The video issue was the result of County Commissioner Judy Boggs refusing to allow video recording of her Town Meeting at the Ocean Pines branch.

The Trustees acted favorably and unanimously on the following suggested policy change submitted by Mark Thomas, library director.

"Meetings conducted in any of the libraries must be open to all persons who wish to attend. Individuals may use cameras, tape recorders and other devices to create sound and/or visual records of all or portions of a meeting if such recording is acceptable to the person or group who is conducting the meeting. If such recording is not acceptable to the person or group who is conducting the meeting, and if relevant local, state, or federal law does not protect it, then such recording will not be permitted. Library staff and Trustees may exercise discretion about placement of cameras and recording equipment in order to ensure the safety and comfort of those attending the meeting."

Interestingly, Mr. Thomas initially told OceanPinesForum.com that the Board of Trustees meeting could not be videoed. Mr. Thomas was made aware of the Maryland Open Meeting Act and apparently he and the Trustees eventually agreed that the Trustees meeting was covered. County Attorney Ed Hammond was present at a closed session of the Trustees prior to the open meeting. As you see, a video camera was used to cover the meeting.

The new policy still leaves much unsettled, and is far from clear and concise.

I (Joe Reynolds) suggested to the Trustees that they consider a modification of the Thomas' proposal. My verbal suggestions were essentially as follows:

"In general I suggest that the Trustees consider a policy that if the rooms are used by an elected official or any individual belonging to a group that is covered by the Open Meeting Act for purposes related to their position as an elected official or a member of an Open Meeting Act group, then the use of video in the rooms be covered by the same guidelines as if the room were being used by a group covered by the Act.

"I do not believe any reasonable person could argue with such a guideline. I’m not suggesting you should allow video coverage for each and every event in the meeting rooms, just that you make a reasonable guideline when it comes to elected officials or others who belong to groups covered by the Act. For others, leave it up to the individual who reserved the room – provided use of video is either allowed for all or not allowed for all. Non-discriminatory.

"There is a distinct difference between a County Commissioner holding a public meeting in a room to discuss Worcester County government with constituents, and a local photography club using the room. I believe any reasonable person would agree. However, I do believe that use of rooms for purposes of a Town Meeting by a County Commissioner is a perfectly legitimate use of the room – election year or no election year.

"I am only looking for reasonableness and fairness."

The Trustees voted favorably on Mr. Thomas' proposal prior to even hearing any public comment on the issue -- even though asked if public comment would be allowed prior to a vote and receiving a positive reply..