Roll Call: Betsy Brian, Steve Guitar, Rick Jimenez, Jon Wahrenbrock and Paul Gardner.

Transcription

1 ELKO TELEVISION DISTRICT BOARD MEETING October 13, 2016 CALLED TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m. Roll Call: Betsy Brian, Steve Guitar, Rick Jimenez, Jon Wahrenbrock and Paul Gardner. Guests: Bill Leppala, representing Eureka TV District, and Jan Potter and Stephanie Smith, representing McMullen, McPhee & Company, LLC. Public Comment: None. Approval of the Minutes from September 8, 2016 meeting: Steve Guitar motioned to approve the minutes as written, Betsy Brian seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous in approval. 1. APPROVE TREASURER S REPORT Attached 2. DISCUSS BUDGET VS. ACTUAL EXPENSES Report Attached Jon Wahrenbrock reviewed the above reports for the record. There was no discussion 3. APPROVE AND RATIFY OUTSTANDING BILLS FOR PAYMENT Attached There were two sets of bills reviewed for approval, as late items required attention. Steve Guitar motioned to approve the supplemental report and bills for payment, Rick Jimenez seconded the motion. Steve Guitar motioned to approve the original report and bills for payment, Betsy Brian seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous for approval of both motions. 4. UPDATE DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON MAGGIE CREEK RANCH LEASE ADJUSTMENT There was a general discussion of the lease in process, to include a plot map exhibit completed by High Desert Engineering for recording, and which showed the guy wire areas noted in the lease and provided for a necessary road exhibit that was more cost effective than a survey. The Board agreed that the lease would likely be approved at the next meeting, after the attorney s review of the added exhibit. This item was tabled until November. 5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ELKO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE FOR COMMUNICATIONS TOWER AT GRINDSTONE SITE Paul Gardner noted that he would attend this required permit hearing, just a week away. He expected no problems, and noted John Griggs participation in the application. 6. UPDATE DISCUSSION ON CONSTRUCTION OF NEW COMMUNICATIONS TOWER AT GRINDSTONE Rick Jimenez noted that the tower would be set up the following day, by crane. He noted that he could see construction activity at the site, from a distance, and that the tower was being assembled in pieces. 7. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF QTC PROPOSAL FOR REPAIR/GROOMING OF ROAD TO GRINDSTONE MOUNTAIN SITE Paul Gardner discussed the struggle that the concrete trucks are dealing with, past the third gate, to the top of the site. It became an urgent issue. Paul had asked QTC for a proposal

2 under $5,000, for road repair and maintenance during the construction phase. QTC quickly submitted a fair proposal of approximately $4,700 and Paul Gardner had authorized the necessary work. He noted that the work was well done. Steve Guitar motioned to approve the road maintenance proposal as submitted, Betsy Brian seconded the motion. Rick Jimenez chose to abstain on the vote. All others voted in favor. 8. UPDATE DISCUSSION ON WORK AT PEAVEY SITE The Board noted that there was a significant invoice for this site. Steve Guitar explained that there was necessary upgrade on network equipment to better keep the Pequops online. This item was tabled until the next meeting, when a representative from Eagle Communication would be in attendance. 9. UPDATE DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION FOR AN AGREEMENT WITH BY SPRENGER, OWNER OF VIRGINIA PEAK PROPERTY, FOR AN ANNUAL LEASE OF $12,000 FOR TWO (2) YEARS WITH A RENEGOTIATION AFTER TWO (2) YEARS Paul Gardner explained that he and Jon Wahrenbrock had driven to Reno for a meeting with Tariq Amad, with Satview, and By Sprenger. He explained that the meeting went well and was full of positive feedback from Satview and Mr. Sprenger. Jon Wahrenbrock gave a brief history of the site. Mr. Sprenger had purchased the property 35 years ago, with original plans for wind turbines to be constructed there. Survey work was done much later, and it was discovered that Elko Television District had equipment on his property. The BLM had assumed to be the owner of that part of the property and had collected rent from Elko Television District. Mr. Sprenger wanted three years back-pay at that point, like Verizon and NV Energy had paid, but Elko Television District did not agree because they understood that they had paid BLM for that 3-yr period. Elko Television District and Mr. Sprenger began negotiations, wherein Mr. Sprenger requested a lease date beginning January 1, 2016, which was agreed to. Later it was confirmed that Elko Television District had not paid BLM since This information was shared with Mr. Sprenger, who agreed to a one year lease with a one year renewal. That lease is being drawn up, with only minor corrections holding it up. At the Reno meeting this week, Mr. Sprenger communicated his willingness to sign the lease. Paul Gardner commended the relationship that Jon Wahrenbrock has built with Mr. Sprenger, and recommended that the item be tabled until next month s meeting, so that the lease could be approved. Item was tabled. 10. UPDATE DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ELKO TELEVISION DISTRICT BOARD PARTICIPATION AND RESULTS OF STATEWIDE TV DISTRICT MEETING ON SEPT. 23, 2016 IN EUREKA, NEVADA The Board noted that Paul Gardner, Betsy Brian, Steve Guitar, Rick Jimenez and Jan Potter had attended the meeting in Eureka. Steve Guitar noted that there were cost sharing opportunities presented, especially with the network coming out of Reno, and advantages to consideration of the Districts unifying decisions on parts brands for inventory sharing purposes. Paul Gardner mentioned positive communications on moving forward with fiber options. Steve Guitar stated that Humboldt County was working on the feasibility of one of their Board members heading a sub-committee. Betsy Brian noted the Winnemucca area participation in the meeting s discussions was strong, and that Elko Television District should thank Eureka TV District for hosting the meeting. The Board thanked Jan Potter for accompanying them down to the Eureka meeting. 11. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL WORK, EQUIPMENT & IMPROVEMENTS AT VARIOUS SITES There were no new presentations. It was noted that several sites were being discussed under other agenda items. Steve Guitar noted the future cost saving in being able to 2

3 troubleshoot some issues via cameras that were being installed. Rick Jimenez expressed concerns over the heavy traffic at the Grindstone site with winter maintenance activity. PUBLIC COMMENT: The Board offered to hear from Mr. Leppala, since there were still many agenda items ahead. Mr. Leppala mentioned that he thought the Eureka meeting was a success. He had hoped to hear back from Leslie with Eagle Communications, who had offered to make or provide some state maps with the labeled locations of the various Television Districts tower sites. He suggested that some type of an atlas be assembled for ease of use. Steve Guitar agreed that such maps would be a great tool and suggested wall maps would be better put to use and possibly easier to obtain, so that all Districts could get copies. Mr. Leppala said that an atlas may be able include more needed details. Steve noted that data storage was an issue in map creation, but that mapping the communications backbone and noting what channels come off each tower would be a valuable tool. He stated that he would follow up with BLM to find a map format to start from. Rick Jimenez said that he may be able to help also, and assist with PDF formatting. 12. OPEN, REVIEW, DISCUSS AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF A RESPONDENT TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR FCC LICENSE SPECIALIST TO PERFORM FCC LICENSE REVIEW AS WELL AS CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES TO ASSIST THE TV DISTRICT WITH LONG RANGE PLANNING The Board opened the sealed bid from CSI Telecommunications, Inc. and reviewed the content. Steve Guitar mentioned that Humboldt County members were highly recommending this firm. Betsy Brian noted that CSI had been recommended at the NTA conference. Paul Gardner noted that the content was a familiar review of the topic. Rick Jimenez pointed out the proposed $35,000 cost of surveys and licenses review. Paul Gardner noted that it was a minimum of $35,000. Steve Guitar noted that the work in the proposal needed to be done. Jon Wahrenbrock stated his concern with the proposed cost. Betsy Brian questioned how much the Humboldt district had already spent on review of items that overlapped Elko Television District s own RFP needs. Steve Guitar suggested ing Humboldt to find out. Rick Jimenez stated that Humboldt s 911 system was also being reworked and that they had incorporated the upgrade cost with their current TV District consulting project. Paul Gardner stated that he felt $35,000 was too high of a cost. He was more comfortable with a range of $17,500-$20,000, but understood there was considerable work behind reviewing licenses and completing numerous inspections. Jon Wahrenbrock motioned to take the CSI Telecommunications proposal under advisement at this time and Steve Guitar seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. There was further discussion, where Paul Gardner noted CSI was in first place, but all felt more information was needed. Betsy Brian noted that there may be a way to find summarized information, to present to CSI and save cost. It was noted that CSI needed to complete their own review work and site visits. Jon Wahrenbrock felt that paying CSI to do inventory counts on outdated microwave components, in the backbone that was going to be abandoned, was a waste of money. Steve Guitar discussed that cheaper fiber costs, microwave dump sites, end points and various fiber termination sites were all issues to review. Jon Wahrenbrock noted that other districts would worry about their own sites and Elko County tax dollars could not be spent on other districts needs. Paul Gardner pointed out the RFP was only for the rebroadcast licenses review, for the 33 translator licenses. The main concern here was the FCC s opinion on the Carlin licenses that were not properly signed over to Elko Television District. This item was tabled until the 3

4 next meeting. 13. UPDATE DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON FCC LICENSES FOR CARLIN AND NV FCC Paul Gardner stated that this item went hand in hand with Item 12, and would have to be tabled until next month as well. Jon Wahrenbrock asked if NV Broadcasters Association could help its members with this issue. Paul Gardner confirmed that the Elko Television District was a member, paying on $500 a year for lobbying support only. NV Broadcasters Association could do this RFP work, but it would be additional costs as well, and the Association had lost the help of a key engineer figure who was out on medical leave. They will have to replace this person in January. 14. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF UTILIZING TITAN TV AS A TV GUIDE SERVICE Eagle Communications had recommended this service. Paul Gardner explained that it was an easily accessible website service option. Betsy Brian explained that there were a couple different options in how to present the service to customers. An online access with a provided password or an actual channel on the television, with a cost of $ per year. Paul Gardner felt that the price was reasonable. Betsy Brian felt that the community had been asking for this service and that providing it would be proof of the Board s recognition of community wishes. Paul Gardner agreed and noted that channel space was not available, but that a website access to a TV Guide would be a good option to consider. Betsy Brian explained that Elko Television District would have occasional programming duties only, that a monthly update was automatic. Jon Wahrenbrock asked for clarification of the website s view of television program listings and then stated that he felt the $500 would be well spent. Betsy Brian stated that initial training was included in the cost. Rick Jimenez expressed concern over the cost and noted that show times were already on the internet. Betsy Brian noted that she had a jump-drive with a demo of the Titan TV Guide, given out at the NTA conference, and would bring it to the Board for viewing. Rick Jimenez agreed that it should be reviewed a little closer before a decision is made. Betsy Brian said that there was a small $100 discount on the $600 cost, only available for a short time. Paul Gardner felt that this TV Guide was a promotional tool that would be good for Elko Television District to pursue. The item was tabled until the next meeting. 15. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF COST-SHARE REQUEST FROM HUMBOLT TV DISTRICT FOR CSI CONSULTING S $5K PROPOSAL TO REVIEW/REDO MICROWAVE LICENSES FROM VIRGINIA PK TO TOULON AND TOULON TO WINNEMMUCA MT Paul Gardner expressed concern over spending time and money on the microwave licenses that would eventually be discontinued. All Board Members concurred. Jon Wahrenbrock motioned to deny this cost sharing request with Humboldt TV, at this time, and communicate with Humboldt County that Elko Television District will discuss this again at a future date when there is a better idea of the feasibility of the cost of fiber optics between Reno and Elko. Steve Guitar seconded, and all voted unanimous. 16. DISCUSSION ON ESTABLISHING FORMAL PARTNERSHIP TO PURSUE FIBER 4

5 OPTIONS FOR BRINGING TV SIGNALS TO ELKO & WINNEMUCCA INSTEAD OF MICROWAVE Jon Wahrenbrock explained that Tariq Amad with Satview had shared details on his lease of fiber that terminates at the Douglas Street location, which picks up the air signals from a local casino site. Tariq had quoted that it would take about $17,000 in equipment and two weeks time, to pull the signal up the fiber and shoot it to broadcast antennas. Jon Wahrenbrock did not agree with the two week quote. Rick Jimenez expressed concerns over the quote being based on use of very cheap, undependable equipment. Dependability is the main concern. He felt that Eagle Communications should review the quote and give their opinion. Steve Guitar mentioned that there may be a lease liability as well, and concern over Elko Television District paying someone else s lease bill. Rick Jimenez and Jon Wahrenbrock agreed that there were more questions to be asked about the use of the fiber down the line and who all would participate in the same lease or other leases on the same fiber. Paul Gardner explained that not everyone was aware of how their television service was even provided. Lovelock was encouraging Elko Television District to act and Eureka is encouraging Elko Television District to act on fiber options. Moving forward with small options like this one, would promote progress. Microwave hops and signals may change in a year. Bill Leppala explained the fiber location limitations and stated that it was Eureka s duty to get signal to Mary s Mt, either by microwave from the bottom of the valley or by running fiber. He shared his view that microwave was the best option at this time. Fiber runs were cost prohibitive at this time. There was more analysis and information needed. Paul suggested rebroadcasting off Grindstone. He noted the upcoming winter planning for the next construction season. There was a general discussion of Eureka using existing microwave equipment, even if fiber came near Mary s Mt. General discussion included infrastructure additions around Elko, to aid in shared lease of Satview s fiber and the best locations in Elko for those additions. Rick Jimenez also explained his knowledge of the fiber locations and quality in Elko, as he was a main installer. He stated that there was tree trouble in some areas and a site survey may be needed. The college area had a state owned site that was optimal, with reach to all the main towers. There may be rent and other cost considerations. Rick Jimenez restated his suggestion for Eagle Communications to review the proposal. Betsy Brian agreed that more investigation was needed. Jon Wahrenbrock expressed the positives of working with Satview, because of their current equipment in place in Reno. Paul Gardner agreed that Reno signals were already collected by Satview and the capabilities were being proven. Rick Jimenez stated that all of the communication has been helpful. There was a discussion on signal between locations, and specifically the college site to Mary s Mt. Steve Guitar expressed concerns with temperature fade risks, using Mary s Mt. Steve stated that the Lamoille and Grindstone sites were the best option. Paul Gardner noted that a good map would be helpful for the discussion. The microwaves were recognized as equipment that would continue to be a part of the backbone for a long time. Steve Guitar and Paul Gardner recognized the amount of time that the Board had already spent on the issue. Action was needed. Jon Wahrenbrock suggested getting a written proposal from Satview, which Rick Jimenez agreed that it should include an equipment list for him and Eagle Communications to review. This item was tabled for further review. 5

6 17. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF UPDATED LEASE WITH OPEN SKY RADIO AT VIRGINIA PEAK Paul Gardner noted the details of Open Sky s former lease and their request for continued, secure terms at a reasonable rate. Open Sky has already signed their side of the lease. Betsy Brian motioned to approve the new lease with Open Sky Radio. Steve Guitar seconded the motion. All voted unanimous. 18. REPAIR SERVICE REPORT AND SITE UPDATES No discussion. 19. OLD BUSINESS None for discussion. 20. NEW BUSINESS Jon Wahrenbrock explained that an advisory letter was received from SW Gas about new equipment already installed. He stated that Dale Lotspeich had a copy, and there would be a lease adjustment. Betsy Brian noted that the sender of the letter had communicated with her on the date of the Eureka meeting. Paul Gardner commented positively on the new equipment and confirmed that a lease adjustment was in order. Meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. The next board meeting will be held on November 10, 2016 at the Elko County Commissioners Board Room. 6