Rutland Cable Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes – October 4, 2017
Members present: Chairman Paul Mattson, Peter Craine, Christian Santillo.
Members absent: Jim Kelley, Addison Redfield
No guests present.
Meeting was called to order by chair at 6:00 PM.
Meeting Minutes
Meeting minutes accepted as presented at 6:08 PM. Paul moved; Christian 2nd; vote was unanimous.
Bills and Accounts
Paul presented a Treasurer’s report. A total of $13,213.07 in expenses, including salaries and gifts to the library, have been paid since the last meeting (in August).
Paul found and reconciled the FY16-17 accounting discrepancy mentioned at the last meeting.
There is some question about the state of the Charter bill. Charter recently sent a notice saying we were late with payments. Paul asked that a check be written for $344.92 to cover those bills. Afterwards he discovered that he had asked $171.18 be paid to Charter on 8/23 and another payment on 9/07. The 8/23 payment has been received and cashed by Charter but Charter never credited our account. Charter is chasing this down. No word yet if the check requested on 9/07 was written or cashed.
It is likely the final $344.92 line item on the Treasurer’s report will change by the next meeting.
Financial report was accepted as presented at 6:47 PM. Peter moved; Christian 2nd; vote was unanimous.
Old Business
Sennheiser Mic Kits:
At the last meeting the Committee approved the purchase of two mic kits. These kits were each supposed to contain a portable mic a lavalier (lapel) mic. The kits arrived without lavalier mics. Paul asked the supplier why no lav mic was included; their response was that Sennheiser doesn’t sell that kit any longer.
At a recent trade show, Paul talked to Sennheiser’s Area Sales Manager, Michael Cleary. Mr. Cleary says the kits are available and doesn’t understand from where the confusion came. Paul will work to resolve the confusion and get the kits we expect.
Job Descriptions:
Job descriptions were converted from PDF to editable form.
Cameraman: Decided to remove AAS degree or experience from requirements. Add requirement for “Driver’s License and access to vehicle to transport …” Fix misspellings.
Agree that Cameraman 1 pay should start at OAD1 Step 1 level and subject to yearly review.
Paul hopes to finish this job description for acceptance at next meeting.
Production Assistant: Paul added “AAS degree or equivalent experience” to High School Diploma requirement. Add “Assists Director…” to Duties. Also add “Train other personnel on correct use of equipment and software”. Not to mention “Find programming for broadcast.”
When looking for the correct pay scale, discussed “steps” versus OAD “levels”. Decided the right starting pay would be OAD2 Step 1. Also subject to yearly review.
Paul hopes to have the P/A job description complete by the next meeting and ready for acceptance by the committee.
New Business
State Bid List
Paul is looking into purchasing a new Dell computer for the Committee’s use. Margaret informed Paul that the Operational Services Division (Massachusetts Office for Administration and Finance) has put out a bid list that includes Dell computers from authorized resellers.
Paul looked at the resellers for various use cases for Dell computers. He could not find a category that would include Video Production. He will seek more guidance before marching ahead with the purchase.
Christian asked about the Town’s IT services and how that group interacts with us for this purchase. A general discussion about the benefits and drawbacks of our current IT contractor’s service level took place. Basically, IT isn’t involved in this purchase, but may be involved in computer support and is involved in networking support.
Nexus vs. Tightrope
Our Nexus has done well for us for nine years. It’s time to look forward and find more capabilities. Looking for better editing and graphics capabilities.
The Nexus Ultra is the next model up from the Nexus (both made by Leightronix). Paul has asked for Nexus Ultra information from Leightronix.
The primary competitor to Nexus Ultra is the Cablecast system produced by Tightrope Media Systems.
Our consultant is recommending the Tightrope system and is setting up an on-line demonstration of that system for the committee.
From the Floor
Peter asked about payments, other than the gifts listed in the Treasurer’s report, the Committee will pay to the library and town.
The electric bill is still up in the air. We have received no feedback from the Head Librarian. We will hopefully have more info at the next meeting.
Last year the committee paid $8,631.78 to the Town’s general fund to cover a portion of the insurance and promissory note. This amount is based on the square footage of the area under the Committee’s control (control room, studio, hallway, and Select Board room), as a proportion of total square footage of the library.
RCTV Programming Request Form
Paul has begun work on a new Programming Request form and asked for feedback.
Peter suggested removing some old media (VHS, DV). Christian also suggested removing 8-mm-based media (Hi8/Digital8). Paul suggested removing Mini-DVD.
Christian suggested adding Blu-Ray (BD Disk).
Christian suggested changing “Flash Media” to something more generic (e.g. “Digital Media on Flash Drive, SD Drive, etc.”). Perhaps with a comment about “supported CODEC.”
Committee seems in agreement on all these (no vote taken).
Should there be a requirement that the programming include a standard disclaimer (e.g., “opinions of those of the producer and not of RCTV or the Town of Rutland”)? Paul will look into this.
Perhaps eliminate the option for RCTV to add titles? Perhaps require the program contain necessary titles? Paul will consider.
Desk Signs
Desk Signs are on hold. The person doing the work is not available at this time.
Paul is looking into having Bay Path do the work instead.
Next Meeting
The committee’s next meeting was scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 9, 2017.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned, unanimously (motion: Christian; 2nd Peter) at 7:24 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Craine
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