During 2016 budget deliberations council here will consider the cost of equipment to make video recordings of council meetings and post them online.
Council approved a motion from councillor Michael Martin requesting a report providing options for the costs associated with the acquisition and installation of an audio/video system that would allow the recording of all public meetings of council and allow them to be posted online via the Mapleton Township website.
Acting CAO Brad McRoberts asked if, in addition to posting recorded meetings after the fact, council wanted to consider equipment capable of live-streaming the meetings.
McRoberts said he needs to know if council is “looking for a Cadillac or a Pinto.”
“My preference would obviously be that we do it well or we don’t do it at all,” said Martin.
Treasurer Yufang Du pointed out when the current council chamber audio system was installed the township was advised it could be upgraded. She suggested the company, London-based Dynamix be approached about enhancements. Council approved the purchase of a $14,717 sound system from Dynamix in October of 2014.
“Suffice it to say staff will bring back a report,” said McRoberts.
The motion passed without opposition.
Council meetings are broadcast on community channels by local cable companies in many communities around Ontario. In Wellington County, only the Town of Minto currently records meetings, which are posted on the township’s website and through YouTube.
