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Candia Select Board votes to retain Zoom after residents urge keeping virtual access
Summary
After extensive public comment from residents citing accessibility and caregiving constraints, the Candia Board of Selectmen voted to retain Zoom access for Select Board meetings. Board members discussed technical and ADA considerations and agreed to explore improved livestreaming and captioning.
The Candia Board of Selectmen voted Oct. 28 to retain Zoom access for Select Board meetings after an extended public-comment period in which multiple residents urged keeping virtual attendance options.
Board members opened a debate about whether Zoom remains necessary now that in-person meetings have fully resumed. One member argued that “the best transparency is you come to the public meeting” and that people should attend in person. Several board members raised technical and ADA considerations, including the need for better microphones, speakers and closed-captioning if remote access continued.
Residents who spoke during public comment said Zoom removes barriers for people who cannot travel to night meetings. Anne Lacey of 39 Crenshott said she often uses Zoom to follow planning-board business when she is away in winter. Carlin Acevedo of High Street told the board, “I think you should keep Zoom because it makes this meeting accessible to people who can’t physically be here for any number of reasons.” Crystal Clark of 158 Chester Road said she relies on Zoom because “having a kiddo with autism here at home, I can’t bring him to the meeting, and I do not have somebody here to stay with him.” Other residents cited elder care, illness and shift work as reasons they need remote access.
After hearing public comment and discussing alternatives — including recording meetings to post on a town YouTube channel and improving in-room audio — a board member moved to retain Zoom for Select Board meetings. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor; members named on the record in the affirmative included Russ, Sue, Brian and Pat.
The board’s decision also included direction to explore technical improvements and ADA-compliant captioning so remote viewers can better hear and follow proceedings. The board discussed livestreaming options that would reduce the on-call moderation burden of a two-way platform like Zoom.
The board will next take up related implementation steps, including equipment needs and captioning, at a future meeting.
