Chapter 2.30
PUBLIC RECORDS
Sections:
2.30.010 Intention of chapter.
2.30.030 Display of general information.
2.30.040 Documents and indexes.
2.30.060 Protection of records.
2.30.010 Intention of chapter.
It is the intention of the Board of Sewer Commissioners to conform to the provisions of Chapter 42.17 RCW (Chapter 1, Laws of 1973, Initiative Measure No. 276) respecting public records of the District. The following sections constitute the rules and regulations of the District consonant with the intent of Chapter 42.17 RCW to provide full public access to official records of the District, to protect public records from damage or disorganization, and to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the District. [Res. 152 § 1, 1973.]
2.30.020 Custody of records.
Except when required in court or to be in the possession of an officer, authorized employee, attorney, engineer, accountant, or agent of the District, or except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all official records of the District shall be maintained at the main office of the District. The Superintendent and office clerks shall be in charge of all such records. All records required by any County, State or Federal agency or by operational necessity to be maintained at the sewage treatment plant, pump stations, or at other locations shall be so maintained, and copies thereof, insofar as practicable, shall be maintained at the District office. [Res. 152 § 2, 1973.]
2.30.030 Display of general information.
The District shall prominently display and make available for inspection and copying at its office, for guidance of the public:
(1) Descriptions of its organization and the established places at which, the employees from whom, and the methods whereby the public may obtain information, make submittals or requests, or obtain copies of agency decisions;
(2) Statements of the general course and method by which its operations are channeled and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available;
(3) Rules of procedure;
(4) Substantive rules of general applicability adopted as authorized by law, and statements of general policy or interpretations of general applicability formulated and adopted by the agency; and
(5) Each amendment or revision to, or repeal of, any of the foregoing.
Where any of the above are found in resolutions of the District or minutes of the Board of Sewer Commissioners, a notice shall be posted indicating that anyone may inspect and copy such resolutions or minutes. [Res. 152 § 3, 1973.]
2.30.040 Documents and indexes.
The District shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records, except to the extent that the law permits, and under the conditions specified by law, the District may withhold or delete certain matters.
The District shall maintain and make available for public inspection and copying a current index providing identifying information on the following records:
(1) Administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member of the public;
(2) Planning policies and goals, and interim and final planning decisions;
(3) Factual staff reports and studies, factual consultant’s reports and studies, scientific reports and studies, and any other factual information derived from tests, studies, reports or surveys, whether conducted by public employees or others;
(4) Correspondence, and materials referred to therein, by and with the agency relating to any regulatory, supervisory or enforcement responsibilities of the agency, whereby the agency determines, or opines upon, or is asked to determine or opine upon, the rights of the State, the public, a subdivision of State government, or of any private party;
(5) A list of all resolutions of the District by title and number; and
(6) All other documents and materials required by RCW 42.17.260(2). [Res. 152 § 4, 1973.]
2.30.050 Copying of records.
Public records shall be made available during customer office hours to any person for inspection and copying, and the District employee having custody of such records upon request for identifiable records shall make them promptly available to any person at the District office. Facilities shall be made available at the District office to any person for the copying of public records except when and to the extent that this would unreasonably disrupt the operations of the District. The District shall charge $0.25 per page for the copying of such records which is necessary to reimburse the District for its actual cost incident to such copying. [Res. 372 § 1, 1982; Res. 152 § 5, 1973.]
2.30.060 Protection of records.
The custodian of any records which are permitted by law to be inspected and copied shall accompany such records if they are removed from the District office during inspection or copying.
Prior to permitting any inspection or copying the person so requesting such inspection or copying must furnish written identification giving his or her name and residence address. Documents or records in files, books or other compilation requiring a certain order may not be removed therefrom. If the custodian or other District employee is using the document or record or file, book or compilation containing such document or record, the individual requesting to inspect or copy such document or record may be requested to wait until such use is complete if such inspection or copying would unduly interfere with the essential operations of the District. [Res. 152 § 6, 1973.]
2.30.070 Exempt records.
Records exempted by Chapter 42.17 RCW shall not be produced for inspection or copying. When such production is denied, the reason therefor shall be given in writing. Any person denied access to a document may appeal in writing within two days of such denial to the District Superintendent, who shall review and decide the appeal within two days after such appeal is presented. Failure to appeal within the time and in the manner provided in this section shall be deemed a waiver of such right. [Res. 152 § 7, 1973.]