HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 10/16/2006TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
October 16, 2006
6:00 PM
Council Liaison: David Roy
Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh, Communications and Technology Services; 221-6522
Board Chair: Curt Cramer
Vice Chair: Herb Saperstone
Present: Curt Cramer, Herb Saperstone, Ted Funk, Robert Reichenberger,
Chip Cushman,
Absent: Larry Bontempo, David Heiberg
Guest: Gerri Becher, Fort Collins Public Access Network Chair
Staff: Eric Dahlgren, Liz Stroh
Chair Curt Cramer called the meeting to order at 6: 00 PM.
Public Input:
None
Minutes:
Chip Cushman moved to approve minutes, seconded by Herb Saperstone.
Minutes were unanimously approved.
FC-PAN Update:
Gerri Becher, President of FC-Pan gave the Board an update on recent
developments related to the City's designated public access provider operations.
FC PAN has received 501(3)(c) status from the IRS. Disbursement of PEG
funds will occur shortly, which will give FC-Pan the opportunity to write grant
requests that require matching funds. The organization is planning a fund raiser
in early Spring of 2007.
Playback of programs is a current limitation that the organization will be resolving
with a purchase of a playback server. Right now, equipment limitations allow
only 3 programs to be played in succession. The new equipment can be
programmed to playback between 5-7 programs. When there are no programs
playing, the channel shows a powerpoint program highlighting local artists.
Gerri announced that a web site is currently under development that will have
operating policies and procedures, on-line forms, programming information, etc.
FC-PAN had a booth at the recent sustainability fair, with very positive feedback
and interest in the organization as well as programming opportunities. One of
the program concepts is fashioned around local bands and artists, and would
include both the music as well as a discussion topic of local interest. Another
program highlighting Fort Collins' bike paths is planned. FC-PAN taped the local
Tri-Media festival which highlights local film, theater and music. The primary goal
of the organization is to air programs created in northern Colorado, but in the
meantime they are accepting other programs. They are networking with other
public access organizations in along the Front Range, and programs from
Boulder and Colorado Springs are currently being aired. Use of the CSU studio
is being explored.
Herb asked if there may be opportunities to use space or partner with KRFC.
Gerri responded that they continue to explore ways to work together.
FC-PAN is also working toward reoccurring program scheduling in order to build
audiences for particular programs. Again, as playback equipment is acquired,
this will be easier to accomplish. Curt asked about technical expertise among
members. Gerri responded that Pete Seel has provided them with technical
expertise and developed an schedule for their equipment needs. Curt also asked
about facilities and where they were located. Gerri explained that currently the
City is providing them space for playback equipment, and that the group does not
have the financial ability to purchase or lease space at present. They have
requested that the City explore space availability, and have looked for ways to
work with the Museum, Library and other locations as well as with KRFC.
Chip asked about the disbursement of PEG funds. Gerri explained that about
$33,000 was allotted to public access as part of a process led by Kelly DiMartino,
the Communications and Public Involvement Director. Herb mentioned that
Poudre School District and CSU had alsw submitted requests and that FC-PAN
was awarded the majority of the available funds. The FC-PAN request included
a server, and field production kits, as well as some editing capabilities in addition
to some equipment that was donated to the City from Aims Community College
for use for Public Access programming.
Curt thanked Gerri, and mentioned if any barriers come up that the Board may be
able to help with, to let them know. She responded that the biggest issue right
now is a location. Herb wondered if they would set up new equipment prior
finding a more permanent location. Gerri explained that even though it's difficult
for the volunteers to get into City Hall during business hours, they may be forced
p
to go ahead to set up equipment because there is no ready solution to the lack of
a more permanent facility. Liz mentioned that the written agreement between the
City and FC-PAN is almost complete.
Other Business
Herb asked about whether or not CSU had arranged for access to PEG
channels. Because CSU no longer uses Comcast as their provider, the other
PEG channels (Poudre School District, City and FC-PAN) are not available to
them. Eric explained that CSU is planning to lease fiber and transmit the
programming to the CSU head end for further distribution across the CSU's
internal network.
Chip asked about the possibility of visiting Poudre School District. Liz will work
with Herb to find a meeting date that might work.
Robert moved to adjourn, seconded by Chip. Motion passed unanimously and
the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 PM.
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Board