Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, September 8, 2005

Board Members Present: Joan Higinbotham, Kevin Jenkins, Andrew Hedden, Tamir Nolley
Board Members Absent: Robert Vose, Marido Huer, Floyd Child, Joel Rainville, Tom Cassidy
Ex-Officio Present: Lance Leupold
Others Present: Pamela Colby, John Akre, Jim Derks, Beth Peloff

No quorum was present. Higinbotham called the discussion to order at 5:40 p.m.

I. Opening Business

A. Meeting attendees introduced themselves. Introduction of new board member Andrew Hedden.

B. Comments from public and staff – John Akre announced Member's Screening Night on Friday.

C. Approval of the agenda. No quorum for approval.

D. Minutes from the July board meeting. No quorum for approval.
No comments on the minutes.

II. Reports

A. City of Minneapolis – C. John Harrison was not present
Colby presented Harrison's reportm, which he sent via e-mail. Harrison congratulated Hedden on his appointment. He has asked that Derks review the Needs Assessment in relation to equipment needs for a new franchise. The city has received the report of the Space Plan addressing the idea of merging MTN into city hall space. The costs came up higher than expected. Plewacki will recommend closing the merger study.

B. Minneapolis Public Schools – no report

C. Time Warner Cable – Lance Leupold reported
Total number of subscribers is 77,404. Leupold said that this is lower than the number at the start of year. It is typical in summer for numbers to decline. Time Warner is still working with Comcast and the affected cities on the hand-off process. It will take six months or more before Time Warner will switch ownership of cable franchises in Minnesota to Comcast. Nolley asked about whether board would meet with a Comcast representative. Leupold said that they are still early in the process. Leupold said that for six months or more, Time Warner will continue to be the cable supplier. Hedden asked for number of households in Minneapolis. Leupold said that Time Warner is in about 45% of the city?s households.

D. Executive Director?s Report – Pam Colby presented
The State Fair booth was a great success. Colby described the booth at the fair and the collaborative work between the various Twin Cities public access centers to set it up and keep it staffed. It offered great exposure to community television.
Equipment – MTN has the new Sony PDX-10 cameras.
Legislation – Colby would like the board to pass a resolution in reference to legislation under consideration by the U.S. Congress that would undermine local communities' ability to regulate telecommunications services like cable. Colby will discuss with City Council Members a possible city resolution similar to the one passed by San Francisco. Nolley said that if there were a quorum, he would move this resolution. Higinbotham suggested that this resolution be brought up at the next meeting and that Colby continue meeting with the City Council to educate them on this issue. Higinbotham suggested that the board act on this further via e-mail. Jenkins suggested that Colby supply board members with more background information on this issue.


E. Treasure's Report – Huber was not present

III. Adjourn
Discussion adjourned at 6:25 p.m.