PEG Fund ExpendituresCity of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 10.
Copyrighted
March 17, 2025
ITEM TITLE: PEG Fund Expenditures
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approve requests
not to exceed $85,210.84 in Public, Educational, and
Government (PEG) Equipment Grant Program Fund
expenditures.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. PEG Fund Expenditure Memo - March 2025
Page 418 of 848
THE CITY OF
DUB E-E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: PEG Fund Expenditures
DATE: March 11, 2025
Dubuque
All -America Ciq
IIIr
II
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
At the March 5, 2025, meeting, the Cable TV Commission approved requests not to
exceed $85,210.84 in Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Equipment Grant
Program Fund expenditures. Public Information Officer Randy Gehl is now submitting
the Cable TV Commission's to City Council for approval:
The commission's approved recommendations for the PEG Access Channel Operator
Equipment Grants are as follows:
• City of Dubuque- $11,612.46 for video gear for public checkout to assist in the
development of PEG access programming. The request includes a prosumer
camcorder, action camera with gimbal, lights, microphones, and other essential
tools. Additionally, new video equipment, including but not limited to a 4K
camcorder, lights, batteries, and time-lapse cameras, is needed to replace items
lost due to water damage. This equipment will ensure the continued production of
high -quality PEG access programming for the City of Dubuque.
• Separate from the grant process, the commission also approved a PEG
Equipment Fund purchase by the City of $6,940. This was related to a water leak
at the City Hall Annex that damaged several pieces of equipment, including
lighting gear, batteries, and the PA system. The City replaced the lighting
equipment and batteries immediately and is working with a vendor to replace the
PA system, which is essential for broadcasting events on City Channel Dubuque.
Due to the urgency of the lighting purchase and the extended selection process
for the PA system, the City is requesting approval to use PEG funds for these
replacements outside the usual grant process.
• Dubuque Community School District: $16,000 for the purchase of a server
essential for broadcasting operations. This server will replace the current system
used to manage and schedule programming on one of the City's two educational
access channels. The existing server is no longer serviceable.
• Loras College- $16,000 for the purchase of a server essential for broadcasting
operations. This server will replace the current system used to manage and
schedule programming on one of the City's two educational access channels.
The existing server is no longer serviceable.
Page 419 of 848
The commission has approved recommendations for the Community PEG Access
Equipment Grant Program are as follows:
• Afriwell hub, Inc.: $2,927.40 to produce "African Diaspora Perspectives," a 6-
episode video series exploring the experiences, contributions, and aspirations of
the African diaspora in Dubuque. Each 8-10 minute episode will highlight topics
such as migration stories, cultural preservation, culinary traditions, youth identity,
mental health through arts, and the future of the community. The series aims to
amplify the voices of African immigrants and Black residents, providing hands-on
programming experience to children while fostering understanding, inclusivity,
and appreciation for African culture and heritage. Requested equipment includes
small action gimbal cameras, microphones, headphones, audio recorders, and
other video tools and accessories.
• Audubon Elementary School: $2,456.98 for the creation of a monthly video
series, "The Audubon Update," featuring students and lasting 10-15 minutes per
episode. The applicant plans to collaborate with teachers to produce additional
original content and anticipates creating 9-12 videos annually at Audubon
Elementary. Requested equipment includes a camcorder, tripod, and other video
accessories.
• Clarke University: $10,000 for the development of a "Dubuque Arts and Culture
Showcase" series, highlighting the work of nonprofit arts organizations and
individual artists contributing to the city's cultural vibrancy. The series will consist
of 12-15 episodes, each 4-5 minutes long, featuring local artists, musicians,
performers, and cultural institutions. The content will be overseen by a university
professor and developed in collaboration with Clarke students. Requested
equipment includes cameras, lenses, teleprompter, microphones, gimbal,
backdrops, lighting, and other video tools and accessories.
• Done on the Side: $9,341.40 for the production of 11 videos totaling 95 minutes
of programming. The series will include two 20-minute documentaries on the
Cathedral of St. Raphael renovations and the Lessons & Carols service, a 15-
minute mockumentary about Dubuque's bid to host the 2036 Olympics, and an
eight -part, humorous mini-series, "DBQ-Tips," with each episode running about 5
minutes. Requested equipment includes lenses, lighting, gimbal, cameras,
microphones, tripods, and other video tools and accessories. A drone was also
requested; however, approval of this and related gear will be contingent upon
review of licensing requirements.
• Jacob Roth: $2,817.07 for the creation of a 3-episode mini-series titled "A Walk in
the Park," which will highlight accessible nature spots within a half-hour radius of
Dubuque. The series aims to show the positive effects of spending time outdoors
on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, offering viewers a chance to relax
and explore hidden gems in the area. Videos will be hosted and narrated by the
applicant and will feature nature footage, tips, and useful information about each
location. Requested equipment includes lenses and microphones.
2
Page 420 of 848
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
Felicia Carner, Media Services Specialist
3
Page 421 of 848
THE C
DUUB-.'*-TE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
SUBJECT: PEG Fund Expenditures
DATE: March 10, 2025
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
All -Merit City
tiN MJ\ALL � n X- I I
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
The purpose of this memorandum is to forward recommendations from the Cable TV
Commission to approve 10 requests for funding from the Public, Educational, and
Governmental (PEG) Equipment Grant Program.
BACKGROUND
The City's previous cable television franchise agreement with Mediacom included an annual
grant program to purchase equipment with which to produce local public, educational, and
governmental (PEG) programming. Qualified organizations — those with a principal place of
business within City limits or a principal regular meeting place within City limits — may apply
for funding from this program.
Because Mediacom now operates in Dubuque under a state franchise, the state code
related to cable franchises applies to the use of Dubuque PEG Capital Grant for Access
Equipment and Facilities funds. The code states, "All fees collected pursuant to this
subsection shall be used only for the support of the public, educational, and
governmental access channels." Currently, five PEG channels are offered on the
Mediacom cable system. The City of Dubuque operates the local government access
channels (CityChannel Dubuque and CityChannel Graphics) and the public access
channel, the Dubuque Community School District operates the public education access
channel, and Loras College operates the shared education access channel.
In December 2024, the City Council approved changes to the policies and procedures
related to the PEG Equipment Grant Program following approval by the Cable TV
Commission. Changes included the creation of two separate processes, one for
community members and one for PEG channel operators. Other details for community
member applications included the conversion of the process to an annual grant cycle, a
maximum number of grants awarded per year, and maximum grant amounts. Additional
changes included clarification for both programs regarding required programming for
grant recipients, eligible equipment, and ownership of equipment. Details are available
at https://citVofdubugue.org/3229/PEG-Equipment-Grant-Programs
Page 422 of 848
The PEG Capital Grant for Access Equipment and Facilities fund currently has a
balance of $1,260,399.13. The fund has been used by a variety of organizations over
the years and has funded significant purchases by the three organizations operating the
PEG channels. Mediacom is no longer required to contribute to this fund so the only
way it will grow is through interest.
DISCUSSION
The Cable TV Commission met on Wednesday, March 5, to review 10 PEG Equipment
Grant applications: three for the PEG Access Channel Operator Equipment Grant and
seven from organizations/individuals for the Community PEG Access Equipment Grant.
Each application included a general description of the requested equipment and why it
was needed, a proposal for their intended creation of PEG access programming, and a
detailed list of all equipment requested and cost estimates from three vendors. The
commission discussed the potential of increased costs for the equipment due to tariffs
after the applications and cost estimates were submitted and voted to include an
allowance of up to 10% over the requested amount to cover those unexpected
increases and shipping costs.
The commission's approved recommendations for the PEG Access Channel Operator
Equipment Grant for City Council consideration are as follows:
• City of Dubuque: $11,612.46 for video gear for public checkout to assist in the
development of PEG access programming. The request includes a prosumer
camcorder, action camera with gimbal, lights, microphones, and other essential
tools. Additionally, new video equipment, including but not limited to a 4K
camcorder, lights, batteries, and time-lapse cameras, is needed to replace items
lost due to water damage. This equipment will ensure the continued production of
high -quality PEG access programming for the City of Dubuque.
Separate from the grant process, the commission also approved a PEG
Equipment Fund purchase by the City of $6,940. This was related to a water leak
at the City Hall Annex that damaged several pieces of equipment, including
lighting gear, batteries, and the PA system. The City replaced the lighting
equipment and batteries immediately and is working with a vendor to replace the
PA system, which is essential for broadcasting events on City Channel Dubuque.
Due to the urgency of the lighting purchase and the extended selection process
for the PA system, the City is requesting approval to use PEG funds for these
replacements outside the usual grant process.
• Dubuque Community School District: $16,000 for the purchase of a server
essential for broadcasting operations. This server will replace the current system
used to manage and schedule programming on one of the City's two educational
access channels. The existing server is no longer serviceable.
2
Page 423 of 848
• Loras College: $16,000 for the purchase of a server essential for broadcasting
operations. This server will replace the current system used to manage and
schedule programming on one of the City's two educational access channels.
The existing server is no longer serviceable.
The commission's approved recommendations for the Community PEG Access
Equipment Grant Program for City Council consideration are as follows:
• Afriwell hub, Inc.: $2,927.40 to produce "African Diaspora Perspectives," a 6-
episode video series exploring the experiences, contributions, and aspirations of
the African diaspora in Dubuque. Each 8-10 minute episode will highlight topics
such as migration stories, cultural preservation, culinary traditions, youth identity,
mental health through arts, and the future of the community. The series aims to
amplify the voices of African immigrants and Black residents, providing hands-on
programming experience to children while fostering understanding, inclusivity,
and appreciation for African culture and heritage. Requested equipment includes
small action gimbal cameras, microphones, headphones, audio recorders, and
other video tools and accessories.
• Audubon Elementary School: $2,456.98 for the creation of a monthly video
series, "The Audubon Update," featuring students and lasting 10-15 minutes per
episode. The applicant plans to collaborate with teachers to produce additional
original content and anticipates creating 9-12 videos annually at Audubon
Elementary. Requested equipment includes a camcorder, tripod, and other video
accessories.
• Clarke University: $10,000 for the development of a "Dubuque Arts and Culture
Showcase" series, highlighting the work of nonprofit arts organizations and
individual artists contributing to the city's cultural vibrancy. The series will consist
of 12-15 episodes, each 4-5 minutes long, featuring local artists, musicians,
performers, and cultural institutions. The content will be overseen by a university
professor and developed in collaboration with Clarke students. Requested
equipment includes cameras, lenses, teleprompter, microphones, gimbal,
backdrops, lighting, and other video tools and accessories.
• Done on the Side: $9,341.40 for the production of 11 videos totaling 95 minutes
of programming. The series will include two 20-minute documentaries on the
Cathedral of St. Raphael renovations and the Lessons & Carols service, a 15-
minute mockumentary about Dubuque's bid to host the 2036 Olympics, and an
eight -part, humorous mini-series, "DBQ-Tips," with each episode running about 5
minutes. Requested equipment includes lenses, lighting, gimbal, cameras,
microphones, tripods, and other video tools and accessories. A drone was also
requested; however, approval of this and related gear will be contingent upon
review of licensing requirements.
3
Page 424 of 848
• Jacob Roth: $2,817.07 for the creation of a 3-episode mini-series titled "A Walk in
the Park," which will highlight accessible nature spots within a half-hour radius of
Dubuque. The series aims to show the positive effects of spending time outdoors
on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, offering viewers a chance to relax
and explore hidden gems in the area. Videos will be hosted and narrated by the
applicant and will feature nature footage, tips, and useful information about each
location. Requested equipment includes lenses and microphones.
If the Cable TV Commission's recommendations for funding are approved by City
Council, City staff will coordinate the purchase of all related equipment and distribute to
the requesting organizations.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
I respectfully request the Cable TV Commission's recommendations for a total
expenditure not to exceed $85,210.84 ($71,155.31 in requested funds plus $7,115.53 to
cover increased equipment and shipping costs since applications were submitted, and
the $6,940 in City expenditures for equipment replacement) in PEG Equipment Fund
expenditures be forwarded to the City Council to receive, file, and approve.
Cc: Felicia Carner, Multimedia Specialist
0
Page 425 of 848