MARGATE – It can’t happen soon enough for some members of the community.
Residents have repeatedly asked the Board of Commissioners to allow the public to weigh in on important topics via an online meeting platform, but until recently, they have been disappointed that the commission did not make it a priority.
At the April 17 meeting, the board passed a resolution awarding a contract to purchase new audio-visual equipment, supplies and services for Commission Chambers, which also serves as the municipal courtroom.
The city used the interlocal cooperative pricing system to award a $74,600 contract to BIS Digital of Boca Raton, Florida, to install new audio-visual equipment in the courtroom. According to the resolution, funding is currently available in several line items of the budget dealing with technology, computer equipment and supplies, and for the municipal court.
During public comment, resident Sherri Lilienfeld questioned if the purchase of the new equipment would allow residents to participate in live discussions via an online meeting platform.
“We are working on it,” Administrator Patrick Moran said.
He explained that the installation of new equipment was mainly to benefit the court system, but that the upgraded equipment would also allow the city to offer enhanced public participation via Zoom or another online platform. Moran said the courtroom’s previous audio system was not operational and that the state requires specific types of equipment to accommodate court proceedings.
“I’m glad to see this after it’s taken so long to have live Zoom meetings where people can participate,” Lilienfeld said.
Currently, the city allows the public to listen in on meetings via Zoom, but there is no opportunity for the public to speak on issues that affect them. To be heard, residents must attend meetings in person. There are several opportunities for the public to speak during the meeting, including following the 5 p.m. work session, in advance of resolutions and ordinances being voted on, and on any topic of concern.
Lilienfeld pushed for the city’s timeline to implement enhanced online public participation.
It might take a few months for the equipment to be installed, Moran said.
“Again, we’re working on it,” he said.
“I’m sure our snowbirds would appreciate this,” she said.
In neighboring Ventnor, the commission allows public comments via the Zoom platform and in Longport, citizens can listen in, but they may not comment via the Go To Meeting platform.
Copyright Access Network 2025
