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Acton begins review of extensive FOIA request on "Iron Tails" noise complaints; officials warn of time and cost
Summary
Select Board members discussed a wide-ranging FOIA request from Greg Martinez about an alleged January 2018 agreement and town records related to noise complaints; Town Administrator Jennifer Roux said the request will require substantial research and staff time and the office will start by identifying the referenced agreement and sharing online minutes and videos.
At the March 25, 2026 Select Board meeting, Town Administrator Jennifer Roux read a Freedom of Information Act request submitted by Greg Martinez seeking electronic copies of records tied to what Martinez described as a January 2018 execution of an agreement related to "Iron Tails," as well as other materials.
Roux said the office has already spent the State-allowed two free hours clarifying the scope with Martinez and is pulling relevant Planning Board materials, Select Board items, mass-gathering records and liquor-license complaint files. She told the board that the first task is to locate the specific 2018 agreement because staff have not yet found a document matching that description.
Roux explained the administrative constraints: because Martinez asked to be contacted if estimated costs exceed $100, staff must prepare a cost estimate before proceeding further; state rules allow two hours of staff time without charge, and for electronic requests a typical external charge cap of $25 per hour may apply for some services, but staff seniority rates often exceed that amount and off-hour work or outside assistance could be required.
Board members confirmed they had not communicated in writing regarding the matter beyond in-person conversations about residents' noise complaints. Roux said, as a practical next step, the office would provide Martinez with links to public minutes and recorded videos and continue searching town records; the board asked staff to prioritize identifying the alleged January 2018 agreement that the requester referenced.
The request also includes a long list of documents to be produced electronically. Officials cautioned that fulfilling the request at the level requested will take time and may require a formal cost estimate before the town proceeds.
