BY LINDA SMITH HANCHARICK
WEST MILFORD — The township council will hear public comment next Wednesday, Oct. 21, on creating a West Milford Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Television Commission.
The township’s cable television channel, WM77, is already operating, televising town council and school board meetings each month. Other content includes Highlander band performances, school sporting events, public service productions such as living with black bears, and more. When programming is not aired, there is a community bulletin board announcing local government and non-profit events.
Currently there is a committee of five citizens - Bob Nicholson, Ruthann Mekita, Mike Dygos, Edwin Gonzalez and Geoff Belinfante - with Councilwoman Ada Erik serving as chairperson. When the new commission is created, there will be nine committee members, all appointed by the council.
The township received funding from Cablevision to create the channel. Over the course of 15 years, the township will receive $90,000 from Cablevision to support the channel.
The new commissionThe new commission will be comprised of nine members including:
Seven at-large members from the community serving the following terms
Two members with three year terms
Two members with two year terms
Three members with a one-year term
After the initial term, each member appointed will serve a three-year term.
Two members of the West Milford Township Council
One serving as liaison to the commission and the township council
Council members will serve a term of one year.
All members will have equal voting privileges.
Commission's missionAccording to the proposed ordinance 2015-014, the mission of this new commission is to "broadcast non-commercial programming designed to celebrate the diversity of its residents and to educate them on topics of local interest. The purpose of WM77 is to help the township's residents identify and bond with the community, its governing institutions and each other."
Duties and powers
The commission has certain duties and powers. It must:
Maintain and update an inventory of equipment owned by the township. Currently, the township owns its server, monitors, software and flash drives. Members of the committee currently use their own cameras to film.
Submit a proposed budget each year to the township administrator on or before Nov. 1 for the following fiscal year. According to the Cablevision contract, the channel will receive approximately $4,800 per year.
Obtain approval from the township administrator before expending any funds.
Submit to the town clerk a written report each year about the programs and activities of the channel
Seek grants to support the channel
In addition, the commission has the final decisions about editing and broadcasting. It is not obligated to broadcast any material submitted by residents.
Seeking programmingAccording to WM77 Committee member Nicholson, the group is looking for more programming and more volunteers. Anyone interested, should go to westmilfordtv.com or call the clerk's office at 973-728-2700.
Let your voice be heardThe West Milford Township council meeting is on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015; it begins at 6:30 p.m. at the township hall, 1480 Union Valley Road.
What are your thoughts about the television commission and WM77? Go to westmilfordmessenger.com and be part of the conversation.