Several requests this year, by the Richmond News to the City of Richmond, for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act have resulted in late replies, including three requests that are outstanding.
According to the clerk’s office, replies to more recent requests have been delayed due to the office’s involvement in terminating land-use contracts for 4,000 single-family homes.
“We can say the clerk’s office works diligently to deal with all (FOI) requests as expeditiously as possible,” said city spokesperson Ted Townsend, who did not respond to the News’ question as to whether or not the clerk’s office has enough staff.
In 2014, the city handled 127 FOI requests and this year, to June 18, it had handled 52. The most common request is from law firms for motor vehicle records.
Under law, a public body is expected to reply to requests for information within 30 business days.
In 2014, six requests made to the city by the News were replied to on the last possible day. This year, all six of its requests have had late replies or no replies. Three are 31 business days late and counting.
Outstanding requests include air travel records for staff and councillors, as well as expenses for senior management of the Richmond Olympic Oval Corporation, a taxpayer-backed entity.
The News does not have information as to whether non-media requests have had their responses delayed in a similar manner.
Townsend did say “the timing of responses can be impacted by many factors including how complex or comprehensive the request is. In some cases, simply assembling all the information requested can often be a major job requiring dozens of hours of work by the staff involved.”
One of Richmond city council’s term goals is a “well-informed citizenry.”
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said he expects the city to comply with FOI requests.
“Our expectation is we will comply with the legislation and it’s just that simple,” said Brodie, who added he understands the issue of land-use contracts to be a difficult chore.
Brodie said the clerk’s office is staffed by three people, but could not comment as to whether he thinks it’s under-staffed.
Clerks handle a multitude of administrative aspects, including recording meeting minutes on a weekly basis.
According to the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, it is not uncommon for public bodies to be understaffed when it comes to providing information for citizens and businesses.
