1996-03-25 Cable Television Advisory Commission
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Members: Cable Television Advisory Commission
City of ReverLv. Massachusetts
Dan Murphy - Chairman Meeting of March 2.5, 1996 - Continental Cablevision, 12 Tozer Road
A1 Torsey - As,st Chairman
Amy Siema~ko Present - Murl~y, Siemasko, Torsey, Alvey, O'Connor, L'~e, Crandall
Arthur Crandall
Susan Alvey Absent - MeGlynn
Robert Lee From Continental - Jane Lyreart
Thortlas O'Co!!!lor
Elizabeth McGIynn There being a quorum present, the meeting convened at 7:05 p.nrt.
Highlights:
· In responsg. to a citizen inquiry, it was determined that a requeste,i
extension of Value Vision (Home shopping channel, Channel 21 ), beyond
the current 3 p.m. curtailment, was not possible at this time due to lack of
channel capacity. This impediment may be ameliorated in the future when
the completion of Continental's upgrade to fiberoptics transmission i.~
complete, expected in mid- 1997.
· In response to citizen inquiry, it was determined that a so-caLled "Senior
Citizen Discount" was not being offered at this time due to licensin{;
agreements. When the current license was negotiated it was decided tha~
a discount on cable rates for senior citizens would be offered until the
Federal Communications Commission took over regulation of the cable;
industry. This occurred in 1993 thus Obviating the senior discount..
However, in the meantime, the Social Contract negotiated between Con-.
tinental Cablevision and the FCC provides for a reduction of rates for basic:
service and a new tier system that makes it possible for all customers to
obtain .reduced basic rates.
· ~rane I:,~nan pointed out the re, cent consolidation/merger of Continental
Cablevision with U.S. West will result in a stable company well equipped
to provide state-of-the-art service and facilities. She said work on upgrad-
ing the Continental system was proceeding. Part of the upgrade and a Social
Contract Amendment with the FCC provides for the free installation by
Continental of One ~able link and modern to the lutemet at each school
building in the service area. This will be done as soon as data transmission
capability is available. Ms. Lyman said that Continental is shifting its
eelministration somewhat, with billing, customer service and business
transactions moving to a facility in Chelrnsford, Mass.. The Beverly fac~ity
will become a so-called "Fullfillment Center" populated largely by
technicians and installers. The public access studio, BEV-TV Channel 3,
will c6ntinue as before.
R~v~rty Cable TV Advisory CommissiOn
Pa~e TwQ -'
· In accordance with enabling legislation, election of officers took place. The following were
m-elected to one-year terms by unanimous vote - Daniel C- Murphy, chairman; Alfred Torsey,
vice chairman.
· In view of the recently passed Telecommunications Reform Act of 1996, and because some
of its provisions impact the financial structure of the city of Beverly, k was decided that mem-
bers prepare a briefing paper for presentation to the appropriate committee of the Beverly City
Council.
· The next meeting of the-Commission will be Ma~ 13, 1996.
· There being no further business before the commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Daniel C. Murphy
For the Commission