HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial 2015-01-12 Powerpoint Presentation Shown at Meeting - Open Government Trainings ActWashin(e) ton State Archives buildin
(4-
in Olympia, Washini) ton
(4-
City of Tukwila
City Attorney's Office:
• Rachel Turpin, City Attorney
• Ann Marie Soto, Assistant City Attorney
City Clerk's Office:
• Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk
• Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk
• Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator
Open Government Trainings Act; effective July 1, 2014
Washington State Archives
Municipal Clerks Association
ARMA International (Association of Records
Managers and Administrators
ARMA 1
NAGARA (National Association of Government
Archives and Records Administrators
-NITTA pp 5
1.'11141,- Rcrord,
Washington
Association of Public
Records Officers
Open Government Trainings Act*
• Records retention and destruction requirements RCW 40.14
• Public Records Act RCW 42.56
• Open Public Meetings Act RCW 42.30
*Engrossed Senate Bill 5964
- 63rd Legislature
- 2014 Regular Session
Effective July 1, 2014
n rsaws�*e nd srsrs�va IVUVI .,f
RECORDS
MANAGEMENT
AND RETENTION
RCW 40.14
,WASHINGT4N S A LEGISLATURE
Title 40 RCW
Public documents, records, and publications
Chapter 40.04 - Public documents.
Chapter 40.10 - Microfilming of records to
provide continuity of civil government.
Chapter 40.14 - Preservation and destruction
of public records.
WASHINGTON STATE LEGTSLATZTRE
Legislature Horne f Senate I House of Representatives 1 Contact Lis ! Search ! Flelp 1 Mobile
RCWs > Title 42 > Chapter 42.56 > Section 42.56.010
42.56.001 « 42 56.010 » 42.56.020
RCW 42.56.010
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
Print version 1 No dispenthfe en espeni
(1) "Agency' includes all state agencies and all local agencies. "State agency" includes every state office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other state agency. "Local agency' includes every county, city, town,
municipal corporation, quasi - municipal corporation; or special purpose district, or any office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or agency thereof, or other local public agency.
(2) "Person in interest" means the person who is the subject of a record or any representative designated by that person, except that if that person is under a legal disability; "person in interest" means and includes the parent or
duly appointed legal representative.
(3) "Public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the
conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary
function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless
of physical form or characteristics. For the office of the secretary of the senate and the office of the chief clerk of the house
of representatives, public records means legislative records as defined in RCW 40.14.100 and also means the following: All budget and financial records;
personnel leave, travel, and payroll records; records of legislative sessions; reports submitted to the legislature; and any other record designated a public
record by any official action of the senate or the house of representatives.
(4) "Writing" means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing; and every other means of recording any form of communication or representation including, but not limited to letters; words, pictures, sounds, or
symbols, or combination thereof, and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints; motion picture, film and video recordings, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums, diskettes, sound recordings, and
other documents including existing data compilations from which information may be obtained or translated.
Managing records means:
• Records are kept for as long as we are
required to keep them.
• We are able to find the records when
they're needed.
• Records are disposed of appropriately
once we are not required to keep them
any longer.
/� r
-111. OOP
{�
} ' l! ' :
$
0165
�= m
00 `
s CPI
Consequences for destroying records too early:
• Enormous fines assessed by the court due to
failure to produce documents needed to fulfill
a public records request or as part of a lawsuit
• The possibility of interruption of efficient operation
of the City due to the loss of information needed
for decision making and operations
• A loss of continuity in business operations in the
event of a disaster
• Loss of records of historical significance
Typical lifecycle of a record
Creation
Distribution & use
Storage & maintenance
Inactive storage
Disposition (destruction or Archives)
IIIIIIIIIIIIJ
Do I need to keep it? How long?
The State has developed a retention schedule that:
• identifies and categorizes many specific types of
documents,
• states how long each one must be retained, and
• gives direction on what is to be done with the
record once that retention period has been met.
Once SnS Washington State Archives
of the
it BRANCHES RESEARCH TEACHERS & STUDENTS I RECORDS MANAGEMENT IMAGING SERVICES
Local Government Records Retention Schedules
Records Retention Schedules Search
Search the Database t.
(Updated 4/1 5/2014)
Records Retention ntion Schedules for All Local Government Agencies
All records retention schedules approved by the Local Records Committee are provided below.
Local Government Records Retention Schedules by Type of Agency
Local Government Records Retention Schedules - Alphabetical List
Washington State Archives
Office of the SecretarV of State
Local Government Common Records Retention Schein
Version 3.0 (No vs
4.11 RECRUITMENT/HIRING
The activity of screening, .selecting and employing of individuals. Includes volunteers.
DIsPOSIrecahr
AUTHORITY
I
NUMBER IDAFdJ
DESCRIPTION OF RECORDS
RETENTECeN AND
DISPOSITION ACTION
DE
G550- 046 -01
Rev. 0
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WHEN APPLICANT I.5 NOT HIRED
3 }ears
NO
Na
GS5O- 04A -02
Rev. 0
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION JOURNAL
Account of activity pertaining to certain civil service job openings. Contains names, test
scores, and an indication of whether or not the persons involved are on an eligibility list, etc.
Note: One copy of each available report should be assembled for transfer to Regional Archives.
Expiration plus 1 year
A
App
NO/
GS50- 04A -03
Rev. 0
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION (PASSED BUT NOT HIRED)
Examinations of those applicants that are on eligibility fist, but have not been hired..
2 years
NO1
NOt
GS.50- 04A -04
Rev. 0
ELIGIBILITY LIST OR REGISTER
List of individuals eligible to fill specific positions.
2 years
NCI
NOI
GS50- 04B -11
Rev. 0
EMPLOYEE & VOLUNTEER FINGERPRINT LISTING
Listings of newly hired employees fingerprinted for criminal background checks.
6 years
NOI
NOt
GS50- 05A -2E
Rev. 1
Employment Eligibility (INS) Documents - immigration And Naturalization lization Services
Documents used to verify employment eligibility within the United States. Records may
include, but are not limited to, federal I -9 forms and copies of passport, valid driver's license,
certificate of naturalization, etc.
Note: Reference 8 CFR § 274a.2(ra)(2).
Retain for 1 year after
termination of employment
or
3 years after date of hire.
whichever- is later
then
Destroy.
NOI
NOI
4. (HUMAN RESOURCE
Records don't just look like this anymore.
2 ; Stock A 1 Stock El Stork C Stock D Stuck E Stook F
3
4
Stodquend irno 1205 1145 = i2O1 1105 1115
Price Poi Stock 3-45 3-5 3:§ ........ 3r9 .. 3.9
Cu rrerg profit 3 493 00 4217. 4443iO 4199.LLI 434 SO
4.
4.090 00 4B50 00 - 4.590 00 - 4.53100
5,120 00 „MOO : 5.120 00 4.920.00
5,120 00
5.320 CO
5320.00 i 6,120.00 5,320.00 : 5120.06
5.520 00 5.320.00 = L520.� ;= 5,320.30
520 00
5,120 00 k?a, Q0 . 5,20 00 - 5,520 091
4.690 00
5,120 01]
5.n3 ICC
5.520 00
5,720 04
• Paid Audio Records!, and Ldllar V4:2
:" :I,
-- • !If IV LK' Pfif L n r
PIM
MunsuMand I yl
Inn I V
31.1311 irn it�
daasa Sean Wane • 0010
Spreadsheet Goal Seeker
Dein* tt*cell.frarok to 1
1 'Goal Seekeel$C$5:*1.5
Osfre the, tend Va llsa(s):
1 'GS,SI SecskelSc t 12 •=1
11 lentleell the eeliteetae 1
I 'Goal SeekesiV$3:1;41
Cdt.e moc1N
Existing models: ! A
IF
Add OM model 1 Adroostrato mood
• caiica 1
• Paid Audio Records!, and Ldllar V4:2
:" :I,
-- • !If IV LK' Pfif L n r
PIM
MunsuMand I yl
Inn I V
31.1311 irn it�
daasa Sean Wane • 0010
Retention
Period Examples
Type of record Retention period
Gift and donation information files (P &R) Until no longer needed
Strategic Plans Until no longer needed
Management of crime prevention programs 1 year after obsolete or superseded
Surveillance recordings (if used for security monitoring)30 days
IT help desk requests 1 year
Staff meetings (agendas, minutes, notices) 2 years
Utility meter readings 3 years
Usage and dispersal records (equipment, fuel, energy) ... 4 years
Water test reports 6 years
Fire Department medical incident reports 8 years
Litigation files 10 years
Major Accident Response & Reconstruction (Police) 50 years
Payroll registers (and time cards) 60 years
Personnel files (employees and volunteers) 6 years after termination
Application for a building permit 6 years after life of building
Conditional Use Permits Life of the agency
Records relating to the destruction of public records Life of the agency
Manhole records Permanent
1
aPdr9WsdWiel
1T I— u7II�'m4!
9 I [
fib RR OCT
4
ti
I
*ir -r.- .rte--
ffetthirarl 11
Ir+d+d� a•17
P502 P501
'I
P401
WIC
N441
N301
q
i .
1 t �'
�—
1.201
4II
P302
\,C.I.AeD FILET ;
1
of o
'Rill � MO
di Mori
0
Monday,
Tukwila City Council Agenda
l REGULAR MEETING •❖ ,
Jim Haggerton, Mayor Conrrcilmembers.• +Joe ❑uffie -:• Dennis Robertson
`4- _2905. David Cline, City Adrrarnisti for Sr Allan Ekberg -:- Verna Seal
- De 'Se an Quinn, Co and/ President + Kathy Hougardy + Kate (Cruller
Septeni ber 15,2014; 7:00 PM • Ord #2450 6 Res #18-42
1.
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ( ROLL CALL
2.
SPECIAL
PRESENTATION
Taking Back Our Boulevard- 1yearlater. Mike Villa, Police Chief
3.
PROCLAMATION
A proclamation declaring September 27,2014 as "Mayor's day of Concern
forthe Hungry."
Pg•1
4.
CITIZEN
COMMENT
At this time,you are invited to comment on items riot inn- Aided on this agenda
(please firnit your cominents to five minutes percitizen). To comment
on an item /istedon this agendar please saveyourcomments until the issue is
presented for discussion.
5.
CONSENT
AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 912/14 (RegularMtg.)
b. Approval of Vouchers.
c. Award a bid to Michels Corporation forthe CBD (Central Business District)
Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $160,594.89 and authorize
the Mayor to sign the contract. (Reviewed and forwardedto Consentby
Ufr /ities Committee on 9/2/14•)
d. Award a bid to R.L.AIia Company fortheAndoverParkWest {Andover
Park East Sewer Repair Project in the amount of $406,226.39 and
authorizethe Mayorto sign the contract. Reviewed and fo,wardedto
ConsentbyUtil resCommittee on 9/V14.j
Pg3
Pg3
6.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Fire Exploratory Committee up date and recommendation.
b. Emergency due to failure of critical information technology infrastructure:
(1) A resolution declaring an emergency in responseto the catastrophic
failure of critical information technology equipment.
(2) Ratify th e M ayo r's September 10,2014 Proclamation of Emergency
and the contractfor services with InfoRetrieval.comto respondto
the repairs.
Pg.17
Pg.55
7.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
b. City Council
c. Staff- Gtyr Administrator Report
d. CityAttorney
e. Intergovernmental
Pg.65
8.
MISCELLANEOUS
9.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
10.
ADJOURNMENT
Tukwila City lie El ki wheelchair iiebeisinie.
Reast7nable acct nmc_a =c•3 a re .are'!.=_E''e at plbl-le F,aa rings with acfoante .flee to the
Crly Clerk's office {20643? -1 E::- _' T -'.. =v_ =ydarkg.TukwliaViA.904 Thu notice u available at
www.tukwilawa.clov, arc • E .s _.a =_•.13'0 with adva nee notice for those with d-r,abirrties.
Tukwila Comma meetings tae Awi6ivadedi
iLe
Tukwila City Council Agenda
o • REGULAR MEETING •
Wes" 1400 David
Jim d Cline, alMeyer Cnunrrlmnmbers. 8]ce Duffle ODennis Verna 5pn
e'Senn Wan, Comnsresid ty Hougarerg Kato Krieger
Monday, September 15,2014; 7:00000 • 00142450 • Res91842
1. CALL TO ORDER f PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE f ROLL CALL
2. SPECIAL
PRESENTATION
Taking B k Our Boul es aid -1 year later. M,10p6i ✓1a, Police Chief
3. PROCLAMATION
A proclamation declaring Septembe 272914 as "M rya's Clay of Concern 0g.7.
forthe Hungry."
4. CITIZEN
COMMENT
At.. this �t.i. me, you are invited to comment on items gata,dudedon this agenda
/Fuse king yourecomments SO fire mart fe-cpercrt a J. Tn rommen
pran Item fist don this agenda., pl ease ,ova your comments anti l the is sueis
esented for discussion.
5. CONSENT
AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 0(4 14 (RegularMtg.)
b. Approval of Voud,ers.
c. Award a bin to Michels Corporation fo r the Cal }(Central Business district)
Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $168,094.89 and authorize
the Mayorto sign the contract. ( Reviewed andfoneordedfo CUnse,rtby
Leggier Commies ore 9/444.)
d. Award a bid to R.L. Ali a Companyfo r the And ova Park West/And over
Park East Sewer RepairProjectin the amount of $406,22639 and
authorbethe Mayorto sign the contract (Reviewedaredfomardadto
Consent by Ulr /Acs Cammrene re geZi14)
P93
Pg3
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Fire Exploratory Committee update and recommendation.
b. Em erg end/ due to failure of critical informationtechnol ogyinfrastdure:
(1) A resolution declaring an em enry i n rasp once to the catastrophic
failure of critical infonnationtechno l ogy equipment.
(2) Ratify th e M ay ors September 10,2014 Proclamation of Emergerxy
and the co ntrad for ewices with InfoRebiev *.coin to respondto
the repairs.
P9-17
P9.55
J. REPORTS
a. Mayor
b. City Council
c. Staff -City Adm in ist into r Report
d. Gty Attorney
e. Intergovernmental
P9.65
8. MISCELLANEOUS
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
18. ADJOURNMENT
a147 1..6w M,akate...
Acasale aaaimo-amm are avabble ay,hooI,t3wirh adrame. nuke m the
OW[kdes QOfw TukwkOtyckakbTrkwiLWA .9wj. 111-15 P.. saaibbk at
wvw.wbwilawzgav and n alms...miaw mid advance maim fw.59 wandwhinSm.
rmaxiCoanti inee.gs area , . e...
LA w Tukwila City Council Agenda
❖ REGULAR MEETING ❖
]iin Hagge clan M a l y t n n n d l m e m b o , o *Joe 0ulhe o Dennis Robertson
1s0e Devil Cline, GtyCdnerenamr a Allan Ekberg a Verna Seal
De'Sean Quinn, Correa- Faidert a Kathy !banal* S Kate Kratler
Monday,September 15,2014; 7 :00 PM • 0n102450 • Res01842
1. CALL TO ORDER f PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE f ROLL CALL
2. SPECIAL
PRESENTATION
Taking Sark Our Boulevard- 1year later. Mike VOA Pare Chief
3. PROCLAMATION
A proclamation declaring September 27,2014 as "Mayor's Day of Concern Pg.l
forthe. Hungry."
-0. CITIZEN
COMMENT
At this ti ree,yoa are invited to comment on item, not included on thi s agenda
(please Grid yearco,no,eotSto fncmmutespercoae").TO commen
on an item 16tedon this agenda, is l ease s eve you r rnmments unto the issue s
presented for discussion.
5. CONSENT
AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 9(21 14 (RegWarMltg.)
b. Approval of Vouchers.
c. Award a bid to Michels COrpor05 on fo r the CBE] (Cent al BUS mess District)
Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $160591.89 and authorize
the Mayorto sign the contract (Reviewedandfornardedto Cnnsentby
CV/gear CZnurat on 9/2/1e)
d. Award a bid to R.L. Ali a Comp anyforth a And over Park West(Andover
Park East Server Repair Project in the amount of $406,22630 and
authodaeth a Mayor. sign the contra d. (Revrerredandforwardedto
Consent by on 9/2/14.)
P93
P93
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Ire piordory Committee updatean d rerommendatmn.
b. Emag awry due to failure of€,Ucal 1 nformation technol ogyinfrastrudure:
(1) 4 resolution declaring an em erg end/ in rasp onse to thecatash'o pink
failure of critical infoemotion tedma l ogy equipment.
(2) RatifytheMayorh September 10,2011 Prodamationaf Emergency
and the co Arad fo r.services with Info Retdeval.cerr to respond 0
the repairs.
P9.11
P955
2. REPORTS
a. Mayor
b. City Council
c. Staff -City Administrator Report
d. City 4ttomey
e. Intergovernmental
P9.65
8. MISCELLANEOUS
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
18. ADIOORNMENT
In k HYif
....able awn- modemrs are avababk at public h ram wrth advance notice mtlae
Ow Oak's OM (2064331800 or run.ON21klyTU6ri0.WAgov). 114000009100:10161,
www,nAwiarra.wr, and leaf... forma¢ w. advzm a not. for*. wi8. dmbrAa.
Do you have a City record? We must:
• retain it for the time period required by law
• be able to produce it if needed
• be able to provide proof of how and when
it was disposed of
Was hingtoia State Archives
Office of the Secletarv. of State
Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE)
Version 2.2 (December 2011)
3.9 REPORTING
The activity of providing financial information as required by regulating authorities.
DISPOSITION
AIATI9 ORITY
NUMBER IDANj
DESCRIPTION of RECORDS
G 550-03 D-02
Rev. 1
6550- 03C -01
Rev. 1
G550-03C-02
Rev. 1
Annual Financial Report of Chief Fiscal Officer to Commissioners /Council
Annual financial report compiled by the local government agency and submitted to its
governing body in accordance with statute, charter, and /or agency policy.
Continuing Grants — Annual Financial Status Reports
Annual report submitted for continuing grants containing summaries and breakdowns of
expenditures for the past year.
Excludes non - continuing grant reports covered by G550- C3C -02.
Bond, Grant and Leery Project Reports
Reports relating to bond, grant (non- continuing) and levy projects.
Includes, but is not limited to:
* Progress statements;
* Expenditure of funds;
RETENTION AND
DISPOSITION ACTION
Retain until obsolete or
superseded
then
Transfer to Washington State
Archives for appraisal and
selective retention.
Retain for 4 years after
submission of report
Of
for period required by grant/
program, whichever is later
then
Destroy.
Retain for 4 years after
submission of final report
Dr
for period required by grant/
program, whichever is later
DESIGNATION
ARCHIVAL
(Appraisal Required)
NON- ESSENTIAL
OPR
NON - ARCHIVAL
NON- ESSENTIAL
OPR
ARCHIVAL
IApm -sisal Required]
NON - ESSENTIAL
O RR
Of110r
yo+r' ■ Qftac.
2005
ommarpOime 741.• k/j••,
50 -01-02
ir
10vrItzriq P,.
? yrs leach)! 01:
1 C.
DSo3
•
D503
1
I;11e I
SECURED
DOCUMENT
!SHREDDING, INC.
877.6g2,3617
WHIP 1..13K
++r
Proper disposition of records allows us:
• to track which records have been stored,
destroyed, or turned over to the State
• to provide documentation of how and when
a record was destroyed in the event of a
public records request or lawsuit
FAII public records shall be and remain the property of the
state of Washington. They shall be delivered by outgoing
officials and employees to their successors and shall be
preserved, stored, transferred, destroyed or disposed of, and
otherwise managed, only in accordance with the provisions
of RCW Chapter 40.14.
Wasliington State Archives
Office of the Secretary of State
Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE)
Version 2.2 (December 2031)
2.11 SECURITY
The activity of protecting the local government agency's physical goods and resources against danger, loss or threat.
DISPOSITION
AUTHORITY
NUMBER (DAN)
DESCRIPTION OF RECORDS
RETENTION AND
DISPOSITION ACTION
DESIGNATION
G.550- 04B -21
Rey. 0
IDENTIFICATION BADGE RECORDS FOR CONTRACT AND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES
Photo ID badges and supporting paperwork to track badges issued to contract and
temporary employees.
1 year
NON- ARCHIVAL
NON- ESSENTIAL
OPR
G.S50- 06B -14
Rey, 0
INTRUSION ALARM REPORTS
1 year
NON- ARCHIVAL
NON - ESSENTIAL
G.S50- 06B -05
Rev. 0
KEY /CARD KEY INVENTORY
Documentation of facility keys and/or card keys assigned to agency personnel.
Destroy when obsolete or
superseded
NON- ARCHIVAL
ESSENTIAL
OFM
GS5O- 06B -15
Rev. 0
SECIJRITY ANNUAL REPORT
1 year
NON- ARCHIVAL
NON - ESSENTIAL
OFM
GS50- 06B -21
Rey. 0
SECURITY ID BADGE APPLICATION AND ISSUANCE DOCUMENTATION
Documents security badges issued to employees and contractors working in the agency.
Termination or revocation plus 6
years
NON- ARCHIVAL
NON - ESSENTIAL
o PR
7
o ` \ y J ,
__
r'
Records Management: What is Tukwila doing?
• Implemented a records orientation training program for City staff in 2011, as well
as a supplemental training relating to the destruction of electronic records.
❖ Provides resource material for staff on TUKNET.
❖ Monitors updates or other changes to the State Records Retention Schedule and
distributes information to staff.
❖ Coordinates with the City Attorney's Office on the status of Legal Holds.
❖ Evaluates new technologies under consideration by the City to identify
potential implications relating to how electronic records would be retained,
produced and disposed of during their lifecycle.
❖ Adopts policies as needed, including those relating to retention of closed
contracts and security camera monitoring footage.
❖ Facilitates and manages microfilming and /or digitization of "Essential Records"
❖ Coordinates transfer of records designated as "Archival" to the State Archives.
❖ Develops resource materials and supplies to respond to a potential disaster
affecting City records.
• UnsubscribelModify
TO DEFEND AGAINST
LAWSUITS , OUR
RECORDS RETENTION
POLICY HAS BEEN
UPDATED TO INCLUDE
THIS.
UFS, irac.
• Buy this strip • Read past strips
LJH AT
'JAS I
TALKING
ABOUT?
THE RECORDS
RETENTION
POLICY.
PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
RCW 42.56
• "The people do not yield their sovereignty to the
agencies which serve them."
• "The people, in delegating authority, do not give public
servants the right to decide what is good for the people
to know and what is not good for them to know."
• "The people insist on remaining informed so they may
retain control over the instruments they have created."
RCW 42.56.030
Writing
• "Writing" includes "handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating,
photographing, and every other means of recording any form of
communication or representation including, but not limited to, letters,
words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combination thereof, and all
papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints,
motion picture, film and video recordings, magnetic or punched cards,
discs, drums, diskettes, sound recordings, and other documents
including existing data compilations from which information may be
obtained or translated."
RCW 42.56.030
• So, "public record" is broadly defined.
,WASHINGT4N S A LEGISLATURE
WAC 434 - 662 -040
Agency duties and responsibilities.
"Electronic records must be retained in electronic
format and remain usable, searchable, retrievable and
authentic for the length of the designated retention
period. Printing and retaining a hard copy is not a
substitute for the electronic version unless approved by
the applicable records committee."
New employee training script Feb 2011. doc Pr...
rx 1
General I S ecurit l
New employee training script Feb 2011.dcc
Type of file: Microsoft Office Word 37 - 2003 Document
Opens with: F. Microsoft Office Word I Change...
Location: H:' \Records Mgmt \Training Notes
Size: 150 KO (154,112 bytes)
Size on disk: 152 KB (1 55..848 bytes j
Created: Yesterday, January 31, 2011.. 3:13:28 PM
Modified: Yesterday: J anuar_y 31, 2011, 4:44:52 PM
Accessed: Yesterday, January 31, 2011, 4:44:51 PM
Attributes: ❑ Read -only ❑ Hidden I Advanced...
Old I I Cancel
ItAtjobs 1 tilNautos 1 rnrvhomes 1 thltsourioa 1 FP
rtes 0 se
Your a
5rideu
M o ri r
Inste;
blear
to the
with
oppo
durin
FanF
Raw audio 1 Phon{
X Cairo
Behind the Scene
X photo shoot
Cheezburger Sch
X how to caption
` Local New 1 E -mail metadata considered public record 1 Seattle Times Newspaper - Windows Internet Explorer
http: iseattletimes.nwsource, tom; htrnlilocalnewsf2013103911 _rnetadataoELht l
File Edit View Favorites Tools Help
t Favorites I gi Free Hotmail a 5iigge5rPd Sites Slice 'Sailer?, -
0 Local News 1 E -mail metadata considered public record. I
Y LII :4tlY
z
O'Neill vs. City of Shoreline, Case No. 82397 -9 (Oct. 7, 2010)
The Seattle Ti roes Company
bc $caU1eZThrns
Winner of a 2oia Pulitzer Prize
Local News
Imo'
44 °F 0 Our networks
Horne Local Nation_NiWorld BusinessiTech Sports Entertainment Living Travel Opinion Shopping Jobs Autos Ho
Quick links: Traffic I Movies I Restaurants I Today's events 1 Video I Photos i Interactives I Bings 11 Forums I Subscriber Services
s - rlishen Thursday,Odcb *7, 2010st752PM
Comments (0) M E -mail article a Print view 0 Share
E -mail metadata considered public record
Meta aata asseciateo ;girth electronic documents — such as the to and from 'hen in y mails — is a public record subjectte..
By Gene Johnson
The Associated Press
Metadata associated with electronic documents — such as the "to" and "from" fields in e -mails — is a public
record subject to disclosure. Washington s Supreme Court ruled Thursday
The 5-4 ruling concerned a Shoreline resident's request under the Public Records Act for an e -mail that had
been sent to the city's deputy mayor.. The resident received a copy of the e -mail without the metadata and
subsequently filed a request for the information.
" Metadata may contain information that relates to the conduct of government and is important for the public to
know," Justice Susan Owens wrote. "It could conceivably include information about whether a document was
altered, what time a document was created, or who sent a document to whom."
Identifiable Public Records
May 24, 2014
Attn: Human Resources
I would like to know how
the city handles
employment discrimination
I claims. Please advise at
your earliest convenience.
ri'Pot S
To: city of Tukwila
Date: June 1, 2014
I would like to receive a copy
of the city's policy for handling
employment discrimination
claims.
Thank you.
Patie lows
The second request is for an "identifiable public record."
The first request is for information.
Work with requestors
Seek clarification:
• To provide the fullest assistance to requestor.
• Results in prompt disclosure by identifying
only desired records.
• Means the requestor receives and pays for
only those records requested.
Manage broad requests:
• Work with requestors to narrow the scope.
• Tell them about potential costs and deposits.
• Supply records in installments.
,0 PARKING
ANY
TIME
Clarification
CITY OF
TUKWIL A
W A S 31 1 'w, c.: 7- Ci N'
CO of Oppt, rr may — t; 011 tnru rrity rrif Choice
FOLLOW THIS LINK TO REVIEW THE FULL PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST POLICY
PUBLIC RECORDS FORMS & CONTACT INFORMATION
Which Public Records Request Are You Looking For?
• Municipal Court Only Requests
• Police Only Requests
• Fire Only Requests
• Community Development Permit & Land Use Requests
• General Requests Involving Multiple Departments
Search the City webs ite
,tv,s1s:'TCustom Search
6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98,188 • 206 433 -1804
City of Tukwila Request for Public Records
Name:
Address:
City. State.Zip:
Date:
Home #:. Fax #:
Work it: Cell #:
Fm:eil;
Description of record(s) requested (request must be clear and concise to avoid delays):
REQFESTOR TO READ AND SIGN
The documents provided by this request will not he used for commercial purposes. or to provide access to
material(s) to others for commercial purposes as prohibited by RCW 42.56.070(9), Further. I understand I will
be charged $.15 per single- sided, standard -site document (8 -1)2 x 11 or 3 -li2 x 111. Double -sided copies
are 3,30 each. The cost for oversized documents or those sent out for reproduction will be billed to the
requester.
Contact the Citc Clerk's Office at 206 -I33 -1800 with questions
H¢riaag rend the abate - stated caatafitiorts,1kerebt ran sear to each of them.
Signature of requester: Date:
Please choose one of the following options to submit your request:
- Email the completed form as a PDF to Tttkn :laCitCC]erkeitukwilawa.goy
-Fax the completed foma, Attention Cat/ Clerk. to 206 433 -1933
- Deliver the completed form in person or by mail to:
Tukwila City Clerk. 6240 Southcestter Blvd.. Tukwila. WA 93188
FOR STAFF ESE ONLY -- Copies of this request were provided to:
Name Department Date
Name Department Date
Name Department Date
Above staff to respond to City Clerk's Office by:
Note to responsible stiff: RCW 4256 -520 requires (in part) a WRITIE_N RESPONSE within 5 working days of the
request The 5-day rule begins one business day post receipt. Upon !marine from you, the Ci-y Clerk's Office will prepare
the 3-day letter. notifying the requestor of an approrimste date records will be ready; or, if the reformation sought is
exempted by statute. Contact the City Atro rev s Office with specific questions.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day
Response to requrstur en or by
General notes (and+'or) reason for delay or inability to produce records:
COMPLETION OF REQUEST
Date
Number of Copies Amount paid$ Cash ❑Check ❑ Receipt =
Agency Responses to Requests
Within 5 business days, the City must:
1. Make the record available for inspection or copying.
2. Provide an internet address and Zink on the agency's website to the
specific records requested.
3. Acknowledge that the request has been received and provide a
reasonable estimate of when records will be available.
4. Deny the request and provide a statutory reason as to why the request
is being denied.
An agency can seek clarification of a request if it is not reasonably clear, or
does not request "identifiable records."
RCW 42.56.520
Estimate of Time for Further Response
• Factors for needing additional time may include:
✓ To get clarification if necessary.
✓ To search for records. More time may be needed if a request is large or complex.
✓ To assemble and review records.
✓ To provide notice to affected third persons /agencies if necessary.
✓ To prepare an exemption log if necessary.
✓ To perform other essential agency functions, considering agency resources including staff availability.
• An agency can provide an estimate of time for further response.
• Estimate is to be reasonable.
• It is a good practice to briefly explain why more time is needed to process a request.
If challenged in court, it is an agency's burden to show why an estimate of time is
reasonable.
• An agency can extend the time if needed. Again, it is a good practice to explain why.
• If an agency can't produce all the records at once (particularly for large requests),
an agency can provide records in installments.
RCW 42.56.520, RCW 42.56.520, RCW 42.56.080, RCW 42.56.550
Searches
• An agency should read the request carefully to understand
what records are requested.
✓ Clarify the request if needed.
✓ An agency can also ask the requestor to suggest search terms.
• An agency must conduct an adequate search for responsive records.
✓ Consider all formats (paper, electronic, etc.)
✓ Consider records of current staff /officials, and former staff /officials, if potentially responsive.
✓ Consider possible locations (e.g., file cabinets, agency website, audio files, etc.)
• The search should be reasonably calculated to uncover responsive records.
• The search should follow obvious leads to possible locations where records are
likely to be found.
• It is a good idea to document search efforts (locations, search terms used, etc.)
The agency bears the burden of proof to show the adequacy of the search.
RCW 42.56.520
Exemptions
• Records are presumed open.
• If a record, or part of a record, is withheld from the public, the agency
must cite to an "exemption" in law and give a brief explanation.
• Exemptions are narrowly construed.
• The general rule is the agency withholds only the exempt information,
and releases the rest.
• Exemptions must be authorized in law — in the Public Records Act or
other laws.
-r RCW 42.56.050, RCW 42.56.210 - .510, RCW 42.56.550
Common Exemptions
• Personal information maintained in files for
employees, appointees, or elected officials of any
public agency to the extent that disclosure would violate their right to privacy
• Information on a child enrolled in a public or nonprofit program serving or pertaining
to children, adolescents, or students, including but not limited to early learning or
child care services, parks and recreation programs, youth development programs,
and after - school programs
• Attorney - client privileged information
• Intelligence and investigative records compiled by investigative, law enforcement and
penology agencies
• Residential addresses and telephone numbers of utility customers
• All applications for public employment including names, resumes, and other related
information
• Credit and debit card numbers, electronic check numbers, and card expiration dates
• Test questions, scoring keys, and other examination data used to administer an
employment examination
• Records that are relevant to a controversy to which the City is a party but which
would not be available to another party under pre -trial court discovery rules
I -t•. y�.a•a i1 r•
Privacy
• There is no general "privacy" exemption in the Public Records Act.
• If privacy is an express element of another exemption, privacy is
invaded only if disclosure about the person would be:
1. "Highly offensive to the reasonable person" and
2. "Not of legitimate concern to the public."
This means that if information does not satisfy both these factors,
it cannot be withheld as "private" information under other statutes.
RCW 42.56.050
PRIVACY POLICY
Fees
• Agencies cannot charge fees to allow requestors to inspect records.
• Agencies cannot charge fees for searching, reviewing or redacting records.
• Agencies cannot charge a requestor for staff salaries, benefits or general
overhead or administrative costs, unless they are directly related to the
actual cost of copying records (the charges must be reasonable, and documented).
• Agencies can charge fees for the copies themselves (15 cents per page, or actual
costs). Agencies can pass along to the requestor the cost of sending records to an
outside vendor or service so the records can be copied.
• Agencies can charge for costs of mailing records (postage, shipping container, etc.)
• Agencies are to make their fee schedules available to the public.
• There may be other laws, outside the Public Records Act,
that permit an agency to charge fees for records.
RCW 42.56.060, RCW 42.56.120, RCW 42.56.130
da..far41_ __ • s
-Ww —_: —. mball
.. aim am
Net
.� tea.
Fees
. 1111. 1014#
■
A_
an/ ON
�t ."a."`
aw w
1.M 11 a1. a• # � r .11P.•
fat lab •ai
— at afl lams a.6 a
Walt ai 4.1. • dM• r — la
NM. IMMOWa� - arm —.+,
1 a-ft di aaa n., .ssaa
=E -MIMEO, norm— .r amp
a..-.. / sfrril...�aa —i1
`1MOI aariolf
Penalty Factors
A court must consider these non - exclusive factors in deciding whether an agency should pay a penalty:
❑ Mitigating factors (factors that can reduce a penalty):
• A lack of clarity in the public records request.
• The agency's prompt response or legitimate follow -up inquiry for clarification.
• The agency's good faith, honest, timely, and strict compliance with all procedural requirements and exceptions.
• Proper training and supervision of the agency's personnel.
• The reasonableness of any explanation for noncompliance by the agency.
• The helpfulness of the agency to the requester.
• The existence of agency systems to track and retrieve public records.
❑ Aggravating factors (factors that can increase a penalty):
• A delayed response by the agency, especially in circumstances making time of the essence.
• Lack of strict compliance by the agency with all procedural requirements and exceptions.
• Lack of proper training and supervision of the agency's personnel.
• Unreasonableness of any explanation for noncompliance by the agency.
• Negligent, reckless, wanton, bad faith, or intentional noncompliance with the Public Records Act by the agency.
• Agency dishonesty.
• The public importance of the issue to which the request is related, where the importance was foreseeable to the agency.
• Any actual personal economic loss to the requestor resulting from the agency's misconduct, where the loss was foreseeable
to the agency.
• A penalty amount necessary to deter future misconduct by the agency considering the size of the agency and the facts of
the case.
• The inadequacy of an agency's search for records.
Yousoufian v. Sims; Neighborhood Alliance v. Spokane County
Judge Fines City $90,560 for Public Records Act
Violations
A Federal Court rules in favor of former Mercer Island city employee Londi Llnclell s claims the city illegally
withheld documents that should have been given to her more than two years ago_
By Kendall Watson (Patch Staff)
a Updated June 29, 2011 at 12:29 am 11 0 p
c Seattle Elutes
Winner of Wine Pulitzer Prizes
December 16, 2013 at 8:04 PM
Local News
Withheld documents about gun
buyback will cost city $38,000
Foaled by L!nnThompson
The city of Seattle will pay $38,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the Second
Tacoma, like many cities, struggles with Amendment Foundation over failure to release public records relating to
1 1 Y■ Mayor Mike hilcGinn's January gun buyback .
public disclosure of text messages
BY KATE MARTIN
Staff writer September 21. 2014
Public records lawsuit clouds Mesa's future
By Kristi Pihl, Herald staff writer March 14. 2011
King County pays Seattle Times more than
$40,000 for public records violations
• 14by Kristen flare
Published May 14, 2014 913 am
Updated May 14, 2014 2:1013111
NEWS
City must pay $538,555 in public records suit over e-mail
metadata
Jeff Zalesin Freedom of Information News 1 July 2, 2013
A town in Washington state must pay more than half a million dollars to resolve a seven -year lawsuit that brought
electronic metadata within the scope of the state public records law, a trial court ruled last week.
Serious or silly, records requests cost money
g -1 0 V' Tweet 2 $400,000 OK'd to settle records case
County payout ends inquiry on nepotism
Mike Prager The Spokesman- RemMv
up
Iz
March 21, 2012 in City
by MARY L. GRADY, Mercer Island Reporter Editor
Nov 5, 2013 at 12:00PM updated Nov 8, 2013 at 3:17PM
Just like any other public entity, the records of the Mercer Island School District are to be open
to the public. Information about individual students and other personal data is protected, but
• King County was fined $124,000 relating to a request for documents pertaining
to the public financing of Qwest Field. The state Supreme Court then ruled that
fine wasn't big enough and sent the case back to Superior Court with a
recommendation to increase the penalty.
• The town of Mesa in Eastern Washington (near Pasco) has had to consider
bankruptcy or disincorporation due to $246,000 in attorney fees and legal
penalties. That amount is one - quarter of the city's annual budget.
• Mason County was penalized $320,000 in fines and legal costs in a case over a
request for documents related to a highway- corrector project and sewer systems.
• DSHS was ordered to pay a record judgment of $649,896 in 2011. In a legal brief,
DSHS told the court they "inadvertently missed" the tape recording in question.
• A federal judge fined the City of Mercer Island $90,560 for illegally withholding
several public records for a period ranging from 842 to 882 days.
• December 2014: The City of Bainbridge paid almost $500,000 in a settlement
involving work - related e -mails of Councilmembers that were stored on their personal
computers. The settlement also resulted in the resignation of one Councilmember.
Public Records Act: What is Tukwila doing?
❖ The City Clerk has been appointed as the Public Records Officer of the City.
❖ The City's Public Records Request Policy has been formalized and published on the
City's website.
❖ The majority of the Model Rules published by the Washington State Attorney
General's Office have been incorporated into the City's policy and procedures.
❖ Commonly requested records have been made available on -line through the
City's Digital Records Center.
❖ Technology is being incorporated to distribute, fulfill and document public records
requests in more efficient and cost - effective ways.
❖ Tracking sheets are utilized to provide a history of each request and responses,
and also serves to address the needs of State auditors.
❖ Adopted Ordinance No. 1923 to comply with requirements of RCW 42.56 relating
to maintenance of an all- inclusive index of public records.
• Training on records management requirements has been implemented for staff.
❖ City Clerk's Office staff is involved in on -going training through various professional
organizations.
OPEN PUBLIC
MEETINGS ACT
RCW 42.30
Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) Applies To:
(1) "Public agency" [including:]
(c) Any subagency of a public agency which is created by or pursuant to statute,
ordinance, or other legislative act, including but not limited to planning
commissions, library or park boards, commissions, and agencies;
(2) "Governing body" means the multimember board, commission, committee, council,
or other policy or rule- making body of a public agency
OPMA also applies to:
Any committee of such public agency when:
• the committee acts on behalf of the governing body,
• conducts hearings, or
• takes testimony or public comment
RCW 42.30.020
The purpose of the OPMA is to allow the public to view the "decision- making process."
Washington State Supreme Court
OPMA Does Not Apply To:
• These entities:
❑ Courts
❑ Legislature
❑ Agencies not defined as "public agency" in OPMA, such as agencies
governed by a single individual
❑ Private organizations
• These activities:
❑ Licensing /permitting for businesses, occupations or professions or
their disciplinary proceedings (or proceedings to receive a license for
a sports activity, or to operate a mechanical device or motor vehicle)
❑ Quasi - judicial matters
❑ Matters governed by the Washington Administrative Procedure Act,
RCW 34.05
❑ Collective bargaining
RCW 42.30.020(1), RCW 42.30.140
Action
"Action" means the transaction of the official business of
the public agency and includes but is not limited to:
— Public testimony
— All deliberations
— Discussions
— Considerations
— Reviews
— Evaluations
— Final actions
The requirements of the OPMA are triggered whether
or not 'final" action is taken.
RCW 42.30.020
File Edit View Insert Format Tools Message Help
Send
From:
La To:
OA Cc:
Subject:
Ti
Paste
Undo
I
Check
editor @internet- guide,co,uk (editor @internet- guide,co,uk)
_ B I U4_
Avoid an inadvertent
on -line public meeting:
Linked
follow us on
twittor
Notice Requirements
Regular Meetings
(recurring meetings held according to a schedule fixed by ordinance,
resolution, bylaws or other rule)
Effective June 12, 2014: Governing bodies are required to make the agenda of each
Regular Meeting of the governing body available on -line no later than 24 hours in advance
of the published start time of the meeting.
Special Meetings
(a meeting that is not a Regular Meeting, called by the presiding officer or majority of the
members)
Written notice must be given 24 hours before the Special Meeting and must specify the
date, time and place of the meeting and the business to be transacted.
Emergency Special Meetings
Notice is not required for a Special Meeting called to deal with an emergency:
• When the emergency involves injury or damage to persons or property or the likelihood
of such injury or damage
• Where time requirements of notice make notice impractical and increase the likelihood
of such injury or damage
RCW 42.30.070, RCW 42.30.075, RCW 42.30.080
ASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
Legislature Horne I Senate I House of Representatives 1 Contact Us 1 Search I Help 1 Mobile
RcVVs > Title 42 := Chapter 42.30 - Section 42.30.1050
42.30.040 « 42.30.0501 , 42.30.060
RCW 42.30.050
Interruptions Procedure.
In the event that any meeting is interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to
render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by
the removal of individuals who are interrupting the meeting, the members of the
governing body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and
continue in session or may adjourn the meeting and reconvene at another location
selected by majority vote of the members.
In such a session, final disposition may be taken only on matters appearing on the agenda.
Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the
disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the governing body from establishing a procedure for
readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for disturbing the orderly conduct
of the meeting.
[1971 ex.s. c 250 § 5.]
Executive Sessions
For specified purposes set out in the OPMA.
Includes, for example:
National security
Real estate:
Site selection or acquisition of real estate —
Lease or purchase
Public knowledge would likely increase
price
Sale or lease —
Public knowledge would likely
decrease price
Final action selling or leasing public
property must be taken at an open
meeting
CLOUD
Publicly bid contracts:
Review negotiations on the performance
of publicly bid contracts
Public knowledge would likely increase
costs
Evaluate qualifications of an applicant for
public employment
Meet with legal counsel regarding
enforcement actions, litigation or potential
litigation
Other purposes listed in RCW 42.30.110
RCW 42.30.110
Penalties for Violating the Open Public Meetings Act
• A court can impose a $100 civil penalty against each member (personal
liability).
• Court will award costs and attorney fees to a successful party seeking
the remedy.
If the court finds that the action was frivolous and advanced without
reasonable cause, it may award to the agency reasonable expenses and
attorney fees.
• Action taken at the meeting can be declared null and void.
RCW 42.30.120; RCW 42.30.130; RCW 42.30.060
Open Public Meetings Act: What is Tukwila doing?
Agendas are posted on the City's website at least 24 hours in advance of meetings.
Notices are posted as required for Special Meetings.
Procedures have been formalized for override of the front door locks to ensure access.
Upcoming events are monitored to determine if a Special Meeting notice is required.
A sign is posted on the door when the governing body is in an Executive Session.
Documentation is retained relating to Executive Sessions (purpose, time, attendees).
Training has been provided for staff who serve as liaisons to the City's Boards and
Commissions.
❖ Audio and /or video recordings are posted to the City's website the next business day.
• Agendas and meeting minutes for the City's Boards and Commissions are being
incorporated into the City's Digital Records Center (making them available on- line).
Resources
Records retention and destruction
Washington State Archives site — Records Management:
http://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/RecordsManagement/
On -line training course for public officials (Washington State Archives):
http: / /www.sos.wa.gov/ archives/ RecordsManagement /PublicOfficialsa ndPublicRecords /index.html
Public Records Act
Washington State Attorney General's video on the Public Records Act (scroll down)
http://www.atg.wa.gov/OpengovernmentTraining.aspx#.UyDPQfldWqs
MRSC publication: "Knowing the Territory: Basic Legal Guideline for Washington City, County and Special Purpose District
Officials" http: / /www.mrsc.org /publications /kttl3.pdf
- Open Public Meetings Act – page 21
- Public Records – page 27
MRSC publication: "Public Records Act for Washington Cities, Counties and Special Purpose Districts"
http: / /www.mrsc.org /publications /pra13.pdf
Washington Coalition for Open Government — Public Records Act information
http://www.washingtoncog.org/searchprphp
Open Public Meetings Act
Washington State Attorney General's video on the Open Public Meetings Act (scroll down)
http://www.atg.wa.gov/OpengovernmentTraining.aspx#.UyDPQfldWqs
MRSC publication: "The Open Public Meetings Act: How it Applies to Washington Cities, Counties and Special Purpose
Districts" http: / /www.mrsc.org /publications /opma12.pdf
MRSC website —Open Public Meetings Act information
http: / /www.mrsc.org /subjects /legal /opma.aspx
Washington Coalition for Open Government —Open Public Meetings Act information
http: // www. washingtoncog .org /publicmeetings.php
PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
• 2014: A citizen filed a legal complaint that alleged a Puyallup City Councilmember "improperly maintained a personal
website for City related communications," and "breached his lawful duties to comply with the Public Records Act" by
not disclosing the records to the city. The citizen had asked the city to provide all city - related correspondence sent
through the Councilmember's private e -mail address tied to that website. A Pierce County Superior Court judge ruled
that the Councilmember must forfeit documents maintained through that private website. The judge also took the
City of Puyallup to task, saying the public's full access to records, on any platform, must be protected.
• 2014: Snohomish County agreed to pay a $575,000 settlement with Citizens for Sustainable Development to resolve a lawsuit. The group submitted
more than 275 public records requests to the County Planning and Public Works Departments, the County Council, the County Executive's Office, and
the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. They filed a lawsuit in 2013 accusing the County of failing to respond to four of its records requests "in a timely
manner.
• 2014: A court ordered the Mayor and Orange County (Florida) government to disclose IP addresses of all computers that tapped into accounts on the
cloud- based, file- sharing service known as Dropbox. The County had been allowing use of the file- sharing service to let employees view and edit
county documents on laptops and other mobile devices and work from home. The County has now abandoned its use of Dropbox in the wake of the
court's ruling, saying disclosing IP addresses could leave the County vulnerable to hackers.
• 2012: Spokane County Commissioners approved a $400,000 settlement with The Neighborhood Alliance of Spokane County. The alliance had sought
public records to learn whether the son of a former Commissioner was given a job prior to a formal hiring process. The court ruled the County's
search for records was inadequate, and that they had improperly rejected a request from the alliance to identify two people named on a seating chart.
OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT
Penalties for non - compliance:
▪ Actions null and void. Any action taken at a meeting that fails to comply with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act is null and void.
Personal liability. Potential personal liability of $100 for any member of a governing body who attends a meeting knowing that it violates the
Open Public Meetings Act.
▪ Agency liability. Any person who prevails against an agency in any action in the courts for a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act will be
awarded all costs, including attorney fees, incurred in connection with such legal action.
• 2014: Vashon Park District was forced to vote on a severance agreement for a former employee for a second time. The second vote was required
because the commissioners' first vote was done in a closed executive session, which is prohibited by state law.
• 2012: The State Auditor's Office determined Whatcom County Councilmembers violated open meeting laws in three instances when council -
members sent emails to the full council. In two cases, a councilmember responded to the whole council. Topics discussed in the emails included
court funding and discussion of a public disclosure request.
• 2012: A newspaper in Montpelier, Vermont, made a public records request for text messages and e-mails after witnessing several exchanges
between councilors during a meeting. An investigation of other requests revealed the city failed to notify the public about committee meetings.