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<br />North Metro Telecommunications Commission !Media Center <br />Facility Needs Assessment Summary <br /> <br />Organizational Background <br /> <br />The North Metro Telecommunications Commission is a Joint Powers Organization <br />representing the cities of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Ham Lake, Lexington, Lino <br />Lakes, and Spring Lake Park in matters concerning cable television franchising, franchise <br />enforcement, cable television regulation, and the operation of the community media <br />center. The organization's official legal status is that of a governmental entity. <br /> <br />The cable company (AT&T Broadband) is required to pay an annual franchise fee equal <br />to 5% of gross revenue. The franchise fee is used by the cities to fund the Commission's <br />budget, with the remainder heing dedicated toward each city's cable related expenses. <br />The Media Center is funded through a monthly fee on subscriber's cable bills. Annual <br />grants from the Cable Commission budget are also a source of funding for the Media <br />Center. <br /> <br />Each of the seven member cities has recently approved a new fifteen year franchise with <br />AT&T Broadband. This franchise includes requiring the continued support of the Media <br />Center via the PEG fee, and the continued payment of a 5% franchise fee on gross <br />revenue. <br /> <br />Current Situation <br /> <br />The Media Center and Commission Offices are currently renting space, on a month to <br />month lease, at 1630 IOlst Avenue NE in Blaine. The studio and office space is poorly <br />designed, in need of significant repairs, and has become inadequate in size for the number <br />of staff and general public utilizing the facility. <br /> <br />Recently, during the formal franchise renewal process, consultants were hired to perform <br />a facility needs assessment. Their findings verified the above conclusion. According to <br />their report: <br /> <br />· The shape and size of the two studios limit their usefulness <br />· Since both studios share the same control room, it is impossible to do <br />simultaneous staff and public productions, resulting in scheduling problems <br />. Inadequate lighting capabilities and the inability to offer decent back lighting and <br />effects lighting makes adequately lit program production very difficult <br />· Size of studios limits the variety, storage and configuration of sets available for <br />use <br />· Current office space does not provide for future growth in either production areas <br />or staffing levels <br />. No private conference area <br /> <br />P.l <br />