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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Feb. 9, 2021
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM

Agenda
Approve Minutes of Jan. 12, 2021 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Board Reorganization
Draft Budget 2021
Annual Meeting/Community Forum
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: Mar. 9, 2021
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeting  Minutes
January 12, 2021
Zoom Video Conference

Zoom Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Megan James (chair), Farhad Khan, Amy McGlashan, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell. Absent: Glenn Goodwin. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library executive director). 

Agenda

Call to Order
Megan called the meeting to order at 10:05.

Approve Minutes of December 8, 2020
The December minutes were approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
MCTV continues to have a very healthy fund balance, $94,259, which represents more than six months of the station’s operating expenses. The operating budget balance is $72,907. The capital budget balance is $21,351. There will be some, still unknown, infrastructure expenses when Comcast provides HD transmission quality, Kurt said.

Board Member Replacement
The board welcomed Amy McGlashan as the appointed  representative from the Addison Central School District board. Megan James will move from ACSD representative to member-at-large. Megan’s term ends in March.

Comcast Contract Review
After a 35-minute review and discussion, the board approved the Renewal of the PEG Access Agreement between Middlebury Community Television, Inc. and Comcast as delineated in the draft agreement dated December 11, 2020 and further moved the authorization of Executive Director Kurt Broderson to sign the agreement on behalf of MCTV. Kurt, in reviewing the eight-year contract, noted that the agreement followed the template developed by the Vermont Access Network (VAN), the umbrella organization of the state’s 25 community television stations, and was reviewed by VAN telecom lawyers. Vermont stations are in the forefront nationwide in demanding transmission quality equivalent to that of other commercial Comcast providers. These negotiations were “very collaborative,” according to VAN participants, reflecting Comcast’s desire perhaps to complete negotiations before a change of administration, Kurt said. 

Among the points of discussion:

            • MCTV budgets conservatively when estimating Comcast’s annual contribution, which makes up about 85 percent of the station’s budget, and plans on no annual increase in cable revenue. However, over the course of the eight-year contract, Comcast’s contribution could dramatically decline from “cord cutting” and charges for in-kind services. To compensate, the state legislature is now exploring other funding sources.

            • Under the terms of Comcast’s 2019 Certificate of Public Good (CPG), MCTV and other VAN stations can now petition the Public Utility Commission for HD channels. MCTV films in high definition but broadcasts in standard definition because of Comcast’s aging transmission infrastructure. Comcast in its CPG agreed to provide HD transmission but was granted a two-year moratorium before beginning implementation. Kurt said he was waiting for guidance from VAN on how to proceed with the petition.

            • Comcast will now provide the number of cable subscribers that MCTV reaches.

            • Comcast has agreed to expand its reach into rural areas by expanding its network with 350 miles of new cable. This may include the possible extension of cable to Salisbury, Kurt said.

            • MCTV is a non-profit 501c3 and submits required forms, such as 990, to Comcast and state regulatory agencies.

            • The board was once hesitant to use any of Comcast’s contribution, per Comcast stipulations, for web programming accessible to non-cable subscribers. The Internet is a significant transmission network now and there is no restriction on the use of Comcast support, Kurt said. 

 Annual Meeting/Community Forum
The Zoom annual meeting will be Wednesday, March 31 at 4:30. The theme will be communicating and building community, with reflection on the Covid era.

Other Business
Dana reported that Ilsely had to stop reader access to the library after Thanksgiving because of the increase in Covid cases. Outside pickups continue. Reopening in stages will depend on case counts. Normal access is not likely until spring and warmer weather which would permit better air circulation, Dana said. Kurt did not submit a director’s report. He will resume next month.

Next Meeting Date
February 9, 2021

Executive Session
Not needed.

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Jan. 12, 2021
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM

Agenda
Approve Minutes of Dec. 8, 2020 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Board Member Replacement
Comcast Contract Review
Annual Meeting/Community Forum
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: Feb. 9, 2020
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeting:
December 8, 2020
Zoom Video Conference

Zoom Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James (chair), Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Absent: Len Rowell, Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library executive director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Megan called the meeting to order at 10:06.

Approve Minutes of November 10, 2020
The November minutes were approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
No treasurer’s report. Monthly bank statements were not available.

Contract Template Update
Unlike past, nearly start-from-scratch contract negotiations with Comcast, upcoming negotiations of our seven-year contract with the cable provider will be simpler, faster, and much less expensive. The Vermont Alliance Network, the umbrella organization for Vermont’s 25 community stations, has negotiated a master template for the 14 stations whose contracts have expired. This template covers all common concerns and leaves a few issues, specific to individual stations for their resolution. This provision reflects the economic reality that small stations have similar infrastructure expenses and costs but less ability to afford them. Kurt noted.  Kurt said he expected Comcast negotiations would begin shortly. MCTV’s current contract with Comcast to be the local cable provider expired December 31, 2017. That contract’s provisions have continued pending completion of a new contract. Negotiations were postponed until Comcast negotiated a new Certificate of Public Good (CPG), its 11-year operating license, with the state’s Public Utility Commission. CPG negotiations were completed October 2019.

Annual Meeting/Community Forum
The board again grappled with two long-standing questions: How to structure the annual meeting to elicit commentary from our diverse stakeholders on community needs and interests; How to prioritize and implement programs—good ideas that often don’t get done because of limited resources. As in the past, board members will invite friends and MCTV stakeholders and solicit their discussion interests before the meeting. The board agreed that our customary brief business meeting would precede the community forum and that a short video highlighting how MCTV has responded to the Covid crisis would be shown before that discussion. During the Covid crisis, MCTV has, by the nature of Covid gathering restrictions, been largely restricted to coverage of Zoom school and select board meetings. Post-pandemic how do we encourage local program production and aggregate/share programs produced by other community groups? At Megan’s suggestion, Kurt will develop a spreadsheet that lists our stakeholders, existing and possible future programs and the resources that they require. For example, linking to an Ilsley Library outdoors program, as is done now, is easy. Mining the station’s archive of 4,500 VHS tapes for “Best of Programs” is much more time intensive. Creating the production infrastructure to sustain a new program is and has been most challenging. Given the time constraints of board meetings, Joe suggested that the board might consider a subcommittee or a meeting/retreat devoted to programming. Discussion of the annual meeting, traditionally held in March, will continue at the January meeting.

Other Business
Kurt distributed a three-page Director’s Report on recent activities, such as planning coverage of Middlebury’s virtual town meeting and filming 14 short videos that explain Hannaford Career Center programs. These several-minute videos replace the traditional open house. The report is attached. Kurt reported that a school board member who has expressed interest in being a MCTV board member will attend the January meeting. Megan would move from the school board’s appointee  to an at-large member. Former board member Allan Nichols left the state creating the vacancy.

Next Zoom Meeting Date
January 12, 2021

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:06.

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Dec. 8, 2020
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM

Agenda
Approve Minutes of Nov. 12, 2020 meeting
Contract Template Update
Annual Meeting/Community Forum
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: Jan. 12, 2021
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2020
Zoom Video Conference

Zoom Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James (chair), Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Missing: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library executive director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Megan called the meeting to order at 10:04

Approve Minutes of September 9, 2020
The September minutes were approved. The board did not meet in October.

Treasurer’s Report
Glenn reported that MCTV’s fund balance is $92,160, a healthy six-month-plus cushion should Comcast support decrease. Kurt reported that Comcast’s third-quarter payment was a slight increase over the second-quarter payment ($32,378).

Board Member Replacement
Kurt reported that he has asked Mary Cullinane, board chair of the Addison Central Supervisory Union, to select a board member to be ACSU’s member on the MCTV board. Megan is currently ACSU’s representative. She would become a member-at-large. The board opening was created by the resignation of Allan Nicholls who has left the state. The board briefly discussed the idea of increasing the board’s size as a way to bring new ideas, diversity, and energy to our discussions and to better support the staff.

Annual Meeting/Community Forum
The board once again grappled with annual meeting questions: What is our role? How do we determine what the community values? How can we best meet the community’s needs? How do we expand our reach to new populations? What is our role as aggregators of locally produced Facebook and social media programs that would interest our viewers? Joe will circulate a list of questions that will help the board develop an annual meeting agenda.  The March 2020 annual meeting was first postponed because of a snowstorm and postponed again because of Covid restrictions on public gatherings. Given Zoom fatigue, the board agreed that combining a community forum with the annual meeting in 2021 would be most productive. Responding to the pandemic. Covid restrictions, such as prohibitions on in-person select board and school board meetings, have changed the ways that the community can gather. MCTV has an important role here in documenting Covid’s impact on the community and in covering events that are largely closed to the public, the board agreed.  Coverage of MUHS football, for example, has been very popular and brought new viewers to MCTV, Kurt noted. Coverage of MUHS basketball, the school play, and musical events are planned. Covid has severely impacted community businesses. Megan suggested a “Business of the Week” or a “Business of the Month” program that would examine how area businesses, which depend on local support, are coping with the pandemic. Local businesses would be interested in such programs, Farhad thought. Repeating and/or expanding youth programs, such as story-telling hours, for at-home kids is another opportunity for MCTV. Cooking shows are always popular and are a good remedy for Covid fatigue. MCTV doesn’t have a kitchen, but MCTV could film chef special programs at the area’s many restaurants, Megan suggested. Producers abound in this do-it-yourself social media world. MCTV should be open to sharing and seeking out the best and brightest of community productions be they be garage-band music groups or the amateur naturalist in Ripton who documents backyard beaver activity. Megan, digital editor at The Addison Independent, will be on the look out for productions that MCTV could link to. This summer’s Festival on the Green retrospective was very popular. The recent archiving of 4,500 VHS tapes contains many gems worth showing. Kurt will ask Dick for his recommendations.                        

Other Business
Joe noted how helpful he found Kurt’s written Director’s Report presented at the September meeting. Kurt will explore ways to share the report with the community, such as by posting it on MCTV’s website. George noted that MCTV has a loyal following but is unknown to many in the community. Placing monitors in public places, such as the library, town hall, and National Bank, that would show each day’s programs or best-of highlights could be helpful in expanding our foot print.

Next Zoom Meeting Date
December 8, 2020

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:02.

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Nov. 10, 2020
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM

Agenda
Approve Minutes of Sept. 9, 2020 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Board Member Replacement
Annual Meeting/Community Forum
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: Dec. 8, 2020
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeting 10/14/20:
Not held due to not having a quorum

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Oct. 14, 2020
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM

Agenda
Approve Minutes of Sept. 9, 2020 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Board Member Replacement
Annual Meeting/Community Forum
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: Nov. 11, 2020
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting
September 9, 2020
Zoom Video Conference

Zoom Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James (chair), Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Megan called the meeting to order at 10:08

Approve Minutes of July 8, 2020
The July minutes were approved. The May minutes were also approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Glenn and Kurt reported Comcast’s second-quarter payment, $32,378, the first payment fully reflecting the changing economic conditions caused by the Covid pandemic, was “good news.” Community television stations have feared that payments could decline dramatically, as subscribers “cut the cord” or reduced service. Instead, the payment was comparable to the second quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. MCTV continues to budget conservatively. The station’s August 31 fund balance is $90,762, which is a six-month-plus cushion should Comcast support cease.

Summer Recap (Festival, ACSD, Faculty at Home)
Festival on the Green followers could listen and watch the highlights from the 42-year history of the festival during July, thanks to Kurt and Jim’s digitizing of MCTV’s collection. Festival board members chose memorable performances from each year, which Kurt and Jim assembled into 42 programs. The programs were shown six-a-day over a week. Kurt working with Addison County School District staff has produced a series of Covid education videos, such as hand-washings instruction for elementary school students. He has also facilitated e-chats for the board, staff, and community. MCTV has long attempted to cover or share the many lectures and cultural offerings at the College. “Faculty at Home,” Zoom conversations with 16 faculty members that began last April, is just such a program. The College has shared these hour-long programs with MCTV and the station will upload them to VMX for statewide viewing. Ideally, this arrangement will lead to future cooperation, Kurt said.

Archives
Archiving the thousands of the station’s VHS tapes has long been a goal. Cessation of live coverage because of Covid restrictions created the time needed to finally begin the project, Kurt said. About 4,500 programs on VHS were archived and are searchable by topic, show, and names. A searchable spreadsheet of the categories is available on the MCTV website. Tapes will be digitized on request. To digitize the entire collection would require new equipment and two years of laborious copying, Kurt said. A few ¾” video tapes from the station’s first years will be digitized by a commercial operation as MCTV does not have the equipment. Kurt will alert community organizations, such as the Vermont Folklife Center, Sheldon Museum and Vermont Historical Society, of the archive’s availability. MCTV switched to DVD’s in the early 2000s. The earliest of the 2,000-3,000 tapes have been sorted into broad categories (public/education/government) and by show. Newer DVD’s have been organized by date in drawers and are easily retrieved, Kurt reported.

Studio Renovation
MCTV’s office and studio, compared to those of larger stations, are barebones and spartan. Recent refurbishing of the studio “looks cool”; Jim’s work station is now more efficient and flexible for production and frees office space. Use of Ilsley’s second floor is restricted. The third floor is closed to the public so the board will have to await easing of Covid restrictions for a first-hand look.

Other Business
New board member. The resignation of Allan Nicholls sparked a wide-ranging discussion. What are the station’s goals and future role? What skills—programming, fund-raising, technical literacy—should a new member have to help us respond to a changing media landscape?
MCTV’s coverage of schools, town government and church services remains strong. With the loss of several long-standing, popular programs, such as Betty Nuovo’s interviews, MCTV faces a challenge in replacing them. Nearly everyone can produce their own Facebook program. What can MCTV offer? Technical expertise, better sound, wider distribution, aggregation? Our annual meeting, cancelled this year, has been a major source of new thinking. Next month’s meeting, at Megan’s suggestion, will be devoted to this brain storming. To free time for in-depth discussions, Joe suggested that Kurt write a summary of past and upcoming developments for each meeting. Kurt will do so. Kurt is compiling a list of potential board members. Please send suggestions to him. New logo. Kurt sent the board the final version. Very impressive. We are definitely “Movin’ on Up.”

Next Meeting Date
October 14, 2020

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:04.

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Sept 9, 2020
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM

Agenda
Approve Minutes of July 8, 2020 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Summer Recap (Festival, ACSD, Faculty at Home)
Archive (VHS & DVD)
Studio Renovation
Board Member Replacement (Allan’s)
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: Oct. 14, 2020
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2020
Zoom Video Conference

Zoom Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James (chair), Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell. Absent: Allan Nicholls. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Megan called the meeting to order at 10:07

Approve Minutes of June 10, 2020
The minutes were approved. The May meeting notes will be approved in September.

Treasurer’s Report
Glenn and Kurt reported that the fund balance as of May 31—operating, $81,190; capital, $33,277—continued to be very healthy. This year’s Comcast first quarter payment, $32,288, was roughly comparable to last year’s. The second quarter payment at the end of August will reveal how much Covid-19 has affected Comcast’s revenue and its subsequent MCTV payment. See other business for additional discussion.

Festival on the Green
The festival will live on this summer, not in live performances, but in a best-of-the-past retrospective, Kurt reported. Pat Boera and Richard Ruane, longtime members of the festival board, solicited recommendations from MCTV’s 30-year-plus archive of tapes. Forty-two concerts were selected and will be shown on cable channel 1071 for six days at 10, noon, 2, 4, 6, and 8 beginning on July 12. Most if not all the concerts will be livestreamed on YouTube for those who are not cable subscribers. Kurt may also assemble a Street Dance highlights program to be shown on July 18. Watch and identify old friends. In another retrospective, MCTV helped MUHS football players from the 1970s digitize game tapes from 1965 through the mid-1980s, and is hoping to get Hubie Wagner, the long-time football coach, and other players to host a retrospective look at these old games. These searches have been facilitated by the hours that Kurt and Jim have recently spent organizing and inventorying nearly 4,500 tapes.

Ilsley/MCTV Phase 2 Covid Reopening
Dana reported that Ilsley is continuing its slow Phase 2 reopening with new conditions beginning in early August that would open the library four-five hours a day, three days a week to eight persons at a time. Only the lobby and reference room would be open. Masks would be required. The library will continue its outside book pickup service. Children and adult programs will not be offered. This easing will continue through August and September but may have to be curtailed in the fall should cases, as many expect, spike. In Phase 3, the entire library will open with expanded hours. In Phase 4, in-person programming will resume. Movement to those phases will be determined by state guidelines and the severity of the pandemic. Under Phase 2, MCTV’s office has been closed to the public. Kurt and Dana will continue their discussion on how the second-floor Digital Media Lab with its Zoom capabilities could be opened on a restricted basis.

Other Business
During the treasurer’s report, Kurt cautioned that careful budgeting, such as in the purchase of equipment to upgrade the studio, is essential given the prospect that Comcast support will decline in the future. A current upgrade, a new and more efficient work station for Jim, will create needed open space, Kurt noted.  In other updates, Kurt reported that the switchover to new channels, 1071 and 1091, appears to “going pretty well,” if measured anecdotally by viewer complaints. MCTV has not been able to track the number of channel viewers in the past, but web viewing is trackable.  The redesign of MCTV’s logo by The Image Barn is nearly complete, Kurt reported.

Vermont Access Network (VAN) is continuing to negotiate a template for individual station’s contract negotiations with Comcast. A dozen-plus community stations, including MCTV, would use the template and then negotiate concerns unique to each station, Kurt, a member of the VAN executive board, reported. MCTV’s seven-year contract with Comcast to be the local community television provider, expired December 31, 2017. Conditions under that contract have continued in force.

Main Street Bridge video. MCTV and the Addison Independent are collaborating to document this summer’s construction of the railroad tunnel through the heart of downtown Middlebury. The first of 10 weekly programs that combine construction footage with interviews is now available on line. In the first five-minute segment, host Megan James discusses the role of the three cranes that are now dominating the downtown skyline with project manager John Whittaker. The 300-ton main crane with a 164-foot-long boom length can lift 40-ton, pre-cast concrete blocks. Watch the segment on MCTV’s website for more crane details.

Middlebury Union High School graduation. MCTV’s annual live filming of high school graduation encountered many hurdles in this year’s virtual commencement. Kurt with the help of students, staff, administration, and faculty has edited a two-hour-long video that has imaginatively created the feel of graduation. The faculty processional has been replaced by still photographs of the faculty. Members of the Senior Ensemble’s performance of Rivers and Roads were filmed in their homes and then assembled by a student into a group performance. Offsite student reflections and drive-by presentation of diplomas were filmed and integrated into the presentation. The video can be seen on MCTV’s YouTube channel. Hats and tassels off for Kurt for the many hours he spent on this memorable project.

Allan Nicholls will be moving to North Carolina and has resigned from the board. We will miss his enthusiasm and ideas and will remember him for his classic, toe-tapping promotional video Movin’ on Up.

Next Meeting:
Sept. 9, 10:00 a.m. via Zoom

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:01.

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
July 8, 2020
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM

Agenda
Approve Minutes of June 10, 2020 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Festival on the Green
Ilsley/MCTV Phase 2 Covid Reopening
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: Sept. 9, 2020
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2020
Zoom conference

Zoom Present: Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James, Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director). 

Agenda

Call to Order
Megan called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.

Approve Minutes of May Meeting
Postponed till next meeting

Treasurer’s Report
There was no report

Logo Presentation
Matt and Pam Heywood of The Image Farm presented the new logo concepts, and the board discussed and asked questions. After significant time spent on discussing the ideas, symbolism, identity and other topics, the board’s consensus seemed to coalesce around the circular option. Allan moved, and Glenn seconded, to appoint Kurt as the point person for dealing with Matt and Pam in order to move the logo toward completion.       

Channel Reassignment
Kurt reported that the transition to the new channels appears to have gone smoothly and successfully, and that the old channels were no longer active.

Chorus Video
Kurt shared a link to the collaborative chorus video produced by chorus teachers and students at Mt. Abraham UHS, Vergennes UHS, and Middlebury UHS with help from MCTV. It has received over 30,000 views on Facebook and has been widely shared and commented upon.

Summer Plans
Kurt shared plans for the summer, starting with MUHS graduation this weekend. No camps will be offered, in accordance with the library being closed for summer programs. Kurt will investigate virtual options to engage youth and families.

Next Meeting Date
July 8, 2020, via Zoom

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
11:16 a.m.

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
June 10, 2020
Zoom VideoConference

Agenda
Call to Order
Logo Presentation
Channel Reassignment
Chorus Video
Summer Plans: Graduation, Festival, Camps
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: July 8, 10:00 AM via Zoom
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2020
Zoom conference

Zoom Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James, Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 10:24 a.m.

Approve Minutes of March Meeting
The board approved the April 8, 2020 minutes.

Board Reorganization
A slate of Megan James, chair, Glenn Goodwin, treasurer, and George Bellerose, secretary, was nominated and unanimously elected. The board thanked ongoing member Len Rowell for his years of thoughtful stewardship as a member and chair. Len has been a board member since the early 2000s.

Treasurer’s Report
There was no report. During the annual meeting, the board discussed, at Joe’s suggestion, how detailed a report was needed for the board to fulfill its oversight responsibility. In the past, the board has received detailed monthly spreadsheets. In recent years, at the board’s request, the treasurer’s written report has been simplified to four or five line items, augmented by commentary by Kurt and Glenn. The board agreed that quarterly reports should be more detailed with breakdowns of major expenses.

VHS Tapes
With the reduction in community gatherings and meetings, Kurt and Jim have been tackling a longstanding backburner project, the cataloging of 30-plus years of program tapes. Approximately 3,500 tapes have been organized into 40 boxes in categories such as Festival on the Green, Memorial Day Parades, Betty Nuovo interviews, and selectboard meetings. The inventory is uncovering “treasures,” such as Festival on the Green coverage going back to 1986. Festival on the Green retrospectives will be shown this summer to replace the live programming. Kurt will film this big dig through our archives for a behind-the-scenes Facebook piece. After completing the organization of the VHS tapes, Kurt and Jim will start on a better organization of the DVDs. MCTV did not begin using DVD technology until the early 2000s. Some VHS tapes will be digitized to allow the viewing of old content on MCTV’s website. Dana said the library could provide a link to this historic resource. MCTV has a VHS-DVD digitizer in the public media lab, but a second, heavy-duty converter dedicated to the conversion may be purchased to speed the process, Kurt said. VHS tapes are being digitized as needed and based on their historic importance. Conversion of all the tapes could take months, Kurt estimated.

COVID-19
COVID continues to dramatically change MCTV’s coverage, programs, and modes of operation. Large gatherings, such as the Memorial Day Parade, school graduations, and Festival on the Green have all been cancelled. Alternatives, such as the taping and broadcasting of in-home Memorial Day speeches, are now being considered, Kurt said. Town boards are all meeting remotely. Kurt is coordinating and recording Zoom or Google meeting coverage from the selectboard meeting room. Coverage is streamed to YouTube. Selectboard meetings are simultaneously broadcast on 1071. School board meetings do not go live on cable, but are livestreamed to YouTube. Church services. Ministers’ sermons are taped and live streamed to YouTube or Facebook. MCTV downloads the files and broadcasts them later. MCTV and Ilsley summer children problems have been cancelled. Trial runs of distant media programs with children have proven time consuming, logistically challenging, and not very satisfactory, Kurt said. The popular story hours of Tricia Allen, children’s librarian, will be available on line. Covering Covid developments present challenges, but the ease of Zoom meetings and the simplicity of IPhone and IPad filming permits community members’ recording of many events. These recordings can then be combined and broadcast. The Addison Independent is iPhone filming some events, unique to our time, such as the 50^th nightly Clang and Bang Parade in Vergennes, Megan noted. On a financial note, MCTV has begun using direct deposit for payroll.

Other Business
Kurt reported that the annual VAN meeting, normally a day full of presentations and lively discussions, was a “nuts and bolts” Zoom meeting of officers only this year. The financial impact of Covid-19 will not be known until August 1 when stations receive their quarterly payment from Comcast. Will the in-house restrictions expand Comcast’s subscriber base or will cost-conscious subscribers cut the cord? Comcast is not active now in its efforts to “claw back” in-kind services and charge for them. VAN is continuing to use Action Circles, a public affairs lobbying group, to represent its interests with the legislature. MCTV’s program schedule is now available on Comcast’s channel guide. The schedule, attractively designed by Grace Note, includes background on the programs. Fine tuning, which includes design of a new logo by the Image Farm, continues.  Dana reported the furlough of half the staff will continue until the end of July but the library will slowly be reopening with reduced staffing beginning with the return of books on May 26. Books will be wiped down—a normal daily return is 400 books— but won’t be reshelved for a week. On June 1, library users can begin requesting up to 10 books for external pickup. And yes, puzzles may be checked out by the stir crazy. Dana did not know when the library, itself, would open.

Next Meeting Date
June 10, 2020. 10 a.m. Zoom.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
11:06 a.m.

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MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
May 13, 2020
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM
Agenda
Call to Order after Annual Meeting Adjourns
Approve Minutes of Apr. 8, 2020 meeting
Board Reorganization
Continuing Response to Covid-19
VHS Archive
Other Business
Next Meeting Date: June 10, 2020
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

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MCTV Board Meeing
April 8, 2020
Zoom conference

Zoom Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James, Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director). 

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

Approve Minutes of March Meeting
The board approved the March 11, 2020 minutes.

Treasurer’s Report
There was no report

Response to Covid-19
In a lively 30-minute discussion, the board reviewed the many community responses to the pandemic and how MCTV and others are encouraging, documenting, and celebrating these efforts. While the national media are full of Covid stories, the local content of MCTV, the Addison Independent and IIsley Library is most important in this time of “social distancing.” New technology, such as Zoom which the board used for its meeting, has created a relatively simple way of video and audio communication. However, the crisis has also highlighted the digital divide where some do not have access to the Internet and accompanying services, Dana noted.

The library, for example, has not yet solved how to make its existing and expanded on-line services, such as Kanopy movies, audio and eBooks, available to everyone. The common thread in community efforts is that these times require new thinking and approaches. Kurt, for example, described how MCTV’s education and meeting coverage and programs have changed with the governor’s stay-at-home, no-in-person-meeting mandate. Upcoming meetings of the select board, school board, and Hannaford Career Center will be Zoomed with MCTV as a participant, Kurt said. The meetings will be livestreamed to MCTV’s Youtube channel. Parents, students, and schools are struggling with on-line learning and filling the day. Tricia Allen, children’s librarian, has expanded her popular library story hour from one to three programs a week. With MCTV equipment, she films her readings at home and Kurt prepares the broadcast. In addition, Kurt is working with two area chorus teachers to create a mini-Zoom concert with singers participating from their homes, and with the United Way to create a cooking show. For Zoom newcomers, Kurt has created two tutorials that are on Ilsley’s website. During these isolating times, local organizations are attempting to maintain their community connections. The Town Hall Theater has created a video mini-series, the Quarantine Sessions, with brief performances from the Town Hall Theater All-Stars, such as Clint Bierman of The Grift performing his composition, Home School. Megan assembles five stories a week for the Independent that recognize good deeds of community members. Megan and Kurt will discuss how MCTV and The Independent can collaborate on video versions of these stories. Len might also conduct Zoom interviews for his “Story Matters” program. There is no shortage of good stories. The challenge is to document as many as possible in real time, the board agreed.           

Annual Meeting 2020
The board agreed to reschedule the postponed March 26 annual meeting to May 13 at 10 a.m. The meeting, a Zoom conference, will be limited to a brief program overview and passage of the budget. The community discussion, the normal highlight of the meeting, will be held when public gatherings are permitted. One possibility would be a Fall Forum that considered how the pandemic has changed the community.

Other Business
Dana reported that the library’s five part-time employees will be laid off on April 10 but will be rehired when the library reopens.  Kurt reported that with the reduction of community meetings that he and Jim were catching up on long, put-off studio projects. Kurt reported that Comcast has not set a date on when it would stop broadcasting both on MCTV’s old channels, 15 and 16, and on the new channels, 1071 and 1091. Comcast agreed to include VAN station programming in its guide as part of its Certificate of Public Good agreement with the Public Utility Commission. MCTV is paying Gracenote $200/month to prepare and distribute MCTV’s schedule on Comcast’s program guide. Kurt reported that the Image Farm, a Middlebury graphic design firm, is continuing to work on a new logo for the station.

Next Meeting Date
May 13, 2020. This will combine the abbreviated annual meeting and the monthly meeting.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
11:06 a.m.

 

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Apr. 8, 2020
Zoom Videoconference 10:00 AM
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Mar. 11, 2020 meeting
Response to Covid-19
Annual Meeting 2020
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Mar. 11, 2020
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Feb. 12, 2020 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Town Meeting Report
Channel Reassignment
Establish Nominating Committee
Annual Meeting 2020 (Mar. 26)
Other Business
Next Meeting Date (Apr. 8)
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
Feb. 12, 2020
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer) Megan James, Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:21 a.m.

Approve Minutes January 8, 2020 meeting
The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report.
Glenn reported MCTV has received its fourth-quarter Comcast contribution. The $31,867 payment for operating and capital expenses is a continuation of the stable funding of the past two years, Kurt noted. Comcast’s local subscribers tend to be an older demographic who are less interested and knowledgeable about “over-the-top” programming options, Kurt said.  Should cord cutting and reduced Comcast support become a problem, MCTV currently has few options to offset the company’s support, about 85 percent of our budget, Kurt noted. Underwriting is one option but fund raisers face a very competitive market where demand exceeds supply, the board agreed.            

Channel Reassignment
MCTV will begin a three-month transition on February 18 that will move our channel locations from 15 and 16 to 1071 and 1091. During the transition, programs will be available at the old and new locations. Comcast has given MCTV a one-time allocation of $3,500 to cover the costs of the transition, such as widely advertising the change, such as in The Addison Independent and Front Porch Forum, and the creation of a new logo. The scene stealer in this effort is a 30-second music video, Movin’ on Up, with music created by Allan and Clint Bierman of The Grift. The toe-tapping video will be shown on MCTV’s website and the Marquis Theater before it goes viral. The board also discussed changing the barebones program schedule in the Independent to highlight “gems” and programs of special interest.            

Budget 2020
The board approved a 2020 budget with income of $153,339 and expenses of $155,676.  Income highlights include Comcast, $128,264, estimated based its 2019 contribution; $5,000 from the Town of Middlebury to help cover the cost of select board coverage; and $20,500 from the town to cover Kurt’s technical coordinator’s service to the library. Major expenses include payroll, $115,626; operating expenses, $15,050; maintenance, $3,000, most of which will be used to cover the cost of listing MCTV’s schedule in Comcast’s program guide; and equipment, $22,000, mainly to cover updating the studio.  The budget will be officially approved at the annual meeting.                        

Annual Meeting
March 26, 2020. 4:30-6. Town offices. Theme: A broad review/listening session on our role in the community. In essence, how can we meet the interests and needs of the community through existing and new programs? Board members should send suggestions to Kurt on community members who can help us brainstorm at the annual meeting. The board will fine tune meeting details, such as selection of a moderator/facilitator and  presentations by community members, at our March meeting

Other Business
The board deferred discussion of Joe’s suggestions for more detailed long-term planning and execution until after the annual meeting.

Next Meeting Date
March 11, 2020

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:41 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Feb. 12, 2020
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Jan. 8, 2019 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Channel Reassignment
Budget 2020
Annual Meeting 2020 (Mar. 26)
Other Business
Next Meeting Date (Mar. 11)
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
Jan. 8, 2020
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Megan James, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Farhad Khan. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:25 a.m.

Approve Minutes of December 11, 2019 meeting
The minutes were approved.

Budget Priorities
With the recent installation of the state-of-the-art, three-camera, high-definition recording system in the town hall, MCTV should turn inward and begin the modernization of its studio space, Kurt recommended. While filming equipment is current, much of the studio—furniture, archival storage, and switching equipment—needs to be updated. Kurt will prepare a budget for such changes for the February meeting. Funding for the upgrades will come from MCTV’s capital budget, which had a balance of $26,598 on November 30, 2019.  Kurt will present a 2020 annual budget at the February meeting for board approval.

Programming 2019 Statistics
Our reason for being and niche is local content. Kurt reported that MCTV produced 478 programs with 479 content hours. Government coverage, such as select board meetings: 61 programs, 86 hours. Education coverage, 236 programs, 217 hours. Public coverage, such as Festival on Green, 181 programs, 176 hours. Most programs are aired at least three times. Last year’s coverage was similar to previous years, but some programming, such as interview programs, has declined, Kurt reported.

Channel Reassignment
MCTV will begin a three-month transition on February 18 that will move our channel locations from 15 and 16 to 1071 and 1091. During the transition, programs will be available at the old and new locations. Comcast has given MCTV a one-time allocation of $3,500 to cover the costs of the transition, such as widely advertising the change and the creation of a new logo. Channel reassignment sparked a lengthy discussion on whether our name and logo should be changed to reflect the changing nature of MCTV, i.e., a multi-platform, community media center not just a television station. The board agreed that any “rebranding” would be a major change and should only be undertaken after further discussions.            

Contract Template Update
Kurt reported that a Vermont Access Network committee has nearly completed a negotiation template that individual stations can use in their contract negotiations with Comcast. Comcast contracts with 11 stations, including MCTV, have expired. The recently negotiated Certificate of Public Good agreement between the Public Utility Commission and Comcast sets statewide conditions for Comcast’s operating license. MCTV’s negotiations will address our local concerns, such as the continuation of Comcast’s greater contributions to our capital budget, reflecting the higher costs of operating in a rural area. As a result of the CPG agreement, local stations will lose some services, such as $5-a-month internet connection. Kurt is investigating more costly but much faster business-class connections. Charges for other in-kind services are still being discussed, Kurt said.  MCTV’s seven-year contract with Comcast to be the local service provider expired December 31, 2017. Our contract negotiations should begin later this year.

Annual Meeting
March 23, 2020. 4:30-6. Town offices. Theme: A broad review of our programs. How can we meet the interests and needs of the community through existing and new programs? Board members should come with suggestions for community members to help us brain storm.

Other Business
The 2018-2021 Community Access Plan will be distributed at the request of new board members.

Next Meeting Date
February 12, 2020

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:35 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Jan. 8, 2020
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Dec. 11, 2019 meeting
Programming 2019 Stats
Channel Reassignment
Contract Template Update
Budget Priorities 2020
Annual Meeting 2020
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
Dec. 11, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Farad Khan. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director). 

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m.

Approve Minutes of November 13, 2019
The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report, Town Office Upgrade, Channel Reassignment
Glenn reported that MCTV had received the town’s half share, $7,452.50, for the equipment upgrade in the town hall. Kurt reported that set-up problems had now been resolved and that the three-camera, high-definition system should be operational imminently to provide live streaming and cable broadcast of selectboard meetings. Glenn and Kurt reported that MCTV’s fund balance of $119,624—operating, $93,025; capital $26,598— was very healthy, representing nearly a year’s expenses. However, this balance reflects a one-time payment, $23,500, stemming from the Public Utility Commission’s recently concluded Certificate of Public Good legal settlement with Comcast. The settlement includes a $3,500 payment to cover the cost of changing our stations’ channels from well-known 15 and 16 to an expected 1071 and 1091. The transition will take place over a three month period at some point in early 2020. The $3500 covers things such as newspaper advertising about the channel reassignment, new logo design, staff time and other costs associated with the channel reassignment. Beyond the costs involved, this change will be an opportunity to rethink how MCTV presents itself, see discussion below. The $20,000 portion of the one-time payment will be used over the coming years to deploy mobile equipment enabling alternative broadcast solutions from remote sites. MCTV also received Comcast’s third-quarter payment, $31,684. The payment is a few hundred dollars less than the first- and second-quarter payments but does not indicate any signs of significant “cord cutting,” Kurt said.

Programming Overview/Visual Improvements
The board has long grappled with the questions of who watches MCTV, why, what can we do better. In a lively, wide-ranging discussion the board once again examined and cross-examined who we are and what we do. Joe presented a spreadsheet that catalogued the breadth of our local coverage: Governmental Meetings, such as select and school boards, town meeting, and legislative breakfasts; Church Services; Talk Shows; Arts, such as Festival on the Green and the New Filmmakers’ Festival; Library Programs, such as the First Wednesday Series and author’s series; Talks and Lectures, such as the Audubon Cabin Fever Series; Sports and School Programs, such as MUMS Tiger TV and the Bill Koch Nordic Ski Festival; and One-Off Programs, such as the Memorial Day Parade coverage. Kurt led the board through a PowerPoint presentation of MCTV’s website and programming. Stodgy it is not with its easy-to-read text, lively graphics, and photographs. MCTV’s online schedule provides detail not possible in the space limitations of the weekly Addison Independent listing. How many hours of local programming are there? A rough tally, 500 hours of coverage of roughly 500 events. Many events, such as school board coverage, may be shown three or more times, and all are available on YouTube for those without television. How many watch? There are no Nielsen ratings or algorithms for the demographics of our television audience. What we have is anecdotal. Government meetings and church services have dedicated viewers based on calls when there are problems with broadcast or upload delays, Kurt said.

What’s next? Lots of ideas. Spread the word that you don’t need a television or cable to access our programs. Connect with YouTube. How do we partner with other organizations, such as working with the Addison Independent, to produce a weekly video on the railroad bridge construction this coming summer? How can we better cover the vibrant cultural life of the area, from lectures at East View and the Congregational Church to college presentations? How can we highlight events of special interest in the Addison Independent program schedule?  To follow up, the board will name a subcommittee to continue the discussion and report back. 

Contract Template Update 
One of the many, valuable benefits of membership in VAN (the Vermont Access Network that represents the state’s 25 community television stations) is the shared cost of otherwise unaffordable legal advice, Kurt noted. VAN is now nearing completion of a negotiation template, with extensive outside legal help, that individual stations can use in their contract negotiations with Comcast. This template will attempt to solidify and expand on gains achieved in the Public Utility Commission’s CPG settlement with Comcast. Kurt said he expected MCTV would begin contract negotiations with Comcast this winter. MCTV’s seven-year contract with Comcast to be the local service provider expired December 31, 2017.

Other Business
Len distributed two documents on MCTV history that could be helpful to new board members: 1. Notes: Annual Meetings and Access Plans 2007-2017; and 2. The Ilsley Media Lab Proposal.

Next Meeting Date
January 8, 2020

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:31 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Dec. 11, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Nov. 13, 2019 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Town Office Upgrade
Programming Overview
Visual Improvements
Channel Reassignment
Contract Template Update
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
Nov.  13, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Farhad Khan, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Megan James. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director). 

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:26 a.m.

Approve Minutes of October 9, 2019
The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Glenn reported that MCTV had received its annual $5,000 payment from the town to help cover the cost of our coverage of select board meetings. Kurt reported that as part of Comcast’s mediated settlement of its Certificate of Public Good that the company had agreed to the following:

• $3,500, a one-time payment to cover costs of changing our station’s channels from our well-known 15 and 16 to somewhere in the 1000s where they would be close to other public channels. This “rebranding” over a 90-day period could involve a new logo, website changes, public announcements, and advertising.

• $20,000 to develop alternative solutions for remote broadcast. This can include sites typically used by MCTV, such as the Town Offices and schools, as well as other sites not currently capable of cable broadcast.

 The $23,500 settlement was divided between the operating fund, $13,500, and the capital fund, $10,000.        

Town Office Upgrade
Installation of $14,700 in town hall equipment improvements enabling live, high-definition streaming of meetings will be completed very shortly. After testing at a future meeting, MCTV will announce the upgrade, Kurt said.

Recent Events
Len reported that community story telling is alive and well in Middlebury. An August “Back in the Day” story-telling session, sponsored by the Ilsley Library and the community group Story Matters, was followed by an equally successful November 9 gathering. The November session at 51 Main was not taped, but future sessions should be taped, Len said. In a story-telling doubleheader at 51 Main, the Bundle followed with a story telling around the theme of food.

Other Business
Kurt noted that a Vermont Access Network (VAN) committee is developing a negotiation template for individual station’s contract negotiations with Comcast. The template, building on the recent CPG settlement, should be ready by the end of this year.  MCTV’s seven-year contract with Comcast to be the local service provider expired December 31, 2017. That contract continues in place. The board agreed, at Joe’s urging, that we set aside time in coming meetings for in-depth discussions in three areas—the station’s content, look, and reach. These discussions will be a valuable preamble to MCTV’s annual meeting discussions in March, Len noted. 

Next Meeting Date
December 11, 2019

Executive Session (if needed)
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:24 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Nov. 13, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Oct. 9, 2019 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Comcast Settlement Details
Town Office Upgrade
Recent Events
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
October 9, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James, Joe McVeigh, Allan Nicholls, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Farhad Khan. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:21 a.m.

Approve Minutes of September 11, 2019
The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Glen reported the current fund balance is a healthy $74,318. The operating balance is $68,122. The capital balance is $6,196, which is below average because of the cost of upgrading the town hall’s recording system. MCTV has not yet been reimbursed by the town for its half share, $7,452, of the system upgrade which will permit High Definition recording of meetings.  Kurt reported that the town’s busy IT person had not yet completed internet connection.     

Appoint New Board Member
The board welcomed Allan Nicholls who replaces Bryan Alexander, who has left the state. Allan’s appointment and the recent appointments of Megan James, Glenn Goodwin and Joe McVeigh bring wide-ranging media and technical experience to the board. This experience sparked a wide-ranging discussion on how MCTV is presenting itself. Community television’s stereotype can be lots of “dull” programs, i.e., school and select board meetings. Are we producing what people want to watch? Joe commented that as a relatively new board member he still did not have a comprehensive sense of MCTV’s history, program development, equipment/resources, and mission.To address these concerns the board agreed that the November meeting should focus on two areas: 1. Kurt will prepare a PowerPoint overview, in essence a MCTV Wikipedia entry, for discussion; 2. MCTV has operated on a “shoestring” in the past but now has much more sophisticated production equipment. Understanding that sophisticated productions are time consuming can MCTV’s “look” be improved? For example, long meetings can be broken up into shorter agenda pieces. A continuing problem, Kurt noted, was that MCTV records nearly all its programs in high definition but can only broadcast in standard definition because of Comcast’s dated infrastructure.

Comcast/CPG Renewal
After two years of legal wrangling, the state’s Public Utility Commission and Comcast have agreed on the conditions for the renewal of Comcast’s Certificate of Public Good (CPG), its operating license. The contract, which runs through 2028, was a “good faith” compromise, Kurt reported. Community television stations have long sought to have their program schedule listed in Comcast’s program guide. Comcast has finally agreed to that. However, MCTV’s channels, well-known as 15 and 16, will now have numbers in the 1000s.  Comcast also agreed to a pathway to upgrade its community television transmission infrastructure from low definition to high definition. This process would not begin for two years. Many of Comcast’s cable channels are broadcast in high definition now. Comcast agreed to expand its cable network by 350 miles. Many rural areas, such as Shoreham, Bridport, and Addison, don’t have coverage. Should coverage be expanded to these areas, they could become part of MCTV’s subscriber base, Kurt said. Comcast has not said where it will expand its coverage. Comcast will be allowed to charge for some services, such as formerly free Internet to schools and libraries, Kurt said. The impact of these charges on Comcast’s mandated contributions to community television is not yet known. With the completion of this statewide contract, individual stations will now begin renewing their contracts with Comcast. MCTV’s seven-year contract expired December 31, 2017. Close to a dozen community television stations are operating with expired contracts. The Vermont Access Network is developing a contract template to aid these stations.  Even with a template, MCTV might have to seek outside help as it has in the past, Kurt said.

Recent Events
Len reported that a “Back-in-the-Day” storytelling gathering in August drew 110 people. The morning and afternoon sessions, sponsored by the Ilsley Library and Story Matters, a community group, were taped and are being shown on MCTV.  The two organizations are now considering a second storytelling day in November.  MCTV’s sports division once again filmed the World Championship Quidditch Tournament at Middebury College. For those who don’t follow the sport, quidditch involves broomsticks, potions, a Quaffle, two Bludgers and the Golden Snitch. Read Harry Potter for more information on the intricacies of the game. Kurt, Megan, and Jim will be editing the lengthy coverage into short videos.

Upcoming Events
MCTV, with the help of the Sheldon Museum, will be covering the lecture series built around the museum’s current exhibit: “Conjuring the Dead: Spirit Art in The Age of Radical Reform.” The Bundle and Middlebury Underground will be sponsoring an Open-Mic Storytelling Series about Food and Community. The first event will be “Memorable Dishes” on November 1.

Other Business
Mary Arbuckle, executive director of the Bristol community television station, will be invited to speak to the board about that small station’s innovative programming.

Next Meeting Date
November 13, 2019.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:35 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Oct. 9, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Sept. 11, 2019 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Appoint New Board Member
Comcast/CPG Renewal
Recent Events
Upcoming Events
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin (treasurer), Megan James, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Absent: Farhad Khan; Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director). Guest: Allan Nicholls.

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:20

Approve Minutes of July 10, 2019
The minutes were approved with correction of the spelling of Carl Neuse. There was no August meeting, our customary summer practice.

Treasurer’s Report
Glen and Kurt reported that the fund balance of $68,755 as of May 31,2019 continues to provide the desired six-month operating reserve should Comcast’s contributions stop. The operating balance is $58,283. The capital balance is $10,471. The capital balance will increase by roughly $7,000 when the town contributes its half share of the upgrading of the town hall recording system. Comcast’s second quarter payment of $32,221 is little changed from that of the past several quarters. MCTV has not seen a decline in Comcast’s payments, a result of “cord cutting,” that other community television stations have experienced.  One major concern (due to proposed FCC rule making changes) that Comcast could charge community television stations for channel capacity, thus potentially bankrupting the stations is off the table, Kurt reported. Comcast will likely begin charging for what have traditionally been “in-kind” services, such as free Internet for schools, churches, and libraries. MCTV’s contract with Comcast to serve Middlebury and Weybridge expired on December 31, 2017. Negotiations on a new seven-year contract will likely begin once the Certificate of Public Good is settled, Kurt said. Our expired contract continues in place until a new contract is signed. Kurt reported that mediation with Comcast over the Public Utility Commission’s conditions for renewal of the cable company’s CPG has reached a settlement in principle, and we are waiting for review by the Public Utility Commission. In upcoming meetings, the board will continue its “what if” survival discussions should Comcast’s future support be drastically reduced, as expected.

Summer Events (Festival on the Green, Camps, Back-in-the Day, MNFF)
In a word, MCTV was “busy” this summer. Festival on the Green performances were once again filmed and will be shown over the course of the next year.  The three youth summer camps were fully enrolled at 12. New this year was a lego robotics camp. Len reported that the August 5 “Back-in-the-Day” storytelling drew over 100 people for a lively discussion of Middlebury’s downtown and its people. The Sheldon Museum and Ilsley Library were instrumental in helping organize the story telling, Len said. The stories are available on MCTV’s website and in our cable channel programming. Similar programs are being planned, Len said. With next summer’s shutdown of the downtown for railroad construction, MCTV has an important role in documenting that change and bringing the community together, the board agreed. MCTV filmed over twenty panel discussions and presentations by prominent directors and actors during Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival in August. These programs will be shown on MCTV and possibly be shared with community television stations around the state.

Town Office Upgrade Update
Kurt reported that the installation of the upgraded recording system that will permit streaming transmission of meetings will be completed shortly, dependent on the Town’s IT vendor.

Other Business
Allan Nicholls, a Ferrisburgh musician, singer/songwriter, screenwriter, director, actor, and collaborator with legendary filmmaker Robert Altman, attended the meeting. The board is looking for an at-large member with varied media experience to replace Bryan Alexander.

Tour of the Digital Media Lab
Following the meeting, the board visited the upgraded media lab with its new soundproofing and higher-quality recording, Skyping, and digitizing equipment.      

Next Meeting Date
October 9, 2019

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:26 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Sept. 11, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of July 10, 2019 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Summer Events (Festival on the Green, Camps, Back-in-the-Day, MNFF)
Town Office Upgrade Update
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library 

Present: Glenn Goodwin, Farhad Khan, Megan James, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Absent: George Bellerose. Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:20

Approve Minutes of June 10, 2019
Clarification of Town’s contribution to equipment purchase: 50%. The minutes were approved.

Summer Events
Festival on the Green is underway, with a good number of volunteers, including a number of first timers. Video camps are fully enrolled, and in a reverse of past trends, are dominated by females. Crowdsourced Cinema film for this summer is Beetlejuice. Story matters produces “Back in the Day” at Bundle Aug. 5, thanks to MCTV and Ilsley Public Library. Joe suggested doing something similar in the retirement communities. Suggested individuals who might have good stories: Betsy Guptill, Jessica Hoagland, Carl Noyse.

Town Office Upgrade Update
Equipment has arrived and will be installed when Town’s IT crew gets cabling connected.

Other Business
None

Next Meeting Date
Sept. 11, 2019.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:07 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
July 10, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of June 12, 2019 meeting
Summer Events (Festival, Camps, Crowdsourced Cinema)
Town Office Upgrade Update
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
June 12, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library 

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin, Megan James, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Absent: Farhad Khan. Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:20

Approve Minutes of May 8, 2019
The minutes were approved.

Financial Report
MCTV continues to have a healthy fund balance, a legacy of Dick’s conservative budgeting and Kurt’s continuation of that practice. The fund balance as of May 31, 2019 is $83,361 with the operating fund balance, $62,174, and the capital fund balance, $21,187.  This balance would permit MCTV to operate for at least six months should Comcast stop supporting community television. So far, MCTV has not been affected by the “cord cutting” of many cable subscribers, who have opted for cheaper or free Internet-based programming. Kurt surmised that given the older age of our Comcast subscriber base, MCTV would not be as prone to “cord cutting” as community stations funded by a younger demographic more comfortable with “over the top” programming.

Hosting Events Off-Site Insurance
MCTV activities, such as summer children’s camps, are covered by the liability insurance of a sponsoring organization, Ilsley Library. The board agreed that Kurt should investigate the need for MCTV’s own coverage given the breadth of our programming. Liability coverage has not been a major concern as MCTV covers events as a “witness” and not as the host of the event. In a related concern, the board discussed “the expectations of privacy” that govern the filming of community events. There is no expectation of privacy in the “public space,” Kurt said. In other spaces, such as school events, MCTV errs on the side of caution and seeks permission.

Social Media (Megan)
The board has long been interested in how MCTV’s presence could be expanded through the use of social media, such as Facebook and YouTube. Megan, who is in charge of social media for The Addison Independent, gave the board a primer on how a traditional news source, a newspaper, is attempting to broaden its reach through social media.  The Independent’s goal is to use social media to “help build and strengthen the community,” she said. Social media sharing of stories helps the Independent reach a younger audience, build interest and loyalty to the paper, and create the impression that the news organization will “always be there” in community news coverage. The Independent does not charge for its social media programming, but this presence does indirectly expand the reach of traditional newspaper advertising. The board agreed that MCTV should continue to explore how we can broaden our use of social media. Our strength, however, will continue to be gavel-to-gavel coverage of meetings and events and not tweets and Instagram.

Summer Events (Festival, Camps, Crowdsourced Cinema)
Len reported that a summer story project is being planned for the Festival on the Green series. During the noon children’s performance, attendees will be asked to tell their favorite summer story. These filmed stories, roughly two minutes, will be shown on MCTV. Kurt reported that three Ilsley-MCTV summer video camps for fourth to sixth graders will be offered. Stay tuned for more on the Lego robotics camp. Coming attraction. Area student videographers have participated in the past four remakes of classic films, such as Raiders of the Lost Ark. NCTV, the Northampton, Massachusetts community television station that organizes the crowd-sourced filming has not yet announced this year’s film, Kurt reported.

Other Business
Given the turmoil created by railroad bridge construction, MCTV should continue to reach out to downtown business and cover how the construction is affecting the community, the board agreed. Kurt reported that new equipment in the town office building that will permit live high definition streaming of events will be purchased after July 1. The town is sharing the $14,700 cost of the equipment. Comcast’s infrastructure does not yet permit high-definition transmission. Such higher-quality transmission is a requirement of the state Public Utility Commission for renewal of Comcast’s operating license. Comcast has challenged that and other requirements. Court order mediation is now underway.

Next Meeting Date
July 10, 2019.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:35 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
June 12, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of May 8, 2019 meeting
Financial Report
Hosting Events Off-site/Insurance
Social Media (Megan)
Summer Events (Festival, Camps, Crowdsourced Cinema)
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin, Megan James, Joe McVeigh, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Absent: Farhad Khan. Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:24.

Approve Minutes of April 10, 2019
The minutes were approved.

Welcome New Board Members/Board Reorganization
The board welcomed new member Joe McVeigh, the Ilsley Library representative. In board reorganization, Len agreed to be chair for another year. George was reappointed secretary and Glenn agreed to be treasurer. The slate was approved unanimously.

Financial Report
Kurt reported that Comcast’s first quarter payment increased about 1 percent, totaling $32,285.56. Capital equipment payment was $6,457.20. Operations budget payment was $25,828.36. The board accepted Kurt’s report.

Banking/Purchasing Procedures
The board approved new purchase procedures to respond to the increased cost of equipment, such as computers and cameras. Under this policy, the Executive Director is authorized to make purchases up to $2,000. Purchases from $2,000-$3,500 require written approval by the treasurer or chair, with purchase by credit card or check. Purchases above $3,500 require purchase by check, with the signatures of Executive Director and one authorized board member.  Past policy called for checks signed by two board members for purchases over $2,000.

Vermont Access Network Annual Meeting Recap
Good news. The “existential threat” to community television stations from potentially drastic cuts in Comcast support appears to have lessened. Members of the VAN executive committee reported that the cable industry has pulled back from a request to the Federal Communications Commission that it be allowed to charge stations for channel capacity. Widespread public opposition to the FCC rule making change, the difficulty of valuing channel capacity, and anticipated legal difficulties apparently led to the cable industry’s change of mind. Not out of the woods. This apparent victory does not change the cable industry’s longstanding efforts to “claw back” franchise fees and overturn regulations governing its public obligations, VAN participants stressed. At the state level, Comcast continues to challenge Public Utility Commission requirements, such as providing high-definition signal quality, as a condition for its renewal of its Certificate of Public Good. The parties have recently begun court-ordered mediation. Plan B. The legislature will be appointing a summer study committee to look at how the state should respond to the rapidly changing media, cable, and Internet environment. VAN has hired Action Circles, a Montpelier-based strategic communications firm, to represent  VAN’s interests in the legislature. The firm has developed Community Media Centers Talking Points that highlight community television’s role and importance in the state. Next steps. The board will continue its efforts to educate the community on our importance as a media center with hyperlocal coverage.

Memorial Day Parade Plans
Our see-yourself-on-MCTV float will return. Board members may ride on the truck or carry signs. Kurt will be sending out instructions on meeting to prepare Eric’s truck.

Other Business
Len, working with community members, is continuing his efforts to promote story telling. At our June meeting, Megan will discuss how MCTV can expand its social media presence.            

Next Meeting Date
June 12, 2019.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:37 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
May 8, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Apr. 10, 2019 meeting
Welcome New Board Members / Board Reorganization
Financial Report
Banking/Purchasing Procedures
VAN Annual Meeting Recap
Memorial Day Parade Plans
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Glenn Goodwin, Megan James, Farhad Khan, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:19.

Approve Minutes of March 13, 2019
The minutes were approved.

Welcome New Board Members/Board Reorganization
The board welcomed new member Glenn Goodwin as an at-large member (2019-2022). He replaces Deborah Felmeth. The board deferred reorganization until the May meeting when another new member, Joe McVeigh, the new Ilsley Library representative, will be present.

VAN Annual Meeting May 3, 2019
The annual meeting is a valuable one-stop overview of how community stations around the state are addressing common concerns. The meeting is also an opportunity to view the studios and facilities of much larger stations, in this case the new studio of Northwest Access Television in St. Albans. Kurt, Len and George and possibly other board members will be attending.

MCTV Annual Meeting Recap
Recently, community television stations have been facing existential funding challenges to their survival. Keynote speaker Kevin Christopher, president of the Vermont Access Network (VAN) and executive director of Lake Champlain Access Television, provided a helpful overview of the funding of community television since the mid-1980s and of current attempts by cable providers, such as Comcast, to “claw back” public obligations and financial support. Reflecting on Kevin’s remarks and subsequent discussion, the board agreed that we must continue to develop a Plan B should Comcast be permitted to drastically reduce their financial support. At the same time, it is premature to move ahead on fund-raising, such as program underwriting and fee-for-service coverage, until the fate of a proposed FCC regulation is known. This regulation would allow cable providers to deduct “in kind services” that they would define and value against their mandated financial support of community television. Should the FCC approve the regulation, supported by the cable industry, community media and others will challenge the change and ask for a stay from the courts. Court resolution could take months if not years. If Comcast funding stops during court proceedings, few of the larger stations with significant overhead could survive at their present levels for more than six months, Kurt, a member of the VAN executive board, reported. A FCC decision is expected by the end of the year. MCTV, because of its traditional conservative budgeting and healthy balance sheet, could survive for six months without any reduction in programming. Longer term survival would depend on how cable providers assess the value of their “in kind services”, such as providing transmission channels. Worst case, Comcast could argue that the value of the channel’s bandwidth is greater than their annual contribution, about 80% of MCTV’s budget. Essentially, MCTV would then owe Comcast money and that would be our death knell. Kurt once again outlined coverage and program options: reduce staffing and largely limit coverage to select board and school board meetings; cover events on a fee-for-service basis; work with the Hannaford Career Center to revive the video curriculum and have students be producers; seek community underwriting for programs; consolidate the 25 community television stations into one statewide station with potential economies of scale. Severing the contract with Comcast and making programming available on the Internet would face a major problem—replacing the $125,000 annual contribution of Comcast, Kurt said. Raising that amount or a lesser sum is highly unlikely given the competition from the area’s many, deserving non-profit organizations.

An alternate route, given MCTV’s important role in being a record and voice for the community, is to seek greater town budget support. The town currently pays  $20,500 toward the technology coordinator position for Ilsley/MCTV and pays $5,000 to help cover the cost of our coverage of select board meetings. The board agreed that Farhad, a select board member, and Kurt should begin informally exploring greater town support with the select board. Short term, MCTV should continue its educational outreach efforts, such as with a short video that would highlight our community-building programs.

Other Business
Len asked board members for comments on a new storytelling program. Kurt will send a link to the hour-long program that featured four storytellers. Kurt will circulate our 2018-2021 Community Access Plan for board review at the May meeting.

Next Meeting Date
May 8, 2019.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:26 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Apr. 10, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Mar. 13, 2019 meeting
Welcome New Board Members / Board Reorganization
VAN Annual Meeting 5/3/19
MCTV Annual Meeting Recap
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV ANNUAL MEETING 2019 MINUTES
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Meeting Room, Middlebury Town Hall, 4:30-6

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Megan James, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Farhad Khan. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director), Jim Corbett, (production coordinator), and Kathy Wheatley, (programmer).

Business Meeting

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 4:39.

Approve 2018 Annual Meeting Minutes
The annual meeting minutes were approved.

Adopt Budget
The board approved a $152,199 budget, containing two revenue sources: Comcast, $127,154; Town of Middlebury, $5,000 for select board coverage, and $20,300 to support Kurt Broderson’s position as technology coordinator for the library. Expenses are budgeted at $150,725, creating a small surplus, $1,474. Major expenses are payroll, $111,225; operations, $12,700; maintenance, $1,800; and equipment upgrades, $25,000. The town will be contributing $8,000 toward the $16,000 cost of upgrading town hall equipment, which will permit future live streaming of select board meetings.

Elect Three At-Large Board Members
George Bellerose (secretary) was elected to another three-year term, 2019-2022. Glenn Goodwin was elected to replace Deborah Felmeth, 2019-2022. A third member will be elected later.

Terms of other board members.
Len Rowell (chair) At-Large 2017-2020
Megan James, ACSD representative, 2018-2021
Farhad Khan, Selectboard representative, 2018-2021
Ilsley Library representative to be named.

Other Business
Len thanked outgoing board members Bryan Alexander and Deborah Felmeth for their many contributions.

Adjourn
The business meeting was adjourned at 4:55.

MCTV ANNUAL MEETING 2019 AGENDA
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 4:30pm
Meeting Room, Middlebury Town Hall

Call to Order
Approve 2018 Annual Meeting Minutes
Adopt Budget
Elect three At-Large Board Members (1 up for re-election, 1 prior nomination, floor nomination?)
Other Business
Adjourn

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Alice Eckles, Deborah Felmeth, Megan James, Farhad Khan, Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:22.

Approve Minutes of December 19, 2018
The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Kurt reported a “healthy” operating balance, $49,956, and capital balance, $16,223. The total balance, $66,180, combined with future quarterly Comcast payments should support full station operations for six to 12 months without any additional revenue. Given the uncertainty of future Comcast contributions, the 2019 budget will be based on the actual revenue in 2018. The payment, $17,000, for a five-year maintenance contract on new equipment has drawn down the capital balance but that one-time expenditure will save thousands of dollars by avoiding more-costly annual contracts, Kurt reported.

Budget 2019
Kurt’s 2019 budget continues Dick’s conservative budgeting philosophy. Comcast’s contribution, which in the past has increased as much as several percent a year, is budgeted at 2018 levels, $127,154. The two other major revenue sources in the proposed $152,199 budget are the Town of Middlebury’s $5,000 contribution for MCTV coverage of select board meetings, and the town’s support of Kurt as the technical coordinator at Ilsley Library, $20,550. Projected expenses are $150,725, with the major expense being payroll, $111,225. The 2019 budget is about $11,000 less than 2018 budget. The decrease reflects lower payroll costs as Dick transitioned to full retirement in June of 2018. MCTV is in a “good position” for 2019, but the 2020 budget could require severe cuts if pending FCC regulatory changes allow Comcast to dramatically reduce its community television support, Kurt noted. The ramifications of loss of support will be the focus of this year’s annual meeting. See below.

Annual Meeting 2019
Kevin Christopher, executive director of the Lake Champlain Access Television and president of Vermont Access Network, will be the keynote speaker and present an overview of pending FCC regulations that threaten the economic survival of community television. Mary Arbuckle, executive director of Northeast Addison Television in Bristol, will then describe how that station’s innovative programming is attempting to meet the needs and interests of its dispersed six-community audience.  Kurt and Len will then moderate a discussion built around three questions: 1. What kinds of community programs and coverage interest our viewers/what do they watch?; 2. How do they watch programs/a cable channel, our website, on a mobile device, such as an Iphone?; and 3. If we lose Comcast financial support how can we fund our operation/underwriting, expanded fee-for-service coverage, subscription fees, contracted training programs in schools? Board members should continue to suggest to Kurt community members who can help us answer these questions or invite members themselves.  Lest the meeting be all “gloom and doom,” Kurt will prepare a short video of the diversity of MCTV coverage. Gloom will be dispelled by at least one segment, a three-minute video of the recent Bill Koch Ski Festival at the Rikert Ski Center. The festival brought 500 young skiers—some about as tall as their short skis—to the Center for two days of low-key racing, parades, and games that require the flexibility of youth. There may also be a segment on pond skimming on snow skis, a sport for the adventurous and those immune to hypothermia.

Other Business
The board will shortly have three vacancies: Bryan Alexander has left the state; Alice Eckles, the Ilsley Library representative is leaving the Iibrary board; and Deborah Felmeth is finding that commitments in Syria make board participation very difficult. The board should be thinking of possible new members. Of special interest would be a member who could bring fund-raising and marketing experience to the board.

Next Meeting Date
April 10, 2019.

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
9:35 a.m.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Mar. 13, 2019
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Dec. 19, 2018 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Budget 2019
Annual Meeting 2019
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting
Feb. 13, 2019
Cancelled due to weather

MCTV Board Meeting
Jan. 9, 2019
Cancelled due to weather

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2018
MCTV Studio

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Alice Eckles, Megan James, Farhad Khan, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Deborah Felmeth (treasurer). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guests: Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library director)

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:20.

Approve Minutes of November 14, 2018
The minutes were approved with one change. The board welcomed new board member Megan James. She was appointed by the ACSD board.

Treasurer’s Report
Kurt and Len (acting treasurer) discussed Comcast’s quarterly contributions: operating budget, $25,315, and capital budget, $6,328. Comcast’s quarterly payment has stabilized after a 4% drop from Q4 2017 to Q1 2018. MCTV’s fund balances are a very healthy $91,083, made up of an operating balance of $69,183 and a capital fund balance of $21,900. This balance would cover MCTV’s operations for at least six months, our budgetary goal, without further revenue. The 1984 federal Cable Communications Policy Act requires cable companies to allot a percentage of their revenue toward the support of community public television. In MCTV’s case the fee is 5% for operating support and 1.25% for capital support.

VAN Summit Report
Kurt and Len attended the December 12 statewide VAN meeting, called to discuss proposed FCC rule changes that could reduce or, worst case, eliminate cable company support of public television. Bad news. The two changes—one would allow cable providers to charge for “in-kind services”; the other would eliminate the franchise fee for use of public airwaves. The fee, which is the basis for our operating support—if reduced or disallowed would be an “existential threat” to community television’s survival. The good news or sort-of good news. There is time to prepare for the worst-case. FCC’s comment period, which elicited nationwide opposition to the changes from legislators, state organizations, and communities, ended December 14. Final FCC action on the changes, which are strongly supported by the cable industry, and possible court appeals would take time and probably would not be resolved quickly. Support for the 2019 budget should be “solid.” The crunch could be 2020, Kurt thought. However, community televisions must begin preparing for possible reduced support, VAN meeting participants agreed. MCTV’s current budget balance ($91,083) will fund a full-offering station for at least six months and a pared operation, just meeting coverage, for longer. The board discussed, at length, various options: retrench to a one-person station that covers board meetings and maintains our Ilsley co-programming; cover events on a fee-for-service basis (Middlebury contributes $3,000 now to help pay for the cost of selectboard coverage); seek program underwriting; build new alliances, such as with the career center, where MCTV would help revitalize its dormant video curriculum and students could help run the station by taping meetings; make programs available only on the web with no Comcast distribution; crowd source support. Next steps. Long-term funding will be the community discussion topic at the March annual meeting. Kurt and others will seek ideas on support/underwriting from community organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce.           

Annual Meeting 2019
The meeting will be held March 27, 4:30 to 6, in the meeting room of Middlebury Town Hall.

Future Trends
Bryan, attempting to dispel the meeting’s “gloom and doom,” noted that open access to textbook and scholarly articles is expanding. Given the high-cost of textbooks and scholarly journals, open access is a boon to students and the academic and lay communities, Bryan noted.

Next Meeting Date
January 9, 2018

Executive Session
None.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:34.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Dec. 19, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Nov. 14, 2018 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
VAN Summit Report
Annual Meeting 2019
Budget 2019
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Public Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Alice Eckles, Farhad Khan, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Deborah Felmeth (treasurer), Megan James. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guests: Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library director)

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:23.

Approve Minutes of October 10, 2018
The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Kurt and Len (acting treasurer) presented a new short-form report with the following highlights. MCTV has a healthy fund balance of $72,492, consisting of an operating balance of $53,456 and a capital budget balance of $19,036. The capital budget decreased $17,842 reflecting the purchase of new equipment from Televue Service, MCTV’s long-time equipment provider.

Comcast’s quarterly payment has stabilized after a 4% drop from Q4 2017 to Q1 2018, Kurt reported.

New Board Member Approved
The board welcomed the appointment of Megan James as the school board’s representative. She replaces Tim O’Leary, who left the Middlebury school system to become technology coordinator in the Shelburne school system.

FCC and Comcast Update
In an extended “what if” discussion, the board discussed survival strategies should Comcast be allowed to drastically cut its support. Community television stations have long been concerned that “cord cutting” by cable subscribers could lead to reduced Comcast support, which represents about 80% of MCTV’s budget.

The Federal Commerce Commission is now considering a rule change, a new threat, that would allow cable providers to subtract “in kind” expenses from its mandated quarterly franchise fees. If broadly interpreted “in kind” expenses could offset quarterly contributions, the VAN executive board fears. VAN objected to the proposed change prior to the comment deadline of November 14. There is a December 14 FCC deadline to react to these comments.

While the current FCC is considered pro-business, there is considerable Congressional opposition to the change, Kurt and Bryan noted.

In the worst-case scenario, Comcast support could effectively end. Should that happen, MCTV would have to retrench to a one-person operation limited to select board and school coverage and its program relationships with Ilsley. The town now budgets about $25,000 to support library programs and select board coverage.

The select board plans to increase its support of MCTV’s meeting coverage from $3,000 to $5,000 in next year’s budget. Town officials have also agreed to pay for half the cost of upgrading to high-definition quality equipment in the town hall. This long-needed improvement would cost about $16,000, Kurt said.

MCTV would have to consider similar pay-for-coverage and partnerships with schools and other town groups, Kurt suggested.

Kurt will review the November comments and suggest ways that MCTV and the select board could respond.

A second, but less immediate, funding threat is a change, now in the draft stage, that would restrict the power of local municipalities to control their public rights of way and charge for their use, such as by natural gas pipelines. This principle underpins PEG access funding, which requires that cable providers like Comcast pay for the use of public airways.

Facilitators/Hosts
Len once again noted the recent loss of several community producers and the need to find new hosts. Ask community members who might be interested in sharing their interests and MCTV might receive was Len’s charge to the board. Broadening MCTV’s coverage of Middlebury’s vibrant community life will be revisited in future meetings.

Other Business
Board members should be thinking of themes for the March annual meeting.

Dana reported that the library is investigating Data Hot Spots, Internet access points that rely on the library’s Internet connection that patrons, who don’t have an Internet connection, could use at home.

Future Trends
Bryan, our guide to virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, updated the board on the scary world of Magic Leap goggles. Should a goggled board be attacked by robots, Bryan has anti-bot magic swords and laser light beams to defend us. Bryan has less power when it comes to preserving net neutrality, the principle that Internet service providers treat all data on the Internet equally, and not discriminate or charge differently by user, content, website, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or method of communication. Mobile service providers are now charging premiums for faster transmission speeds. Cable providers are still required to be net neutral but are lobbying hard to weaken its provisions, Bryan reported.

Next Meeting Date
December 12, 2018

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:32.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Nov. 14, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Oct. 10, 2018 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
New Board Member Approved
FCC & Comcast Update
Town Office Upgrade Update
Facilitators/Hosts
Recent Events (Readathon)
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
October 10, 2018
MCTV Studio

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth (treasurer), Farhad Khan, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Alice Eckles. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guests: Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library director) and Megan James, prospective board member.

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:26.

Approve Minutes of September 12, 2018
The September minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Kurt reported that the budget continues to be in “good condition” with healthy reserves. Kurt noted that the equipment maintenance contract had increased, reflecting the cost of servicing new, high-tech equipment, from an estimated $1,800 to $5,000.

Access Plan Draft Review
The board approved the draft of the 2018-2021 Community Access Plan prepared by Deborah and George. The board felt the 2014-2017 plan, with minor updating, continued to present the big-picture view of MCTV’s mission.

The ongoing ground-level challenge is to fill in the details, build community relationships, and develop programs that reflect the diverse interests of the community.

Toward that end, Len reported that Cheryl Mitchell, a long-time MCTV program host and supporter, will moderate two discussion programs, Growing Bright Futures and Grounded Leadership.

Len is now developing an hour-long program that will bring together half a dozen storytellers to discuss a theme, such as aging.

For the next meeting, board members are to come up with program suggestions and people who might be their producers and hosts.

Comcast Revenue Review
Kurt reported that Comcast’s appeal of conditions set by the Public Utility Commission for renewal of the cable provider’s certificate of public good (CPG) continues very slowly through the U.S. Court of Appeals. Critical to MCTV is PUC’s condition that Comcast improve its transmission infrastructure to high-definition quality.

Comcast appealed this and other conditions in August 2017. Court resolution may take many months, the Vermont Alliance Network, which represents the state’s 27 community television stations, believes.

MCTV will not begin negotiating a renewal of its provider contract with Comcast until the court appeal is settled. Until then, our seven-year contract, which expired December 31, 2017, will continue in force.

Town Office Upgrade
MCTV has the capacity with our portable equipment to record all town activities, except for select board meetings, in high definition. Updating the aging, fixed, standard-definition equipment in the town hall would cost about $15,000.

While upgrading is the wave of the future, if not the present, the board discussed at length how to finance and when to install the upgrades. If the equipment is to be upgraded and be available for the town’s own use should MCTV ask the town to help with its purchase? MCTV viewers can view programs on high definition through MCTV’s Facebook presence. Cable subscribers, depending on the court’s action, may not have high-definition access for several years.

While the upgrade has been budgeted, there is no rush to install it. Instead, Kurt should first discuss possible town support with the town manager and select board, the board agreed.

Recent Events (Quidditch, Readathon)
Venturing into Wide World of Sports territory, MCTV taped Middlebury College’s annual Quidditch Tournament which brought 12 college teams to campus on September 29. Kurt valiantly attempted to explain Quidditch to non-Harry Potterites. Quidditch, founded at the College in 2005, involves two chasers, two beaters, a keeper, a seeker, and a snitch. There are four balls—a Quaffle, two Bludgers, and a Golden Snitch—and a magic broom. For more Quidditch arcana contact Kurt or Harry.

MCTV advertised its presence with our new, multi-logo, pop-up tent.

Mary Hogan’s Readathon competition’s concluding events will once again be taped by MCTV.

Other Business
Town support.The board has long considered asking the select board to increase the town’s annual support from the present $3,000 to the $5,000 of the past. The board asked Kurt to come up with the hours of coverage that MCTV devotes to board meetings. Rather than an annual donation, like that made to other community non-profits, a formal contract would provide greater budget stability.

Mindful of the town’s tight budget, MCTV requested the reduction half a dozen years ago when Kurt was hired. Forty-nine percent of his salary was paid for out of the library budget reflecting his half-time position as technology coordinator at the library.

Dana reported that the library’s aging heating system is undergoing a thorough inspection with an eye on replacement. Last winter’s heating failures left the library without heat.

Future Trends
Deferred in Bryan’s absence.

Next Meeting Date
November 14, 2018

Executive Session
Not needed.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:34.

MCTV Board Meeting Agenda
Oct. 10, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Sept. 12, 2018 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Access Plan Draft Review
Comcast Update
Town Office Upgrade
Recent Events (Quidditch, Readathon)
New Programs
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
September 12, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Public Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth (treasurer), Farhad Khan, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Alice Eckles. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order

Len called the meeting to order at 8:19.

Approve Minutes of July 11, 2018

The July minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Deb and Kurt noted that MCTV has a very “healthy” balance, about $100,000, resulting from several recent payments from the town and Comcast. The balance, about $30,000 greater than normal, will most likely decline, Kurt cautioned, as Comcast’s support may drop in the future.

Another expense. Kurt is exploring upgrading the transmission of select board meetings from standard definition to high definition. Other meetings, such as the school board, are filmed in high definition. High definition viewing is available on MCTV’s web but not yet on cable because of Comcast’s aging transmission infrastructure.

Kurt is investigating the purchase of three robotic high-definition cameras, which can be controlled by a single operator with a switcher, to cover select board meetings. This would enable HD streaming and viewing on the web and on cable when Comcast upgrades its transmission infrastructure to HD.

Cost will depend on whether the upgrade is turnkey or mix-and-match using existing MCTV equipment, Kurt said.

Studio upgrade. The College recently donated three, older but very adequate, HD cameras to MCTV.

Deborah will be leaving for four months in Syria in November. Len will fill in as treasurer.

Facilitators/Hosts

Len noted that MCTV has lost two popular interview programs in the past year, Middlebury 5-0 and Betty Nuovo’s program, and has a hole in its community coverage. In an effort to fill this gap, Len met with Cheryl Mitchell, a long-time friend of MCTV, interview host, and highly respected public servant at local and state levels. Cheryl suggested two series, Grounded Leadership and Spirit and Nature.   

Len will continue discussions with Cheryl.

At the same time, Len urged the board to be “intentional” and develop a list of community members with skills and interests that could translate into programs.       

Access Plan Draft Review

Deborah and George reported that the draft of the 2018-2021 Community Access Plan required only minor updates. Most of their review involved brainstorming on how to implement this view from 30,000 feet with on-the-ground programs and community relationships.

Board members began discussing this brainstorming document, which is attached below, and will continue at the October meeting. Members should review this document and forward any suggestions to George before the October meeting.

Some ideas. Archives. MCTV has hundreds of old tapes. Most are not worth converting to digital but are worth storing. The board will schedule a work day to sort these tapes after consulting with a professional archivist, such as Dana or Andy Kolovos at the Vermont Folklife Center.

Program gems will be set aside for easy access and for future best-of reruns.

Staffing. Deborah and George, concerned that their many brainstorms were being added to already full plates, suggested hiring a part-time staffer to carry out specific tasks. Kurt felt that he and Jim had the scheduling flexibility and occasional slow periods to take on new initiatives.

Partners and Relationships. Deborah and George seconded Len’s recommendation that we seek out new people and program partners. At the same time, we should build on our existing relationships. Look at our If You Ask Them They Will Come and come up with your own suggestions for the October meeting.

It’s Easy. We need to do a better job of marketing/education that everyone can produce a show and that the Public Media Lab is a community resource.           

Comcast Revenue Review

Comcast in an upcoming appeal to the Federal Communications Commission is essentially attempting to move the goal posts on how it supports community television, Kurt reported. The net effect would be to dramatically reduce its support. Vermont’s Certificate of Public Good process may insulate the state’s community television stations from any changes. Stay tuned.       

Other Business

Dana reported that the eight, community focus groups on the library’s role would be completed in November. This listening period will be followed by a review of the compatibility of the community’s interests and the proposed library renovation.

One common theme, she said, is that the community is not aware of all the desired services that the library is already providing. Similarly, the community is not aware, despite many outreach efforts, of joint library-MCTV programs, such as the public media lab, Dana and Kurt noted.

MCTV’s board met with Dana and facilitator Barbara Doyle-Wilch at its July meeting. See July minutes for a report on that focus group. The library building committee will issue a report upon the conclusion of the focus groups, Dana reported.

Kurt is continuing his search for a school district replacement for Tim O’Leary following several failed attempts. Kurt hopes to have a recommendation for the school board shortly.

Future Trends

Deferred in Bryan’s absence.

Next Meeting Date

October 10, 2018

Executive Session

Not needed.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:30.

MCTV BOARD MEETING  AGENDA
Sept. 12, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of July 11, 2018 meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Facilitators/Hosts
Access Plan Draft Review
Comcast Revenue Review
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING  MINUTES
July 11, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Alice Eckles, Deborah Felmeth (acting secretary), Len Rowell (chair).  Absent: George Bellerose, Farhad Khan, Timothy O’Leary.  Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest : Dana Hart (Ilsley Library Director), Barbara Doyle-Wilch ( Ilsley Building Committee Focus group)

Agenda

Call to Order

Len called the meeting to order at 8:19.

Approve Minutes of June 13, 2018

The June minutes were amended, in the 3rd paragraph of Annual Report for Comcast, to read live-broadcast as opposed to live-streaming. The minutes were approved.

Ilsley Building Committee Focus Group

Barbara Doyle-Wilch was introduced to us by Dana Hart.  Barbara then led us through an interesting question and answer dialogue aimed at helping the Library Building Committee achieve an alignment with the community’s vision. They are having many focus groups and hope to gather all of the threads into an aggregate report by November reflecting the uniqueness of this community.

The questions included: What kind of a community do you want to live in? What are the the goals and aspirations? What does Middlebury need? or need more of? What advice do you want to give to Dana?

The answers ranged from the practical- parking, to the technical- broadband and cell phone coverage, to the economic- affordable housing and more practical downtown businesses, to the arts and diversity, greater transparency, more student engagement from the college within the town, (and a general need for transporters everywhere).

Comcast Revenue Report

Kurt gave an overview of 2013 through first quarter 2018 Revenue from Comcast. Overall the revenue is increasing at 1.31% for this period. If people drop cable, the revenue will drop but so far this hasn’t happened. However an anomaly seemed to occur in the first quarter of 2018 as the “expanded video service” Comcast fee dropped 25%.  It may be a one time correction. Our revenue did not change. VAN lawyers are investigating, what the heck!

Other Business

Tim  O’Leary has taken a job at the Shelburne Community School, Congratulations Tim!, and is leaving the MCTV Board. Too short! but sweet.  Kurt is reaching out and will try to have a replacement from the School Board by the September meeting.  Deborah will become treasurer. No comment.

Future Trends

Bryan thrilled us with the mention of a TV show on TRUE TV, called Paid-Off, which is a reality show. If you win your student debt gets paid!

Next Meeting Date

September 12, 2018 at 8:15 am. No meeting in August.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:40

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
July 11, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of June 13, 2018 meeting
Ilsley Building Committee Focus Group
Comcast Revenue Review
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
June 13, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Alice Eckles, Deborah Felmeth, Timothy O’Leary, Len Rowell (chair). Absent: Farhad Khan. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order

Len called the meeting to order at 8:14.

Approve Minutes of May 9, 2018

The May minutes were approved.

Annual Report for Comcast

As required by the Public Utilities Commission, Kurt submitted, in May, MCTV’s annual report of the station’s 2017 activities. Highlights include a decrease in live programming from remote sites because of the station’s aging equipment and the transition to HD cameras, which are not supported by Comcast infrastructure.

Kurt noted that the percentage of locally produced programs has dropped—MCTV has traditionally had one of the highest percentages—as several programs, such as Middlebury 5-0, ended.

Such ebbs and flows are normal both Kurt and Dick (Thodal) have pointed out.

Because of the limitations of meeting sites and aging infrastructure, MCTV has limited live-streaming capacity—select board, town meeting, and high school graduation. Kurt hopes to expand live-streaming to school board meetings.

Usage figures in the last quarter suggest that MCTV does not need a third channel devoted just to government programs. Public and government programs now share a single channel, Channel 15. Our new server can better monitor usage, Kurt said.

There were no major changes in the use of the third-floor studio.       

Access Plan

MCTV’s 2014-2017 access plan needs updating to reflect community interests discussed at our March annual meeting. Len urged that MCTV be “intentional” in seeking producers and in developing programs to tell the stories of the community. Alice, for example, suggested that we try to expand coverage of Middlebury’s art scene. Should we be offering an “Old Farts Camp” to complement our summer youth video camps? How do we encourage greater collaboration with the Sheldon Museum and the Vermont Folklife Center?

 Len will be meeting with local filmmakers Andy and Lisa Mitchell and Cheryl Mitchell, a former board member and producer, to discuss expanding local lives programming.

Board members should pass on access plan suggestions to Deb and George who will tweak the current plan and present a draft at the September meeting.

Comments on Youtube

While not a front-burner issue, the board and Dana agreed that both organizations should have a short, governing statement on commentary. Social media commentary is not as pervasive or vitriolic in Vermont as in other parts of the country, but the library and MCTV should be prepared for that development.

MCTV’s website does not have a program comment option. Programs that are viewed via Youtube do have that option. MCTV has not monitored and blocked “offensive” comments in the past both because of first amendment concerns and the labor-intensive and subjective nature of monitoring.

Kurt will look at policies of other stations and will suggest that commentary policies be a topic at next year’s VAN conference. The discussion was triggered by offensive Youtube comments following interviews with Jack Mayer on his Holocaust writing.

Ilsley Building Committee Focus Groups

Dana reported that the building committee for the library’s expansion will be holding eight focus groups in the coming months. Much of the July 11 board meeting will be devoted to a focus-group discussion of MCTV’s interest in and goals for the new library. Barbara Doyle Welch, a consultant for the building committee, will moderate the discussion.

Festival on the Green

Filming of the week-long festival is one of MCTV’s most labor-intensive—three cameras and a switcher—and most watched programs. Volunteers are always needed; Deb and Len volunteered for camera duty.

While MCTV,  concerned about artist restrictions,  has never uploaded the programs to VMX for statewide viewing times have changed, given the ubiquity of I-phone filming. Kurt will explore uploading these performances.

Other Business

 Kurt reported that other VAN stations have seen significant declines in Comcast’s quarterly support. MCTV has seen steady several percent increases. Why the decline? No one knows. The harbinger of long-forecast cord cutting?

MCTV student videographers will participate in the fourth-annual spoof of a classic film (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off). The spoof, sponsored by a Massachusetts station, has become very popular and participation is now highly competitive, Kurt said.

Kurt also reported that the Public Media Lab now has Adobe Creative Suite, a powerful collection of software used for graphic design, video editing, web development, and photography. There are also mobile applications and some optional cloud services.

Future Trends

Bryan reported that nearly half the world is “connected” online. Unfortunately, this is mainly the easy half, the developed world.

We also learned that Domino’s Pizza is in the pot-hole filling business—with tarmac not pizza. It’s good business and publicity—a Domino’s sticker goes on the pothole—and an example of privatization of underfunded public services.

Bryan’s “Future Trends Forum” where he interviews prominent thinkers is now two and a half years old. His 100-plus interviews, which are live-streamed, are available at his website.

The Federal Communication Commission’s recent ruling repealing net neutrality is likely to lead to costly, tiered services with the consumer the loser, he commented.    

Next Meeting Date

July 11, 2018 at 8:15 a.m. There will not be an August meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:35.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
June 13, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of May 9, 2018 meeting
Annual Report (for Comcast)
Access Plan
Comments on Youtube
Ilsley Building Committee Focus Group
Festival on the Green
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
May 9, 2018
MCTV Studio

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Alice Eckles, Deborah Felmeth, Farhad Khan, Timothy O’Leary. Absent: Len Rowell (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, (Ilsley Library director).

Agenda

Call to Order

Bryan called the meeting to order at 8:15.

Approve Minutes of March 14 & April 11, 2018

The March and April minutes were approved.

Board Reorganization

Alice Eckles, the new Ilsley Library representative, was welcomed. The board unanimously elected the following officers for the coming year: Len Rowell, chair; Bryan Alexander, vice chair; Timothy O’Leary, treasurer; and George Bellerose, secretary.         

VAN Annual Meeting, May 4, 2018 Recap

MCTV had record representation at the meeting with four board members—George, Alice, Farhad, and Tim—and two staff—Kurt and Jim—attending

Alice, Farhad, and Tim, first-time attendees, received a crash course in acronyms, Comcast’s court challenge to the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) conditions for renewal of Comcast’s certificate of public good, and in the concerns of fellow PEG stations.

Of particular interest was the session, “Live Streaming Solutions & Updates.” MCTV apparently has some of the oldest, if not the oldest and slowest, equipment for sending signals to Comcast for cable transmission, Kurt reported. In addition, MCTV can record in high definition but can only transmit in lower-quality standard definition because of Comcast’s aging infrastructure. Both these conditions will be part of MCTV’s future contract negotiations with Comcast, Kurt said.

Comcast is currently challenging PUC’s requirement that offer HD channels, an interactive programming guide, and other items. MCTV will not begin its negotiations until the court challenge is resolved.

Also of interest were VAN members’ efforts to better explain the importance of PEG stations’ local coverage to the state. Some stage agencies and many Vermonters are not aware of PEG’s reach, such as through the statewide Vermont Media Exchange. VAN needs a marketing plan, like that of the Vermont Arts Council, that highlights the economic and educational importance of community television.

For those concerned with the budget impact of “cord cutting” and decreased Comcast support, there is a new “disrupter,” OTT or Over the Top transmission of programs. Internet-based services like Roku, Sling, Apple TV, Amazon Unbox, and YouTube bypass and are cheaper than cable and threaten cable’s near transmission monopoly of the past.

Given these changes, the board agreed that it should continue its discussions of broadening MCTV’s revenue sources, such as through program sponsorship and fees for Internet access to programs.

Following the meeting, the group toured Manchester’s new state-of-the-art library. The open, light-filled library was as much a community center, with its variety of meeting spaces for users of all ages, as it was a traditional, books-in-stacks facility.

Memorial Day Parade

MCTV’s mobile studio (the back of Eric’s truck) will once again be the highlight* of the parade with its real-time filming of the crowd. Board members should meet in the library parking lot at 8 for last-minute truck preparation. (*No exaggeration. Maybe a little.) Ilsley Library will precede MCTV in parade order. Its theme will be “Libraries Rock.” MCTV members should dress and grease hair accordingly.

Other Business

Dana noted that Ilsley Library is now offering Kanopy’s online streaming of movies. Cardholders may stream up to eight movies a month at no cost. Kanopy’s 30,000-film library can be streamed on your computer, through Roku or Apple TV, or on iOS and Android phone apps.

Kurt reported that the current staff with some volunteer videographers can meet MCTV’s major coverage commitments. Board members suggested, given MCTV’s healthy, rainy-day reserve, that he hire videographers as needed.

Future Trends

Bryan reported on the advances in “mixed reality” technology and how this technology allows us to explore and visualize the world in three-dimensional formats. More to come.        

Next Meeting Date

June 13, 2018 at 8:15 a.m.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:33.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
May 9, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Apr. 11, 2018 meeting
Board Reorganization
VAN Annual Meeting Recap
Memorial Day Parade
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
April 11, 2018
MCTV Studio

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Farhad Khan, Len Rowell (vice chair. Absent: Bryan Alexander, Tim O’Leary. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, Ilsley Library director

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:19.

Approve Minutes
Lacking a quorum of those attending the March 14, 2018 meeting, approval of the minutes was deferred until the May meeting.

Board Reorganization
With only four members present, reorganization was deferred until the May meeting. A new representative from Ilsley Library will be appointed at that board’s April meeting and will then be available for our reorganization.

VAN Annual Meeting, May 4, 2018
Kurt, Tim, George, and possibly Farhad will attend the meeting at headquarters of Greater Northshire Community Television (GNAT) in Sunderland. Board members will also tour Manchester’s state-of-the-art library.

MCTV Annual Meeting Recap
While disappointed with the turnout, about a dozen, the board agreed that the two discussion groups—telling the community’ story and MCTV’s role in promoting digital literacy across the community and age levels—were lively and helpful.

As is often the case, the board’s far-ranging discussions concluded with more discussion is needed, to be continued. A constant challenge is our older demographic. MCTV and the library provide training programs for school-age kids, but as they age they become increasingly self-sufficient in production and distribution. How we remain relevant to them is an open question.

Our older viewers generally lack the digital savvy of youth. How can we help them with training or other programming? The Ilsley-MCTV Digital Media Lab is one initiative. It has mainly been used to convert analog-era material (VHS, cassettes, etc) to digital.

Dana noted that the library is also grappling with the challenge of creating more programs for adults.

Another constant challenge, given our limited resources, is determining what community events to cover. For example, should MCTV, as the unofficial town video historian, have filmed the recent student protest of Florida school killings? Or was other coverage, such as by students and commercial television, sufficient?

Even if programming does not immediately result, the board agreed that MCTV should attempt to document events of historic importance. MCTV’s coverage of the demolition of the old high school/town offices and creation of the new town hall is an example of a-once-in-a-lifetime story where the station took the lead in its video coverage and interviews.

Visibility. MCTV must be constantly aware that we are a household name to some but totally unknown to many. Our Memorial Day float and crowd filming is an important example of MCTV in action. Whenever possible, through banners, sandwich boards, t-shirts, brochures, we should highlight our presence.

In that regard, Kurt will be buying a pop-up tent with the MCTV logo to be used in outdoor filming.

While library renovation is years away, MCTV should seek to have its studio in a very visible location, unlike our current, out-of-the-way third-floor operation.

Other Business
Archives. MCTV has 20-plus years of town history in its archives. Unlike Google, we don’t have the resources to search and make this material available with a click. Applications are being developed that will transcribe tapes and enable precise video access with word search prompts, Kurt said. Until then, the archival rule, given constant changing technology, is never throw out the original or the technology to play it.

Next Meeting Date
May 9, 2018 at 8:15 a.m. 

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:33. 

MCTV BOARD MEETING
Apr. 11, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Mar. 14, 2018 meeting
Board Reorganization
VAN Annual Meeting 5/4/18
MCTV Annual Meeting Recap
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Executive Session (if needed)
Adjournment

MCTV ANNUAL MEETING 2018 MINUTES
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Meeting Room, Middlebury Town Hall, 4:30-6

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Bryan Alexander, Deborah Felmeth, Tim O’Leary, Len Rowell (vice chair). Observer, Farhad Khan. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director), Jim Corbett, (production coordinator), and Kathy Wheatley, (programmer).

Business Meeting

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 4:40.

Approve 2017 Annual Meeting Minutes
The annual meeting minutes were approved.

Adopt Budget
 The 2018 operating budget of $161,370 was approved. Comcast’s contribution, $138,310, continues to be MCTV’s principal revenue source. The town contributes $3,000 toward select board coverage and $20,030 to support Kurt’s position as technology coordinator for the library and MCTV.    

Elect One At-Large Board Member
Bryan was elected to continue as an at-large board member (2018-2021.) Farhad Khan will become the selectboard’s representative at the April board meeting. He replaces long-time board member Susan Shashok who has resigned. The Ilsley Library board will name its representative on the MCTV board at its April meeting. The new representative will replace Maria Graham, who resigned, effective the annual meeting.

Other Business
 Len thanked outgoing board members Susan and Maria for their many contributions to MCTV.

Adjourn
The business meeting was adjourned at 4:55.

MCTV ANNUAL MEETING 2018 AGENDA
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 4:30pm
Meeting Room, Middlebury Town Hall

Business Meeting
Call to Order
Approve 2017 Annual Meeting Minutes
Adopt Budget
Elect one At-Large Board Member
Other Business
Adjourn
Roundtable Discussion: The State of Media in Middlebury
A Community Needs Assessment

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MAR. 14, 2018
MCTV Studio

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Maria Graham (phone), Tim O’Leary (phone), Len Rowell (vice chair), Susan Shashok (chair). Absent: Bryan Alexander, Deborah Felmeth. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, Ilsley Library director

Agenda

Call to Order
         Susan called the meeting to order at 8:22. Due to the snowstorm, Maria and Tim participated by phone.

Approve Minutes
The February 14, 2018 meeting minutes were approved.

2018 Budget Presentation

         The board approved both the short version of the 2018 budget that will be presented at the annual meeting and a longer version. The budget forecasts revenue of $161,370, with the bulk of that, $138,310, Comcast’s contribution.

MCTV has traditionally carried a rainy-day fund balance equal to six months of operating expenses. That balance, projected to be a very healthy $89,511, will be drawn down by some equipment upgrades, Kurt reported. Kurt will also investigate and report on other possible resource and equipment upgrades.

Access Plan/Annual Meeting

Len and Susan led the board through a brainstorming session that built on February’s discussion. This year’s overarching theme, “MCTV and Ilsley’s Role in Telling the Community’s Story in Today’s Digital Age,” will be introduced by Bryan. Len will be the annual meeting moderator in Susan’s absence.

Bryan, wearing his futurist’s hat, will discuss developments in MCTV’s three PEG foci: community storytelling/local voices, government coverage, and education.

Following Bryan’s big-picture overview, attendees will break into three discussion groups. Len will facilitate community storytelling; Kurt government coverage; and Tim education. Kurt and Tim will also prepare a short video highlighting innovative programming to help jumpstart the small group conversations. In essence, what is our role in this age of YouTube and podcasts where everyone can be their own producer and distributor.

To also help jump start the discussion, the groups will be asked to consider the following questions: How can MCTV/Ilsley help you navigate the often-overwhelming digital landscape; what’s your story; how can we help you tell it.

Group leaders will report out highlights of their discussions. These recommendations will be considered for inclusion in MCTV’s Community Access Plan.

Other Business

The board, mindful of the constantly changing cable/Internet landscape, agreed that it should revisit our response to best case-worst case Comcast funding.

Next Meeting Date

April 11, 2018 at 8:15 a.m.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:51.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Mar. 14, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Feb. 14, 2018 meeting
2018 Budget Presentation
Access Plan / Annual Meeting
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Feb. 14, 2018
MCTV Studio

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham, Tim O’Leary, Len Rowell (vice chair), Susan Shashok (chair). Absent: Bryan Alexander. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, Ilsley Library director

Agenda

Call to Order
Susan called the meeting to order at 8:12.

Approve Minutes
The January 10, 2018 meeting minutes were approved.

2018 Budget Presentation
Kurt reported that his draft budgets for 2018 and 2019 forecast a healthy financial future with increased revenues and decreased expenses, largely a result of Dick’s retirement. Changes. Cathy is planning to retire, date to be determined. Kurt recommended, and the board agreed, that an assistant programmer should be hired and trained by Cathy. Kurt budgeted $3,120 to cover the overlap. Kurt increased the equipment budget from $20,000 to $25,000. MCTV, with some exceptions such as the new server, has aging, patched together equipment. The first priority should be upgrading and expanding HD capability in the new town hall. The second priority should be upgrading the oft hand-me-down equipment in the studio. In a wide-ranging discussion, the board agreed that it should not micromanage the budget but should approve its parameters and give Kurt the flexibility to operate within those constraints. The board also asked Kurt to clarify the components of several payroll expenses. Kurt will have a final budget for the board’s approval at the March meeting. The draft budget projects 2018 expenses of $138,970 and 2019 expenses of $139,433. Expenses in 2017 were $174,137.  MCTV has traditionally carried a balance that would cover at least six months of operating expenses. The operating and capital fund balances are projected to grow from $74,139 at the end of 2017 to a very healthy $96,534 in 2018 and $124,074 in 2019.

Access Plan/Annual Meeting
 Len led the board through a history of the themes, such as archiving community records, of past annual meetings. These discussions are instrumental in revising MCTV’s community access plan and programs. Len and Susan proposed that focus groups look at four areas: Production, Schools, Memories of Local Life, and the MCTV-Ilsley Relationship. The board will continue its discussion at the March meeting on how to structure these or other groups. The board also agreed that prompts, i.e., specific questions that could lead to changes in our community access plan, are essential. Identifying and inviting knowledgeable community members to participate in these focus groups is also critical. Kurt will review the list of past annual meeting attendees with that in mind. Board members should invite community members as well. The annual meeting will be March 28 at 4:30.

Other Business
Both Susan and Maria will be resigning following the March annual meeting. As noted last month, Susan, the select board representative, is leaving that board and is not seeking reelection. Maria, the Ilsley board representative, noted that the Ilsley board would have three new members this spring. A new representative would be beneficial for both boards.  The board agreed to begin monthly meetings at 8:15 to accommodate the school drop-off responsibilities of Tim and Kurt.

Next Meeting Date
March 14, 2018 at 8:15 a.m.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:41.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Feb. 14, 2018
MCTV Studio, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Jan. 10, 2018 meeting
2018 Budget Presentation
Access Plan / Annual Meeting
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 10, 2018
MCTV Studio

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Tim O’Leary, Len Rowell (vice chair), Susan Shashok (chair). Absent: Bryan Alexander, Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Dana Hart, Ilsley Library director

Agenda

Call to Order
Susan called the meeting to order at 8:13

Approve Minutes
The November 8, 2017 meeting minutes were approved. The board did not meet in December.

Welcome to Dana Hart, New Ilsley Public Library Director
Dana Hart, who began work at Ilsley at the start of the year, attended the meeting and will continue to be the library’s liaison with the board. Dana was most recently the administration manager at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Thomas J. Watson Library. Welcome!

Board Member Replacement: Tim O’Leary
Tim O’Leary has been appointed by the Addison Central School District board to be its representative on the MCTV board. He replaces Jennifer Molineaux who resigned. Tim taught English at Middlebury Union High School for 13 years and is now the district’s technology innovation specialist. He has worked with Kurt on school programs and brings valuable insights on how the school district and MCTV can work together.

Other Board Changes
 Susan, the select board’s representative on the MCTV board, will be not be seeking reelection after seven very busy years on the board. She will remain on the MCTV board through the March annual meeting. Kurt will seek recommendations from town manager Kathleen Ramsay. The board will also come up with board candidates to be discussed at the February meeting. MCTV will miss Susan’s energy, knowledge of town affairs, her good cheer, her Memorial Day float-painting and crowd-waving expertise, and wish her success as she concentrates on her growing business, Caroline’s Dream.

Succession Debriefing
Kurt reviewed the transition goals—administrative, financial, production, outreach, Ilsley collaboration, equipment and integration of new production coordinator Jim Corbett—set up following Dick’s partial retirement in January 2017 and full retirement at the end of June 2017. Because he had worked with Dick for five years, the transition went smoothly, Kurt said.

Treasurer’s Report
In Maria’s absence, Kurt reported that the budget is in “good shape” with healthy fund balances: operating, $56,423; capital, $32,376. Comcast’s quarterly payment was recently received: operating, $26,567; capital, $6,641. The several-hundred-dollar increase is consistent with previous increases. Programmer Kathy Wheatly’s hours have been decreased from 18 hours to 15 hours at her request. The new server takes less time to program, Kurt said.

Comcast Contract/CPG Update
Kurt, a member of the Vermont Access Network board (VAN), reported that VAN will request intervener status rather than amicus status in Comcast’s appeal of “the reasonableness” of the conditions set by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for renewal of its 11-year Certificate of Public Good, its statewide operating license. The attorney general’s office is representing PUC; intervener status gives VAN a seat at the table and the ability to appeal the decision of the U.S. District Court. Both the attorney general’s office and Comcast must approve VAN’s request.  PUC’s conditions for a certificate, such as improving signal quality, could become precedent for negotiations around the country and are being fiercely resisted by Comcast. The legal process could take six to 18 months, VAN estimates.  Legal costs as an intervener could be $150,000. This cost would be shared proportionally by the 26 community television stations. MCTV’s share would be 1.9% or $2,850. MCTV’s annual budget appropriates $1,400 for legal fees, which would be used for our share from the 2017 budget.

Access Plan/Annual Report
Kurt will begin updating our current community television access plan (2014-2017). The plan addresses three areas: Perceived Community Needs; Measurement of Community Needs; and Meeting Community Needs.  The board uses annual meeting discussions to help us respond to community interests. This year’s meeting will be Wednesday, March 28, at 4:30, in the Ilsley or town hall conference rooms, depending on availability. Len reviewed comments at last year’s annual meeting on what the community gets and values from MCTV. An ongoing question in this YouTube age where everyone can be a producer and distributor is what is MCTV’s role. There will be a full-blown discussion at the February meeting. Bring ideas.

Other Business
Kurt reported the annual student video spoof of a movie classic, in this case Back to the Future, will be shown at the Marquis Theater on January 31 at 7 p.m. MCTV is the lone Vermont station in this regional production that is organized by Northampton (Mass.) Community Television.

Next Meeting
February 14, 2018.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Jan. 10, 2018
MCTV STUDIO
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Nov. 8, 2017 meeting
Welcome to Dana Hart, New Ilsley Public Library Director
Board Member Replacement: Tim O’Leary
Other Board Changes
Treasurer’s Report
Succession Debriefing
Comcast CPG Update
Access Plan / Annual Report
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

–CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER–
MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Dec. 13, 2017 Office, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Board Member Replacement: Tim O’Leary
Comcast CPG Update
Succession Debriefing
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING 11/8/17 Minutes
Nov. 8, 2017 Office, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham (treasurer), Len Rowell (vice chair), Susan Shashok (chair). Absent: Bryan Alexander. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director).

Agenda

Call to Order
Susan called the meeting to order at 8:08.

Approve Minutes
The September 13, 2017 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
The board approved the October and November budget reports. Given time constraints, the board discussed having highlights at monthly reports and more extensive quarterly reports. Maria and Kurt will discuss further. Kurt reported that with the installation of the new TeleVue server, the next technological upgrade would be mobile equipment to enable live streaming to the Internet and additional cameras and switchers for high-definition recording. This capital budget equipment could cost in the $10,000-$15,000 range.  

Board Member Replacement
With the resignation of at-large member Jennifer Molineaux, the board discussed possible replacements to fill her term which runs until 2018.  Kurt suggested three people who understand our mission and have media and video expertise.  The board directed Kurt to speak with his first choice to determine that person’s interest in being a board member. Ideally, a new board member can be in place by the first of the year.   

 Comcast Contract/CPG Update
In February, Comcast appealed “the reasonableness” of the conditions set by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for renewal of its 11-year Certificate of Public Good, its statewide operating license. Comcast’s appeal is now before the U.S. District Court with any ruling months, if not longer, away. Until the court rules on the appeal, Comcast has been postponing their individual renewal discussions with AMOs, Kurt said. MCTV’s 7-year contract with Comcast to be the AMO (Access Management Organization) for local programming runs out December 31, 2017. The attorney general’s office is representing the PUC and the Vermont Alliance Network (VAN) is now deciding how to support the state’s defense—as an active intervenor or as a less involved filer of an amicus brief. Such legal representation could be very costly, in the $150,000 range, and would be divided proportionally among the state’s 25 community television stations. Pending the court’s decision, Kurt will discuss with Dick the lessons learned from the last contract renewal. In addition, he will discuss with Greg Epler Wood, VAN’s consultant, the possibility of his assisting MCTV in contract negotiations as he did seven years ago.  The current contract remains in effect until a new contract is signed.

Library Update
 The selection committee has interviewed two finalists for library director and hopes to have a new director in place by the beginning of the year, Kurt reported.

Banking Procedures
Maria and Kurt will revisit the MCTV policy, set years ago, that purchases over $2,000 require two board signatures. Kurt noted that the limit did not reflect the increased cost of computers and video equipment and complicated Internet purchasing.

Recent Activities
Filming of Madaila on the Mountain, the 50th anniversary celebration of United Way of Addison County
Elementary School Female Filmmakers Camp in October
Mary Hogan Readathon
Middle School Tiger TV news program
–Ongoing programs, such as Tiger TV and readathon videos, continue to flourish while the filmmakers camp brought energetic newcomers to filmmaking, Kurt reported.
ACM-NE Conference
–Kurt reported that his first attendance at this regional conference was very valuable as he met local equipment suppliers and discussed common issues in depth with fellow directors and AMO staff.

Succession Debriefing
Due to time constraints, the succession debriefing was held over to the December meeting.

Other Business
Len, Middlebury’s story-telling convener extraordinaire, presented a list of possible programs to encourage story telling in the community. The 17-item list is attached at the end of the meeting notes. What is clear is that there is a wealth of ideas, talent, and programming in the community. The principal hurdle is finding the time and resources that each requires.

Next Meeting
December 13, 2017.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.

MCTV BOARD MEETING 11/8/17 AGENDA
Nov. 13, 3017
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Board Member Replacement
Comcast Contract/CPG Update
Library Update
Banking procedures
Recent Activities:
Madaila on the Mountain
Female Filmmakers Camp
Readathon
TigerTV
ACM-NE Conference
Succession Debriefing
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING 9/13/17 MINUTES
Sept. 13, 2017 Office, Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander, George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (vice chair), Susan Shashok (chair). Absent: Maria Graham. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director). Guest: Chris Kirby, acting co-director of Ilsley Library.

Agenda

Call to Order
Susan called the meeting to order at 8:11.

Approve Minutes
The July 12, 2017 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
In Maria’s absence, Kurt reported that the budget was in “good shape.” MCTV has recently received the Comcast quarterly payment of $26,700, roughly $300 more than the previous quarter, and the town’s contribution of $19,480 to pay for Kurt’s other work hat, technology coordinator for the library.

New Server Update
Kurt reported that the new server was installed by TeleVue over a three-day period last week and that the punch list should be completed in a week. The new server transmits far higher quality video but that quality is lost as it is uploaded through Comcast’s aging distribution network.

The new server has many options not previously available, such as the capacity to handle a third channel and to scroll messages, such as the announcement of current and upcoming programs and emergency alerts.

The board allocated approximately $40,000 for the long-needed update. The final cost should be around $30,000, Kurt said.

Comcast Contract/CPG Update
In February, Comcast appealed the “reasonableness” of conditions set by the Public Utility Commission (formerly the Public Service Board) in a January decision for renewal of its 11-year Certificate of Public Good, its operating permit. Among the conditions being challenged are the inclusion of PEG programming in Comcast’s program guide; extension of cable service to rural areas, about 550 miles; and, perhaps most important, HD transmission of programs, the same quality as Comcast programs. In July, the PUC denied the appeal and Comcast has now appealed that decision to the U.S. District Court in Burlington.

Kurt and the board discussed several ways to support VAN’s legal efforts opposing any repeal of the conditions. MCTV may be asked to contribute to VAN’s legal expenses, Kurt reported. VAN is representing the interests of the state’s 25 PEG stations. Such a contribution would pay dividends as the master CPG sets the ground rules for the upcoming renewal of MCTV’s operating contract with Comcast.

The board agreed that Kurt should develop talking points outlining both the importance of community television and why Comcast should improve PEG stations’ aging infrastructure. In addition, the board should seek support from local groups, such as the select board, and from state and federal representatives. Toward that end, Kurt will speak to the Middlebury select board about the importance of opposing Comcast’s appeal.

Library Update

Chris discussed the many challenges, principally financial, that surround the proposed $10-million expansion of the library. The library will hold an informational hearing on the latest plan on September 18.

Many in the community are not aware of the close Ilsley-MCTV program integration and the importance of MCTV being located in the library. Kurt, Maria and Bryan will attend to stress our unique links with the library.

Today’s libraries are also centers of media literacy and MCTV’s programs, such as the public media lab and training programs, are a critical component.

Chris reported that the library had hired a fund-raising consultant, Katherine Graham, to determine the feasibility of raising 60% of the cost privately. Susan noted the select board had not taken a position and that its decision on supporting an expansion/renovation would largely depend on the size of the bond.

In reducing the cost there may be pressure to “shave extras,” such as MCTV’s space in the library, Susan warned.

Female Filmmakers
Many of MCTV’s video camps are attended mainly by boys. To encourage more female participation, Ilsley/MCTV will be offering a two-day filmmakers camp October 19-20 for girls grade 4 and up.

Succession Debriefing
Held over to the October meeting.

Other Business
Susan reported on a very encouraging meeting with Laurie Patton, Middlebury College president, on how the college can share its high-speed broad band with the town. In the past the College has been lukewarm on sharing this resource because of security and financial concerns.

The select board will appoint a group to continue this discussion. Susan said she hoped that both she and Bryan would be appointed.

Len and Bryan have been driving forces in the encouragement of community storytelling groups and programs. Len circulated a page of ideas on how MCTV could further support storytelling. They will be discussed at the October meeting.

Future Trends
In an abbreviated report, Bryan discussed recent developments in altered reality technology and the growing concerns over the influence and near-monopoly clout of tech giants like Google and Amazon.

Next Meeting
October 11, 2017.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

MCTV BOARD MEETING 9/13/17 AGENDA
Sept. 13, 2017 Office, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
New Server Update
Comcast Contract/CPG Update
Library Update
Female Filmmakers
Recent Activities
Succession Debriefing
Other Business
Future Trends
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING 7/12/17 MINUTES

Present: Maria Graham (treasurer), Len Rowell (Vice chair), Susan Shashok (chair), Deborah Felmeth (secretary for a day), Bryan Alexander, Kurt Broderson (executive director) Absent: Jennifer Molineaux, George Bellerose

Agenda

Call to order
Susan called the meeting to order at 8:07

Approve Minutes
The June 14 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer’s report was discussed. Kurt mentioned that bank statements come in very close to Board meeting time and it’s difficult to get everything entered. Some expenses are not showing up and Kurt will check with Dick about this. Maria offered to help streamline the treasurer’s report as there is much being given to the Board which may not be necessary each month, perhaps a “snapshot” is more in order. She and Kurt will work together and possibly explore switching to QuickBooks. They will have a report for any changes to be made at the Oct. meeting.

New Server Update
Calendars being as full as they are every day of the year,  the new server will be installed between 8/24/17 and 9/1/17, including training. There are some big and heavy boxes….. mysterious still.

One of the reasons for a delay until August is Kurt’s hip replacement surgery 7/24/17 *!

We wish him well and by the time you read this insh’allah he’ll be jumping around like a happy goat.

Comcast Contract/CPG Update
Our Comcast contract is up for renewal at the end of December  2017. However it may be on hold as long as the CPG is being debated. And Comcast may appeal the decision depending on the outcome. Our contract will continue while the PSB is considering the CPG. We may need to consider contributing greater dues to VAN. Possibly we could hire Greg Eppler Wood as a consultant if we need to negotiate with Comcast. There are other AMO’s in similar situations to ours. Kurt would like to include the consideration of HD channels and a higher quality of signal in the negotiations.

Recent Activities
We’re lucky to see Kurt at 8am today as we’re in the middle of Festival On The Green. And the Festival is great!! ( I can attest to this as I was on film crew yesterday) Kurt reports that the volunteer squad is good, composed of veteran filmers and some young adults who’ve been under his tutelage since they were middle schoolers. The HD looks great, especially online.

Other Business
The proposed library rebuilding was discussed and the question “is MCTV prepared to contribute $$ to the Library Building fund” was raised by Maria, our official Ilsley representative. This is a very long term project, possibly a decade, possibly more? But the question needs to be considered now for MCTV to be prepared, specifically for the finishing of any space designated to be used by MCTV. The discussion then turned to MCTV fundraising. Will it be possible to apportion some amount of the MCTV budget each month to be set aside? Might we consider soliciting specific donations toward MCTV within the Ilsley campaign? Contributing membership in MCTV? to be continued…..

We will review the access plan in September

Susan will meet with Laurie Patton, President of Middlebury College, tomorrow, Broadband is on the agenda. Her approach is to engage in conversation about mutual benefit and to express the desire to work as allies. Good plan. Imagine the wifi cloud.

Future Trends
Bryan spoke briefly about the downward trend of international students coming to study in the US which began in Nov. of ’16. This and the aging demographic contribute to all higher educational institutions seeing a decrease in enrollments.

And in other news we’re hoping IF Bryan moves then MAYBE Bryan will move to Vergennes!

Next Meeting Date
September 13.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:22

MCTV BOARD MEETING 7/12/17 AGENDA
July 12, 2017 Office, Ilsley Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
New Server Update
Comcast Contract/CPG Update
Recent Activities
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING 6/14/17 MINUTES

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham (treasurer), Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (vice chair), Susan Shashok (chair). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director), Dick Thodal (assistant director). Absent: Bryan Alexander

Agenda
Call to Order
Susan called the meeting to order at 8:06

Approve Minutes
The May 10 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Maria’s report was approved. The total fund balance continues at a healthy level, $71,000. The station’s new TelVue server’s cost, $24,688, was paid for out of the capital fund, leaving a capital fund balance of $31,147.

The board also approved the transfer of $20,000 from a money market fund account ($51,107 as of May 31) to a NOW account ($20,736 as of May 31). The NOW account, which is used to pay ongoing expenses, had been drawn down to pay for the new server. The next Comcast quarterly payment, $26,000, will be in August.

Kurt, Len, Susan, and Maria are to sign National Bank of Middlebury forms allowing them to write MCTV checks.

 New Server Update
Kurt reported that the new server will be installed in early July without any disruption of service. The server is not a radical change from our former TeleVue server so its learning curve should not be lengthy, Kurt reported. Should there be transition problems, MCTV can seek help from TeleVue’s tech representatives and producers at other stations using the server. 

Annual Meeting Debrief
 In a wide-ranging discussion, the board noted that this year’s theme did not have the spark of previous meetings. Was the topic, “Consolidation, Community & Collaboration,” too broad? Did it not address a “live wire” common concern, such as the 2016 meeting’s topic, “Archiving Our Community in the 21^st Century”?

Kurt, a member of VAN’s executive committee, will discuss with fellow executive directors at an upcoming retreat how they structure their annual meetings to get community feedback.

More specifically, Maria noted the importance of one comment: The need for outreach that encourages young girls to participate in school video and training programs. At the high school, programs, such as Tiger Pride, are dominated by boys. Training programs are ideally a 50-50 mix of boys and girls. Many are, but there may need to be programs addressed to girls, such as through the Girl Scouts or Homeward Bound.

VAN Annual Meeting Report
This year’s meeting, attended by Kurt, Dick, Len and George, had a record attendance, in part, because of a discussion of the renewal of Comcast’s certificate of public good. Certificate conditions set the stage for Comcast’s separate negotiations with individual stations. MCTV’s seven-year contract ends on December 31, 2017 and is not yet a front-burner concern of Comcast, Kurt said.

Kurt will discuss with Greg Epler Wood, VAN’s consultant on Comcast negotiations, our interest in having him assist the board in MCTV negotiations.     

Other Business
MCTV’s Memorial Day Parade float—See Yourself Live on TV—was again one of the highlights in the parade, if not the highlight.

Dick’s retirement reception drew a large and appreciative crowd in the town hall on June 13. Dick looks quite dapper wearing one of his gifts, red suspenders.

Hummus. The board is constantly searching for locally produced shows. Enter Deborah with a suggestion for a cooking show. In this case, her husband would demonstrate the art of Syrian cooking. More to come.

Archives. Dick explained his system where programs are stored in boxes by year and subject. MCTV can respond to community-driven requests for specific programs but does not have the time or resources for a comprehensive digitizing of 20-plus years of programs.

Next Meeting Date
July 12. There will be no August meeting.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:39.

MCTV BOARD MEETING 6/14/17 AGENDA
Wednesday, June 14, 8 AM, Ilsley Public Library
Agenda
Call to Order
Approve Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
New Server Update
Annual Meeting Debrief
VAN Annual Meeting Report
Recent Activities
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjournment

MCTV BOARD MEETING 5/10/17 MINUTES

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director), Dick Thodal (assistant  director). Absent: Bryan Alexander (vice chair)

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:06

Approve Minutes
The February 2017 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Susan reported that the budget continues to be in good shape. MCTV has received a quarterly Comcast payment of $33,000. The payment includes $26,000 for MCTV’s operating expenses and $7,000 for the station’s capital budget.

Board Reorganization 
Len, chair and shepherd of our exuberant meetings for the past several years, would like to concentrate on his storytelling programs. Susan will replace him as chair and Len will become vice chair. Maria will become treasurer. George will remain secretary.

The board recommended that Bryan again be liaison with ACSD, Susan with the selectboard, and Maria with the library. MCTV bylaws state that these organizations select their liaisons. Kurt will discuss MCTV’s recommendations with each organization. No opposition is expected. 

 VAN Annual Meeting
With a crowded agenda, the board deferred discussion of VAN’s annual meeting until the June meeting. Kurt, Dick, Len and George attended. One troubling development is Comcast’s forthcoming appeal of improvements, such as improving signal quality, mandated in the Public Service Board’s ruling on the cable company’s application for renewal of its CPG.  

MCTV will begin negotiations with Comcast later this year to renew its contract to be the local service provider for Middlebury and Weybridge. VAN is known nationwide for its aggressive negotiations and agreements can be cited as precedent in other negotiations, such as ours and others around the country.

New Server Update
 After lengthy study, Kurt and Dick have ordered a new server from TelVue, the station’s longtime supplier of servers. MCTV’s current, very creaky server finally failed and has been replaced by a loaner from TelVue.

 The $25,000 new server, being customized for MCTV’s needs, is “future proof” and should be in service in four to five weeks. MCTV received $2,500 for its old server and will save about $500 with full payment at the time of the order.

 Memorial Day Parade
MCTV will continue its popular “you’re-on-television” float. Dick will talk with Eric about using his truck. Last year’s banners will decorate the truck.

Dick’s Retirement Recognition
 There will be reception from 6-6:30 on June 13 prior to the select board meeting. Maria is in charge of arrangements. Board members should forward to Kurt thoughts on an invitation list, such as past board members, community friends, etc. There will also be a notice in The Addison Independent. 

 Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:37.

 

MCTV BOARD MEETING 5/10/17 AGENDA
Wednesday, May 10, 2017 8 AM
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library
AGENDA
Call to order
Approve February Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Board Reorganization
VAN annual meeting report
Review of MCTV annual meeting
New server update
Memorial Day Parade
Dick’s retirement recognition
Future Trends
Other business
Next meeting date
Adjourn

 

MCTV BOARD ANNUAL MEETING 2017 MINUTES
MCTV Annual Meeting
Wednesday, April 6, 2017
Meeting Room, Middlebury Town Hall

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), Susan Shashok, (treasurer). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director), Dick Thodal (assistant director).

Business Meeting
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 4:35. Note because of Snowstorm Stella, the scheduled March 14 annual meeting was cancelled and rescheduled to April 6.

Approve 2016 Annual Meeting Minutes
The 2016 annual meeting minutes were approved.

Adopt Budget/Treasurer’s Report
The 2017 operating budget of $129,358, a slight decrease from $134,325 in 2016, was approved. The decline results from Dick’s retirement at the end of June. The board continues to conservatively estimate Comcast’s annual contribution and is well positioned to spend approximately $40,000 for a new server to replace the current server which is constantly breaking down.

Amend Bylaws
The board approved new bylaws that established that the seven-member board would now consist of four, rather than three, at-large members elected by MCTV membership; one member appointed by the Middlebury select board; one by the Addison Central School District board; and one by Ilsley Library trustees. Because of the recent consolidation of district school boards, only one member, not two, is needed to represent the board.

Elect Two At-Large Board Members
Len and Deborah were reelected to three-year terms.

Other Business
None.

Adjourn
The business meeting was adjourned at 4:52.

 

MCTV BOARD MEETING 2/8/17 MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
February 8, 2017
Office, Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Absent: Mariah Graham, Jennifer Molineaux. Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director), Dick Thodal (assistant director). Absent: Jim Corbett, (production coordinator). Guest: Kevin Unrath.

Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:08.

Approve Minutes
The January minutes were approved after correction of minor errors.

Treasurer’s Report
Susan’s report was accepted. Comcast’s 2017 February payment of $26,352.99 represents a 6% increase over the 2016 February payment. The board has been concerned that “cord cutting” by cable users could reduce these payments. However, Comcast has apparently successfully countered the potential loss of subscribers by increasing cable package options and monthly fees.

Annual Meeting

Approve Warning for Bylaw Change
The board approved changes in Article III: Board of Directors that reflect the consolidation of Addison Central School District into one school board. The bylaws will now require that ACSD appoint one, not two, representatives to the seven-member MCTV board. Trustees of Ilsley Library will now appoint one member to the MCTV board, a bylaw change acknowledging the ever-increasing integration of library and MCTV programs. MCTV’s board has had an Ilsley representative for several years; the article change codifies the relationship. The changes will be formally approved at the annual meeting. The board also agreed, given that MCTV has extensive student programming, that it would be helpful to have a non-voting student representative on the board. Kurt will search for such a person. This did not require a bylaw change. The board will revisit and clarify who qualifies to be a MCTV member at a future meeting.

Program and Speakers
As in past annual meetings, the board will solicit the views, concerns, and goals of the community as part of our annual updating of the Community Access Plan. This year the big-picture discussion will center around several questions: What are the organization’s communication infrastructure needs, opportunities, and challenges in the next five years? How can the community and MCTV work collaboratively to reach these goals? Kurt, as a start, will ask the following people if they would be willing to present brief overviews: Timothy O’Leary, technical innovation specialist at ACSD; Kathleen Ramsay, town manager; Erica Garner, chair of the Community Partnership Council; Chris Kirby, Ilsley reference librarian; Robin Scheu, executive director of Addison County Economic Development Corporation and a state legislator; Angelo Lynn, publisher of The Addison Independent; and Bryan Alexander, futurist. Either Kurt or Bryan will facilitate the discussion. The annual meeting is March 14 at 4:30 in the community room of the library.

Transition Goals for 2017
Kurt discussed the transition goals and division of labor for Kurt, Dick, and Jim until Dick’s retirement on June 30. Dick, as resource and mentor, is sharing his experience with core functions with Kurt. Jim is largely “up to speed” on meeting coverage. The board will review transition progress at April and June meetings and will tweak as needed.

Comcast CPG and Contract Update
In a post-mortem on the PSB’s recent approval of Comcast’s Certificate of Public Good, Dick reported that one longstanding VAN goal, listing of VAN stations’ programs in the Comcast’s program guide, was achieved. However, PSB’s response to another longstanding VAN goal, technical parity in signal quality, was positive but lacked specific obligations for Comcast. Kurt reported that he had been discussing a common negotiating template with 10 other community stations whose Comcast contracts also expire this year. Dick advised that MCTV should contact Comcast in June about the renewal of our seven-year contract with them to be the accountable management organization for the area.

Access Plan
The board will review the plan in April after considering comments from the annual meeting.

Recent Activities

Future Trends
Bryan discussed the declining college-age demographic and the troubling, economic implications that threaten the survival of many colleges, especially in the Northeast. In a Reality 101 presentation, Bryan discussed how virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality are radically changing how we access and experience the world. Mixed reality is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. As costs decline and use increases, MCTV may want to support these applications in the public media lab.

Other Business
Kurt reported that he had not yet had time, given the transition, to investigate the grant program of the Council on Library and Information Resources that supports the digitization of at-risk audio and audiovisual material.

Next Meeting Date
April 12, 2017

Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:46.

 

MCTV BOARD MEETING 1/11/17 AGENDA
AGENDA
Call to Order
Introduce New Production Coordinator
Approve December Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Three Year Budget Projection
Library Space Planning
Goals for 2017
Annual Meeting
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING 1/11/17 MINUTES
Office, Ilsley Library
Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Kurt Broderson (executive director), Dick Thodal (assistant director), Jim Corbett, (production coordinator). Absent: Jennifer Molineaux. Guest: Kevin Unrath.

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:12.

Introduction New Production Coordinator
Kurt introduced Jim Corbett, the station’s new production coordinator. Corbett, who began last week, had been production manager at Barre’s CVTV station. The background of the coordinator, a Pittsford native, made him the clear choice and an ideal fit for the position, Kurt said.

Approve Minutes
The December minutes were approved with the following change: Jim Corbett attended St. Lawrence College not St. Michael’s College.
Treasurer’s Report/Three-Year Budget Projection
 The board approved Susan’s December report. Susan noted two major disbursements: $10,000 from the discontinued health benefits program was distributed to staff on a prorated basis; $10,064 from the maintenance equipment line item was spent on a mobile server, three HD cameras, and an HD monitor. This equipment will simplify and improve coverage of non-station programming, such as Festival on the Green and school events. Dick submitted a projected three-year budget, 2017-2019, based on annual salary increases of 4% and annual increases of Comcast support of 4%. Total expenses are projected as follows: 2017, $149,083; 2018; $138,694; and 2019, $142,925. The decline represents lower payroll expenses following Dick’s retirement in June of 2017. Kurt noted that MCTV was at an exciting point in its history and that the operating and capital balances will be improving, from $92,677 in 2017 to $129,082, a very healthy level. The board expects that the future switch to higher HD transmission will require major capital expenditures.

Library Space Planning Kevin reported that Ilsley’architectural consultants after evaluating the library’s program and space needs have developed three options. One option proposes a larger library at a new site. The other two options involve major alterations to the existing library and additions that would add 6,000 and 8,000 square feet. MCTV’s space, 1,200 square feet, is sufficient but its third-floor location isolates the station from the public and makes integration of library-MCTV programs more difficult. In addition, MCTV’s office with only one entrance does not meet code that requires two exits for a public space. MCTV’s production facility, studio space, and storage should be located more appropriately throughout the new space, Kevin and the board agreed. Kurt will continue to attend the library-architect discussions, which will continue through the spring. While Ilsley has long wanted to expand its space—discussions began two years ago—any construction could be three to five years away, Kevin estimated. Ilsley has recently hired a consultant for advice on a fund-raising campaign to help fund what could be a $4 million or more expansion. The library does not want to seek town support until it has attempted to raise the money privately, Kevin said.

Goals for 2017
For the February meeting, Kurt, Dick, and Jim will prepare a list of their goals for the next six months. The board will review the progress of the leadership transition in June and tweak goals as needed.

Announcement of Transition
Dick, being Dick, does not want a ticker tape parade to honor his 20-plus years of MCTV leadership when he retires in June. (The board will meet stealthily with approval of legal counsel to come up with a plan. Possibly a wood statute of Dick with webcam and chain saw in the new town park.) In the interim, Keith will update the select board at its January 23 meeting on the leadership transition and on MCTV’s long-term plans.

Annual Meeting
The meeting date has been changed from Thursday, March 16 to Tuesday, March 14. The meeting will be warned after the board meeting on February 8. At that meeting, a bylaws amendment changing the board composition from two to one school representative and replacing the second school representative with a library board member will be reviewed for adoption at the annual meeting. The board also discussed possible themes for the annual meeting discussion. In the past, the meeting has been used to help MCTV assess community needs and ask how we can better serve the community and collaborate with other town organizations. Discussion will continue at the February meeting.

Future Trends
Bryan’s presentation was deferred until the future, February.

Other Business
The board agreed that Kurt, Dick, and George should investigate a new grant program from the Council on Library and Information Resources that supports the digitization of at-risk audio and audiovisual material. Dick has long been concerned that historically valuable programs, such as continuous coverage of 20-plus years of select board coverage, needs to be inventoried, archived, and digitized. The pilot program will support projects for as long as a year with grants from $5,000 to $25,000.

Next Meeting Date
February 8, 2017

Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:34.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, December 14 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA
Call to Order
Approve November 9 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Approve Possible Over Budget Equipment Expense
2017 Budget
Health Reimbursement
Annual Meeting
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
December 14, 2016 Office, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Absent: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Deborah Felmeth. Guest: Kevin Unrath

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:11.

Approve Minutes
The November 9 minutes were approved with the elimination of the salary figure for the new executive director.

Treasurer’s Report
The board accepted Susan’s monthly report. Year-end figures will be available at the January meeting.

Approve Possible Over Budget Equipment Expense
Dick updated the board on his continuing research on how and when to update MCTV’s old, patched-together server system. This system does not meet the requirements for High Definition transmission, the higher-quality resolution that is available in Comcast channels but not yet in MCTV’s channels. Dick and Kurt’s research was precipitated by the annual end-of-the-year discounts offered by Telvue, MCTV’s longtime supplier of server equipment. The discounts offered on the roughly $24,000 cost of the upgrade were initially appealing, but there are many unknowns in purchasing an HD server now, Dick reported. MCTV records in HD but Comcast does not provide HD transmission. As a result, MCTV has to downgrade its HD quality to lower-quality regular transmission. VAN has urged the Public Service Board to require Comcast to provide this higher-quality service as a condition of the renewal of its Certificate of Public Good, its operating license. PSB’s decision is expected later this month. The board approved giving Dick and Kurt the flexibility to move forward and overspend the $20,000 in the equipment budget and to tap the capital fund if needed. Kurt and Dick thought the current workarounds were sufficient until the availability of HD and the impact of the Cloud are clearer.

2017 Budget
The board approved the proposed 2017 budget with minor changes. The proposed 2017 budget of $145,883 is expected to be approximately the same as 2016 expenditures, $142,000 to date. The 2017 budget has many one-time changes as Dick transitions from half-time to retirement at the end of June and a new production coordinator begins early next year. Given these changes, the board asked Dick to prepare a three-year budget forecast. The 2017 budget, reflecting Dick’s conservative budgeting, does not increase Comcast’s 2016 support of $102,000. The support is based on cable subscribers fees; the board has been concerned that “cord cutters” and the move to Internet access will reduce Comcast’s revenues. However, Comcast’s support which normally increases about 4% a year increased unexpectedly by 11%, or $10,000, in 2016. At Kevin’s suggestion, the board increased the $600 travel and $1,500 dues budget to $2,200 and $1,700 respectively. This increase would cover the dues to join the Alliance for Community Media and for Kurt to attend the alliance’s annual meeting next year in Minneapolis. The alliance, the national equivalent of the Vermont Alliance Network, is a very valuable resource, Dick noted.

Health Reimbursement
No discussion. The board eliminated this benefit and replaced it with a one-time salary increase at its November meeting.

Succession
The succession committee has selected James Corbett, a recent St. Michael’s College graduate now working at CCTV in Barre, for the new production coordinator position. He is expected to begin the 35-hour, $29,000-a-year position shortly. He was chosen from an initial field of eight candidates. Dick and Kurt will detail their transition plans for the next six months for board review in January. In June, the board will review the transition and tweak administration and future programming as needed.

Annual Meeting
The board set the annual meeting for March 16. With ACSD’s consolidation of school boards, MCTV will need to amend its bylaws to reduce school board membership on the MCTV board from two to one seats. The board will then vote on replacing the school seat with a member of the Ilsley Library Board.
Given changes in the schools and at MCTV, the board agreed that a roundtable review of how the station can collaborate with the select board, school board, and other community organizations would be helpful. One topic of discussion could be the community-wide need for faster Internet connections.
As in the past, Kurt will prepare a short video highlighting MCTV’s 2016 programming.

Future Trends
Carried over to the January meeting.

Other Business
Kevin reported that the architect’s options for the library’s expansion are now nearing completion and would involve significant changes, such as the removal of the current elevator and movement of MCTV to another floor. He urged that the board have representation at the architect’s next presentation, January 3.

Next Meeting Date
January 11, 2017.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:55.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, November 9, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA
Call to Order
Approve October 12 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Succession Planning and Budget
Health Reimbursement
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
November 9, 2016 Office, Ilsley Library
Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Absent: Deborah Felmeth. Guest: Kevin Unrath

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:19.

Approve Minutes
The October 12 minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Susan reported that the budget remains in good health and is on track with the 2016 budget projections.

Succession Planning and Budget
In a detailed, 90-minute discussion, Susan led the board through the recommendations of the succession planning group following its October 26 meeting.
1. The board agreed that as of January 1, 2017, staffing hours would be as follows: Kurt, 40 hours a week as the new executive director; Dick, 20 hours a week as the assistant director to assist in the transition until his retirement on July 1, 2017; Kathy, 18 hours a week, an increase of three hours, as programmer; and the new production coordinator position, 35 hours a week. Dick reported that the first six months of the 2017 budget will require a short-term drawdown of the current $42,000 operating fund balance to pay for the additional staff hours during the transition. This drawdown would not affect the financial stability of MCTV, Dick said.
2. The board agreed with the planning group’s recommendation to discontinue the annual $10,000 appropriation to reimburse staff for health care expenses. Equitable distribution of the benefits has been an administrative, case-by-case challenge and no out-of-pocket expenses have been reimbursed this year. The 2016 appropriation will be distributed to staff year on a pro-rated basis as a one-time salary benefit. This distribution will help recognize the competence, dedication, and hard work of the staff, the board agreed.
3. After meeting in executive session, the board agreed on a salary of $49,000 for the executive director in 2017. Len and Susan presented the offer to Kurt for his consideration.
4. The board tweaked the job description of the new production coordinator position and set a November 28 deadline for applications. The position will be advertised in area and state media as well as the VAN and MCTV website. Starting date is January 3.

Health Reimbursement
See above.

Recent Activities/Other Business
Carried over to the December meeting.

Future Trends
Carried over to the December meeting.

Next Meeting Date
December 14, 2016

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:20.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA
Call to Order
Approve September 14 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Succession Planning and Budget
Comcast CPG
Health Reimbursement
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
October 12, 2016 Office, Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Absent: Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:14.

Approve Minutes
The September 14 minutes were approved with one change. See underlining for change. The board agreed to review whether it should ask the town for its past appropriation of $5,000, an appropriation that was reduced two years ago when the town faced severe budget constraints.

Treasurer’s Report
Susan reported that the budget continued to be in good shape. Next year’s budget will be affected by the leadership succession with Kurt becoming executive director and Dick reducing his commitment to 20 hours. See discussion below.

Comcast CPG
Dick reported that the Public Service Board has completed taking testimony on Comcast’s application to renew its certificate of public good. VAN in its testimony stressed the need for improved signal quality so that public television transmissions had “technical parity” with Comcast’s stronger signal. The Department of Public Service, unfortunately, did not address that need in its testimony. The board is expected to rule by the end of the year.

Succession Planning and Budget
Susan discussed the highlights of the October 5 meeting of the Succession Planning Group. Among the principal changes envisioned in the January 1, 2017 transition to new leadership is the need to create a new 20-hour position to provide flexibility in scheduling and programming. Dick and Kurt will continue to explore transition ramifications: 1. Create a hiring timeline and job description for the new 20-hour position; 2. Create a budget reflecting anticipated changes; 3. Write a descriptive paragraph for the four staff positions; and 4. Include the hourly division of labor in Kurt’s new job description. Susan said a full report should be ready for a vote at November’s board meeting. Given the many changes, Dick said he would prepare a 2017 budget for consideration at the November meeting. Dick recommended and the board agreed that MCTV should not ask for an increase from $3,000 to $5,000 in the town’s contribution to help cover the cost of select board coverage. An increase, given the town’s expected tight budget and the budget’s $20,000 support of Kurt’s position, would not be appropriate.

Health Reimbursement
No activity.

Recent Activities/Other Business
Jennifer and Susan discussed a special edition of Middlebury 5-0 that will address the issue of “Humanizing the Criminal Justice System” in a public forum to be held October 17 at the Middlebury town offices. Panel members in the 90-minute program will include Samuel Hoar, Addison Superior Court judge, Middlebury police chief Thomas Hanley, David Fenster, Addison County State’s Attorney, and John Kidde, Restorative Justice advocate and consultant.

Future Trends
Carried over to the November meeting.

Next Meeting Date
November 9, 2016

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:13.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA
Call to Order
Approve July 13 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Comcast CPG
Archiving
Succession Planning
Health Reimbursement
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
September 14, 2016 Office, Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Guest: Kevin Unrath, Ilsley Library.

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:08.

Approve Minutes
The July 14, 2016 meeting minutes were approved with one change. In the succession planning report the following underlined section was deleted. “Broderson accepted and described his upcoming learning curve and a desire to retain the shared Library-MCTV shared IT function, which he’d like to title Production Coordinator.”

Treasurer’s Report
Susan reported that MCTV had received the town’s annual appropriation, $3,000, and Comcast’s quarterly support, which increased $425 to $25,833. The board agreed that it should ask the town for its past appropriation of $5,000, an appropriation that was reduced two years ago when the town faced severe budget constraints. The board will justify its request in a submission this fall outlining MCTV’s broadened services, such as maintenance of the town activity bulletin board in the new town hall.

Comcast CPG
Dick electronically circulated the Vermont Alliance Network’s 103-page brief to the Public Service Board on Comcast’s request for renewal of its Certificate of Public Good. The current CPG runs out December 31, 2016. The next CPG would grant Comcast, the state’s largest cable system, operating rights through 2028, a near eternity in the rapidly changing digital landscape. In a lengthy discussion of the brief, Dick stressed that VAN is once again asking for “technical parity”—any quality improvements in Comcast’s transmission infrastructure should be made available to PEG stations. The brief argues that “…Comcast is reluctant, at best, or intractable, at worst, to provide AMOs access to these new technologies or even a road map for how to gain access. Comcast has made its strategy to jettison PEG to digital Siberia abundantly clear in this Docket.” Dick noted that the brief stressed that higher-quality signals were critical for PEG’s survival and that PEG programming has widespread community support. The PSB is well aware of the lack of “technical parity,” Dick said. MCTV’s 7-year contract with Comcast to be the local community provider comes up for renewal in 2017. VAN is requesting that any structural upgrades and new conditions, such as requiring Comcast to acknowledge and publicize PEG programming, be universally applicable. In the past Comcast has had a “divide and conquer” strategy where each station had to negotiate improvements de novo.

Archiving
The importance of inventorying, organizing, and protecting 20-plus years of programming has long been a critical need for MCTV. A brownout in July that briefly threatened access to the archives has reinforced the need to make securing the archive a front burner concern, Dick said. Dick discussed the many redundancies already built into the system and outlined steps to create additional security. He cautioned that no system is 100% reliable.

Succession Planning
After a report from Jennifer and Susan, chair and secretary of the Succession Planning Committee and a 30-minute discussion, the board approved the following statement: It is the goal of the Succession Planning Group to transition the position of Executive Director by January 1, 2017. The group will continue working with staff to create job descriptions and a timeline for hiring the ED and MCTV staff. The committee will meet again on October 5. To help the committee draw up job descriptions, Dick and Kurt will develop a list of their priorities and goals, short and long term. The transition, the board agreed, presents both challenges and opportunities in thinking about what MCTV does well and how it can best meet community needs. While new leadership after 20 years of Dick’s leadership represents a very significant change, the board agree that Dick and Kurt’s close working relationship and their mutual trust should minimize any problems. Jennifer will step down as chair of the committee at the October meeting but will remain a member. She expressed interest in applying for a new staff position that could be created when Dick becomes a part-time employee. The board agreed with her concern that chairing the committee could become a conflict of interest. Len will become chair.

Recent Activities, Health Reimbursement, Future Trends
Due to lengthy discussions of the Comcast CPG, Archiving, and Succession Planning, the above agenda items were held over to October.

Other Business
Deborah will miss the next several meetings. The board wishes her safe travels in Syria.

Next Meeting Date
October 12, 2016

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:30.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, July 13, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA
Call to Order
Approve June 8 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Town Offices Transition
Archiving
Factfinding
Health Reimbursement
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
MCTV Studio, 3rd floor Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair, acting secretary) Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), Susan Shashok (treasurer).
Staff: Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator), Dick Thodal (executive director).
Absent: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth.

Len Rowell called us to order at 8:05 am.

We discussed, then voted to accept minutes for the June 8th meeting (moved by Jennifer Molineaux, seconded by Susan Shashok, approved unanimously).

The treasurer reported an acceptable financial situation. Major purchases (new camera and mixer) lie ahead. We accepted the report (Bryan Alexander moved, Shashok seconded, approved unanimously).

We discussed the Middlebury town office transition, wherein construction continues.

We also discussed MCTV’s community archiving function, noting the upcoming release of a 1939 time capsule, which MCTV will record, working with the Sheldon Museum on the back burner for now. We considered how the station can best do this, with Rowell urging us to stay on top of archiving, and Alexander and Shashok agreeing archiving should be foregrounded. Alexander then nearly took the meeting completely off course by describing life streaming.

The factfinding group reported on meetings with the town and library, andShashok raised the topic of succession planning. To further discuss this we entered executive session at 8:41 am, returning at 8:57. Shashok moved that we offer Kurt Broderson the position of MCTV director upon Dick Thodal’s retirement and depending on negotiations; Alexander seconded the motion. Broderson accepted, and described his upcoming learning curve and a desire to retain the library-MCTV shared It function, which he’d like to title Production Coordinator. Thodal accepted this plan. We approved the motion unanimously. The fact finding group changed its name to Succession Planning.

Health care reimbursement:
We determined that a potential conflict could exist between our human resources plans and the Affordable Care Act, and that further research is required. We tabled any immediate action. Shashok celebrated Ilsley director Kevin Unrath’s leadership of the recent health care forum.

Recent activities:
The Festival on the Green was still going on, as of this meeting. The summer youth media programs were fully enrolled, and statistically dominated by boys (an 8:1 ratio).

Other business:
The library is exploring architects and financing for a renovation.

Next meeting date:
By acclamation we decided to forego an August meeting, and instead will next meet on September 14th at 8 am, in the usual location.

We adjourned shortly before 10 am.
Submitted respectfully,
Bryan Alexander

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, June 8, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA

Call to Order
Approve May 11 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Town Offices Transition
Archiving
Factfinding
Health Reimbursement
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
June 8, 2016 Office, Ilsley Library

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Guest; Kevin Unrath, Ilsley Library. Absent: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Maria Graham.

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:12.

Approve Minutes
The May 11, 2016 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Susan reported that the budget continues to be in good shape. Comcast’s quarterly payment increased about $600 to $25,408, which is in line with expectations. Dick reported that the periodic upgrading of equipment continues with the recent purchase of a new camera, audio equipment, and a tripod. The cost was 4300.

Town Offices Transition.
Dick and Kurt reported that documentation of the transition to the new town office continues. Coverage includes movement of the 88 Main Street building, time-lapse coverage of the construction of the new town offices, the ribbon cutting ceremony, an interview with Glenn Andres on the history of the old high school/town offices, an interview with Howard Kelton and Beth Dow on Middlebury 5-0, interviews with high school alumni by Middlebury College students. Upcoming demolition of the old town offices will be documented with time-lapse coverage. Dick is investigating how to integrate all this new information and past extensive meeting coverage of planning for the new town offices. See Archiving below. Kurt suggested a deadline for this work could be the completion of the community park that will replace the old town office building foot print. The one-acre green space could be ready this fall.

Archiving
MCTV’s March annual meeting focused on the importance of making Middlebury’s extensive historical records, among the most complete of any town in New England, easily accessible. As a first step, Dick has begun inventorying all MCTV’s coverage of discussions on the need for a town office building, starting with November 2011 selectboard meetings. A system for searching this coverage could serve as a model for other archiving, such as the Crosstown Bridge and the proposed enlargement of the railroad underpass. Archiving the station’s programs is a longstanding goal, but it is both time intensive and requires an institutional memory such as Dick’s. The board agreed that outside experts/volunteers/ research assistants may be needed both to develop a search engine and to do the actual archiving. Dick noted that while there have been no formal meetings since our annual meeting, he continues to informally share and get updates on archival plans and projects with other organizations.

Fact Finding
Susan reported that the Fact Finding Group—Len, Susan, Jennifer, and Dick—met on May 18 to discuss the long- and short-term ramifications of Dick’s desire to work part-time. As part of the fact finding, the group discussed the possibility of Ilsley, given its ever closer program collaboration with MCTV, being the access management organization that would oversee station operations. Len, Susan, and Jennifer will meet with Kathleen Ramsay and Kevin Unrath on June 18. The group will present its findings at the July board meeting. Susan’s report is attached.

Health Reimbursement
MCTV has a longstanding ad hoc approach to helping staff with medical expenses, such as insurance premiums, co-pays, and bills not covered by health insurance. There have been no formal guidelines on how to distribute the annual allocation of $10,000. Susan, who has been leading the effort to clarify this coverage, will meet with Kevin to discuss the library’s extensive guidelines on health care coverage

Recent Activity
Dick and Kurt reported that Joe Schine continues to finetune the transition from the old website to the new, more accessible website and to determine the best search structure. Dick continues to monitor new technology that would improve program transmission quality to HD standards. MCTV is dependent on Comcast upgrading its infrastructure before it can invest in new complementary HD equipment. Community television stations have requested that the Public Service Board require this upgrade in its current renegotiation of Comcast’s certificate of public good. About a third of MCTV’s programs are available in high definition through the web. Programs on cable can only be transmitted in standard definition. Kurt reported he will working next fall with the TV News Club, a group of high school students, to create a bi-weekly, three- to five-minute news show. Kurt also reported that MCTV video camp students will be participating again this summer in a spoof of a classic movie. The project is coordinated by Northampton Community Television.

Future Trends
In Bryan’s absence, the future trends discussion was carried over to July meeting.

Other Business
The board has long looked for ways to increase public knowledge of MCTV programs. Comcast will not include any information about MCTV in its correspondence with cable customers. Given our close association, Kevin said Ilsley would be pleased to include a What’s Happening at MCTV box in its monthly newsletter.

NextMeeting Date
June 8, 2016

Adjournment
The meetingadjourned at 9:35.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA

Call to Order
Approve April 13 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
VAN Annual Meeting Recap
Town Offices Coverage
Reorganization
Parade
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
May 11, 2016 Office, Ilsley Library
Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director),
Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Absent: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Deborah Felmeth, Kevin Unrath, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:01.
Approve Minutes
The April 13, 2016 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Susan reported that MCTV has received the library’s share of Kurt’s salary, about $19,000, and that budget continued to be “on track.” Dick noted that
Comcast’s first quarter 2016 payment represented a 4% increase as expected.

Vermont Access Network Annual Meeting Recap
Dick, Kurt and George attended the May 6 business meeting and seminars held at the VCAM studio in Burlington. Dick reported that pre-file testimony in Comcast’s CPG renewal hearings before the Public Service Board is now complete. Over the coming year the discovery and rebuttal phases will follow. Comcast’s 11-year certificate runs out in 2017. Comcast has refused to list community television programs in its cable channel guide in the past. How forthcoming Comcast will be to this and longstanding signal-quality concerns is not clear.MCTV’s 2017 renewal with Comcast will be largely based on this master CPG. Dick noted that VAN is also investigating a civic network that will permitsharing of computer functions. Kurt attended the live streaming session and will be visiting a state-of-the-art station to see how it operates. George attended the social media session and was impressed by VCAM’s extensive use of social media to promote its programs. MCTV has relied on program producers, such as Chris and Jennifer, to do their own social media promotion, such as through announcements on Front Porch Forum. Kurt felt that MCTV, given its limited resources, was using YouTube and Facebook effectively.

Town Office Coverage
Dick’s worst nightmare, a very noisy selectboard meeting room, has come true. BreadLoaf will attempt to quiet the offending fans. Dick once again impressed
the board with his all-encompassing geekiness. In this case, acoustics. Other tweaks to come include placement of meeting cameras and updating of announcements on the lobby monitor. Kurt did the initial programming with the understanding that the town would take over that responsibility. Archival coverage. Kurt has completed an hour-long time-lapse program chronicling the construction of the new town offices. This could be combined with the moving of the 88 Main Street building to Cross Street, the ribbon-cutting opening, and the time-lapse coverage of the upcoming demolition of the old town offices. Other programs include a recent interview with Glenn Andres on the history of the old high school/town office building. A college intern has interviewed high school alumni as has Middlebury 5-0. All these programs will be listed on the MCTV website as they become available. The board will also alert the select board and The Addison Independent of this community resource.

Reorganization
Susan, Len, and Jennifer will be interviewing Dick, Kurt, Kathleen, and Kevin in the coming weeks on the implications of Dick moving to part-time work. They will report on their fact finding at the July meeting.

Parade
Meet behind the library at 7:30 for last-minute assembly of Eric’s float truck. Banners will highlight Ilsley and MCTV collaboration.

Recent Activity
Len updated the board on past and future Story Matter interviewees. Kurt reported that MCTV cannot post the Indiana Jones spoof until copyright concerns over use of original score music are resolved. Northampton community television will be creating a similar crowd-source video this summer. MCTV youth video producers will participate again. Kurt is also planning a homegrown video. More later. Jennifer reported that finding female guests for Middlebury 5-0 is difficult and that male guests far outweigh female guests. Board members will alert Jennifer to possible guests and Dick and Kurt will attempt to monitor gender representation/equality in programming when the new archiving system is fully functioning. Joe Schine, website developer, continues to tweak the system, such as a search function that smoothly integrates the old and new archival systems.

Other Business
Susan will lead a discussion at the June meeting on MCTV’s health care reimbursement program. Coverage and timely reimbursement will be discussed.

Future Trends
In Bryan’s absence, the future trends discussion was carried over to June meeting.

Next Meeting Date
June 8, 2016

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:37.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MCTV BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, April 13, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA

Call to Order
Approve February 10 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Election of Officers
Annual Meeting Recap
Town Offices Coverage
Reorganization
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MCTV Board Meeting
April 13, 2016
MCTV Studio

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Susan Shashok (treasurer), Len Rowell (chair), Missing: Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux. Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Guest: Kevin Unrath

Agenda
Call to Order
 Len called the meeting to order at 8:15.

Approve Minutes
The February 10 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report/Budget
Susan reported that the 2016 budget, representing a 2.5% increase over the 2015, budget was “A-OK.” On the revenue side, Dick reported that he had conservatively planned on a Comcast budget increase of about 3%. The budget envisions drawing down the $88,000 fund balance by about $16,000. With the drawdown, the fund balance would still slightly exceed the desired six-month operating reserve, Dick said.

Election of Officers
The current officers—Len Rowell, chair; Brian Alexander, vice chair; and George Bellerose, secretary—were unanimously reelected for one-year terms. They will not let their power go to their heads.

Annual Meeting Recap
The board agreed that the roundtable discussion, Archiving Our Community, had been a very valuable first step in thinking about how Middlebury can best preserve its past while looking to needs of the future. To build on the interest of the dozen-plus community organizations, the board proposed the following approach and next steps. MCTV does not want to take “ownership” of the community’s archiving efforts. Rather MCTV should encourage sharing of information on archival efforts and in “keeping everyone in the loop.” Toward that end, the discussion summary in the annual meeting notes and Bryan’s computer notes will be sent to participants with an invitation to comment on next steps. This material will be included in a thank-you-for-attending note written by Kurt.
MCTV will create an archives file on its website that will contain information on our archiving efforts. The site could also contain links to the archiving programs of other organizations. Kevin will send a copy of the tape of the annual meeting to the Vermont Historical Society. MCTV’s ongoing effort to improve access to the station’s 25 years of programming could, given the time constraints of Dick and Kurt, require the hiring of an intern or other help. This process should begin as soon as possible as much of MCTV’s inventorying efforts is filed in Dick’s head. While Dick has a formidable cranial hard drive, he is planning to reduce his MCTV involvement. (See later discussion.)All this activity dovetails with the objective in our access plan to constantly monitor how we are listening and responding to community needs.

Town Offices Coverage
Dick reports that production equipment for the first taping of the select board, April 13, is in place. Some tweaking remains. Kurt has programmed a Community Bulletin board to be shown on a monitor in the lobby. This monitor could also show meeting coverage to overflows when the conference room is full.
The formal opening of the new offices will be April 29. Deborah and Len report that the interview with Glenn Andres is upcoming. Middlebury College students will be interviewing alums who attended the high school before it became town offices. MCTV will film the demolition of the old town offices as it has the construction of the new town offices. Kurt will edit the extensive coverage and create a time-lapse program.

Reorganization/Staffing
Dick, Mr. MCTV for the past 20 years, would like to cut back on his hours as he nears 70. This change will have many short- and long-term governance, staffing, and relationship ramifications, many of which we may not foresee presently. A three-person committee, Len, Susan, and Jennifer, will begin an information-gathering study—interviewing staff, library, school and town officials—and will report back to the board in July on next steps. In essence, how can and should we adjust and improve out structure. Given our close relationship with Ilsley, Kevin, who has just gone through a library strategic planning process, will be closely involved in the discussion.

Recent Activities
Kurt reported that the recent showing of the Raiders of the Lost Ark spoof at the Marquis Theater was well received. He will be discussing the film at Project Independence. Two summer video camps are planned. A future film, built around a spoof of War of the Worlds, is being considered, Kurt said. Don’t listen to your radios, he advises. MCTV is ok.

Future Trends
Bryan reported that middle and high school students are continuing to embrace and master new technologies, such as 3-D printing. NPR is struggling to find its place and its economic future with many listeners now accessing programs through mobile applications and not through local public radio stations, which financially support national programming. Bryan said his new interview program with prominent technology and education thinkers is available on his website. MCTV will show the program, Future Trends Forum, on Channel 16.

Other Business
Memorial Day. The MCTV float, which provides 30 seconds of televised fame to parade watchers, will return by popular demand. Dick will contact Eric about the availability of his truck. There will be banners but not the extensive paper decorations of the truck as in the past. MCTV will work with the library on its proposed theme of fitness. The VAN annual meeting will be in Burlington on May 6. Those interested in attending should contact Dick.

Next Meeting Date
May 11.

Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9.50

MCTV ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 4:00pm
Ilsley Library Meeting Room

Business Meeting
Call to Order
Approve 2015 Annual Meeting Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Adopt Budget
Elect two At-Large Board Members
Other Business
Adjourn

Roundtable Discussion: Archives in the 21st Century
A Community Needs Assessment

MCTV BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
March 16, 2016

Len Rowell, Chair At-Large 2014-2017
Bryan Alexander , Vice Chair UD#3 2015-2018
George Bellerose, Secretary At-Large 2013-2016
Susan Shashok,Treasurer Selectboard, 2014-2017
Jennifer Molineaux ID#4 2015-2018
Deb Felmeth At-Large 2014-2017
Maria Graham, Ilsley Library At-Large 2013-2016

Dick Thodal, Executive Director
Kathy Wheatley, Programmer
Kurt Broderson, Technology Coordinator

MCTV Annual Meeting 2016 Minutes

Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Ilsley Library, Vermont Room

Present: George Bellerose (secretary), Bryan Alexander (vice chair), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham (late), Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), Susan Shashok. Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator).

Business Meeting
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 4:09.

Approve 2015 Annual Meeting Minutes
The 2015 annual meeting minutes were approved.

Budget/Treasurer’s Report
The 2016 budget of $154,325 was approved. This represents about a 2.5% increase over the 2015 budget.

Other Business
None.

Adjourn
The business meeting was adjourned at 4:20.

Roundtable Discussion: Archiving Our Community in the 21st Century. Bryan Alexander: Moderator

As is MCTV’s custom, a very short business meeting was followed by an extended discussion of community needs and interests. This year’s theme was the challenges and opportunities in using new digital platforms to record and archive community events.

Prior to the 75-minute discussion, Kurt Broderson showed a several-minute trailer of a crowd-sourced spoof of “Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Four of the 42 scenes were mainly produced by Middlebury youths, most of whom had attended MCTV summer video camps. The hour-plus video, which was organized by Northampton (Mass.) Community Television, received its area premier at the Marquis Theater following the meeting.

The very lively roundtable discussion began with a survey of how the approximately 20 attendees, representing town government, educational organizations, like Middlebury College and the University of Vermont, community television stations, historical organizations, such as the Sheldon Museum, and individuals, were currently using and/or archiving material. Attendees also addressed how they were searching for best practices and adopting and adapting new digital technologies.

What was clear is that there is no single, meets-all-needs format and platform and that everyone is learning as they go and learning from each other. New resources, such as the Digital Public Library of America, the Wayback Machine, and the National Digital Newspaper Project, are constantly emerging and making information of all kinds easily accessible.

Middlebury has, attendees believed, one of the most, if not the most, complete records of community life in New England. Dick Thodal, in showing a MCTV-produced video of the history and construction of the Cross Street Bridge, stressed the historical value of the town’s trove of old photographs, newspapers, and governmental records.

The challenge, several attendees noted, is given the cost and time in digital archiving what are the ground rules to determine how and what to save. Town officers are now moving to new headquarters and trying to decide what to do with boxes and boxes of basement records, Ann Webster, town clerk, said.

There were, attendees, agreed some rules of thumb in addressing the financial and resource challenges in archiving years and years of records of all kinds.

First, inventory what you have. Decide what is essential, who will need it, and how they would use it. Get second opinions when you’re not sure of records long-term value.

It is difficult to know how technology will change in coming years—from casettes to CDs to DVDs to the Cloud—so be flexible and keep the originals, especially old technologies that have largely vanished. Middlebury College Special Collections, for example, keeps wax cylinders of old folk recordings and their mechanical players.

Given the constant change, community organizations, such as Ilsley Library, the Sheldon Museum, the College, and MCTV, are attempting to create and adopt interoperable standards, Kevin Unrath, library director, said.

In summing up, Bryan Alexander noted that the keys to success would be to continually involve the community in the record-keeping process and to retain the hyperlocal focus of these efforts. Repeating earlier suggestions, Bryan said the goal must be to keep track of the past with an eye on the future.

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes

February 10, 2016
Office, Ilsley Library
Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah Felmeth, Maria Graham, Jennifer Molineaux, Len Rowell (chair), and Susan Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson (technology coordinator). Guest: Kevin Unrath, Ilsley Library

Agenda
Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:11.
Approve Minutes
The January 13, 2016 meeting minutes were approved.
 
Treasurer’s Report
 Susan reported that Comcast’s recent quarterly payment represented a 6% increase over a year ago. Despite fears of “cord cutting” as people access programs via the Internet instead of cable, Comcast’s annual payments continue to increase annually at a 4% to 6% rate.

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting was rescheduled to March 16, 2016 in the Ilsley Conference Room from 4:30 to 6. After extensive discussion the board settled on a theme, “Archiving Our Community in the 21st Century,” that will bring together a cross-section of area organizations for a brain-storming session. The board will ask Rebecca Irwin, a former Ilsley Library board member and director of special collections and archives at the College, to keynote and moderate the discussion.
The board will invite the following organizations, Ilsley Library, Vermont Folklife Center, Sheldon Museum, Middlebury College, Addison Independent, as well as representatives from the school system, economic development, town government, police, and the courts. The public will be invited as well.
Dick reported that MCTV could become a test station for introduction of the state-of-the-art, multi-platform PB Core archival system. The Vermont Access Network is considering PB Core as the archiving system for all community television stations.
The board will invite Angelike Contis, executive director of Mt. Mansfield Community Television who is heading VAN’s archiving study committee, to attend.
A subcommittee of Dick, Len, George, and Kevin will meet on February 18 to fine tune plans for the meeting.

Website
The website is up and running and archived programs are now being transferred from the old to the new website. Kurt and Joe Schine continue to tweak the site, based on user comments, for greater accessibility.

Budget
Dick is continuing to monitor the long-term financial implications of Comcast’s new Certificate of Public Good now being negotiated with the Public Service Board. The 11-year contract will take effect next year.
Dick also alerted the board that he is considering reducing his hours in the future and that the salary line item and work hours and responsibilities would have to be adjusted.

Future Trends
Bryan briefly described the increasingly present world of The Internet of Things where users can be interconnected to nearly everything, any time, and from any place. This access while convenient raises serious privacy questions that have not yet been resolved.
Bryan is also starting a weekly interview program where he will talk with leading thinkers about the future of technology and education. He will send board members a link.

Other Business
Maria’s five-year Ilsley Library board term is over but she has agreed to informally represent the board until an Ilsley representative is named.
Kurt reported that the children’s media lab’s spoof video of Raiders of the Lost Ark will be shown at the Marquis Theater following the town meeting on February 29. Student producers will discuss the video prior to its showing.
Dick reported that he has a second grandchild. When pressed, he showed the board photographs of the day-old boy. The board unanimously approved of the pictures.

Next Meeting Date
March 16, 2016

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:35.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA
Call to Order
Approve January 13 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Annual Meeting
Website
Budget
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn

MCTV Board Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2016
Office, Ilsley Library

Present: Bryan Alexander (vice chair), George Bellerose (secretary), Deborah
Felmeth, Maria Graham, Len Rowell (chair), Missing: Jennifer Molineaux. Susan
Shashok (treasurer). Staff: Dick Thodal (executive director), Kurt Broderson
(technology coordinator). Agenda

Call to Order
Len called the meeting to order at 8:15.
Approve Minutes The December 9, 2015 meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report/Budget
In Susan’s absence, Dick reported that 2015 expenses were $20,000 less than budgeted. This surplus reflects the carry forward of $15,000 of the $20,000 capital expense budget. This amount has been ear marked to upgrade MCTV’s aging transmission infrastructure in the coming year. Five thousand dollars represents the unspent portion of the $10,000 health care benefits line item. The current balance, $87,000, is slightly greater than MCTV’s normal reserve of six months of operating expenses. Annual Meeting The annual meeting was set for March 17, 2016 in the Ilsley Conference Room from 4:30 to 6. The board discussed having a panel discussion with the Vermont Folklife Center and Sheldon Museum on how the three organizations can work individually and cooperatively to record and archive town history in a changing media and digital landscape.

New Town Office
Len updated the board on MCTV and town efforts to document the demise and history of the old town offices and to celebrate the opening of the new town offices. MCTV’s webcam recording of the construction of the new town offices will be edited by Kurt and broadcast. Opening ceremonies of the new town offices and gym will be filmed as will the demolition of the old town offices and gym in the spring. In addition, MCTV will interview Glenn Andres and Pat Armstrong about the history of the old high school/town office building. Kathleen Ramsay has appointed a three-person committee to coordinate opening ceremony activities. Other suggestions include recording of a walk through the existing offices and gym with a local historian; a story circle of individuals with memories of the building that could be moderated by the folklife center; students in the Youth Media Lab interviewing people; having Sheldon Museum display historical photographs of the building and its surroundings; placing an i-Pad in the town offices where visitors could record their reminisces.

Website
Joe Schine, a former MCTV intern and now a web developer, demonstrated the new more accessible MCTV website which will now use the same operating system, Word Press, as the library. The website, which employs click-on graphics and a much more easily searched archive, should be ready for public use in several weeks. Programs will now be available through YouTube, which raises the possibility that material could be downloaded for commercial purposes. Programs and content, such as selectboard meetings, cannot be used for commercial purposes. Policing the use of material on YouTube’s widespread and rapid transmission is difficult.

Access Plan
Dick suggested that the annual review of our community access plan start with a brain-storming session not with an item-by-item review of the currrent plan. No date was set for the review.

Future Trends
Due to the length of the meeting, Bryan’s report was postponed to February.

Other Business
Maria reported that her five-year term on the Ilsley board will end in February and her concomitant
membership on the MCTV board will end following the February meeting. The board believes continued Ilsley representation on the MCTV board is critical given our close working relationship. Maria noted
that the board’s long-term planning committee has considered the possibility of even closer ties with MCTV, such as being its umbrella organization should Comcast funding diminish or disappear. Beyond filling Maria’s position, the board may have to modify the two seats allocated to school representatives if a consolidated school district and board are approved in the spring.

Next Meeting Date
February 10, 2016

Adjournment The meeting adjourned at
9:54.

MCTV BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 8am
MCTV Studio Third Floor Ilsley Library

AGENDA
Call to Order
Approve December 9 Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Annual Meeting
Town Office Items
Website
Budget
Access Plan
Recent Activities
Future Trends
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn