CC - Cost for Broadcasting on Cbale TV internal file 034
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
FROM: FRANK G. TRIPEPI, CITY MANAGER
DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 1995
RE: COST ESTIMATE FOR TELEVISING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ON CABLE
TELEVISION
At the last regular meeting of the Rosemead City Council, Councilman Imperial requested staff to
estimate the cost of broadcasting City Council meetings on cable television. In assessing the cost
of implementing the program, staff contacted the Crown Cable Community Television Company
and the cities of El Monte, Lakewood and Hawaiian Gardens. Two of those cities began
broadcasting City Council meetings in recent years, and the third studied the issue in detail before
discontinuing the project.
What became evident in doing the research is that the costs are variable - depending on whether
the meeting is broadcast live, or whether it is taped for broadcast for a later date. There are also
choices to be made about the format of the system (i.e., S-VHS or 3/4" Tapes), and, more
importantly, whether or not the Council chooses to broadcast "closed captioned" for the hearing
impaired. The latter is an important issue because many people believe that the provisions of the
American With Disabilities Act (ADA) require that the meeting be "accessible" to hearing
impaired persons by providing "closed captioned" capabilities. To do that would require an
additional camera, a rapid lettering device, a person trained in sign language and additional
technical support. Staff estimates that it will cost $45,000 to $60,000 to have the City Council
meeting translated into sign language and "closed captioned."
COUNCIL AGENDA
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FEB 14 1995
ITEM No. ~ A
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Councilmember Clark stressed that there should be no risk in our investments.
CC 2-14-95
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