UPDATE: Marin County supervisors will temporarily relocate to the Marin Center Showcase Theater as they install a new $1.14 million audiovisual broadcasting system in their chambers. This urgent upgrade, expected to last through February 2024, aims to enhance sound quality and video clarity, significantly improving public access to meetings.
The new system is not just about aesthetics; it’s a crucial response to ongoing challenges with existing technology. County Executive Derek Johnson highlighted the importance of these improvements at a recent meeting, stating, “These enhancements will help us meet our livestream reliability and other ADA requirements for everyone who participates.”
As part of this initiative, other agencies, including the Marin Housing Authority and the Marin County Planning Commission, will also hold their meetings at the Showcase Theater. Despite the relocation, meetings will continue to be streamed online, ensuring public engagement remains uninterrupted.
The current audio-visual equipment has been deemed “antiquated and failing,” according to Laine Hendricks, a spokesperson for the county. Problems such as crackling audio and video disruptions have been common, impacting the public’s ability to engage with the content.
Legislation also plays a role here. Senate Bill 707, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October, mandates that all public meetings provide a two-way audiovisual platform for public participation. The new system will include advanced features such as dual-language captioning, assistive listening technology, and American Sign Language interpretation, ensuring compliance with these regulations.
Advocates like Jonathan Frieman, a San Rafael resident and proponent for better accommodations for the hearing impaired, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the new plans. He noted that past experiences with the county’s assisted listening devices often resulted in audio delays, making it challenging for users to follow along.
Hendricks acknowledged these issues, promising improvements that would allow users to connect via a receiver or smartphone app. This upgrade will enhance audio clarity and coverage within the board chamber.
The county currently provides English captions during meetings, with plans to expand this to include Spanish captions for both online viewers and in-chamber displays. Laney Davidson, the county’s disability access manager, emphasized that captions serve a broader purpose, benefiting individuals with diverse communication needs beyond just those with hearing loss.
This significant investment in technology reflects Marin County’s commitment to enhancing public engagement and meeting modern accessibility standards. As the installation progresses, residents are encouraged to stay tuned for updates, ensuring they remain informed about their local government proceedings.
With the new system, Marin County aims to set a new standard for accessibility and public participation in government meetings, making these important discussions more inclusive than ever.
