[BWNA] Re: [BWNA-Board] Video-taping of meetings

[jim karlock]

At 09:31 AM 12/13/06, Rob Vaughn wrote:

> >Please keep in mind that neighborhood meetings are a city government
> >function and, like any government function, should be fully public
> >and that includes the media.
>
>I keep hearing that, but I personally would like to see some kind of legal
>explanation of why a private, tax-exempt organization is part of the city
>gov't?

1. We receive city money.
2. We advise the city on land use matters.
We are therefore subject to open meeting laws.

What we do affects others and they have a right to know, including 
through the media. That is the bottom line. (tax exempt does not enter into it)

A good example is the process that led up to the bubble curbs, 
re-arranged parking, lowered speed limit and marked cross walks on 
Fremont. They affect all citizens that use a public street.

Should the process be secret?
Open only to those that are able to attend?
Or open to the media?

> >Any TV station can walk in and tape for TV broadcast, so what is 
> the problem?
>
>No they can't,

Yes they can. I've watched them. Local news people do not bother with 
releases or ask permission.

>  again, they need to get a release signed if they interview someone 
> who's not a public figure, or they risk a lawsuit.

For interviews they usually ask if you would go on camera and how to 
spell their names. As for requiring permission - just watch 60 min 
stick a camera in someone's face (I've seen a few local stations do 
this too, but usually only to those accused of something at least un-ethical.)

>Albert, I would like to again make the suggestion of the compromise of audio
>recording only to resolve this.

If you exercise your right to testify to the city council, you will 
be on TV, they even show the audience. It is a fact of open 
government and being active. I used to be very shy and got used to it.

We are not a private little club, we are part of government and 
subject to open meeting laws - get used to it. That is why I directed 
this thread to the open list - we are working on public policy. (The 
only things that are allowed on the private list are things like 
coordinating who picks up what when for the picnic, but not the fact 
of the picnic or the choices of what to bring. As I understand it.)

Thanks
JK


>Cheers, Rob V.
>
>--
>robv at sound-o-mat.com
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