The meeting room of the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners likely will sport a camera this year. It will be used to telecast meetings.

According to Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., the administration is considering telecasting board meetings following a directive from the commissioners.

Commissioner and Secretary Dennis Hower is pushing for the installation of the cameras.

He questioned the board on the status of the cameras at the Jan. 5 meeting.

Board President Linda Snyder said she is concerned with recording the meetings. She says cameras could have a negative effect on some individuals' willingness coming forward to speak during a meeting.

"This is where you come to speak," Snyder said.

She stressed the cameras could discourage members of the public from coming forward. As an example of someone who might be concerned about a recording, she referred to the instance of a township couple who attended a meeting in the past and expressed fears of possible criminal activity taking place in a wooded area near their residence.

Another concern involves members of the public fearing retaliation if they make public comments.

Commissioner Gerard Palagonia, a retired township police officer, agreed with Snyder's concerns involving the use of cameras.

Hozza said he will present the costs to the commissioners before such installation occurs.

Hozza indicated there will be only one camera mounted on the ceiling. The camera will be facing the back of those addressing the board. In addition, the camera will not zoom in close on the board.

The meetings most likely will not be webcast live, but would be recorded.

Hozza has already met with representatives of two companies which market the devices.

The camera will be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

If the board approves the measure, the camera installation likely will not occur until late spring.