Caledonia Argus

Channel 3 will be back

Posted: 2/12/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

The cityís Channel 3 local access station is on its way to being back on the air.

At its meeting on Monday night, the city council approved up to $4,500 for equipment and software to get the channel operational once again. Local news bulletins and community events are posted on Channel 3, and several churches in town use it to broadcast their worship services.

The equipment will have three programmable VCRs and the system can be expanded for more.

Councilman Paul Fisch said he would install the equipment when it arrives in about three weeks.

In a related matter, the city received a check for $13,362 from Media Com, the company the provides cable TV services in the city. The amount represents five percent of Media Comís gross revenues. The city is paid this franchise fee yearly.

OK given for tech support

In other news, the council agreed to hire Information Management Services of La Crosse to troubleshoot problems that the city administratorís office is having with its phone and computer systems. The office has experienced problems with numbers not ìrolling overî to a second line when the primary line is busy. Instead, the caller is cut off. Also, the staff has experienced computer problems when using the Civic System Accounting Program and is not sure if the problem is with hardware or software. The flat rate for the service is $80 per hour, with discounts for blocks of time over four hours. Information Management Services has a contract with the City of La Crescent and has experience with the Civic program.

City considers ëacceptable useí

The city council has directed City clerk/administrator Bob Nelson to draft a one-page acceptable use policy for city employees in regard to internet use. The city has reviewed the countyís eight-page policy.

The question of whether the city should allow employees to use their computers for any personal matters was part of the discussion. In the countyís policy, employees are allowed to use computers and other equipment on their own time; for example, during lunch hours and breaks.

Mayor Robert Burns noted that the city employees have the option of using computers in the library if they choose. He said he was concerned about internet use by employees and the possibility of introducing viruses into the cityís computer system.

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