Council tables public-records discussion after records officer invokes charter requirement for written questions

A scheduled Oct. 2 discussion about public-records handling and Freedom of Information Act requests was taken up by the council but was tabled after the city's public records officer asked that questions be provided in advance under a charter provision.

Chief Operating Officer Michael Tessino explained the records officer requested that the council provide questions in advance and invoked the section of the charter that the records officer cited. Tessino said the administration would arrange for the records officer's attendance when questions are submitted in writing.

Council members seeking an open, public discussion expressed disappointment and concern that staff declined to appear without advance questions. Several councilors said the intent was to discuss common public-records issues, such as timeline compliance and potential proactive publication of frequently requested records. Other councilors said staff felt insulted by earlier public criticism and that the officer preferred to prepare written answers.

After debate, the council voted to table the item and schedule it for a subsequent meeting with the records officer invited; the council instructed staff to place the discussion on a future agenda within weeks. The vote to table passed by roll call.

The transcript shows the exchange raised broader questions about departmental practices and the charter language governing invited witnesses; the council asked the mayor's office and administration to coordinate dates and provide the records officer the opportunity to prepare.