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Plano staff proposes formal recording-equipment guidelines for council meetings
Summary
City media-relations director presented proposed rules to concentrate tripod-mounted cameras in designated seating areas to reduce glare and distractions after chamber renovations; staff says guidelines were reviewed by legal.
Steve Stoler, the city’s director of media relations, told the Plano City Council on April 7 that staff has drafted recording-equipment guidelines for council chambers after recent renovations altered camera sight lines and created glare issues.
Stoler said he consulted chief photographers from the four main television stations and the city legal department before drafting a rule set intended for “anyone who wants to record a meeting,” which staff defines as devices tablet-size or larger and equipment that needs a tripod. “The guidelines are designed not only to minimize distractions during the meetings, but provide a designated area for the news media and public attendees who have recording devices,” Stoler said.
Under the plan Stoler described, tripod-mounted cameras and similar equipment would be concentrated in a small number of marked seats near the back left of the chamber (four or five chairs) and, when demand is higher, along the top row on the right (four or five seats). Stoler said the chairs would remain upright and camera operators would stand behind their tripods rather than sit in the seats. He said staff would reserve and cordon off those seats in advance when staff expects a heavy media turnout—examples mentioned included controversial topics such as short-term rentals.
Council members asked logistical and safety questions. Council member Maria (last name not specified in the meeting transcript) asked whether tripods would be set up “on the chairs or on the seat,” and Stoler clarified the chairs remain upright and tripods are to be placed between them; operators will stand behind their cameras. A council member asked explicitly whether the arrangement was safe; Stoler replied, “Oh yeah, absolutely.”
The presentation did not include an ordinance or formal rule change; Stoler said the guideline language had been reviewed by the city legal department and that staff intends to adopt a written procedure. No vote was taken. Council asked staff to return with any necessary formal language if a rule change or formal adoption is required.
Ending: Staff said it will finalize the written guidance and follow up with council on next steps and any required rulemaking or administrative changes.
