Aspen HPC staff begin three‑month AI note‑taking trial, urge clear mic use

The Aspen Historic Preservation Commission heard on‑the‑record that staff is piloting an AI note‑taking system for three months and will review its transcripts before any permanent adoption. "We're in about a 3 month trial, with this new software," said the staff member leading the announcement, who asked commissioners to speak clearly for accurate speaker recognition. Staff also said IT and the city attorney would be consulted before any formal rollout.

Commissioners were told the tool has already shortened minute‑preparation time in other contexts but can misattribute lines when participants speak over one another. The staff member said he reviews AI transcripts personally "to make sure everything's assigned to the right person" and will verify minutes generated through the software.

The commission did not take a formal vote on adoption. Instead, members and staff emphasized procedural safeguards: clearer microphone technique by speakers, staff review of autogenerated minutes, and coordination with IT and legal counsel to address privacy and recordkeeping concerns. The chair asked commissioners to continue normal meeting decorum during the trial so the system can be fairly evaluated.