Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access TV Oversight Board meeting April 11, 2019 City Hall, Mayor’s Conference Room Present: Mary Rozak (chair), Donald Hyman (vice chair), Melanie Metzger (treasurer), Ron Lesko (secretary), Dale Getto, James Matteo, Cathy Taylor. Also present: Kirk Daniels (studio coordinator) Board members absent: Tracian Gordon, Ocasio Willson (excused absence). Counsel Angelica Kang also was unable to attend. Called to order at 5:36 p.m. Following the introduction of board members in attendance, Rozak noted that The College of St. Rose representative Liz Richards has officially notified the board that she will no longer be continuing as the college’s PEG board representative. The college has identified Cailin Brown as its new representative for the PEG board. Public comment Rozak read the following statement prior to opening the meeting for public comment:  I will read these before every meeting, so that everybody is aware that these are the rules going forward and that they will be consistently applied to every board meeting. Public comment is allowed during the officially designated portion of the meeting and is listed on the agenda. Members of the public who wish to address the board will be acknowledged by the board chair and should state their name for the purpose of accurate recording for the board minutes. You will then have three minutes to make comments. This is not a question-and-answer session, but public comment. After that period is closed, those members of the public who wish to stay and listen to the board meeting are welcome to do so and are asked not to engage in conversations or activity that is distracting to board members. Guests or persons having relevant knowledge or information may attend and speak as part of the agenda upon acceptance of the meeting agenda by the board. All other guests must be recognized by the chair before addressing the board and participating in discussion. Mike O’Brien – He noted the opportunity for a $2,500 grant, as well as a separate $3,500 grant opportunity. Rozak thanked the Common Council member for his ongoing support of PEG TV. Zach Simpson – Glad to be in attendance. Arlethia Jones – She expressed an interest in marketing activities for PEG TV. Keith Irish – He noted that the studio coordinator now has been in the position for almost a year. He noted technical difficulties with the stations. He noted potential options for Channel Albany’s website URL. “Words Make People” is a new program that recently has had the mayor and the police chief in the studio. He also noted that he remains adamantly against the proposal to merge with Open Stage Media. Review of minutes  Taylor moved approval  Hyman second  Approved unanimously Chair’s report  Rozak thanked members of the board and community members who have volunteered time in recent weeks for a grant application, the Space Planning Committee, the council chamber’s video equipment. She acknowledged Getto in particular for her service.  The agreement with Open Stage Media has been finalized and signed.  She provided an update on a recent equipment order (submitted Feb. 11). The equipment should be ordered in full this week. Total amount approximately $5,300. She described the process for ordering and noted that she will follow up with the city April 12.  She provided an update of the equipment in the Common Council chambers. We are evaluating upgrades and related costs. Getto also noted a need for improved personnel resources dedicated to operating the cameras.  Rozak noted that she will discuss the need to fill the Common Council vacancy on the board, the need for the council to reinstate the Ad Hoc PEG Council Committee and the continued absence of board appointees. She plans to contact the mayor and the Common Council president regarding these issues.  She provided an update on the first meeting of the Space Planning Committee, which was held April 10. Approximately 8-9 board and community members participated. She noted that the board has signed and executed an agreement to remain at the Washington Avenue branch of the Albany Public Library for another year.  She reported on a recent federal communication that could have a negative fiscal impact on PEG operations. County grant application  Rozak noted that she would be recusing herself from discussion or action on this topic due to a conflict of interest.  Getto reviewed the application. County legislators Joyce, Commisso, Domalewicz and Clay responded affirmatively that they would sponsor the application. Other county legislators representing Albany have been contacted with no feedback to Getto to this point. The application deadline is April 12. Getto noted that our application would be for $2,500 for educational outreach and related materials (banners, folding portable tables/chairs, branded tablecloths, printing materials for training, domain name, etc.). o Rozak asked to be listed as the official contact person, and recommended that we also add a “submitted by” line, which Getto would complete.  o Hyman asked if we would need to apply for this grant again next year. The answer was yes, that it is an annual grant opportunity. o Metzger moved to submit the application by the April 12 deadline, Matteo second. Approved unanimously. Studio coordinator’s report  Proceeding with YouthFX on training dates for May. Rozak noted that she will need to have the dates confirmed as soon as possible to facilitate communications. The board engaged in a discussion about outreach and communications. o Getto asked if there was a target number of people per session. Metzger noted that a maximum of 15 per session would be the goal. Metzger noted that the training sessions are not restricted only to Albany residents but are open to interested individuals from throughout the region. Space Planning Committee report  Getto provided an update on the April 10 meeting. The group of 8-9 discussed what an ideal studio might look like in line with our mission. The feedback will inform next steps.  She also noted the need for an additional subcommittee to address the need for equipment upgrades in the Common Council chambers.  She noted that the Space Planning Committee provides an opportunity to actualize the mission of the board moving forward. Treasurer’s report  Metzger provided a monthly update. She noted the $2,050 expense for the studio coordinator’s salary. The non-restricted budget is $30,487.50 and the equipment budget is $34,800.42.  Metzger noted, and Rozak also discussed, ongoing attempts with the city to resolve funding discrepancies. Rozak noted that the board is only able to work with the information that the city provides.  Getto moved to accept the treasurer’s report, Hyman second. Approved unanimously. New business  None. Next meeting – Thursday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m., City Hall mayor’s conference room. Matteo moved adjournment, Hyman second. Approved unanimously at 6:22 p.m.