North Myrtle Beach Faces Confusion Over City Council Meeting Recordings
North Myrtle Beach has found itself in a bit of a pickle regarding the recording of its city council meetings. The confusion comes as city officials have recently declared that they no longer record video of these meetings, despite an earlier practice of showing video content, even as recently as the summer of 2022.
Looking Back to 2022
It all kicked off back in July 2022, when then-city manager Mike Mahaney decided to showcase a video recording of a city council meeting to members of the press. This particular meeting stirred quite a bit of discussion after Mahaney made remarks about providing bus tickets to unhoused individuals, prompting concerns around the topic of homelessness in North Myrtle Beach.
The video served to clarify Mahaney’s comments for a reporter and editor, and a copy was handed over at that time. Fast forward two years, and the situation has made quite a turn, leading to some eyebrow-raising moments for both officials and residents alike.
The Recent FOIA Request
Just two days ago, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted, seeking a copy of a recent city council meeting video. However, city staff responded with a shocking revelation: they claimed they do not record video at all! In fact, they provided an audio recording in the same MP4 format as the earlier video, but alas, it lacked any visual content—just a black screen.
City spokesperson Lauren Jessie confirmed, “I can guarantee you, we don’t video record. But because the format is MP4 that’s why you’re seeing the black screen in what you received in FOIA.” It seems the city has undergone some significant changes since Mahaney’s time, attributing the lack of video to ongoing audio issues.
Changes in Recording Practices
Jessie explained that the IT department decided to cease video recording after the January 9, 2023, city council meeting due to ongoing audio problems. “The audio system only records in MP4 format,” she said, adding that any visuals included would have depended on what was displayed on the screen during the meeting.
While the city does audio record meetings, they’ve refrained from any video options since the post-COVID return to in-person gatherings in May 2020. Back during the pandemic, the meetings were recorded to ensure transparency and accessibility.
Plans for Future Recordings
Looking ahead, city officials announced that they plan to resume video recordings starting in January 2025. A test run for this new streaming technology is scheduled for a City Council Workshop on November 20, 2024. Once implemented, the recordings will be available for the public to view on the city’s social media and YouTube channels.
Comparing with Neighboring Areas
This shift in policy raises a few eyebrows, especially when one considers the practices of nearby towns. Neighbors like Conway, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Horry County Schools have been moving ahead with their own broadcasting of meetings—something that North Myrtle Beach residents with an interest in local governance may find frustrating.
The motives behind the original halt to video recording stem from claims of low viewership, but it seems that many local residents have voiced a desire for consistent and accessible coverage of their city’s governance.
In Summary
As the city works towards reinstating their video meetings, residents are left to ponder the importance of open access to their local council’s discussions. With ongoing changes in recording practices and an eye on future improvements, North Myrtle Beach appears to be at a crossroads in enhancing transparency within their local government.
