Selectmen vote to keep record of document requests

Selectmen voted to keep a log of all requests under the public records law at their June 20 meeting because they are afraid there is an abuse of the system.

Selectmen David Chenelle and Maureen Denig voted to for the proposal after some discussion about the stat law that requires public agencies to produce copies of documents or reports within in 10 days of a request.

While neither selectmen voting supporting the measure articulated a specific reason for the discussion. Chenelle said an increasing number of requests were coming out into the town on specific departments and people.

"We're going to get a lawsuit against the town for hostile work environment," Chenelle said. "I think we have to have out ducks in a row to defend ourselves."

Under the vote, Town Administrator Gregory Barnes will create a policy for the town departments to follow, which include keeping of a log of requests including the name, date and time of the requests as well as a description of the documents provided.

Selectman Robert Plamondon voted against the measure.

"I think we're going down the wrong path," he said. Denig proposed a fee schedule that would charge 20 cents per page and then a $10 minimum for the time involved in providing and copying the information.

"If you are going to ask for it you have to pay for it," Denig said.

Chenelle said he was concerned about the legality of the $10 minimum because some reports could take merely seconds to produce. He said he thought there should be more discussion about any fees because some requests are so minor.

Plamondon, on the other hand, objected outright to any fees.

"I'm against charging anyone for freedom of information act requests," he said.

In Other Business:

Selectmen voted to join the North Middlesex Area Emergency Planning Committee as part of complying with state law. The regional emergency planning committee will help communities plan responses to crisises together, said ShirleyCoit, the Townsend Emergency Management Director.

Selectmen voted to change the principal assessor's position to a salary position instead of an hourly one but did not change the pay. They also voted to create the GIS Administrator position, which was approved at town meeting, but will review the job description at their next meeting.