Alderwoman Diane Hatzenbuhler introduced a resolution at last Tuesday’s Common Council meeting that would require both officials and public attendees to turn off their cellphones during public meetings. The police and fire chief would be the only exemptions. Before any discussion proceeded, Alderman Ed Russo made a motion to table the resolution and Mayor Ann Thane asked for a roll call. The council voted to table the measure 4-1 with Hatzenbuhler casting the only no vote. Russo said after the vote that the measure needed to be talked about in a committee meeting first. The issue is scheduled to be discussed at a committee meeting on August 12th.
The text of the resolution reads:
Resolution banning cell phone usage during public meetings
Resolved, effective immediately all cell phones including public officials and the public are required to be turned off during all meetings of the Common Council, except for those of the Police and Fire Chiefs, and further resolved, the Clerk shall post a sign on the door to the Common Council chambers stating such requirement.
