The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Jackie Hontz at 7:15 p.m. in the Administrator’s Conference Room in the Administration Center, 1300 Courthouse Road.

II. Roll Call.

The following members were present: Jackie Hontz, Tom Gregory, Terry Lottes, Danielle Davis and John Johnson. Also present were Marie Schuler representing Comcast Cable, Jaybo Johnson from Cox Communications, and Michele Lansford representing the County.

III. Presentations by the Public.

There were no members of the public present.

IV. Agenda Additions.

There were no additions to the agenda.

V. Members’ Concerns.

Ms. Hontz said she has subscribed to broadband offered by Cox, and that the service is excellent.

Ms. Davis asked Ms. Schuler for an update about problems Dan Conroy (Antietam Loop) was experiencing. She said she thought that the cable television problem had been fixed, but that he is still experiencing Internet problems – she said she reminded Mr. Conroy that the committee has no authority to handle Internet issues. Ms. Schuler confirmed that the cable problem has been resolved, but that the Internet connection speed is slow. She said the problem should be resolved when the node near the residence is “physically split” within the next few weeks. She will keep the committee updated.

Mr. Lottes asked Ms. Schuler about the status of the Lakebreeze Way installation. She said she would provide that information to him by e-mail.

Mr. Gregory said he observed Comcast trucks installing cable on Route 610 in Garrisonville were driving the wrong way down the road and had the personnel buckets fully extended. He called Carles Helmandollar, who drove to the site to talk with the installers. Jaybo Johnson told Mr. Gregory that the trucks are allowed to drive with the buckets extended for this type of work, but that flagmen should have been on site. Mr. Gregory said that what he observed was unsafe and put the public at risk – he asked Ms. Schuler if signs or cones are required to mark this type of work zone. Ms. Schuler said she was unaware of the incident, and that she would talk to the safety manager.

Mr. Gregory asked the chair to provide an update about the status of the sub-committee’s work to draft a charter and by-laws to guide the group’s efforts to become a “Telecommunications Commission.” Mr. Gregory said the commission would be a valuable mechanism to advise the Board of Supervisors about Internet and wireless services for citizens. Ms. Davis said offering wireless services to residents and businesses will enhance Stafford’s reputation. Mr. Lottes reported that King George County offers wireless through third-party providers. Ms. Hontz said the commission could help the Board to be more proactive on a variety of telecommunications issues. She said she did not think that Ms. Knight and Mr. Kimbrell had met, but that she will ask them to provide a report at the next meeting.

VI. New Business.

The committee briefly discussed customer service reports from both companies. Ms. Schuler noted some errors on the Comcast report, and said they would be corrected. Mr. Lottes asked if Cox’s number for trouble called resolved within 48 hours was correct. Mr. Johnson replied that the number is meaningless, and needs to be calculated the way Comcast does. Both he and Ms. Schuler said that summer vacations affect numbers because residents will request service several days or weeks out. Mr. Johnson said Cox responds to trouble calls the same day or the next day.

Mr. Johnson reported that Cox Communications will offer phone service starting in August 2007.

Closed Meeting: At 7:30 p.m., Mr. Gregory moved, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to go into a Closed Meeting on the following item:

Legal: To discuss negotiation of the Cavalier Telephone franchise.
Section 2.2-3711 A7
Code of Virginia

The voting tally was:

Yea: (6) Hontz, Gregory, Lottes, Davis, Johnson

Call to Order. At 7:45 p.m., the Chair called the meeting back to order.

Closed Meeting Certification. Mr. Gregory moved, seconded by Ms. Davis, to adopt proposed Resolution CM07-02.

The voting tally was:

Yea: (6) Hontz, Gregory, Lottes, Davis, Johnson

Resolution CM07-02 reads as follows:

A RESOLUTION TO CERTIFY THE ACTIONS OF THE STAFFORD
COUNTY CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN A
CLOSED MEETING ON JULY 26, 2007

WHEREAS, the committee has, on this the 26th day of July, 2007, adjourned into a closed meeting in accordance with a formal vote of the committee and in accordance with provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as it became effective July 1, 1989, provides for certification that such Closed Meeting was conducted in conformity with law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Stafford County Cable Television Advisory Committee does hereby certify, on this the 26th day of July, 2007, that to the best of each member’s knowledge: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom Act were discussed in the Closed Meeting to which this certification applies; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in the Motion by which the said Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered by the committee. No member dissents from the aforesaid certification.

Ms. Davis made a motion to recognize Cathy Riddle and Michele Lansford their excellent work in support of the committee’s efforts. The motion passed by acclamation.

VII. Approval of Minutes.

Mr. Gregory moved to approve the minutes of the July 12, 2007 meeting with one change; Mr. Johnson seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.

VIII. Adjournment.

At 8:55 p.m., Mr. Gregory moved to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Lottes seconded; the motion passed unanimously.