Council reads cybersecurity resolution, then votes to go into executive session

The Newark City Council read Resolution 26-17, a proposed ordinance "to establish and adopt a policy and protocol for a cyber security program that safeguards the city's ... information technology resources as required by Ohio Revised Code section 9.64," and then voted to enter an executive session before completing discussion or voting on the measure.

Clerk Amy read the resolution aloud during the meeting: "a resolution to establish and adopt a policy and protocol for a cyber security program that safeguards the city's the city of Newark's data information technology and information technology resources as required by Ohio Revised Code section 9.64 and declaring an emergency." After the reading, council member Mr. Marmy announced, "I make a motion to adopt resolution 26-17," which was seconded by Mr. Cos. Before recorded discussion or a final vote on the resolution, Mr. Marmy moved that the council "go into executive session for law director to discuss some information on this... with the administration, all the as far as the mayor and his cabinet," citing the need to consult the law director in closed session. The motion for executive session was seconded and then approved on a council roll call where multiple members responded "yes." The chair then asked everyone to step out while the council held the closed session and said the doors would be opened when the session concluded.

The transcript does not record further public debate, any amendments to the resolution or a final vote on Resolution 26-17. The resolution references Ohio Revised Code section 9.64 as the statutory basis for establishing cybersecurity policy; the clerk stated the resolution also includes an emergency clause.

Because the council entered executive session immediately after the motion, it is not possible from the transcript to determine whether the council ultimately adopted Resolution 26-17 or whether the item was tabled, amended or postponed.