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The fiscal consequence is more difficult to measure exactly as the future of cable is <br />uncertain; however, revenues are down and will likely continue on that path. Our <br />"reserve" fund is all but spent with the current upgrade and for all practical purposes, we <br />are deficit spending on the operating budget. <br />The 2019 proposed cable budget has revenues of $130,000 and expenses of $141,529 <br />for a deficit of $11,224. Our fees to NSCC include $30,517 for franchise management <br />and $8,012 for web streaming. <br />Vanessa did a memo (included) that detailed the cost of withdrawing back when it was <br />last discussed in 2010. If the council wishes to pursue this issue, updating this memo <br />would become a priority but would take a measure of time that would have to be <br />balanced with the equipment upgrade project Vanessa is working on. <br />I met with Shoreview City Manager Terry Schwerm and asked him about their <br />experience. He stated that it was seamless and painless. They did have to purchase <br />hardware to allow web streaming but Comcast ended up providing a grant to cover the <br />cost. They have been able to use the franchise fee revenue to do some of the <br />programming and other outreach programs they had wanted to do. He stated there <br />were minimal disruptions, 1 or 2 complaints and they feel it was a good decision. <br />If the intent is to withdraw, there is a notification process that is detailed in Vanessa's <br />memo. <br />In summary, the options are; <br />Monitor the situation but allow the new executive director the opportunity to address <br />concerns and issues. <br />Update the memo on withdrawal costs but this will take some time and has to be <br />balanced with the equipment upgrade. <br />Recommendation: <br />Meet with new executive director to share our concerns. Upon completion of the <br />equipment upgrade, work on updating the 2010 memo on withdrawal. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />