Smith, Jeffery v. Hardwick, Town Of (SPR 20260535)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records February 19, 2026 SPR26/0535 Ryan 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 29, 2026, Mr. Smith requested the following[:] [1] The final investigator’s report, including any conclusions, findings, or recommendations, concerning the hostile work environment investigation authorized by the Select Board in August 2025 and completed in November 2025[;] [2 ] Any summary, executive summary, findings memorandum, or other document provided to the Town, Select Board, or other town officials summarizing the results of the above-referenced investigation[;] [3] Invoices, payment records, contracts, purchase orders, or other documents reflecting any public funds paid to any investigator, consultant, attorney, or firm for conducting or assisting with the above-referenced investigation[.] Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Smith petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR26/0535, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the Town provided Mr. Smith with a response on February 17, 2026. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the Town’s lack of a written response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. 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 Witkos SPR26/0535 Page 2 February 19, 2026 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jeffrey Smith