Pinole Municipal Code Ch. 2.58 Cable Television Access Commission

This chapter shall be known as the “Cable Television Access Commission Ordinance.” (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

The purpose of this chapter shall be to establish a cable television access commission in the city to oversee the operations and recommend policy for community cable access and for the day-to-day operation of the station. (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

The cable television access commission shall consist of five members who shall be residents of the city. (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

Members of the commission shall be appointed by majority vote of the entire City Council . (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

Members shall be appointed for a two-year term. Terms shall expire on November 30th. (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

The cable television access commission shall have the responsibilities as provided in this section and such other powers and duties as the Council may, from time to time, decide:

A. To provide a venue for city-wide planning, operation and coordination for individuals and groups wishing to use the cable access channel;

B. To advise the Pinole City Council on the channel's operation;

C. To give advice to station staff relative to management of the station;

D. To give advice and provide direction concerning program production for the station;

E. To review, define and recommend an annual budget for station operation;

F. To assure that no censorship or control over program content for the channel exists, except as necessary to comply with Federal Communications Commission regulations concerning obscene material; to prohibit commercial advertising and lotteries from channel usage;

G. To assure that the channel is available to all residents of the city on a nondiscriminatory, first-come, first-served basis;

H. To administer all rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to the use and scheduling of the channel and to devise and establish such rules, regulations and procedures as necessary;

I. To prepare and/or review reports to the City Council , as necessary;

J. To review potential station purchases of materials and equipment to ensure compliance with the adopted budget;

K. To investigate additional sources of funding to further community programming, either through grants or donations;

L. To perform other functions related to the station/channel as appropriate. (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

Members of the cable television access commission serve at the pleasure of the City Council and may be removed from office by a majority vote of the entire Council. (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

For purposes of transacting business, a quorum of the cable television access commission shall consist of a simple majority of the membership. (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).

At the annual business meeting conducted in December each year, the members of the cable television access commission shall select its officers. Conduct of commission business shall otherwise be governed by by-laws adopted by the commission and approved by the City Council . (Ord. 97-112 (part), 1997).