Town agrees to install Zoom

The Town Board last week unanimously agreed to install Zoom to allow people to attend meetings online.

Chairman Tom Winker, who proposed the idea months ago, cited the success the town had in recently hosting a joint meeting on emergency medical and firefighting service. A member of the Wisconsin Towns Association appeared on the town’s large-screen TV instead of making the drive from Madison.

“It just worked out extremely well,” Winker said.

“That sold me,” Supr. Bill Janeshek said.

The town will become one of many municipalities to broadcast meetings live online.

“The pandemic really showed we can operate in Zoom,” Winker said. “Is it as nice as an in-person meeting? Not even close.”

The town could also consult its attorney and save on paying him mileage to travel from Waukesha, and it could allow a Plan Commission member who vacations in Texas to attend meetings online, he said.

Winker said he would like to use the TV for Town Board, Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.

Janeshek said he is OK with residents being able to watch or hear meetings but not with them making comments via Zoom. Winker agreed.

Winker said another benefit is people on camera tend to behave better.

Installing Zoom, he said, costs $150 per year.