The Tipp-Monroe Cable Access Commission, in its last two meetings, re-organized and elected new officers for the upcoming term. Dave Werts, long-time Commission Member and President was re-elected President once again. (Way to go Dave!!!) Fellow long-time member Joanna Pittenger was elected Vice-President, and Attorney Bryan Stewart was re-elected as Treasurer. Also at the meeting, new appointees Doug Lohnes, and Wendy Bauder, were installed Commissioners.
The Commission then voted to establish a set of goals for the upcoming term both with respect in terms of where the Public Access Commission wants to go generally, and how they can serve the needs of the public best. Discussions were held concerning bids for the creation of the Commission’s web-site, the upcoming budget, and equipment needs, along with the critical need for volunteers. With the economic climate Commission members expressed the desire to be as fiscally conservative, yet technologically innovative as possible. More specific budgetary and long-term goals will be finalized at the upcoming meetings. Efforts at continuing televised coverage of City Council, Township Trustee , and Board of Education Meetings were discussed, along with the possibility of covering other boards and commissions who use the meeting facilities such as the Planning Board, and Zoning Appeals. Technology and equipment issues dominated the discussions. The Commission also approved a tentative 2010 budget, and the immediate procurement of a new fax/copier/scanner, and upgrades to the video/computer system which will allow for greater programming and information to be brought to the viewers.
The Commission consists of six voting and four “ex-officio” members. Three voting members are appointed by Monroe Township, and three voting members are appointed by Tipp City Council. One ex-officio member each is appointed by Tipp City Council, Tipp City Exempted Village School Board, the Monroe Township Trustees, and the elected members of the Tipp-Monroe Cable Access Commission. The Commission establishes rules and procedures to be approved by the City Council and Township Trustees for the public access station, KIT-TV, Channel 5.
The Commission determines the type of programming to be permitted, reviews specific programs, arranges scheduling, and otherwise maintains primary responsibility for the public access station. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm. At the station’s studio located on the 2nd Floor of the Monroe Township Building. The studio has been the site of many live and recorded programs including the Optimists Auction, the Mike Scinto Show, and more recently the Get Social Radio Show with Mike McDermott (yours truly) and Greg Enslen. Anyone wishing to volunteer to work in the station, or help in videotaping events should contact the station at (937) 667-8622
