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Council debates fixes to meeting audio system; no purchase approved
Summary
Council discussed persistent microphone and audio problems, weighed buying low-cost plug‑in/lapel mics versus hiring a vendor to modify existing Crestron equipment, and asked staff to research lower-cost plug‑in options and trial layout changes; no procurement decision was made.
Council members spent substantial time discussing recurring audio problems with the council-chamber microphones and whether to purchase simpler, lower-cost microphones to plug into existing outlets or to hire a vendor for a more comprehensive fix.
Several council members said they noticed little improvement from the lapel-microphone test and raised concerns about whether the quoted installation costs included running additional wiring. One council member argued that inexpensive microphones can be bought for roughly $300 and could be tried first to save money. Another council member said he preferred hiring a professional: "I've always been a firm believer — pay somebody to do what they do for a living," he said.
City staff and other council members noted technical constraints: the building uses Crestron equipment and some connectors and rack components can require a specialized vendor. Staff also reported that the current vendor has patched earlier issues and offered improvements at lower cost than prior vendors. Short-term options discussed included sharing wireless microphones between council members and moving existing microphones to better positions during meetings to improve pickup when members turn toward one another.
Council did not approve a purchase at the meeting. Staff was asked to research lower-cost plug‑in microphone options, test possible microphone placements, and report back with cost comparisons and vendor recommendations.
