HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-10 Community Relations Commitee•'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