Chester Twp. to Offer Live Streaming of Trustees Meetings
Earlier in 2020, Chester Trustees began discussions regarding the merit of offering live streaming of township meetings...
Earlier in 2020, Chester Trustees began discussions regarding the merit of offering live streaming of township meetings. Residents could view the trustees meeting from home, on their computers or smart phones rather that attending the meeting or waiting for the minutes to be published.
During the April 9 meeting, Trustee Skip Claypool offered to coordinate using the Zoom application to live stream possibly beginning with the April 23 meeting.
Claypool said, “Residents who are listed as requesting email announcements of trustees meetings will be our first test group and will be the first offered to join the meeting online.”
While he sees the merit of live steaming or video meetings. He also expresses concern that Zoom may not be the best application for this purpose, but it avoids possible issues associated with requirements for retention of records.
Geauga County Prosecutor Sheila Salem advises that there are several townships that are considering conducting meetings electronically.
“The obvious advantage of conducting meetings by electronic means is that members of the board and residents are able to “attend” the meeting without putting themselves or others at risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19. The main concern with conducting meetings electronically would be that townships must be sure to follow the notice and access requirements in HB 197. Notice must be given of when the meeting will take place and how the public can gain access to the meeting.”
Trustee Ken Radtke offered that the township can revise the records retention policy as needed to accommodate live-streaming or other web-based applications such as YouTube, Facebook Live or other commercially offered online services or streaming products.
“What is important is we do this in a timely manner so our residents have choices that accommodate their needs,” said Radtke.
Trustee Joe Mazzurco offered that he is hopeful that township residents who want to view and perhaps even ask questions in real time during trustee meetings will have that opportunity. He commented, “this is especially true during these times when they can watch in the comfort and security of their own homes. We’ll see how this works and go from there.”
Submitted by W.L. Bud Kinney
Chester resident and former trustee
