Agenda - 06-08-2004-5j - Laserfiche WebLink

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In addition, in order to restore and maintain an acceptable quality level of the resulting programs, TPC purchased some new equipment. Since the equipment is not used exclusively for the County program, the County is not being requested to support the full cost of replacements, however, some of the increase requested is attributable to the equipment purchase. It should be noted that the effort continues to require set-up and take down of all equipment at each meeting site and a minimum of four technicians to operate cameras and the production equipment. Re-negotiation of Time Warner franchise agreement with Qrange County could include accommodations far a mare permanent set up for cablecasting. However, due to the likely timeframe during which the franchise may be negotiated, staff will continue to explore with TPC the feasibility of deploying a more permanent and less expensive alternative, specifically in the use of robotics equipment that would require fewer production staff for the Southern Human Services Center location. Similar technology could be incorporated into the design of the area in the expanded Justice Facilities that would be used for Commissioner meetings. That information will be presented to the Board at such time approach and costs are determined. Meetings are cablecast generally the next day after they are held and at least twice more during the week, The People's Channel anticipates this same type of schedule for the upcoming year. As an update to the Board, the first facilitated session between the County and Time Warner Cable is scheduled to take place on June 3, Andy Sachs from Dispute Settlement Center has met with both parties separately and developed a proposed strategy far continuing the informal negotiation on franchise renewal. The County collected approximately $224,000 in cable franchise fees last fiscal year. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The contract is paid based on actual number of meetings televised, Historically, those include the regular commissioner meetings and the meeting during which the Manager presents his recommended budget. Assuming 22 meetings, 11 of which would be held in Chapel Hill ($13,244), 11 of which would be held in Hillsborough ($13,926), the estimated contract expenditure for 2004-2005 would be $27,170, which funds are included in the 2004-2005 Manager's Recommended Budget, RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the renewal of a contract with the People's Channel for videotaping County Commissioner meetings for fiscal 2004-2005 pursuant to the referenced cost schedule; and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board,