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Business Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:45AM - 5:00PM
Steve McClary,
Administrative Services Manager
Phone: 805-524-1500
Extension 211
Angela Mumme,
Administrative Assistant
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our Goal: To assist the public as thoroughly and
promptly as possible in requests for City documents and
information.
This
fact sheet is provided to assist the public in making
requests to the City of Fillmore for public documents
and information.
Please direct all requests to Administrative Assistant
Angela Mumme at (805) 524-1500, extension 269 (email:
amumme@ci.fillmore.ca.us) or Administrative Services
Manager Steve McClary at (805) 524-1500, extension 211
(email: smcclary@ci.fillmore.ca.us)
Q: What is a Public Records Request?
A: A Public Records Request is a request from
the public to see or obtain a copy of a City document,
per the California Public Records Act. The City is not
required to perform research, but will assist requestors
with finding documentation that may have the information
they are seeking. City staff will explain what documents
are available and what form (electronic, printed copy,
etc) they are in. Requests need to be focused and
specific.
Q: How is this different from a Freedom of
Information Act, or FOIA?
A: The Freedom on Information Act is Federal law
which applies to Federal agencies. According to the
Department of Justice Freedom of Information Act
Reference Guide, I. Introduction “The FOIA does not,
however, provide access to records held by Congress or
the federal courts, by state or local government
agencies, or by private businesses and individuals.
All states have their own statutes governing public
access to state and local government records; state
agencies should be consulted for further information
about them.” (emphasis added)
Q: What is not a Public Records Request?
A: City Council and Commission agendas and memos
prepared for the City Council and Commissions are
available for public review and copying as soon as
copies of those documents are distributed to the City
Council or Commission. Please contact the Planning
Department for current and past Planning Commission
meeting agendas and memos. Please contact the
Administrative Services Department for agendas/memos for
the City Council, Parks Commission, Film Commission and
any City committees.
Q: How do I make a request to see or obtain a
copy of a City document?
A: All requests for City documents should be
directed to the City’s Administrative Services
Department. Requests can be made in person, by mail, by
email or fax. City Hall business hours are 8:45 a.m. to
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Q: What if I am unsure about what to request?
A: Contact administrative services staff who
will be happy to assist you with your request and
explain the process to you.
Q: Does my request have to be in writing?
A: No. Requests do not need to be in writing.
However, in order to better comply with requests for
information, it is recommended that requests be made in
writing. All written and oral requests for public
records need to be made to the Administrative Services
Department.
Q:
Is there a fee to search for documents?
A: There is no fee for a search of documents or
to process a request. If the requestor desires that
copies be made, a fee will be charged for the copies.
Copied materials are made available immediately upon
payment of the copying fee. There is no fee to view
requested materials.
Q: How long will it take until I hear a response?
A: The City will notify you within 10 days of
receipt of your request whether the requested documents
are available. If any part of the request is denied, the
City will notify the requestor in writing of the
determination and reason(s) why the request was denied.
The 10-day limit may be extended by the City if “unusual
circumstances are found to exist.” If an extension is
necessary, you will be notified in writing setting forth
the reasons for the extension. Extension may not be for
more than 14 days.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Administrative Assistant Angela Mumme (805) 524-1500,
extension 269
email:
amumme@ci.fillmore.ca.us
-or-
Administrative Services Manager Steve McClary (805)
524-1500, extension 211
email:
smcclary@ci.fillmore.ca.us
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