§ 2.54.060. Response to requests for access to public records.

All borough officers and employees shall, consistent with the orderly conduct of borough business, make a good faith and diligent effort to provide a rapid and intelligible response to requests for inspection of records made pursuant to this chapter. To effectuate this policy, the following guidelines are adopted:

A.

Request Referral—Records or Access to be Provided.

1.

All requests to inspect or copy public records shall be referred to the division or department head who is responsible for those records.

2.

The division or department head, or delegate, shall promptly and reasonably attempt to provide the records or information requested, or access thereto, unless the information requested is exempt from disclosure, privileged or confidential.

B.

Request for Records Exempt From Disclosure.

1.

Where there is a question as to whether the information or records requested are exempt from disclosure, privileged or confidential, the request shall be referred to the borough attorney or designee for a legal recommendation as to whether the material is subject to disclosure. The Borough Clerk shall make the final determination regarding disclosure after considering the advice of the borough attorney or designee.

2.

If the information requested is determined to be exempt from disclosure, the person requesting the information shall be advised in writing, stating the applicable law or rule of exemption, within 3 working days of receiving the request; such writing shall be signed by the Borough Clerk or designee.

C.

Requests Insufficient to Describe Record Sought. If the request is vague or so broad as to make it difficult to determine or identify the records of information requested, the employee shall so advise the requesting person within 3 days of receiving the request.

D.

Records Cannot Be Located. If the records cannot be located in time to make a response within 3 working days of the request, the requesting party shall be promptly so advised; if the requesting party still desires the information or records, a reasonable and diligent search shall be made for them.

E.

Original Records. Original records or information shall not leave the custody of the borough.

(Ord. No. 2014-37 , § 1, 1-16-15; Ord. No. 86-80, § 1(part), 1986)