Minutes_Cable TV Commission 01.24.24Copyrighted
March 18, 2024
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 01.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: Cable TV Commission of January 24, 2024; City Council Proceedings
of March 4 and March 7, 2024; Five Flags Civic Center Advisory
Commission of December 5, 2023; Library Board of Trustees Update of
February 22, 2024; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
February 12 and February 19, 2024.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Cable TV Commission of January 24, 2024
City Council Proceedings 3/4/24
City Council Proceedings 3/7/24
Five Flags Minutes
Library Board of Trustees Update
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
2/12/24
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
2/19/24
Type
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
APPROVED MINUTES OF CABLE TV COMMISSION MEETING
Jan. 24, 2024
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 350 W. SIXTH ST.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jennifer Tigges (Chair), Georgina Guerrero Galvan, Pauline Maloney,
Ron Tigges
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT:
• Randy Gehl and Felicia Carner, City of Dubuque Public Information Office staff
Deshawn Brown, The Glass House LLC
Briana Thompson, Art For Us
JTigges called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
Acceptance of the Amended Agenda
• Upon a motion by Maloney, seconded by RTigges, the amended agenda was accepted
byavote of3-0.
Approval of the Minutes of Aug. 29, 2023, Meeting
• Upon a motion by RTigges, seconded by Maloney, minutes of the Aug. 29, 2023,
meeting were approved 3 - 0.
Oath of Office for New Commission
Oath of Office was administered for new commissioner Georgina Guerrero Galvan by
Chair JTigges.
Public Input
• There was no public input.
Public Access Channel Management
City Public Information Officer Randy Gehl and Multimedia Specialist Felicia Carner
gave an update on the City assuming operation of the public access channel following
Mediacom's decision to stop managing the channel, effective Dec. 8, 2023. They
explained the related language in the state franchise and summarized the public input
received when the channel was not featuring programming during the transition to the
City's management. At the time of the transition, three local religious organizations and
one local non-profit were providing or requesting playback of programs for broadcast on
the channel. Carner described her communications with those organizations and
outlined plans for the City to develop detailed policies related to programming for the
channel, including scheduling and copyright issues. Gehl and Carner indicated they
would share additional information on plans for the channel at a future meeting.
Discussion on future potential of the channel and the added workload this creates for
Media Services staff followed.
PEG Equipment Fund Applications
• The Commission received three funding requests from the PEG Equipment Fund.
Applications and related available cost documentation available were provided to
commissioners in advance of the meeting. Meeting attendees representing the applying
organizations were invited to make comments before the commission considered their
requests.
• Carner, on behalf of the City of Dubuque, summarized the City's $43,000 request for
funds to update and upgrade broadcasting equipment for operation of the government
access channel. The equipment (two video servers) will support the City's absorption of
management of the public access channel by allowing the two new servers to be used
for the government access channel and using the existing server to be used for the
public access channel. This will also streamline operations for all three channels.
Following discussion of the request, Maloney made a motion to award the City up to
$43,000 for the request. RTigges seconded the motion. Commission voted 4-0 to
approve.
• Deshawn Brown of Glass House LLC reviewed his request for $5,600 worth of
equipment, including a camera, a lens, lighting boom mics, and related hardware. Brown
shared additional information on the request and his goal to use the equipment to
produce positive media content showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Dubuque.
Information shared included descriptions of seven potential programs for the public
access channel. Following a discussion of the request, Maloney made a motion to
award Glass House LLC up to $6,000 for the requested new equipment and any
associated shipping costs. Guerrero Galvan seconded the motion. Commission voted 4-
0 to approve.
• Briana Thompson of Art For Us spoke on behalf of her request for $7,247.90 for
equipment to develop an educational media campaign to showcase local and regional
artists participating in Dubuque's "First Fridays" art exhibitions. The request included a
camera, lens, laptop, hard drives, vlog camera, wireless microphone system, and other
accessories. Thompson shared details on plans for programming to promote local artists
and events to showcase Dubuque's vibrant arts and culture community and engage
more residents. It was noted that the application included equipment costs from one
vendor and three were preferred. It was determined that Thompson would gather
additional estimates and share with City staff to finalize vendor selection. Following a
discussion of the request and commissioner comments/questions, Maloney made a
motion to award the City up to $7,500 for the requested new equipment and any
associated shipping costs. RTigges seconded the motion. Commission voted 4-0 to
approve.
PEG Channel Operation Service Expenditures
• Gehl and Carner introduced the City's intentions to charge to the PEG Equipment fund
occasional minor or emergency equipment purchases and/or direct annual costs the City
incurs related to operation of the government channel. Commissioners discussed the
2
possibility of limiting such purchases to a specific amount per year and how such
expenses should be reported to the commission. Due to the need to adjourn the
meeting, it was determined Gehl would consult the commission by-laws for guidance
and the issue would be discussed at a future commission meeting.
PEG Programming Report
Following the request sent to PEG Equipment Fund recipients over the last two years,
recipients are expected to provide reports on the amount and type of programming that
have produced for PEG channels over the last 12 months. As of the meeting time, the
City and Loras College had responded. Due to the need to adjourn the meeting, it was
determined those reports and others received subsequently would be discussed at a
future commission meeting.
Adjournment
• Upon a motion by RTigges, seconded by Maloney, and 4-0 vote, the meeting adjourned
at 4:33 p.m.