Cable/PEG staff seek capital for studio, streaming and equipment upgrades; council asks for project plan

Cable/PEG staff told the council they plan to pursue capital investments funded from PEG (Public, Educational and Governmental) funds to improve the city’s streaming and in‑building display capabilities.

Angela, the city’s cable/PEG staff member, said the city’s channel and streaming service have intermittent outages for some subscribers (AT&T and others) and that she had been rebooting systems and coordinating with providers. “AT&T is really hit and miss,” Angela said, and she advised residents to contact their provider in isolated cases while staff continues system resets and vendor follow‑up.

On capital, staff asked to keep a PEG capital request available for projects such as improved cameras, studio lighting, a more capable server/NAS for video files and fixed cameras in library meeting rooms for automatic streaming. Staff said existing portable cameras shoot 4K for events but that better lighting, stabilized mounts, DSLRs and studio infrastructure would improve the look of recorded material and allow preconfigured, automated meeting and event streams.

Council members asked for a formal master plan and a line‑item list of proposed purchases and costs before approving a large lump appropriation. One council member suggested the cable department prepare a project plan and vendor estimates; staff agreed to produce a detailed proposal for council review. PEG funds (audit showed about $1.2 million; treasurer noted a larger balance may be available in bank accounts) were discussed as the appropriate funding source for these capital items; any purchase above council approval thresholds would return to council for authorization.

Council did not authorize a large immediate outlay but agreed staff should provide a prioritized plan and cost estimates for equipment, studio improvements and deployment in public buildings.