Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access meeting, 4-13-23 City Hall Board members present: Mary Rozak (chair), Donald Hyman (vice chair), Ron Lesko (secretary), Darrin Kibbey, Jim Matteo, Karen McGrath, Zachary Simpson, Jessica Wilcox. Board members absent: Dale Getto (treasurer), Amy McLaughlin Also present: Studio coordinator Aprecia Cabey, Counsel Raisi Mobele Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. Review of February minutes  Matteo moved approval  Hyman second  Approved 7-0-1 (McGrath abstained) Public comment  Rozak began by reading publicly the board’s statement regarding public comment: o 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.  No public comment Chair’s report  There is no update at this point regarding a new date for interviews for the open Common Council position on the board. The chair also noted that Kibbey has completed the required oath of office.  There is no update at this time regarding the CDBG application. The application is for $40,000 to fund two fellowships to assist the Channel Albany studio coordinator. o The chair noted that the board is not eligible to apply for the grants from the Albany County Legislature due to guidelines that stipulate the following: “Applicants that are able to raise funds via taxation are not eligible.” Since Channel Albany’s staffing is funded by the city, we are ineligible. Studio coordinator’s report  The coordinator reported that the studio uploaded more than 175 finished productions from Feb. 15-April 13.  The studio has regular independent producers. Their shows include “On Point!,” “Words Make People,” “Al Islam in Focus,” “Black Wallstreet Legacy,” “Draya’s Closet,” “Queer Talk,” “Grace & Truth,” “Come Connect Church,” “Testimonies and Songs,” “Tarot Vibez TV,” “Capitol Cannabis” and “The South End Community Collaborative.”  Studio operations include communication with producers, training, and coordination of studio time. Local government programming includes Albany Common Council and Albany County Legislature meetings, City of Albany School District Board of Education meetings and PSAs.  The studio welcomed a new intern from Albany High School on April 3. His name is Emeka Jack-Wee. Emeka’s experience will include participation at Common Council meetings. He has to complete 54 hours of work-based learning. He has completed 10 hours within the past two weeks. A major project that Emeka will complete will include interviewing council members about their interest in government. Emeka will spend 1/5 of his time in council chambers. His remaining hours will be completed in-studio.  PEGAOB social media continues to share community events, public hearings and detailed information about community meetings. Upcoming community outreach projects include a Public Access fair or conference in the late spring. Channel Albany producers will be invited to panel and share information about their independent industries via in-person workshops and virtual platforms.  Studio hours will be posted on the Channel Albany website and social media, and at City Hall and the Albany Public Library main branch, 161 Washington Ave. Hours are: o Monday: 3-8 p.m. o Tuesday: 3-8 p.m. o Wednesday: 1-6 p.m. o Thursday: 3-8 p.m. o Saturday: 4-8 p.m.  The studio is closed Friday and Sunday Treasurer’s report  The board reviewed the updated treasurer’s report with no questions. o Hyman moved approval o McGrath second o Approved unanimously Announcements  None New business   Next meeting date – Thursday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall mayor’s conference room Adjournment  Simpson moved adjournment  Matteo second  Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.