TC 06-06-90Cable Television Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting
June 6, 1990, 7 p.m.
Cupertino City Hall
Minutes
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by chairman Jane Chiavacci at 7:03 p.m.
Committee members present: David Keller, Dorothy Schmid, Chiavacci,
Walter Trefz Jr., Bill Fletcher
Staff Present: Susan Robinson and Len Batchelor
Channel 30 Staff: Access Director Suzanne Orcutt
Guests: Access Producers, Pauline Chua, Risk Management De Anza College
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR MEETING MAY' 2. 1990
Fletcher made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; Schmid
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were none.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Batchelor pointed out the article "Cupertino TV Wins Top Awards" in the
June 6 Extra section of the San Jose Mercury News.
STAFF REPORT
Batchelor noted that the city Council had its first budget hearing and had
no problem with the proposed budget plan for CTVAC.
REPORT FROM JOE WILCOX, UNITED CABLE
There was none.
DISCUSSION OF INSURANCE FOR PRODUCERS--This item was taken out of order.
Orcutt explained and distributed Volunteer of Record forms to De Anza
producers. These forms must be filled out once for each producer and
volunteer and placed on file in De Anza's Risk Management Office. Chua
explained that any volunteer of record or staff member is covered under
liability insurance when on site. Off site insurance coverage is the
direct responsibility of the individual producer. Broadcaster liability
insurance was discussed--Chua noted that the De Anza staff is covered for
libel and slander from lawsuits. This coverage does not include
producers.
Chua noted that it is not difficult for individual producers to
obtain coverage and they can contact her for more information. Producers
commented that under federal funding guidelines they had to obtain
insurance. CTV members noted that they will check into the subject
further and requested that Blanket Policy for Producers be placed on the
August agenda. Producers questioned the insuring of individual
equipment. Committee members will investigate these questions at the
NFLCP Conference.
REPORT FROM SUZANNE ORCUTTo ACCESS DIRECTOR
Orcutt reported that Cupertino access directors took half of the awards in
the volunteer category of the BACE competition and have four finalists in
the Hometown USA Video Festival. Orcutt will look into the ACE awards to
improve channel 30's chances for winning next year. She would like to
have a showcase, rather than a competition, of Cupertino access programs
Under music copyrights, Orcutt reported that producers are not covered
under De Anza College's copyright agreements and that the agreements do
not extend to TV transmission. Producers may obtain permission from the
owner of the copyright. Producers asked Orcutt if guests fall under
copyright liability. Orcutt will check into this issue and Channel 30 may
consider purchasing a public domain music package with De Anza College's
TV Center. De Anza staff will work Saturday mornings to make up for the
loss of Wednesday evenings and may offer training and/or studio production
time for two hours at De Anza's expense. Channel 30's summer schedule
will be 8 weeks from June 25 through August 16 with a holiday July 4.
Orcutt distributed a memorandum and reported on the condition cf cablecast
and remote equipment, Studio A and Edit Suites C and A. Repairs have been
requested from United and De Anza to take place June 15 through June 25
when the studio is down.
PRODUCER COMMENTS-- Taken out of order before Orcutt's quarterly financial
report.
Producers noted that equipment continues to be a problem and causes loss
of production quality. It was noted that perhaps producer expectations
were too high and should be geared towards current equipment. Other
problems with glitches on master tapes and poor sound boards and
frustrations with editing equipment were mentioned. Appreciation was
expressed for what Cupertino Access has versus what other facilities have
and for local Access staff cooperation. Training sessions were praised for
being well-oriented toward producers and producers feel positive about
Saturday staff times. Producers requested a teleprompter, slide projector
and expanded weekend hours.
REPORT FROM SUZANNE ORCUTT CONT.
Orcutt submitted the 4th quarter budget narrative for the period running
April 1 to June 30, 1990 with June expenses estimated. For professional
services budget of $10,500 approximately $14,727 will be spent creating a
deficit of $3,500. Under the materials and supplies budget of $6,500 an
over expenditure of $1,638 for the fiscal year was noted. Community
information had $1,428 remaining as no TINO awards were held. The
maintenance budget has a $707 overage and fixed acquisition has $1,836
remaining in the budget. Including an additional income of $460 from
producers for paid crew assistance, Orcutt reported a $1,434 deficit for
the 1989-90 fiscal year budget of $32,000. Committee members discussed
how to balance the budget. Batchelor suggested that the needed funds
could come from another line item, such as Grants. Fletcher made a motion
that the $1,400 overage be covered through the grant funds; Trefz
seconded. Following discussion the motion passed unanimously. It was
noted that this sends a message to the college that the city is willing to
pick up the tab for cost overruns.
GRANTS REVIEW REPORT
Trefz reported that he has reviewed the grant form and sent a memo to
Orcutt. They continue to review the form and need two producers on the
committee. They will then make recommendations to the CTV Committee.
Grants Review Report will be on the August agenda.
DISCUSSION OF FIXED ACQUISITION OF SONY CONTROLLER
Batchelor questioned if a Sony controller is still needed if a switch is
built. Orcutt noted that the controller is still necessary in order to
upgrade Edit suite C. The purchase of the Sony was built into the June
budget based on vendors estimates of $2,246.16. Keller made a motion to
approve the purchase of the Sony Controller; Schmid seconded and the
motion passed unanimously.
.The CTV Commission requested that Discussion of Tripartite Agreement,
Report from Convention and Producer Concerns be on the August Agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
Keller motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:45; Fletcher seconded and the
motion passed unanimously.
ATTEST:
City Clerk /~ ._ ,.~ /
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APPROVED:
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