Minutes-06/08/1988

Morgan: Rugger's prices are guaranteed for one year. The other company could not guarantee prices. Potter: Heritage Cable told us they couldn't come to Tiffin from Western Hills because there would not be enough power. Ruger: Their base is on the other side of Iowa City. They have more than 10 miles of cable before they get to Western Hills. I think that only 18 amplifiers are allowed on any one line. We plan to use 14 amplifiers to get to Tiffin. Potter: Everything is pretty much the same between the two companies. The other offers the 13th month free. Except, Valley offers a 3% franchise fee to the town. Stoner: Just using a microwave, no tower? Ruger: Yes. Potter: What about easements? Ruger: We'd use the utility easement through town. Telephone poles. We take care of all easements and make it work. Stoner: Is Oxford the only other town you've done? Ruger: Yes. We also did digging for the cable companies in North Liberty, Mount Vernon, Lisbon, New London, West Liberty and Wapello. Stoner: Where would you put the line? Ruger: Highway 6. Stratton: Western Hills has pretty bad reception. Ruger: Lot of power. Stratton: Western Hills has trouble all the time. Ruger: They go 20 miles through Iowa City. Hart: Would the town get the 3% from people who hook up along the highway who are not in the city limits? Ruger: We're only dealing with Tiffin. The others can connect. Your lines start at the city limits. Hart: They'd be of no benefit to Tiffin. Stoner: Service comes all out of Oxford. I'd rather go with someone local. Showtime instead of Cinemax and more stations offered. Ruger: We plan to add more stations as soon as we can financially do it. Stratton: Disney? Ruger: It would be a pay channel if we get it. Morgan: Is it the same cost if someone has a dish? Ruger: Yes. Potter: Valley will give 3% back to town. How much would that be? Ruger: Probably about $60.00. Potter: If someone else offers 3% to do business in town, it seems wrong to turn them down. Valley offers the 13th month free. You do not. Spivey: Large or small, it's amounts to something. Ruger: We use Liberty Communications as our counselors. Valley has bad systems. They've been working in Norway for 2 years. Stoner: You said you'd do it in 4 months. Stratton: Could you guarantee the rate for more than one year? Ruger: The only way it would raise is if we add another channel to the basic. Morgan: Mike, have you heard any comments from other towns? Hart: No. Attorney: I haven't heard any comments. Potter: I'd like to see the 3%, but Rugger is local. We can't give the 3% away. Stratton: Can you give it? Ruger: I have no authority, personally. I'll talk to Rich. Stratton: It could make a difference. Ruger: It would be close to $60.00 per month. Hart: It looks like between $35.00 and $66.00 per month.