Agenda Item 7084 

May 3, 1999

SUBJECT: Providing Web Access to Recordings of Board Meetings

PROPOSED ACTION:
That trustees discuss the proposal to provide access to recording of Board meetings via the internet.

RELATED BOARD POLICY OR RESOLUTION:
The proposed system enhancing access to information about Board action is a reasonable extension of the principles expressed in Policy C-12, Open Communication and Information.

RATIONALE:
The proposed system would provide a low-cost method of giving citizens on-request access to the discussion associated with each agenda item. Since it would use the audio equipment already in place, it would require no change of Board operations.

The system would make use of standard web protocols, with citizens using "player" software which can be downloaded without cost from the internet. Most systems used for web access in libraries, offices, and homes already have such software.

The purpose of this initial discussion is to ascertain if this approach is viewed favorably by Board members. If so, a specific proposal with estimated costs and schedule will be prepared.

BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS:
There would be a modest setup cost for the appropriate equipment and hardware, then an hour or so per meeting of labor to make appropriate links from the agenda pages to the compressed audio files.

RESOURCE PERSONNEL:
Hunter Ellinger, Trustee

ATTACHMENT
Proposal