Duarte, Ryan v. New Bedford, City of - Office of The City Solicitor (SPR 20260708)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records March 3, 2026 SPR26/0708 Katherine Schuko, Esq. Associate City Solicitor Office of the City Solicitor 133 William Street, Room 203 New Bedford, MA 02740 Dear Attorney Schuko: I have received the petition of Ryan Duarte appealing the nonresponse of the City of New Bedford (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 15, 2026, Mr. Duarte requested “any and all records that existed prior to the City’s current municipal boundary lines or maps including but not limited to: Any prior city boundary maps; any prior GIS data or shapefiles; any surveys, plats, or metes-and bounds descriptions; any legislative acts charters, or documents establishing or recognizing prior City limits; any records previously relied upon by the City to establish jurisdiction, ordinances or enforcement areas[.]” Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Duarte petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR26/0708, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the City has provided a response. Accordingly, the City is ordered to provide Mr. Duarte 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. Duarte 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

Katherine Schuko, Esq. SPR26/0708 Page 2 March 3, 2026 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Ryan Duarte