Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20210402-2a REGARDING: Remote Participation at Commission Meetings WHEREAS, the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission (CTTC) requested the availability of remote participation at commission meetings prior to the pandemic to support flexible participation models; WHEREAS, the CTTC was piloting the feasibility of remote participation when the pandemic began; WHEREAS, the feasibility of remote participation is proven by the remote participation capabilities demonstrated over the past year; WHEREAS, the CTM Office has relied upon contracted part-time and/or full-time staff to support existing AV and Boards & Commissions broadcasts for an extended period of time; WHEREAS, the Clerk’s Office has also relied upon contracted part-time and/or full-time staff to support the expansion of remote participation due to the pandemic over the past year; WHEREAS, in order to facilitate continued remote participation capability after statewide emergency orders relating to the pandemic expire, additional staff and funds are required by CTM, ATXN, and the Clerk’s Office, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The CTTC recommends $10,000 in support for equipment purchases for ATXN in order to continue the current level of support for remote participation at City Commission meetings. This recommendation would allow ATXN to initiate and manage a hybrid in- person and remote meeting style in support of flexible participation models, as current capabilities can only handle fully remote or fully in-person. Additionally, the CTTC supports the request of the Clerk’s Office for three FTE positions in as much as these positions allow the continuation of remote participation for all City commissions and support the rollout and expansion of this piloted hybrid model. Moreover, the CTTC supports the request of CTM for proportional funding to 1) upgrade technology at meeting rooms in City Hall, 2) upgrade software (and support) relating to web streaming and A/V support, and 3) convert contract staff to FTEs -- all in support of continuing remote participation for all City Commissions and rolling out this piloted hybrid model for the currently broadcasted Boards & Commissions in FY2022. Date of Approval: April 2, 2021 Record of the vote: Motion to approve the recommendation to provide 1) $10,000 in support for equipment purchases for ATXN, 2) 3 additional FTE’s for the Clerk’s Office, 3) proportional funding to upgrade meeting room, software, and AV/Maintenance/Support for remote participation and piloted hybrid model, and 4) the conversion of contracted CTM AV staff to FTEs made by Commissioner Gairo and seconded by Chair Pitts passed on a vote of 8-0-1. ATTEST: ___________________________________ Jesse Rodriguez City of Austin Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs