Minneapolis Telecommunications Network

Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, October 11, 2001

Board Members Present: Mark Engebretson, Floyd Child, Michael Rainville, Tomas Gonda, Julie Wallace, Vusi Zulu, Joan Higinbotham

Board Members Absent: Christina Stoeckel, Ryan Young

Ex-Officio Present: Edie French, Lance Leupold

Others Present: Pam Colby, Jim Derks

Meeting called to order at 5:42 by Mark Engebretson

  1. Opening Business
    1. Introduction of John Akre as the writer of minutes.
    2. Approval of agenda - MSP Zulu/Rainville
    3. Approval of minutes of the September meeting - MSP Rainville/Zulu
  2. Reports
    1. City of Minneapolis - French spoke about a call she received from Cass Dalglish, a journalism professor from Augsburg College, who saw the "Atheist Views" program. Dalglish called it hate speech. After speaking with French and several of her colleagues, Dalglish better understood the mission of Access Television, but added that it would be helpful if there was a better way to understand the context of messages like the ones expressed on "Atheists Views." Colby explained about the program and its producer, Larry Leininger. She explained that MTN staff play each program only once and at 11:30 p.m. because of its controversial nature. There followed a discussion on ways to help MTN's audience understand the free speech message of the organization, particularly for viewers who flip by the channels and do not see the disclaimers aired at the start of a show. Additional discussion followed about whether MTN should refuse to show some of the programs submitted to it. Child advocated for refusal; other board members disagreed. Engebretson suggested that the Public Relations committee take up this issue as it relates to education on freedom of speech issues. Higinbotham said that the Public Relations committee would possibly set up a meeting with an attorney.

French also reported that David Auger has moved on as president of Time Warner. Mark Hammerstrung is the interim president. Time Warner has also had a crash in their digital system this week.

French reported that the city is in the throes of budget deliberation. MTN will be getting a cost of living increase. French added that city departments will be asked to a take 4% budget reduction.

French reported that November marks the opening of the window when we can begin renegotiating the franchise via mutual agreement of both parties. She suggested that the model and definition for community needs to be looked into by MTN's board and staff.

B. No public schools report

C. The Time Warner Cable report was delayed.

D. Executive Directors Report

Colby handed out her report - a hard copy is included with the minutes.

Colby added that WRN audio has been added to channel 17 to replace KNOW audio.

Engebretson asked about the Park Board discussions for MTN crew to tape meetings - Colby said that the commissioners were split over the idea. Zulu and Higinbotham asked about MTN advertising to other organizations services to tape meetings. Colby explained that it is partly an issue of crew and equipment availability and cost of production.

Engebretson talked about the new channel TPT will be unveiling soon - like a Minnesota CSPAN. Leupold explained that there are 5 TPT signals on the digital system; occasionally those five are used combined for an HDTV signal.

Colby explained to Leupold the need for a digital box here for Derks to monitor signals.

III. Priority Items

A. Normally there is a committee that puts together a slate of candidates for the Executive Committee. Engebretson asked for volunteers for that committee. Rainville volunteered. The recommendation will be made for a vote in January.

B. John Akre reported on his job duties, which include carrying out the NRP contract for production and teaching classes. He spoke about the new digital video production classes he is teaching and developing.

C. Time Warner Reports - Leupold reported that the system has 79,010 customers - the number is coming up. KARE is interviewing Mark Hammerstrung for a news piece that will be a comparison of cable and satellite service. French asked for an update on the digital outage. Leupold said that everything is working now. The Scientific Atlanta designed system is not completely predictable, and adding many new channels caused a problem. Some fixes now are temporary - they are waiting for some new equipment. Colby commended Leupold for his work as host of "Time Warner Connection."

Meeting Adjourned 6:45 p.m. MSP Zulu/Wallace.