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Cover Letter to Council Regulations Ordinance <br />November 17, 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. . White, C until Member L. rge <br />Ann zzello, 4" District Council Member <br />Timothy A. Rouse, Council Member at Large <br />