City serves ‘greater good,’ pays WCTV

Richmond will increase its contributions to Whitewater Community Television this year.

The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved a resolution June 12 boosting the city’s contribution from Comcast franchise fees it receives from 40% to 65% this year, retroactive to Jan. 1. The resolution was drawn after Richmond Common Council unanimously voted its support June 2 for providing WCTV more money.

Mayor Ron Oler presented the resolution to the board, recommending its acceptance and calling WCTV a “great asset.” WCTV faces financial difficulty after Indiana University East terminated its contract with WCTV. The city requires WCTV to provide a business plan for moving forward, but Oler said the city’s support helps “buy them a little more time.”

The increase immediately adds another $21,743.40 to the city’s first-quarter contribution. Last year, the 65% contribution would have provided WCTV $92,030.45 more than the city’s 40% contribution.

Jamie Lopeman, president of the board of works, said supporting WCTV, which has been a partner since 1991, is a “greater good” moment. He compared it to the partnerships that helped demolish the former Reid hospital along Chester Boulevard.

Ken Paust, president of the WCTV board and a board of works member, recused himself from the vote, during which Lopeman and Dustin Purvis voted in favor. Paust said WCTV’s board is working on a strategic plan, then will create the new business plan. He said WCTV’s annual budget has dropped from about $450,000 to about $255,000.

“There’s definitely a need for WCTV and all the transparency they provide,” Paust said.

WCTV has broadcast a variety of city meetings and will continue to do so after a new state law takes effect July 1. That law requires public meetings be livestreamed and that meeting video be stored where it’s accessible to the public. Common council discussed June 2 the transparency that a third party, such as WCTV, provides, rather than the city streaming and storing the meetings itself.

Other actions

The board considered these other actions during its meeting:

• A $29,435 contract with Ultimate Canine LLC in Westfield was approved 3-0. Ultimate Canine will furnish and train a K-9 narcotic and tracking dog for Richmond Police Department, which is retiring two K-9s because of health and age.
• The board approved 3-0 a contract with Matt Neopte to appraise a city-owned parking lot at 725 S. Sixth St. The contract is not to exceed $1,400, with the appraisal completed before June 24.
• Contracts with probationary firefighters Seth Cook, Joshua Scott and Daniel Tran were unanimously approved. The firefighters must complete paramedicine certification within five years. Richmond Fire Department pays for the training; however, a firefighter must repay the city if they choose to leave during that time frame.
• A change order for $37,981.85 was added by unanimous approval to the city’s contract with Milestone for the Community Crossings project. South West Fifth Street from West Main Street to National Road West is added to the summer paving list.
• The board unanimously approved a no-cost contract with Midwest Deferred Comp Specialists to advise the city about deferred compensation programs. The company will work with the city for free this year, then if the city renews, a cost would be associated.