Minutes of the HACTAC May 17, 2023
Attendance via Zoom: Alan Budkofsky, Patricia Bruhn, Zenobia Graham-Days, Roger Goldbeck, Charles Jackson, David Raney, Brenda Saulnier, Matt Skane
Absent: Richard Ostop, Andrea Seldon, William Stephenson
Guest: Jennifer Evans, WHCi, Karen Handville, Recording Secretary
Alan called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
He motioned to table any action towards Dick Ostop’s resignation. Roger seconded. Motion passed.
COMCAST: Matt provided information on the items below.
YWCA Hartford Region’s “In the Company of Women” Fundraiser:
This is the YWCA’s largest fundraiser of the year and featured six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee as the key-note speaker. She talked about overcoming obstacles to achieve her goals and even recalled a visit to Hartford in 2017 as Comcast’s Internet Essentials spokesperson. Comcast and NBC Universal were the presenting media sponsors for the event that hosted over 1,000 attendees.
Comcast NBCUniversal Named a Top 20 Company on DiversityInc.’s Top 50 List:
Comcast NBCUniversal has been recognized as a top 20 company on DiversityInc’s Top 50 list of the nation’s most inclusive companies, placing 13th overall. Link to full story: Link
Xfinity Stream – Free FAST Channels
Available now, Xfinity is giving all its customers more entertainment to enjoy in the Xfinity Stream app with the addition of 20+ free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels from Xumo Play, NBC and Sky. These channels are available to any Xfinity customer, regardless of whether they subscribe to Xfinity Video, at no extra cost. Link
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Comcast is proud to participate in the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible low-income households with a credit of up to $30 per month ($75 per month on Tribal lands) toward their Internet and/or mobile service. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can get home Internet through Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost once the federal credit is applied. Internet Essentials customers can also add a line of unlimited 5G cellular data ($45) through Xfinity Mobile for as little as $24.95/month after the ACP benefit is applied. I have attached flyers with additional information for reference as well.
Matt can provide print materials upon request.
Minutes:
A motion was made by Roger and second by Dave to accept the Mar 15, 2023 minutes as presented. Motion passed.
Town Reports
Bloomfield: Alan reported all status quo in Bloomfield. Howard is doing more with streaming.
East Hartford: Brenda reported renovations took the station off the air for a few weeks. They are back to recording & posting but not streaming while they are installing new equipment.
West Hartford: Jen reported WHCi’s successful collaboration with the CT Mirror to interview the Governor. The video recording is available for sharing on the CT ACM discord server. Coverage of 7 MDC budget information meetings is also available to share. A series on mental health in the education environment was produced with the WH schools. They had live reporting at the Chamber Wellness Fair at Blue Back Square. They are working with Comcast to fix the Edu channel which is off the air. Docket 22-06-26 request for written comments is open until June 7. PURA is considering alternate funding mechanisms for PEG stations; consolidation of stations, and elimination of Advisory Councils, for example.
Windsor: Pat reported live streaming many events with positive feedback. The 6 weeks of the KidVid program starting June 19 is sold out.
Hartford: No report.
Simsbury: No report
Statewide Advisory Council: Alan reported they did not a quorum to hold a meeting.
Treasurer’s Report:
See Attached. Charles provided this summary:
March
Starting Cash Balance March 1: $8,395.54
Ending Cash Balance March 31: $8,395.54
12 Month Certificate of Deposit Matures 09/04/24
Accrued Interest this Period 0.39 cent Balance $5,115.38
11 Month Certificate of Deposit Rolled Over new Mature Date 03/05/24
Accrued Interest this Period 0.23 cent Balance $6,037.53
April
Starting Cash Balance March 1: $8,395.54
Zoom Annual Fee $160.00 paid
Ending Cash Balance March 31: $8,235.54
12 Month Certificate of Deposit Matures 09/04/24
Accrued Interest this Period 0.44 cent Balance $5,115.82
11 Month Certificate of Deposit Mature Date 03/05/24
Accrued Interest this Period 0.26 cent Balance $6,037.79
A motion was made by Roger and seconded by Patricia to accept the Treasurer’s report subject to audit. Motion passed.
Chairman’s Report: None
Old Business: None
New Business: Zenobia proposed a Special Meeting on June 1st 7:00pm to discuss and decide any HACTAC response to Docket 22-06-26. She will work with Roger & Jen to get a draft together.
Adjournment: As there was no additional business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Patricia and second by Brenda to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 pm.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting may be via Zoom, on July 19th at 7:00 pm. Karen may send out an email for a possible in-person gathering.
Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council
March 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023
Webster Bank Checking Account
Beginning Balance $8,395.54
Deposits / Credits $00.00
Withdrawals / Debits $00.00
Ending Balance $8,395.54
Certificate of Deposit
Account Maturity Date Interest Paid This Period Ending Balance
12 Month Certificate 09/04/2023 $0.39 $5,115.38
11 Month Business CD 02/05/2024 $0.23 $6,037.53
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $0.62 $11,152.91
Prepared By:
_____{For Signature See Treasurer’s Hard Copy} _______ _April 15th, 2023_
Charles Windsor Jackson, III Date
Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council
April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023
Webster Bank Checking Account
Beginning Balance $8,395.54
Deposits / Credits $00.00
Withdrawals / Debits $160.00
Ending Balance $8,235.54
*Annual Subscription Fee Reimbursement for Zoom Communications to
HACTAC Treasurer Charles Jackson
Certificate of Deposit
Account Maturity Date Interest Paid This Period Ending Balance
12 Month Certificate 09/04/2023 $0.44 $5,115.82
11 Month Business CD 02/05/2024 $0.26 $6,037.79
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $0.70 $11,153.61
Prepared By:
_____{For Signature See Treasurer’s Hard Copy} _______ _May 15th, 2023_
Charles Windsor Jackson, III Date