Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access TV Oversight Board meeting June 9, 2021 Via Zoom Board members present: Mary Rozak (chair), Don Hyman (vice chair), Dale Getto (treasurer), Ron Lesko (secretary), Aprecia Cabey, Scott Jarzombek, Mary Alice Molgard, Zachary Simpson Also present: Kirk Daniels (studio coordinator), Laura Gulfo (corporation counsel) Board members absent: Jim Matteo, Cathy Taylor, Jessica Wilcox Called to order at 5:32 p.m. Review of May minutes  Jarzombek moved acceptance  Getto second  Approved unanimously Public comment Public comment is allowed during the officially designated portion of the meeting as 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.  Marc Gronich – More information needs to get to the public, including hours that the studio is open and what the guidelines are. He also recognized community member Keith Irish, who has been working to get additional content on the PEG channels. He urged the board and studio coordinator to be more active in that regard as well. He said PEG TV in Albany needs to be better funded in the future. He also asked the board to consider having a public comment period at the end of each meeting agenda to allow community members to react to topics discussed during the meeting. o Rozak noted that the studio hours are posted on the Channel Albany website, and that also has been shared at recent monthly board meetings. Chair’s report  Board member terms – The terms of two board members expire on July 1 and Aug. 1, respectively. Rozak has communicated with these individuals, reminding them that they need to act as soon as possible to remain in good standing.   The studio continues to align with the Albany Public Library’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Social distancing and masking is required in the studio, along with limited people allowed in the studio at one time. Appointments are required and social distancing must be maintained  She noted that the studio is being cleaned regularly, and that discussions are underway regarding investment of City of Albany American Rescue Plan funds to support PEG TV.  More studio equipment has been ordered at a total cost of just under $5,000. Studio coordinator’s report  Daniels noted that the studio hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with hours also available on Friday by advance appointment. o Rozak asked if there have been any problems in terms of scheduling. Daniels said that has not been a problem; just call for an appointment.  He noted numerous municipal meetings that have been recorded and uploaded for broadcast. o Rozak followed up on a potential sign language program for the hearing impaired. Daniels noted that should be starting at the end of June. Treasurer’s report  Getto noted that the only expense for May was for the studio coordinator’s salary.  Getto also asked Daniels to retain and copy the packing lists from deliveries. o Jarzombek moved approval of report o Hyman second o Approved unanimously Announcements  Simpson noted that several candidate forums will be coming up for broadcast prior to the June primary.  Simpson provided information about the Nature Bus, which is launching Saturday, June 12. Albany County is one of the sponsors. The bus will stop at a number of locations throughout the city and county. Simpson noted that approximately 25,000 have watched the video via the Council of Albany Neighborhood Association’s YouTube channel. New business  Rozak initiated a discussion about the July and August meetings. She noted that the board’s mandate is to meet at least quarterly. She suggested suspending the summer meetings and reconvening in September, with the option of scheduling a special meeting during the summer if necessary. o Cabey moved approval of a motion to suspend the meetings in July and August, and resume with the September meeting.   Getto asked if the board had any provisions to allow the executive membership to meet if necessary. Rozak and Gulfo both indicated that the board does not have that provision in its operating procedures.  Hyman indicated he is concerned about the possibility of having to meet if something comes up during this time when COVID-19 guidelines are changing rapidly but still in place. He does not think suspending the July and August meetings is a good idea at this time, though he would consider it for the future. He also said that if we do take July and August off, the board would have to be committed to reconvening for special meetings if necessary. o Getto second o Motion approved 7-1, Hyman opposing. Discussion about American Rescue Plan funds  Rozak noted that the funds can be used for COVID-19 education, mitigation and other related purposes. Rozak noted specifically that funds for cleaning the studio should be considered. o Gulfo noted that the city is in the early stages for planning to use its ARP funds, and this would be a good time to get in a formal request. o Rozak asked how we would investigate what the cost would be to have the studio regularly cleaned.  Gulfo indicated that some city departments do an RFQ, a request for quotes. It would be non-binding. She indicated she would work with Rozak on that.  Rozak indicated that the board could move forward with drafting a letter of request to the city (Mayor’s Office and Common Council) for ARP funding once we have received quotes for cleaning services.  Jarzombek asked if anyone in the city is working on PSAs with well-known local individuals advocating for vaccinations. o Rozak noted that the county produced a PSA to that effect, which is currently running on Channel Albany. Executive session – Personnel matter  Hyman moved that the board enter executive session to discuss a personal matter.  Simpson second  Approved unanimously  The board moved into executive session. o Hyman moved to return to public session o Cabey second o The board returned to public session Next meeting  Thursday, Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m., in-person at City Hall Motion to adjourn  Molgard moved adjournment  Hyman second  Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.