Orange City Council May Televise Meetings : Government: Trial run may be undertaken at no cost to the city if a cable report due in May is approved.

The City Council last week moved a step closer to televising its meetings.

Council meetings may be televised on a public access channel this summer, if the council approves a proposal contained in a final cable television report due by the end of May. If approved, officials said, a trial program would last one or two months, at no cost to the city.

According to a preliminary city report, first-year costs of permanent cable coverage would include $163,400 for robotic cameras and a City Hall control room, and $19,200 for a camera operator. Recurring annual costs for the control room and robotic cameras would be $38,400, while camera operator expenses would stay the same, the report said.

“Not everyone can attend afternoon meetings,” said Councilman Mark Murphy. “I’m encouraged by the possibilities here and feel like this is something the citizens of Orange have a right to have.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Fred L. Barrera said he would oppose the introduction of cameras into council chambers if it cost the city money.

“This city can’t afford it right now,” Barrera said. “It would be nice to have it, but I can’t support it.”

Most cities in Orange County are required to broadcast council meetings at no cost to the city as part of cable franchise agreements. The city’s contract with Cablevision of Orange, which is due for renegotiation Nov. 1, has no such requirement.