Agenda - 05-20-2003-8j - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 20, 2003 Action Agenda e Item No. SUBJECT: Contract Renewal -People's Channel DEPARTMENT: Purchasing and Central Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Pam Jones, (919) 245-2652 Agreement TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider renewing an agreement with the People's Channel to telecast County Commissioner meetings for Fiscal Year 2003-2004. BACKGROUND: The People's Channel has provided videotaping services for County Commissioners' meetings since November 1999. This contract will extend its services through June 30, 2004 at the 2003 rate of $950 per meeting. The effort requires set-up and take down of all equipment at each meeting site and a minimum of three technicians to operate cameras and the production equipment. Re-negotiation of the Time Warner franchise agreement with Orange County may include accommodations for a more permanent set up for cablecasting. However, it is anticipated that the service would continue to be provided by the People's Channel. In a recent meeting, People's Channel representatives and the County have agreed to hold quarterly discussions during the renewal period to discuss issues related to the taping and broadcasting of the public meetings. This in an effort to promote a more consistent quality of broadcast and to promote a productive exchange of ideas on related issues. 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. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The contract is paid based on actual number of meetings televised. Historically, those include the regular commissioner meetings (estimated at 20-23 per year) and possibly a meeting during which the Manager presents his recommended budget. It is anticipated that the contract would not exceed $22,800 and funds are budgeted in the General Fund. 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 Year 2003-2004 at a cost of $950 per meeting; and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board.