04-04-13 Information & Technology

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INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY 5:00 P.M. April 4, 2013 Committee Members Present: Tim Scott, Dr. David Varner, Gavin Ferlic, Henry Davis Others Present: Carol Davis, Brent Cummins, Angel Hernandez, Gary Gilot, Brian Hoover, Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, John Voorde Agenda: 1. Public Access Channel Update 2. Follow -up Training Session Tim Scott, Information & Technology Committee chair, opened the meeting noting all committee members present. The first item on the agenda was an update from WNIT regarding the launch of the public access channel. Angel Hernandez from WNIT reported that there were now 40 programs being produced at the station for a total of 24 hours of programming a month. One area of concern was the quality of the images being recorded and shown from the Council chambers. He said because the video equipment was meant for the web and not television the quality was not what it should be. He added that this shortcoming was being corrected with the cooperation of the technicians at WNIT and the city's IT Department. Gary Gilot reported that an agreement with AT &T to carry the public access channel was close to being signed. Regarding funding, Gary noted South Bend had paid $65,000 of the original $85,000 in charges. The current cost split was $43,000 for South Bend, $29,000 for St Joseph County, and $13,000 for Mishawaka. This ratio was based upon the 5% fees from Comcast to the parties was paid. Brian Hoover, Chief Engineer at WNIT, reported that he was working on expanding public access coverage to Elkhart and Marshall County. Additional revenues could either offset costs or more likely expand programming. Dr. David Varner encouraged WNIT to work with the School Corporation and local universities to bring educational opportunities to public access. Angel Hernandez said that two educational programs, one reading and one math were being shown on public access. Tim Scott asked if WNIT could provide a written list of their goals and objectives along with projected timelines for public access. Carol Davis said what WNIT has done so far was great; but suggested the public access channel could be so much more. Angel Hernandez responded saying it all comes down to funding. Some wrap up discussion followed before Tim Scott closed this part of the meeting at 5:26 P.M.