03-23-11 Information & Technology Committe

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Minutes from the Joint Meeting of Information and Technology Committee and the Council Rules Committee March 23,2011 � Page 2 The Council Attorney further noted that: • Definition of"electronic device" is one used in other jurisdictions, however a limited exception has been added consistent with Indiana's state law on tape recorders and cameras; and also for limited circumstances involving sworn public safety members, in case of emergencies • Limitations on electronic devices are only for the time when the public meeting is in progress • Proposed regulations are designed to have consistency at public meetings with regard to such technologies • Proposed regulations are aimed to balance the public's right to have reasonable access to public information under the state laws addressing open meetings and public records, as well as the city's duty to review on a case by case basis what is required to be disclosed • Proposed regulations are to assist in implementing new technologies which are consistent with Indiana's governing state laws with language proposed to address "electronic devices used through City-controlled access" She noted that Assistant City Attorney Thomas Bodnar reviews all public records requests filed with all city offices and departments; and that he was instrumental in providing comment on the latest version of the proposed bill. In response to a question from Council Member White, the Council Attorney noted that the only changes proposed to the "sanctions" provisions of § 2-10 (k) are those which are underlined, and that the remaining provisions have been in the South Bend Municipul Code since 1977, and updated in 1988. Council Member Ann Puzzello noted that as a member of the Area Plan Commission, the APC Chairperson, Karl King, announces at the beginning of each of their meeting that all electronic devices are to be turned off or put to their silent mode. She stated that it works very well. In response to a question from Council Member Oliver Davis, the Council Attorney noted that City Attorney Charles Leone and Assistant City Attorney Thomas Bodnar have had access and input to the proposed Bill. However she would see that attorneys to tlle various boards and commissions would be sent a copy. She added that the boards and commissions currently governed in the Sout12 Bend Miinicipal Code in Chapter 2, Article 5 include: the Board of Public Works, the Board of Public Safety, the Area Plan Commission, the Century Center Board of Managers, the Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Commission, and other boards and commissions which have a Mayoral or Common Council appointment. Council Member Henry Davis expressed comments that he wanted the City of South Bend to keep pace with technological advancements, so that some day the city would be paperless. He noted that the Bill as originally proposed appeared to him to be aimed at his use of new technology when he was doing research, and it "now it is the greater aggregate".