Residents and LPM members ask Longmont council for clarity on public access media contract

Audrey Atkinson, a Longmont Public Media member, told the council that LPM has been "the safest and most diverse community" shedepends on and asked what programming or engagement the council would like to see the service provide.

Her comments opened a string of public testimony in support of LPM. Eric Brack said LPM helped him learn production skills and led him to public service; Marco Morelli called LPM "one of the gems that makes Longmont a uniquely attractive city" and said he pays membership dues and that it "doesn't cost the Longmont taxpayers a dime." Phil Hanline and others praised the center's equipment, training and collaborative culture and urged council to protect the public-education component of the operation if the city solicits competitive bids.

Several speakers said they had not received clear information about why the city's procurement office was preparing an RFP or what the city's objectives would be. Marco Morelli and others asked the council to publish criteria and to ensure the contractor retains community access, equipment lending and recording services. Ryan Forbes, speaking as an LPM member, said putting the contract up for bid could bring new ideas and measurable performance metrics.

Assistant City Manager Sandy Cedar told the forum that the council had asked to place the LPM contract on a future agenda for public discussion; she said that item is scheduled for the Aug. 6 council meeting and that council direction is customary because the franchise arrangement derives from a prior public vote tied to cable franchise agreements. Council members and staff repeatedly invited the public to attend the August discussion.

Next steps: staff said the contract and any potential RFP will be discussed at the Aug. 6 council meeting; no formal contract action was taken at this open forum.