York County Commission meeting room gets a million-dollar makeover

ALFRED, Maine — Residents attending York County Commission meetings in person or online can better see and hear what is going on in a larger, more welcoming space, officials say.

The old meeting room at the York County Government building at 149 Jordan Springs Road (Route 4) in Alfred has been enlarged, refurbished and sports a new audio-visual system.

The government building was once the York County Jail. Portions of the building have been renovated over time – but the commissioners' meeting room, once the former jail gym and kitchen area, has not seen any improvement since 2012. York County Manager Greg Zinser said the last improvements to the room were the installation of a hot air heating system and LED lights.

York County Commission Chairman Richard Dutremble said the new space and enhanced audio make attending in person or online better and more inviting for the public.

“It brings out the atmosphere – that people can contribute,” he said.

“I feel it increases the accessibility of our meetings for those tuning in remotely and those testifying through a hybrid system,” said Commissioner Justin Chenette. “As well, it’s easier to hear commissioners and engage with members of the public.”

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Zinser said the project stemmed from the COVID pandemic when it became apparent the space in use was inadequate.

“It was very important to the commissioners to continue meeting in person (during the pandemic)," said Zinser, which presented logistical challenges. While the room was large enough for commissioners and a few staff members, he noted the public was largely restricted from attending in person, given the COVID regulations at the time. With the county emergency management agency also housed in the building and in full response mode, there was no larger space available, he said.

“The renovation of this room alleviates these issues now and for the future,” said Zinser. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the renovations cost about $1.2 million.

The new space incorporates the old but is nearly three times the size of the former meeting room.

“Everything was replaced with new materials,” Zinser said. “The room has also been set up with a much higher-grade AV system for broadcasting meetings and can accommodate any other two-way interactive video meetings in a large setting.”

The speakers were custom designed for the space and have the ability for voice assist. While not a mic and speaker system meant for large-scale voice projection, the system sports internal microphones designed to enhance the voice level of the speaker so that all can clearly hear without echo or annoying feedback or interference, Zinser explained.

It was also designed so the room and the restrooms across the hall could be segregated from the rest of the building. Zinser said that means the county can resume its practice of accommodating community group meetings after regular business hours.

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Commissioner Donna Ring said the new space has a professional flavor.

“I love the setup and acoustics, and I can see and hear everyone without having to turn my neck or back to hear individuals speak,” said Ring. “And it's more inviting and accommodating to the public.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York County Commission meeting room gets a million-dollar makeover