Title
Resolution Approving the City of Greensboro Public Records Policy
Body
Department: Executive
Council District: All
PURPOSE: The City of Greensboro is developing a policy to guide its review, approval, and distribution of public records requests. Using North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132 as its basis, the policy will guide the City's process in fulfilling requests for public records by members of the media and general public.
BACKGROUND: The City has been in the process of developing a public records policy since early 2013. Two public forums have been hosted, one in April of 2013 and the second in May of 2014, to receive input and feedback on a draft policy. The policy was also presented to and reviewed by members of Council during a work session on July 10, 2014.
Note - per Council recommendation during the August 4 meeting, policy information regarding body worn cameras has been removed. The information will be reviewed by City Attorney's Office and updates to policy regarding body video camera footage will be made accordingly.
Yearly Comparisons of Number of Public Records Requests Completed by the City (by calendar year)
2010: 308
2011: 241
2012: 355
2013: 806
2014 (first six months): 432
PIRT Administrator
In January of 2014, the City hired a PIRT Administrator (Sarah Healy) to serve as the primary contact and coordinator for all records requests. The PIRT Administrator works with each of the City's departments to shepherd public records requests from start to completion. The PIRT Administrator will oversee the implementation of the policy and conduct policy training for all employees involved in the records gathering process.
BUDGET IMPACT: None.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED: It is recommended that Council approve the policy.