4.3. SR 02-02-1998ITEM 4.3.
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk
February 2, 1998
Government Cable TV Producer
In November, 1997, staff received council authorization to advertise
for the position of Government Cable TV Producer. Following
advertisement of this position, 4 application were received. The City
Clerk and consultant Bill Bruce interviewed 3 of the applicants.
Staff is requesting authorization to hire Marissa Lee at $9 per hour
with a maximum of 15 hours per week. Marissa will be trained by
Bill Bruce and will begin work on February 9. Attached is a job
description for this position.
Currently the city video tapes one council meeting, one planning
commission meeting, one EDA meeting and one school board
meeting per month. Once we have a Cable Producer hired, we would
have the opportunity to increase the number of meetings that are
video taped.
The Cable Commission has authorized the expenditure of up to
approximately $22,000 for equipment and labor to allow live
playback. When this happens, the City will have its own channel.
The Cable Producer will be responsible for programming and
scheduling of the channel. We anticipate this to happen sometime
this year, hopefully by Spring.
ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to hire Marissa Lee for as Cable Television Programming
Producer at $9.00 per hour effective February 9.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
City of Elk River Position Analysis
Position Title: Cable Television Programming Producer
Department: Administration
Immediate Supervisor's Title: City Clerk
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Purpose: The Cable Television Programming Producer performs all duties which are
hecessary in the videotaping of City Council meetings, EDA meetings, Planning Commission
meetings and any other government meeting as directed by supervisor. This includes
scripting, shooting, editing, setup, tear-down, creating graphics and recording sound as
needed. Obtaining pre-approval of all production by the supervisor is required. This
position must adhere to all rules as spelled out in the citfs Cable Television Channel Usage
Guidelines.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide basic equipment trouble shooting skills to assure hve and hve-on-tape
coverage of pubhc meetings as needed. Report equipment operational problems to
supervisor.
Maintain and update character generator messages. Actively solicit
activity/schedule information on a weekly basis from city departments, community
organizations and other pertinent city organizations. Set a schedule for message
expiration and verify correct spelling and grammar of all information.
Verify live and playback transmission signals from city hall on a daily basis and
notify supervisor of problems/issues as needed.
Communicate with Supervisor and city staff to facilitate any pre/post-production
arrangements which may be necessary for meeting and program coverage.
Label master tapes with title, date, runtime and any pertinent information. Assist
with tape dubbing as needed.
Manage and take inventory of videotape stock available at City Hall. Maintain a
hbrary of all meetings with a numbering system and checkout procedures. Notify
supervisor of videotape supply needs.
Schedule completed programs, program playback equipment and promote program
playback via the character generator, the local newspaper and city newsletter.
Share programming with other cities when pertinent.
Seek out free programming from federal, state and other organizations that is
pertinent for city use and include it with other regular scheduling. Subjects can
vary from recycling, public safety, crime prevention, etc. Check with supervisor for
program approval.
o
Learn and stay current on use of the video edit system. Use this system fbr adding
titles, additional graphics and any other media which may enhance city
programming.
10. Perform other ancillary duties as needed and as directed by supervisor.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to be available for any city meetings or functions as needed.
Ability to work flexible hours as needed including evenings and weekends.
Ability to lift portable camera equipment.
Ability to provide own transportation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Certification in television production from a vocational/technical school or demonstrated
equivalent experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Previous TV production experience. Some knowledge of government affairs.
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