Town council agrees to livestream its meetings

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
You may soon be able to watch the proceedings of town council meetings in the comfort of your own computer or smart phone.
At its Nov. 14 meeting, Claresholm town council gave the go ahead to proceed with setting up livestreaming of council meetings, after hearing a report from Marian Carlson, the town’s chief administrative officer.
She said council had discussed the idea of livestreaming, so she did some research.
Carlson noted livestreaming council meetings is great for transparency and accountability, but it has to be consistent and professional.
The recent Claresholm municipal candidates’ forum was livestreamed and that was well received.
However, the town had someone there the whole time to look after livestreaming.
It is not possible to have that same staff do that for every meeting.
Consequently, Carlson looked at Facebook and YouTube live.
The idea is to purchase a webcam, adjust the town’s website, and host the livestreaming through the town website.
Carlson said she and Karine Wilhauk, the town’s finance assistant, are at all meetings and can be trained to livestream them.
Coun. Gaven Moore asked if she has seen other towns do this.
Carlson responded the town she used to worked at had the local TV station record meetings and put them on YouTube.
“I would like to see it,” said Mayor Doug MacPherson.
Carlson said it could be set up for the next meeting.
Council then gave the approval to proceed with making the arrangements to livestream town council meetings.