Fix the audio and video problems during City Council meetings!
Since February 2019, I’ve tuned in to City Council meetings every two weeks. That is roughly 211 work sessions and regular meetings and I’ve emailed Richard Skorman, Tom Strand, Ryan Trujillo (Director of Support Services) and Alex Ryden (Public Communications Specialist, City Council) on the poor audio and/or video 85% of the time. Some of the issues we have experienced are:
- Poor or no audio
- Poor or no video
- No agenda
- Loss of network/server
- No closed caption
Excuses Aren’t Cutting it Anymore
Richard Skorman, as City Council President, did not respond to my concerns. Tom Strand, as City Council President, responded to almost all my concerns, but the problems are not fixed yet.
I was given every reason for the poor quality including:
- “I hear you Angela loud and clear. I will follow up on this.” Tom Strand, Jul 12, 2021
- “I do hear you, and will work hard to fix the audio issues, in particular. I do not take these technical shortcomings lightly and will follow up.” Tom Strand, Jul 26, 2021
- “Obviously, we have a lot of work to do with both video and audio in the new Chambers.” Tom Strand, Oct 12, 2021
- “This should not be happening.” Tom Strand, Nov 23, 2021
- “I truly appreciate your feedback on the Council broadcast audio/ video capability. This is very important to me.” Tom Strand, Jan 10, 2022
- “As you all know this Council video and audio transmission is very important to me. I will again follow up on our technology.” Tom Strand, Sep 14, 2022
- “I agree with you, and since we have moved back into Chambers, my efforts and influence to fix these sound, video and technical issues have been ineffective. I won’t give in or give up. Have three months left to make a difference.” Tom Strand, Jan 11, 2023
Do They Care?
I could go on, but I think you get the picture. The audio/video issues were not fixed in the newly renovated chambers, even though an IT upgrade was part of the $450,000 renovation budget.
If you are experiencing the same issues with city council meetings, please write to the following people:
- Tom Strand, tom.strand@coloradosprings.gov
- Alex Ryden, alexander.ryden@coloradosprings.gov
- Sam Friedman, Samuel.friedman@coloradosprings.gov
I believe the more voices heard; the more results achieved!
