The City of Munising has made strides in promoting government transparency and accessibility by introducing video recordings of some of its board and commission meetings.
This initiative, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, involved upgrading the audio/visual system at City Hall to provide high-quality recordings that residents can view remotely.
After test runs in October and further refinements in November, the city began using the new system in December for its City Commission and Planning Commission meetings.
The effort underscores a commitment to keeping residents informed and engaged in local government, regardless of their ability to attend in person.
“The goal is to increase the ability of residents to access meetings without requiring them to attend in person,” City Manager Devin Olson said. “We have a number of meetings in any given month, and it can be inconvenient for members of the public to attend whether it be time constraints or even poor weather.”
By adding digital access to public meetings, Munising is embracing modern technology to enhance transparency and community engagement. The system ensures that community members, including those with demanding schedules, limited mobility or concerns about inclement weather, can stay connected to local decision-making processes.
The upgrades to City Hall’s audio/visual system reflect careful planning and a commitment to quality.
Early tests identified areas for improvement, and the city has been working to refine the audio and streamline the editing process. These adjustments aim to deliver clear, professional recordings for public use.
Residents can access the video recordings through the City of Munising’s website at cityofmunising. org. Links to the videos can be found on the Minutes page for each of the relevant boards and commissions.
Additionally, the city has made the recordings available on its official YouTube channel (youtube.com/@cityofmunisingcitycommissi8012) offering additional means of access for residents.
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The goal is to increase the ability of residents to access meetings without requiring them to attend in person.
—Devin
Olson
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