HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-05 Bd Comm minutesIowa City
Public Library
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 15, 2007
4b 1
FINAL APPROVED
Members Present: Linzee McCray (arrived at 5:24 pm), Thomas Dean, Michael Cohen, John Kenyon,
William Korf, Mary New, Meredith Rich-Chappell, Leon Spies
Members Absent: Thomas Martin
Staff Present: Barb Black, Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Debb Green (arrived 5:09), Heidi Lauritzen,
Kara Logsden, Patty McCarthy, Elyse Miller
Call Meeting to Order.
Dean called the meeting to order at 5:07 pm.
Public Discussion.
None.
Approval of Minutes.
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 25, 2007 were reviewed. A motion to approve the
minutes of the October 25, 2007 meeting was made by Cohen, seconded by Rich=Chappell. Motion
carried 7/0.
Unfinished Business.
None.
New Business.
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Measures of Quality: Application/Report Form for Accreditation and
Standards FY08.
The State Library of Iowa is required by state law to document the condition of public library service in
Iowa. Every three years Iowa City Public Library must reapply for accreditation. State aid is contingent
upon accreditation. This form is due in January. Spies asked where these criteria came from. Craig said
that a Committee representing all sizes of libraries and the State Library developed the original
standards which are periodically reviewed and updated. Craig was on this committee that made some
of the changes reflected on the current document. Cohen asked if there were any criteria that our
Library reviewed and looked to improve from the last accreditation process. Craig said that the criterion
for minimum days and hours of service was an area ICPL sought to improve. The three hours that we
added last fiscal year brought us from level C to one hour below Level A. Craig believes ICPL has
made the most progress on this measure. Kenyon asked about Item 64; the space needs assessment,
which was unchecked on the document. Spies asked if there was much request for Braille materials.
Logsden said that during her first few years she had Braille materials in her office and no one requested
them. Clark said that the State Library for the Blind supplies materials and they are also obtainable
through Inter-Library Loan (ILL). ICPL also refers persons to other agencies and organizations.
Staff Reports.
Departmental Reports:
Adult Services. Dean mentioned the transfer of the leadership role for Weber Days to Johnson County
Historical Society in 2009. Kenyon asked about a list of the outreach sites. Logsden will follow up.
Circulation Services. New asked about filling Ron Prosser's position.
Information Services. Board members liked that back issues of periodicals can now circulate. Clark said
that changes in technology permit us to provide access to materials that formerly were kept as
reference only. New wondered how many periodicals ICPL holds. "543," said Craig.
Development Office. McCarthy thanked everyone who participated in the Book Gala. ICPL received
$1,354.00 from Prairie Lights, which represents 20% of the sales during this fundraising event.
IUPLA Statistics.'
Craig said there has been an IUPLA meeting since the draft of the comparison of Iowa Urban Public
Libraries was included in the Board packet and a few changes will be made to the document. Craig
believes that ICPL is still the busiest building in IUPLA. New asked about methods for collecting
volunteer statistics.
The date for the Public Libraries of Johnson County Reception for Legislators has been changed from
December 10, 2007 at the Legislators' request to Wednesday, December 19, 2007. A brief
demonstration of statewide databases will be presented at 6:00 pm.
Miscellaneous.
Craig wanted to share the "Dealing with Problem Behavior in the Library" article with Board members,
despite its length. Kenyon asked about partnering with UAY or other teen outreach agencies. New
asked about the ban process.
Basement Space. The furniture for the basement tenant is supposed to be delivered on Monday and
then their technical people will begin setting up their computer infrastructure. It is hoped that the UIHC
training lab will be operational in December.
President's Report.
McCray thanked Dean for his willingness to convene the Board meetings during the semester while she
was teaching a class at UI. Next semester her class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays and will
not affect her Board duties.
Announcements from Members.
Dean said that President Mason enjoyed her visit to the ICPL. Dean also mentioned that in addition to
Weber Days, there are a few upcoming Weber Chautauqua meetings including one on 12/3/2007 from
7:30-9:00 pm in Meeting Room A. Shaner Magalhaes, Executive Director of the Johnson County
Historical Society will give an update on the past, present and future of the Johnson County Historical
Society.
Committee Reports.
Foundation members. No meeting.
Communications. The visual marker on the stairs issue was discussed at length following up on
further communication from Mr. Lechay. Craig spoke to the architects and was informed that there are
no ADA recommendations or guidelines about improving our staircase.
Disbursements.
The Visa expenditures for October 2007 were reviewed. A motion to approve the disbursements for
October 2007 was made by New, seconded by Spies. Motion carried 8/0.
Set Agenda Order for December Meeting.
Next Board meeting is Thursday, December 20, 2007
Circulation Policy review
Legislator reception
Adjournment.
It was moved by Spies, seconded by Cohen to adjourn the meeting. Dean declared the meeting
adjourned at 5:56.
Respectfully submitted,
Elyse Miller
4b 2
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2007--5:30 P.M.
FINAL
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Saul Mekies, Hans Hoerschelman, Brett Gordon
MEMBERS ABSENT; Margaret Wieting, Gary Hagen
STAFF PRESENT: Drew Shaffer, Mike Brau, Bob Hardy, Dale Helling
OTHERS PRESENT: Lee Grassley, Josh Goding, Susan Rogusky, Michael McBride,
Laura Lowe
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Grassley reported that ESPN and ESPN 2 in high definition will be added to the Family Package
at no additional charge. Subscribers would need a high definition tuner or a device with a cable
card such as TiVo or a cable HD converter box to view those two channels. The price for the
high definition package of channels will be decreased by $3 to $6.95. Mediacom has been
pursuing more high definition contracts and if they sign a high definition contract with a
programmer that is carried in the Family Package the high definition channel will be added to the
Family Channel at no charge. School administrators have cleared the proposal to spend $44,000
for a complete AV makeover of the Board Room. Perry Ross has been working on a grant for
staff development in the production and use of multi-media technologies. It is hoped that if
teachers can be trained they in turn can offer instruction to students. Shaffer met with the
Community Television Group (CTG) to help them understand the long-term challenges facing
local access television and how the public might be made more aware of the channels and value
them. The CTG will be meeting in January to further develop a strategy.
Shaffer reported that oral arguments in the court challenge to the recent FCC Report and Order
on franchising will be made on Feb. 6.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Gordon moved and Hoerschelman seconded a motion to approve the amended November 26,
2007 minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Gordon urged Commissioners and citizens to contact the -FCC and our representatives in
Congress regarding a proposed rule change by the FCC to allow greater consolidation in media
ownership. Mekies referred to Shaffer's report on the National Association of
Telecommunications Officers and Advisors conference and noted the comparisons of other
communities to Iowa City.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Shaffer referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet. There was only 1 complaint,
which was resolved.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Grassley reported that ESPN and ESPN 2 in high definition will be added to the Family Package
at no additional charge. Subscribers would need a high definition tuner or a device with a cable
card such as TiVo or a cable HD converter box to view those two channels. The price for the
high definition package of channels will be decreased by $3 to $6.95. Mediacom has been
pursuing more high definition contracts and if they sign a high definition contract with a
programmer that is carried in the Family Package the high definition channel will be added to the
Family Channel at no charge. Mekies urged the City Cable TV Division to add that information
to their website to help better notify consumers. Mekies also requested Mediacom notify the
City as soon as such changes are known so they could assist informing the public. Gordon asked
if prices will go up in August. Grassley said Mediacom will be making the annual basic tier rate
filing according to the usual schedule, which would make any changes effective around the first
of August. If the Family Package rates rise that increase will take place at that time.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA REPORT
McBride distributed the University channel's annual report. The University cable channel
continues to grow. They have access to more programming and requests from University
departments for coverage have increased. More students are producing programs as well. Daily
Iowan Television is now in their second year. The Student Video Producers have made a large
increase in productions made available for playback. The collaboration with Iowa Public Radio
for the Live at Prairie Lights and the Java House programs has been a continuing asset. McBride
said that he is fortunate to have the energy and creativity of University students. Mekies asked
how the University of Iowa compares to Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa.
McBride said that the University of Iowa is fortunate to have abetter-developed cable operation
than the other state schools. The U of I uses other stronger Big 10 universities as a benchmark
for evaluating progress. Hoerschelman noted that the annual report acknowledges that one
weakness is the inability to gather scientifically valid audience research due to cost restraints.
Hoerschelman said audience research for all the access channels is needed. Shaffer said two
scientific surveys have been done in the past seven years but the University was not a part of
those surveys.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
O'Brien was unable to attend but provided a written report.
PATV REPORT
Goding distributed a report summarizing programming in November. PATV's Live and Local
program is on the presidential caucuses and explains how people can participate. Two high
school interns from Regina High School working through the Workplace Learning Connection
program are working with PATV. PATV will be closed December 24 through January 1. The
guidelines workshop will by Sunday Jan. 6 at 12. The next board meeting is January 17, 7 p.m.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Rogusky distributed a programming schedule. A two-part program on the presidential caucuses
has been playing on City Channel 4 and on PATV. The program has interviews with candidates
and tracks four issues across candidates. The second Spanish-speaking program is being played
back on City Channel 4. Numerous concerts at the Senior Center have been taped. Gordon
suggested adding subtitles to the Spanish-speaking program.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT
Lowe distributed a written report. In addition to the usual programs on school board meetings,
DPO meetings, and Education Exchange, the channel recently has been working on a program on
anti-bullying. The program will be shown to school administrators and on the school channel.
Work continues on the request for a grant from the Iowa City Community School District
Foundation. School administrators have cleared the proposal to spend $44,000 for a complete
AV makeover of the Board Room. Perry Ross has been working on a grant for staff
development in the production and use of multi-media technologies. It is hoped that if teachers
can be trained they in turn can offer instruction to students. Work continues on the channel's
mission statement. Included in it will be strategy statements including a method of
benchmarking and the desire to get student productions on the channel. Mekies said it was the
sense of the Commission that benchmarks are an important tool to monitor progress and was
glad to see the schools thinking in those terms.
LIBRARY REPORT
No representative was present.
CITY MEDIA UNIT REPORT
Hardy reported that the InfoVision software has had some recent problems and was down for a
period of time but is now back on the air. The Community Television Service has been taping a
number of holiday programs at the Senior Center and one program was carried live from the
Senior Center. Five programs for the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council were shot of
presidential candidates giving addresses. A program at the Englert, Generations of Jazz, will be
shot.
CABLE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shaffer reported that he was provided a tour of the facilities at Kirkwood and was impressed with
their operation. Shaffer met with the Community Television Group (CTG) to help them
understand the long-term challenges facing local access television and how the public might be
made more aware of the channels and value them. The CTG will be meeting in January to
further develop a strategy. The City Council budget process has time available for Commissions
to address the Council on Jan, 23 at 7 p.m. Mekies and Shaffer have discussed but have not
arrived at a conclusion on what might be said on the Commission's behalf. Mekies referred to
Shaffer's report on the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
national conference and asked if there was anything Shaffer would like to emphasize. Shaffer
said he was struck by how many countries are ahead of the United States with developing a plan
to provide broadband to every citizen. Gordon noted that some of the countries have speeds that
far exceed typical speeds in the United States. Shaffer said that FCC Commissioner Adelstein
spoke at the conference and said that many of these countries have regulated monopolies where
the United States has unregulated providers. Grassley said that Mediacom has been testing
technology that can provide 100 megabits.
CITY CABLE TV DIVISION BUDGET
Shaffer said that the FY 2009 budget is much like budgets in past years.
BIG TEN NETWORK
Shaffer said he was contacted by Big Ten Network officials who informed him that they will not
participate in a program on the issue of carriage on the Mediacom system. The City
administration does not wish the program to be on the City Channel and suggested PATV as an
alternative. Mekies urged the program proceed as quickly as possible. Shaffer said he will need
to identify people who would be willing to participate on behalf of the Big Ten Network.
LEGISLATION AND FCC UPDATE
Shaffer reported that oral arguments in the court challenge to the recent FCC Report and Order
on franchising will be made on Feb. 6. Hoerschelman asked about Mediacom's intent to submit
comments to the Iowa Utility Board regarding the rules proposed to implement the recent state
franchising legislation. Grassley said Mediacom believed that the definition of a competitive
cable service provider needed clarification but decided that the best way to get clarification was
to apply for a state franchise for a certain community.
CTG FUNDING AND BENCHMARKING
Hardy said the CTG met in November. A benchmark for tracking the use of funds allocated to
the schools has not yet been developed. Mekies said it is the sense of the Commission that the
pass-through funds needs to have some accounting of the progress made with the funds. Hardy
said that he has seen more progress made in the last six months in the schools than over a
number of years. Mekies said there are tangible results coming out of the efforts made by the
Commission and the access channels.
ADJOURNMENT
Hoerschelman moved and Gordon seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed
unanimously. Adjournment was at 6:53.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
01/01/03 to CURRENT
Meeting Kimberly Saul Meikes Brett Castillo Terry Smith Jim Pusack
Date Thrower
6/2/03 x x x x x
7/28/03 x x x x x
8/25/03 X X X X O/C
9/22/03 X X X X O/C
10/27/03 x x x x o/c
11 /24/03 x x o/c x x
12/15/03 o/c o/c x x x
1 /2/04 x o/c x x x
1 /26/04 x x x x x
2/23/04 x o/c x o/c x
3/22/04 x x x x x
4/ 26/04 X X X X O/C
5/24/04 x x_ O/C x x
6/28/04 X X X O/C X
7/26/04 o/c x x x x
8/26/04 did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet
9/27/04 X X X X X
10/25/04 X X
11 /04 Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not Did not meet
meet
12/20/04 X X X X X
1 /24/05 X X X X X
2/28/05 X X X X
Gar Ha en
3/8/05 X X X X X
3/25/05 X O X X X
4/25/05 x o/c X X X
5/23/05 X o x vacancy X
James
Ehrmann X x Bebe
Balantyne x
6/27/05 X_ x X_ X X
X Michael
Chritians
7/25/05 O X X X X
9/26/05 0 X X 0 X
10/31 /05 X X o/c X X
11 /28/05 X X X X X
1 /23/06 o/c X X O X
2.27/06 X X X_ 0 X
3/27/06 o/c X X John
Weaterson X
X
4/24/06 X X X X X
5/22/06 0 X x/o 0 X
6/26/06 0 X Vacant 0 X
Nick Parker
7/24/06 x x x X
8/24/06 X x M. Wietin~ o/c X
9/25/06. x x x 0/c X
10/23/06 x X x o/c X
10/30/06 x x x vacant X
11 /27/09 X X X X
12.18/06 X X X X
Brett
Gordon
1 /22/07 X X X X X
2/26/07 X X X X X
3/26/07 Vacant x o/c x X
4/23/07 Vacant X X X X
Hoerschelm
an
521 /07 X X o/c X x
6/26/07 X X X X X
7/23/07 X X X X X
9/24/07 X X o/c o/c X
10/22/07 x x o/c o/c x
11 /26/07 X X X X X
12/18/07 X X o/c X X
1 /28/08 X x o/c x x
(X) =Present
(O) =Absent
(O/C) = Absent/Called (Excused)