Really? Are our officials really quivering over videotapes. This is a classic case of neither side giving in no matter how trivial the issue. Personally, we feel the tapes should be put in some sort of digital format and preserved. Whether of not the historical society has any business having control over them is a completely different matter. The paper has quoted a "Bill Mander". We believe this is actually Bill Minder.
Historic society seeks videotapes of meetings
By: GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bucks County Courier Times
morrisville
Morrisville residents would like borough officials to give old meeting tapes to the historical society instead of destroying them.
But that's unlikely to happen.
Sharon Hughes, president of the Historic Morrisville Society, would like to obtain videotapes of council meetings, some as old as 15 years. She argues that those tapes contain borough history. For instance, community awards have been given to local groups such as Little League and Eagle Scouts at council meetings, and those people might someday want a copy of those moments, she said.
Council President Nancy Sherlock on Friday said she wants the hundreds of videos kept in storage destroyed to preserve the "integrity of the tapes." She said council minutes are the official records and kept at borough hall for public viewing, so the tapes aren't needed.
Resident Bill Mander said the borough should consider giving the tapes to the historical society.
"If they don't want (them), then get rid of them," he said.
For now, the tapes will continue to be stored because the mayor refuses to sign the resolution approved earlier this month allowing the tape's disposal.
Mayor Rita Ledger on Friday said she won't sign it because she feels she has a conflict of interest. Ledger sits on the Historic Morrisville Society Board of Directors and has requested copies of 19 videotapes this past winter and summer and has yet to receive them.
If Ledger doesn't sign the resolution before the next council meeting, Sherlock said she will bring up the issue at the November meeting.
In the meantime, Hughes has volunteered to make copies for the public before the tapes are destroyed.
Gema Maria Duarte can be reached at 215-949-4195 or gduarte@phillyBurbs.com.
October 24, 2010 02:30 AM
