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Livermore council approves consent calendar; public comment urges free-software adoption
Summary
The council unanimously approved its consent calendar on Jan. 12; in open forum a resident, Joe Lee, urged the city to adopt free (open-source) software and quoted Nina Paley: "Copying is not theft." Council members also recognized the work of the Livermore Youth Council and local programs.
The Livermore City Council unanimously approved its consent calendar at the Jan. 12 meeting and heard a short public comment urging the city to consider adopting free software.
The consent calendar, which the mayor described as routine items, was moved for approval by Council member Dunbar and seconded by Council member Branning. The motion passed without opposition.
During the open forum, Joe Lee urged the city to adopt and use free software and summarized what he called the "four essential software freedoms," including the right to study and modify source code and the right to share copies. Quoting cartoonist Nina Paley, Lee said, "Copying is not theft," and suggested the city could purchase and then share software licenses with other public entities where licensing allows.
Council members used the meeting to make brief reports and recognitions. Vice Mayor Juan praised the Livermore Youth Council for organizing a holiday carnival that drew "over 200 people," and the mayor recognized Del Valle High School's bicycle-repair and donation program. The council also noted recent retirements: city clerk Debbie Elam and Officer Andrew Estes.
The mayor closed the meeting by mentioning the city's 150th incorporation anniversary to be observed in April and then adjourned the session.
No public hearings were scheduled for the meeting.
