CC 04-26-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 26,1999 o ,) Mr, Fritsinger advised that the City Council was asked to provide direction on the proposed changes in the scope of the program for audio/visual services. He invited Electronic Interiors, Inc" representative, Mr, Dickson Stewart, to provide any additional information he may have. Mr. Stewart pointed out that Electronic Interiors is a consultant, not the supplier or vendor of any products. Electronic Interiors does not receive any compensation for the specification of any product. He stated that the audio/visual project started out at approximately $234,000, which was the programming goal, Following meetings with Mayor Probst, Councilmember Aplikowski and City Staff, a design was generated to meet the wish list of the City, This reduced the estimate to approximately $175,000. A list of potential cuts was generated which primarily affect some of the quality and flexibility in areas that will compromise the project the least. The cut backs mostly involved future equipment while still providing an infrastructure which could be built on to in the future when other equipment and funds become available. There are three major components that make up the $120,000 installed project cost. The audio system will be more sophisticated than the current system to allow the audience to hear the meetings better. The audio system will also allow for the taping of the meetings. The cable cast system will involve two cameras, with the capability of adding a third camera in the future, The third major component is the presentation system. The current presentation system consists of an overhead projector. The proposed system would involve an overhead electronic camera to cover material, a VCR and the capabilities of a laptop or multimedia personal computer. This will allow direct broadcast to the viewers at home, Small monitors had been proposed for the dais to allow the Council to view the rear screen from the dais, It was suggested that these monitors be eliminated at the dais as a cost savings measure. This will allow use of the rear screen and the possibility of installing the monitors at a later date. There is no plan to cut any infrastructure out of the building itself that would prevent installation of the items being cut from the current project. Mr. Stewart indicated that if the Council is looking for a budget reduction beyond the estimated $120,000, the only additional item he would suggest cutting would be the overhead document camera, This camera allows a drawing to be placed on the lectern and automatically be picked up on the camera on the ceiling and projected to the view screen, Eliminating this camera would save $8,000; however, it would cut deeply into the capabilities of the system, Any further reductions in the budget would require the elimination of an entire system in order to save a significant amount of money. Reductions of this magnitude would make the system dysfunctional, difficult to use, and would likely cause frustration. Mayor Probst asked where the proposed cameras would be located. Mr. Stewart stated that one camera would be behind the Council to mm the audience and the lectern, Another camera would be located near the entry door. The third camera, located in the corner, would be a future addition.