Boothbay Region TV Station Manager Cody Mitchell proposed to Boothbay Harbor selectmen a two-camera live video and streaming system. Selectman Ken Fitch renewed interest in the idea after several residents said they tune into meeting broadcasts.

Mitchell's proposal would cost $10,919 including a live video production system, two cameras, a remote controller, video monitor, pickup microphones, audio mixer, network switch, power supply, cables, mounts and racks.

BRTV would install it at $20 per hour for a projected 35 hours. The only other cost would be for a licensed contractor to make structural changes to the meeting hall, Mitchell said.

“We'll maintain it, we'll service it, we'll set it up indefinitely for the life of the system. What the discussion has been about is whether or not to install a system that is highly reliable, very turn-key, very easy to use for anyone. Training can be less than five minutes. It'll be future-proof for decades.”

The system would reliably livestream meetings to Facebook and archive on BRTV’s and the town’s websites, Mitchell said. It could show slide presentations; control cameras from a tablet or mobile device; control from BRTV’s station; and BRTV’s mobile cameras will be able to tap into the system for larger meetings moved to the firehouse.

“One of the Achilles' heels that we have about presentations is that microphone,” Fitch said motioning to the wireless microphone speakers take turns with. “We had over 300 people streaming at our last meeting and no one could hear the presenter …”

While two new pendant microphones will catch some of the lower key meetings' talk between the audience and the board, Mitchell said the one thing Boothbay's boards have been successful in is asking audience members to approach a podium.

“That's something that you could spend a million dollars on and it's not going to happen if you don't enforce it. So, you're going to have to … make sure that people use some sort of amplified microphone.”

Asked if the budget has room for the project, Acting Town Manager Julia Latter said she would look at some of the lines, but the board will need to authorize the project and its costs.

Town manager search, season change and an anonymous donation

Emery Lane's paving was expected to continue into the week of Oct. 21 due to the weather, said Latter. Speed buoys and channel markers are leaving the harbor and the pump-out boat was removed Oct. 15, she said. The harbormaster's boat will remain in commission through Nov. 30, the night of Boothbay Lights’ fireworks.

Chair Mike Tomko said the town will hold a meet-and-greet for the town manager finalists, Latter and Robert Peabody Jr., at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28.

Latter said the town has received an anonymous, $25,000 donation toward the Museum in the Streets project. The board unanimously accepted the donation.

Said Tomko, “It's wonderful that individuals have recognized the value of the ... project and have supported it. We welcome the support …”