02-06-08 Information and Technology Committee

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~• E_ __ -~ ~,. ~- ;_ .~ Information and Technology Committee 2008 South Bend Common Council The February 6, 2008 meeting of the Information and Technology Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello, Varner, Rouse, and White; City Clerk John Voorde, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Assistant City Attorney Thomas Bodnar, Peter Holland, George Lane, Angel Hernandez, Brian Hoover, Saint Clair Poindexter, Rev. Sylvester Williams, Jr., Shane Williams; Mike McGann, David N. Boomker, Nathan Ferrone, Mrs. Kopola, Nancy Sulok of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner noted that the meeting was called to receive further updates from Public Works Director Gary Gilot which were discussed at the January 28~' Committee meeting on the taping of the South Bend Common Council meetings; public access; and the possible relocation of the broadcast headend as noted in the January 30, 2008 meeting notice (copy attached). Dr. Varner noted that the Committee members include Council Members Thomas LaFountain, Henry Davis, Jr., Karen L. White, and himself. He noted that a quorum of the Committee was not present. Dr. Varner noted for background information that in August the City received notice from Comcast that they would no longer tape and broadcast the Common Council meetings effective the end of September. The Council worked closely with Public Works Director Gary Gilot so that request for proposals (RFP) could be prepared to enable the Council meetings to continue. As a result of the RFPs the last three (3) Council meetings were taped by WNIT and broadcast through the City's website. Additionally, Dr. Varner noted that persons who had broadcast on public access were sent notice by Comcast last Fall, that beginning in mid-December 2007, Comcast would no longer provide that service. Update on the Taping of South Bend Common Council Meetings: Update on Public Access: Update on Possible Relocation of the Broadcast Origination Point: Public Works Director Gary Gilot provided two (2) handouts to the Committee (copies attached). At this point, Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. joined the Committee meeting, creating a quorum. Mr. Gilot noted that the first handout consisting of four (4) pages sets forth information on the three (3) topics noted by Dr. Varner. He noted that he incorrectly referred to the relocation of the broadcast headend at the last committee meeting, and the proper terminology is the relocation of the broadcast origination point.