HomeMy WebLinkAboutFlorida Sunshine Law and Open Government In Cape CanaveralDear David Dickey et al,
First off I want to thank the other staff members that complied with
the Public Record Request under the Florida Sunshine Laws to have
communication regarding the Cumberland Farms project moved to the public
records folder. -Thank you Todd and City Clerk.
However my search did not find any from you Mr. Dickey. Can I trust
that those will be forthcoming? Perhaps the city clerk can set you up
with a folder so that everyone can see your communication on behalf of
our city and community.
But let's move ahead and get something accomplished. The recent email
exchange yesterday brought us back full circle. Remember I communicated
this situation in my talk to city council at the last city meeting and
even communicated to you in email and in person weeks ago? Yesterday's
email exchange using open email address ( that you started again, see
footnote) resulted in nothing being accomplished since we first talked
and may have even damaged the goodwill that many of us have been working
on.
For the time being while we are waiting for you to get your records
into the public records section, let's cover two important emails from
the public records folder.
1) The first being Mr. Baugher's email dated, Thu 9/18/2014 1:19 email
titled, "FW Archaeological Survey Re Jim Swann " which was a older email
from me to him.
2) The second is mine, not just a rebuttal but more as a remedy,
Ray Osborne's email Fri, Oct 3, 2014 at 8:41 AM Public Records
(request) include Landowner and City communications" Which addressed
Mr. Baugher concerns and how we could fix it.
Can I presume since Mr. Baugher's earlier 'Information Request' that he
received those? Perhaps since my email was addressed to you as per our
'one on one meeting' that you could point out to him this compromise
might have merit for all concerned. And if that failed, as we had
discussed (Plan B) you would present it to the Cumberland Farms
representatives for a 'meeting of the minds' with them.
Finally, I am trying to work in an atmosphere of Open Government and
Hometown Democracy while keeping you not only in the loop but as a
mediator as you have said many times - that you represent our community
too.
Please let me know by return email if you will discuss my email with
these parties. I still favor a Town Hall forum idea where we really can
let the sunshine in and show how open government works in the City of
Cape Canaveral.
Foot note: I have doubts that this use of open email addressing between
parties is within the Florida Sunshine Laws.It seems to just stir bad
feelings among parties (See section 286.011)
I am seeking legal opinions on this.
-RKO
Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written
communication created or received by the City of Cape Canaveral
officials and employees will be made available to the public and/or
media upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida Law, email
addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address
released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic
email to this entity. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing