Geoff Beach v. Acton, Town of - Town Clerk (SPR 20240296)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records February 6, 2024 SPR24/0296 Leo Mercado Deputy Town Clerk Town of Acton 472 Main Street Acton, MA 01720 Dear Mr. Mercado: I have received the petition of Geoff Beach appealing the nonresponse of the Town of Acton (Town) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 16, 2024, Mr. Beach requested the following records: [1.] Transmittal of the attached March 11, 2020 Contract agreement between GCG Associates, Inc., and the Town as well as any draft versions thereof, sent to or received from Town Counsel by any Town Employee or Board Members[;] [2.] Transmittal of any other draft or finalized contracts or agreements involving GCG Associates, Inc., sent to or received from Town Counsel by any Town Employees or Board Members[;] [3.] Any records of discussions, reviews, or other input about any Town contracts or agreements with GCG Associates, Inc. sought from or provided by Town Counsel. The requested records include, but are not limited to, any communication regarding scheduling of discussions or requests for written or verbal input[;] [4.] Any records related to Town Counsel’s knowledge regarding the existence and/or substance of any contracts or agreements between GCG Associates, Inc., and any element of the Town of Action[;] [5.] Any records related to Town Counsel’s knowledge of the use, and manner of use, of 53G accounts for payment of Consultant Fees to GCG Associates, Inc. by any individual or body within the Town of Action. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Beach petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/0296, was opened as a result. 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

Leo Mercado SPR24/0296 Page 2 February 6, 2024 Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the Town has provided a response. Accordingly, the Town is ordered to provide Mr. Beach with a response to his request, 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 the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Beach may appeal the substantive nature of the Town’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Geoff Beach