Is Hoover really an open government?

At the August 1, 2022 Hoover city council meeting, the one and only public comment provided a bit of history on the video recording of council meetings and posting those online (YouTube). Suggesting the council had nothing to hide, the speaker asked that those videos be returned to the public space. He noted that while not required by law to keep videos in YouTube, there was nothing prohibiting the long-term posting of videos.

The live stream and also the recorded version of the meeting ended when Mr. Lyda asked for comments "from the body" (council) and just before public comments. Thus, the comments about posting videos are not recorded for history and may be seen as a line in the minutes--or not. Is "Hoover is an open government"?

Who removed the videos?

The Council is a separate and equal branch of the government and the agendas, minutes and videos should be controlled by the council. However, one council member stated that he did not know the videos had been removed until asked about them. Another member stated that he wanted the videos restored and was disappointed, also suggesting that "city hall" removed the videos. So, who removed the videos? One council member can't act alone, supporting the idea that someone(s) in control of the executive (city hall) removed the videos. In either case (rogue council member or someone from the executive manipulating council property), it is disturbing and likely against Alabama's guidance for cities with over 12,000 citizens.

Next council meeting Monday November 7 2022 at 6 pm

The last regular meeting in November is the 21st

Is Hoover really an open government?

At the August 1, 2022 Hoover city council meeting, the one and only public comment provided a bit of history on the video recording of council meetings and posting those online (YouTube). Suggesting the council had nothing to hide, the speaker asked that those videos be returned to the public space. He noted that while not required by law to keep videos in YouTube, there was nothing prohibiting the long-term posting of videos.

In a move, reminiscent of either the Three Stooges (incompetent) or the Secret Service (suspicious), the live stream and also the recorded version of the meeting ended when Mr. Lyda asked for comments "from the body" (council) and just before public comments. Thus, the comments about posting videos are not recorded for history and may be seen as a line in the minutes--or not. Is "Hoover is an open government"?

Who removed the videos?

The Council is a separate and equal branch of the government and the agendas, minutes and videos should be controlled by the council. However, one council member stated that he did not know the videos had been removed until asked about them. Another member stated that he wanted the videos restored and was disappointed, also suggesting that "city hall" removed the videos. So, who removed the videos? One council member can't act alone, supporting the idea that someone(s) in control of the executive (city hall) removed the videos. In either case (rogue council member or someone from the executive manipulating council property), it is disturbing and likely against Alabama's guidance for cities with over 12,000 citizens.

Next council meeting Monday November 7 2022 at 6 pm

The last regular meeting in November is the 21st