May 22, 2008

Present: Chair, Margaret Case; Mary Griffin, J. Gross, Alan Shoemaker, Dave Unger and Studio Coordinator Stacey Sofronas

Absent: Leo Hart

Excused: Greg Cappiello and Selectman Roger Hoehnberger

The meeting commenced at 7:14 p.m.

A motion to approve minutes was made by J. Gross, seconded by Alan Shoemaker. Approved unanimously.

The financial report was examined and approved.

Correspondence:

A certified letter was received from Comcast notifying channel changes. Channel 41 now to become Channel 114. Channel 44 to become Channel 186, Channel 47 to become Channel 149, Channel 66 to become Channel 184 and Channel 16 to become Channel 188. Effective July 15.

The Town of Windham was sent a formal renewal proposal from Comcast on May 13, 2008. The town has 120 days to accept or reject.

Studio Coordinator’s Report

Stacey Sofronas has obtained three quotes for the Canon XHA1 HD camera: Access AV, $3,298; Great Northern, $3,491; and Camera Company, $3,299. J. Gross moved we purchase the camera from Access AV, Alan Shoemaker seconded. Unanimously approved.

Channel 20’s look and sound is being upgraded to make it more pleasing to the viewer.

Regarding the upgrade of video recording in the planning room, three improvements were considered: Installation of curtains as backdrop, new lighting for improved horizontal illumination, and one or more remote cameras. It was moved by Dave, seconded by J. and approved unanimously to purchase three remote control cameras at a cost note to exceed $4,800, a camera controller (if required for compatibility) at a cost not to exceed $950, lighting fixtures at a cost not to exceed $500 and curtains (including hardware) at a cost not to exceed $1,500. The Chairperson will coordinate these purchases in accordance with Town policies and get the appropriate approvals.

Stacey Sofronas reported on her trip to the ACM Northeast Region Conference, where she attended several productive seminars. One of them, on file sharing, will be beta-tested within New Hampshire and become a reality by the end of the summer. It will allow sending and receiving program files among cable stations throughout the State, which will be a significant improvement in information sharing. Also, she reported that the Bedford NH Cable Channel is going into video streaming. And, Nexus is now offering a “Total Info” service to subscribers, where there are six feeds of video layering (news, weather, sports, traffic, financial and “dailies”) at a price of $900/year.

Regarding new programming, Stacey is now working with 8^th grade parents on a news reporting show. Also, she has added Able Vision, produced by an all-handicapped crew; Gender Vision, a diversity show; and a health program called “Breathe New Hampshire.” She is also now airing the National Gallery of Art. Book Beat, A Time for Animals, America’s Future, and Windham Watch with Mary Griffin. And, she produced a 10 year retrospective on the Cable Studio, and covered the Medieval Banquet, There’s a new sign in the Cable Studio foyer, and a new banner to help advertise the station’s presence. Two more volunteers from Salem High School have signed up, and one prospect has shown interest. The Cable News letter still going out in the Windham Independent.

There being no further business to bring before the board, a motion to adjourn was made by Alan Shoemaker, seconded by Dave Unger. Approved unanimously; meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alan Shoemaker

Secretary