Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Records topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City clerk demos public records portal; explains search, FOIA and account options
Summary
City Clerk Ashley Foster gave a step-by-step demonstration of Sheridan's public records portal, explained the transition from LaserFiche to Box, and clarified when residents should file formal public-records (FOIA) or police-report requests.
City Clerk Ashley Foster walked the Sheridan City Council and attendees through the city’s public records portal on Aug. 4, outlining how to search, request documents and sign up for an optional account.
Foster said the city moved from LaserFiche to Box about 18 months ago and that staff are continuing to populate the portal. “Some items are automatically updated — all of the council meeting minutes, BOA resolutions, contracts, ordinances,” Foster said. Other documents are added when triggered by a records request or an inquiry because staff capacity prevents pre-publishing every file.
Foster demonstrated the public-portal landing page at sheridanwy.gov, noting a visible “Submit a records request” link and a separate process for police reports. She explained that the public folders are viewable without an account but that signing up (the site offers a free option) unlocks a search function only; there are no hidden folders for logged-in users. Foster also recommended allowing third-party cookies if documents fail to load and said presentations for past council meetings are posted under the council page once minutes are approved.
Council members praised the organization and naming conventions used in the portal. One councilor said they had successfully located a GPET application in the system and called the portal “organized well.” Foster said agendas and presentations are uploaded promptly after sign-off — typically within a day or two after council actions.
Foster said the city will produce a short instructional video for social media and encouraged residents to use the portal for records access. There was no council action; the presentation was instructional.
