HomeMy WebLinkAbout072922 PUBLIC COMMENT_ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)_ public engagement_ OPMA________________________________
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Commissioners,
In my previous comments about the new OPMA Guidelines you have been considering, I’ve recommended that all meetings be recorded and I’ve explained why.***
There are some additional reasons for making recordings that I’d like you to consider.
First, many members of the public are not able to attend live meetings of the many boards, commissions and committees because their work or other schedules conflict. Also, meetings sometimes
overlap, making it literally impossible to attend both / all.
Recordings will allow greater “attendance” through time-shifting.
Second, as I noted, computer-generated transcripts can be created at no cost and at any time from a recording, which will allow for greater compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA).
Our population is the oldest in the state. According to the NIH <https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults> , “approximately one in three people between
the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 has difficulty hearing”. A computer-generated transcript, while far from perfect (and often amusing),
can nonetheless be of great help to those who struggle with hearing loss.
Having recordings (and transcripts) of all meetings will enable and encourage public engagement with their government – that’s now more important than ever.
Thank you,
Tom Thiersch
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* The OPMA now encourages this practice - RCW 42.30.220 <https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.30.220> (1). Note also the legislature’s strong statement of intent in HB 1329
<https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1329-S.SL.pdf> , reflected in part in RCW 42.30.030 <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.30.030>
.
* Audio-only recordings are relatively small files, and are not subject to PRR exemptions / redactions, so they are easy to store and retain.
* Audio/video recordings may be of greater value, but only if the meeting is reviewing presentation materials, videos, etc.
* Action-only minutes inadequately document the discussions, whether or not those discussions lead to decisions. This can be particularly important for advisory boards.
* If the accuracy of the minutes is challenged, an audio recording allows resolution of disputes (they said-they said).
* Members can use the recording to defend their actions if an OPMA suit is brought alleging violations.
* Computer-generated transcripts can be created at no cost and at any time from a recording (e.g., https://Otter.ai )