FULLERTON : Is TV in the Future for Council Fans?

A fervent City Council-watcher who has missed only one session this year wants the public meetings televised on cable so that other citizens can monitor the five-member council.

“People are interested in seeing just what their elected officials are doing,” said Alan Morton, a real estate broker.

Twenty-two cities televise their council meetings. Fullerton is the largest city in the county that does not carry its council meetings on cable, according to the League of California Cities.

“I’ve been for this for years,” Councilman Chris Norby said. “I think it’s a very good idea.”

But other council members are concerned about the cost. A 1990 study concluded that a state-of-the-art camera and lighting system would cost $140,000, said Chris Meyer, assistant to the city manager.

Cable subscribers pick up the cost in many cities, Meyer said. But a 1990 survey of Fullerton cable subscribers found that fewer than half would be willing to pay 25 cents extra per month to receive the council meetings, he said.

Mayor Molly McClanahan said she supports televising the meetings but doubts that the council could find the money to pay for a system.

“What is the percentage of people that will actually view it?” asked Councilman A.B. (Buck) Catlin. “It would be better if people spent more time in the City Council chambers.”

Morton said he wants Norby to put the item on the agenda. But Norby said there’s not much point in starting a debate now, with so little support.

“I’d really like it if somebody else could bring it up, so there would be at least two council members in favor,” Norby said.