Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access meeting, 4-25-24 City Hall Board members present: Cathy Taylor (chair), Donald Hyman (vice chair), Darrin Kibbey (treasurer), Ron Lesko (secretary), Kirk Daniels, Amy McLaughlin, Zach Simpson. Board members absent: Jim Matteo, Dale Getto, Jessica Wilcox Also present: Studio coordinator Aprecia Cabey, Counsel Raisi Mobele Meeting called to order at 5:36 p.m. Review of December minutes  Hyman moved approval  Kibbey 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 offered several critiques of the PEG board and Channel Albany. Executive Session  Taylor moved that the board enter executive session  Simpson second  The board voted to enter executive session at 5:43 p.m.  Lesko moved that the board return to regular session  Hyman second  The board voted to return to regular session at 6:03 p.m. Chair’s report  Taylor noted that the studio coordinator’s contract was to be resubmitted March 14. However, counsel was notified that an RFP would be required rather than a one-year  extension of the previous contract. The RFP went out April 24. Taylor noted that the board is investigating a temporary voucher payment system to reimburse the studio coordinator for her work while the RFP process is pending.  Taylor also noted that the board is working through the outstanding payment issues with four Channel Albany interns and advisors through the Capital District Block Grant.  Taylor also noted concerns related to the Channel Albany studio about construction in the Albany Public Library that includes asbestos abatement. McLaughlin said she would investigate whether the abatement project is impacting the studio area. Studio coordinator’s report  Cabey noted that there are four Albany High School interns who are engaged in the studio on a 12-week track. Treasurer’s report  The board had no questions about the report.  Hyman moved approval  Kibbey second  The treasurer’s report was approved unanimously. Announcements  Taylor noted the Albany Patroons are having a free fan appreciation event on Wednesday, May 1 at the Washington Avenue Armory. New business  Taylor proposed a board committee to review the board’s bylaws. o McLaughlin and Simpson volunteered to serve on the committee. o Counsel indicated he would work with the committee members to review and offer suggestions.  Taylor noted that the St. Rose board seat remains vacant and she will be working with the mayor’s office to determine next steps for replacing that representative. Hyman suggested reaching out to the University at Albany or Russell Sage College for a potential replacement.  Next meeting – Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 p.m., City Hall, mayor’s conference room Adjournment  Simpson moved adjournment  Hyman second  Meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.