O'Leary - July 29, 2023
Request
From: steve o'leary <olearysteve04005@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jul 29, 2023, 6:47 AM
Subject: Foaa climate change Task Force
To: Bennett, James <James.Bennett@biddefordmaine.org>
Good morning,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to submit a Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) request to obtain information regarding the proposed climate actions for Biddeford, Maine, as developed by the Biddeford Climate Task Force.
I kindly request all records of public input received by the Biddeford Climate Task Force, including the names and contact details of individuals or organizations providing input. Additionally, I am seeking all documentation and correspondence that played a role in determining the proposed climate actions.
Furthermore, I would like to obtain a detailed breakdown of all costs incurred by the Biddeford taxpayer thus far in relation to the climate actions, including any expenses associated with the task force's operations, research, and development. Please include all relevant financial records and expenditure reports.
As this information directly concerns the taxpayers of Biddeford and their financial well-being, I request that any fees associated with processing this FOAA request be waived. Access to this data is in the public interest to promote transparency and informed decision-making.
I understand the importance of processing FOAA requests promptly and within the time frame specified by the Freedom of Access Act.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Steven O'Leary
28 West St
Biddeford, Maine 04005
207 229 5479
Response
From: Lamontagne, Danica
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2023 4:51 PM
To: 'steve o'leary' <olearysteve04005@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: Foaa
Good afternoon Mr. O’Leary,
I have reviewed your Freedom of Access Act request and connected with the relevant staff who would be involved in a search for the records that you are seeking. It is estimated that the total amount of staff time required on this request will be about five hours.
As my supervisor noted, the City does not waive fees for FOAA requests. The first two hours of staff time on all requests is provided at no charge, but there is a fee of $15/hour for each subsequent hour of work. Therefore, the anticipated fee for your request would be $45.
Please confirm that you will accept this fee and would like to proceed with the request. I expect that the documents will be ready to provide to you within about one week from when we get confirmation from you to begin our search. We do require payment prior to releasing any records.
Best,
Danica Lamontagne
City of Biddeford
Asst. to the City Manager
danica.lamontagne@biddefordmaine.org
207-282-8423