05-27-98 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUT~S CITY COUNCIL MAY 27, 1998 TELEVISING Council reviewed the input of both the Planning Commission and the COMMISSION Parks & Recreation Commission on the issue of televising of their MEETINGS meetings on C161e TV. It was noted that both Commissions expressed concern with the issue of cost and necessity. Pedersen noted that the televising wouid be for the benefit ofthe people at home. Morelan pointed out that the estimate to televise these meetings would be $1,300 per ye1r, which while it is not a great deal of money, could be better spend increasing Cable TV viewership. Fahey a~reed that the money could be used for broadcastin~ more sportin~ and recreational activities. Scalze pointed out thlt the City cun~ently does televise sportin~ and recreational activities, as well as City Council meetin~. Scalze suggested that the City should strive for a balance oFcoverage. Morelan pointed out that the Community Pride Committee recently discussed using fhe Cable TV channel for promoting City businesses. Morelan felc this would be a good use of the City's Cable TV channel. Pedersen suggested thlt residents would have an interest in what is happening in tl~eir nei~hborhood. Morelan pointed out that the Review already dedicates two to three pa~es of each issue to hi~lilight businesses. Therefore, there must be a demand for this t~ype of coverage. LaValle asked if there were any restrictions on the use of Cable TV franchise dollars to promote City businesses. LaValle reported that he brou~ht up the issue of cable casting Commission meetin~s since he has heard from senior citizens that they have difficulty in attending these meetings, and would like to be able to view them on Cable. Fahey pointed out that the Commissions are recommending bodies to the City Cotmcil. Action items must come to the CounciL Council meetings are cable cast, and the minutes of Council meetin~s are published. Fahey stated thlt he wo~ild rtither spend the money elsewhere than on cable castin~ Commission meetings. Fahey pointed out that the Commissions do not favor the televising of their meeting, and may prefer a low-key atmosphere for their ineetii~gs. Morelan indicated thlt he has attended meetings of both Commissions, and l~ave found tl~ese tneetings to be very above board and open. Morelan pointed out Yhat the Commissioners are volunteering their time, and televisin~ meetings may make them uncomfortable. 7