(a) It is the policy of the Village of Grafton that openness leads to a better informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy. It is the policy of the Village of Grafton to strictly adhere to the state's Public Records Act. All exemptions to openness are to be construed in their narrowest sense and any denial of public records in response to a valid request must be accompanied by an explanation, including legal authority, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. If the request is in writing, the explanation must also be in writing.
(b) The Village of Grafton, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, defines records as including the following: Any document - paper, electronic (including, but not limited to, e-mail), or other format - that is created or received by, or comes under the jurisdiction of a public office that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. All records of the Village of Grafton are public unless they are specifically exempt from disclosure under the Ohio Revised Code.
(c) It is the policy of the Village of Grafton that, as required by Ohio law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are readily available for inspection and copying. Record retention schedules are to be updated regularly and posted prominently.
(Ord. 07-021. Passed 11-6-07.)