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Commissioners discuss Zoom/OWL camera policy, recommend written rules for online participants
Summary
Following audio and camera problems with the courthouse OWL device and Zoom participation, the board asked staff to draft a written policy requiring microphones and cameras for online public commenters and to consider equipment upgrades.
Officials and remote participants raised audio and camera problems with the courthouse OWL camera and Zoom feed during the Feb. 4 meeting. Several participants, including Elena Gagliiano, recommended a written policy to improve transparency: require Zoom participants who offer public comment to enable cameras and microphones so meeting listeners and viewers can see and hear who is speaking.
Commissioners and staff discussed technical behavior of the OWL device (which automatically focuses on the active speaker) and noted the system can be confused when multiple people speak at once. Staff said the equipment was on a trial and that a newer generation of the device was available from the vendor. Participants asked staff to test updated hardware and to draft a policy clarifying expectations for remote participants and how the chair will recognize speakers.
The board directed staff to draft language for a policy and to return with recommendations; no formal vote or purchase was made during the meeting.
