In accordance with the provisions of § 6D-1 of the Charter of the city, there shall be a Freedom of Information Advisory Board.
(A) Membership. The Freedom of Information Advisory Board shall consist of seven members, no more than four of whom shall be members of the same political party. One member shall be a member of the Board of Aldermen, for a term corresponding to the member's immediate term as an Alderman.
(B) Appointments; term of office. No later than July 1, 2004, the Mayor shall appoint three members whose terms shall expire on December 31, 2007, and three members whose terms shall expire on December 31, 2005. At the expiration of their respective terms, their successors shall be appointed for a term of four years.
(C) No compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for any necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties within the limitations of appropriations.
(D) Organization of the Freedom of Information Advisory Board. During July 2004, and January of each even-numbered year thereafter, the Board shall select from among its members a chair and such other officers as it may desire.
(1) Secretary and record keeping. The Board shall appoint a secretary to be responsible for all correspondence and record keeping. The Secretary shall forward copies of all goings on of the Board to the City Clerk.
(2) Meeting schedule. The Board shall meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
(3) Authority and actions of members. No member shall have any authority to act on behalf of the Board except pursuant to an order regularly made at a meeting of the Commission.
(4) Quorum and voting requirements. Four members shall constitute a quorum and a concurrent vote of no fewer than four members shall be necessary for the transaction of business.
(5) Public meetings and public participation. All meetings, except executive sessions, as defined in the State Freedom of Information Act or any successor thereto, shall be public. At the start of each regularly scheduled public meeting, the Board shall allot a minimum of 15 minutes for public speaking, with a minimum of three minutes per speaker.
(6) Bylaws. The Board shall have the power to adopt its own bylaws for the conduct of its business in accordance with the foregoing.
(E) Powers and duties.
(1) The Freedom of Information Advisory Board shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) To act as a liaison to the State Freedom of Information Commission for educational purposes and the members of the Board shall keep current of the requirements of the State Freedom of Information Act, as interpreted by the State Freedom of Information Commission, and courts, and any other laws, rulings and materials related to the Act;
(b) To provide information and education to municipal officials and employees, and all other persons seeking information or education, concerning the State Freedom of Information Act, its interpretation by the State Freedom of Information Commission and courts, and any other laws, rulings and materials related to the Act;
(c) To facilitate the dissemination to municipal officers and employees, and all other persons, of any materials provided to the Board by the State Freedom of Information Commission;
(d) To make recommendations to municipal officials concerning the application and implementation of the State Freedom of Information Act;
(e) To provide interested persons with information concerning the filing of complaints with the State Freedom of Information Commission; and
(f) To make recommendations concerning proposed changes to the general statutes relating to freedom of information.
(2) In addition, the Freedom of Information Advisory Board may attempt to facilitate the resolution of freedom of information disputes with agencies, but shall not impede in any way a person's right to a speedy appeal to the State Freedom of Information Commission or a speedy determination of an appeal by the Commission.
(Ord. passed 4-20-2004)