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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION September 6, 2016 <br />APPROVED <br />45 Mayor Reinert asked about the viewership numbers. Ms. Arnson said that cable <br />46 subscriber information is proprietary and the numbers of NMTC viewers is unknown. <br />47 Mayor Reinert suggested that the cable subscriber numbers indicate that the percentage is <br />48 about 40% and he thinks that number is declining. Ms. Arnson explained that the number <br />49 is actually rising. <br />so <br />51 Mayor Reinert said he'd like to focus on value to the city. The city commits a little over <br />52 $300,000 each year from its residents. There are obviously a lot of good services <br />53 received. However, he believes there have been many changes in technology since the <br />54 relationship with the city began. The council heard about the need for an actual survey to <br />55 determine viewership. The mayor suggested that networks and larger channels seem to <br />56 be able to track that. <br />57 <br />58 Council Member Manthey asked about a social media element. Ms. Amson said they do <br />59 use You Tube, Video on Command, Facebook, etc. <br />60 <br />61 The mayor said he'd like to enter into a process of examining how and what <br />62 telecommunications services should be offered to residents. What he sees now on the <br />63 city channel is very archaic and he understands that the city doesn't have the staff to stay <br />64 on top of that. However when he hears the figure of $300,000 he knows that much <br />65 would buy a lot of staff or help. He thinks it's maybe a hybrid that would be the best <br />66 value/services. He wants to start the dialogue and look at this closer especially as the <br />67 city looks at purchasing improvements for the services. <br />68 <br />69 Ms. Arnson suggested that while that discussion is going on, she offers their services to <br />70 improve the city channel as the council wants. She also noted that of the $300,000 <br />71 mentioned, $50,000 comes back to the city, an HD payment of almost $50,000 comes out, <br />72 and PEG fees will no doubt be going away with the franchise agreement update. <br />73 <br />74 Council Member Manthey asked if there is specific marketing assistance available that <br />75 could lead the city in the area of updating our channel and providing information that is <br />76 pertinent for our residents. Ms. Arnson said they don't have a marketing function <br />77 specifically but could be very involved in that type of service to the city. <br />78 <br />79 Council Member Manthey asked about the dollar amount that comes back to the city and <br />8o he received an explanation that the amount is based on a percentage including subscriber <br />81 numbers and amount of budget. <br />82 <br />83 Ms. Amson noted that the franchise agreement process will be a three-year process <br />84 coming up and that will have a cost attached. <br />85 <br />86 Ms. Arnson remarked that serving the City of Lino Lakes is an important part of their <br />87 work and they want to continue the relationship; she will follow up on improving the <br />88 current city channel content. <br />2 <br />