City of San Antonio - File #: 14-423

• File #: 14-423
• Type: Purchase of Services
• In control: City Council A Session
• On agenda: 3/13/2014
• Posting Language: An Ordinance accepting the offer from UNICOM Government, Inc. to make the B- Room in Municipal Plaza “live” broadcast capable by installing television production equipment with a 2 year maintenance support contract for a total cost of $142,404.50, funded with the Public, Educational, and Governmental Channels Fund. [Ben Gorzell, Chief Financial Officer; Troy Elliott, Director, Finance]

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
3/13/2014	1	City Council A Session	Motion to Approve	Pass

DEPARTMENT: Finance


DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott


COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All


SUBJECT:
Municipal Plaza B Room Live Broadcast Equipment Purchase



SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a contract with UNICOM Government, Inc. to make the B- Room in Municipal Plaza "live" broadcast capable by installing television production equipment with a two-year maintenance support contract for a total cost of $142,404.50. Funds are available within the FY 2014 Public Education & Government Fund Adopted Budget.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Communications and Public Affairs Department took over the management of the Government, Public and Education Access channels in 2006. The City of San Antonio broadcasts the A-Session City Council meeting, on the City's Government Access Channel (TVSA) and meetings also are web-streamed on the City's website. In order to produce a "live' broadcast on Time Warner Cable, AT&T U-Verse and Grande Communications television production equipment is installed in the Council Chambers.


ISSUE:
City Council B-Session meetings are currently open to the public. However, the B-Sessions are not broadcast "live" on the City's Government Access Channel. This ordinance would authorize a contract with UNICOM to provide the equipment needed to make available "live" broadcasting of the City Council B-Session meetings conducted in Municipal Plaza B Room. Equipment includes cameras, wireless table microphones, television monitors, and video conferencing. The cost of the contract in the amount of $142,404.50 includes the purchase of the equipment, installation, and two years of maintenance.

On February 19, 2014, the staff presented the Governance Committee with several options to provide broadcasting capabilities in the Municipal Plaza B Room. It was recommended that fixed television production equipment be installed in the B Room and the purchase equipment, installation, and maintenance be made through U.S. Communiti...