As Saanich council gets ready for its Internet debut, council chambers will get a new look.
Council Monday approved measures that allow Saanich to alter the council chamber dais at a cost of $60,000. The changes will see council members sit in a “U” shape at floor level. Council approved these changes by a vote of 6-2 with Couns. Fred Haynes and Colin Plant opposed.
Council’s decision followed a pilot study conducted in conjunction with plans to introduce live-streaming over the Internet. While staff did not conduct a formal survey of the pilot project, comments received so far praised the proposed arrangement, said Harley Machielse, director of engineering, in a memo to council.
“Specifically, speakers have commented they feel the configuration is effective and allows the public to better view [council] in comparison to the traditional layout,” he said.
Under the proposed alterations, contractors would remove a portion of the existing dais, improving circulation within the existing layout. “The large platform dais would no longer be required and would be converted to a two-step shorter platform…that could be used to support group photos and special event performances,” said Machielse.
As much as possible, the alterations would leave most of the existing desks untouched, but require new millwork for the Mayor’s desk, two staff’s desk and the speaker’s podium. “The millwork would be sensitive to the heritage elements of the room and would match the existing desks,” he said.
Municipal Hall falls under the district’s heritage bylaw and council had to approve a permit allowing the alterations. It also approved $60,000 to do the work. Council also considered but rejected the option of raising its platform, a move that would cost $150,000.
While Mayor Richard Atwell said he would like to see the platform raised, he could not justify the additional expense, a point that Coun. Leif Wergeland echoed.
“I don’t think we should jump into our surplus too soon,” he said.
Coun. Judy Brownoff agreed and Coun. Vicki Sanders said keeping council at the level of audience members avoids the impression of council “lording over them.”
Coun. Susan Brice meanwhile noted that council’s decision maintains the room’s multi-functionality.
Plant and Haynes disagreed with the majority. Plant said raising council would have improved sightlines and give audience a better view. He also questioned why council is spending $60,000 on what amounts to preserving the “status quo.”
According to staff, Monday’s decision gives council’s a major facelift. “The [council chamber] has experienced only minor maintenance and updates over the past several years,” said Machielse.
It also gets Saanich closer to broadcasting its council meetings over the Internet. Council last month awarded $205,992.78 to PAW Pacific Audio Works to install and maintain a multi-media system over the course of a five-year-long contract. Funding for the capital portion comes from IT capital budget of $263,500. The total annual operating cost for the system is $56,000.
According to staff, installation of the live-streaming will begin this month and wrap up next month.