GRU Authority reverses course, agrees to stream Wednesday’s workshop
November 13, 2023
BY JENNIFER CABRERA
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After previously announcing that the November 15 GRU Authority workshop would not be streamed, Chair Craig Carter has reversed course; the meeting will now be streamed online.
Although Debbie Martinez asked in her letter to the editor for both online streaming and a Cox Channel 12 broadcast, Carter said the Authority will need to “figure out the best way to go… There is a cost to [broadcasting on Cox Channel 12].”
The Authority had previously committed to stream meetings, but not workshops.
The workshop can be viewed on the GRU Authority YouTube channel at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
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15 Comments
Why is this a question? What have they got to hide? Same thing taxpayers should be asking Gainesville City Commissioners as they move out of the sunshine
Nothing to hide at all. It is; however, another expense. Jeeze. Go to the meeting. It does look like they are going to stream and I presume that cost is minimal.
It’s sad but true that we the residents/GRU customers have to fight for the basics when it comes to open government, ESPECIALLY when it comes to city hall and the GROSS MISMANAGEMENT of our utility by members of the Gainesville City Commission.
Unfortunately, there are City/GRU staff members, and current and former city commissioners, that want to REDUCE/LIMIT the amount of coverage of the new GRU Authority meetings/workshops.
They know that many GRU customers watch the meetings live on Cox Channel 12 and we had one former city commissioner who appeared to want to “pull the plug” on airing city meetings LIVE on Cox Channel 12. She ended up being a “one term” city commissioner.
Some want to nickel and dime on covering the board meetings/workshops but appear to be okay with San Francisco style wages (along with their perks) for top GRU executives.
The rank and file GRU employees, who continue to do a great job, have been watching this tragic scene play out ever since the biomass/tree burner financial debacle.
The board members need to go into this with their eyes WIDE opened.
ICYMI, Jennifer posted this issue on 10/23 –
“City of Gainesville stops streaming and recording many meetings, reducing transparency”
https://alachuachronicle.com/city-of-gainesville-stops-streaming-and-recording-many-meetings-reducing-transparency/
Where is the citizen comment? Why are the owners not allowed to speak? Since HB 1645 came from the citizens, over Craig Carter’s objections, we must be heard.
Jim exactly! I sent a letter the other day to each and every one on the board saying exactly what you said. The “owners” should be allowed to speak.
I do not trust these people, they are self congratulatory, and self conciliatory. They are fooling themselves and lying to the people.
Anyone that thinks the Gainesville City Commissions past and present should not be held accountable for destroying GRU is the fool. Stay tuned and in the meanwhile please enjoy and bask in the COG massive tax increase you have earned.
Valid point people. You, the residents of the city should be allowed to speak your mind at the commission meetings.
Trouble is the commissioners don’t want to hear what you have to say. Especially when you hit a ‘nerve’ that proves them corrupt.
Continue to pressure them at every turn and never let up.
I was thinking the exact same thing….people want all this ‘stuff’ but ‘stuff costs money. Even streaming I’m sure; however, there may already be someone ‘filming’ so that cost may be minimal. Way to go, Mr. Chair.
The meetings can be streamed at basically no cost these days.
GRU could cut costs in many ways…for example, stop constantly buying pricey new model trucks for their fleet while pasting ‘Net Zero’ climate cult stickers all over them. I don’t need to see a quarter million dollars worth of pickup trucks parked beside a small pipe repair job. It’s just wasteful and a slap in the face
Thank you. Why is it when I see a GRU truck there are 5 people on scene, with 4 of them standing around talking or playing on the phone? Perhaps they can be called to come when they are needed on the restoration/repair.
I’d like to see an efficiency analysis of policy and procedures.
So tell us about “your” background in the utility industry. Are your lights on, can you turn on a tap and get water, is your internet working, were the traffic signals working on your drive through town.
If you have positive input let’s hear it.
Tony , Breaking News/ Their is a platform the COG has never heard of and maybe you too. It’s called You Tube. Relax.
Zoom and YouTube are FREE, and any smartphone or device will simulcast. The argument that it costs money is false, and it saves money (e.g. gas expense) for anyone who chooses the remote option, including public employees who are generally reimbursed 65 cents/mile for travel expenses. The real issue is that some people don’t want to be held accountable.