Board of Aldermen 08-09-2022 Page 5
Donna Graham, Legislative Affairs Manager
One minute.
Tim Sennott
| also understand that there may be costs associated with ensuring that the technology is kept up to speed to match the
demands of the public. As somebody who you all Know, would normally be there if not for circumstances beyond my
control in one of the first two rows there tonight, I'm thankful for the opportunity to still be able to come and address you
tonight through this means where prior to the implementation of Zoom...
Donna Graham, Legislative Affairs Manager
30 seconds.
Tim Sennott
..-or, you know, Microsoft teams or whatever, | wouldn't be able to. So | hope that the conversation tonight can
lead us towards something that can continue the use of these technologies because | do think they're a worthwhile
expenditure for the city. | think they've gone a long way in increasing participation at City Hall. Thank you.
President Wilshire
Thank you.
Laurie Ortolano
HI. Laurie Ortolano, 41. Berkeley Street. I'd like to speak in favor of maintaining Zoom as a platform and interface for
public to participate in all of your meetings. Right to Know New Hampshire is a big supporter of this interface and most of
the legislation we backed last year contained language to maintain or expand Zoom as an interface for communities to
grow their participation. Mr. Gouthro was correct in the legislation that was enacted in Massachusetts to expand it and |
know the New England First Amendment Coalition is strongly behind using this platform to increase community
participation.
| think when | read the letter on the costs, | think it's pretty nominal given all of the items in the budget and the type of
programming we're doing in this city to allow that interface to, you know, improve and be maintained. | would certainly like
to see that Zoom interface brought over to the schools side. Frankly, their meetings don't have it and that is rather
shocking. | don't think their participation is as good as it would it be if they had Zoom because they run their meetings at 6
o'clock, which is a very difficult family time if you're doing dinner. | know many people who haven't come out to school
meetings because of their family commitments to have a meal on the table and that's the population that does have kids.
If they want to have a family meal, it's right at dinner time.
So I'd like to see Zoom expanded. I'd like to see the investment made into it and I'd like to see the Board understand the
benefits you've gotten from it because | think we've had quite a few older citizens dial in...
Donna Graham, Legislative Affairs Manager
One minute.
Laurie Ortolano
...t0 participate because, you know, it was a lot easier than them coming out and particularly in a New England climate in
the winter and the cold. Zoom affords everyone a really awesome avenue to be part of a meeting. So | hope that you
would support continuing the use of it and embrace the broader involvement you get in your public meetings through that
interface. Thank you.
President Wilshire
| don't see anyone else. We'll move along.
COMMUNICATIONS REQUIRING FINAL APPROVAL
