Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Digital Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Member seeks resolution to study mobile-device access at public meetings; appointments and executive-session motion follow
Summary
A member asked for a resolution directing the administration to convene responsible parties to develop reasonable accommodations for mobile devices at public meetings; the county executive reportedly agreed to convene. Members debated whether a resolution was needed, raised security and operational concerns, and later moved to executive session to discuss personnel and appointments (Joel Natale and Sherry Heasley).
A member of the Erie County Finance meeting asked that the panel add a resolution to the June 2 agenda directing the administration to convene responsible parties to develop reasonable accommodations for mobile devices at public meetings. The member said they had circulated the draft resolution to council members and had spoken with the county executive, who "had no problem with, convening the meeting."
Members debated the need for a formal resolution. Some said an informal meeting could accomplish the same goal; others raised separation-of-powers concerns about directing the administration. Several members also flagged operational burdens such as who would be responsible for unlocking phones and whether staff would be expected to manage dozens of devices during a meeting. One member suggested a hybrid approach had worked in other places.
The meeting also considered appointments, including a possible appointment of Joel Natale to the Erie County Community College Board of Trustees and a possible appointment of Sherry Heasley to an Erie County housing authority position. After discussing personnel matters, a motion was made to move into executive session to discuss positions. The provided transcript records motions and seconds but does not show a recorded roll-call vote or results in the available segments.
