Fruit Heights council unanimously approves $45,057.77 overhaul of chamber audio and video system

The Fruit Heights City Council voted unanimously March 3 to approve a $45,057.77 state-contract bid from Performance Audio to overhaul the city council chamber’s audio and video systems.

Council and staff described months of intermittent failures, poor intelligibility on recordings and a network configuration that left recording equipment vulnerable and periodically disruptive to the building’s IP network. Staff said Performance Audio had visited the chamber multiple times, replaced a failing switch, and proposed a digital, camera-integrated system with focused microphones, repositioned speakers and remote camera control.

The motion to approve the bid was made and seconded during the meeting; council later approved it by unanimous voice vote. Council members asked that reusable equipment be retained when possible and discussed surplus options for replaced hardware.

Staff told the council the upgrade would also add features to improve accessibility: attendees using hearing aids could connect via a phone-based feed or QR code, and additional camera coverage would make it clearer who is speaking in recordings and streamed video.

City staff said funds are available in the city-building budget to cover the purchase and that some previously budgeted camera purchases may be reallocated. A staff representative said the vendor will tune the system to the room and return at no additional charge for troubleshooting during the initial setup phase.

Next steps: staff will coordinate scheduling with the vendor and begin installation per the approved scope; the council recorded the vote and moved on to remaining agenda items.