Chapter 2.16
PUBLIC RECORDS DISCLOSURE

Sections:

2.16.010    Purpose.

2.16.020    Public records officer designated.

2.16.030    Index of records.

2.16.040    Public records fees and charges for services.

2.16.050    Public Records Act rules.

2.16.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the administration of the requirements for public disclosure and availability of public records as provided in Chapter 42.56 RCW, the Public Records Act, and to establish guidelines and procedures to assure appropriate provisions are made for public inspection and copying of public records. It shall be the city’s policy to assure access to public records and documents concerning the city’s government while maintaining the right of individuals to privacy, and while protecting public records from damage or disorganization, and preventing excessive interference with other essential city functions. (Ord. 2022-08 § 1, 2022).

2.16.020 Public records officer designated.

The city clerk is hereby designated as the public records officer pursuant to RCW 42.56.580. (Ord. 2022-08 § 1, 2022).

2.16.030 Index of records.

The city finds that creating and maintaining a central city index of records is unduly burdensome and would interfere with city operations. The city clerk’s office shall maintain and make available to the public indices of ordinances, resolutions, and policies adopted by the city council; minutes of regular meetings of the city council and amendments, revisions, and repeals thereof; and all public contracts, deeds and leases. These and all other indices maintained for city use will be made available for review by the public upon request to the public records officer, unless exempted by state law. (Ord. 2022-08 § 1, 2022).

2.16.040 Public records fees and charges for services.

The fees and charges for public records shall be established by resolution of the city council, as amended from time to time. (Ord. 2022-08 § 1, 2022).

2.16.050 Public Records Act rules.

The city shall adopt and publish rules regarding public records request procedures in accordance with RCW 42.56.040 and 42.56.100. (Ord. 2022-08 § 1, 2022).