[Added 8-30-2004 by Ord. No. 04-02; amended 6-28-2010 by Ord. No. 10-04]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Communications Commission was originally established in 1987 as the Cable Commission. Provisions regarding the Cable Commission were subsequently included as part of Ch. A293, Cable Television Franchise, adopted 12-11-2000 by Ord. No. 293. Ordinance No. 04-02 provided for the inclusion of said provisions as Art. X of Ch. 67.
A. 
Commission is hereby established to be known as the "Communications Commission of the Township of Grosse Ile."
B. 
The Commission shall consist of seven qualified residents of Grosse Ile Township, including, if applicable, a school liaison, appointed as voting members for terms of three years. Nonvoting advisors may be utilized as required by the Commission.
Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to actual and necessary expenses, approved by the Township Board, incurred in the performance of official duties. Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled by the Township Board for the unexpired term of the Commissioner creating the vacancy.
The Communication Commission shall:
A. 
Request sufficient funds and resources to facilitate the broadcast of access channels, to further develop the public sector uses of the cable television system (hereafter referred to as "GITV"), to maintain an effective and professional Township website of the highest quality, and to utilize these and other developing capabilities as efficient means of communication between Township government and the community.
B. 
Recommend a detailed budget for the Communications Department to the Township Finance Director for presentation to the Township Board.
C. 
Advise the Board on franchise requirements and make recommendations to the Board regarding amendments to applicable ordinances or to the franchise agreements.
D. 
Provide oversight of the Cable Television Regulatory Ordinance, Chapter A293 of the Grosse Ile Municipal Code of Ordinances, and propose revisions to ensure compliance with current Michigan statutes.
E. 
Establish standards of quality, performance and continuous improvement for all Township communication media.
F. 
Ensure that Township communication media remain politically neutral and unbiased in content.
G. 
Encourage equitable access to publicly owned communication media by appropriate institutions, groups and individuals within the Township.
H. 
Assist the Administrator in providing quality programming for broadcast via Township communication media.
I. 
Ensure that a timely, accurate schedule for such broadcast events is widely available, included on but not limited to GITV and the website.
J. 
When appropriate, to foster cooperation and/or collaboration with other municipalities to maximize cost effective usage of assets.
This article shall take effect 30 days following publication.