Commission greenlights AV control center, streaming upgrades for meetings

Palaka commissioners voted May 14 to create a centralized audiovisual control room and move meeting production to the OBS Studio platform to cut technical problems and professionalize streaming.

Staff summarized a technical review and recommended consolidating disparate AV systems into a dedicated control center adjacent to the back breakroom; the proposal included small monitors at the dais so commissioners can see presentations and a proprietary notification system for chair recognition. Preliminary cost estimates ranged widely depending on scope and vendor integration; staff presented a preliminary range of roughly $18,000 to nearly $196,000 for system upgrades and relocation work and noted that some funding lines had been identified in the current budget packet.

Commissioners emphasized transparency and meeting flow improvements as core goals. "We've tried different methods, but I think it's time for us to upgrade," one commissioner said during discussion. The commission adopted Resolution 2026‑R82 to authorize evaluation of the control‑room location, finalize the scope, and direct public works to begin planning and implementation steps.

Staff will return with a final scope of work, firm quotes, and a procurement plan before major purchases are made.