. There was a suggestion made to cancel the December meeting, which is usually the holiday party, and have the party in January instead. Everyone agreed that this was a good idea. We will cancel the December meeting and have the holiday party in January. We will try to have a short meeting before the dinner. Hyacinth made the motion to accept and Troy seconded.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
The only complaints received were verbal regarding AT & T and what is going on and another from Simsbury as to why they do not cover the election results. Mike advised that they are looking into this but part of the problem is getting the volunteers.

Old Business:
What should be done with the refund check received from The Culinary Institute? Dick has not received a response from his letters and when he calls, he gets no answer and they do not have an answering machine. It was left up to the Treasurer as to what was best: deposit or hold for another month.

New Business:
None

Schedule:
January 16, 2008 Simsbury
February 20, 2008 Hartford
March 19, 2008 Bloomfield
April 16, 2008 Comcast
May 21, 2008 Hartford
June 18, 2008 Windsor

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at __8:10 pm__
Motion: __Troy Stewart__________2nd: ___Peter Stempien___________

Next Meeting and Location:
Simsbury or Hartford. Will let everyone know.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of October 17, 2007

The meeting was called to order at __7: 05 pm____________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:

The minutes from the Sept. 19, 2007 meeting were accepted with one correction. Richard Brimley was not absent, he had been excused.
Motion: __Irene Cone________ 2nd: _____Mayme Casady ____

Treasurer's Report:

Prior to the Treasurer's report being read, Dick Ostop commented that he advised that a $1,500.00 deposit had been given to the Hartford Culinary, but only $750.00 had been returned. He will hang onto the check and give them a call to find out why. Mayme provided the following Treasurer's report.

Balance beginning was: __$9,111.87, there were no deposits, withdrawals of $105.49

Balance ending was: ____$9,006.38 The CD had interest of $57.81 for a balance of $14,442.11 through 9/30/07.

A question was posed on what the $105.49 was spent on and Mayme advised that it was for some supplies for the Secretary and stamps for Carol Hartman for mailing of the flyers for the seminar.

Motion: ___Bill Stephenson 2nd: _____Carol Hartman Passed_

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:

Joe reported that the renovations started on July 1 are progressing. The art wing now when finished will have a new studio. Simsbury has been very helpful with suggestions of things we should watch for with the architects. It has been helpful when they have met with the architects to make sure the renovations go as planned.

East Hartford

Irene reported that we have three (3) weeks before the elections and there have been lots of programming issues to balance. She did want to recognize the high school for doing a very good job with their video taping.

Hartford:

Hyacinth reported that the school board has been taking advantage of the government channel; very busy; several committee meetings. She also reported that Celestino Jimenez will be moving to the Hartford Fire Dept.

Hartford (Town):

Simsbury:

Mike reported that they had received a complaint that they were not in compliance due to the fact that they were showing a thank you ad that had the phone number listed for the sponsor. This has been corrected. Mike posed the question if a sponsor or contributor's web address could be shown. The consensus was that you cannot show ads on public television so therefore no phone numbers or web addresses may be used. He also advised that in Simsbury they have three (3) political parties but he was going to wait until after the elections in November to rewrite the policies and procedures to allow for more than two (2). They also had a situation where there were paid staff members on the Board. They have resigned from the Board and if they would like to come to a meeting, it will either be as a guest or staff member. They also had some people that did not live within town that had video experience; they have also resigned. It was also stated that only Board members can be chairs of committees. There was also some reports that channel 5 was going off the air in the middle of programs during the last month.

West Hartford:

No report however Hyacinth reported that she had tried to reach the mayor but had not heard back from his office. Dick also reported that he was able to speak with the mayor and the general feeling he got was that they don't need involvement with HACTAC as their station is working for them and addressing the Town's needs..

Windsor:

Carol reported that the government channel was going black every once in a while. She also reported that Windsor Access is getting frustrated; it just seems that the station is not getting to where they want to be fast enough. Bill reported that they are making progress. They are moving forward and getting new equipment as well as a new Mac editing program. They have started to get the help they need. Having issues with getting volunteers trained. David commented on programming and how Brad Davis came there recently. The studio is getting cleaned up; very noticeable change within the next week. Dick commented that he feels that WinTV has done a 360 degree turnaround and most of that is due to the efforts of Carol and Bill as well as an involved Board.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

It was reported that the CT Puerto Rican station rolled out English on demand. The service is provided free for those with digital cable service. Material such as American culture is available free of charge. Service is new and will be increased. They also had Breast Cancer Awareness programming. Broadcasting along these lines is growing. TBS and CNN were rolled out in hi-def last month. It was also noted that the Federal court has ruled in support of AT & T; they are a cable service; they will need to get a franchise. AT & T, at this time, cannot market it but they can support current customers

Legislative Committee Report: No report.

Public Relations Committee Report: No report.

Nominating Committee: No report.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

Received letter from Robinson & Cole to the DPUC regarding new bundled services offering. The second communication received was also from Robinson & Cole to DPUC on planned program changes. Other communications received were from the State of CT DPUC - Copy of docket 07-10-04, State of CT DPUC copy of comments of Richard Blumenthal regarding the docket and approximately 150 copies of e-mails from people to the DPUC regarding pros and cons of SNET request.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:

Complaints received were: resident of West Hartford regarding schedule of baseball games on Comcast, subscriber in East Hartford feels $69.55 is too much to pay for service, subscriber from West Hartford that would like to see C-Span 3 added to the system, subscriber in East Hartford about the turning on and off charge for people who travel North in summer. People who travel South in winter receive a discount? The final complaint letter received was in reference to billing address change from East Hartford to Simsbury.

Old Business:

Dick discussed the pending seminar and if anyone had a chance to review sites. Hyacinth has contacted Trinity College and is waiting to hear back from them. Joe mentioned St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and they also do all the catering. Catering pricing is very inexpensive and the food if very good. They are very interested in hosting the seminar. They have also spent a lot of money recently to make the Seminary conference friendly. Carol mentioned that she had contacted the Marriott but they never got back to her with the information requested. Irene also mentioned the Marco Polo Restaurant or the East Hartford Cultural Center. All felt they should look into the Seminary.

New Business:

Joe requested if HACTAC would be willing to be a sponsor for his Art Festival. For the past three (3) years Comcast has been a major sponsor but he could use additional help. The program has increased to involve close to 900 children and he would like to be able to continue to expand. He understands if HACTAC cannot be a sponsor; he would just like to extend the request. Dick commented that it would be difficult to help one and not all other stations. Once you commit to that type of program, you would have to be willing to do for all towns. Consensus of group was that unfortunately this is not something we can do.

The date and location for the Holiday Party was also discussed. Dick will call Hartford Culinary to see what he can work on with the money they withheld. If that does not become a viable solution, all felt the Simsbury Inn did a nice job. The dates suggested to see what places are available is either December 18 or 20.

Schedule:

October 17, 2007 East Hartford
November 14, 2007 Windsor
December Holiday Party
January 16, 2008 Simsbury
February 20, 2008 Hartford
March 19, 2008 Bloomfield
April 16, 2008 Comcast
May 21, 2008 Hartford
June 18, 2008 Windsor
Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at ___7:53 pm________________
Motion: ___Bill Stephenson________ 2nd: _____Joe Olzacki____________
Next Meeting and Location:
November 14, 2007 in Windsor. Everyone will be notified via e-mail of the location and location for dinner.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of September 19, 2007

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:

The minutes from the Special Meeting of August 29, 2007 were approved.
Motion: __Troy_________________ 2nd: _____Mayme_______________

Treasurer's Report:

The Treasurer's Report was passed out and reviewed
Balance beginning was: __$10, 889.78 in Checking and $14, 324.81 in the CD_________
Balance ending was: _$9,111.87 in Checking and $14,384.30 in the CD
Motion: __Mark H._____ 2nd: _____Hyacinth____________

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
No Report

East Hartford
Busy time of the year with elections, training is being done at the school, they are interviewing
of the new principal and the new cable line has been installed into Public Safety Building.

Hartford:
Have been filming Community and School Board meetings as well as the candidate forum. The
librarian and the registrar of voters would like to thank Comcast for their help. Expect interest
will be high until elections

Hartford (Town):

Simsbury:
On going concern; how do you handle political issues. Use channels 5 & 21 for candidate issues
on the government channel. Monday there will be visitors from China to the
schools. Will be setting up rooms for video interviews. Intend to use video in mock elections similar to programs used at school in East Hartford.

West Hartford:
No report. Dick Ostop talked to Cheryl in the mayor's office regarding representation on HACTAC

Windsor:
WinTv paid bills and has ordered some equipment and considering getting more equipment Elections to fill Board seats will be held in December. New clerical person started today at WinTv. Two (2) field cameras on order with digital hard drive. There will be a policy meeting on Thursday to approve planning. There will be another broadcast for the candidates.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Received reliability report. Programming issues: On demand service will require that for 2009 cable channels must be digital. There has been some pressure not to do it. FCC voted for three (3) year window after 2009 for dual carry of signal for both video and digital. There are a lot of questions re: elderly issue, coupons for cost of conversion and others issues.

Legislative Committee Report:

No report.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Carol H. thanked for great job done on the brochure and material for Sept. 15. Website is up and running by Leo. The seminar was very disappointing. The feedback was that it was bad timing, not the best of locations. Mike Paine said a program with eight (8) speakers may be too much. Discussion followed regarding planning for next year's seminar. March 8, 2008 has been selected as the date to have the seminar There should be no more than four (4) speakers. Suggested speakers will be Dr. Spinner, Laura Horton, Tom, Mike Bristin and Dr. Drew
Crandall. Expect about 50-60 people to attend and we should look for a location that is close to the highway, no more than a 20 minute ride once you are off, and a place that can break out into two (2) rooms, one for lunch and one for presentation. See if you can get someone to donate the site. Each Town was asked to work with their contacts and come back next month with two (2) suggested sites. Comcast will sponsor breakfast, but would prefer not to be a speaker. A caterer will need to be found. It is hoped to keep the price between $25.00 & $30.00. Consensus was
that HACTAC members would also pay for their meals. Will need to provide the presentation equipment for the seminar.

Nominating Committee:
No report.
Motion: _______________________2nd: _____________________

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
There was a lengthy discussion regarding grant writing There is a book regarding general
grant writing, however John Spinner was recommended by the Hartford Foundation so it was
felt he might be the best person to contact. See additional comments under Public Relations
report.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Two (2) complaints were received, one from a customer who was having trouble getting on- demand TV. Dick forwarded to Comcast and the customer advised that they have been taken care of. The second was concerning the fitness channel, Dick also forwarded this one and it to has been resolved. A third request was more of a question rather than a complaint. It about how senior citizens receive the discount offered by Comcast. The information has been sent to them as well as a copy distributed to the HACTAC members. They are also happy with the outcome. Carol also mentioned how pleased she was with the insert by the Advisory Council in
the last mailing by Comcast. _____

Old Business:
Covered under discussion regarding the seminar.

New Business:
Bill Stephenson advised that the website at WinTv in doing wonders.

Schedule:
October 17, 2007 East Hartford
November 21, Windsor
December ____ Holiday Party
January16, 2008 Simsbury
February 20, Hartford
March 19, Bloomfield
April 16, Comcast
May 21 Hartford
June 18, Windsor

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at _8:55 pm__________________
Motion: _Hyacinth____ 2nd: ____Dave Raney _______________

Next Meeting and Location: October 17 7pm
East Hartford Town Hall

Minutes are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of _8/29/2007

The meeting was called to order at _7:08______.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:

The meeting scheduled for September 15 and the low response was discussed. A decision was
made to authorize the Chairman to make a decision, in the next week, if in his opinion the
response was at an unacceptable level. Various alternative meeting dates for the Spring of 2008
was discussed in the event that the September 15th event was canceled.
Motion: ____Joe O___________________2nd: ________David R________________
Motion Passed

Treasurer's Report: No Report

Balance beginning was: ____________________________
Balance ending was: __________________________
Motion: _________________________
2nd: ____________________________
Town Reports: No Reports
COMCAST: No Report

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Legislative Committee Report:

No Report

Public Relations Committee Report:

No Report

Nominating Committee:

No Report

Motion: _______________________

2nd: __________________________

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

No Report

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

No Report
Old Business:

No Report
New Business:

No Report
Schedule:

September 19 Comcast Enfield February Hartford
October East Hartford March Bloomfield
November Windsor April Comcast
December ___ Holiday Party May Hartford
January Simsbury June Windsor
February Hartford

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at __7:55__________
Motion: _Carol H________________2nd: ____David R_______________

Next Meeting and Location:

Comcast in facility on Enfield if possible address and directions to follow

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of June 20, 2007
The meeting was called to order at __7:18_pm.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
Approval of minutes of 5-16-2007
Motion Passed with 2 abstains by Mike Paine and

Treasurer's Report: See Attached
Balance beginning was: __6,636.06 + 14,149.68____
Balance ending was: ___10,929.78 +14,208.45_________
Motion: ____ Carol H______________
2nd: _______ Bill S________________

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
No Report

East Hartford
Very busy with graduations at Middle and High schools. Irene is on vacation

Hartford (Schools):
No report

Hartford (Town):
Very busy with budget issues and number of candidates for Mayor. Also Ct Career Choices
In addition to Homework program which is helping other kids with their homework

Simsbury:
Working on policies and procedures over the summer, in addition to several proposed projects
which are River Oaks and Griffin Land.

West Hartford:
No report

Windsor:
Win TV doing well just had a fund raiser went well. Have project going on Send Hometown to
the Troops, talking about Town and sending to the troops. Shad Derby did not go as well as
hoped due to poor weather that day. Planning to have a Childrens Workshop for Kid's video at
kidsfilmmakers.com.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
See reliability report, community and programming changes.

Legislative Committee Report:
No report.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Discussed under Chairman's report

Nominating Committee:
Nominated Dick Ostop for Chairman, Carol Hartman for Vice Chairman, Mayme Casady for Treasurer and Mike Paine for Secretary.
Motion: _David Rainey__________
2nd: ___Troy Steward ___________
Motion Passed

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

May 16th letter increasing payment from 6.89 to 6.91 per home. See attached plans
for September 15th program. Discussion about that program ideas for cost of to attend and Sponsorship opportunities decided to meet on July 17th to complete discussion.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
None

Old Business:
None

New Business:
None

Schedule:

October 18 East Hartford March 21 Bloomfield
November 15 Windsor April 18 Comcast
December ___ Holiday Party May 16 Hartford
January 17 Simsbury June 20 Windsor
February 21 Hartford

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at ___8:39____
Motion: ___ David R______________
2nd: ____Carol H_____________

Next Meeting and Location:
July 17th at 7:00 pm in Hartford Also August 29 Simsbury

Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes 5/16/07
Hartford Public Access Television

Members present: Walter Balasa, Carol Hartman, Celestino Jimenez, Dick Ostop, David Raney, Bill Stephenson, Troy Stewart, Hyacinth Yennie

Stephen Fitzgibbons - Comcast

Members Excused: Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Dick Brimley, Joe Olzacki, Michael Paine, Peter Stempien

Guest: Stan McCauley

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm by president Ostop.

Vistors/Guests:
No comments from guests.

Approval of April Minutes:
The April minutes were amended.
1. Bill Stephenson was not present
2. Hartford representatives had been excused
D. Raney moved the minutes be accepted as amended. Troy seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer's Report:
Carol Hartman reported that she had been unable to print copies of the report in the treasurer's absence due to a power failure in Windsor. The report will be tabled until next month.

Town Reports:
Windsor - WIN-TV is in the process of adopting revised by-laws that will avoid the confusion that existed at the last annual meeting. David Raney raised the issue about how we, as individuals or an organization, could have more influence with or be more informed about the legislature. Dick responded this would have to be done through the Energy and Technology committee, Senator Fonfara is current chair.

Hartford - HPA has been very busy with studio shoots lately. Stan McCauley says programs tend to go in cycles - field vs. studio programs. Troy reported that a lot has been happening with the government access. They had their first live broadcast from the new library facility, are experimenting with streaming and podcasting, and have experienced the effect of bloggers. The public is demanding more government transparency, requiring more meetings to be cablecast, so there is currently a proposal to hire a full time TV crew for this purpose. The demands of time are too much for volunteers or part timers.

Simsbury - nothing

West Hartford - nothing

East Hartford - nothing

Bloomfield - nothing

Comcast Report:
Stephen Fitzgibbons circulated a written report about Comcast's recent community service projects, channel changes and correspondence. In response to an inquiry, he mentioned that projects and communities were selected from those who ask for company support. When it comes to making decisions about request, the Comcast emphasis is on literacy and diversity.
Again the issue of a senior discount was discussed. Even when seniors have called about the discount, there has been poor information and confusion when the call comes into the call center. Steve will look into better training.

The use of a mobile van was discussed. Comcast's only van comes from Boston, and could be available for use in our region. Plainville, Nutmeg TV, also has a truck.

At this time, the "a la carte" channel selection was discussed. The FCC is now pursuing the situation.

Bill Stephenson complained he no longer received the Hallmark Channel or Comcast's own channel, CN 8, despite the fact he paid for the highest digital package. When he called he was told the channels were dropped because of his package, which didn't make sense, especially since the lowest package gets Comcast's channel. S. Fitzgibbons will look into the situation.

Committee Reports
Legislative - Nothing except the declining interest on the part of the OCC in consumer related cable issues.

Public Relations - nothing, it will be covered in conference discussion

Nominating - Dave Raney reported that all 4 HACTAC officers were willing to continue in their positions next year. Elections will be in June.

Chair/Communications Report
Dick O. circulated the written summary of activity this past month.

Complaints
No complaints

Old Business
Old business consisted of discussing the September conference. Dick received an unsolicited response that someone from outside our franchise would be there and noted that the information from the initial postcard was on another advisory council's web site. Three speakers have been confirmed - Mike Coyle from the DPUC will be the keynote speaker at lunch. Stan McCauley will make a presentation about moving to digital and will contact the Princeton individual with whom he worked. There will also be 2 sessions on the Freedom of Information Act and how it relates to public access. The culinary institute is now waiting for us to provide more information on rooms needed and food selected.

Carol and Leo met to establish a publicity and conference schedule. A mid June reminder card will go out to catch individuals before summer break. By mid August, a detailed conference registration will be needed.

The day could tentatively run: 9- 9:30 registration
9:45 Welcoming/Opening speech, location of seminars
10-10:15 Coffee Break
10:30 - 11:45 Morning Seminars
12 - 1:00 Lunch and Keynote speaker
1:45 - 3:00 Afternoon seminars
3:15 - 4:00 Post conference sharing of information and
networking time

New Business
Peter Stempien will draft as letter to the DPUC regarding the AT&T franchise.

Next Meeting
June 20th at the Windsor Public Library.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of _4/18/2007

The meeting was called to order at __7:04_.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
Approved the minutes from 3/21/2007 meeting with the following changes: Chairman's report
to reflect the discussion that lasted more than 30 minutes regarding the SCTV "River Oaks
Project" information tape, and that the board found no inappropriate actions taken by SCTV
Motion: ____Leo C.____________ 2nd: _______Dave R.___________
Motion passed with abstentions by all three Simsbury Reps

Treasurer's Report: See Attached
Balance beginning was: ___6,711.06 + 14,034.75 + 4,337.50 = 25,083.31____
Balance ending was:___6,711.06 + 14,093.04 + 4,355.37 = 25,159.47_____
Motion: _Peter S._______________ 2nd: ____David R.______________
Motion passed subject to audit

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Joe O Comcast was a sponsor for approx. 2200 people to go to the Bushnell and schools are planning to build 2 TV studio's in the High Schools and would love to get feedback and suggestions for projects.

East Hartford:
Irene C still not finished with the Town budget and there will be a referendum on the budget. There will be programs on various schools music programs followed by the High School graduation.

Hartford :
Hyacinth Y. Training on budget information at the library. Stan is transitioning out of station and the Hartford Foundation will be assisting his replacement by giving training to that person.

Simsbury:
Peter S. College fair for high school students well attended and many good ideas.
Mike P. Have purchase digital camera equipment and are waiting for other equipment

West Hartford:
No report

Windsor:
Leo C. no Town report. Leo did report that he will be forwarding the invoice for the domain name to the treasurer.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Steve F. Checks should be in the mail

Legislative Committee Report:
Carol H. HB 7182 (Bill to allow At&T to be statewide and meet the same requirements as Comcast and other cable franchises) Consensuses for Peter S. to write a letter to CT legislators to support.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Leo C. will continue to add info to website as he receives it including the conference for this fall.

Nominating Committee:
Committee members appointed are David R., Hyacinth Y., Harriatt H., Joe O.

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Dick O. see attached report. Also requested that Comcast start providing the outage report again. Also requested that Comcast should be more proactive and develop and provide ads that could be put on the local stations.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Brian L is concerned as a Met's fan that he is unable to get baseball games because of blackouts by ESPN and MLB. The blackoutsare unequal when compared to the Yankee's and Red Sox's. General discussion about what Hactac can do and as well as even Comcast when the blackouts are done by ESPN and MLB.

Old Business:
Comcast was asked where we are with uniformly informed call center staff with regard to senior discounts. Comcast agreed to review and share information and process with their call center staff.

New Business:
Dick O. Subjects to talk about for September conference: Grants/ Fund Raising, Mike Coyle (DPUC?) is will to come and speak, also suggested that we have some technology discussions. Group agreed to talk to current vendors at each station about sponsorship and display opportunities. Group agreed to have a meeting on April 30 at Loomis Chaffee School, Richman Art Center, at 5:00 to discuss September conference details.

Schedule: 06/07
October 18 East Hartford March 21 Bloomfield
November 15 Windsor April 18 Comcast
December ___ Holiday Party May 16 Hartford
January 17 Simsbury June 20 Windsor
February 21 Hartford

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at ___8:30________
Motion: ____Peter S.____________2nd: _____Leo C.__________ Motion Passed

Next Meeting and Location:
Hartford May 17 7:00 pm

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of _3/21, 2007

The meeting was called to order at ___7:09_pm

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
Minutes of 2/21/2007 were approved Motion: ___Bill S.__ 2nd: _Harriett H.__

Treasurer's Report:
Balance beginning was: 6,761.06 + 14,034.75 + 4,304.50 =_ $ 25,100.31___
Balance ending was: __6,711.06 + 14034.75 + 52.45 + 4304.50 + 16.09 = $ 25,118.85__
Motion: __Carol H._______ 2nd: _____David R. ______ Motion Passed
A motion was made to take $4,000.00 from our CD and put those dollars into our checking account and to renew the other CD for $ 14,034.75. Motion Passed.

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Harriette, there are several programs being taped they are: Freedom of Information;
How to run for office in Town; Robert's Rules and How to write a resume. All these
programs were taped and then will be run on BATV.

East Hartford
Mayme, Station has just finished with the budget hearing this is always a busy time of year.

Hartford:
There will be changes over the next several months both at the station and on channel 19.Walter B. Announced that he will be retiring 6-30-2007 from the Hartford Schools and he also believes that their will be more changes at the Hartford Schools.
Thank you to Comcast for assistanceto help resolve problems during the "State of
the City address.

Simsbury:
We just got digital station cameras and are expecting more equipment soon

West Hartford:
No report

Windsor:
Dave R. held a party at Wintv great celebration Carol H. and Bill S. Celebration was terrific number of local folks showed up

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Please see 2 Community Relations press releases and response to Bruce Elliott of Simsbury.

Legislative Committee Report:
No local or State report

Public Relations Committee Report:
Carol will send out a post card to our existing contact list about saving the date of
September 15 for the program planned for Hartford. Dick Ostop has received a lot of interest from other public access stations all over the state. The interest has focused on seminairs like Fund Raising; How to run a non-profits; Grant Writing and Technical operations with a speaker for lunch.

Nominating Committee:
No report

Chairman's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Dick O. discussed the email compliant that he received and his viewing of the program on SCTV "River Oaks", that he felt that the program was sharing information and was fine on either the Government or Public channel. Mike P. from SCTV provided copies of their policies and procedures. Comcast pointed out that they do not exercise editorial control over the PEG stations but in the future Simsbury and other stations may want to run a blanket disclaimer several times per day and even between pieces. Several members asked questions about: whether the proposed development had started the application process, the answer was no. Has
the station followed the same process in this case as they have in the past the answer was yes.
A motion to direct the Chairman to respond to the email compliant that Hactac found no fault or any improper action taken by Simsbury Community Television.
Motion by Bill S. Second by Carol H. Motion passed unanimously with two abstentions by Dick O and Mike P. from Simsbury.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
See above discussion

Old Business:
None

New Business:
None

Schedule:
April 18 Comcast
May 16 Hartford
June 20 Windsor

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at __8:26______
Motion: ____Bill S_____________2nd: ______Walter B___________

Next Meeting and Location:
April 18 Comcast
Dinner prior to the meeting at the Hawthorne on the Berlin Turnpike at 5:30 for sandwiches ect.

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of 2/21, 2007

The meeting was called to order at ___7:08__.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
Minutes of January 17, 2007
Motion: ____Leo C_____ 2nd: ______Dave R______PASSED_
Minutes of November 17, 2006
Motion: ____Leo C___ 2nd: ______Dave R_______PASSED

Treasurer's Report:
Balance beginning was: ___4,802.66______________
Balance ending was: ___6,761.06 Checking plus 18,270.71 Cert of Deposit___
Motion: ____Joe O____________________
2nd: _______Hyacinth Y_____PASSED___
Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Nothing to Report

East Hartford :
No Report

Hartford :
Stan - Station is moving to digital format, as VHS decks fail they are being replaced. Three live shows per day each show 1 to 2 hours each. There are 70 shows on one channel, first run shows per month. Station is running programs 24 hours per day on 3 channels. Quarterly meeting to set producers time. After school program on homework and life schools. Parent teacher Councils are doing shows.

Simsbury:
Major purchase of digital equipment in near future. Discussion and input about disclaimers on programs.

West Hartford:
No report.

Windsor:
Station moving forward since last election. Annual report sent to DPUC.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Steve see report. Opened new enfield call center 1-12-2007. Working on wireless for Colt Park Rec. Center, Computer Center.

Legislative Committee Report:
CT Leg. in session. Nothing to report. Discussion to invite Chairman of Energy and
Technology Comm.. Troy Stewart will invite him.

Public Relations Committee Report:

Leo C. continues to update website. Discussion and agreement that it is acceptable to put our draft (not approved yet) minutes on web site.

Nominating Committee:
No report.

President's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Windsor TV- Regarding compliant letter by Clark Pickens to DPUC issued no docket
number, no ruling and case is closed. Mr. Perry sent compliant letter to DPUC, they assigned a docket number received comments from Hactac and Comcast, DPUC decision was to close docket number. As the audit of Windsor TV has been completed and DPUC has taken no action, a motion was made by Hyacinth Y. "To dissolve the WinTV sub committee of Hactac, was seconded by Harriette H, Motion passed with abstensions of the 3 Windsor represenatives. The chair tahnked Comcast for their input and assistance for the past years regarding Windsor TV.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
HACTAC received a compliant regarding a resident of McLean Home regarding an special rate advertised for $ 39.00 per month and then received a letter canceling that special rate.

Old Business:
None.

New Business:
Date for the Public Access Station seminars will now be September 15, 2007.
General discussion about costs, site, seminars and length of time for sessions. Interest from other regional cable groups to be involved. Decision to put the date on our web site with general information.

Schedule:
March 21 Bloomfield
April 18 Comcast
May 16 Hartford
June 20 Windsor

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at ___8:00____
Motion: ___Hyacinth Y___________
2nd: ____Leo C_________________
Next Meeting and Location:
Bloomfield Senior Center 300 Park Ave 7:00 PM March 21, 2007

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of 1/17/2007

The meeting was called to order at ______7:05pm.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Ostop at 7:05. A moment of silence for friends and Family that have touched our lives and have cancer. Welcome to Jane Garibay the new President of Windsor TV. Chairman Ostop handed out Board books to some of the board members and will get more copies for next month. Secretary Paine will have the November 2006 minutes completed for the next meeting.

Treasurer's Report:

Balance beginning was: 6,322.20 + 18,195.14_____
Balance ending was: ___4,802.66 + 18,195.14____
Motion: ____Mark H.___________
2nd: _______Leo C.____________

Motion Passed: YES

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Doing video and arts at schools

East Hartford
Busy with town budgets plus concerts at the schools. New weekly program with news
from schools.

Hartford :
Have received a Princeton Digital Server, it is great. Station is very busy with programs
There are no open slots for programs at the station. Working on getting the Hasting Hotel for the April Hactac sessions.

Simsbury:
Continuing to work toward the digital equipment horizon.
Everyone received a student produced CD case that unfolded into a month by month 2007
calendar.

West Hartford:
No one reported.

Windsor:
A question about if anyone was putting video on U-tube? Introduced new Chairperson of Win-TV, Jane Garibay.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Not able to attend.

Legislative Committee Report:
No report, No Chairman, Leo C. will consider.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Carol H. we need to finalize details for workshop in April so that we can get information out.

Nominating Committee:
No report.

President's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm) Thanks to all who were able to attend the holiday party, a special night. Discussed impact on Peg Stations caused by AT&T and Comcast competition for customers. Discussed Senior discounts for Comcast customers.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
No complaints.

Old Business:
Win TV held board elections on December 12, 2006. At that election 3 new board members and 3 prior board members were elected, resulting in a new President, Vice President and Secretary. Chairman Ostop congratulated both the new Board and new officers of Windsor TV, he gave Jane G. a letter and asked her to read it at the next Win TV board meeting. Chairman Ostop informed all that the prior Board at WinTV had set a compliant letter to DPUC regarding the December 12 election. At that time the Board voted to go into Executive Session. A motion by Mayme C. and a second by Joe O. Motion passed unanimously. Session started at 8:13
Board came out of Executive session at 8:38, no votes were taken.

New Business:
Send donation to Bloomfield Ambulance in memory of Ed Gittleman. Carol H. Motion
Leo second Motion passed. Yes
Sub-Committee for conference on April28 between 9 and 4, will meet at next meeting at 6:30.

Schedule:

March 21 Bloomfield
April 18 Comcast
May 16 Hartford
June 20 Windsor

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at __8:46_pm______

Motion: __Hyacinth Y 2nd: _____Leo C_____
Motion Passed: YES

Next Meeting and Location:
February 21 Hartford

No December Meeting Scheduled

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of _November 14, 2006

The meeting was called to order at __ 7:03 PM___.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
Meeting was called to order and WinTv was thanked for providing food and beverage. A concern was raised by quest, Easter Thomas about Wintv putting her out of producing shows.Dick Ostop said that she does not have any reason to worry, there are not plans to close station. Minutes were passed out and a comment by a number of people that they had not received the minutes.

Treasurer's Report:
Balance beginning was: ____________________________
Balance ending was: __18,047.35_________
Motion: _________________________
2nd: ____________________________

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
High school now have been trained so that they can do programs. Planning to produce a new show about a classic art showcase show. Also producing shows with the Town Police Department, Thanaksgiving program and a High School Scholar program. Also waiting for installation of satalitte dish for educational channel and permission from NASA to broadcast their programing.

East Hartford
Planning on a program for air show.

Hartford (Schools):
No report.

Hartford (Town):
No report.

Simsbury:
A number of programs are being produced.

West Hartford:
No report.

Windsor:
Leo was congratulated for doing a great job with the website. Leo requested that everyone please send information to him to be put onto the HACTAC web site. Also he wanted everyone to know that WinTV has made great strides.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
Comcast was asked why they do not carry classics?

Legislative Committee Report:
Not much to report other than, At & T plans for peg stations.

Public Relations Committee Report:
No report.

Nominating Committee:
No report.

President's Report:
Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm) President will bring booklets with names and contact information to next meeting. President read the letter that he received from the Mayor of Bloomfield and his response to the Mayor.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Customer complaints, Hactac received a check and gave tht check to the Comcast rep.

Old Business:
President of Win TV gave information to Comcast representative. Dick Ostop asked to hear more about the problem at Win Tv, a long discussion and conversation followed. Board member will sit with Hactac members to go over the by laws. Dick Ostop will set a date. Comcast Representative, Win TV President and President of HACTAC will meet shortly. Treasurer of WinTv came in on January 2006.

New Business:
Holiday Christmas party will be at the Simsbury Inn, some one will call with the date, time for party. Hactac meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, except summer months.

Schedule: 2006-2007

October 18 East Hartford March 21 Bloomfield
November 15 Windsor April 18 Comcast
December ___ Holiday Party May 16 Hartford
January 17 Simsbury June 20 Windsor
February 21 Hartford

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at _____8:57 pm_
Motion: _______________________
2nd: __________________________

Next Meeting and Location:

Simsbury January 17, 2007

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of October 25 2006

Guest: Larry Jargoon WINTV Access Station

The meeting was called to order at ____7:00_.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
Approved with corrections, Harriette Howard and Lorenzo Nathan Jr. are new HACTAC
members from Bloomfield. Ed Gittleman has stepped down after many years of service.
Motion: _Bill Stephenson___
2nd: ___Carol Hartman_____
APPROVED by unanimous vote

Treasurer's Report:
Balance beginning was: Checking Acct. $ 6,550.70 plus 2-CD $ 17,900.76__
Balance ending was: __Checking Acct. $ 6,550.70 plus 2-CD $ 17,972.70
Motion: To approve subject to audit Carol Hartman
2nd: __ Harriette Howard
APPROVED by Unanimous vote

Town Reports:

Bloomfield:
Schools have a new Superintenents of School. Station is producing several new shows on
Bd of Ed video club, athletic competitions and new technology. There are live shows
about Board of Education, Town Council, Planning and Zoning and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Station is using a satellite dish to get additional shows for access.

East Hartford
Station is gearing up for the election season in additional to the proposed Cabela's development.
Hartford (Schools): Nothing
Hartford (Town): Nothing
Simsbury:
Election shows in addition to Town Plan of Development and revision of Zoning regulations
West Hartford: Nothing
Windsor: Nothing

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.
See attached -- Comcast Cares Hartford Urban League --October 7 Changes in programming
Sports and Entertainment blended together. New billing statement change is only larger font
Repair/upgrade at Tariffville School in Simsbury with new drop in Library. High speed internet
was installed at Windsor Public Access (WinTV)

Legislative Committee Report: No Report

Public Relations Committee Report: Carol Hartman no report
Dick Ostop discussed Hactac sponsored Access Education Sessions tenitively planning on
four subjects: Grant Writing, Station Operations, Station Programming and Station
Volunteerism. Intention is to have reduced rate for Hactac members sometime in March or
April from 9 to 3 pm. Intend to use web site to share information .

Nominating Committee: No Report

President's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Status of WinTv audit by Kostis, Ruffkess and Company, LLC Unable to get information
on Money Market account/purchase of fixed assets and credit card accounts/purchase of fixed
assets. Their recommendation is in their report. WinTV President Larry J. disagreed with
the comments, he believes that he has done everything that he was verbally asked to do
by HACTAC, He explained that some missing documents/information was given to
Bill Stephenson who passed it on the Hactac President Dick Ostop, no one realized that the
information was the original document not a copy and was not given to the accountants. And
thus that information was not included in their report.
President Ostop stated: the WinTV issues have been going on for at least 2 years and he
continues to get a number of emails and calls on a weekly basis, he also stated that he is aware of
statements made that members of HACTAC have a conflict and should not be sitting on the local
access stations boards. THOSE statements are incorrect, there is no conflict. For the
benefit of the Windsor community that the Windsor Public Access Station is charged with
providing and servicing this matter needs to be resolved promptly and asked for input from the
group.

Richard Brimley suggested that in the future all communications or requests for information
between HACTAC and WINTV be written and from president to president
Leo Canty suggested that every time a board takes any action it must be in compliance with both
it's own rules as well as Robert's Rules, have set rules that are followed all of which will allow
the organization to have transparency in their operations.
President Ostop said that no later than November 1 he would contact Larry Jargoon to set a date
and place for a meeting

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
One lady called with a billing problem after she moved Comcast resolved quickly

Old Business:
Public Relations (Carol Hartman) will forward article to be put on website.

New Business:
Date, time and location for the holiday party, Peter Stempien will be asked to handle

this by President Ostop.

Schedule:

October 18 East Hartford March 21 Bloomfield
November 15 Windsor April 18 Comcast
December ___ Holiday Party May 16 Hartford
January 17 Simsbury June 20 Windsor
February 21 Hartford

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at __8:00 PM___
Motion: ___Carol Hartman_______
2nd: _____Leo Canty____________

Next Meeting and Location:

Windsor at WinTV

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of September 20, 2006

The meeting was called to order at __7:05_____.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes: Minutes of June 21, 2006 approved with no changes.

Motion: __Bill Stephenson_____________________

2nd: _____Hyacinth Yennie______PASSED___

Treasurer's Report:
Balance beginning was: Checking Acct. $6,850.70 Cert. of Deposits $ 17,752.99
Balance ending was: __Checking Acct. $6,550.70 Cert. of Deposits $ 17,900.76

Motion: _To approve subject to audit Bill Stephenson__
2nd: ___Irene Cone PASSED___

Town Reports:
Bloomfield: New Member is Lorenzo Nathan Jr.

East Hartford
Irene C. Town has new mayor and a lot of Planning and Zoning meetings to tape for Cabella 's

Hartford (Schools):
Walter B. Schools have a new superintendent.

Hartford (Town):
Hyacinth Y busy with political stuff, education and training

Simsbury:
Mark H School has taped football games and station has edited them, thanks.
Mike P. Station has purchased three new wireless microphones
Dick O. Just finished two shows for Simsbury with Bill Levalle (OCC)about Hactac and PEG issues. Will need to redo one of shows.

West Hartford:
No one in attendance.

Windsor:
Bill S. Nothing to report.
Carol H. Number of WIN access station people went to convention in Boston. Good seminairs.

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Stephen F. tried to explain where the coffee was. Discussed Comcast current community relations projects. Also handed out copy of Hartford Courant Letter to the Editor from 9/5/2006. About 100 people helped out at the Urban League Center.

Also, discussed ATT lawsuit.

Legislative Committee Report:
Comcast is working with OCC and DPUC on AT&T issue.

Public Relations Committee Report:
Carol H. Hactac editorial did get into Windsor Journal.
Comments on website During period from 10/2005 to 9/2006 we had 244 hits per month and 424 pages viewed per month. A request and a suggestion for additional information to add to web site.

Hyacinth Y. made a motion to put Hactac letter to the editor on our web site. Second Mark H.

Motion passed

Nominating Committee:No report

President's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
Very quiet summer. See Chairman's written report
HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints:
Hactac received one verbal complaint which was passed on to Comcast and was handled immediately.

Old Business:

Dick O. shared the pile of emails that he has received on Wintv, in the past 4 and a half months, approximately 200 pages from mostly two individuals a Kim B. and Michael B. They both say that current president is not responding to their questions. There have also been threats of lawsuits. Concensus is that Hactac wants to see improvement and WINTV moving forward on it's own.. A number of Hactac members provided input and suggestions of some thought and ways to resolve problems and for Wintv to move forward. Dick O. pointed out that the citizens of Windsor own Wintv and can elect a board at the Wintv annual meeting . Motion for Chairman Ostop to send a letter to Wintv President with three points and ask for a written response:
1. What steps have been and are being taken to stop the arguing, finger pointing and other distractions.
2. Access Stations are owned by the citizens of each community, who will elect their representatives at an annual meeting.
3. What is a specific time line to address and resolve these problems.

By Hyacinth Y and second by Walter B., motion passed by unanimous vote with three abstentions (Carol H, Bill S and David R)

New Business:
Carol H. Where do people think cable or video industry going? Discussion followed. A question was asked if AT&T was providing video service in CT. Stephen F. I do not believe so. Someone asked the question whether HACTAC would in the future expected to review both Comcast and AT&T. Chairman Ostop said no we would not be expected to do that.

Chairman Ostop suggested that Hactac underwrite a portion of the cost to provide seminars For public access station on the following subjects: What is involved in running an public access Station, grant writing, volunteers, OCC and DPUC (what we do) motion by Bill S. and second by Hyacinth Y. and passed to try for a February, March or early April for seminars.

Schedule:

October 18 East Hartford
November 15 Windsor
December ___ Holiday Party
January 17 Simsbury
February 21 Hartford
March 21 Bloomfield
April 18 Comcast
May 16 Hartford
June 20 Windsor

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at _9:05__________________
Motion: ____Mark H___________________
2nd: ______Irene C Passed_______________

Next Meeting and Location:
October 18 East Hartford

NO MEETINGS JULY OR AUGUST

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of June 21, 2006

The meeting was called to order at __7:15 pm________________.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned e-mail addresses or at your public library; or questions to the DPUC may be addressed to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us.

Minutes:
Minute of May 17, 2006 were approved with the following corrections. Dan Glanville and Stephen Fitzgibbons (Comcast) were in attendance. Under Town reports, Windsor The Windsor school with an internet problem should have been Loomis School.

Motion: __Accept Minutes With Changes _Leo C.______

2nd: ______Bill S_______

Treasurer's Report:

Balance beginning was: ___9,009.70______________

Balance ending was: ___6,850.70 +17,681.92 = 24,532.62______

Motion: __Approve and Accept subject to audit by_Leo C__
2nd: _____Troy S_______________________

Town Reports:

Bloomfield: Harriett nothing to report

East Hartford

Mayme C. Graduation went well, did a three camera shoot. Station is training a new person .

Station partnered with the Health Dept. about a Flu Pandemic, three day dry run.

Hartford :

Troy S. Very Busy. Installing cable at Police Station and at Dodge Meadows Music Center

Hartford (Town): No Report

Simsbury:

Karen Handville is Station Manager. Continuing upgrade various equipment to digital.

West Hartford: No report

Windsor:
Leo C and David R. great show by WinTV on Veitnam Wall

Carol H Comcast sent an "army" of technicians to fix signal at Loomis School

Bill S nothing to report

COMCAST:

NOTE:All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on-line from the DPUC. See below for e-mail address.

Steve F. Sponsor of Riverfront Reception. Did 2 foundation donations to YMCA and Literacy
Advocate

Comments on ATT decision by DPUC. Continue to oppose decision, New England Cable Ass.
(NECA) has applied for a stay of that decision. Asked if anyone in group had any
discussions with the CT Atty. General

Channel Changes VH1 to Pure Country, John B is working on High speed internet for
Peg Stations at residential rate of 45.95, Questions raised about availability of
phone or several services at reduced rate. Return of a line into Hartford Public Library

Legislative Committee Report:

More discussion about ATT decision. Concern about unequal treatment between
cable and video.

Public Relations Committee Report:

Web Site is working

Discussion about ATT decision and our opposition to and the long term effect of this
decision on PEG station due to the fact that ATT would not be providing anything
to PEG stations (money or station(s) for public information sharing). Motion by
Bill S and second by Dave R to write letter to newspapers Letter to the Editor about our position.
Dick Ostop to write and get input from others on board.

Nominating Committee:
No report

President's Report: Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the web-site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

President discussed ongoing issue at WINTV. Informed board about difficulty to complete audit
of Win TV by firm hired by HACTAC. He will send a registered and notorized letter credit card
company for several years history.

Larry J President, of WINTV, informed board that WINTV has paid off Credit card bill
and continues to rebuild relationship with the Town of Windsor. Board of WINTV can have
between 8 and 18 members currently they have 14.

Carol H. She had received a document from the IRS. She was unsure what to do with that
Document, she gave a copy to Kim (@WINTV?). President Ostop requested that Carol
give him a copy to get to the CPA's doing to audit.

President Ostop also noted that again all of the representatives from Windsor had abstained from all WINTV votes.

President Ostop also commented on the up coming Access Station Educational Conference being held July 6-8 in Boston, MA. There was general consensus that maybe HACTAC could host a mini seminar for the local PEG Stations, President Ostop to see about putting together.

HACTAC e-mail address: HACTAC@yahoo.com

Complaints: None

Old Business: No Report

New Business:

No Meeting July and August. Next Meeting
September 20 at Comcast Berlin
October 18 East Hartford
November 15 Windsor
December ***** Holiday Party
January 17 Simsbury
February 21 Hartford
March 21 Bloomfield
April 18 Comcast
May 16 Hartford
June 20 Windsor

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at _____8:09_____

Motion: ____Leo C___________________

2nd: _____David R_____________________

Next Meeting and Location:
September 20 at Comcast Berlin

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of May 17, 2006

Attendance:
Richard Ostop, Mike Paine, William Stephenson, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone,_____________ and _____________(Comcast), Hyacinth Yennie, Celestino Jimenez, Leo Canty, Mark Harutunian, , Carol Hartman, Walter Balasa
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Ed Gittleman, Peter Stempien, David Rainey
Absent: Joe Olzacki, Troy Stewart
Guest: None
Members not appointed: West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:21 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library or questions to the DPUC may be address to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us

Minutes: Motion to accept April 26 minutes made by Walter Balasa and seconded by Bill Stephenson. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 3/01/06 - 4/30/06
Balance beginning was $6,870.70
. Balance ending was $9,009.70
Certificates of Deposit (2) $ 15,453.35

A motion was made by Irene Cone and seconded by Mark Harutunian to accept the report subject to audit. The motion was passed unanimously.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: Town is in mode for high school graduation and many perfect end of the year concerts at the schools. A local cub scouts group visited the EH community television station. (IC)
Windsor: Had a problem with their internet Comcast missed 3 appointments but was wonderful once they showed up. The station did a program on the Vietnam Memorial that was in Town.(CH) Bd of Ed, Bill Stephenson indicated that the Town of Windsor Board of Ed has requested a ½ hour show each week for the High school and Board of Ed.
Simsbury: Station Manager is ill and station is getting by with exceptional help from other staff people and volunteers. Interim Station Manager is doing great job.(MRP) Bd of Ed Has purchased an am unit that is being used at the schools to get information to parents dropping off children. (MH)
Bloomfield: no report
Hartford (Schools): Bd of Ed has purchased license for streaming video computer program.
Hartford (Town): Hartford announced that the access station has received a Hartford Foundation gift of one hundred thousand ($100,000) dollars. The access station is doing a number of forums and programming this month and next.
West Hartford: no report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.
A discussion was held regarding the Bill File # 172 and it's long term impact on the local public access stations.

Legislative Committee Report: The DPUC ruling to would allow ATT/SBC to offer video over cable lines and not to meet the same requirements as Comcast. Docket #050612. A motion for Chairman Ostop to send a letter opposing allowing ATT/SBC to offer video and not be held to the same standards and requirements as Comcast. Motion Bill S., seconded Mark H. passed unanimously

Public Relations Committee Report: To draft a letter to the newspapers explaining the video vs. cable issue and it's impact on the local stations and users.

Nominating Committee: No report.

President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Ed Giddleman is still ill. Best wish to him.
See Handout with monthly report Robinson and Cole dockets ect
Informed Comcast about their responding to Hactac questions promptly, should be within 7 days.
At 8:35 went into Executive Session to discuss issues at WINTV. No votes were taken. At 8:50 came out of Executive Session.

Complaints: Received 8 email complaints

Old Business: Status of Comcast providing low or no charge to Public Access Stations for Telephone, Cable and internet connections.

New Business:

Schedule: next meeting June 21 - Windsor

Richmond Art Center
Loomis Chafee School

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 8.59 p.m.

APRIL MEETING WAS CANCELLED

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of March 15, 2006

Attendance:
Richard Ostop, Peter Stempien, , Mike Paine, William Stephenson, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Joe Olzacki, Ed Gittleman, John Bairos (Comcast), Hyacinth Yennie, Celestino Jimenez, Leo Canty, Mark Harutunian, , Carol Hartman, David Raney, Walter Balasa
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Ed Gittleman, Troy Stewart
Absent: Joe Olzacki
Guest: Michael Perez, Clark Pickus(?)
Members not appointed: West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library or questions to the DPUC may be address to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us

Minutes: Motion to accept February minutes made by Leo Canty and seconded by Mike Paine
subject to the correct of the spelling of Mr. McCauley of Hartford Access station.
Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 2/01/06 - 2/28/06
Balance beginning was $4,925.82
. Balance ending was $6,879.70

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Carol Hartman to accept the report subject to audit. The motion was passed unanimously.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: Town is in budget period and a lot of the shows are about the budget.
Windsor: Raney thanked Comcast for donating cable service to the Windsor Library association auction. Also thanked Comcast for the U of Hartford tickets. Stephenson indicated that the town of Windsor eliminated the $9,000 that had been in the budget.
Simsbury: Stempien asked whether the letter cancelling the music stations applied to all music being given to the station. Bairos indicated that he would have to research this and get back to us. .
Bloomfield: no report
Hartford (Schools): Balasa is having problems with upper end of stations. The problem comes and goes right now it is working.
Hartford (Town): Hartford announced that the access station has received a Hartford Foundation gift of one hundred thousand ($100,000) dollars. The access station is doing a number of forums and programming this month and next.
West Hartford: no report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Bairos mentioned the donation to Windsor Library
Bairos adding Polish channel top the digital package
Canty asked if Comcast could help get digital service. Bairos stated you have to buy it.

Hartford basic rate is $11.90 opposed to the state average of $12.41.Ostop also indicated that now Comcast will charge $10.00 for name change.

(No outage report this month????)
.
Legislative Committee Report: No Report (some bills active) People asked how to find out where the legislative info can be seen. Ostop indicated: http://www.cga.ct.gov/
Ostop indicated that there are a number of items concerning cable that are being discussed by the councils and the legislature but that this will not be acted upon until the long session to the legislature.
Public Relations Committee Report: Website is active
Nominating Committee: No report. Troy Stewart had to resign due to work load
.President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com

No senior citizen discounts.

Complaints: One complaint for Simsbury (Green).

President Ostop says he is still looking for coordinator to broadcast multi town shows
President has contacted AARP and they are interested in attending May meeting to discuss the issue of senior discount.

Old Business: Nothing
Windsor situation: nothing new
New Business:

Schedule:

April 19 - Hartford May 17 - Hartford June 21 - Comcast

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Next Meeting and Location:

April 26, 2006 7:00 PM
Hartford Public Access Television 20-28 Sargeant Street.

Hartford Connecticut

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of February 15, 2006

Attendance:
Richard Ostop, Peter Stempien, , Mike Paine, William Stephenson, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Joe Olzacki, Ed Gittleman, John Bairos (Comcast),
Excused absence: Walter Balasa, Richard Brimley, Carol Hartman, David Raney
Absent: Hyacinth Yennie, Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart, Leo Canty, Mark Harutunian
Guest: Stan McAuliffe (HTV)
Members not appointed: West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library or questions to the DPUC may be address to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us

Minutes: Motion to accept January minutes made by Michael Paine and seconded by Mayme Casady. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 1/01/06 - 1/31/06

Balance beginning was $4,970.56
. Balance ending was $6,925.82

Additional $2,000 received from Comcast

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Ed Gittleman to accept the report subject to audit. The motion was passed unanimously.

Olzacki asked, as a new member, why does the council have all of this money in CD's. Ostop explained how Comcast has agreed to contribute expenses to the tune of $2,000 and that in the years back the towns themselves were paying dues. These expenses to be paid are for hiring auditors as is needed for our financial statement (and now for the Windsor station) postage and other expenses to running the council.

Ostop asked Cassidy to get ready for an audit of our own books as it has been some time since the last one.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: Town is in budget period and a lot of the shows are about the budget. East Hartford has a good basketball player named Wiggins and the town has been very interested in hearing about him. He helps out at the station and does interviews.
Windsor: Station is still broadcasting but also having problems Stephenson questioned the telecasting of the board of directors of WIN-TV meeting. The meeting was taped but the president refused to air the tape. Stephenson asked for help. The Council stated that all of this activity should be written down and when all the answers are in if the tape is not aired then go to the DPUC or the Atty. General
Simsbury: Paine indicated that the station has been muddling along since Gary Rosansky, Station Manager, has been out receiving radiation and chemo therapy. Paine says that Rosansky is in fine spirits and would appreciate any cards that anyone would like to send; 19 Hoskins Rd, Simsbury Conn.06070.
Bloomfield: Ed Gittleman thanked Comcast for donation to the Arts festival. Olzacki explained problems with the Education channel and how the station manager does not responded to his (Olzacki's) direction even though Olzacki is the designated person by the Chairman of the Board of Ed. Again the council stated that these its should be written down with responses and then passed to the DPUC or Atty. General's office
Hartford (Schools): no report
Hartford (Town): no report
West Hartford: no report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Bairos distributed copies of the latest ads to show how Comcast is going after the dish people and showing that the cable is better. Among the ads is one showing Jim Calhoun (UCONN Basketball coach) as a sponsor. Another ad shows the $33.00 per month for cable, internet, or phone deals. A discussion then ensued with the council indicating that these ads are good for the changers but Comcast should also aim some of the ads back to those who have been loyal customers for several years. These people see all the new people getting good deals but they are just paying. This is especially with regards to the seniors who are being sold channels that they do not need. The problem of the terms, "basic", "extended basic" and "standard basic" and their specific meaning as used by sales people should be defined. Sessions with the seniors should be set up with the definitions. (Perhaps PSA's distributed to the access channels could be created and shown).

Ostop asked about outage in West Simsbury and since we did not have the monthly report Bairos could not determine whether this was a refundable outage.
Legislative Committee Report: No Report
Public Relations Committee Report: Leo Canty submitted statistical report showing that there appears to be a number of hits on the website. A little survey indicated that 66.7% of those coming on the web site asked about HACTAC
Nominating Committee: New Committee appointed - Troy Stewart, Dave Raney, Mayme Casady and Mark Harutunian. (No report)

.President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
No senior citizen discounts.
Complaints: Three emails this month were more questions than complaints. These were given to Bairos for resolution.

President has contacted AARP and they are interested in attending May meeting to discuss the issue of senior discount.

Old Business:
Windsor situation: nothing new
New Business:

Schedule:

March 15 - Windsor April 19 - West Hartford May 17 - Hartford
June 21 - Comcast

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Next Meeting and Location:

March 15, 2006 7:00 PM

We are scheduled to meet in the Rose Room which is on
the second floor of town hall, in the front of the building. Parking is
in the rear and the main building entrance is at the left end of the
building when you are coming from the parking lot.

Windsor Connecticut

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of January 18, 2006

Attendance:
Richard Ostop, Peter Stempien, Mark Harutunian, Mike Paine, Carol Hartman, Leo Canty, William Stephenson, David Raney, Hyacinth Yennie, Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart, Walter Balasa, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Joe Olzacki, John Bairos (Comcast),
Excused absence:, , Richard Brimley , Ed Gittleman
Absent:
Guest: Stan McAuliffe (HTV)
Members not appointed: West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library or questions to the DPUC may be address to Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us

Minutes: Motion to accept October minutes made by Dave Raney and seconded by Walter Balasa. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 11/01/05 - 12/31/05

Balance beginning was $6,559.04
. Balance ending was $4,979,56

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Leo Canty to accept the report subject to audit. The motion was passed unanimously.

Annual Report was also submitted for period 01/01/05 thru 12/31/05

Balance beginning was $5,061.27
Balance ending was $4,979.56

A motion was made by Michael Paine and seconded by Peter Stempien to accept the report subject to audit. The motion was passed unanimously.

Town Reports:
East Hartford:
Windsor:.
SimsburyBloomfield: Hartford (Schools):
Hartford (Town):
West Hartford: No report

Basically the same Access is busy and towns ore doing the job to assist stations
Normal interruptions in service due to weather. People complaint at raise in rates and notice thereof.

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Rate change: Normal Obfuscation:
Senior citizen discount Normal Obfuscation

(obfuscation - may be taken literally or scatologically as the reader may wish)

Legislative Committee Report: No Report
Public Relations Committee Report: Leo Canty submitted statistical report showing that there appears to be a number of hits on the website.
Nominating Committee: New Committee appointed - Troy Stewart, Dave Raney, Mayme Casady and Mark Harutunian.

.President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
No senior citizen discounts.
Complaints: None this month

Old Business:
Windsor situation: nothing new

New Business:

Schedule :

February 15 - Bloomfield March 15 - Windsor April 19 - West Hartford
May 17 - Hartford June 21 - Comcast
.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Next Meeting and Location:

February 15, 2006 7:00 PM
Bloomfield Senior Center
330 Park Avenue
Bloomfield, CT

NO DECEMBER MEETING SCHEDULED

Minutes of HACTAC Meeting
Wednesday November 16, 2005
At Simsbury Community Television

Attendance
Members Present: Dick Ostop, Bill Stephenson, David Raney, Ed Gittleman, Joe Olzacki Dick Brimley, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart, Michael Paine, Mark Harutunian, and John Bairos (Comcast)

Excused: Peter Stempien and Leo Canty

Absent: Hyacinth Yennie, Walter Balasa

Guest: Karen Handville from SCTV

Chairman Ostop introduced Joe Olzacki, a new member and representative of Bloomfield Board of Education.

Approval of Minutes of Last Regular Meeting
The minutes were amended to reflect the correct spelling of Ed Gittleman's name. Revised minutes were moved for acceptance, seconded and passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report
The monthly treasurer's report was distributed to all by Mayme Casady. There was a motion for approval by Ed Gittleman, seconded by Bill Stephenson. Unanimous approval.

Town Reports
Bloomfield - Ed Gittleman was pleased to share with the council the appointment of Joe Olzacki representing the Bloomfield Board of Education. No other news.

E. Hartford - Irene Cone reported that the local coverage of elections went well and the town had a new mayor.

Simsbury - Michael Paine says Simsbury Community TV is launching a fundraising campaign to further upgrade equipment in the stations migration toward digital. It was also mentioned that Comcast needed to check a drop at the high school prior to the next town meeting. Renovations at the school may have interfered with the line and the modulator has been moved. Mark Harutnunian will work with Comcast.

Hartford - Troy Stewart thanked John Bairos for his role is getting immediate assistance when the live feed from city hall went down. All is working well now.

Windsor - David Raney expressed lingering concerns about the realignment of channels and the loss of TBS off the Expanded Basic tier. The comment sparked another conversation about the excessive number of changes in the Hartford franchise, versus those in other areas of the state. One of the stated goals of Comcast, to bring all franchises in line with each other, is an impossible goal due to the "must carries" in each section of the state. The goal of creating clusters of similar channels may, in the long term help some customers, but in the short term has been frustrating. Again, it was mentioned that the opposite situation happened in the digital tier. Issues relating to Windsor Community Television, Inc. will be detailed in another agenda item.

Comcast Report
John Bairos reported several recent actions and company decisions. I. Three new Comcast partnerships were introduced this month. 1.) Video on demand is available with certain CBS programs, including CSI, for a fee of 99 cents. 2.) Internet and DV service are now available through Radio Shack. 3.) Through a partnership with Sprint-Nextel, Comcast, Cox and (?) cell phone and home phone numbers can be the same and share a voice mailbox. Email is also available on the cell phones. II. Unedited Howard Stern on satellite radio is now on demand for $13.99. III CTN will be on the analog level for all state franchises now, as it has been in Hartford. IV Comcast was part of $20,000 grant that built a new print shop for the American School for the Deaf. Chairman Ostop encouraged council members to notify John Bairos about town activities to see if and how Comcast can be involved. V. John wanted everyone to be aware of the DPUC docket #05-09-07 pertaining to the number of access channels. The DPUC is investigating the number of access channels, primarily to determine if larger markets warrant extra channels. There is not thought of removing current channels.

Dave Raney thanked John for his help in researching a cable commercial. At the end of the presentation John distributed Comcast boxing glove key chains.

Committee Reports
Legislative - nothing

Public Relations - Chairman Ostop reported that the HACTAC Web site is averaging over 500 hits a month. The number of hits was far greater than he expected. He encourages each access station to work with Leo Canty establishing a link between station web sites and HACTAC. He also wanted to once again thank Leo for his great work on our Web site.

Windsor - Dick Ostop quickly reviewed the history of HACTAC's involvement with WIN-TV and said the audit firm is ready to go. The next step is to arrange someone at WIN-TV for the firm to contact. Carol Hartman mentioned that a new board member with solid financial background had reviewed the books recently, but the questions concerning the massive debt were not answered. The HACTAC sub committee will stay in contact with the audit. Dick emphasized that Windsor reps to HACTAC have been purposefully excluded from committee work and have not taken part in any council votes regarding Windsor. Bill Stephenson said that at the last WIN-TV board meeting he had raised a question with Dan Glanville, from Comcast, about a possible conflict of interest when serving on a local access board and HACTAC. Mr. Glanville responded he was not aware of any conflict of interest with dual membership, but did mention a here-to-fore unknown fact that there was a docket before the DPUC about dual membership. Dick Ostop and John Bairos reported that the DPUC docket was brought on behalf of the Brandford area and the ruling was that no paid employee of access may serve on its board of directors and regional advisory council, but if the two were in different franchise areas, there was no problem. One member of HACTAC is grandfathered. Bill Stephenson pointed out that HACTAC by-laws encouraged dual membership.

David Raney said despite the many problems at WIN-TV he wanted the council to know that during the election season he found the station to be accommodating and professional.

Chair Communications Report
There was one letter from the OCC regarding the DPUC Docket 05-09-07 investigating additional access channels depending on market size and usage.

Complaints
None

Old Business
None

New Business
None

Next Meeting and Location
Holiday Party at the Simsbury Inn on Wednesday December 7th

Next Regular Meeting January 18 Simsbury

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37

Minutes of HACTAC Meeting October 16, 2005
East Hartford

Meeting started at 7:01

Attendance Dick Ostop, David Rainey., Irene Cone., Mayme Casady, Ed Bittleman, Richard Brimley, Leo Canty, Troy Steward, Hyacinth Yennie, Walter Balasa, Mark Harutunian, and Dan Glanville from Comcast.

Excused: Peter Stempien Carol Hartman, Bill Stephenson

Meeting was called to order by chairman Ostop at 7:01 PM

Minutes were approved (motion by Leo C second by Dave R.) motion passed

Financial report were approved (motion by Leo C and second by Hyacinth Y) motion passed

Town reports;

Bloomfield - waiting for Bd. Of Ed appointment

East Hartford - Election time again

Hartford - building program at schools stalled until money is available to wire individual classrooms HACTAC suggested that a review of the building contract may resolve who would be responsible to put in cabling

- Thank you to Comcast for fixing and prompt repair of problem at 31 Woodland Ave.

- candidate for Bd of Ed

Simsbury- Election time issues

- Local station had channel crawl in Spanish

Windsor- WINTV filmed candidates and Council,

- WINTV had a meeting that went well, moving forward

- Comcast problem periodic partial screen goes blank

- New board was meeting tonight to discuss policy

Comcast John is on wedding leave

- attended WINTV meeting there was tension from board “Why are you here”

explained that as advisory board is expected to be able to attend

- sending letter to WINTV to explain and educate new board about relationship between Comcast, WINTV, and HACTAC and what are each groups rolls and responsibilities

- Survey input comments and suggestions – Why lower satisfaction level – contacting current and former customers?- What is going on in region- inform about Hactac web site

Legislative Report -no report

PR report -no report

Presidents Report- CT DPUC Comments on 1205 and 1240
- request written report on docate # 050907
- one complaint

Old Business- no report

New Business- no report

Meeting Adjournment ( motion Ed G second Leo C.) passed adjourned 7:37 PM

NEXT MEETING SIMSBURY COMMUNITY TV November 16, 2005 at 7:00pm

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of September 21, 2005.

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Mike Paine, Carol Hartman, William Stephenson. Leo Canty, Hyacinth Yennie, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, John Bairos (Comcast),
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Ed Gittleman, Walter Balasa, Mark Harutunian, David Raney, Joe Olzacki (?)
Absent: Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart,
Guest: Dan Glanville (Comcast) , Dave Sharkey (Comcast), Mike Coyle (DPUC)
Members not appointed: West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.
Visitors Comments: Since Mike Coyle from the DPUC was going elsewhere Ostop let Coyle speak to the issues at hand. Coyle indicated that there were three issues being decided at the DPUC which effected Cable Television:

1.) SBC/Verizon's application to provide cable type service over the telephone lines.
It seems that Verizon's approach would be similar to a cable system whereas SBC's approach would be on the internet as a data pack not subject to the must carry requirements (docket 050612)
2.) Branford case concerning the definition of paid-employee vis-à-vis membership on the Council
3.) Question as to whether an access station which broadcasts more than eighty(80%) Monday through Friday can require the provider to provide another access station. This is a declaratory request.

Ostop then talked of his concerns

Coyle indicated that if there was any questions he could always be contacted at the DPUC at Michael.Coyle@po.state.ct.us

Minutes: Motion to accept June minutes made by Leo Canty and seconded by Mike Paine.
One change - Troy Stewart was an excused absence not an absence. Motion to accept minutes passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 06/01/05 - 08/31/05

Balance beginning was $4.906.39
. Balance ending was $6.886.39

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by William Stephenson to accept the report subject to audit. The motion was passed unanimously.
Casady indicated that due to shortness in time the CD's had expired and cost the Council several dollars. She felt it was her fault and ate the expense. The Council felt that she should be reimbursed and at least take the cost as a donation to the council and be able to deduct the gift.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: Members are busy with all the political taping for the upcoming elections.
Windsor: New board elected to the Access station. The board extended from 13 to 18. The new bylaws are being worked on. The presence of Dick Ostop representing the Council has been helpful in moving things along smoothly.
Simsbury: Also doing political taping. Paine asked Comcast concerning the donation of the email in lieu of the payment of $2000 for the change in Channel 22. Bairos indicated that Comcast did not want to link the two. As a separate issue he would be willing to discuss with Paine the issue of internet access.
Bloomfield: Board of education member is in limbo. No member seated as yet
Hartford (Schools): No new Report
Hartford (Town): Nothing new. Yennie told Ostop Hartford was willing to work with HACTAC on PSA's.
West Hartford: No report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.
Bairos reported and handed out the results of the survey taken. Ostop asked everyone to read the survey and come back next month with any questions or comments of the survey

Bairos handed of the new lineup of stations and new pomos for the cable. He also handed out the DPUC coverage and outage report.

Bairos reported on community affairs work done by Comcast:

1.) Every day explorer program by National Geographic is now available to the schools in all towns
2.) Hartford - University of Hartford -Caring Neighbor program
3.) East Hartford - Contribution by Comcast to the Wishes Come True Program
4.) Hartford - participation in Telemundo 'La Feria de la Familia' program

Stempien asked Bairos which other franchise had their education channel moved. Bairos indicated none. Stempien asked which other had C-SPAN-1 and C_SPAN- 2 moved next to each other. Bairos said none. Stempien asked which is the largest Connecticut franchise Bairos indicated that Hartford was. Stempein then stated that the largest franchise had to receive the great disruption of service when no other franchise did. Bairos made no comment.
Stempien indicated that there will be a lot of disruption especially with the elderly due to the changes in the channel line up. All of the council agreed.

Legislative Committee Report: No Report
Public Relations Committee Report: not new report.
Nominating Committee: no report

.President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
No senior citizen discounts.
Complaints: None this month

Old Business:
Motion made
HACTAC pay for the audit of the WIN-TV books.
Moved by Mike Paine seconded by Gittleman. Estimated cost will be approximately $2000. Passed unanimously (Windsor and chair abstained) Ostop inquired with three accounting firms as to cost for the audit: Maletta & Co.,Brtistol, ($5,000) , Levitsky & Berney, Woodbridge ($2000-$5000) and Kostin-Ruffkess & Co ,Farmington ($1700)
Ostop indicated that he thought that the firm of Kostin-Ruffkess & Co. who has done several audits of this type of organization be hired. He also stated that a member of the firm lived in Simsbury. Paine moved acceptance and Stempien seconded. Motion passed unanimously (Windsor members not voting).

New Business:

Otop asked that the dinner bill for this meeting be paid for by the Council. Moved by Canty and seconded by Paine. The bill was for $202.11 Motion passed 8 to 1 (Stempien voting against)
Meeting schedule for 2005-2006 was proposed

October 19 - East Hartford
November 16 - Simsbury
December 7 - Hartford (holiday party)
January 18 - Hartford
February 15 - Bloomfield
March 15 - Windsor
April 19 - West Hartford
May 17 - Hartford
June 21 - Comcast
Moved by Canty and seconded by Stempien passed unanimously.
Canty asked why West Hartford had no members Ostop indicated that members of the access station cannot serve and the town has not appointed anyone. We have kept West Hartford on the schedule but for the last two years the town officials have not allowed us to meet in a public building because we are not a West Hartford committee.

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Next Meeting and Location:

October 19 2005 7:00 PM
East Hartford Town Hall
740 Main St
East Hartford, CT 06010

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of June 15, 2005

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Mike Paine, Mark Harutunian, Carol Hartman, David Raney, William Stephenson. Leo Canty, Walter Balasa, Hyacinth Yennie, Troy Stewart, Mayme Casady, Ed Gittleman, John Bairos (Comcast),
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Irene Cone, Joe Olzacki
Absent: Celestino Jimenez
Guest:
Members not appointed: West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Chairman Ostop thanked all members for all the work presented during the year.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.

Minutes: Motion to accept May minutes made by Ed Gittleman and seconded by William Stephenson. One change - Troy Stewart was an excused absence not an absence. Motion to accept minutes passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 05/01/05 - 05/31/05

Balance beginning was $4.906.39
. Balance ending was $6.906.39

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by William Stephenson to accept the report subject to audit. The motion was passed unanimously.
Balasa indicated that the banks are now issuing fractional year CD's and suggested that the Treasurer look into these and see if the interest rate is higher. Cassidy said she would investigate these CD's.
Motion made by Hartman and seconded by Gittleman
Review and if appropriate then invest.
Motion passed unanimously.
Stempien suggested that the treasurer should be able to make these decisions on her own. Ostop indicated that the board would like to be involved.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: No Report. Members excused because they are taping graduations.
Windsor: Two complaints. One complaint is from Raney himself. A second complaint is from a subscriber that channel 500 and above are only - pixels and are not visible on the screen. Written copies given to Bairos. Hartman thanked Bairos for Comcast's sponsoring the Nature Program in Hebron that she attended. Raney also commented on the responsiveness to the Shad Derby affair in Windsor. Stephenson questioned why a tape expressing anti-American feelings was pulled before the program ended on the air. The feeling is that the obligation of the station is to run the complete tape. A disclaimer should be displayed before all programs to solve this problem.
Simsbury: Just had annual meeting and all went well. Paine questioned the use of a phone number for soliciting funds from viewers. This show also shows a website which also solicits funds. He asked the board for help on this issue. Ostop indicates that a letter has been sent to the DPUC for a ruling on this issue. Ostop will get Paine a copy of the letter.
Stempien thanked Comcast for good response for underground cable problem.
Bloomfield: Board of education member is in limbo. No member seated as yet
Hartford (Schools): No new Report
Hartford (Town): Nothing new. Yennie asked why so many taxes on bill. Everyone stated that Fanfare could answer this if he ever showed up. Many Hartford people are still changing for Dish. Troy Stewart thanked Comcast for solving the problem with the city hall feed. Everything went well.
West Hartford: No report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.
Bairos reported on community affairs work done by Comcast Foundations leaders and achievement recipient awards

Crystal Murray - East Hartford
Cara Hovhansessian - Farmington
Crystal Serrano - Windsor
Mathew LeBeau - East Hartford
Mathew Eyler - Hartford
Shawnet Jones - Hartford
Anisa Kelmaenda - Hartford
Kevein Henry - Hartford

Bairos reported on community affairs work done by Comcast:

1.) Hartford YMCA celebration - minor achievers
2.) Hartford - Riverfront recapture day

Bairos announced the change in the channel alignment. Due for July 26th
Main change is Channel 22 to 19. Bairos stated Comcast would reimburse the stations from any costs required to effect these changes. Every one asked why Channel 22 is being moved to a different channel since CSPAN has to move anyway. Stempien indicated that anytime the channels realign it costs many people extra money. Most of these people are elderly and pay someone to re-preset the channels.

Canty moved:
COMCAST leave the channels alone, keep 22 for the peg channel and not move it to 19. Gittleman seconded and motion passed unanimously. Stempien reminded the group that when TCI changed from 28 to 5 the DPUC awarded the access stations an amount equal to $42,000 whereas Comcast is awarding only $12,000.

Legislative Committee Report: No Report
Public Relations Committee Report: Hartman questionaire was sent to all access stations to see if they were interested in taking control of the mult-town broadcast schedule and switching task. She received favorable answers fron four stations Qwest Hartford stated that they did not have the ability to multi-town boradcast. . Ostop asked the members to go back to the stations and ask the stations to perhaps resurrect the station managers group which could handle this kind of activity.
Canty asked if there were any promos on HACTAC. We thought that perhaps one of the stations could tape it. Canty suggested that we ask the stations to submit a proposal. This proposal could have a monetary prize for helping create a good set of promos for HACTAC.
Nominating Committee: Report requests that Ostop - Chairman
Hartman - Vice Chairman
Secretary - Stempien
Treasurer - Cassidy
Motion moved Canty and seconded Gittleman
Passed 13-1 (Stempien voting against)

Motion that Chairman will have check signature authority for HACTAC as well as Cassidy
Moved by Stempien seconded by Gittleman.
Passed unanimously.

President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
No senior citizen discounts.
Complaints: None this month

Old Business:
A.) Additional questions needed for the survey:

1.) Add question 52a ask:

Are you active or do you want to be involved in community access television programming? Y or N

2.) Add Question 53a ask:

Do you know how to contact your Cable Advisory Council?
Y or N
B.) Draft letter to DUPC concerning the DPUC's role in all of CATV activity as well as Dish activity to level the playing field was discussed. Raney was to send letter after sprucing it up with the comments made at the meeting.

New Business:
WIN-TV Committee: New Win-TV Board created. Treasurer resigned moving out of state and is turning books over to Attorney General.
Motion made
HACTAC pay for the audit of the WIN-TV books.
Moved by Mike Paine seconded by Gittleman. Estimated cost will be approximately $2000. Passed unanimously (Windsor and chair abstained)

July 21special workshop to look at policy and bylaw changes of WIN station.
Other access stations need to send copy of bylaws and regulations to chair before the meeting on July 21.
Stephenson indicated that Ostop attended the meeting as an invited guest of a member and the current president. Comcast, in response to a written complaint, asked HACTAC to intervene two years ago. Ostop was praised for the excellent job he did in the difficult situation

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Next Meeting and Location:

September 21 2005 7:00 PM
Hawthorne Inn
2421 Berlin Turnpike
Berlin, CT 06037

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of May 18, 2005

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Carol Hartman, David Raney, William Stephenson. Leo Canty, Walter Balasa, Celestino Jimenez. Hyacinth Yennie, Mayme Casady, Mark Harutunian, John Bairos (Comcast),
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Mike Paine, Ed Gittleman, Irene Cone
Absent: Troy Stewart, Joe Olzacki
Guest: Buzz Holmes (Simsbury) (Senator Fonfara was to have been present but Legislature was in session. He indicated that he would be at a future meeting.)
Members not appointed: Simsbury (1) West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.

Minutes: Motion to accept April minutes made by Carol Hartman and seconded by William Stephenson Motion to accept minutes passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 04/01/05 - 04/301/05

Balance beginning was $4.991.63
. Balance ending was $4.906.39

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Mark Harutunian to accept the report subject to audit.
The motion was passed unanimously.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: No Report. All members of the station attended a Ray McKinna memorial dinner.
Windsor: Nothing new.
Simsbury: Stempien indicated that Comcast had responded to last month's complaint and was working on the problem.
Bloomfield: No Report
Hartford (Schools): Receipt of credit for $.26 now
Hartford (Town): Nothing new.
West Hartford: No report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Bairos reported on community affairs work done by Comcast:

1.) Hartford YMCA celebration
2.) West Hartford - Clinton day
3.) Hartford Community Day

Bairos handed out new advertising material starting a new campaign to combat Dish TV and to target specific communities. Harutunian asked Bairos concerning the "Snow Bird" packages whether Comcast still offers these packages for those who go elsewhere for several months but want to keep hooked up to the cable with their current package. Bairos stated these were still in effect and the customers should call Customer Services for the information to receive this special discount.
Bairos indicated that the company had completed a contract with the survey people and that per regulations HACTAC is entitled to two questions on the questionnaire. After receiving a copy of the last questionnaire Ostop requested that everyone take the questionnaire home and bring two questions to the June meeting. These will then be voted on and given to Comcast to include in the survey.
Bairos reported on legislature activity. HB6652 (request for CTN to on lower channels of every cable system) was reported to the floor of the House. Discussion was held concerning this bill. The wording of the bill could be construed as eliminating the governmental PEG station and replacing it with CTN. It was moved by Stephenson and seconded by Stempien that all members write to their respective legislators requesting clarification of the bill and not allowing elimination of the governmental access station. Motion passed unanimously.

A long discussion then took place concerning Windsor's plight . At the end Ostop agreed to attend a meeting with the Windsor board to discuss what might be done to sove the situation

Legislative Committee Report: No Report
Public Relations Committee Report: Kudos were given to Canty for a good job on the website. (www.HACTAC.org) Several changes were given to Canty for updating the information of the website. Canty stated that he would be glad to continue to update the website until it became onerous and then someone would have to take up the responsibility. Haratunian suggested that the Comcast bill be amended to contain the website.

President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
No memos this month

Complaints: Two (2)
1.) William Stephenson - Coordination of service and quantity of drops
2.) Windsor TV - HACTAC intervention in Board politics

Old Business: Motions still open:
1.) Ed Gittleman made a motion that HACTAC write the legislature concerning a rate cut for all seniors, not the selected few who apply. Motion seconded by Dick Brimley. The motion regarding a letter requesting senior discounts passed.
2.) Brimley moved and Stempien seconded that: The Chairman write a formal letter to the DPUC requesting a written response on what is considered advertising versus what is sponsorship as permitted on access stations. Motion passed unanimously.
3.) David Raney moved that a letter to the legislature be drafted to expand the purview of HACTAC. Motion seconded by Dick Brimley. Draft of letter passed out and membership asked to review for next meeting and return with thoughts.

New Business:
Nominating committee appointed for the June Meeting.
Carol Hartman, David Raney, Leo Canty and Hyacinth Yenine

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Next Meeting and Location:
June 15, 2005 7:00 PM
Comcast Offices
222 New Park Ave
Berlin, CT 06037

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of April 20, 2005

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Mike Paine, Richard Ostop, Carol Hartman, David Raney, Walter Balasa, Troy Stewart, Hyacinth Yennie, Ed Gittleman, Richard Brimley, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Dave Sharkey (Comcast), Kristen Roberts (Comcast).
Excused absence: Mark Harutunian, Leo Canty, Celestino Jimenez,
Absent: William Stephenson,
Guest. (Senator Fonfara was to have been present but Legislature was in session. He indicated that he would be at a future meeting.)
Members not appointed: Simsbury (1) West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.
Minutes: Motion to accept March minutes made by Ed Gittleman and seconded by Mike Paine. The following changes to be made:
Carol Hartman was an excused absence.
Town Reports - Windsor: "Dave Rainey continued to' should read 'Dave Raney continued to'
Comcast Report: " Rainey requested that we" should be 'Raney requested that we'
Committee Reports-Legislative: "John Fanfare will attend April meeting (Hartford)" should be
'Legislative: John Fanfare will attend April meeting (East Hartford)'

Motion to accept minutes with changes passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady presented the report for the period from 03/01/05 - 03/31/05

Balance beginning was $5,001.63
. Balance ending was $4,991.60

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Ed Gittleman to accept the report subject to audit. Casady said that 'Analysis Service Charges' was being charges for the analysis of the interest I other words they were charging $10.00 for $.35 interest. Casady asked that the analysis charge be cancelled and that there will be no interest. .
The motion was passed unanimously.
Casady then indicated that the CD's would be coming due in June and asked what we wanted to do. Gittleman moved and Stempien seconded that: 'The two CD's be combined'
Brimely asked why and will we be having enough cast for expenses. Ostop indicated that the Comcast payment was now available and we would have enough. Motion was passed unanimously

Town Reports:
East Hartford: Board of Ed is live on Channel 21. E Hartford group will not be present at May meeting due to a memorial dinner for past East Hartford resident.
Windsor: Nothing new.
Simsbury: Nothing new- Station is switching to DVD. Stempien indicated problems of Channel 6 rolling signal. Ostop indicated he had problems on 3. Sharkey (Comcast) stated he would call in repair on this)
Ostop then brought up the question of how to acknowledge gifts to an access station. He indicated that putting a telephone number of the store would be inappropriate. Several other questions were now asked on the expanded ads on PBS. Roberts (Comcast) indicated she would research this question and report back with hopefully a formal statement that could be disseminated to the stations.
Brimley moved and Stempien seconded that: The Chairman write a formal letter to the DPUC requesting written response what is considered advertising versus what is permitted on access station. Motion passed unanimously.
Bloomfield: Bloomfield has new member who did not receive a meeting notice since school is not in session - Board of Ed - Joe Olzacki
Hartford (Schools): Balasa indicated last month he complained about a $.24 charge on the bill and that this month Comcast just sent a bill for a credit of $.24 Roberts (Comcast) indicated that the Hartford area was going through a new billing system change and that there were some "glitches" Balasa also indicated that through some electrical problems at the head-end school he had lost the modulator. Sharkey (Comcast) indicated that there should be contact with his office and these would be taken care of.
Hartford (Town): Nothing new. Hyacinth was disappointed that Senator Fonfara was tied up for the next two months due to Legislative session. Yennie indicated that dishes are appearing all over Hartford. Stempien heard that the dish companies are claiming that they are also bringing access. It appears that these are in phone calls. The members will be looking for written statement to that effect. Roberts (Comcast) indicated that there would be pointed ads, which we can add to.
West Hartford: No report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Roberts indicated that this would be her last meeting as she taking maternity leave. Everyone complemented Roberts and wished her well. Roberts indicated an expansion of On-Demand, Sprout and children's programming.
Raney requested that we get advanced notice of these changes so that we can answer questions. We used to get thirty days notice. Sharkey stated he would ask and come back with an answer. Channel 20 is now HD.
Comcast is now trying to combine switching channels to the same numbers in the entire state. This is not set yet but Comcast will get to us as soon as all are ready.

Soon Comcast voice will be available. All services actions will be on one bill (voice, cable and internet).
Stempien brought up the fact that the Hartford franchise is always the one that changes for "the betterment of the cable" and we get no recognition that we have to go through this hassle. This started a heated discussion and Stempien was asked to leave the meeting. This he did and the rest of the minutes were taken by Carol Hartman and are attached.

: Partial HACTAC Minutes - 4/20/05

Continued company report:
Clarification of the company report regarding channel lineup changes came from Walt Balasa. Changes that are made would bring all state franchises in closer alignment. Presently the changes are unknown. Hartford may move in sync with other franchises, or other franchises may move in sync with Hartford. HACTAC members asked for written notification justifying necessary channel number changes.

In response to a query from Irene Cone, company reps said projected changes would begin in the Vernon franchise sometime in the fall.

Dave Raney raised a concern about the legality of DVR's, available through Comcast, in light of recent FCC rulings regarding the recording of HDTV. The clause of 45 days personal usage covers the company, but classroom usage was unclear. The company keeps abreast of important federal regulations via their lobbyists and both the lobbyists and Comcast are proactive in the legislative field.

Comcast was voted one of the top 10 company's for diversity by Diversity, Inc. Also Comcast will be participating in an Urban League job fair tomorrow. Second quarter checks have gone to area advisory councils, a fact confirmed by president Ostop. After looking into the issue, it was concluded by Comcast that the check-off cannot be reinstituted, it is too burdensome. Comcast is still promoting a "buy back" program for those who want to switch back to cable from the dish - up to a $400 benefit over 4 months. Information regarding senior patrons, requested by HACTAC to talk more about Sr. discounts, will not be forth coming because that information is proprietary according to a DPUC ruling. The DPUC bill 050301 relates to cable billing errors that occurred when Comcast upgraded its billing format in the Hartford area. Corrections are being made.

Legislative Committee Report:

According to Ed Gittleman, confusion reigns surrounding HB 224 that relates to CTN and access. CTN is looking for its own specified access channel for the state, it is not interested in taking one of the 3 PEG channels. This bill is still in committee.

Public Relations Committee Report:

In his absence, Leo Canty was acknowledged for getting the HACTAC web site (www.HACTAC.org) up and running. It was suggested that an announcement of the web site be put on access community bulletin boards. Carol Hartman apologized for not having the letters out about the interconnect feasibility. She had forgotten about the letter, but will have it sent before next meeting.

The posting of meeting minutes on the web site before council approval was discussed. It was decided minutes would be posted after approval necessitating a month delay. Adding the upcoming agenda was suggested.

Chairman's Report:A listing of communications from the State of CT, DPUC, OCC, Comcast, and attorney's for Comcast was circulated. As usual, the chairman will retain the communications for one month for council members' perusal. Of note this month was notification that the Comcast per subscriber rate to access will increase to $6.48.

Complaints:Only one written complaint was received which stated that Comcacst is getting richer in Hartford - in other words, cable rates are too high. A general concern expressed by the council was that rates continue to rise, more and more people are going digital, then switching to the dish to beat the cost. HACTAC needs to work with the company on this issue and try to stop the moving. It was suggested that a promo be broadcast on access stations.

Old Business:Ed Gittleman made a motion that HACTAC write the legislature concerning a rate cut for all seniors, not the selected few who apply. Motion seconded by Dick Brimley. In the discussion that followed it was speculated that we might be unfair telling Comcast how to run its business, while at the same time not have the power or interested in how dish companies run their businesses. The motion regarding a letter requesting senior discounts passed.

New Business:David Raney moved that a letter to the legislature be drafted to expand the purview of HACTAC. Motion seconded by Dick Brimley. The point was made that it was a very long time ago (in terms of technology) that the legislation creating advisory councils was enacted. Cable companies no longer have a monopoly with the advent of the dish. Also, cable company services now include the phone and internet access. Dave volunteered to write the draft. Nine members voted for the draft, 3 opposed. The proposal passed.

Next Meeting and Location:

The next meeting will be in West Hartford on May 18th. Location to be determined.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

May 18, 2005 7:00 PM
SCTV Studios
754 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of March 16, 2005

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Mike Paine, Mark Harutunian, Leo Canty, William Stephenson, David Raney, Richard Ostop, Walter Balasa, Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart, Hyacinth Yennie, Ed Gittleman, Dave Sharkey (Comcast).
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone
Absent: Carol Hartman
Guest: Steve McCauley, Manager of HTV. (Senator Fonfara was to have been present but was called to a special meeting. He indicated that he would be at the April meeting.)
Members not appointed: Simsbury (1) West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (1) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.
Minutes: Motion to accept February minutes made by Ed Gittleman and seconded by William Stephenson. The following changes to be made: "Ed Gittleman was present. Motion was made by Stempien and seconded by Gittleman. Potion passed unanimously." Should read: "Motion was made by Stempien and seconded by Gittleman. Motion passed unanimously."
Motion to accept minutes with changes passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Peter Stempien read the report created by Mayme Casady for the period from 02/01/05 - 02/28/05

Balance beginning was $5,031.40
. Balance ending was $5,001.63

A motion was made by Ed Gittleman and seconded by Mike Paine to accept the report subject to audit. Mayme said that 'Analysis Service Charges' explanation requested by William Stephenson at the last meeting would be presented at the April meeting.
Ostop indicated that he was in receipt of the Quarterly check from Comcast.
The motion was passed unanimously.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: No report
Windsor: Nothing new other than station problems (see Special Win-TV section below). Dave Rainey continued to complain concerning the louder volume on advertisements. Ostop indicated that Comcast had indicated it was not in their control. Tech people in the group seem to think that volume governors could be installed. Sharkey was asked to find an answer. Stempien indicated that the ads pay for the service. If you do not like the ads, you should mute the sound or write the sponsors and complain.
Simsbury: Mark Harutunian passed out info sheets on what is happening in technology education in Simsbury. Paine indicated a decline in the cable subscribers. Harutunian indicated expert assistance by Comcast for help on Echo lane in the middle of the winter.
Bloomfield: Bloomfield has new member from the Board of Ed - Joe Olzacki Gittleman then talked to the funding issues (see below - Chairman's Report for further info)
Hartford (Schools): Balasa indicated that Comcast is not paying attention to the Hartford clientele. Monthly rates continue to rise and there is no attempt to help the needy in Hartford. Balasa expressed concern that the amount of subscribers in the Hartford area will go down to minimal.
Hartford (Town): Nothing new. Hyacinth was disappointed that Senator Fonfara was not present as many people are transferring to Direct-TV.
West Hartford: No report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.
Sharkey stated Comcast takes marketing Comcast vs. Direct-TV very seriously.
The Bill 5652 hearing was televised on CTN. HACTAC's concern on this bill is that COMCAST will try to take over the government channel to broadcast CTN and remove the current programming on the government channel. Stempien indicated that if you read the bill, it is a replacement of the existing statute and only adds CTN to the basic tier. Ostop read an article concerning the CTN station and indicated that Lt Gov Kevin Sullivan "spokesman for the Cable Company" stated that the channel should be on basic. Ostop asked who made Sullivan the cable spokesman? Sullivan has intervened to the detriment of the franchise before. Stan McCauley then brought up the question of what is meaningful government programming versus what the state legislature states government programming is.
Sharkey indicated the following change in channel:
193 NBC weather Channel
251 International news.
Rainey requested that we get advanced notice of these changes so that we can answer questions. We used to get thirty days notice. Mike Paine asked about the change of the name of channel five from Public access to access station. Sharkey stated he would ask and come back with an answer.

To view active bills see: www.cga.ct.gov
Committee Reports:
Legislative: John Fanfare will attend April meeting (Hartford)
Public Relations: Leo Canty indicated the website ready to go by the April meeting.
Nominating Committee: No report
WIN-TV Committee:
Stephenson indicated that there are still problems with the board and the members. Ostop indicated that the subcommittee would get together and review the problems and report back to the board on the solution.
President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Gittleman then moved "HACTAC send a letter to the DPUC, Comcast and the OCC to require Comcast to reinstated the check-off " motion seconded by Mike Paine. Discussion was held. Mike Paine requested that HACTAC also ask the station to write a letter. Ostop explained the history of the check-off in the negotiations and Ostop indicated that the DPUC could review the matter after three years of the existing contract period. Motion passed unanimously. Stempien stated that perhaps we should go to the Direct TV people and ask them to carry the access station and then we would get true competition. Troy Stewart indicated that one of the advantages of cable is the access station and Comcast should advertise it as a benefit. Ostop indicated that perhaps Comcast should be more proactive in pushing the access perhaps a scroll on the bottom of some of the channels indicating that Comcast is providing access. Ostop is to write a letter to Comcast formally requesting these items:
Senior citizens discount
Volume control on advertisements
Number of senior subscribers
Individual town subscribers
Ostop indicated doc 050301 - DPUC Docket requests a review of billing policies. HACTAC is automatically an intervener in this action. Per se HACTAC may add questions to the Docket.

Correspondence. See website above for all letters.
Complaints: None
Old Business:
New Business: Website is requesting input from all members.
Stempien asked for a list from every station of the station name, address and their president's name with an email address if it exists.

Meeting Schedule:
East Hartford 4-20-05 West Hartford 5-18-05 Comcast 6-15-05
.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM. The next meeting is:

April 20, 2005 7:00 PM
East Hartford Town Hall
740 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06010

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting
February 16, 2005

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Mike Paine, Mark Harutunian, Carol Hartman, Leo Canty, William Stephenson, David Raney, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart, Hyacinth Yennie, John Bairos (Comcast).
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Richard Ostop, Walter Balasa
Absent: none
Guest: none
Members not appointed: Simsbury (1) West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (2) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.
Minutes: Motion to accept January minutes made by Leo Canty and seconded by Hyacinth Yennie. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady read the report for the periods from 01/01/05 - 01/31/05

Balance beginning was $5,061.27
. Balance ending was $5,031.40

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Ed Gittleman to accept the report subject to audit.
William Stephenson questioned the $10.30 charge for 'Analysis Service Charges' from the bank. M. Casady indicated that was changed since she took over the account. The group asked that M. Casady check with the bank to see what this charge was really for as no one at the meeting had this kind of charge. M. Casady said she would ask and report back at the next meeting.
Motion to accept the report subject to audit was passed unanimously.
Town Reports:
East Hartford: Irene indicated that the line to the Ceba School was installed and tested.
Windsor: Dave Raney indicated that he had gone to the Bloomfield Comcast open house and was impressed with the nice job Comcast did. Nothing else was new to report (see Special Win-TV section below).
Simsbury: Paine indicated that the loss of customers to the dish network has affected the amount of money the stations get from Comcast and the budget for 2005 had to be adjusted downward. Harutunian indicated that schools going well
Bloomfield: No report.
Hartford (Schools): No Report
Hartford (Town): Nothing new. Hyacinth indicated that the reduction of customer base was also a problem with Hartford TV.
West Hartford: No report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.
John Bairos indicated that the customer service people receive commissions for any increase of service or new service they promote while answering the phones at the customer center. He indicated that the Customer Service group last December voted to contribute their commissions to the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford for the month. This amounted to some $1500.
Channel lineup changes:
ABC news channel 194 will be shut down
193 will be the new NBC weather channel
Discovery HD will be coming to channel 339
Bairos in response to a query from Dave Raney agreed to provide as a separate report on a quarterly basis, a list of Customer adds and deletes for auditing purposes.
Stempien asked for the number of Senior discounted subscriptions given by Comcast. Bairos stated that he could not do this, as it was proprietary information.
Canby then moved: A written request be sent to Comcast stating,
HACTAC formally requests the total number of subscribers in the Hartford Franchise that received senior discounts.
Motion seconded by Hyacinth Yennie passed unanimously.
Raney and Yennie thanked Bairos for the U. of Hartford Basketball tickets afforded to their various groups last month.
Bairos indicated that up to seven bills had been submitted to the legislature concerning the continuation of CTN as a CSPAN-like station for the state legislature.
After some discussion Bairos indicated he would send copies of the various bills that came up to the legislature to Stempien who would pass then on via the Internet to all members.
To view active bills see: www.cga.ct.gov
Committee Reports:
Scholarship Committee: No report.
Legislative: John Fanfare will attend March meeting (Hartford)
Public Relations: Leo Canty and Carol Hartman will further discuss (see below).
Access Stations: No report.
Nominating Committee: No report
WIN-TV Committee:
Stephenson reported on the board meeting of the new WIN-TV board. HACTAC decided no further need for the committee existed. If something comes up the committee can be reconstituted quickly.
President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Correspondence. See website above for all letters.
Complaints: None
Old Business: 1.) Web page Proposal: Canty submitted a website proposal that would cost $420 year one and $210 the following year. This would provide a website utilizing I-Designs web hosting service. Motion was made by Stempien and seconded by Gittleman. Potion passed unanimously.
2.) Interconnect Status: Acting Chairperson Hartman submitted a letter to be sent to all access stations to elicit any desire to plan and execute the interconnect service available currently for the six towns. Everyone agreed that this was the correct way to go and urged Hartman to send the letter.
3.) Dropping number of subscribers: This subject was discussed above in company report as well as town reports. Continued comments we made concerning Comcast utilizing the access station to promote the cable service and the changes therein.
New Business: Standing Committees: Chairman Hartman indicated that we constantly call on committees, which do not report any business. She requested review of the committees listed. Stempien indicated that the only committee provided for by name in the bylaws was the nominating committee. A suggestion was made that the Access Stations committee and WIN-TV complaint committees be eliminated. The Legislative committee, headed by Ed Gittleman as well as the Public Relations committee will continue.

Meeting Schedule:
Hartford 3-16-05 East Hartford 4-20-05 West Hartford 5-18-05 Comcast 6-15-05
.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.

The next meeting is:

March 16, 2005 7:00 PM
Hartford Community TV Station
2028 Sergeant Street
Hartford, CT

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting
January 19, 2005

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Mike Paine, Mark Harutunian, Carol Hartman, William Stephenson, David Raney, Mayme Casady, Irene Cone, Walter Balasa, Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart, Hyacinth Yennie, John Bairos (Comcast) Dave Sharkey (Comcast).
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Leo Canty, Ed Gittleman
Absent: none
Guest: none
Members not appointed: Simsbury (1) West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (2) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.
Minutes: Motion to accept November minutes made by Mayme Casady and seconded by Mark Harutunian.
Changes:
East Hartford: ' East Hartford's drop at the new high school is being accomplished for the third time at no cost to the town'.
Should read: 'East Hartford's drop at the International Baccalaureate Academy is being accomplished. The Academy is paying for the drop. This is not a drop line agreed to in the franchise but a separate new line'.
Clarification of the 'amount of open seats for Hartford' is: one is allocated to the head Librarian of the Franchise (Hartford) and the second is still available for Hartford.

Motion passed unanimously with changes.
Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady read the report for the periods from 10/30/04 - 11/30/04
12/01/04- 12/31/04

Balance beginning was $6,008.41
. Balance ending was $5,061.27

Also presented was the annual financial statement for the period 01/01/04 thru 12/31/04.
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by William Stephenson to accept the report subject to audit. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Ostop complemented Ms. Casady on the thoroughness of the reports. A round of applause was given to Ms. Casady for a job well done.
Town Reports:
East Hartford: Irene indicated that she was doing more town council meetings. The station is telecasting all of these meetings.
Windsor: Nothing new to report (see Special Win-TV section below).
Simsbury: Nothing new to report. Harutunian indicated that schools going well
Bloomfield: No report.
Hartford (Schools): Walter Balasa announced that the state of Connecticut has proclaimed the requirement that all schools prepare students for the technology needs of the future. He sees this as a plus for the use of computers and TV as an extension of this idea.
Hartford (Town): Troy Stewart indicated that he is seeing a decline in the income for the access stations due to the fact that many subscribers are leaving Comcast for satellite. Since the access funding is based entirely on the amount of subscribers this becomes a serious problem. Ostop agreed with Stewart on this issue and indicated that the Council should try to focus some of its effort in an attempt to notify the public on the consequences of the action of leaving the cable system. Ostop wants the cable vs. satellite issue to become an action item to be reported and discussed at each meeting.
John Bairos indicated that Comcast is trying to face this problem and is working in three areas:
1. New products e.g. NFL Network
2. Targeting ethnic population - satellites are providing service to this area
3. Target marketing - attempts to bundle voice products with TV to get one bill

Hyacinth indicated that she has scheduled Rep. John Fanfare to the March meeting to help discuss this area and other Legislative based solutions to cable service. A further discussion was held concerning the high cost of the cable service. This includes rising taxes and fixed costs and the claim by Comcast that the cost represents the upgrade of service, which everyone in the Hartford franchise believes was paid for under the AT&T franchise. Stempien asked Bairos to provide the council with the number of people in the franchise who get a senior discount.
Ostop asked Bairos why has Comcast deleted Sunday's Stefanopolis program (CBS) affiliate. Bairos indicated it is FSB not Comcast. Ostop says that Comcast brings TV thus Comcast gets blamed.
West Hartford: No report
COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.
Operations Manager Dave Sharkey (505-3349) was present at this meeting.
John Bairos indicated that he thought that he gave his report already (town reports above).
Stempien asked why there was no publicity on the Hallmark channel 62. The group asked Comcast to help develop promos that the access channels could run to push the new stations. John Bairos indicated the service center in Bloomfield opened on the 14th. The opening was very successful. Bairos asked that the community events be sent to Comcast so that they could promote these events.
Bairos asked for an upgrade of the roster with address be sent to him.
Comcast has terminated is relationship with TIVO
Committee Reports:
Scholarship Committee: No report.
Legislative: John Fanfare will attend March meeting (Hartford)
Public Relations: Leo Canty and Carol Hartman will further discuss.
Access Stations: No report.
Nominating Committee: No report
WIN-TV Committee: A board elected with new members. The entire Windsor reps with Dick Ostop attended this election meeting and it appears that the station has now changed direction and seems to be moving the right direction to solve all of the problems they have had in the past. Bill Stephenson was elected to the new board. Ostop indicated, with the change in the leadership, the report on the complaints is tabled until the new organizations works out. Hartman indicated that the members of the Windsor delegation to HACTAC sent a letter asking for changes. Stempien asked for a copy of the letter but was told that this was not needed since they acted as citizens of Windsor.

President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Dick Ostop wanted to iterate the need to have action items. He listed three:
1.) Price vs. Programming - this is the ability to choose a number of stations from a list for a set fee not just premium channels
2.) Senior Citizen discount - The flat percentage discount based solely on age.
3.) Satellite vs. Cable - the need to communicate to the public changes and benefits of having Comcast as the provider vs. the satellite companies.

Correspondence. See website above for all letters.
Complaints: Two complaints from Simsbury concerning costs. Greenfield and Angelino
Old Business: Canty and Stephenson appointment confirmed by letter. Request to have letters of reappointment forwarded as soon as possible.
New Business: None - see action items above

Meeting Schedule:
Bloomfield 2-16-05 Hartford 3-16-05 East Hartford 4-20-05 change
West Hartford 5-18-05 change Comcast 6-15-05
.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 PM. The next meeting is:

February 16, 2005 7:00 PM
Bloomfield Senior Center
330 Park Ave
Bloomfield, CT

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting of November 17, 2004

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Mike Paine, Carol Hartman, William Stephenson, David Raney, Mayme Casady, Dick Brimley, Ed Gittleman, John Bairos (Comcast).
Excused absence: Mark Harutunian, Irene Cone
Absent: Walter Balasa, Leo Canty, Celestino Jimenez, Troy Stewart, Hyacinth Yennie
Guest: Susan Eblan, new president of SCTV
Members not appointed: Simsbury(1) West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (2) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.

Minutes: Motion to accept October minutes made by Ed Gittleman and seconded by William Stephenson.
Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady read the report for the periods from 10/01/04 - 10/30/04

Balance beginning was $4,018.13
. Balance ending was $6,008.41

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by William Stephenson to accept the report subject to audit. Motion passed unanimously.
A discussion was held to determine if we should continue to show the amounts in the CD's. Everyone agreed so long as the account numbers are not shown it would be fine to show the amounts.
Town Reports:
East Hartford: Irene's granddaughter is in the hospital and all wish her good health
The Comcast repairperson did an excellent job. Thanks to Comcast. Dick Brimely asked that the April and May meetings be switched because East Hartford has a heavy telecast schedule in May. Agreed to switch with West Hartford.
Windsor: Nothing new to report. Dave Raney requested Comcast to announce new programming a few days before so that people can get prepared for the new stations. John Bairos state he would report this to marketing.
Simsbury: New fund raising program initiated Funds needed to upgrade to digital. Modulator at the High School is not working correctly.
Bloomfield: No report. Ed's wife slipped and broke her leg. All sent her their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Hartford (Schools): No report
Hartford (Town): No report.
West Hartford. No report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Operations Manager Dave Sharkey (505-3349).
John Bairos indicated that the January meeting is at ESPN. The business meeting will be after a Dutch dinner probably across the street.
East Hartford's drop at the new high school is being accomplished for the third time at no cost to the town. Work is being done at the Annie Fischer school in Hartford
Comcast and the University of Hartford are sponsoring a music program to assist rising musicians in the area. They also have a deal for free tickets to each town to Un. of Hartford basketball games.
Hartman asked if the new Spanish channels on the digital tier are being used. Bairos indicated that there is very good use by the public of the Spanish programming.
Bairos told about a girl in West Hartford who had to travel to NYC for Cancer treatment and Comcast arranged the system so that she could get classrooms through the cable on her laptop.

Committee Reports:
Scholarship Committee: No report.
Legislative: .No Report
Public Relations: Leo Canty and Carol Hartman will further discuss.
Access Stations: No report.
Nominating Committee: No report
WIN-TV Committee: Three people have been arrested in Windsor some of them were the complainers. The result of the committee report will be sent to the new president. Richard Ostop indicates that a new board should be elected ASAP.

President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)

HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Correspondence. See website above for all letters.

Complaints: No complaints this month

Old Business: None

New Business: The holiday party will be on Wednesday December 8th at Mayor Mike's new restaurant. Invitations will go out in November. Please note change of date from Tuesday to Wednesday. Brimley moved that the six station presidents be invited to the Christmas Party. Motion passed unanimously

Meeting Schedule:Simsbury 11-17-04 Holiday special 12-8-04 Windsor 1-19-05
Bloomfield 2-16-05 Hartford 3-16-05 East Hartford 4-20-05 change
West Hartford 5-18-05 change Comcast 6-15-05
.The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 PM. The next meeting is:

January 19, 2005 4:00 PM
ESPN studio
Ronzo Road
Bristol, CT
(directions below)
After tour dinner and meeting place not determined as of yet

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting
October 20, 2004

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Carol Hartman, Leo Canty, William Stephenson, David Raney, Hyacinth Yennie, Walter Balasa, Troy Stewart, Celestino Jimenez, Mayme Casady, Dick Brimley, Irene Cone, Ed Gittleman, Kristen Roberts (Comcast), Dave Sharkey (Comcast).
Excused absence: Mark Harutunian

Absent: Mike Paine (2)
Guest:
Members not appointed: Simsbury(1) West Hartford (5) Bloomfield (2) East Hartford (1) Hartford (2)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.

Minutes: Motion to accept September minutes made by Mayme Casady and seconded by Leo Canty, subject to the follow corrections:
"Carol was unsure as to the allocation of $50,000 to the station rumor" should be
"Carol knew nothing about a rumor that the town gave WINTV $50,000."

." Mayme did not read the report (report was submitted) and the dates of the report were from 05/01/04 to 05/29/04."
Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady read the report for the periods from 09/01/04 - 09/30/04

Balance beginning was $4,047.80
. Balance ending was $4,018.13

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Leo Canty to accept the report subject to audit. Motion passed unanimously.

Town Reports:
East Hartford: Doing all kinds of election programming and getting ready to telecast the Thanksgiving Day football game from Renschler field.
Windsor: Nothing new to report - See complaint concerning service by superintendent.
Simsbury: No report
Bloomfield: Ed Gittleman was concerned about a Granby Church asking to be on Bloomfield TV. He read a letter from the OCC stating that sponsorship does not in and of itself require the showing of a tape. Ostop indicated that the DPUC ruled that if some one requests a show be aired and that person meets the station requirements that then the station may air the program at its discretion at a time that is reasonable to the other like programs. The Station must have general rules in place and cannot just state that it does not want to show a tape. Gittleman indicated that the DPUC and the OCC seem to be a odds over this issue. A discussion as to the function of the OCC followed. Ostop indicated that the OCC is just an advocate and the final ruling is the DPUC. Hyacinth asked that the issue be tabled till next meeting. Ostop agreed and stated he would try to get a representative of the DPUC to be at the next meeting to explain this issue.
Hartford (Schools): No new news
Hartford (Town): Hyacinth was on the front page of Courant.
West Hartford. No Report
COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Kristen introduced new operations manager Dave Sharkey (505-3349).

New digital stations: College sports 261
Sports as of 11/1 6000/265

More new channels 605
Changed on the Spanish tier 607 610

Roberts asked what are the dates we will go to ESPN. Ostop stated we could have the meeting on either the November meeting or the January meeting. We will let everybody know. Consensus was that the better date would be the January meeting but Roberts indicated she would let ESPN choose from the two meeting dates.
Continued discussion with East Hartford concerning the final drop line and the people to be contacted were held and Roberts indicated she would clear this up.
Roberts distributed that DPUC report. Brimley requested individual town's cable subscribers for purpose verifying the checks that are sent to us. Roberts stated she would check this out.

Committee Reports:
Scholarship Committee: No report.
Legislative: Ostop indicated that Gittleman's position as chair of this committee is as HACTAC's representative not only Bloomfield's. The direction should come from HACTAC. Six-town meeting from Canty/Hartman will be discussed for the next meeting
Hyacinth indicated that she is having a HACTAC program taped at HTV with Ostop.
Public Relations: Leo Canty and Carol Hartman will further discuss.
Access Stations: No report.
Nominating Committee: No report
WIN-TV Committee: Confusion as to whom the letter should have gone. This was cleared up and the letter will be resent. A discussion as to who appoints stations and review of the franchise was discussed. Stempien read the applicable portion of the franchise. You have all received copies of the franchise If copies are requested it is available on the DPUC website or by request from me.
President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Correspondence. See website above for all letters.
Complaints: Request for copies of the minutes
Old Business: Motion pass and sent to Legislative committee
The Legislative committee write to the legislature asking them to pass a rule that cable franchisee's must grant a standard 10 percent discount of the basic coverage to those 65 and over.
New Business:
New holiday party will be on Wednesday December 8th at Mayor Mike's new restaurant.
Invitations will go out in November. Please note change of date from Tuesday to Wednesday. Request for the input to the survey was made by John Bairos - Ostop asked all to think about these questions and bring up at next meeting. Not the wording but concept of IT should we get 10% senior discount.
Ostop asked Bairos for a sample survey?

Meeting Schedule:
Simsbury 11-17-04 Holiday special 12-8-04 Windsor 1-19-05 Bloomfield 2-16-05
Hartford 3-16-05 West Hartford 4-20-05 East Hartford 5-18-05 Comcast 6-15-05

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. The next meeting is:

November 17, 2004 7:00 PM, SCTV Station Eno Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting
September 15, 2004

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Carol Hartman, Leo Canty, Hyacinth Yennie, Walter Balasa, Troy Stewart, Celestino Jimenez, Mayme Casady, Dick Brimley, Irene Cone, Mark Harutunian, John Bairos (Comcast).
Excused absence: Ed Gittleman
Absent: Dave Raney (1), Michael Paine (3)
Guest:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.

Minutes: Motion to accept June minutes made by Carol Hartman and seconded by Mark Harutunian, subject to the follow corrections. Mayme did not read the report (report was submitted) and the dates of the report were from 05/01/04 to 05/29/04.
Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady read the report for the periods from 05/30/04 - 08/31/04

Balance beginning was $4,067.12
. Balance ending was $4,047.80

Report was submitted as actually three reports dated (7/13/04-8/9/04-9/13/04)
A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Walt Balasa to accept the report subject to audit. Motion passed unanimously.
Ostop submitted annual $2,000 stipend from Comcast

Town Reports:
East Hartford: Mark Harutunian announced that he no longer works for the East Hartford Education department nor represents East Hartford but now works for Simsbury Board of Education as Technical Education Supervisor. Irene indicated that election programs are taking up most of the access station time.
Windsor: Carol was unsure as to the allocation of $50,000 to the station rumor.
Simsbury: Stempien announced that Chairman Ostop was awarded Hometown hero award from the town of Simsbury and Volunteer of the year award from the Chamber of Commerce.
Bloomfield: No report.
Hartford (Schools): No new news
Hartford (Town): Hyacinth announced that the access station was busy with the back to school programs.
West Hartford. No Report
COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.
John announced:
On October 2nd, as part of Comcast Cares Day, a national day of employees
volunteering in the community, Connecticut employees will be at the
Salvation Army on Sigourney Street in Hartford. Volunteers will help with
landscaping, general maintenance, painting, installing shelves and cabinets.
Congressman John Larson and Mayor Eddie Perez have committed to visit the
site. Cable Advisory Council members are also invited to participate in
this great volunteer project.
John indicated that he is still looking into the tour of ESPN. He is trying for October meeting. He announced the NFL network and other Digital stations and also that the On Demand Library has expanded and now negotiations are going on with Sony to obtain access to its library.
New Customer Service web address was given
East Hartford line problems have been negotiated with Comcast over at the renovated High School. Some discussion on who has the responsibility for the placement of the modulators. Ostop iterated that it is the Council's job to recommend to Comcast the placement of the modulator and return line not the School's task.
Stempien summarized a current MSNBC - Power-Lunch Program, which stated -Comcast had lost approximately 850,000 cable subscribers and the Direct TV, has gained approximately 800,000 new subscribers. This did not bother Comcast due to its impending merger with MGM (Sony library) and the additionally financial income derived from ON Demand and its new libraries.
Stempien asked why, when v-chip is available to prevent kids from seeing the channels, we still have to pay for the channels and support the "pornographic programmers" by having the service. Ostop chipped in that this is the same argument that customers who want a la carte service use rather than the current situation. Ostop indicated that the argument is that without being able to bundle the channels the individual channels would cost more.

Bairos indicated that Channel 3 - Comcast's stations would be covering the following football games this season:

10/9 - Conard vs. Simsbury
11/13 - Bloomfield vs. Weaver

Committee Reports:
Scholarship Committee: No report.
Legislative: No action by the legislature. Ostop asked that the group come up with ideas perhaps at the next meeting to give Gittleman direction.
Ostop brought up the issue of having town-wide hearings for the issues of the viewers. This would have to be coordinated though the six-town station. Leo Canty stated that this type of meeting could be easily coordinate. Ostop appointed Canty and Hartman to investigate this issue.

Public Relations: Leo Canty stated that he could help with website and agreed to get in touch with Carol and try to work something out. We were waiting for an answer from Hartford for use of a database on the Hartford database to use for the website. Troy stated that this space was available
Access Stations: No report. Ostop brought up the question of the use of the six (6) towns connect. Ostop stated that none of the stations wanted to take on this job without being paid. Hartman indicated that perhaps we should create a committee to come up with the procedure.
Nominating Committee: No report
WIN-TV Committee: No new report. No answer from the station to Ostop's request from response to the committee's recommendations. A letter will be sent to Win-TV with these recommendations.
President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Correspondence.
Stempien requested from Comcast the individual monthly report from Comcast to the DPUC - Where is it? Bairos stated his monthly apology and still we do not get the copy of the report.
Complaints: One complaint from West Hartford - concerning advertising not answer
Old Business: Yennie asked about the Senior Discount - Bairos indicated that there is no change. The point is that the senior discount is granted to those people who cannot afford cable anyway. Comcast can then state that they have a senior citizen discount.
Hyacinth Yennie moved go to that we the legislature to grant a freeze for one year in rates. Seconded by Mark Harutunian. 4 ayes, 7 nays, motion failed.
Brimley moved that the Legislative committee write to the legislatures to great standard 10 percent discount of the basic coverage to those 65 and over. Mark Harutunian seconded. Passed unanimously.
New Business:
Request for the input to the survey was made by John Bairos - Ostop asked all to think about these questions and bring up at next meeting
Not wording but concept IT should we get 10% senior discount.
Ostop asked Bairos for a sample survey?

Meeting Schedule:
East Hartford 10-20-04
Simsbury 11-17-04
Holiday special 12-7-04
Windsor 1-19-05
Bloomfield 2-16-05
Hartford 3-16-05
West Hartford 4-20-05
East Hartford 5-18-05
Comcast 6-15-05

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. The next meeting is:

October 20, 2004 6:30 PM, East Hartford Town Hall, 740 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06010

Minutes of the HACTAC Meeting
June 16, 2004

Attendance:
Peter Stempien, Richard Ostop, Carol Hartman, Leo Canty, Hyacinth Yennie, Walter Balasa, Troy Stewart, Celestino Jimenez, Kristen Roberts (Comcast).
Excused absence: Richard Brimley, Irene Cone, Dave Raney, Ed Gittleman, Mark Harutunian, Mayme Casady
Absent: Pamela Brown (3), Michael Paine (2)
Guest: Maureen McGovern Brooks (Comcast Government Community Relations), A. (Buzz) J. Holmes (Simsbury)

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. A minimum quorum of three towns and six members was present.

Note: All attachments referenced in these minutes are available either on mentioned email addresses or at your public library.

Minutes: Motion to accept May minutes made by Hyacinth Yennie and seconded by Troy Stewart. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report:
Mayme Casady read the report for the periods from 05/01/04 - 05/31/04

Balance beginning was $4,202.38
. Balance ending was $4,077.21

A motion was made by Peter Stempien and seconded by Troy Stewart to accept the report subject to audit. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion by Peter Stempien to renew expiring CD at current rate. Seconded by Hyacinth Yennie. Motion passed unanimously.

Town Reports:
Windsor: Nothing new to report.
Simsbury: Buzz Holmes indicated that SCTV had just changed presidents. Buzz Holmes explained his sponsorship program for new funding. Holmes indicated that the station needs new equipment and that more work needs to be done on collecting donations for this equipment.
Bloomfield: No report.
Hartford (Schools): Balasa indicated that Comcast had sent a representative to the Hartford schools concerning the ability of the schools to receive the 'On Demand' product. Joel (Comcast) indicated that all schools are 'commercial accounts' and 'On Demand' is not available to commercial accounts. Stempien questioned the 'On Demand' product wondering why it was eliminated from the commercial accounts. Roberts explained that the product allowed access to any movie that was a pay for view movie to be played at any time during the day. If, say the bartender in a bar requested the movie, the owner could claim he did not authorize the movie and problems could occur. Balasa also stated that it would be also a reduction in profit since fifty people in the bar could view the movie whereas only four or five would view it at home. Balasa stated that he did not get a chance to review the governmental technology plans sent out from the mayor's office because budgets were due.
Hartford (Town): Troy Stewart indicated that there was going to be a review of what citizens thought of Comcast in July on HCTV. He also indicated that a special introductory meeting for the citizens of Hartford would be broadcast on the government channel. Its purpose is to introduce the Hartford members of the council to the public and emphasize that these people can help citizens with cable problems. Troy brought up again the problem of not having an emergency number to call when broadcasting problems arose. Kristen Roberts indicated that there is a number operating 24/7. (1-800-556-9979) is the number only for the access stations when they have broadcast related problems. This number is not good for the general public. Ostop asked that each of the towns try this number to see if the number works. Stempien indicated that the real problem was that during a live broadcast if a problem occurs the help is required immediately.
West Hartford. No Report
East Hartford: No Report

COMCAST:
NOTE: All complete reports appear in the DPUC reports available on line from the DPUC see below for e-mail address.

Kristen Roberts indicated that she is still looking into the tour of ESPN and when it is set up she will let us know.
West Coast feed for On Demand is being deleted. (HBO, SHO, STARZ, ETC.)

Committee Reports:
Scholarship Committee: No report.
Legislative: No action by the legislature
Public Relations: Stempien indicated that the Town of Simsbury honored Dick Ostop as a 'Home Town Hero' by the town of Simsbury and the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce awarded him their 'Volunteer of the Year' award. A round of applause was given to Dick.
Stempien indicated that the cost to HACTAC for web site would be around $1400 per year. This would include the ability of the stations to use the functionality for their own use in addressing specific town's citizens. The consensus was that the website was a benefit to Comcast, HACTAC and the access stations. The cost associated with the website is the storage space needed for the storing and transferring of the information. Leo Canty indicated that the development of the website should not be that expensive. Tory Stewart offered to see if Hartford could help in this area and would get back to us.

Access Stations: No report.
Nominating Committee: No report
WIN-TV Committee: A letter will be sent to Comcast with a copy to Windsor that the following areas need to be addressed:

A.) Bylaws need review
B.) Election of officers and Board of Directors
C.) Annual meeting - posted and available to the township
D.) Use Roberts Rules of Order
E.) Review relationship with town
F.) Limit membership of the Board to one member per family
G.) Need education on how to run organization (Hartford Foundation)
H.) Conflict of interest problems

A discussion of the requests was held and it was determined that the letter should be sent indicating that the above areas were not in sync with the rest of the access stations and should be addressed.

President's Report: (report attached). Most memos concerning the DPUC are available on the Web site for the DPUC (www.state.ct.us/dpuc/database/htm)
HACTAC Email address: HACTAC1@yahoo.com
Correspondence. From Toni Mangio, 67 Cowles St., Hartford - Why does Comcast not offer RAI-International? Roberts indicated that Speller is running a demographic study to ascertain ethnic components. Stempien indicated that HACTAC should be able to add questions to any survey being sent out. Roberts stated she would look into this issue.
Complaints: 2 complaints - One from Glastonbury - billing address.
One from Simsbury - access station poor reception.

Old Business: Yennie asked about the Senior Discount - Roberts indicated that what is, is. No Change only to poor people who cannot afford cable anyway.
New Business: Presented to the board was the next years meeting schedule:

Hartford 9-15-04
East Hartford 10-20-04
Simsbury 11-17-04
Holiday special 12-7-04
Windsor 1-19-05
Bloomfield 2-16-05
Hartford 3-16-05
West Hartford 4-20-05
East Hartford 5-18-05
Comcast 6-15-05
Scheduled was proposed by Stempien and seconded by Balasa. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. The next meeting is:

September 15, 2004 6:30 PM
Mayor's conference room
Hartford Town Hall
550 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06010
Meeting on second floor next to the function room
Parking in the public library lot on Arch Street across from Town Hall

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