2.2.
CC Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 02/26/2013
- Submitted For:
- Patrick Brama
- By:
- Patrick Brama, Administrative Services
Title:
Discuss the use of LCD TVs/Monitors in the Ramsey Municipal Center.
Background:
Discussion occurred in late 2011 regarding the installation of LCD TVs/Monitors in the Ramsey Municipal Center to be used for programming (similar to the community sign on Highway 10) and for private advertising.
Revenues from private advertising were slated to be given to the Ramsey Foundation; with the goal of developing a consistent annual funding source. NOTE: The Ramsey Foundation is the organization that originally brought this initiative forward to the Council.
Since the introduction of this case in July of 2011, the Council reviewed two subsequent cases (August and December 2011). Between the departure of Heidi Nelson (previous project lead) and Dean Busch (previous IT director) and the recent election, a number of changes have occurred since 2011; and this topic remains unclear and unguided. Therefore, the purpose of this case is to reintroduce this discussion to the Council and take direction on how to move forward.
Revenues from private advertising were slated to be given to the Ramsey Foundation; with the goal of developing a consistent annual funding source. NOTE: The Ramsey Foundation is the organization that originally brought this initiative forward to the Council.
Since the introduction of this case in July of 2011, the Council reviewed two subsequent cases (August and December 2011). Between the departure of Heidi Nelson (previous project lead) and Dean Busch (previous IT director) and the recent election, a number of changes have occurred since 2011; and this topic remains unclear and unguided. Therefore, the purpose of this case is to reintroduce this discussion to the Council and take direction on how to move forward.
Observations/Alternatives:
Below is a summary of previous Council discussions and direction. See attached documentation for reference.
07/26/2011: Introduction of case to install one screen in the lobby for closed circuit programing. Revenues would be raised via private advertising and would be dedicated to the Ramsey Foundation. The possibility of installing a second screen in the hallway near the Anoka County License Bureau was introduced; but would need more discussion. Council approved a $9,500 expenditure with the QCTV fund as the source.
08/23/2011: Staff asked the council for direction on who would be responsible for management of this system: coordinate advertisements, create ads, collect money, etc. No clear direction came out of this meeting. Staff was directed to develop a policy on the use of display areas and advertising monitors.
12/16/2011: Council considered and adopted a policy to guide the use of display areas and advertising monitors in the municipal center.
In order to move this project forward, Staff is requesting Council direction on the items listed below. Today, Staff would ask for direction on items one and two only.
07/26/2011: Introduction of case to install one screen in the lobby for closed circuit programing. Revenues would be raised via private advertising and would be dedicated to the Ramsey Foundation. The possibility of installing a second screen in the hallway near the Anoka County License Bureau was introduced; but would need more discussion. Council approved a $9,500 expenditure with the QCTV fund as the source.
08/23/2011: Staff asked the council for direction on who would be responsible for management of this system: coordinate advertisements, create ads, collect money, etc. No clear direction came out of this meeting. Staff was directed to develop a policy on the use of display areas and advertising monitors.
12/16/2011: Council considered and adopted a policy to guide the use of display areas and advertising monitors in the municipal center.
MOVING FORWARD
In order to move this project forward, Staff is requesting Council direction on the items listed below. Today, Staff would ask for direction on items one and two only.
1. Generally, is there an appetite for this project? (regardless of the Ramsey Foundation)
Project would include three new TV's/monitors located in the Municipal Center. Said monitors could be utilized for a number of functions. Depending on a number of variables, the capital cost would range between $6,500-$13,000.
2. What is the purpose of the TVs/Monitors (i.e. is it for the Foundation or for general City use)?
In general two options exist:
Project would include three new TV's/monitors located in the Municipal Center. Said monitors could be utilized for a number of functions. Depending on a number of variables, the capital cost would range between $6,500-$13,000.
2. What is the purpose of the TVs/Monitors (i.e. is it for the Foundation or for general City use)?
In general two options exist:
A. General City Use:
Run QCTV program via cable and/or custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $6000-$13,000
Run QCTV program via cable and/or custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $6000-$13,000
(Positive) expanded service to residents, additional communication mode
(Negative) capital expense and potentially creating new work for Staff
(Negative) capital expense and potentially creating new work for Staff
B. Ramsey Foundation Closed Circuit Programming:
Run custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $10,000-$13,000
Run custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $10,000-$13,000
(Positive) revenue stream for Ramsey Foundation
(Negative) capital expense, creating new work for Staff, cost effectiveness of decision, risk
(Negative) capital expense, creating new work for Staff, cost effectiveness of decision, risk
3. What will the project look like specifically (i.e. exact number, size and location of monitors, project budget).
If the Council decides to move forward with this project, Staff will bring back specific options and pricing. At that point, specific decisions can be made.
If the Council decides to move forward with this project, Staff will bring back specific options and pricing. At that point, specific decisions can be made.
Estimated Cost options, 3 Units
Coaxial Cable Only: $6,500-$7,500
Custom Closed Circuit Program Only: $9,500-$10,500
Both Cable and Closed Circuit Capabilities: $11,000-$12,500
Coaxial Cable Only: $6,500-$7,500
Custom Closed Circuit Program Only: $9,500-$10,500
Both Cable and Closed Circuit Capabilities: $11,000-$12,500
Recommendation:
It is Staff's recommendation the proposed TVs/monitors not be used for the Ramsey Foundation closed circuit advertising program.
Using the proposed TVs/monitors for a closed circuit advertising program will result in a $9,500-$13,000 capital outlay plus the cost of ongoing City human resources (i.e. seeking advertisers, graphic design work, content management, processing applications and requests, etc.). Additionally, it is uncertain Ramsey Municipal Center advertising monitors would result in a reliable cash flow for the Ramsey Foundation (risk factor).
It is Staff's understanding the goal of the Ramsey Foundation is to create a steady annual funding stream. If the City Council decided the Foundation is an organization they are interested in financially supporting, Staff would recommend a different solution than the proposed advertising monitors. Staff does not believe the proposed advertising monitors are a cost effective solution to the Ramsey Foundation goal. The Council may want to consider an annual donation to the Ramsey Foundation (similar to Youth First or Happy Days).
If the Council decided they were interested in installing additional TVs with the purpose of running QCTV programing (or a different use) Staff would ask for direction.
Using the proposed TVs/monitors for a closed circuit advertising program will result in a $9,500-$13,000 capital outlay plus the cost of ongoing City human resources (i.e. seeking advertisers, graphic design work, content management, processing applications and requests, etc.). Additionally, it is uncertain Ramsey Municipal Center advertising monitors would result in a reliable cash flow for the Ramsey Foundation (risk factor).
It is Staff's understanding the goal of the Ramsey Foundation is to create a steady annual funding stream. If the City Council decided the Foundation is an organization they are interested in financially supporting, Staff would recommend a different solution than the proposed advertising monitors. Staff does not believe the proposed advertising monitors are a cost effective solution to the Ramsey Foundation goal. The Council may want to consider an annual donation to the Ramsey Foundation (similar to Youth First or Happy Days).
If the Council decided they were interested in installing additional TVs with the purpose of running QCTV programing (or a different use) Staff would ask for direction.
Funding Source:
QCTV Fund, current balance of $49,797
Council Action:
Staff requests general council direction on the follow two items:
A. General City Use:
Run QCTV program via cable and/or custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $6000-$13,000
1. Generally, is there an appetite for this project? (regardless of the Ramsey Foundation)
Project would include three new TV's/monitors located in the Municipal Center. Said monitors could be utilized for a number of functions. Depending on a number of variables, the capital cost would range between $6,500-$13,000.
2. What is the purpose of the TVs/Monitors (i.e. is it for the Foundation or for general City use)?
In general two options exist:
Project would include three new TV's/monitors located in the Municipal Center. Said monitors could be utilized for a number of functions. Depending on a number of variables, the capital cost would range between $6,500-$13,000.
2. What is the purpose of the TVs/Monitors (i.e. is it for the Foundation or for general City use)?
In general two options exist:
A. General City Use:
Run QCTV program via cable and/or custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $6000-$13,000
(Positive) expanded service to residents, additional communication mode
(Negative) capital expense and potentially creating new work for Staff
(Negative) capital expense and potentially creating new work for Staff
B. Ramsey Foundation Closed Circuit Programming:
Run custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $10,000-$13,000
Run custom closed circuit programing to three TVs.
Capital Cost Estimate: $10,000-$13,000
(Positive) revenue stream for Ramsey Foundation
(Negative) capital expense, creating new work for Staff, cost effectiveness of decision, risk
(Negative) capital expense, creating new work for Staff, cost effectiveness of decision, risk
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kurt Ulrich | Kurt Ulrich | 02/21/2013 08:15 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Patrick Brama
- Started On:
- 02/19/2013 01:16 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 02/21/2013