Emma Rindlisbacher v. Freetown, Town of - Town Clerk (SPR 20250119)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Office Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records January 15, 2025 SPR25/0119 Cheryl Estrella Town Clerk Town of Freetown 3 North Main Street, P. O. Box 438 Freetown, MA 02702 Dear Ms. Estrella: I have received the petition of Emma Rindlisbacher appealing the response of the Town of Freetown (Town) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 8, 2025, Ms. Rindlisbacher requested, “... any copies of communications from [an identified individual] or [their] legal representatives regarding litigation, potential litigation or settlement talks.” The Town provided a response on January 13, 2025. Unsatisfied with the response, Ms. Rindlisbacher petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/0119, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the Town intends on providing a further response to Ms. Rindlisbacher. Accordingly, the Town is ordered to provide Ms. Rindlisbacher with said response, in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten 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. Ms. Rindlisbacher may appeal the substantive nature of the Town’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Emma Rindlisbacher 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