Each request for public records should be evaluated for a response using the following guidelines:
(a) Identification Required. Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the City to identify, retrieve, and review the records. If it is not clear what records are being sought, the records custodian must contact the requester for clarification, and should assist the requester in revising the request by informing the requester of the manner in which the office keeps its records.
(b) Written Request. A written request is not mandatory and the requester may decline to reveal the requester's identity, or the intended use, and when a written request or disclosure of the identity or intended use would benefit the requester by enhancing the ability of the public office or the person responsible for public records, to identify, locate or deliver the public records sought by the requester.
(c) Inspection of Records. Public records are to be available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the exception of published holidays. Public records must be made available for inspection promptly. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time. "Prompt" and "reasonable" take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any legal review of the records requested.
(d) Time Required to Gather Records. Each request should be evaluated for an estimated length of time required to gather the records. Routine requests for records should be satisfied immediately if feasible to do so. Routine requests include, but are not limited to, meeting minutes (both in draft and final form), budgets, salary information, forms and applications, personnel rosters, etc. If fewer than twenty pages of copies are requested or if the records are readily available in an electronic format that can be e-mailed or downloaded easily, these should be made as quickly as the equipment allows. If more copies are requested, an appointment should be made with the requester on when the copies or computer files can be picked up.
All requests for public records must either be satisfied or be acknowledged in writing by the City within three business days following the office's receipt of the request. If a request is deemed significantly beyond "routine", such as seeking a voluminous number of copies or requiring extensive research, the acknowledgment must include the following:
(1) An estimated number of business days it will take to satisfy the request.
(2) An estimated cost if copies are requested.
(3) Any items within the request that may be exempt from disclosure.
(e) Denial of Public Records. Any denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released. If there are redactions, each redaction must be accompanied by a supporting explanation, including legal authority.
(Ord. 22-07. Passed 9-18-07.)