Meetings inaudible

To the editor:

I have expressed my concern on several occasions about the sound quality of city meetings broadcast on our community cable channel.

Ms. Hendrick has promptly explained the issue is being looked at. As you will recall, these concerns started long before the multi-million dollar renovations to City Hall.

We were told there would be all new equipment as part of the renovation. I am sure we all agree allowing the tax-paying citizens of Thunder Bay the opportunity to listen to the business of our city being conducted is of the utmost importance.

Initiative No. 33 of the city’s Strategic Plan, plans to "Initiate Public Participation Campaign to encourage involvement in civic decision-making." This can hardly be possible when the meetings of our city cannot be watched due to poor sound quality.

I have pointed out the problem only occurs when people speak too closely to the mics. Even city employees including Ms. Busch and Mr. Pepe seem not to have been informed that speaking too close to the mic makes their comments almost incomprehensible at times.

The problem is most prevalent when deputants speak, people who come forward in an earnest attempt to share information and their opinions with council and the listening public.

There are devices that can take care of this problem and I expect this problem will be given the consideration it deserves, and soon.

To hear how this sounds to the public, please review the tape of a recent meeting where Mr. Pepe spoke on tourism issues.

As a regular viewer of the city meetings, I would also encourage you to make arrangements to have the council meetings re-broadcast on another date as well.

Thank you for your consideration of my concerns.

Patty Bates,
Thunder Bay