Is Commissioner McVoy channeling Cara Jennings and others from the Interwebs?

Commissioner Christopher McVoy

When you view the WPBF segment on the City Manager's evaluation, check out what Commissioner Chris McVoy is doing at the 1:29 mark (click title for link.)  He is clearly using his phone and touching the keys in a certain sequence.  As the meeting is clearly still in session, I doubt that he is placing a phone call.  He is most likely texting.  If so, the question becomes to whom and from whom is he communicating?

We elect certain personalities which have taken human form and that represent themselves during their campaign with a name.  That name appears on the ballot, along with others, and we choose that personage to represent us in making decisions related to the government of our city.  If there is communication going on behind the scenes within the electronic sphere during a City Commission meeting, the public has a right to know about it - the content of the communication and who is on the other end of that conversation.  Are the thoughts being expressed those of an elected Commissioner or are they someone else's?

Since the meeting on Wednesday night, I have heard other reports of the use of an iPad or other device during Commission meetings by Commissioner McVoy.  It seems highly conincidental after the use of that device that Commissioner McVoy comes up with a series of new questions related to the matter at hand.  Some of the questions and issues sound not-so-vaguely like the thoughts of former Commissioner Cara Jennings.  Interestingly, I have also heard of some "veiled attempts" by the Commissioner to shield the screen from others at the table or the dais during his use of the device.

This issue is not a new one.  Back in April of 2009 - before the seating of the "Best Commission Ever," Commissioner Mulvehill brought up banning of the use of electronic devices for communication during Commission meetings.  This was to apply to members of the City Commission and discussion even extended to the general public for a while.  This later effort didn't go anywhere, but the banning of use of electronic devices by the Commission passed 4-1 with then Mayor Clemens dissenting.  Here is the section of that meeting's minutes that deal with this issue.

Through the motion, the City Attorney was charged with preparing a resolution banning the use of certain devices.  I cannot find when this made it back on the Commission agenda as an actual resolution.  If you can help me find it, please point in out in the comments section below or send me an e-mail.  

This is a BIG issue that has serious Sunshine Law implications.  If those communications relate to city business, they are subject to the state's open records law.  Wouldn't that be interesting!

I also hear now that Commissioner Mulvehill is trying to help one of the only Commissioners with a full-time regular job to be able to attend meetings by phone when there is a "job related" schedule conflict.  My problem with use of the "Commissioner-on-speaker-phone" is that you never know if that Commissioner is alone or surrounded by one or more people coaching.  We also don't know if they are actually listening to the proceedings - or just hanging out for a certain vote.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this issue.