Deirdre Fernandes v. Executive Office of Health & Human Services (SPR 20242223)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 20, 2024 SPR24/2223 Patricia M. Scanlan, Esq. Primary Record Access Officer Assistant General Counsel Executive Office of Health and Human Services One Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108 Dear Attorney Scanlan: I have received the petition of Deirdre Fernandes, of the Boston Globe, appealing the response of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (Office/EOHHS) 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 Spinelli’s 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 EOHHS officials to other state agencies, town officials, providers and legislators. On June 13, 2024 and June 23, 2024, the Office provided responses. Unsatisfied with the Office’s responses, Ms. Fernandes petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/2223, 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

Patricia M. Scanlan, Esq. SPR24/2223 Page 2 August 20, 2024 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Deirdre Fernandes