Council holds first reading on allowing temporary unlocking of phones at public meetings after residents press for access

Residents at the July 21 meeting urged the Erie County Council to restore the ability to carry and use mobile phones during public meetings. Deonte Cooley, a lifelong resident, told the council he and others have repeatedly requested that phones be unlocked so attendees can research agenda items and record proceedings.

“I'm asking that when we get to item H on the agenda that it can be moved to a 2nd reading,” Cooley said, arguing that collecting phones at the door amounts to an illegal search and seizure and noting the agenda language referencing the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.

At the meeting the council conducted a first reading of Ordinance 71, described in the record as "approving the temporary unlocking of mobile devices for individuals attending public meetings of Erie County Council in order to facilitate public access and recording rights consistent with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act." The ordinance was read at first reading; sponsors did not present an immediate amendment or final vote at this session.

County residents pressed privately and during public comment for an expedited vote: several speakers said they had repeatedly sought the change over recent months and cited procedural difficulties when they try to research items during meetings.

The effect of the ordinance, if adopted after subsequent readings, would be to permit attendees to retrieve and use their devices during meetings consistent with any administrative process the council adopts. The council did not take a final vote on the measure at this meeting; a council member earlier said some related items were being moved to second reading for future consideration.

Next procedural step: the ordinance was recorded as a first reading; residents asked that the council move it to second reading and vote at a subsequent meeting.