Eileen W. Mooney v. Great Barrington, Town of - Housing Authority (SPR 20201454)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records August 28, 2020 SPR20/1454 Madonna Meagher Great Barrington Housing Authority 2 Bernard Gibbons Drive Great Barrington, MA 01230 Dear Ms. Meagher: I have received the petition of Eileen Mooney appealing the response of the Great Barrington Housing Authority (GBHA) a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Specifically, Ms. Mooney requested “copies of all financial warrants of the Authority since December 2019 with all attachments thereto.” Previous Appeals This request was the subject of previous appeal. See SPR20/1247 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (August 7, 2020). In my August 7th determination, I found GBHA provided and mailed a response to both this office and Ms. Mooney. Accordingly, I considered the administrative appeal closed. Unsatisfied with GBHA’s response, Ms. Mooney petitioned this office, and SPR20/1454 was opened as a result. Current Appeal In its response dated August 6, 2020, GBHA states “[i]n my July 17, 2020…letter I outlined the office plans for a ‘soft opening’ for tenants and visitors to meet and transact business. I have also addressed the reasons (not excuses as you allege) the viewing of the warrants and back up documents that have not been as readily available as they once were…we can provide copies of the cover sheets of the warrants which will list all vendors and payments that you choose to review.” GBHA further states “…I have asked for your patience as the GBHA management addresses meeting the public once again in a safe manner. Again and again I have explained to you that no documents are being withheld, and that no one is denying you the right to see any warrants you wish to see. When the office protocols for COVID 19 safety are in place you will be able to view warrants…” 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

Madonna Meagher SPR20/1454 Page 2 August 28, 2020 Conclusion In compliance with the Public Records Law, the Supervisor of Records may issue determinations where a violation of G. L. c. 66, § 10 has occurred. G. L. c. 66, § 10A(a). Given that no violation of G. L. c. 66, § 10 has been asserted by Ms. Mooney in her appeal petition, I am unable to issue a determination at this time. If Ms. Mooney is not satisfied with the resolution of this administrative appeal, please be advised that this office shares jurisdiction with the Superior Court of the Commonwealth. See G. L. c. 66, § l0A(c). Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Eileen Mooney