New audio system brings communication clarity

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Residents who like to tune into Wheatland County’s YouTube feed to catch up on spirited council meeting discussions between council members, and take advantage of the information presented by experts, will be glad to know council has approved a new audio recording system.
The new system means no more straining to hear statements over crackling signals and placing bets on who said what because of weak transmissions.
“In the middle of 2019, it was very evident that the system wasn’t functioning very well,” said Brian Henderson, Wheatland County interim CAO. “There were significant issues with microphones delaying the meetings and distorted quality of sound for the ratepayers.”
Henderson noted that the current system is wireless and this allows interference from other wireless devices, uses batteries that lose power and delivers weak signal transmissions.
The new system will cost $37,000.
Henderson indicated that audio-visual systems are usually replaced every three to five years to ensure reliability and ease of maintenance, and to provide up-to-date features.
Deputy Reeve Scott Klassen stated that a number of residents in his district tune in and they would like to see the presentation material that is shown on overhead screens during presentations.
“What we see in the presentations is a lot of critical information that we make our decisions on,” said Klassen.
Reeve Amber Link said she has seen systems where a split screen can be viewed of the presenter or council and the material on screen.
Henderson said staff had feedback on this issue and they are testing a video format that should allow similar presentation information in the future.