Comcast Survey Results – Preliminary Report

January 26,2008

We want to begin by thanking everyone who responded to the survey. The board clearly needed, and still needs, your guidance so that we make the decision that will best serve our association.

The results of the survey seem to split down the middle. This was a survey intended to get a feel for the will of the community. It was not a vote per se. We have had responses from 111 members - some by paper and some by e-mail. The results of the survey follow.

# % of those responding

            Voting for the assessment          26                    23.4%
            Voting for the bank loan            26                    23.4%
            Voting against the project          46                    41.4%
          Question/suggestions only          13                    11.7%
            Total Responding                     111
            Total Non-Responding           129

We have concluded that we are not ready to commit to the project at this time. Rather, we are considering stopgap measures while we explore the questions and suggestions that have been submitted by many of you. We understand that the existing cable may eventually need to be replaced and that delay may result in some cost increase. We are also sensitive to the facts that cable may not be our most essential priority, that some folks are struggling on fixed incomes, and that we may be facing some difficult economic times.

We have elected to attempt to deal with our existing system as best we can this year to give us a chance to buy time and make a more informed decision. We may still need to pursue the project if our existing system breaks down completely.

So, considering the costs, our need to do more homework, and the questions and suggestions that many of you have submitted, we have put together the following plan.

Immediate Action Plan

Ø      Delay commitment to the Comcast cable installation until other options can be explored.
Ø      Test signal throughout the park and replace components as needed.
Ø      Put office on line and provide wireless Internet access in the clubhouse.
Ø      Monitor future development of wireless systems as an option to hard-wired cable
Ø      Recruit members from the association who have expertise in cable technology to serve as ad advisory group.

Clarification of the project

It is probably easiest to understand the proposed project if thought of as two separate issues, 1) wire – the under ground cable that brings the programming to your trailer, and 2) programming – the services that are provided and travel over the cable.

The programming that we are currently receiving (98 channels) is provided by Comcast and is paid for out of our annual maintenance fee. We are in year 2 of a 5-year contract for that service. That arrangement will not be changed by the project

The wire that brings that program from the front gate to each of our trailers may be breaking down and causing the poor reception that we are currently experiencing. If replaced, the new cable would ensure satisfactory reception and would allow individuals to subscribe to other services available from Comcast such as Internet or premium channels. That cable would be buried 14” underground and the trenching should not interfere with our other electrical or water lines, which are buried much deeper. Telephone lines are not buried as deep and may be vulnerable.

The following information has been gathered through meetings and other communication that we have had with Comcast. If we were to proceed with the project we would require the necessary written assurances.

1. Comcast Basic Service (98 channels), including our Oakridge channel, will continue. No additional cost for this service is planned at this time.

2. All existing wiring would be replaced with 1.45 miles of new 715QR cable. New taps will be provided at each site and all electronics and equipment will be replaced

3. Individuals will have the option to subscribe to premium channels, Internet, Digital Cable and Digital Voice at their cost. A package of Digital Cable, Internet and Digital Voice can be purchased for $129.00/month. Internet service only would cost the subscriber $33.00/ month. Seasonal service can be arranged directly with Comcast.

4. Comcast will be responsible for any damage incurred in the process of installation.

5. Comcast will be responsible for the maintenance of the system.

6. Comcast may be able to save us some money by subcontracting the job, but they would still be responsible for any damage incurred during the installation and the maintenance of the system.

Other Considerations

1. We have not yet identified sources other than Comcast to replace cable. If we or another contractor installs the cable, we would have a conflict in the ownership of responsibility when service is interrupted. Another vendor may be less expensive, but may not accept the responsibility for the maintenance of service.

2. Cost. We are adding a luxury compared to our more basic system needs. Some do not feel that the cost is justified. We need to be sensitive also to the fact that many members are on fixed incomes and we are facing a volatile economic forecast.

3. With the rapid changes in technology, it may be possible that in the future service may be available through a wireless system.

Clearly the board has neither the expertise nor manpower to adequately investigate this project thoroughly. We would welcome help from any owner with expertise in cable technology to assist us in this pursuit.