Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access meeting, 3-14-24 City Hall Board members present: Cathy Taylor (chair), Donald Hyman (vice chair), Darrin Kibbey (treasurer), Ron Lesko (secretary), Kirk Daniels, Amy McLaughlin, Jessica Wilcox. Board members absent: Jim Matteo, Dale Getto, Zach Simpson, Dr. Shawn MacIntosh Also present: Studio coordinator Aprecia Cabey, Counsel Raisi Mobele Meeting called to order at 5:35 p.m. Review of December minutes  Wilcox moved approval  Hyman 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 his displeasure with the bimonthly board meeting schedule (noting that the scheduled meeting for February was postponed and moved to March). He recommended that the board return to monthly meetings. … He indicated an interest in space for a larger PEG studio in the new recreation center the city is constructing on Livingston Avenue, and/or the rec center the city is renovating in Hoffman Park. Chair’s report  Taylor acknowledged her first meeting and her pleasure in returning to the board and serving as chair.  She noted the problems that had occurred with Capital District Block Grant payments for four interns and advisors in the studio. She has been in close contact with counsel on this matter, and also participated in a Feb. 20 virtual meeting with members of the  Common Council along with Kibbey and Lesko. The Common Council will assist in making the grant payments that were previously owed, but has identified a different process we will follow moving forward. The council requested promotional materials for Channel Albany, noting that information posted online would suffice for public information.  She noted Hyman’s active involvement in a number of recent events. o Hyman provided information about pending legislation through the Community Media Reinvestment Act. He noted the legislation would lead to increased funding for community media centers for operating and administering public, educational and/or governmental access channels such as Channel Albany.  Taylor noted that the treasurer’s report for this meeting will be the same as the report for the December meeting as there were no new expenses. Studio coordinator’s report  She noted community media networking opportunities with similar entities from New York City.  She provided an update on studio connectivity concerns.  She noted a partnership with the Albany Police Department and the Albany Community Land Trust for new programming. Treasurer’s report  Kibbey noted no debits or credits for the last several months. No questions. o Wilcox moved approval o Hyman second o Approved unanimously New business  Taylor asked for a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters o Wilcox moved o Hyman second o The board entered executive session at 5:58 p.m. o Hyman moved to return to public session o Lesko second o The board returned to public session at 6:29 p.m.  There is a board vacancy due to the impending St. Rose closure. o Hyman suggested that we reach out to other local colleges that have media departments to provide the opportunity for them to fill the college seat. o Taylor indicated she would reach out to UAlbany Announcements o Wilcox noted the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is coming up on Saturday. McLaughlin noted that the library’s Washington Avenue branch would be closed during the parade. o Cabey noted she is planning to attend to record the parade. Lesko noted the participation of the Albany Marching Falcons together with the UAlbany Marching Great  Danes, and that the Marching Falcons will be the only band from the world joining a French band on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, for the 80th commemoration of D- Day in June.  Next meeting – Thursday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m., City Hall, mayor’s conference room Adjournment  Hyman moved adjournment  Wilcox second  Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.