Agenda - 11-15-2005-5k - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

BOCC Questions A preliminary report and preview of the proposed Franchise Ordinance/Agreement was provided to the BOCC at the meeting on September 7`h. In response to questions raised by the BOCC at that time: The Cable Advisory Committee Chair and County staff met with TWC and The People's Channel (TPC) representatives on October 5 to clarify concerns about the technical equipment (Exhibit A of the Franchise Ordinance/Agreement) needed to livecast BOCC meetings from both meeting facilities. Minor modifications within the project scope remain under evaluation by TWC and should be confirmed by the second reading. County staff will continue to work with both TWC and The People's Channel on preparations for "going live" with the broadcast of BOCC meetings and other implementation measures. In a presentation before the BOCC at the work session on October 17, Corley Redfoot Zack, the architects for the expanded Justice Facilities, indicated that no change is being recommended far the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom where the BOCC presently meets. County staff retains the ability to postpone outfitting the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom for livecasting should the BOCC state its preference for outfitting a different space in the expanded facility for its public meetings in the future. Close communication will be maintained with Pam Jones, Central Services/Purchasing, and the Justice Facilities workgroup in this regard. • Exhibit B of the Franchise Ordinance/Agreement has been amended to include the Northern Human Services Center at Cedar Grave. • Free Basic Cable Services for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District is covered under the Chapel Hill cable franchise ordinance. See excerpt Attachment A. The Carrboro Board of Aldermen and the BOCC typically meet on the same night and time of the month, and the town airs its Board meetings on existing cable channel 18. Under the proposed Franchise Ordinance/Agreement, cable subscribers in Carrboro would have the ability to watch either the Town Board meeting on cable channel 18 or the BOCC meeting on a channel to be determined on the cable digital tier, or both by utilizing the split screen feature on their television. Subscribers throughout the County, regardless of township, will be able to request a free digital converter box in order to receive the County transmission signal if they presently do not have one. The proposed Cable Franchise Ordinance/Agreement as attached represents the "best effort" of both parties to address key objectives within a "good faith" negotiation process as authorized by the BOCC. County staff and TWC officials recommend that the BOCC accept and approve the proposed 15-year agreement. The Cable Advisory Committee (CAC) met on October 5 and discussed the proposed Ordinance/Agreement. It voted unanimously to recommended approval by the BOCC. While not a formal member of the negotiation team, Bob Sepe. Triangle J COG Cable Consortium consultant has advised the County on technical matters as needed. He attended the CAC meeting and expressed his opinion that the proposal represented "a very good deal" for the County.