Deirdre Fernandes v. Office for Refugees and Immigrants (SPR 20242222)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 20, 2024 SPR24/2222 Fabiano Angelo Records Access Officer Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants 600 Washington Street, 4th Floor Boston, MA 02111 Dear Mr. Angelo: I have received the petition of Deirdre Fernandes, of the Boston Globe, appealing the response of the Office of Refugees and Immigrants (Office/ORI) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On May 30, 2024, Ms. Fernandes requested the following records: [1] all communications, including emails and texts, about Spinelli’s from January 1, 2023 to present. Please include any communication to and from agency officials about the food contracts, including but not limited to the cost of the food, complaints about the quality of the food at shelters, concerns about the shelter contract and of food waste. [2] ... include any communication between ORI officials to other state agencies, town officials, providers and legislators. The Office responded on June 27, 2024. Unsatisfied with the response, Ms. Fernandes petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/2222, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the Office has indicated that it intends to provide a further response to Ms. Fernandes, and will produce the records on a rolling basis. Accordingly, the Office is ordered to provide Ms. Fernandes with said response in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Ms. Fernandes may appeal the substantive nature of the Office’s 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

Fabiano Angelo SPR24/2222 Page 2 August 20, 2024 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Deirdre Fernandes