3. Improved Technology for Citizen ParticipationCity
Kali*spell
Past [office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903--1. 997 - Telephone (406.)758--7700 Fax (406)758-7758
REPORT TG: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Theresa white, City Clerk
James H. Patrick, City Manager
SUBJECT: Improved Technology for Citizen Participation - Video On -Demand
MEETING- DATE: September 10, 2007
BACKGROUND: The Council has expressed interest in finding ways to broaden public
access to local government. Internet access to public meetings (web streaming) would allow
residents to take a more active role in what is happening in Kalispell. Council meetings could be
viewed as they happen on line, or after the meetings with videos available any time on the web
site. Granicus, Inc. has presented Kalispell with a proposal to provide citizens with videos of
loc:�l meetings either live or on demand. The videos provide a scroll -down menu which includes
the meeting agenda and allows viewers the ability to watch certain portions of the meeting
without having to watch the entire assembly. Currently Granicus hosts more than 300
governments spanning 30 states and .sales representatives are offering Kalispell the same
opportunity at a drastically reduced price to bring a Montana city into its fold. In. addition to
meetings, the City* s allotment of 50 hours of time per month would also allow for public service
announcements and other information of interest to be placed on the web site.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council consider contracting with Granicus, Inc.. for web
streaming and video archiving of public meetings.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Start up casts of $9, 449.04 with a monthly cost of $500.00 may be
paid from the Bresnan Cable Franchise Fees.
Respectively submitted,
Theresa white
City Clerk.
James .Patric
City Manager