Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Stipulation For Records Access Update

At last night's City Commission meeting, the Commission voted 5-0 to ratify the Stipulation for Records Access; however, there were two changes made before the vote was taken.

Originally, the Stipulation read: "After extended negotiation, the attorneys for MEIC, SME and the City have agreed upon and executed a Stipulation for SME's review of such records to identify trade secrets to be withheld and the release of the remainder of the records to the public on or before August 22, 2008...".

According to City Attorney Dave Gliko, SME notified everyone yesterday that they could not meet the August 22 deadline and that final disclosure would be made by August 27. According to Mr. Gliko, MEIC is in agreement with this.

Also, according to item 4 of the Stipulation, "...the City will create a log of all the documents it believes are subject to claims of trade secret, privilege and/or confidentiality, including a description of each document..."

According to Mr. Gliko, this log will be made available on September 16.

Mary Jaraczseski, counsel for SME, indicated that the September 16 date was assigned because Mr. Gliko will be on vacation and will not be back in his office until that date. She also reminded everyone that the public has been able to continue to look at documents.

In answer to a question posed by Commissioner Jolley, we learned from Mr. Gliko that Coleen Balzarini has been doing the "independent" review of the documents that SME claims should be closed to the public because of trade secrets or other confidential information. He said she was the only one knowledgeable enough to do this.

How can this be called an independent review?

As far as I can remember, Coleen Balzarini never claimed to have had public power knowledge before the city got involved with SME. Is it too far a stretch to assume that what knowledge she has about this has primarily come from SME?

Mr. Gliko did indicate that the City Commissioners could get involved with the review process, but that it would be cumbersome. He did not elaborate.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

The fox is watching this chickenhouse for sure, huh? An objective and independent analysis?????

Anonymous said...

This is just nuts! Lip service from a bunch of two bit crooks.

Anonymous said...

Colleens shredder goes unchecked and now condoned! Open government in Great Falls is a sorry mess!