Laura H. Ortiz v. Fall River, City of - Office of the Corporation Counsel (SPR 20250363)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records February 12, 2025 SPR25/0363 Alan J. Rumsey, Esq. Corporation Counsel City of Fall River One Government Center Fall River, MA 02722 Dear Attorney Rumsey: I have received the petition of Laura Ortiz appealing the nonresponse of the City of Fall River (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 2, 2025, Ms. Ortiz requested the following from October 9, 2023 – October 22, 2023: [1] Copy of any emails to/from Mayor Paul Coogan that discussed in any way the “Police Monkey Bar Incident may be Misunderstanding” incident that was alleged to have occurred on Columbus Day, October 9, 2023 at Hancock Park in Fall River and with Fall River Police Department staff: [multiple identified individuals] and Fall River City Council members: [identified individuals][;] [2] Copy of any records related to any statements given to news media by City of Fall River or to any other news agency that referenced the “Police Monkey Bar Incident may be Misunderstanding” incident that was alleged to have occurred on Columbus Day, October 9, 2023 at Hancock Park in Fall River as well as any notices to the media or general public that the City of Fall River with the Fall River Police Department was holding any press conferences regarding this incident. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Ms. Ortiz petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/0363, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the City provided Ms. Ortiz with a response on February 11, 2025. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the City’s lack of a written response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Ms. Ortiz may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s response within ninety (90) 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

Alan J. Rumsey, Esq. SPR25/0363 Page 2 February 12, 2025 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Laura Ortiz