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DOC ID: 3540 B
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO —REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agreement/Contract
From: R. Carey Davis M/CC Meeting Date: 10/20/2014
Prepared by: Evelyn Estrada, (909) 384-5133
Dept: Mayor's Office Ward(s):
Subject:
Discuss and Take Possible Action Regarding Public Integrity and Open Meetings Policy on the
Use of Communications Devices (#3540)
Current Business Registration Certificate: Not Applicable
Financial Impact:
N/A
Motion: Refer the matter of a cell-phone ban for public officials and staff during official
meetings of the Mayor and Common Council to the Legislative Review
Committee.
Synopsis
The purpose of this policy is to establish a formal document that governs the use of cell phones and other
messaging devices by public officials during public and closed session meetings.
This policy applies to public officials and City staff during Regular and Special Sessions of the Mayor
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and Common Council. It applies to the use of any cell phone,tablet, or other messaging device personal
or public.
Background:
The use of cells phones for the purpose of texting,messaging, calling or emailing during official meetings
has the potential to violate provisions of the Brown Act and the public records act. The practice allows
for electronic lobbying by individuals both within and outside the Chamber. Further,texting, messaging,
calling or emailing during such official meetings allow for discussion between two parties that may be
forming opinions that should be heard by the general public. Transparency of official actions is necessary
to conducting the public's business and private messaging between parties does not allow for that
transparency.
Further, the practice is an annoyance to those within the audience and colleagues or staff that are
presenting before the Council.
Supporting Documents:
Updated: 10/16/2014 by Georgeann"Gigi"Hanna B WW_