(Columbus) The Columbus City Council discussed a policy that would govern elected officials’ use of electronic devices at a recent committee of the whole meeting. The purpose of the policy is to govern elected official’s use of computer hardware to access paperless meeting packets, and it applies to all officials.
The city encourages the use of paperless packets to enhance communication and information accessibility in support of the Board/Committee function as policy makers.
“Anything that’s done by email through the city email account on these devices is captured,” says City Administrator Matt Amundson. “This policy kind of basically protects the city in that you become stewards of your own records.”
Alderman Michael Lawson wondered if there was something currently in the city’s code of ethics for the devices, but Amundson says that is something that can be added in the future.
“Because we’re [kind of] doing this mid-council cycle I wanted to, and then it could be a discussion of whether this gets wrapped up into that code of ethics if there’s additional things.”
Amundson says that he knew initially that this policy was needed if the iPads are purchased. Alderwoman Molly Finkler wondered if the number of devices activated is fluid or if there can only be a specific number of devices. Matt Amundson:
“We have the ability to adjust that quote number of what we want to get, and the policy allows someone to utilize their own device to access the paperless materials.”
The city administrator says that once the devices are purchased, the ability to give them back is unlikely, but they could be used by the city in a different capacity. The matter was moved to the next council meeting for a vote.
