2010-0285
INTRODUCED BY: PAUL J. HOGAN, PE, COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT IV
CAROLYN K. SCHEXNAYDRE, COUNCILWOMAN-AT-LARGE, DIVISION A
TERRY AUTHEMENT, COUNCILMAN-AT-LARGE, DIVISION B
RESOLUTION NO. __________
Title
A resolution to amend the Parish Council Rules by adding Rule 40. Use of Electronic Equipment during Parish Council Meetings or Committee Meetings.
Body
WHEREAS, as Elected Officials, our constituents expect and deserve that our full attention be given to the items listed in the Agenda; and,
WHEREAS, since this Council began in January 2008, its Chairman has requested the turning off or silencing such devices at the beginning of the Meetings for the purpose of the Council being able to conduct its business without distraction from such devices; and,
WHEREAS, the use of electronic devices by a Councilmember(s) during a Meeting is a disservice and disrespectful to those we serve and to fellow Councilmembers; and,
WHEREAS, the use of electronic devices by Councilmember(s) in the past has proven to be a distraction to adjacent Councilmember(s); and,
WHEREAS, the use of electronic devices by a Councilmember during a Meeting takes away from that Councilmember's ability and that of adjacent Members to completely concentrate on the discussion at hand; and,
WHEREAS, Council Meetings occur just twice a month requiring our full attention and concentration on the Agenda and should be conducted free from the distraction due to electronic devices; and,
WHEREAS, the possibility and the act of some Councilmembers being able to multi-task (to use electronic devices during Council Meetings on business not at hand and while having complete concentration on the business at hand) during a Meeting is rude, disrespectful, and a disservice to the citizens and to fellow Councilmembers; and,
WHEREAS, the use of this technology at Meetings, which can be used for collusion, conversation, discussion, and scheming between Councilmembers, and between Councilmembers and non-councilmembers should be denounced by all Councilmembers; and,
WHEREAS, the use of this technology at Meetings by Councilmembers should be unconditionally restricted by this Council so as to not lose the public's trust in the Council in performing its duties fairly and impartially.
THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL HEREBY RESOLVES TO AMEND THE COUNCIL RULES BY ADDING RULE 40. AS FOLLOWS:
Rule 40.
While official Parish Council Meetings or Committee Meetings are in progress, all Councilmember's shall refrain from reading or sending e-mails and text messaging from computers, cellular phones, or any other electronic devices while present in the Meetings; and shall refrain from searching or visiting the internet during the Meetings unless disclosure is first made that a search is being conducted related to the issues presently under consideration or discussion.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL, do hereby amend the Parish Council Rules by adding Rule 40. Use of Electronic Equipment during Parish Council Meetings or Committee Meetings.
Vote
The foregoing resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
And the resolution was declared adopted this day of , 2010, to become effective five (5) days after publication in the Official Journal.
Add Council Rule 40 Revised (9-13-10)
CHAIRMAN:______________________________________________
SECRETARY:_____________________________________________
DLVD/PARISH PRESIDENT:_________________________________
APPROVED:______________ DISAPPROVED:__________________
PARISH PRESIDENT:______________________________________
RETD/SECRETARY:_______________________________________
AT:_______________ RECD BY: _____________________________