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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 28, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 13 of 14 (11. VIDEOTAPING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IN 2014, Continued) Levang stated the current equipment room would be utilized and the camera operator would be stationed in there. McMillan stated the LMCC has done quite a bit of work on pricing options and that the cheapest package they offer is one for $30,000. Under their pricing options, the LMCC decided to go with a charge per household. The thought was that eventually people will get TV over the Internet but at the present time there is not that much of a demand for it. McMillan noted that Mediacom is also starting to restrict the amount of data that can be streamed over the Internet. Levang stated the way it is structured is either you are part of the LMCC or, if you chose to direct franchise, you would need to be an affiliate member at $30,000. The group felt that the $30,000 to have the meetings covered did not make sense since that would need to be paid year after year and the City would not own any of the equipment. Levang noted Orono will be paying for the equipment out of PEG fees and franchise fees and the citizens will not be taxed. The equipment could also be used to tape special meetings or Planning Commission meetings since Orono will now have its own equipment. McMillan stated the excess cash distribution discussion was tabled at the October meeting and will be discussed at the November LMCC meeting. McMillan noted the LMCC has approximately $400,000 in excess cash at this point and that their share of that could be used to purchase the equipment. McMillan stated in her view the City’s request for distribution of that excess cash is not out of line since it would allow the LMCC to keep their studio assets and other assets but that the money the subscribers contributed to would be disbursed. Bremer asked if all of the additional services would require a package of some sort. Levang stated you first have to become an affiliate for the $30,000 and then you can add on additional services. McMillan stated in her view not all of the cities were comfortable with the prices and that in her view it is in the best interests of Orono to move ahead and not wait for a final decision. Bremer asked what sources were used for the cameras. Loftus indicated Staff conducted a survey of the surrounding communities and asked them a number of questions about the number of complaints they receive, how audits are paid for, renewals, etc. Loftus indicated they also did make a couple of site visits and looked at some quotes that the cities received to replace the equipment in their chambers. In addition, three vendors were out to the City to look at the chambers and provide cost estimates. Loftus stated the decision to purchase this equipment was based on recommendations from vendors and the other part was input from other cities. Printup asked if the city will be videotaping before the end of the year on an experimental basis. Levang stated they hope to start taping in November. Anderson moved, Printup seconded, to approve the equipment purchase from AVS in the amount of $35,985 and from Granicus in the amount of $4,600. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Item #03 - CC Agenda - *11/12/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 10/28/2013 [Page 13 of 14]