09-27-1993 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Daniels did not know specific figures but said that Orono is one of the top three penetrated cities (along with Excelsior and Shorewood) in the fourteen city area. The overall • penetration is about 55 %, and that Orono is probably around 50 %. He clarified for Hurr that the figure represents number of homes passed (by the cable). Kelley asked how the Cable Commission budget is funded and where the money comes from. Mr. Daniels explained that the commission's budget is not funded from tax dollars, but rather from a 5% annual franchise fee paid by the cable companies from annual revenues. Kelley asked if there is any ability on the Council to try to keep those costs down. Mr. Daniels said he would explain that in his budget presentation. He stated the 1994 budget does not have any noticeable differences to it in operations. There is a 0% increase with the exception of the required payment of the insurance bonds, worker's comp. etc. that have increases. It would be the same as last years budget except that the Commission has added two additional City Council meetings. The Commission pays to cover a total of seven City Council meetings aired on the government access channel and that's where the bulk of the 1994 budget increase goes. It includes the costs of additional equipment and trained contract employees (not staff). Hun asked how the Commission chooses which City Councils are aired. Mr. Daniels explained that the Commission does not make the choice but that the first two cities to take official action to have their City Council meetings appear on Channel 8 will be the first two cities to be covered. This is how it happened in 1993. Kelley asked what the top -line increase in revenue was between 1993 and 1994. • Mr. Daniels replied that it's a projected figure at $125,500 for 1994 compared with $120,000 for 1993. He noted that the Commission has had monies set aside for years to activate government access and they used some of those funds. Mr. Daniels apologized that the budget was not available for the meeting. He asked that the Council would approve the Commission's budget for 1994. Mayor Callahan stated that the Council would prefer to see the budget and would hold action until they had reviewed it, especially since some of the Council members have not previously seen such a budget. ENGINEER'S REPORT City Engineer Cook was present. There was nothing new to report. ( * #12) FALL CLEAN UP It was moved by Goetten, seconded by Hun, to accept the information presented for Fall Clean Up Day on Saturday, October 16, 1993 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 6 •