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Community Relations Committee <br />2009 South Bend Common Council <br />The January 29, 2009 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to order by its <br />Chairperson, 2nd District Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers, <br />4d' Floor County-City Building. <br />Persons in attendance included Council Members Ann Puzzello and Henry Davis, Jr.; Public <br />Works Director Gary Gilot, Mikki Dobski Shidler of Communication & Special Projects, <br />William D. Freedman, Christine Chilaneck, unidentified members of the public and news media, <br />Jamie Loo from the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. <br />Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. welcomed everyone to the Committee meeting. He noted that <br />he called for the purpose of hearing an update on the digital television conversion. He stated that <br />the members of the Community Relations Committee include Council Members White, Varner, <br />Puzzello and himself. Council Member Davis further noted that the Committee is charged with <br />overseeing various activities of the Office of Community and is also charged with facilitating <br />partnerships & ongoing communications with other public and private entities. <br />Digital Television Transition: <br />Council Member Davis then introduced Mr. William D. Freedman, Associate Chief in the Media <br />Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C.. <br />Mr. William D. Freedman welcomed the opportunity to provide information from the FCC. Mr. <br />Freedman introduced Christine Chilaneck from the FCC Office in Chicago. <br />Mr. Freedman noted that he is making available to the public many publications to assist in the <br />digital television transition, which included: <br />• Digital Television Transition -February 17, 2009 -Will You Be Ready? (1 page) <br />• FCC Consumer Facts -Troubleshooting Guide for Digital-to-Analog (2 pages) <br />• TV Converter Box Coupon Program (2 pages) <br />• Antennas and Digital Television- FCC Consumer Facts (2 pages) <br />Mr. Freedman noted that many of these publications are also available in Spanish. (copies <br />attached). <br />Mr. Freedman noted that he wanted to highlight why the transition is taking place; who benefits <br />from this; what viewers need to know and to clear up as many misconceptions as possible. He <br />noted that he will be asking for a volunteer from the audience to actually hook up a converter <br />box and will be available to address questions at the end of the meeting <br />