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Council reads ordinance to temporarily unlock mobile devices for public meetings after repeated requests
Summary
Council held first reading of an ordinance to allow temporary unlocking of mobile devices for individuals attending public meetings to facilitate access and recording rights consistent with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act; public commenters repeatedly requested the change.
Council held a first reading of Ordinance 71, which the clerk described 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 topic drew repeated public comment before the ordinance reading. An attendee asked directly why phones were being confiscated and requested the county unlock devices; Deonte Cooley urged the council to move the item to second reading and said the practice could amount to an illegal search and seizure under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. “I've had conversations with mister Campanelli, and he actually told me that it's up to you to chair to unlock the, phones because the sheriff's locked them at the door, which is an illegal search and seizure,” Cooley said.
Council proceeded with the first reading; members did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting but approved procedural motions to advance multiple items to second reading, creating an opportunity for further debate and potential amendment before final action.
