07-25-1978 - Workshop
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CITY OF EDGEWATER CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP
July 25, 1978
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Mayor Christy called the Council workshop to order at 7:30 P.M.
in the City Clerk's office. The purpose of this workshop was
to discuss the contract with Teleprompter, Inc.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Robert H. Christy
Councilman Louis J. Rotundo
Councilman Carl Shell
Councilman Walter B. Sikes
Councilman Calvin R. Dietz
City Attorney Judson Woods
City Clerk Sue Blackwell
Police Chief Earl Baugh
Present
Present
Excused
Present
Present
Present
Present
Excused
Also present, Mr. Dunn and Mr. Barnett, Attorneys-at-law, repre-
senting Teleprompter, Inc. and Mr. Cobb, District Manager for
Teleprompter, Inc.
Mr. Dunn spoke to the Council about the low subscriber rate
(11%) which makes Edgewater an unprofitable operation for
the Company. He asked the Council to consider a previous
request for a line extension formula that would fix responsibility
of the Company in regard to the extension of its lines. The
Company is also interested in a de-regulation of rate making.
They were here tonight to learn about any criticisms of the
operation of their service that could be corrected and to hear
any suggestions for the improvement of the service and increase
in subscriber rate.
Councilman Dietz said that the original cable company had made
elaborate promises on service that were never received. He felt
that many residents had been disappointed and were no longer
interested.
Councilman Rotundo said that he did not believe the Company
sought new subscribers or tried very hard to sell the service.
Teleprompter, Inc. has advertised heavily in recent months primarily
for Home Box. The response in New Smyrna was 100% that of the
response in Edgewater.
Councilman Sikes said that many residents can pick up extra channels
with improved antennas and do not need to pay the extra cost for
cable.
Sue Blackwell said that if they had had more variety to offer they
would probably get a lot more subscribers.
Councilman Dietz said that he felt that the sales part of the
company was very poor.
Mayor Christy asked for a written proposal regarding Teleprompterlls
request for amending the present contract.
Councilman Dietz said that the City Attorney could study this and
make a recommendation to the Council.
A motion was made to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned.
MINUTES SUBMITTED BY:
Sue Blackwell
Nancy Blazi