Identifiable record. An identifiable record is one in existence at the time the records request is made, and that City staff can reasonably locate. The request should include search terms that are for identifiable records sought by the requestor, which produce meaningful search results by the City. Exempt record. All agency records are available for review by the public unless they are specifically exempted or prohibited from disclosure by state law, either directly in RCW Counter document.
A frequently requested document retained at City Hall or within departments that is known to be public information and may be released without need to file a written public disclosure request.
Electronic mail is an informational transfer system which uses computers for sending and receiving messages. The envelope, or message header, contains the mailing address, routing instructions, transmission and receipt information, and other information the system needs to deliver the mail item correctly. Classification of emails as public records is dependent on the content of the message.
Email messages are public records when they are created or received in the transaction of public business and retained as evidence of official actions. Section 2. These functions include, but are not limited to, maintaining public records. The Public Records Officer shall maintain the process through which the public may obtain information from the City. The City also has several departments at other locations throughout the City. Section 3. The Public Records Officer will oversee compliance with the Public Records Act but may designate other City staff members who may process requests for public records.
Section 4. Availability of public records a. Hours for inspection. City staff and the requester may make mutually agreeable arrangements for times of inspection and copying. However, the City shall have final say regarding hours for inspection. Place of inspection. Records will typically be made available for inspection at City Hall.
Records must be inspected at the City offices; however, City staff and the requester may make mutually agreeable arrangements for inspection if the specific records being sought are maintained at field offices of the City.
A requester shall not take City records from City offices without the permission of the Public Records Officer. Internet access to records. A variety of records are available on the City of Mercer Island web site at www. Records index. The City has determined by formal order see Appendix B that maintaining a central index of City records is unduly burdensome, costly, and would interfere with City operations due to the number and complexity of records generated because of the wide range of City activities.
Organization of records. City departments will maintain records in a reasonably organized manner and the City will take reasonable actions to protect records from damage and disorganization. Retention of records.
The City is not required to retain all records it creates or uses. When reference is made to retention schedule within these Rules, it should be interpreted to reference this schedule. The retention schedule for local agencies is available at: www. Making a request for public records a.
Reasonable notice that the request is for public records. A requester must provide the City with reasonable notice that the request being made is for public records. If a request is contained in a larger document unrelated to a public records request, the requester should point out the public records request by labeling the front page of the document as containing a public records request or otherwise calling the request to the attention of the Public Records Officer to facilitate timely response to the request.
A request should be for an identifiable record. A request for information is not subject to the Public Records Act. Written requests can be made by downloading and completing the public records request form. Public Records Requests are also accepted by mail, phone, fax, email or in person, and will be entered into the portal for processing. The following information should be included in the request:. Prioritization of records. The Public Records Officer may ask a requester to prioritize the records he or she is requesting so that the most important records may be provided first.
If the requester wishes to have copies of the records made, he or she should so indicate and make arrangements to make a deposit or pay for the copies, as further discussed in Section 10 below. Oral Requests. Requests made directly to City departments. Support The Stranger More than ever, we depend on your support to help fund our coverage. Support local, independent media with a one-time or recurring contribution. Thank you! The Stranger depends on your continuing support to provide articles like this one.
In return, we pledge our ongoing commitment to truthful, progressive journalism and serving our community. Thank you—you are appreciated! The property owner or property manager working on behalf of the owner must authorize all billing information or name changes. As a courtesy, tenants are encouraged to call and request a final utility quote over the phone at City staff are unable to generate a physical invoice out of cycle for a tenant close out billing. As a result, the tenant is quoted a final estimate either over the phone or email and the quote is noted in the billing account.
If the tenant does not pay, the owner remains responsible. Billing invoices issued in the name of the tenant is for the convenience of the property owner. The property owner or property manager must authorize all billing information or name changes.
This does not relieve the owner of responsibility for payment should the tenant fail to pay the bill. All charges are tied to the property. Water meters are City of Mercer Island assets. If you turn off the meter on your own and cause damage, you may be held liable for the cost of resulting damages. During business hours am to pm , please contact Utility Billing at For after-hours emergencies, please call Please call our Public Works department at or fill out a service request.
The majority of residential water meters are located in the City Right of Way at the edge of a public road. There may be a white paint line on the road indicating the meter location area.
Click here for additional information on the Water Utility. Registration is not required for one time payments. However, by registering you will be able to view prior history, set up automatic payments, and store payment information note: payment information is only stored for property owners. You will need your account number and email address to retrieve your password. If you are unable to locate this information, please call Utility Billing at Questions to verify account owner identity will be asked in order to assist you.
You can pay with credit card, debit card, or you may issue an electronic check from your bank account checking or savings. Share story. By Lynn Thompson. Lynn Thompson: lthompson seattletimes.
0コメント