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POMPTON LAKES - Stay tuned for boro council on TV
(by Leslie Scott - Staff Writer - April 13, 2008)
POMPTON LAKES - Residents who miss Borough Council meetings can catch up in their own home.
During its March 9 meeting, the council passed a motion with a 3-0-1 vote to begin televising the meetings within 30 days. Council members Mike Simone and Ellis Marples were absent, Lloyd Kent abstained and Lisa Riggiola, Edward Meakem and Rick Steele voted to move forward with this.
Residents have often requested that the council begin televising the meetings. The March 9 meeting was no different when business owner Herb Newman asked again during the first public session.
Riggiola said she spoke with several senior citizens who said they would also like to see the meetings.
“The seniors cannot go out at late hours. The seniors cannot see the meetings and they want to be involved. If I can do anything to make it happen I will,” she said.
Meakem was ready to start recording at the next scheduled meeting, however, Riggiola and Kent wanted to make sure the recording system was tested first and Steele wanted procedures set up first.
“It can’t be some run-of-the-mill camera,” said Riggiola.
Kent said he wanted to test the recording system first to make sure everyone can be seen and heard.
“I think we at least can view it first and make sure we are happy with the quality of it,” said Kent.
“I don't see any reason why we can’t do it right now, and whether you like the tape quality or not, we will work that out,” said Meakem.
The borough’s public access channel is operated out of Pompton Lakes High School. The school district has recording equipment, however, the municipality does not have a recording system in borough hall.
At the meeting Meakem sought volunteers willing to record the meetings.
“Are there any volunteers that can come in with a camera, set it up and give the tape to (Borough Clerk) Liz (Brandsness) when they are done so she can put it on Channel 77?” asked Meakem.
Borough Administrator Lawrence Pollex said Brandsness can check with other towns to see what type of procedures they have in place for their televised meetings.
“We certainly would not be the first town to do this,” said Pollex.
Mayor Katie Cole said televising the meetings would not be a problem but she first would like to have some procedures in place.
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