Minutes 09/30/1958 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

175 Motion of Mr. Bartlett to approve the contract in accordance with recommendation of the School Board, was adopted. 56-307 - The following letter from WTOV-TV, signed by Tim-Bright, was read: "This is to advise you that WTOV-TV, all of its equipment, buildings and approximate[ three acres of desirable waterfront re~-I estate will become for sale shortly. Several people have mentioned ths~ WTOV-TV should be sold to Portsmouth for its school system and Recreation Bureau. The station is one of the most economical operated television stations in the entire cotmtry. The School system could operate the sra. tion an entire year for less than $7,500.00, for engineer, electric, tubes and replacement parts. The station has equipment that we have never used such as remote broadcasts, two additional live camera chains, etc. A Mr Harry Simons of Philadelphia is coming to Portsmouth withi~ ten da~s to make an offer for the station. If the City of Portsmouth wants the station they can have it for the same price that I would receive from him. Mr. Simons is going to leave a substantial deposit if we arrive ht aprice. I, personally, would like to see Ports- mouth purchase the station, because of the progress it would offer Portsmouth in the way of state and national publicity, civic drives, educational musical programming, plays for Christmas, Baster, Thanksgiving, business promotions, etc. Many cities throughout the country have educational stations, hut none have such a complete conunercial type of station as WTOV-TV. To my knowledge, no city in Virginia has its own TV station. There are mountains of free films, and entertainment for educational and non-commercial stations. Also, there ar free financial grants. I have no desire to make a profit on selling the station To Portsmouth. I will sell the station for exactly what I could seli it to someone else for. tf you are interested, I will be glad to hear from you soon. I will also be glad to discuss it with yonr committee at any time or date specified by you." filed, was adopted. £ 56-308 - Motion of Mr. Breedlove that this be received ~or information, acknowledged and The following letter from I.T. Christian, Jr., acting Planning Director, was read: "The petition from Mt. Hermon Garden Club for playground and recreation center on the City-owned land bounded by Howard St., Wool Ave., Belle St. and Ash St., was referred to the Planning Com - mission for recommendation by letter of July 23, 1958, from City Council, _ At a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on September 4, 1958, it was recom mended that this ares be approved for use as a playground and recreation center until needed for_future school purposes. Inclosed herewith is an example plan showing the possibilities of the use of this land." The privilege of the floor was granted anyone who wished to speak. Motion of Mr. Weiseman to refer to the City Manager was adopted. On motion adjourned. City Clerk. Approved - President.