02-06-08 Information and Technology Committee

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Information and Technology Committee February 6, 2008 Page 2 Mr. Gilot-noted that WNIT was the lowest, responsible, responsive bidder of the three (3) bids received last Fall, responding to the RFPs. He stated that he has spoken with Mayor Luecke, about this topic. Currently the Public Works Department is absorbing the cost of taping the Council meetings, and would recommend that the Council absorb this cost in the future. The Council Attorney noted that the former City Controller stated that of the approximate $670,000 currently being received from Comcast and deposited into the General Fund, could be used for costs associated with Council meeting broadcasts. She suggested that the Interim Controller be contacted. Dr. Varner stated that he believes that the use of the Comcast funding would be appropriate and consistent with how other communities fund such items. He noted that he was "comfortable that this could be done financially". Mr. Gilot noted that it was his understanding that the Comcast revenue was being used for fund public safety services. Mr. Gilot then reviewed the information on the first handout addressing "Public Access". He noted that PEG refers to the public, education and government scope of the public access channel. Comcast discontinued such service on December 15, 2007; disassembled and boxed up all related equipment. If the City wishes to broadcast, it must sent a letter to Comcast "assuming responsibility" on a 24/7 basis. Mr. Gilot indicated that the City could do a 24/7 power point consisting of a community calendar and have a line switch to broadcast pre-recorded Council meetings without a large investment or staff/contract management resources. He stated that content issues and, management could be contracted to a public televisions, Ivy Tech, South Bend Community Schools or other partners. With regard to the possible relocation of the broadcast origination point, Mr. Gilot stated that Comcast has been asked. to give the City a quote to run fiber from their headend or a point of presence to the Metronet loops. As an interim step, the City could house the origination point in any public building on the Metronet. Equipment needed includes a computer to handle the community calendar, a line switch and a method of playback (tape or DVD), and person(s) to manage content and physical inputlswitching. Council President Rouse voiced concern about the lack of minority representation in the RFPs, contracts entered into by the City, and vendors who do business with the city; noting that all of these areas should be a reflection of our community. He noted that he met with Mr. Hernandez of WNIT-TV, stating that the quote and the quality of last year's taping of the Council meetings has gone well. He noted that he met with Mr. Hernandez yesterday to discuss subcontracting. Council President Rouse stated that he believes that there is a sense of hypocrisy, if the City does not ask and have standards in its bidding and processing requirements to do business with the City.