Council approves purchase of video-on-demand software, insurance bids
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Hayne Baker, a representative for Seachange International, explains how the video-on-demand software works.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 11 p.m. — Video on demand services for Bardstown Cable TV subscribers took an important step closer to reality Tuesday after the Bardstown City Council approved the purchase of integration of needed software.
The council approved a bid of $187,010 from Seachange International for the needed software, installation and staff training that will eventually give subscribers video-on-demand (VOD) services.
Hayne Baker, a Seachange representative, explained that the software interfaces the on-demand sales with the existing cable billing system.
Councilman Tommy Reed asked City Electrical Engineer Jeff Mills how long he expected it would take for the VOD system to pay for itself. Mills didn’t have exact figures handy, but said no more than 10 years in what he called a “worse-case scenario.”
CABLE TV NEGOTIATIONS UNDER WAY. The city is currently in negotiations with Louisville broadcast TV stations for re-transmission fees they are asking for in order to carry their programming on the city cable system.
Mills explained that the cable TV programming committee held a special meeting recently to discuss the fees the stations are requesting.
Mayor Bill Sheckles said that generally the stations are asking for substantially higher fees for the right to carry them. “They always shoot for stars hoping to hit the moon,” he said.
Councilman Tommy Reed.
Mills said the rising costs of the re-transmission fees may eventually force the cable system to decide if there are Louisville stations they wish to drop.
Mills said he hoped to have agreements ready in time for the Dec. 23 council meeting.
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE BIDS. The council unanimously approved a bid of $26,436.96 from Lincoln Financial for group life, accidental death and long-term disability insurance for city employees.
The city’s current carrier for these policies — CIGNA — had offered a quote of $32,557.68. Nine of 14 companies asked provide quotes for coverage, though three of those did not include long-term disability insurance coverage.
REZONING. The council held first reading on two zoning requests related to the same project on Marvin Downs Lane. The zoning request will allow construction of a proposed six-plex townhome by Lan Properties. The townhome will cross from one tract to an adjacent one, requiring zoning changes for both properties.
Councilman and mayor-elect John Royalty reviews paperwork during Tuesday’s council meeting.
REAPPOINTMENTS. The council unanimously approved reappointing the following individuals to three-year terms on their respective boards: Austin Weller reappointed to the Joint Ethics Board, Kirk Brown reappointed to the Property Maintenance Appeal Board, and Johnny Warren to the Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist & Convention Commission.
POWER AGREEMENT. The council approved a municipal order that continues the city’s participation in using hydroelectric power generated on the Cumberland River and distributed by the Owensboro Municipal Utilities.
NEXT UP: The council’s next regular meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 23. A special council meeting to swear in the new mayor and council is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 30.
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