WMPA-TV and Right-of-Way Discussed at Council Meeting

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By JOHN BADEN

Record Herald Writer

Courtesy of the Record Herald; Printed 9.2.12

WEST MILTON – Television and right-of-way dominated the discussions of the West Milton Council’s work session on Tuesday night.

Tom Beck of WMPA-TV was present at the meeting to discuss an opportunity to merge with Troy Public Broadcasting Channel 5.

While Beck likes Troy’s station and its vision, he said that joining them at this point could prove to be costly for West Milton in the long run.

“We’re a little pea going into a big pot, and if you look at the demographics and the businesses and the money, I do have concerns that we could get lost in the shuffle.” Beck said.

If they do merge with Troy in the future, Beck would like WMPA-TV to first rearrange some of the things it does in West Milton by building some ties with the churches, schools and the community.

One task Beck would like to complete is put a committee or advisory board together of community members to strategize the future use of the access station with the end result of promoting the city more and showcasing what it has to offer to the public.

“I think that might be a great start,” Beck said. “I think that would be a worthwhile endeavor.”

Beck and the council were also interested in recording future council meetings and uploading them online for the public to see.

While nothing is set in stone, a live Internet stream of future city council meetings may not be too far off.

Right-of-Way

Ben Herron, the supervisor of streets and grounds, previously brought up an issue to Municipal Manager Matt Kline, involving two basketball hoops permanently concreted into the right-of-way in town. It was a concern to Herron because snow plows have hit them in the past in slippery conditions.

Kline said that he only wanted to “plant a seed” of the issue in the minds of the council members as to whether they should do something in the near future or not. No action was taken regarding the hoops.

“I love to see kids playing in the street,” Kline said. “I personally don’t have a problem with that.”

 

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