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INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY
MAY 9,2011
Committee Members Present: David Varner, Chairperson; Henry Davis;
Tom LaFountain;
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; Ann Puzzello; Karen White; Tim
Rouse
Other's Present: Vivian Sallie; Mary Pruess, Rita Kopala; Angel
Hernandez; Gearge Lane. Mike Senicka; Peter
Helland; Mayor Steve; Gary Gilot; David Wemkoff;
Lynne Coleman; Kyle Chamberlin; Gregg Zientara
AGENDA—BILL NO. 11-33—RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COMMUNITY
WIDE PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERTMENTAL (PEG)
BROADCASTING FOR SOUTH BEND. MISHAWAKA AND ST.JOSEPH
COUNTY
This resolution supports community access television.
Chairperson Varner began the hearing briefly recounting a historical perspective on how
this lack of public access situation has evolved. He then introduced Peter Helland who
emphasized the need for pubic access and also stated any support was appreciated.
George Lane followed suit lauding the WNIT facilities to broadcast programming. Mary
Pruess, President of WNIT said they would welcome managing and helping to produce
programming on old Comcast 99.
Chairperson Varner then asked for Council comment. Karen White asked if the City of
Mishawaka was going to help pay for public access. Kathy Cekanski-Farrand added
other communities in the WNIT broadcast area like Goshen and Plymouth. Mary Pruess
said Comcast may restrict access outside of SB/Mish. Tim Rouse echoed
Councilmember White's concern about South Bend being the sole money provider.
Chairperson Varner stated our commitment was limited to $65,000.
Mary Pruess said WNIT could be ready to produce programming in 90 days once funding
was assured. She added that while WNIT would serve as producer, actual programming
would be decided upon by a community board.
Information Technology Committee
May 9, 2011
Page 2
Peter Helland and Councilmember Henry Davis both questioned the makeup and
oversight of the community board. Councilmember Henry Davis in particular said if the
Council is funding the access the Council should control the board.
With the issue of public access programming unresolved Chairperson Varner said issues
like this would be part of a contract to be devised later with Council input.
At that Councilmember LaFountain moved for favorable disposition. Councilmember
Henry Davis offered a second and all agreed to forward to full Council favorably.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time. Chairperson
Varner adjourned the meeting at 4:52 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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David Varner, Chairperson
Information and Technology Committee