Jim Peltier v. Dalton, Town of - Fire District (SPR 20231231)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records June 22, 2023 SPR23/1231 Melanie Roucoulet District Treasurer/District Clerk Town of Dalton – Fire District 20 Flansburg Avenue Dalton, MA 01226 Dear Ms. Roucoulet: I have received the petition of James Peltier appealing the nonresponse of the Town of Dalton – Fire District (District) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On May 19, 2023, Mr. Peltier requested the following records: [1.] All posted correspondences that were publicly posted and there locations in regards to the meetings held in regards to the executive sessions[;] [2.] All correspondents to me in regards to the meeting that were to be held and times/locations[;] [3.] All audio recordings as well as written minutes (even in draft form) from the following meetings: 9/28/2021 5/3, 5/9, 5/15, 5/17 2023 (as well as the department meeting held immediately after the commissioners mtg)[;] [4] A copy of the 2 versions of the annual warrant ... as well as the vote outcome of all the articles[;] [5] A copy of the voter’s signatures form as well as the outcome of the vote and copies of all ballots submitted[;] [6] A copy of the District’s handbook[;] [7] A copy of the fire chiefs job description[;] [8] Does the Chief’s position fall under M.G.L 48 42 or not?[;] [9] As well as the name and contact information of the district’s attorney[.] Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Peltier petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/1231, was opened as a result. Based upon a conversation between a Public Records Division staff member and a representative of the District, it is my understanding that the District intends on providing a response to Mr. Peltier’s records request. 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

Melanie Roucoulet SPR23/1231 Page 2 June 22, 2023 Accordingly, the District is ordered to provide Mr. Peltier with said response in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 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. Mr. Peltier may appeal the substantive nature of District’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: James Peltier