HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/22/07 Information and Technology CommitteeInformation and Technology Committee
2007 South Bend Common Council
The October 22, 2007 meeting of the Information and Technology Committee of
the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council
Member David Varner at 4:17 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Varner,
Rouse, Kirsits, White and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Interim City
Controller John Murphy, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, City Attorney Charles
Leone, City Clerk John Voorde, Martha Lewis, Saint Clair Poindexter, other
members of the public, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Dr. Varner noted that the Committee consisted of Council Members Pfeifer,
Kelly, White and himself.
Update and Discussion of Video Taping Council Meetings:
Dr. Varner noted that the meeting was called to discuss any updates in getting
meetings of the South Bend Common Council back onto the public access
channel. He noted that the City Administration received notification in late
August that Comcast would terminate recording and broadcasting Council
meetings; with the last meeting broadcast being the one of September 24, 2007.
Dr. Varner noted that he has had preliminary discussions with representatives of
WNIT, a publicly funded broadcaster, to address coverage of the Council
meetings, with returning the broadcasts of the Council meetings being the
primary focus at this time.
Mayor Luecke noted that Indiana state law has changed and that it is his
understanding that there is no obligation to provide personnel or equipment by
Comcast, but that they are obligated to provide a public, educational and
governmental access channels (PEG) channels.
City Attorney Charles Leone provided a 2-page handout entitled "Fact Sheet"
from the Federal Communications Commission on cable television; and a 4-page
summary on "Cable Television: Regulation & Consumer Concerns" from the
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (copies attached).
October 22, 2007 Information and Technology Committee
Page 2
The Council Attorney inquired whether the City Administration has reviewed the
local cable television regulations codified in the South Bend Municipal Code as to
whether there are any other options available.
Mr. Leone stated that his department has not reviewed those provisions,
assuming that they too have been superseded by state law, but he would do so.
Mayor Luecke stated that the Indiana Legislature believed that the state law
changes were intended to "put Indiana in the forefront of televising community
services". It streamlines the process with ancillary benefits being recognized.
December 15th is the final date for broadcasting of 3~d party's tapes by Comcast.
He noted that Mishawaka and Elkhart have declined to have such services
offered under a third party provider. Mayor Luecke added that he has had
discussions with WNIT, but has not had sufficient time to review all options. He
stated that it is his understanding that "whoever operates the PEG channel
cannot restrict programming content", including obscene material.
In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, the Mayor noted that ATT
has not been contacted as another provider of such services with Comcast being
the only company having a franchise agreement with the city.
Dr. Varner stated that WNIT has expressed in interest in hosting the PEG
channel, noting that fees would be involved for such services. He also noted that
based on his research libraries are also used to host. At this point there is no
public access for governmental functions in South Bend.
Dr. Varner suggested the it would be his recommendation to have the Board of
Public Works look into this, since they are the contracting agency for the City and
since they approved the current franchise agreement with Comcast.
In response to questions from Dr. Varner to Mr. Gilot, Mr. Gilot stated that he
could have a quote prepared within a week to ten (10) days. He would also
check into the budget numbers of revenues received by the city from Comcast.
Legal advertisement for quotes would then take place.
Council Member White noted that she has received a number of inquires voicing
their concerns since they are current users of this channel and provide video
broadcasts.
Mayor Luecke stated that they can continue to have their tapes broadcast until
December 15th, but not tapes after that date will be broadcast by Comcast.
October 22, 2007 Information and Technology Committee
Page 3
Council Members Pfeifer and White voiced support of Dr. Varner's proposal to
have the City Administration through the Board of Public Works work to get the
Council meetings back on the air.
Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Council Member White to
formally request the Board of Public Works to take appropriate action for
soliciting quotations from 3~d party providers so that the Common Council
meetings could be aired on the public access channel. The motion passed.
Saint Clair Poindexter voiced concerns and noted that he opposing having WNIT
involved. He stated that he has been a producer for fifteen (15) years. He noted
that their was an article in Sunday's South Bend Tribune which detailed his
position and that of others who now broadcast. He noted that for him to get any
information from the city he had to file a public information request with Mr.
Leone.
Dr. Varner stated that there is a "desire and a demand for programming which is
evident". He stated that the Council needs to secure having the Council
meetings broadcast first. Right now there is no government programming going
out to the public.
Miscellaneous Business:
Mayor Luecke noted that the City of South Bend provided personnel. and
equipment assistance to the City of Nappanee in light of the devastating tornado
damage to that community.
Dr. Varner stated that it is good to hear that South Bend is assisting other
communities in need.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner
adjourned the meeting at 3:42 p.m.
/R~ ully submitted,
~_~~~
i Varner, Chairperson
Information and Technology Committee
Attachments