Chapter 2.30
PUBLIC RECORDS

Sections:

2.30.010 Request for records.

2.30.020 Response to request.

2.30.030 Information exempt from public inspection.

2.30.040 Record copy charge.

2.30.050 Payment of cost of transcription of verbatim written transcript for court proceedings.

2.30.060 Disclosure prohibited.

2.30.010 Request for records.

All persons desiring to inspect or receive a copy of any public record of the city must make their request to the city clerk, or his/her designee, on forms specified by the city clerk. (Ord. 624 § 1 (part), 1994).

2.30.020 Response to request.

(a)  Responses to requests for records will be made within five business days. All assistance necessary to help the requester shall be provided either by an employee of the city clerk’s office or of the particular department the request was referred to. The giving of such assistance shall not unreasonably disrupt the operation of the city or the other duties of assisting employees. If the written request includes a request for copies, a payment in accordance with the city’s fee schedule shall be paid.

(b)  Whenever a member of the public has requested to inspect an identifiable public record and that request has been denied, such a person may submit a written appeal and have such denial reviewed by the city administrator. The review of the denial by the city clerk shall be as prompt as possible. (Ord. 624 § 1 (part), 1994).

2.30.030 Information exempt from public inspection.

(a)  Exempt from public disclosure under the provisions of this chapter are those public records identified by statute (RCW 42.17 et seq. and RCW 10.97 et seq.) and court decisions as exempt.

(b)  The exemptions of this section shall be inapplicable to the extent that information, the disclosure of which would violate personal privacy or vital government interests, can be deleted from the specific records sought. No exemption shall be construed to permit the nondisclosure of statistical information not descriptive of any readily identifiable person or persons. (Ord. 624 § 1 (part), 1994).

2.30.040 Record copy charge.

(a)  Copies of any disclosable public record (or portions thereof) including, but not limited to, maps, reports, codes, plans and tape recordings, shall be made and provided by the city upon request and payment of the actual costs incidental to reproducing the same. The city clerk is directed to prepare and have on file as a public document a schedule of such costs of reproduction. In determining the cost of reproduction, all costs incidental to such reproduction shall be includable factors, including labor and mailing costs.

(b)  Where the request is for a certified copy, there shall be an additional charge to cover the additional expense and time required for certification.

(c)  Payment for the cost of reproduction of all public records shall be made at the time the request of public records is submitted to the city clerk. If there is uncertainty as to the amount required, the amount tendered shall be based upon estimates established by the city clerk in the schedule of costs for reproduction. If the actual amount of the cost of reproduction exceeds the amount tendered, the balance shall be paid upon delivery of the requested copy or copies. In the event the amount tendered exceeds the actual cost, the balance shall be refunded at the time of the delivery of the copy or copies. Except as specifically provided herein, there shall be no refunds. (Ord. 624 § 1 (part), 1994).

2.30.050 Payment of cost of transcription of verbatim written transcript for court proceedings.

(a)  Whenever the city is required to prepare a verbatim written transcript of any proceeding of the city in response to a writ of review or other action filed in the superior court or any other state or federal court, the cost of preparing the same shall be borne by the party filing the action. The party filing such action shall pay to the city clerk the estimated cost of the preparation of the transcript (as established by the city clerk), including copying costs and the city clerk shall thereafter make a provision for the preparation of the transcript.

(b)  Should the actual cost incurred by the city in preparation of the transcript exceed the amount deposited with the city clerk, the party making such deposit shall be required to reimburse the city for such additional amount within ten days of notification that such amount is due or prior to the time the transcript is required to be filed with the court, whichever occurs first. Should the actual cost incurred by the city be less than the estimated cost deposited, such credit due shall be reimbursed by the city to the party making the deposit. (Ord. 624 § 1 (part), 1994).

2.30.060 Disclosure prohibited.

The city shall not be required to permit public inspection and/or copying of any record to the extent public disclosure is prohibited, restricted or limited by state or federal laws. (Ord. 624 § 1 (part), 1994).