HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-22-2011 Tech Report - LenkAd Hoc Technology Committee
Report to the Watertown Town Council
February 22, 2011
Members: Cecilia Lenk and John Donohue
The Technology Committee requests that the Town establish e-mail addresses for
all public officials. The purpose of providing Town e-mail addresses to all officials
will accomplish three goals:
• First, it will improve communications town officials and residents by
providing access through a widely used form of communications;
• Second, it will eliminate the need for officials to use their business
or personal e -mails for town business; and finally;
• It will help facilitate compliance with Massachusetts's Open Meeting laws.
We have asked Attorney Reich for his opinion on this matter. In his opinion the
Town can establish e-mail addresses for all officials without an ordinance. It is
his further opinion, however, it is not possible to require elected officials to use a
Town e-mail address.
We are asking the Town's Information Technology staff provide Town e-mail
addresses to all public officials. We will schedule a meeting with the Information
Technology staff to send out this information to all officials and will assist with
any training that is needed. In addition, we are requesting that these e-mail
addresses by posted on the Town's Web site so residents can more easily contact
Town officials.
Prepared by Cecilia Lenk