ERC -

'We are happy to proceed with the original date for the first option to extend from 30th June 2018 until 29th June 2019 at the cost stated for the 1st extension of £10,951.00+VAT. '

As far as I can make out there will be 7 Full Council meetings between

30th June 2018 until 29th June 2019

12 and 27 September 2018

31 October 2018

19 December 2018

28 February 2019

1 May 2019

26 June 2019

Surely it makes more sense to utilise the webcasting equipment for other council meetings?

By the empty seats in Public Gallery I would say that the meetings themselves in their current format and presentation have 'very little or no demand' and we should be looking at the cost implications of these meetings in their current format.

You have to look at how Council Tax Payers get value for money from their Councillors and these meetings.

You also have to look at their democratic value and means of accountability.

You have to look at

- how many committees there are

- the purpose of these Committees and meetings

- who are the meetings held for - Council Tax Payers, Councillors, Officials?

- who are we holding to account - Councillors and/or Officials?

- what the meetings actually achieve

- how many meetings there are and the frequency of these meetings

- the length of these meetings

- why can all committee meetings not be scheduled for the same day?

- How the meetings are conducted.

- how Council Tax Payers can interact with Councillors and the meetings.

Are these meetings in their current format fit for purpose?

I attend these meetings when I can.

However, I do question the value for money that Council Tax Payers are getting from their Councillors and officials regarding these meetings.

Sometimes with regard to democracy, I fail to see the point in them at all.

I cannot see anything that takes place during a Cabinet meeting that could not be done by a well run and organised Full Council meeting.

As one who attends these meetings in their present form, they should all be Webcast, and everyone benefits from all these meetings being Webcast.

More on last post -

Times Full Council Meetings Lasted -

27 June 2018 - 1:19:34

9 May 2018 - 00:42:01

Planning Committee 3 May 2018 - 1:11:14

28 March 2018 - 2:00:43


Correct me if I am wrong but the 'lease' would appear to cover at least 30 hours per year?

From previous post above - 'They include 30 hours per annum and are subject to VAT. '

These 4 meetings have taken up 5:13:32 of the 30 hours?

If there are 7 meetings in a year taking up a generous at max 14 hours, what are we paying for the other 16 unused hours?

Why are we not using them to Webcast these other Council Meetings?

What is the cost of these unused hours?

Anyone remember when Webcasts started?

A few more questions -

----Original message----
Date : 07/09/2018 - 13:39 (GMTST)
To : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Subject : Webcasting Costs 2


Hi Eamonn

Sorry to bother you again, but your help with this is very much appreciated.

There are 4 Webcasts available in the Webcast library -

27 June 2018 - 1:19:34

9 May 2018 - 00:42:01

Planning Committee 3 May 2018 - 1:11:14

28 March 2018 - 2:00:43

When did the original lease come into effect after the 2015 recommendation was accepted?

How many Council Meetings have been Webcast in each year as part of the lease - please give dates.

Is there a time limit for keeping Webcasts in the library?

Again, your help is very much appreciated.

Thanks

Anyone else find it somewhat strange that the only councillor who seems to consistently fail to respond to requests in ward 4, is Councillor Annette Ireland.

Mind you she is one of 16 councillors who always open and read my emails.

The other two do not have a good track record.

Sixteen councillors with a 100% record, these two have a somewhat lower score.



Would it not be prudent to be aware of what is being said about you, keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. I am not saying that they class me as an enemy, but you would hope that they had common sense to read what was being said / asked. Or is that an indication of complete arrogance on their part?

Reply from Cllr David MacDonald -

----Original message----
From : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Date : 07/09/2018 - 11:03 (GMTST)
Subject : Re: Webcasting Costs

Can I have you permission to forward your email and figures to the appropriate department?

You have my support in what you appear be calling for. I am of the view that all council meetings should be webcast with exception of certain circumstances such as licensing when very personal information is sometimes discussed about licence holders such as unproven accusations of a criminal nature.

Kind regards,
David

Whilst I would agree with your comment regarding unproven accusations, however as members of the public can sit in the public gallery these comments should not be made at all.