09-26-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION September 6, 2016 DRAFT 2 Mayor Reinert asked about the viewership numbers. Ms. Arnson said that cable 45 subscriber information is proprietary and the numbers of NMTC viewers is unknown. 46 Mayor Reinert suggested that the cable subscriber numbers indicate that the percentage is 47 about 40% and he thinks that number is declining. Ms. Arnson explained that the 48 number is actually rising. 49 50 Mayor Reinert said he’d like to focus on value to the city. The city commits a little over 51 $300,000 each year from its residents. There are obviously a lot of good services 52 received. However, he believes there have been many changes in technology since the 53 relationship with the city began. The council heard about the need for an actual survey to 54 determine viewership. The mayor suggested that networks and larger channels seem to 55 be able to track that. 56 57 Council Member Manthey asked about a social media element. Ms. Arnson said they do 58 use You Tube, Video on Command, Facebook, etc. 59 60 The mayor said he’d like to enter into a process of examining how and what 61 telecommunications services should be offered to residents. What he sees now on the 62 city channel is very archaic and he understands that the city doesn’t have the staff to stay 63 on top of that. However when he hears the figure of $300,000 he knows that much 64 would buy a lot of staff or help. He thinks it’s maybe a hybrid that would be the best 65 value/services. He wants to start the dialogue and look at this closer especially as the 66 city looks at purchasing improvements for the services. 67 68 Ms. Arnson suggested that while that discussion is going on, she offers their services to 69 improve the city channel as the council wants. She also noted that of the $300,000 70 mentioned, $50,000 comes back to the city, an HD payment of almost $50,000 comes 71 out, and PEG fees will no doubt be going away with the franchise agreement update. 72 73 Council Member Manthey asked if there is specific marketing assistance available that 74 could lead the city in the area of updating our channel and providing information that is 75 pertinent for our residents. Ms. Arnson said they don’t have a marketing function 76 specifically but could be very involved in that type of service to the city. 77 78 Council Member Manthey asked about the dollar amount that comes back to the city and 79 he received an explanation that the amount is based on a percentage including subscriber 80 numbers and amount of budget. 81 82 Ms. Arnson noted that the franchise agreement process will be a three-year process 83 coming up and that will have a cost attached. 84 85 Ms. Arnson remarked that serving the City of Lino Lakes is an important part of their 86 work and they want to continue the relationship; she will follow up on improving the 87 current city channel content. 88