Brewer asks for the definition of substantive versus transitory messages
Brewer asks how anyone would know whether a Signal message to influencers is substantive; Smith-Cruz cites DORIS's online list of over 100 records management definitions and the policy's definition of substantive messages as those documenting decisions, actions, or policies, and says DORIS does not monitor agency communications.
Thank you very much.
Just back to this substantive picking up on the public advocate.
Is there a review for whether something is substantive versus transitory?
I'm not sure I would know.
In other words, how do we know that?
Example, you're sending something out signal via signal.
It's to a group of influencers.
You get a response back from one that is a very substantive response.
It gets deleted under perhaps, perhaps not.
But how would I know?
if that was substantive or not?
What's the definition?
Thank you for the question.
And in fact, Doris does create a list of definitions that exist for all agencies to see.
It's online for anybody to see.
We have over 100 definitions of records management terms and what they mean.
But the substantive messages definition was pulled out and put into the policy for the 2025 policy for instant messaging.
And it states that it's on page two, right beneath transitory.
And it states substantive messages or messages which document or relate to the decisions, actions, or policies of a city office or agency.
And it identifies those messages as being those that ought to be, they must be retained and transferred to a format and platform that allows for their proper preservation.
Doris does not monitor city agency communications, so I can't speak to any particular incident.
I never would be able to.
But that said, the deletion of instant messages or text messages is not in and of itself a violation of the citywide policy, the 2025 citywide policy of Doris.
Next is Councilmember Wilson and then Councilmember Dinowitz.