Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE MINUTES Alfredo Balarin, Chair Meeting called by: Alfredo Balarin, Chair | Date: August 14, 2023 | Time: 5:42 PM Committee Members Present: Balarin, Chair ☐ | Clarke ☐ | Zamer ☐ City Personnel Present: Shaniqua Jackson, Bryan Jimenez, Max Thierry, Juliette Geraghty Speakers/Invitees: Jessica Wilcox, PEG Access Oversight Board Member reappointee Raisi Mobele, Corporation Counsel Minutes Agenda Item(s):  Resolution 67.62.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL REAPPOINTING JESSICA WILCOX TO THE PUBLIC, EDUCATION, AND GOVERNMENT ACCESS OVERSIGHT BOARD  PEG Access Cable Franchise Agreement Questions and Discussion:  The Chair called the meeting to order.  After the public comment period, Jessica Wilcox spoke on her experiences on the board and her possible reappointment to the Public, Education and Government Oversight Board. o Wilcox spoke on two absences during her time on the board. o Council Member Zamer asked why Wilcox wants to be reappointed and what her vision is for the future of Channel Albany, to which Wilcox responded with the expansion of Channel Albany’s reach and desire for greater outreach, particularly at events. o Council Member Zamer asked about the impact of cord cutting, to which Wilcox responded with enhancing visibility of Channel Albany to expand the content available and draw greater viewership. o Council Member Balarin asked what kind of feedback has been received from producers, to which Wilcox responded, speaking about disappointment with studio hours and positive comments on the equipment at Channel Albany.  Raisi Mobele provided an update on the Public, Education and Government cable franchise agreement o Key points included: agreement on non-exclusive basis, changed definitions, inclusion of competitive equity clause, length will be ten years, non-discrimination clause included, service availability section which includes notice requirement, cable repair and construction work disruption minimization, Charter-Spectrum to provide customer service support, basic cable to be provided to a list of City-owned properties, franchise fee will remain at 5% cap.  o Outstanding issues include: PEG-Access support funding, the provision of high-speed internet access for PEG facilities, possible provision of HD channels, and higher Capital expense contribution from Charter  Council Member Balarin asked for a motion to pass Resolution 67.62.23R out of committee with a positive recommendation, after which a member of the public spoke out about the proceedings. Council Member Balarin responded to the member of the public.  Council Member Zamer moved to pass Resolution 67.62.23R out of committee with a positive recommendation, seconded by Council Member Balarin, and passed by voice vote. Public Comment:  Keith Irish, 461 Ontario St, Albany, NY 12205 – PEG Access Oversight Board Appointments  Marc Gronich, 300 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12205 – PEG Access Oversight Board Appointments Adjourn:  Council Member Zamer moved to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Balarin, and passed by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:16 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Bryan Jimenez Senior Legislative Aide