04-11-11 Council Agenda & Packet

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Ordinance No. Substitute Bill No. 75-10 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 1, DIVISION 5, SECTIONS 2-8 AND 2-10 OF THE SOUTHBEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE COMMON COUNCIL AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2,ARTICLES 4 AND 5, 13Y ADDING NEW SECTION 2-49 ENTITLED RULES GOVERNING ELECTRONIC DEVICES USED DURING BOARD AND COMMISSIONS PUBLIC MEETINGS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT In 2005, the Common Council passed Ordinance No. 9570-05 which amended various provisions governing the operations of the South Bend Common Council. That ordinance built upon the improved efficiencies gained by the passage of Ordinance No. 9504-04 on April 26, 2004, which then Council President Karen L. White sponsored. As a result of those actions, greater efficiencies were gained on procedures addressing the filing of substitute Bills with the Office of the City Clerk; the inclusion of signatory areas for the Mayor and the City Clerk on proposed ordinances and resolutions; requiring all exhibits and petitions to be filed with all proposed Bills; authorizing the Council President to assign topics raised during the Privilege of the Floor; as well as many other areas. The following proposed ordinance is filed to promote further efficiencies, Since the filing of Bill No. 75-10 on November 17, 2010, discussions have taken place with members of the City Administration. Based on those discussions and a review of policies in place in other communities, it has become apparent that consistent rules should be in place for not only the Common Council but for all City boards and commissions addressing electronic devices. In light of ongoing technological innovations and the need to comply with Indiana's Open Door law and Public Records law, it is believed that the proposed substitute bill is in the best interest of the public and the operations of the Common Council, City Boards and Commissions. 9f�a', /cl e,,nla."iwe/ by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. 'Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 2-8 of the South Bend Municipal Code is amended by amending paragraph (p) and by the inclusion of new paragraph (q) which shall as follows: (p) Unless excused in advance by the Council President persons in the Council Chambers and in the Council Informal Meeting Room shall turn their cell phones, and any other electronic devices to their silent mode when the Common Council is in session and when any Standing Committee meetin g is promess. Council Members and citizen members of any Standing Committee may not send, receive, view or to any message communications while he/she is part of the quorum for such meeting,-while„such