REP GRC 019 09/18/2012 2010-2012

Home

GRC-19 Page 3 September 18, 2012 Ms. Smart suggested that Mark Ow, technician, from the department of Information Technology (IT) come before the council to explain some of the technologies available for receiving video testimony. The motion to amend Resolution 279-12 with the contents of Comm. 786.1 passed. Mr. Hoffmann stated that he brought this measure forward to see if the council believes it would be a good idea to allow for video testimony and did not intend to go into specific details or an extensive conversation on how to implement it; that can be left to the technical experts. The idea is to try it for a short time, to the end of the council term, and then allow the next council to determine if they wish to continue based on the results. Mr. Yagong stated that it is a good thing to open up the avenues for public participation,but to be aware that it may lead to more costs or the need for additional staff and the details of these things should be worked out before passing this resolution at full council. Mr. Yoshimoto agreed with Ms. Ford that some of the county computers are not able to open up video files. Upgrades might be necessary for viewing the pre-recorded videos. Mr. Ikeda stated that he supports the intent of the resolution, but does not agree to more than one person on each video. If that is changed, he will support the rule change Ms. Smart brought up the question of whether or not these videos would have to be transcribed for the public record and will check with Corporation Counsel. Kathy Garson, Deputy Corporation Counsel stated that if posted on the County website, there would be certain requirements regarding ADA compliance; however, if stored on some other web site these requirements may not apply. Ms Ford suggested postponing this item until more information can be brought forward from IT and Corporation Counsel. Mr. Hoffmann moved to postpone the Resolution, as amended, to the. September 18,2012 meeting; seconded by Mr. Yagong. The motion was carried unanimously. At the September 18, 2012 meeting Mark Ow, technician with the IT Department addressed councilmembers. He stated that initially there was a concern about storage and archiving, as a three minute video could require too much storage space on the server. He explained that this can be resolved by posting the video testimony to "YouTube"or some other public sites. The video could then be reviewed for appropriateness before becoming public. Mr. Hoffmann moved to amend Resolution 279-12, Draft 2, with the contents of Comm.786.3. The amendment changes the implementation date to November 8, 2012 and November 9, 2012 respectively. It also amends Exhibit A to add"prerecorded video" and eliminates the ability for up to five people to provide testimony on one video. Ms. Ford thanked Mr. Hoffmann for the amendments which help clear up some of the concerns councilmembers had.