City Council Minutes 2006 09 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes September 19, 2006 Page 7 of 10 Mayor Sisk voiced his support of public and government access cable television. He noted the Home Rule Charter requires public broadcast of meetings. He supported Staff's recommendation. Mayor Pro Tem Brown concurred and noted the PEG fees provide the City the means to be compliant with the Charter Amendment. He congratulated CCTV on their fund raising efforts and the formation of a foundation. Council member Sackett voiced support of CCTV, and of a balanced City budget. Council member Muckle asked where the shortages in the City Council cable television equipment would come from. City Manager Simmons stated it would come from the City Hall remodel fund. Peter Stewart, stressed the franchise fees go into the General Fund, however the PEG fees do not. He explained the other municipalities do not have PEG fees paid in advance. He stated his understanding the Council would equally split the PEG fees between government and public access cable television. He addressed the equipment list and stated the City of Lafayette and the Town of Superior have decent equipment that does not exceed $35,000. Mayor Pro Tem Brown asked how the City of Louisville equipment compares with the City of Lafayette and the Town of Superior. Assistant City Manager Balser stated those municipalities did not receive an advance in PEG fees and will add and replace equipment on an annual basis. City Manager Simmons stated the City has proposed equipment requested and approved by the citizens. Mayor Pro Tem Brown agreed the Charter amendment stipulates the type of broadcasting e~quipment for government television. Council member Yarnell asked for the basis for the previous $33,000 equipment quote. She stated the City informed Comcast the need for local cable access was approximately $80,000. Deputy City Manager Boyd explained during the negotiations with Comcast the City's basic needs was discussed. The City consultants calculated the needs for the City to broadcast public meetings. Council member Muckle favored discussion with neighboring cities to ascertain their costs for broadcasting equipment. He stated if the equipment comes in under budget, Council could make a decision to fund CCTV to a higher degree. MOTION: Council member Marsella moved the City be given $60,000 of the $80,000 PEG fees from Comcast and CCTV be given $20,000, with the proviso, that should the City Hall remodel comes in under budget, funds may be made available for CCTV, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brown.