Andrew Quemere v. Beverly, City of - (SPR 20232638)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records November 16, 2023 SPR23/2638 Peter O’Connor Fire Chief Beverly Fire Department 15 Hale Street Beverly, MA 01915 Dear Chief O’Connor: I have received the petition of Andrew Quemere appealing the response of the Beverly Fire Department (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On March 28, 2023, Mr. Quemere requested the following: All reports, letters, memoranda, photographs, videos, and other records created, received, or maintained by the Beverly Fire Department that relate to the Elliott Chambers rooming house fire, which occurred on July 4, 1984. This request was the subject of previous appeals. See SPR23/1238 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (June 23, 2023); SPR23/1658 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (August 2, 2023) and SPR23/1854 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (August 23, 2023). In my August 23rd determination, I ordered the Department to provide a supplemental response to Mr. Quemere. Subsequently, the Department responded on September 7, 2023, providing additional responsive records, and citing Exemption (c) of the Public Records Law and the attorney-client privilege for redacting and withholding responsive records. Unsatisfied with the Department’s response, Mr. Quemere further appealed, and this case was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the Department intends to provide a further response to Mr. Quemere to address his records request. Accordingly, said response must be provided in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its regulations within ten business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. If issues remain unresolved, Mr. Quemere may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s supplemental response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Chief Peter O’Connor SPR23/2638 Page 2 November 16, 2023 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Andrew Quemere Beth Oldmixon, Esq.