Resident asks whether safety plan is public record; mayor, law director say some details withheld for security

During the public-comment portion of the Oct. 15 Parma Heights City Council meeting, resident Tammy Sebastian asked council to clarify whether a safety plan is a public record and whether councilmembers are subject to public-record requests.

"Does a Councilperson fall under public records? Is there a difference from a resident requesting it and a Councilperson?" Sebastian asked. Mayor Gallo replied that the administration and council sometimes discuss safety matters in executive session and that certain aspects of a safety plan are not shared in an open forum for residents' protection. Director of Law Schneider explained that public-record rules have exceptions and that officials should be mindful about turning sensitive safety information into a public record.

Sebastian also said she was concerned that information about recent charter amendments reached voters late; Mayor Gallo and Director Schneider acknowledged the timing issue, noting absentee ballots were mailed around the same period and that the administration will consider earlier communications in future cycles.

Safety Director Scharschmidt added that there were no threats connected to upcoming events and that the emergency plan is intended to keep Fright Night safe for families; he praised Recreation Director Bacci's planning.

The exchange ended with the council noting the administration will be mindful of timing for voter communications and that safety planning balances transparency with operational security.