City Council
MEETING DATE: 7/13/2016
TITLE:
Title
Administrative Policy for Procedures for Responding to Public Records Act Requests
End
FROM:
Tracey Martinez, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt an Administrative Policy for Procedures for Responding to Public Records Act Requests
Body
BACKGROUND:
The California Public Records Act, California Government Code Section 6250 et seq. and the California Constitution, Article I Section 3(b) is designed to give the public access to information in possession of public agencies. All public agencies shall provide access or copies of "public records", as requested, per the code with the exception of only those specific items listed in specific sections of the code. It is the burden of the agency to justify nondisclosure.
DISCUSSION:
The City currently complies with the California Public Records Act, however, to ensure that all requests are completed in the time allowed by the code and in a consistent manner, staff is recommended that a policy be adopted for procedures to be followed when responding to a Public Records Act Request.
Nothing in the Policy is intended to provide the public with a broader right of access to records or waive any exemptions for particular records as set forth in the Public Records Act or other law.
The Policy covers all City records that relate to the conduct of the public's business and are prepared owned, used, or retained by the City in the ordinary course of business. "Records" generally include writings whether handwritten, typed, printed, emailed, faxed, or stored in any electronic or other medium, as well as pictures, videos and sound recordings. The proposed policy is attached for your consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft Administrative Policy