01/24/1980
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He gave an overview of the process used for the evaluation
reports and stated the report was pTovided to each company for
review and response. The companies responded and a final
evaluation report was tendered with errors corrected. The
evaluation was a complex analysis with three principal areas
considered -- technical, financial, and services. All of the
companies meet the requirements, but their recommendation con-
cluded that Gulfstream offered the best overall proposal to
provide cable television service to the citizens of Clearwater.
He suggested the Commission use their own criteria to evaluate
the companies, but to consider performance of the companies,
any involvement in litigation, and the ownership.
Timothy Johnson, attorney representing Vision Cable
Communications, Inc., introduced Sidney Knafel, Chairman of
the Board, who gave a short history of the company, and slides
were presented. At the conclusion of the slide presentation,
he stated the slides would be presented to the Clearwater
Historical Society. Vision Cable Communications, Inc. would
become involved in the community and would not just be an
entertainment medium. Local citizens have given input, the
company is innovative, and is proposing 51 channels. A poll
was conducted in Clearwater to evaluate the wants and needs
of the citizens. They would bring new programs and they are
big enough to give good service, but small enough to care.
They are leaders in programming and technology.
Emil Marquardt, Jr., attorney representing Cox Cable
Communication, Inc., felt this company would provide the best
services and the City would benefit overall from their involve-
ment. Four citizen-partners had been selected to head Cox
Cable of Clearwater and they have pledged the monetary benefits
received would go to four local Clearwater organizations. Bruce
Burnham, vice-president of Cox Cable Communications, Inc.,
introduced the officers and gave a brief history. He stated
the company is a forward-thinking, progressive company and would
provide the best of services and propose to include the equipment
for 54 channels if awarded the franchise.
Curt Kiser, attorney for Gulfstream Cablevision, Inc.,
a subsidiary of Storer Broadcasting Company, introduced the
officers of the corporation who were present. He stated the
consultant has provided a nonpolitical, technical decision
recommending Gu1fstream Cab1evision, Inc. Slides were pre-
sented. Tom Alexander, vice-president, stated the consultants
had reported that Gulfstream's proposal was most comprehensive
and responsive to Clearwater and the residents. There would
be local involvement by the company and a financial commitment
of $15,000,000. They have developed, specifically for Clear-
water, a beach surveillance and traffic monitoring service
system.
David Korones, attorney representing Coaxial Co~nunications,
stated they have publicly disagreed with the process that was
developed. He introduced the officers of the company and stated
it is ."important to know the ,principals. involved and that this :',
would be a local management company. He suggested a delay in
approving the franchise because of the errors in the consultant's
report. Dennis McGillicuddy, president, reviewed the history of
the company and stated they ranked second overall in the con-
sultant's report, and have the lowest rates. Steve McVoy spoke
,2.,'
1/24/80
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