Legislature Installs New Sound and Recording System At A Fraction of Estimated Cost
Monthly Meetings Now Available On-Line
submitted by Rich Crist
Meetings of the Rensselaer County Legislature will now be accessible via the Internet after an upgrade of the Legislature’s recording system, which was done at a fraction of earlier estimates, Chair of the Legislature Stan Brownell and Legislator Kelly Hoffman announced.[private]
The April 11 meeting of the Legislature was recorded with a new digital camera. The same meeting included the first use of a new and improved sound system for meetings in the legislative chamber.
The April 11 meeting can be viewed via the legislative Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/RenssCoLeg and on You Tube on the County Legislature’s channel. Future legislative meetings will be posted on the legislative Facebook page and on You Tube, along with other venues.
“This is a definite improvement over our previous sound system, and we are excited about being able to bring meetings to the public in a more accessible and convenient manner,” said Brownell.
“We are excited to be able to offer residents another way to keep in touch with our work at the County Legislature. This is just one of the ways we are working to bring government closer to the people in the County,” said Hoffman.
The new camera and sound system replace a camera and sound system in use for over 20 years in the Legislature. The new equipment cost approximately $8,000, and was installed by legislative staff. Earlier estimates for the project came in at over $22,000.
Much of the work was done over the past several weeks by legislative staff, including purchasing and installation of the equipment.
“We are proud that we were able to accomplish this project for a fraction of the estimated cost. This is important work, and helps bring us closer to the people of the County,” said Legislator Bob Loveridge.
The effort to improve the recording and sound system of the Legislature is part of an overall effort to improve the legislative chambers. The lighting system at the Legislature was improved at a minimal cost and a ramp accessible to all residents, including those with special needs, was installed. [/private]