02-06-08 Information and Technology Committee

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Information and Technology Committee February 6, 2008 Page 5 Council President Rouse noted that the lowest bidder is not always getting the job and that there are valid reasons to do this. He cited the South Bend Community School Corporation as a recent example. Mr. Gilot noted that the Board looks for the lowest, responsive responsible bidder. Mr. Gilot noted the public access channel is Channel 99. Comcast's position is that any municipality can have access. He stated that a community calendar and the taped Council meetings, could be handled by his staff and IT, however, if the City decides to go beyond that, they could not. He noted that City Attorney Charles Leone has voiced concern regarding content, and that they could not prohibit the KKK, if they wanted to use it. Council President Rouse stated that many constituents have raised their concerns about public access under the Privilege of the Floor section of the regular Council meetings. This is a concern across the state of Indiana, and there have been hearings in the US Congress. He stated that the City owes it to its constituents to see what are the alternatives. Council Member White stated that bringing in other entities to discuss this topic from a broad community perspective is needed. She believes there is an excellent opportunity to partner, and that ongoing discussions should take place. Dr. Varner noted that the larger picture includes public broadcast. The first step will be the Council meetings playbacks. He noted that other communities use libraries or not-for-profits to manage public access. He asked the Council Attorney to provide an update on how some of the other Indiana communities were handling this. In response to questions from Dr. Varner, Angel Hernandez and Brian Hoover of WNIT-TV noted that theirs is anot-for-profit publicly community licensed station. They would be willing to assist the city in this area. They operate in twenty-two (22) counties in a 30 mile radius--- from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Warsaw, Indiana. Council President Rouse suggested that Andrea Price of Indianapolis and Eric Mulberg of Fort Wayne also be contacted, since this is a big issue. Dr. Varner encouraged any one present who would be interested from the public, to provide contact information. He also requested that people email him with names and addresses. George Lane of 2405 Division Street in Mishawaka commended the Council for working hard on this issue. He stated that many in this room, and those who could not be present, are very concerned about public access. He has been recording interviews with WWII veterans for the past 1 %2 years, noting that about 1,000 are dieing each day and that that history will be lost forever. He hopes to donate these tapes some day to Notre Dame or Vincennes University so that they will be