09-28-1993 - Special Meeting - MinutesM I N U T E S
SPECIAL MEETING
September 28, 1993
The special meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order
by Mayor Jennings at 7: 10 pm in the Management Resource Center at City
Hall, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
ROLL CALL Mayor Jennings, Mayor Pro Tem Wong,
Councilmembers Herfert, Manners, McFadden
Others Present: Starbird, Wylie, Orr, Patton,, Keating,
Hanna, Miller, Marticorena, Berry, Watson,
Jones I
STUDY SESSION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
1992 CABLE ACT AND FCC REGULATIONS
Assistant City Manager Wylie introduced
Bill Marticorena of Rutan and Tucker, who
discussed in detail the Cable Television
Consumer Protection and Competition Act of
1992. Among the many facets of the Act
that he covered, he emphasized the areas in
which the City Council has been granted
authority to regulate (if the Council so
chooses), those, areas which are still
regulated by the FCC, and the restrictions
and responsibilities imposed upon the cable
operators.
council discussed at length the
significance of becoming "certified" and
the impact on the residents of West Covina
shoul ' d Council decide to take,that step.
Becoming certified would enable the council
to regulate only rates for "basic cable
services." The FCC retained authority
over the expanded tier rates. on the one
hand, residents may feel that Council has
more authority than it really has - and on
the other hand, residents may feel Council
won't be doingall.that it can if it they
don't become certified. The other,
discussion point involved the time frame
for certification, and that Council's
options . remain open whether the
certification process begins now or
sometime in the future.
General Manager of Crown Cable, Craig
Watson, discussed Crown's compliance with
the Act. It was his opinion that some of
the municipalities that Crown serves will
become certified and some will not. In any
event, Crown will be undergoing a lot of
work and it is in Crown's best interest to
treat all municipal clients the same.
Recess Mayor Jennings called a recess at 9:35 pm.
Council reconvened at 9:47 pm with all
members present.
Discussion continued regarding the
certification process and whether or not
there was enough interest on the part of
Council to direct staff to agendize the
matter for action on the next Council
agenda.
City Council Minutes
Council action
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
City Clerk Janet Berry
Page 2
Motion by Herfert, seconded by McFadden to
direct staff to prepare a resolution for
the next Council meeting to begin the
certification process. Motion carried with
Wong and Jennings voting no.
CROWN CABLE SUBSCRIBER SURVEY
Assistant City Manager Wylie reviewed the
survey results. Mr. Watson acknowledged
the results and the need for improvement in
answering the incoming telephone calls. He
noted that they have installed quite a
sophisticated telephone system and will be
able to monitor calls and compile
statistics. This will enable them to track
calls and make the necessary improvements.
He also described the new fiber optic
system and the improvements it would make
in customer service and reception quality.
No comments offered.
Motion by McFadden, seconded by Herfert,
and unanimously carried to adjourn the
meeting at 10:40 pm.