Chapter 2.92
INSPECTION OF PUBLIC RECORDS
Sections:
2.92.030 Information exempt from public inspection.
2.92.040 Record copying charge.
2.92.050 Alteration of cost schedule.
2.92.060 Payment of cost of transcription of verbatim written transcript for court proceedings.
2.92.070 Rules and regulations.
2.92.080 Repealed.
2.92.010 Request for records.
All persons desiring to inspect or receive a copy of any public record of the city must make their request to the city clerk, or his designee, on forms specified by the city clerk. (Ord. 313-74 § 1, 1974)
2.92.020 Response to request.
A. Responses to requests for records will be made promptly. Whenever a member of the public has requested to inspect an identifiable public record and that request has been denied, such a person may submit a written request to have such denial reviewed by the city clerk. If the written request includes a request for copies, a tender of payment in accordance with the fee schedule provided for and established in this chapter shall also be tendered.
B. The review of the denial by the city clerk shall be as prompt as possible. Such review shall be deemed completed at the end of the second business day following the date such request for review is made and shall constitute the final action of the city for the purpose of judicial review. (Ord. 1322-87 § 1, 1987; Ord. 313-74 § 2, 1974)
2.92.030 Information exempt from public inspection.
Records exempted from public inspection or copying pursuant to state or federal law shall be exempt from public inspection or copying. Such exemptions include, but are not limited to, those exemptions stated in Chapter 42.17 RCW or its successor. (Ord. 2367-99 § 1, 1999: Ord. 313-74 § 3, 1974)
2.92.040 Record copying charge.
A. Copies of any disclosable public record (or portions thereof) including, but not limited to, maps, reports, codes, plans and tape recordings, shall be made and provided by the city upon request and payment of the actual cost incidental to reproducing the same. The city clerk, in consultation with appropriate departments, is directed to prepare and have on file as a public document a schedule of such costs of reproduction. In determining the cost of reproduction, all costs incident to such reproduction shall be includable factors, including labor and mailing costs.
B. Where the request is for a certified copy, there shall be an additional charge to cover the additional expense and time required for certification.
C. Payment for the cost of reproduction of all public records shall be made at the time the request for public records is submitted to the city clerk. If there is uncertainty as to the amount required, the amount tendered shall be based upon estimates established by the city clerk in the schedule of costs for reproduction. If the actual amount of the cost of reproduction exceeds the amount tendered, the balance shall be paid upon delivery of the requested copy or copies. In the event the amount tendered exceeds the actual cost, the balance shall be refunded at the time of the delivery of the copy or copies. Except as specifically provided herein, there shall be no refunds. (Ord. 1322-87 § 2(A), 1987)
2.92.050 Alteration of cost schedule.
When a change in the established cost schedule is required, the city clerk, in consultation with appropriate department(s), shall change the schedule by filing a new schedule. (Ord. 1322-87 § 2(B), 1987)
2.92.060 Payment of cost of transcription of verbatim written transcript for court proceedings.
A. Whenever the city is required to prepare a verbatim written transcript of any proceeding of the city in response to a writ of review or other action filed in the superior court or any other state or federal court, the cost of preparing the same shall be borne by the party filing the action. The party filing such action shall pay to the city clerk the estimated cost of the preparation of the transcript (as established by the city clerk), including copying costs and the city clerk shall thereafter make a provision for the preparation of the transcript.
B. Should the actual cost incurred by the city in preparation of the transcript exceed the amount deposited with the city clerk, the party making such deposit shall be required to reimburse the city for such additional amount within ten days of notification that such amount is due or prior to the time the transcript is required to be filed with the court, whichever occurs first. Should the actual cost incurred by the city be less than the estimated cost deposited, such credit due shall be reimbursed by the city to the party making the deposit. (Ord. 1322-87 § 2(C), 1987)
2.92.070 Rules and regulations.
The city clerk may promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this chapter. (Ord. 1322-87 § 2(D), 1987)
2.92.080 Disclosure prohibited.
Repealed by Ord. 2367-99. (Ord. 1322-87 § 2(E), 1987)
2.92.090 City clerk.
Any reference herein to “city clerk” includes the city clerk and her designee(s). (Ord. 1322-87 § 2(F), 1987)