Visser stated the Finance Committee recommends the Board to accept the
MAC Media proposal to videotape the Park Township Board and Planning
Commission meetings. It was suggested we pay on a per meeting basis and
fund this with a ½ % franchise fee beginning January 1, 2003. There
will be money to put in a fund to pay for legal fees in two years when
the contract is renewed.
MOTION MADE, MOTION SUPPORTED, MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by
Price and supported by VanDyke to accept the MAC Media proposal to
videotape the Park Township Board and Planning Commission meetings on a
per meeting basis.
MOTION MADE, MOTION SUPPORTED, MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by
Steggerda and supported by VanRaalte to fund MAC TV through a ½ %
franchise fee.
Marsilje stated he would prefer to have the funding come from a general
operating fund.
Steggerda stated an operating fee would not allow us the extra money
toward legal expenses. She is in favor of a user fee.
Martin noted only cable customers would be charged the franchise fee.
Koopman questioned the proposal showing the pricing would apply for the
period of July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003. Does that mean that previously
broadcast programs are going to be billed to us?
Chris
Gould from MAC TV answered July 1 thru June 30 is their fiscal year.
They were not intending to bill Park Township until the November 1
deadline. So it would be November 1 to June 30, 2003.
Visser clarified that it was the Boards intent to have 24 meetings per
year video taped, 12 Board and 12 Planning Commission meetings. With
notice, extra meetings can be taped.
Chris
Gould explained pricing is based on a per visit basis. The cost is
prorated per hour with a minimum of a 1 hour fee.
Visser asked for a motion to fund MAC TV by notifying Charter
Communications that we wish to establish a ½ % franchise fee effective
January 1, 2003. The motion passed 6 –1. Marsilje opposed.
