LAKEPORT — Tuesday evening”s city council meeting saw a larger-than-normal turnout of 25 citizens who came in support of Lake County Community Radio (LCCR). The new station has secured a transmission tower atop Mt. Konocti, a brand new state-of-the-art studio in downtown Lakeport and just needs $27,000 to cover “extra expense on the aerial on Mt. Konocti” according to volunteer program director Tim Hoff. He was one of three LCCR representatives who made presentations to council members.
“Rather than let this problem put our goals on hold, we are seeking a short-term loan. This is the first time LCCR has ever had to borrow money. We only have one chance to meet our deadline to get on the air?we are here before you in the hope that the city will help us financially reach this goal. Imagine the future and how LCCR can unite our community,” Hoff said.
The broadcast would be full-power, audible throughout Lake County and in four neighboring counties, and would extend from 7 a.m. “at least” until midnight, Hoff said.
Council members discussed whether the city could support LCCR with a loan, grant or combination of the two. Mayor Buzz Bruns instructed city staffers to research possibilities and bring back a proposal for the council to consider.
Council members agreed that general fund money could not be used, but that a loan or grant from redevelopment agency money could be a possibility. Some redevelopment agency funds are intended for the city to use to help support emerging businesses. For that reason, City Manager Jerry Gillham said the city could “justify spending redevelopment agency dollars to get them going.”
Councilman Jim Irwin said he had two questions about funding LCCR with money pegged for business growth. “One, does this emphasize creating jobs? My thought from looking through the packet is no, it doesn”t create jobs. And does it create revenue? I don”t see that right now,” Irwin said.
Gillham said, “Using the radio station as a means of communicating to the community?such as broadcasting business workshops that could stimulate the economy?those kinds of things could lead to the other that you”re talking about.” Community Development Director Richard Knoll said it may be possible for the city to structure a business loan for the non-profit LCCR. “Or, if the proper findings can be made, it may be possible to structure a grant?we can get started on (researching) this tomorrow.”
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com.
