Chapter 1.16
PUBLIC RECORDS
Sections:
1.16.020 Adopted by reference.
1.16.040 Public records officer.
1.16.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish the process for requesting public records and responding to requests as required by the state of Washington’s Public Records Act, codified in Chapter 42.56 RCW. Failure of the city to fully comply with any provision of this chapter shall not result in any liability imposed upon the city other than as provided in the Public Records Act. (Ord. 17-25 § 1 (part), 2017)
1.16.020 Adopted by reference.
Chapter 42.56 RCW as presently written and as it may be hereafter amended shall be and is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 17-25 § 1 (part), 2017)
1.16.030 Identifiable record.
A records request must be for an identifiable record using a name, topic or keyword and requests received for all or substantially all of the city’s records will be denied as not a valid request under the law. (Ord. 17-25 § 1 (part), 2017)
1.16.040 Public records officer.
The city clerk is the city’s designated public records officer and serves as the point of contact for members of the public in requesting access to identifiable public records. The public records officer has the authority to oversee compliance with Chapter 42.56 RCW and the administrative disclosure policies and procedures. (Ord. 17-25 § 1 (part), 2017)
1.16.050 Fees and deposit.
It is determined to be an undue burden at the present time to calculate individual charges for providing records with current resources; therefore, the city adopts the default fee schedule as presently written and as it may be hereafter amended and incorporated in the annual fee schedule.
The city may, in its discretion, require the requestor to deposit a sum equal to ten percent of the estimated copying cost prior to duplication of the records. In the event a deposit is required, the city will notify the requestor of the required deposit. In the event copying charges are less than the deposit, the city will return the sum in excess of the actual amount to the requestor.
Payments of all costs associated with this chapter may be made by cash, or by check or money order payable to the city of Battle Ground, and may be made in person at City Hall or by mail to City of Battle Ground City Clerk, 109 SW 1st St., Suite 221, Battle Ground, WA 98604. (Ord. 17-25 § 1 (part), 2017)
1.16.060 Index.
It is unduly burdensome to maintain an index of records throughout the city. (Ord. 17-25 § 1 (part), 2017)
1.16.070 Bot request.
The city, pursuant to RCW 42.56.080, may deny any “bot” request when it is one of multiple requests from a requestor received within a twenty-four-hour period as it would interfere with other essential functions of staff. (Ord. 17-25 § 1 (part), 2017)