City IT to study Chromebooks and tablet printing after council raises device and printing concerns

Council members raised recurring concerns about issued tablets, printing access and the option to use personal devices during the Aug. 5 meeting. IT staff said they will research Chromebooks and printing capability for council members. Why it matters: several aldermen said tablets are difficult for review and that the inability to print from current devices hampers meeting preparation. A staff representative said Chris will look into Chromebooks and adding the ability to print from council devices; staff also noted printing costs could be budgeted for next year. What was said: one councilor asked for the option to decline a city-issued device and use a personal device; staff raised that a legal review might be needed about personal-device use. Several members said they would prefer a mixed approach — some members receive printed packets while others rely on devices — and suggested printing costs be included in future budgets. The city will research compatibility and printing workflow in response to the feedback. Outcome and next steps: IT will investigate Chromebooks as an alternative, and whether printing from tablets can be enabled. Councilors asked staff to consider a budget line for packet printing and to allow individual choice where feasible. No policy or ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting.