Joshua Ryan v. Blackstone, Town of (SPR 20241987)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records July 22, 2024 SPR24/1987 Chad Lovett Town Administrator Town of Blackstone 15 Saint Paul Street Blackstone, MA 01504 Dear Mr. Lovett: I have received the petition of Joshua Ryan appealing the response of the Town of Blackstone (Town) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On May 6, 2024, Mr. Ryan requested the following records regarding the break in that occurred at [T]own [Hall]: [1] All emails, all text messages, all correspondence and discussions; [2] All police reports; [3] All findings; [4] All meeting minutes including executive session minutes; and [5] All board filings with other state departments including but limited to [S]tate [E]thics, [A]ttorney [G]eneral’s [O]ffice, DA’s office or other [S]tate departments. The Town acknowledged Mr. Ryan’s request on May 7, 2024. On May 16, 2024, the Town sent Mr. Ryan an email, stating, “[c]an you define number one? Is there a key word we can look for?” On May 16th, Mr. Ryan emailed the Town, explaining, “[n]ot sure what word you are looking for. I would like any emails, text messages, [and] correspondence about the brake in from [an identified individual], police department, board of selectman [Board] or any other agencies that may have been involved.” On June 9, 2024, Mr. Ryan emailed the Town, asserting, “[n]ot sure if you had access to [a named individual’s] emails after she left. To break it down any correspondence from December 1st, 2022, regarding the brake in. Including police reports and [m]inutes from any executive sessions.” On June 21, 2024, the Town again asked for further clarification and/or a modification of the request. The Town asserts, “[c]an you provide a keyword(s) and parties for the emails? Also, are you looking only for emails from December 1, 2022, or a range of time? I 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

Chad Lovett SPR24/1987 Page 2 July 22, 2024 am trying to narrow the scope to avoid the massive expense of searching every [T]own email since 12/1/2022. Regarding minutes, there may be some that need to be released by the [B]oard. I’ll work on that.” After not receiving any responsive records from the Town, Mr. Ryan petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/1987, was opened as a result. Subsequent to the opening of this appeal, I learned the Town provided Mr. Ryan with a further response on July 17, 2024, which included responsive records. Accordingly, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Mr. Ryan may appeal the substantive nature of the Town’s July 17th response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Joshua Ryan