CREST HAVEN – Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson suggested the board “get into the 21st century” and do “a videotaping of our sessions” Aug. 13.
“It gives the public, especially the public that is older and not ambulatory, the opportunity to see meetings after the fact,” Pierson said.
He did not advocate for livestreaming, rather the recording would be made available on the county’s website the day after the meeting.
Pierson said freeholders discussed the idea previously and some of the things discussed “were people are going to grandstand. I think that will happen anyway … whatever the issue is, I think it’s about time that we do this taping and make us more accessible to the public,” he continued.
Freeholders E. Marie Hayes and Will Morey supported the idea. Hayes said video recording meetings is something that’s been asked of freeholders at coffee chats held at various locations throughout the county.
“I think it’s transparency,” said Hayes. “There are a lot of people who might not be able to get to our meetings that would like to know what’s going on and it gives them that opportunity even if it is the day after, so that if they have an opinion and they want to come back and speak at the next meeting they can.
“I think it’s a great idea and I think it’s timely and I think it’s about time we did it,” she added.
Morey said, “I think if we feel good about what we’re doing in the community and what we’re doing for the county and the issues that are moving forward, I think it’s another way for people to learn about it and receive more information.
“There are hot points from time to time, but that’s all part of life. I think it makes sense if someone is interested and they want to see for themselves, go see for yourself … Maybe it keeps the rumor and innuendo meter down a little bit,” he added.
Clerk of the Board Elizabeth Bozzelli said that Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests have been received for copies of audio recording of meetings. She noted that five counties in New Jersey video record meetings, the rest do not.
Pierson said that several municipalities within the county take advantage of video recording meetings, including Cape May, Ocean City, and Upper Township.
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton asked Pierson if he would look into how long the recordings would need to be retained. Pierson said he would.
Bozzelli said she would research pricing. No action was taken.
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