At last night’s committee meeting, Alderman Ed Russo suggested the language of the resolution proposed by Alderwoman Diane Hatzenbuhler requiring all cell phones to be turned off during council meetings be changed to say that phones needed to be set to “vibrate”. Alderwoman Valerie Beekman agreed and asked Hatzenbuhler why the resolution was necessary.
“Because there are individuals who are texting throughout the meeting and I find it very inappropriate because it means people are not paying attention to what’s going on in the council chambers,” said Hatzenbuhler.
Alderman Richard Leggerio said he thought it was important that council members be able to get emergency calls from either family or constituents and agreed that setting phones on “vibrate” was the appropriate way to go. Council members ended up agreeing not to proceed with the resolution, but that a sign would be put up reminding people to set their phones accordingly.
