Boston Accountability Network v. Boston, City of - Public Records (SPR 20240630)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records March 13, 2024 SPR24/0630 Shawn A. Williams, Esq. Records Access Officer City of Boston 1 City Hall Square, Room 615 Boston, MA 02201 Dear Attorney Williams: I have received the petition of the Boston Accountability Network (“requestor”) appealing the nonresponse of the City of Boston (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 22, 2024, the requestor sought the following records: [1.] A detailed list of any and all publicly funded resources used by [the] Mayor… her police/security detail [two identified Councilors], and any other city of Boston employee(s)/appointee(s) that accompanied the Mayor on her most recent trip to New Hampshire this past weekend (January 19-21, 2024) [including] ... the detailed invoices for gas mileage, food, per diem, etc., as well as any records available for their means of transportation (city-owned vehicle, public transportation to include ticket costs, etc.). [2.] Additionally, we understand that the Mayor’s security detail is typically composed of members of the Boston Police Department. We would like records of any and all associated fees resulting from this trip (i.e. - overtime, special duty pay, etc.). [3.] If private security was publicly funded for this trip, we are requesting those records as well. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, the requestor petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/0630, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the City has provided a response. Accordingly, the City is ordered to provide the requestor with a 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

Shawn A. Williams, Esq. SPR24/0630 Page 2 March 13, 2024 response to the 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. The requestor 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: Boston Accountability Network