HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1986-06-05n n
BRADFORD PUBLISHING .RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
“Light and Power Committee
June 5,1986
Committee:Chairman Laing,Trustees Brown and Habecker
Attending:All
Also Attending:Mayor Dannels,Town Administrator Hill,Light
and Power Director Dekker,Gene Smith/Cable
Systems,Inc.,Clerk O’Connor
Absent:Finance Officer Vavra
CABLE SYSTEMS,INC.-UPDATE ON ESTES PARK SYSTEM:
As recommended by the Committee May 1,1986,Mr.Gene Smith,
representing Cable Systems,Inc.was present to address customer
complaints and update the Committee on the Estes Park system.
Testimony was heard from the following:
Jay Stone —In summary,Mr.Stone stated there were no
guarantees the system would improve;the customer was
not getting what he had paid for.No satisfaction was
received when telephone complaints were lodged,thus
written complaints were initiated.Mr.Stone presented
a 15—minute video cassette which recorded reception on
Channels 2,4,5,6,7,10 and CNN.
Ron Harvey —Mr.Harvey reiterated service had deteri
orated the last two years,and,due to the unsatisfac
tory reception,had discontinued service with Cable
Systems.In a comparison with neighboring communities,
Mr.Harvey found Cable Systems offered less programming
for more money,with poor reception.
George Lussow —When complaints were offered,very
often several days had elapsed prior to correction of
the problem.Mr.Lussow no longer attempts to issue
complaints with Cable Systems.
Margery O’Shea:Stated there was no consistency in
reception;there was a total lack of interest on the
local management level of Cable Systems;and no apology
was offered when the cable service line was installed
following a four month delay.
Alan Wilson/Inn at Estes Park —No longer complains to
the Cable Systems office due to lack of response.
Concerning cable reception,the Inn’s customers com
plain on a daily basis.Perhaps no additional rate
increases should be allowed until such time as the
system is in top-grade condition.
Spencer Wyant —Reception was unacceptable.
Sue King —Expressed concern regarding raising sub
scriber rates and offering no additional channels.
With the increased number of subscribers,Estes Park
should be experiencing more channels,better service
and improved reception.
Gene Smith/Cable Systems,Inc.-Mr.Smith stated that
with 1,743 subscribers,the Estes Park system was still
being subsidized by Cable Systems,Inc.A growth chart
identifying the number of customers required to meet
the cost of service was presented.The company was
making an effort to respond to customer complaints by
a Q
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
testing innovative techniques.With the assistance of
Mr.Dick Webb,it is hoped reception will be greatly
improved.Mr.Webb,who has years of experience with
RCA and NBC,stated the integrity of the system was not
as it should be;weak areas will need to be isolated to
discover discrepancies.With regard to the “Proof of
Performance”statement contained in the Contract
Agreement with the Town,Mr.Smith stated that the FCC
no longer requires such a statement;however,Cable
Systems is in the process of scheduling such a perfor
mance statement for the Estes Park system.
A total of eighteen subscribers were present.Letters were
received from Mr.and Mrs.Hugh Speed,Mr.and Mrs.John Roberts,
Ponderosa Lodge,Mrs.Margery O’Shea,and Fawn Valley Inn.
Light and Power Director Dekker summarized the 15—year contract
agreement between Cable Systems and the Town.The Town’s respon
sibility lies in monitoring performance,pole attachments,etc.
The Town retains the right to revoke the permit or take over and
conduct the business.There being no further testimony,Chairman
Laing requested Cable System subscribers continue to express,in
writing,additional comments for further review by the Committee.
Mr.Smith submitted a proposed resolution which would allow
refinancing of Cable Systems.To allow Town Attorney White an
opportunity to review the submittal,the resolution was taken
under advisement.
“POWERPAC”CONSENT FORM -DISCUSSION:
Upon further investigation,Director Dekker reported the state
ment included in the PowerPac consent form pertaining to not
allowing any other trade association political action committee
to solicit its board during the time limit of the form was
required by Federal Law.The form could be renewed on an annual
basis.The Committee recommends the consent form be signed by
the Mayor and only the names be listed of the Trustees and staff
members who give their permission.
REPORTS:
A partial payment has been made for the Olympus Project.It is
anticipated this project will be funded by flexible funding
through FEMA.
With regard to the Cascade Dam,a diversion structure could be
built on the dam site which would serve the Fall River Water
Treatment Plant.Such a structure could be constructed to allow
for future installation of an intake line for the hydro plant.
The generating units could be added at a later date.North
Mterican Hydro is still interested in installing generating units
for such a hydro plant.
Year—To—Date electric sales are approximately 5%below last year.
Partially offsetting this figure are purchased power costs which
are 3.8%lower.
R.W.Beck and Associates have commenced gathering information
for the rate study.The “test year”will be 1985.
Concerning delinquent accounts,64 telephone calls were placed,
16 notes were placed at the customers’residences,and 7 accounts
were disconnected.
Continuing projects include Thunder Mountain P.U.D.,the McGraw
Stanley Village,Marys Lake Substation and
,‘ID onversions.
J1E1ng n?further business,the meeting adjourned.
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J Vickie O’Connor,Town Clerk