Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access meeting, 12-14-23 City Hall Board members present: Donald Hyman (acting chair/vice chair), Dale Getto (treasurer), Ron Lesko (secretary), Kirk Daniels, Darrin Kibbey, Amy McLaughlin, Dr. Shawn MacIntosh, Zach Simpson, Cathy Taylor, Jessica Wilcox. Board members absent: Jim Matteo Also present: Studio coordinator Aprecia Cabey, Counsel Raisi Mobele Meeting called to order at 5:32 p.m. Review of October minutes  Getto moved approval  Daniels second  Approved unanimously Public comment  Hyman 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.  Keith Irish – He noted that the Schenectady holiday parade from November has been televised frequently on Channel Albany, but that Albany parades do not get the same play. He also noted his support for PEG TV in Albany with the Common Council, particularly related to funding. He advocated for a five-minute public comment period, instead of the current three minutes. Acting Chair’s report  Hyman discussed the city’s compliance training required by the end of December. He introduced Jessica Smith from the city to provide an update.  o Similar trainings from other organizations are acceptable. Board members can note that on the form Smith provided and will get credit if the required material is covered sufficiently. o Hyman noted that it is required for all board members to complete the required trainings, or submit the attestation form, by Dec. 31.  Hyman next introduced Joel Stetson from the city’s budget office. He has been working with Getto on items related to the board’s treasurers function.  Hyman asked for a motion to enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter. o Simpson moved o McLaughlin second o Approved unanimously to enter executive session at 5:46 p.m. o Wilcox moved that the board return to public session at 6:09 p.m. o MacIntosh second o The board returned to public session at 6:09 p.m. Studio coordinator’s report  Cabey noted that the studio’s expanded hours have led to an increase in activity.  (SEE THE REPORT SHE PROVIDED VIA EMAIL)  Possible district feature on the Channel Albany Club. o Simpson asked about the number of completed productions, which has not changed since her October report. Cabey acknowledged that this is the case, primarily due to technology failures that have plagued the studio. Treasurer’s report  Getto provided an overview of the sources of funding for the PEG studio. o Through the city’s cable agreement with Spectrum, not through any other city funding line.  Getto also discussed how the Channel Albany Club students from Albany High School are paid as interns. o Through the city clerk’s office, with those funds being reimbursed through the grant. The grant expires in May 2024. We would need to reapply for additional funding. She noted that we have met the measurable outcomes in the grant. o The board agreed by consensus to move forward with the application process for 2024-25 funding.  McLaughlin moved acceptance of the treasurers report  Kibbey second  Approved unanimously Capital District Block Grant update  Wilcox moved that the board move forward with a 2024-25 grant application to continue funding for the Channel Albany Club studio interns.  Lesko second  Approved unanimously Announcements  Lesko noted the passing of Albany County Legislator Matt Peter and this significant loss for the city. He made significant contributions to the city and county in a number of roles over the past decade-plus and will be sorely missed. Election of officers  Taylor moved Kibbey treasurer o Hyman second o Approved unanimously  Getto nominated Lesko as secretary o Wilcox second o Approved unanimously  Getto nominated Hyman for vice chair o Daniels second o Approved unanimously  Hyman nominated Taylor as chair o Simpson second o Approved unanimously  Taylor noted that she will be sending a draft annual report to the board members for review and feedback. The report is due in January. New business  Next meeting – Thursday, Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m., City Hall, mayor’s conference room  Taylor thanked MacIntosh and St. Rose for all of their efforts to support PEG TV since its inception. Adjournment  Simpson moved adjournment  MacIntosh second  Meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.