Kim Sherwood v. Topsfield, Town of - Planning Board (SPR 20170969)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records July 25, 2017 SPR17/969 Donna C. Rich Town of Topsfield Planning Board 8 West Common Street Topsfield, MA 01983 Dear Ms. Rich: I have received the petition of Kim Sherwood appealing the response of the Topsfield Town Planning Board (Town) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66 § lOA; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Specifically, on May 25,2017, Ms. Sherwood requested "[complete minutes] of all Town Hall building Committee meetings to date, as well as [copies] of all materials or documents used at those meetings." Open Meeting Law Ms. Sherwood requested Town Hall Building Committee meeting minutes and copies of all materials or documents used at those meetings. On June 13, 2017, the Town provided a response to her request. Unsatisfied with the Town's response, Ms. Sherwood petitioned this Office. The nature of Ms. Sherwood's request and the response that was provided to her raise issues that invoke the Open Meeting Law. An interpretation of the Open Meeting Law falls within the authority of the Office of the Attorney General and not this office. Consequently, I decline to opine on this matter at this time. See G. L. c. 30A, §23. It is recommended that the parties contact the Attorney General's Office if they seek a determination on this issue. Sincerely, ~~ Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Kim Sherwood One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us