HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/15/2003, - COPIES OF AGENDA PACKETS WITHOUT CHARGE luiSAO
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
July 15, 2003
VIA HAND DELIVERY AND U.S. MAIL
Mary Beth Schroeder
2085 Wilding Lane
San Luis Obispo,California 93401
Re: Copies of Agenda.Packets Without Charge
Dear Ms. Schroeder:
Per your request,I am writing to memorialize our telephone conversation of earlier today.
On Friday you contacted me concerning a July 9, 2003 letter you received from City
Administrative Officer Ken Hampian and City Clerk Lee Price, which indicated the City will no
longer provide copies free of charge of City Council and City advisory body agenda packets. You
expressed concern over an apparent change of policy. I indicated I would look into the matter
further. You met with me on Monday to discuss the issue and I explained there was something I
would need to research before offering my opinion.Today,I advised you that Ms. Price provided
me a copy of an August 18, 1992 minute order of the City Council that clarifies the policy on the
provision of copies of agenda reports. A copy of the minute order is enclosed.
The Council's August 18, 1992 action was to provide copies of agenda related items at no
cost to the public. However,the Council also noted that request for copies should be reasonable,
i.e. 1-3 agenda items, and to bring the matter back to the Council if there is an abuse of the
system.
I interpret the Council's action to allow you to receive a copy of an agenda and copies of
agenda reports at no charge, up to 3 reports. Should you desire copies of more than 3 reports,you
will be charged for those additional reports. State law authorizes the City to charge for its direct
costs of duplication of agenda reports and other public records. The current rate is$0.35 per
page.
As was previously explained to you, public copies of the agendas of the City Council and
other advisory bodies are available for your review at City Hall. Most of these agendas are also
available at the Library. In addition, agendas and staff reports are available on-line, and public
�� The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services,programs and activities.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781-7410.
Mary Beth Schroeder
July 15,2003
Page 2
computers are located at the Library(and soon will beat City Hall)in order that you can access
the materials via the Internet should you not have a personal computer at home.
The City of San Luis Obispo is not hindering your right to comment on matters of public
concern. Your comments at public meetings, like those from other members of the community,
delivered in accordance with the three-minute time limit, are appreciated.
I enjoyed speaking with you about this matter. While the City Council's policy may not
grant you exactly what you seek,I trust you will find, after operating under the policy, that it is a
reasonable and workable one.
Very truly yours,
nathan P. Lowell
City Attorney
JPUcp
Enclosure
Cc: Mayor and City Council
Ken Hampian,City Administrative Officer
Lee Price,City Clerk