02-08-10 Community Relations Commitee

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•'S . COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr., David Varner, Karen L. White, Ann Puzzello Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tim Rouse; Oliver Davis 02-08-10 Others Present: Kathleen Cekanski, George Lane, Rita Kopala, Pam Meyer, Tom Price, Michael Peck, Mayor Luecke, Gary Gilot, Bob Mathia Agenda: Public Access Michiana Community Relations Committee Chair Henry Davis, Jr., called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. and stated that he scheduled this meeting to allow Public access Michiana (PAM) a forum to solicit support and more importantly a commitment for funding from the city. PAM Inc. is a not-for- profitorganization formally created in 2009 to resurrect public access television programming. To do this they are asking the city for $300,000 to purchase equipment and fund studio operations in the soon to be opened WNIT Public Television studios. PAM suggests this money could be drawn from cable franchise fees paid annually to the city by Comcast. David Varner asked PAM spokesperson George Lane if any written proposals in the form of a business plan had been submitted for consideration. Varner also asked if there was a more affordable way to provide public access. Michael Peck also representing PAM said a formal business plan would be available soon for Council's review. Mayor Luecke interjected that initial discussions with WNIT regarding public access have been held. The Mayor said more information would be provided for the Council soon. The Mayor stated the City uses Comcast fees for other needs. In that these Comcast funds are already allocated, other more affordable ways to provide public access were underway with WNIT. George Lane said it is crucial to provide the public a voice. The letters of support for PAM's efforts to provide public access from elected officials need to be backed up with funding. Chairperson Henry Davis bringing the hearing to a close said the onus to put forward a fiscal plan rests with the city administration. Once PAM's business plan is received and reviewed he hoped the city would proceed with a plan for public access expeditiously. There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson Henry Davis adjourned the meeting at 3:40 p.m. Re ectfully mitted, Henry Davis, Jr., hairperson Community Relations Committee