Jessica Jacobson v. Fitchburg, City of - City Clerk (SPR 20231218)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records June 22, 2023 SPR23/1217; SPR23/1218 Joanna Bilotta City Clerk City of Fitchburg Fitchburg City Hall 718 Main Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 Dear Ms. Bilotta: I have received the petition of Jessica Jacobson appealing the nonresponse of the City of Fitchburg (City) to two requests for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On May 5, 2023, Ms. Jacobson requested three (3) categories of records related to public comments that were submitted via email during an individual’s terms as head/chair of city council for city council meetings and four (4) categories of records related to trees in public spaces. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Ms. Jacobson petitioned this office and these appeals, SPR23/1217 and SPR23/1218, were opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of these appeals, it remains unclear whether the City has provided responses. Accordingly, the City is ordered to provide Ms. Jacobson with a response to her requests, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law, and its Regulations, within ten (10) business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Ms. Jacobson may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jessica Jacobson 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