No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IGR-1992-01-08 s�1�lirA<'�_l it,l� �s `rrrrrr-fl.� CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF Interinstitutional Committee of Common Council TELEPHONE: (607)27 CITY ATTORNEY Minutes of January 17, 1995 FAX: (607)272 2--7348 7348 prepared by Patricia Kennedy Present from Common Council: Tom Hanna, Dick Booth, Roey Thorpe, John Efroymson, Rick Gray, Ben Nichols. I. Computer Access: The major portion of the meeting was focused on a presentation on computer access to various networks, including the Internet. Steve Worona from Cornell University and a member of the Ithacanet gave a computerized presentation which allowed members to see what the computer would show on a large screen. One area presented was the kinds of things that other cities are putting onto various nets, so the Council members could get some sense of what it would take to provide public access to information which the City produces on a daily basis. Also present were: Paul Nyser, from Nyser-Net, Dave Stewart from Cornell, and various representatives from the Ithacanet. The discussion was intended to help Council determine: 1. Whether we should put up our own server with local access only; 2 . Whether we should put up our own server, which would be accessible through the Internet, or 3 . Whether we should participate in the development of a community-based server in which we would be a partner or subscriber. Apparently, there are grants available now from the NTIA for technical assistance efforts and hardware and software purchases. Tom Hanna reported that the last grant distributed 67 million dollars in 92 grants with a large percentage of the money going to the cities. The next grant application will have even more money. He suggested that somebody from the Planning Department (Doug?) be assigned to go to a local session which NTIA is giving on how to prepare the grant applications and that we tap that funding source for technical assistance and hardware. jan17.95 1 An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" t../ Recycled Paper Access to the Internet through Nysernet would cost us somewhere in the neighborhood of $11,000 to $12, 000 in order to get an initial line access and then $7, 000 to $8, 000 a year thereafter. The major questions for Common Council are: 1) how to offer information to those who already own or have shared access to computers and/or modems, and 2) how to offer information access to those who don't own computers or modems, but want to have a way into the information net. Time and space on Ithacanet is available right now. Bill Kaupe has already placed at least one ordinance on the net to show how this might work on a "City Hall" page. A "gatekeeper" from city government needs to be appointed to determine the kinds of things that should go on the net as "City" information. A presentation similar to the one before this committee will be made to Senior Department Staff at the Mayor's staff meeting on February 10th, by Steve Worona and Bill Kaupe. 1. The Committee was not in general agreement on whether we should move in the direction of having an Ithaca City page in the Internet. 2 . The Committee decided to request that Department Heads provide a list of items which would be used or could be used for posting on either a City page in the Internet or the Ithacanet. 3 . The Committee want to further explore what it would take to have a City Hall page on the Ithaca net. II. Cable Commission Report. Jean Finley from the Cable Commission presented the Interinstitutional Committee with several resolutions and a report dated January 14th, copy is attached, in opposition to request from Time Warner Cable asking that the Ithaca City Franchise be transferred to the new Time Warner/Advance/New House Cable Company. The City has until late February to deny the request, otherwise, it will automatically transfer. The Cable Commission has asked to put a report on the Committee of the Whole meeting for January and make a decision as to whether the City wants to approve the transfer, disapprove the transfer or approve it with conditions. jan17.95 2 The matter was turned over to the City Attorney's Office for a legal opinion on 1) whether the reasons for objection raised by the Cable Commission would be violations of the Franchise, 2) whether the Cable Commission has power to investigate them or whether it has to be done by Common Council, and 3) if the matter is raised by the Cable Commission are supported by the facts, and are violations of the franchise whether they would constitute good cause for objecting to the transfer. Jean Finley also asked that Common Council support a letter to be written to Governor Pataki opposing- the idea of disbanding the New York State Cable Commission, because the State Cable Commission has been helpful to us. cc: All Council Members Cookie Paolangeli, City Clerk All Department Heads jan17.95 3 • MINUTES INTERINSTITUTIONAL & COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE AUGUST 8, 1995 The meeting was called to order at 4 : 00 p.m. Present: John Efroymson, Rick Gray, Tom Hanna, Dick Booth, and Mayor Benjamin Nichols. Also present were Bill Kaupe, Doug Foster, Dominick Cafferillo and Charles Guttman. Present from the public was Theresa Alt. The committee discussed the City Computer Plan. • The committee then discussed the Ithaca Cable Commission and in particular, the issue of the use of the INET. The attached resolution was moved, seconded and unanimously carried. The committee then discussed other Cable Commission issues. The committee then had a media forum discussing with members of the media issues regarding public access to information. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6: 05 p.m.