Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: Communications
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
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Purchase of Videography Equipment
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council authorize an expenditure not to exceed $31,000 to B&H Photo for the purchase of videography equipment to support the City’s cable television studio and original content production. I further move to authorize the resale of existing camera equipment to offset the expenditure. This expenditure will be funded through the use of Public, Education, and Government (PEG) funds which are designated for the purpose of funding capital expenditures to support video production.
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Summary Background:
The City’s Videography team supports broadcasts on the City’s municipal cable channels (Comcast 71 and Verizon 12) as well as original content productions highlighting City programs and events, initiatives, and stories unique to our community. The team, led by Jonathan Alexander as the Supervising Videographer and Matt Carl, Videographer has a strong commitment to quality in all aspects of production which has been recognized nationally and locally through the receipt of many awards for video production.
The team is currently using equipment which has reached the end of its functional lifespan. The existing camera equipment has been increasingly experiencing issues with reliability leading to expenditures related to equipment repair and delays in production due to downed equipment. The team has researched available equipment packages which will improve reliability and enhance video production through the availability of new technology features such as advanced auto focus, built in RAW signal output, as well as smaller physical size and lower weight, which will allow for more flexibility when filming projects and improved efficiencies in post-production.
The proposed camera package includes:
-Two (2) Sony Fx6 Full Frame Video Cameras
-One (1) Sony a7siii Full Frame DSLR Camera Body
-One (1) Sony a7siii Full Frame DSLR Camera with Zoom Lens
-Two (2) SLR Magic Microprime Lens Kits
Comparative quotes were obtained for all equipment exceeding $1,000. B&H Photo offered the lowest cost for each item and has availability of the accessory equipment needed. The purchase request also includes necessary accessories such as new lenses, batteries, memory cards, and a mounted grip for the cameras, all individually under $1,000. The proposed equipment is compatible with a large amount of the existing production gear limiting the required amount of supporting purchases necessary for the new equipment.
The purchase of equipment is funded through the use of Public, Education, and Government (PEG) funds, revenue received as part of a cable television franchise agreement with Verizon and exclusively authorized for expenditures to support municipal broadcast and video content production. The expenditure will be partially offset by the resale of existing equipment. The resale of equipment is expected to generate approximately $7,000-10,000. Revenues from the resale will go into the City’s general fund.
Next Steps:
Purchase equipment and resell old equipment.
Fiscal Impact:
$31,000. Expenditures will be offset by the resale of existing equipment. The resale of equipment is expected to generate approximately $7,000-10,000. Revenues from the resale will go into the City’s general fund.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend Approval
Community Engagement:
The cable studio supports the broadcast of council meetings and original content productions are shared through the City’s communications mediums.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 4 - Foster Excellence in all City Operations
Legal Review Required?
N/A