Click for video of the hearing. Video and photos below c/o legistar.council.nyc.gov.
that All Public Meetings Be Webcast” and Introductory 0028-2014 “A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring that all community board full board meetings be webcast.” The meeting, chaired by East Bronx Councilman James Vacca, dealt with costs and logistics, as well as general discussion, behind implementation of laws requiring videography in the outer boroughs in diverse locations with different current states of web access and on site technology.
Vacca, as well as others, stressed feasibility, mentioning past programs and ideas that have not come to fruition.
“I’m not looking to implement legislation that can’t be implemented,” he said. The 2013 law requires implementation by March 1, and the hearing sets that process in motion.
Jeff Merritt spoke on behalf of the Mayor, giving specifics on how the administration is working with city agencies to obtain equipment and training necessary to facilitate the photography.
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Councilwoman Annabel Palma questioned the panel of experts on the costs and specifics of $20k web casting studios to be built in city facilities, including equipment and upfront costs as well as maintenance and training.
Community Board 10 District Manager Ken Kearns (above, far r) spoke of a concern that the program could be an unfunded mandate if the logistics were not worked out, as well as futile past attempts to work with BronxNet on taping meetings, Vacca stated that he raised this with BronxNet during his time at the community board, “but they didn’t see fit to do it” he stated.
Former Community Board 11 Manager John A. Fratta thanked the Council Members for being advocates for Community Board funding during the Bloomberg administration, and focused his remarks on funding the initiative.
“Where’s the money going to come from? Where’s the staffing going to come from,” Fratta said. “We look forward to working with you, but we do need the money.”
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