What happens when the borough receives a request for a public record?
1. Determine if the record is in the possession, custody, or control of the Borough.
2. Determine if the record, which is presumed to be public, is exempted from disclosure.
3. Make a timely written response to the request.
How can a citizen request a public record?
Only written requests will be honored. Written requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or by fax to the Open Records Officer.
Who is the Borough's Open Records Officer?
Rosemary Schnable
610-376-7481
How long does the Borough have to respond to the request?
Five (5) business days
What happens if the borough denies a request, redacts information, or fails to respond and the requester wants to challenge the denial?
If the Open Records Officer denies the request, the requester can file an appeal with the Office of Open Records within 15 days. The Office of Open Records will review the request and response and will issue a final determination. Either the requestor or the borough can appeal decision of the Office of Open Records to the Court of Common Pleas.
How do I contact the PA Office of Open Records?
The mailing address is:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Office of Open Records
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225
Additional information on contacting the PA Office of Open Records can be found
here.
Who bears the burden?
The new law provides, because all records are presumed to be public records, that the borough bears the burden of proving, that the public record is subject to one of the exemptions to disclosure.
What do the exemptions to disclosure include?
For a complete list of documents exempt from the Open Records Act, please contact the Open Records Officer, or consult the
Open Records Law.
Can I download a copy of the Borough's Open Records Ordinance?
Yes, a complete copy of the Ordinance is
available here. Adobe Reader is requried.
DOWNLOAD THE OPEN RECORDS REQUEST FORM...
