Minutes of the Thursday, September 29, 2005 Local Access Channel Advisory Committee (“LACAC”) Meeting
Members Present: Andy Dunn
Ross Perry
Ed Newman
Also Present: Lew Halprin
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM at the Stow Town Building
Those present discussed the following:
Invoices for VanTine’s services for the months of August and September July were approved for payment.
On motion by Dunn, seconded by Perry, the minutes of the August 15, 2005 meeting were approved with modifications, with a unanimous vote.
VanTine prepared a document dated September 28, 2005 with information and a recommendation that the LACAC approve authorization for the purchase of the following items:
1. One Sony DSR-PDX10 Camera at an estimated $1820.00 from Rule Broadcast. This would be a camera identical to the Sony camera purchased earlier, which functioned well at the annual town meeting. Ordering the camera before September 30, 2005 will generate a $200.00 rebate from Sony. Halprin suggested that at annual/special town meetings that these two Sony cameras will be located in the auditorium control room while two other cameras of lower quality will be located on the stage for audience shots.
2. One Symetric 421M AGC compressor / limiter for sound at an estimated $830.00. This machine adjusts audio level up or down as required prior to delivery to the cable network to provide a more consistent audio level to viewers of channel 9 cablecast content. VanTine has a quote for $440.00 for the machine and $390.00 for installation. Dunn and Halprin suggested that the machine be ordered and received so that they could evaluate the installation complexity. If Dunn and Halprin believe that this is an easy installation, they will install the unit. If complex, Kevin Long could be engaged to install the machine. This machine was not included in the initial equipment
ordered for the control room.
3. Video Camera accessories at $1000. A Sony camera is not sold with any accessories as part of the camera. Previously, the committee approved purchase of a battery, battery charger, and tripod for one camera; however, the committee did not approve purchase of a camera bag. Kevin Long has recommended the Porta-Brace CS-DV3 ($166.00/ea) or Pelican BPL1550 ($149.00/ea) camera bag. VanTine is also evaluating the Sony PDX-10BP camcorder bag ($125.00). VanTine suggested the following additional accessories: Qty 1 NPQM91D LION Battery by Sony ($109.00/ea), Qty 1 ACSQ950D AC/DC Sony charger ($109/ea), Qty 1 3221WN-501 tripod with video head ($350.00 est). Postage and
shipping and other miscellaneous camera items could be an additional $50.00-$100.00. Halprin suggested that the second tripod might be a lighter weight model.
On motion by Dunn to authorize VanTine to purchase a Sony DSR-PDX10 camera for up to $1850.00, seconded by Perry, was approved, with a unanimous vote.
On motion by Dunn to authorize VanTine to purchase a Symetric 421M AGC compressor/limiter for sound for up to $850.00 including installation, and that installation services not be ordered until he has examined the unit for installation complexity, seconded by Perry, was approved, with a unanimous vote.
On motion by Dunn to authorize VanTine to purchase two camera bags, one battery, one AC/DC charger, and one tripod for up to $1000.00 including postage and shipping, seconded by Perry, was approved, with a unanimous vote.
Perry noted that the first live cablecast of a Stow Board of Selectman’s meeting occurred on Tuesday, September 27, 2005. The meeting also included an executive session, which was not recorded for cablecast.
A discussion topic at the BoS meeting included the approval for purchase of a new twelve foot table for the Warren Room at approximately $600.00, using LACAC funds. The current table is ten feet in length and with all Selectmen seated on one side of the table to face the camera, it is too small. Dunn indicated that the ceiling microphones may need to be repositioned with the new table.
Halprin requested authorization to install two additional camera cables between the control room and the rear of the Warren Room. In the future, this cable could be used to support an additional camera (without pan and zoom capabilities) to be fixed upon those seated facing the camera. Halprin indicated that he has camera cable remaining from a previous project. Halprin suggested that VanTine was in favor of the installation of this cable. The committee authorized Halprin to install the cable.
Halprin reported that he had completed the audio and video wiring of the Hugh Mill Auditorium in preparation of the upcoming special town meeting. He is ready to install the three microphones above the stage and has reviewed this plan with Scott Glorioso. Glorioso is in favor of purchasing the same model of microphones as are installed in the Warren Room, each at approximately $160.00. At the August 23, 2005 LACAC meeting the committee approved up to $500.00 for the purchase of two microphones. Halprin requested that the committee revise their prior action to include the purchase of three microphones for up to $500.
On motion by Dunn to revise the Committee’s vote of August 23, 2005 to purchase two microphones for up to $500.00 to purchase three microphones for up to $500.00, seconded by Perry, was approved, with a unanimous vote.
Halprin reported that approximately thirty Hale students were participating in a daily “Hale school news” report in the studio he and others have built in the school library. The newscast is provided into the Hale classrooms.
Halprin is unavailable to assist with preparing the audio and video systems for October special town meeting as he has in the past. Halprin indicated that Horne plans to be available to assist with the audio system at the meeting, however, his availability could change based upon a business conflict. VanTine and others have been unable to identify other volunteers to assist with the audio preparation and operation. Halprin and VanTine reviewed the audio, video, and lighting systems and preparing the overflow auditorium area on September 22. Although Halprin has prepared initial documentation of the wiring systems, VanTine is uncomfortable assuming responsibility for the audio systems. Dunn stated that it is not the responsibility of LACAC to assume the production responsibility for these systems. Perry
indicated that he would like for VanTine to oversee the operations of audio system using identifying volunteers or recommend use of a sound engineer. Halprin indicated that several organizations using the Hugh Mill Auditorium hire sound engineers who provide their own sound equipment, including the Hale play staff.
Newman distributed a document with draft language related to a proposed LACAC policy for providing a copy of public meetings to be included in “Section V Policy for Cablecast of Town Board Meetings”. The proposed policy would address making a copy available to the committee chairman and to all others requesting a copy. The committee questioned the time period that a copy of a public meeting would be retained. Newman indicated that he had spoken with Wrigley on this issue and that Wrigley plans to discuss the length of time that a copy of a public meeting should be retained with Attorney August. The committee reviewed Newman’s draft and suggested a number of revisions. When the policy is adopted, a fee schedule will need to be developed.
Newman distributed a document draft with a proposed process and language for appointing individuals to serve as Stow TV volunteers. Newman based the information contained in the document on his discussion with Wrigley. Wrigley indicated that volunteers who agreed to receive training, whose work would be supervised by the Stow TV Coordinator, and who were appointed by LACAC to serve as volunteers could be covered by the town’s liability insurance.
Dunn distributed the revised Stow Video Organization document dated September 29, 2005. Dunn had incorporated the committee’s comments from the August 15, 2005 meeting. The organization document will be reviewed at an upcoming meeting.
VanTine provided the LACAC Coordinator’s Report for the months of August and September.
The next LACAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 7:30 at the Stow Town Building. (Note: November 9, 2005 meeting was rescheduled to November 17, 2005)
On a motion by Perry, and seconded by Dunn, unanimous vote, the committee adjourned at 9:43
Prepared by: _________________________________
Ed Newman
| 
