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Cover Letter to Council Regulations Ordinance <br /> November 1 7,2010 <br /> Page 2 <br /> Facebook pages to communicate with their constituents - technologies that were <br /> either non-existent or not widely available 15 years ago." <br /> • "Despite these advantages, electronic communications have raised some <br /> concerns." <br /> • "Members of Congress have more choices and options available to communicate <br /> with constituents...[with] Members now reaching] their constituents via e-mail, <br /> websites, tele-town halls, online videos, social networking sites, and other <br /> electronic-based communication applications." <br /> The U.S. Senate prohibits electronic devices in varying degrees. For example, "No cameras, tape <br /> recorders, or any electronic devices are permitted in the Senate Chamber". "Cell phones and <br /> laptops cannot be used "in the committee well"; and the use of cellular phones, lap tops and other <br /> electronic communication devices is prohibited during "open hearings". The U.S. House of <br /> Representatives have regulations that provide that "No telephones or other electronic <br /> communication devices may be used on the floor during session". <br /> The attached proposed ordinance attempts to update the Common Council's regulations, especially <br /> those affected by the ever-changing electronic communications technologies. The ordinance <br /> recognizes the requirements of the Indiana Open Door Law and attempts to carefully balance the <br /> need to communicate and receive communications with the need for maintaining proper and <br /> professional decorum during meetings. <br /> We also see the need to work closely with the City Administration to regularly review, discuss and <br /> amend City policies which address such topics as e-mail communications; internet usage, IT remote <br /> access and other forms of enhanced communications such as departmental Facebooks, cybercasts, <br /> etc. <br /> We seek your support and look forward to discussing this proposed ordinance with you. Thank you. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Derek D. Dieter, Council President <br /> Kar . WhiteAC- uncill Member L, ge <br /> A n zzello, 4 District Council Member <br /> Timothy A. Rouse, Council Member at Large <br />