HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-12 Information & Technology CommitteeFEBRUARY 23, 2012
INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Committee Members Present: David Varner, Chairperson; Henry Davis,
Valerie Schey, Tim Scott
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter, Karen White, Fred Ferlic,
Gavin Ferlic, Oliver Davis
Other's Present: Marcus Ellison, Peter Helland, Pat Crowley, Murray Miller,
Angel Hernandez, Mayor Pete, Mike Schmuhl, Kathryn Roos,
Sherri Miller -Story, George, Lane, Gary Gilot
AGENDA: BILL NO. 12 -13 — APPROVING A LOCAL SERVICE AGREEMENT
FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND GOVERNEMENT ACCESS CHANNEL
Chairperson David Varner opened the review of Bill No. 12 -13, the only matter on the
committee agenda, with full committee in attendance.
Varner began by asking Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski - Farrand to provide a brief
background. She said that the State legislature in 2006 gave cable franchise oversight to
the Utility Regulatory Commission including collection of fees which were to be
disbursed to local governments based upon local subscription. The state also eliminated
the requirement for local public access channels. Since the last public program telecast in
September of '07 the Council has listened to the public wanting local programming. At
the Council's behest the Board of Public Works took the lead to set up a publicly funded
public access telecasting.
The Council asked the Board of Public Works to see that an RFP be drawn that would
provide professionally managed programming with an equitable sharing of costs among
the City of South Bend, Mishawaka, and the County. Ultimately WNIT was low bidder
at $85,000. However even though Mishawaka and the County only agreed to fund
$10,000 each, the Council okayed a first year $65,000.00 contribution with the tacit
agreement a more equitable split would be agreed to in year two.
Chairperson Varner then turned to Angel Hernandez representing WNIT, the winning
bidder. Mr. Hernandez spoke to WNIT's plans to work with Ivy Tech and other
community based organizations to produce educational informative programs to be
monitored by a Community Advisory Board.
The Council Committee portion began with Councilmember Henry Davis and Valerie
Schey asking why South Bend had to obligate a disproportionate share. Gary Gilot
serving as the head of BPW said the City took the lead and assumed a willingness to
incur a majority of the first year expenses. Tim Scott wondered where funding beyond
year one would come from. Gary Gilot said the city's share of the 5% cable fee is
approximately $800,000 year, more than adequate for future funding. Both
Councilmember Gavin and Fred Ferlic expressed a need to negotiate a more equitable
split of costs with the Council and the City of Mishawaka for second year funding.
Council President Derek Dieter raised the issue of funding religious programming with
public dollars. Could the City be sued? In response Aladean DeRose said once the
management contract was entered into with WNIT, the City was immune from lawsuit.
Angel Hernandez emphasized the role of the Advisory Board exercising programming
approval based upon community standards.
Kathy Cekanski- Farrand agreed the City was absolved of nay potential liability with the
WNIT contract.
Turning to the public Councilmember Varner recognized George Lane to speak in
support. George recounted his four year push for public access emphasizing the need for
the people to have a voice.
Carol Davis needs programming not found elsewhere.
Rev. Sylvester Williams of WUBS radio said public access was good; but there
importantly needed to be the inclusion of minorities, specifically the black community.
He was dubious about the intent of inclusion if programming was to be monitored and
approved by a yet to be named Community Review Board. He said "censorship is not
public access." He said the black community should have a "piece of the pie."
Rallying to his point, Councilmember Oliver Davis asked Rev. Williams to expand on the
meaning of "the pie." Rev. Williams stated that 95% of public access programming has a
religious flavor. He ended up saying he wanted it on record that WNIT would
collaborate with the black community through WUBS. Angel Hernandez said WNIT
intends to openly work with all segments of the community.
Before closing the hearing Councilmember Valerie Schey again expressed dissatisfaction
with the financial constructs to date and questioned future commitments.
Ultimately Councilmember Henry Davis moved for favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Scott seconded. It passed favorably by a vote of 3 -1, Valerie Schey
dissenting.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
Varner adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Varner, Chairperson
Information and Technology Committee