Smith, Jeffery v. Hardwick, Town Of (SPR 20260378)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records February 13, 2026 SPR26/0378 Ryan J. Witkos Town Clerk Town of Hardwick 307 Main Street Gilbertville, MA 01031 Dear Mr. Witkos: I have received the petition of Jeffery Smith appealing the nonresponse of the Town of Hardwick (Town) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 18, 2025, Mr. Smith requested the following: [1] The full invoice/bill from KP Law (Kopelman and Paige, P.C.) to the Town of Hardwick for any investigation, report, or related legal services referenced during the January 12, 2026 Select Board meeting (where the Board announced that the investigation had concluded and no further action was required)[;] [2] Any supporting documentation for the above invoice, including (but not limited to) detailed time records, billing statements, or other materials showing the investigator’s time spent and any charges related to the preparation or delivery of the report[.] Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Smith petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR26/0378, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the Town has provided a response. Accordingly, the Town is ordered to provide Mr. Smith with a response to his request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) 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. Mr. Smith may appeal the substantive nature of the Town’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

Ryan J. Witkos SPR26/0378 Page 2 February 13, 2026 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jeffery Smith