Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access TV Oversight Board meeting February 13, 2019 City Hall, Mayor’s Conference Room Present: Mary Rozak (chair), Don Hyman (vice chair), Melanie Metzger (treasurer), Ron Lesko (secretary), Dale Getto, James Matteo, Cathy Taylor Also present: Kirk Daniels (studio coordinator), Sarah Valis (assistant corporation counsel) Board members absent: Tracian Gordon, Ocasio Willson (excused absence). Meeting called to order at 5:33 p.m. Review of January minutes  Counsel noted a correction necessary in the following section, noted in bold o Getto asked if an RFP would be needed. Counsel informed the board that the board attempted to get two quotes and only received one.  Getto moved approval.  Hyman second.  Approved unanimously with the change noted above. Public comment Keith Irish – Things are progressing nicely in the studio for the most part. He asked if the board had had an opportunity to talk with representatives from the Albany Public Library Howe branch regarding the re-launch of the “South End Scene.” He also reiterated his previously stated position that he believes the proposed relationship with Open Stage Media is a bad idea. Dennis Karius – He asked why Spectrum has taken the PEG channels off 16, 17, 18. Rozak noted that this is a standard practice that has been going on with cable providers nationally. Karius also noted the opportunities available through PEG TV. Albany Public Library presentation  Scott Jarzombek, APL executive director. o He noted past reports of misconduct in the PEG studio, which is located in the library’s Washington Avenue branch. About a year ago the library locked the PEG studio due to concerns that library staff brought to his attention regarding conduct in the PEG studio. He noted that the studio is in a difficult location for the library from an operational standpoint. While the same level of previous behavior in the studio has not returned, he does have concerns he wanted to address with the board. He noted that anyone associated with PEG cannot park in spots reserved for library staff, and that they need to respond promptly when asked to move. He said APL values the partnership with PEG, but also that it must be a value-added relationship for the library, similar to its relationship with numerous other community organizations. He would support moving the studio  to another location in the Washington Avenue branch, although a previous possibility for another location in the branch is no longer available. He is struggling to justify a continued presence for the PEG studio in library space. o Matteo asked if there is a specific group or individuals who are causing the problems.  Jarzombek indicated it comes and goes. He declined to identify specific individuals responsible for the behavior he referenced. He noted individuals he described as connected to PEG TV in Albany who are making critical comments about the library on social media. o Taylor asked if we can identify the specific problems happening in the studio.  Rozak indicated that the studio is open for business purposes. The studio coordinator is there to assist producers in producing shows, to edit, etc. It’s not a clubhouse for community members to hang out. She said we have worked with the studio coordinator on some procedural changes – all visitors to the studio must sign in with a time in and a time out, and that behaviors that have been identified as unacceptable cannot continue and PEG can and will rescind the rights of individuals to use or enter the studio if the behaviors do not improve. She has emphasized the need for the studio coordinator to manage these new procedures, which took effect Feb. 9. Signage also has been posted to this effect. Rozak also addressed the library’s parking concerns and indicated signs have been placed in the studio that effect. Management once again is the responsibility of the studio coordinator. o Getto noted a visit to the studio 2-3 weeks ago and that there seemed to be some confusion on the library’s part related to the studio and its operations. o Matteo acknowledged that the PEG board needs to address the library’s concerns, and also work with the library on operations moving forward. o Getto suggested the possibility of forming a subcommittee to address the concerns, as well as long-term space issues for the studio. Jarzombek noted that space at the Washington Avenue branch may no longer be available, although he acknowledged the possibilities if the relationship can be repaired.  Rozak concluded the discussion by noting that she has asked the studio coordinator to notify her immediately if any members of the public violate any of our posted procedures and that we will move to rescind studio privileges for those individuals. o Taylor asked Daniels if he believed he could effectively manage the new procedures and any visitors who may violate our procedures. Daniels acknowledged that he can and will. Chair’s report  Rozak noted the volunteer time that Getto has spent in the studio to assist the coordinator. That included assistance in developing a list of requested new equipment, which the board reviewed. The total cost for the equipment listed was $5,345.05.  Rozak discussed studio space and the potential to relocate. She noted the impressive studios at Open Stage Media at Proctor’s in Schenectady, as well as the Bethlehem PEG  studio. She noted that Jarzombek has identified the potential of new space on the first floor of the Washington Avenue branch. o Matteo noted space on the first floor of the library would be welcomed, even though it would be somewhat smaller than the current studio. He indicated an interest in moving forward with that plan as soon as possible.  Rozak noted that the board is in support of the equipment, and also interested in moving forward with new space at the Washington Avenue library within the next two years. o Metzger moved to purchase the equipment as identified on the list presented at the meeting.  Taylor second  Approved unanimously.  Rozak also initiated a discussion about how the board can assist the studio coordinator in purchasing equipment on a more regular basis, with the chair authorizing purchases up to a certain level. The board had a discussion about the city’s procurement process. Counsel noted that she will work with the chair on this process. We will investigate the city’s threshold for purchases made through this type of process. Counsel also noted that the board treasurer would need to be involved in these discussions and planning prior to any future purchases being made. o Getto moved that the chair would be authorized to spend up to a limit established by counsel without authorization from the board  Lesko second  Approved unanimously  Rozak discussed a subcommittee to investigate a move for the studio. o Metzger moved to establish a Space Planning Subcommittee.  Getto second  Approved unanimously o Getto volunteered to chair the committee. Metzger also agreed to participate as a representative of board leadership. o Counsel noted that the subcommittee would be ad hoc in its function and term.  Rozak presented the board’s 2018 annual report to the mayor and Common Council for discussion. o Getto noted areas that would fit with the charge of the newly formed Space Planning Subcommittee. o Getto asked about maintaining the website. Rozak noted that she and interns in her office maintain the content on the website. Getto also noted the presence of advertising on the site that is not aligned with the PEG mission.  Metzger moved to submit the 2018 annual report  Matteo second  Approved unanimously  Rozak asked counsel to discuss the proposed Open Stage Media agreement. Counsel noted delays in the negotiation. Studio coordinator report  Daniels indicated seven new shows have been added to Channel Albany’s programming. He also noted that the new Albany police chief has been in the studio to record content, and the mayor is scheduled to come in in the near future.  Daniels noted that the studio has a new intern who is working out well.  He addressed the parking issues with the library and the resolution on how to address those concerns as they arise in the future.  He noted the need for additional studio hours to help Channel Albany increase and improve its operations. o Rozak noted some lingering concerns with the turnaround for some programming getting on the air. Daniels indicated a plan for prioritizing programming. Treasurer’s report  Metzger reviewed expenditures starting in June 2018 through Feb. 8, 2019. o Beginning Capital Equipment Fund Balance -- $206,000 (separate; the board never spent any of that in 2018; however, the city has noted that about $66,000 was expended from that line in past years, leaving $140,000 moving forward) o Beginning Unencumbered Funds and Budget from City Council -- $35, 000 in unrestricted and $35,000 in equipment budget ($70,000 total) o End of 2018 totals:  Unrestricted -- $17,673  Equipment -- $25,416.15  Total -- $43,089.15 left at end of 2018. Those funds do not carry over. Metzger noted that the city informed the board of this at the beginning of January. o Beginning 2019 totals  Equipment budget -- $140,000 (keeping separate from annual equipment funds)  Unrestricted budget -- $35,000  Equipment budget -- $35,000, less $199.56 for two Adobe Premier and Elements licenses, $34,800.42.  Total remaining 2019 budget -- $69,800.42 o Getto moved to take $250 from unrestricted funds to add to YouthFX training (in addition to the $2,500 NYS Office of Children and Family Services grant for a total of $2,750.  Taylor second  Approved unanimously o Hyman moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report  Taylor second  Approved unanimously New business   Getto noted that Albany High School’s Abrookin and Career and Technical Education will be reaching out to the studio coordinator regarding interns. She also noted that Abrookin has a studio.  Getto also noted an interest in getting live content on Channel Albany, including Albany High athletic events and other activities. o Rozak noted that adding interns in the studio also would require expanding hours for the studio, which would require a broader board discussion.  Matteo noted that the Sustainability Advisory Committee’s Transportation Subcommittee is exploring opportunities for road safety in Albany and would like to run public-service announcements on Channel Albany. They would work with the Albany Police Department on content for the PSAs. Matteo will connect them with Daniels. Metzger moved adjournment, Hyman second. Adjourned at 7:08 p.m. Next meeting – March 14, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Mayor’s Conference Room.