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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/05/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - Community Technology Advisory Commission - Regular Minutes of the Cable TV Advisory Commission May 5, 1998 Page 1 APPROVED MINUTES ST. LOUIS PARK CABLE TV ADVISORY COMMISSION MAY 5, 1998 − 6:00 P.M. ST. LOUIS PARK HIGH SCHOOL MEMBERS PRESENT: Bruce Browning, Ken Huiras, and Robert Jacobson MEMBERS ABSENT: Anthony Raiber STAFF PRESENT: Reg Dunlap, Civic TV Coordinator; John McHugh, Community TV Coordinator; and Rebecca Belz, Recording Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: Gerald Burt, Carolyn Charles, and Barbara Pulliam of School District #283. 1. Call to Order: Vice Chair Huiras called the meeting to order at 6: 05 p.m. 2. Roll Call: It was noted that Jill Boddy resigned her position on the Commission. 3. Approval of Minutes of February 10, 1998: Bruce Browning moved, seconded by Robert Jacobson, to approve the minutes of the February 10, 1998 St. Louis Park Cable TV Advisory Commission as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 4. Adoption of Agenda: It was noted that there would be no report of the Chair, no report from Paragon Cable, and that there would be discussion regarding Paragon’s survey under Communications. Bruce Browning moved, seconded by Robert Jacobson to accept the agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously. 5. Old Business A. School District auto playback system grant and tour. Mr. Burt showed the Commission the control room where the new equipment purchased with the $8000 grant is housed. Mr. Burt showed the Commission the PVC8 playback controller and the six new Panasonic VCR’s and demonstrated how Minutes of the Cable TV Advisory Commission May 5, 1998 Page 2 they worked along with Pentium PC using EDGE TV graphics (from Alpha Video) incorporated into the SCALA character generator software. Several aspects of the equipment were discussed as well as many questions including solicited vendors, power outage procedures, specific performance issues of the character generator, etc. The Commission commended Mr. Burt on his presentation and agreed that the grant was well utilized. Ms. Barbara Pulliam entered at 6:15 p.m. Mr. Dunlap noted that a copy of an inventory or breakdown of the costs would be needed prior to reimbursing the school for the expense. Ms. Charles provided the list of expenses before the meeting was adjourned. 6. New Business A. School District’s request for funding: Mr. Dunlap noted that Ms. Pulliam and Ms. Charles were present to discuss the School District’s request for funding from the cable franchise fees collected by the City. While waiting for Ms. Charles to enter, Mr. Dunlap reported receiving a grant request for $25,000 from Mr. Tom Stringer of the School District. Ms. Charles entered at 6:50 p.m. She invited questions and discussion regarding the information that was included in the packet. Several questions were asked of Ms. Charles including current requirements of students using the studio, and whether a system of control is in place over what students produce. Ms. Charles explained that curriculum in the state of Minnesota is changing so that incoming freshmen will be required to complete a full year-long course in media production. She explained that each student would be required to produce a “body of work” that would be shared with an “audience” perhaps through cable TV, in-house, or through the community. She further explained that each student would be required to experience writing scripts, filming, editing, acting, etc. Mr. McHugh asked whether the School District assists non-public schools in the district by opening their studios for use. Mr. Charles reported that there have been few requests but that they have always been cooperative with non-public schools and the requests for use and tours. She noted that funding is often raised. She included that most non-public schools do not have an elaborate program but that they are also exempt from the state requirement. Commissioner Jacobson suggested that the Commission and St. Louis Park High School work together to develop a plan to provide time to non-public schools where they could utilize the studio provided they pay for the costs associated. There was brief discussion about this throughout the meeting. Minutes of the Cable TV Advisory Commission May 5, 1998 Page 3 Commissioner Browning asked about equipment replacement and the District’s procedure in the matter. Ms. Charles explained that the District follows a capitol cycle and all requests for equipment are filtered through this cycle. She noted that many other requests come before media equipment. Ms. Charles responded to a question regarding equipment maintenance that there had not been much need in the area. The Commission suggested that more attention be placed in putting aside funds for equipment repairs, etc. Mr. Dunlap inquired about the school buildings data networking and whether they are still using the Institutional Cable Network (I-Net) for data delivery. Ms. Charles responded that they are currently using the I-Net and feel it is an important component in communication. She also reported that there are currently issues with WAN’s and LAN’s and that there is talk about possibly going to Fiber. There was also discussion regarding Mr. Burt’s position and what types of activities are planned for the newly expanded position. She explained that he would continue to maintain the appearance of the Cable Channel, some production activity, some maintenance, and possibly provide student access over the summer. She also noted that she has been in touch with KUOM, the radio station at the University of Minnesota, who has sent School District #283 a proposal that is being reviewed. If accepted, it would be revisited each year as the needs of the District change. KUOM (770 AM, a daylight only station) would transmit on KDXL 106.5 FM when the District wasn’t programming it. There was discussion regarding the pending Technology Plan and when it would be approved. Dr. Pulliam explained that the plan far exceeds available funding by five to seven million dollars. She further noted that the Board has been discussing seeking referendum assistance. She explained that the plan includes technology and facilities improvement and would allow a good foundation and a proactive approach for future expansion. She noted that the Board hopes to make a decision in June regarding the direction of the plan. There was further discussion as to what equipment priorities the school had. Ms. Charles would supply a “wish list” and reported that updating the two studios was a priority. The Commission then discussed the role of the Commission and what its next step entails concerning grants for the School District. They decided to make a decision regarding a recommendation for the $25,000 grant request first, then submit a request to City Council for approval. Minutes of the Cable TV Advisory Commission May 5, 1998 Page 4 Bruce Browning moved, seconded by Robert Jacobson, to recommend to the City Council to approve the School District’s $25,000 grant request. Motion carried unanimously. School staff left at 8:00 p.m. 7. Reports Vice Chair Huiras inquired regarding new Commissioners and if any had been recruited. Mr. Dunlap reported that a message has been put on the cable channel advertising vacancies and one person has expressed interest in this Commission, however, City Council’s meeting agendas have been full and no appointment has been made. There was extensive discussion regarding the survey that Paragon forwarded to the City for review. It was briefly explained that Paragon conducts a customer satisfaction survey every three years and that it is generally the same survey they conduct for all cities they service. Copies had been distributed and discussed with Commissioners at a previous discussion to formulate a thorough response to Paragon. Many concerns were discussed regarding the survey and what were seemingly biased questions. Mr. McHugh and Mr. Dunlap reported that a response had been sent to Paragon who offered to comply with only two requests. The Deputy City Manager and the Mayor have been informed and are very supportive of the concerns expressed by the Commission and staff. The City is still working with Paragon and the survey has not yet been conducted. Staff will report back. Mr. Dunlap distributed the list of complaints received about their cable service and commented that there was a minimal number of them. Mr. Dunlap also distributed Paragon’s programming report for information. Mr. Dunlap reported that Annual Filings will be discussed at another meeting, however, reported to the Commission that Paragon has requested they not attend cable commission meetings until December so questions regarding the Annual Filings or anything else should be forwarded in writing. Mr. Dunlap then distributed a Cable TV Fund Revenues sheet breaking down the past nine year’s allocation of funds. Mr. Dunlap noted that this list does not include the $86,000 due from Paragon by January of 1999 that will be shared with the School District. It was also noted that the School District allocation has not been increased since 1990. It was suggested that the Commission meet sooner than July to discuss the District’s needs and how to allocate the money. It was decided to hold the next Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. June 16, 1998 to discuss the equipment needs of the school as well as other business. 8. Adjournment: Minutes of the Cable TV Advisory Commission May 5, 1998 Page 5 With no other business to come before the Commission, Bruce Browning moved, seconded by Robert Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Rebecca L. Belz Recording Secretary ATTEST: Reg Dunlap Civic TV Coordinator City of St. Louis Park