Charles L. Cotton wrote:
Here goes another Open Records Request to the City. They're wrong and I'm starting to think ORR's are a way to call the bluff of cities pulling this stuff.
Chas.
How does this work? How does an ORR call their bluff? I'd be very interested to know this tactic. Might prove useful some day!
elb
Essentially, you are requiring them to produce documents that support their decision to post 30.06 signs, or that support their opinion that it is an enforceable sign. Quite often, the response is going to be "none" and they really hate having to say that. I plan to use the information in other efforts.
Charles L. Cotton wrote:Essentially, you are requiring them to produce documents that support their decision to post 30.06 signs, or that support their opinion that it is an enforceable sign. Quite often, the response is going to be "none" and they really hate having to say that. I plan to use the information in other efforts.
Chas.
If you did get a document what would it be? Meeting minutes talking about posting? A letter from the city attorney?
It varies and it could be either of the ones you listed among others. Literally anything is possible, including emails, handwritten notes, anything that bears on the subject matter in your request.
one eyed fatman wrote:The city of Katy has a 30.06 sign at the VFW hall. The only activity the VFW is used for is renewing your license at the DPS office located inside.
Charles L. Cotton wrote:
Here goes another Open Records Request to the City. They're wrong and I'm starting to think ORR's are a way to call the bluff of cities pulling this stuff.
Chas.
How does this work? How does an ORR call their bluff? I'd be very interested to know this tactic. Might prove useful some day!
elb
Essentially, you are requiring them to produce documents that support their decision to post 30.06 signs, or that support their opinion that it is an enforceable sign. Quite often, the response is going to be "none" and they really hate having to say that. I plan to use the information in other efforts.
Chas.
Can anyone file an ORR? I would like to file one with Plano Independant School District. If anyone can file, is there a format that must be held to, similar to filing a SCOTUS amicus brief, or do you just write to the organization and say "ORR why do you have 30.06 posted?"
jimlongley wrote:
Can anyone file an ORR? I would like to file one with Plano Independant School District. If anyone can file, is there a format that must be held to, similar to filing a SCOTUS amicus brief, or do you just write to the organization and say "ORR why do you have 30.06 posted?"
I haven't delved into this in depth yet, but here are some links I ran across so far...
The request must be in writing and must be addressed to the governmental body. While the request does not need to be addressed to any particular person, it is a good practice to clearly label your correspondence as a "Public Information Request" or "Open Records Request." Requests sent via fax or email must be addressed to the public information officer or to the person designated by that officer to receive such requests.
What should I say in my public information request?
No "magic language" is required to trigger the Public Information Act. You should, however, make the request as clear and as specific as possible. This will enable the governmental body to identify exactly what information you are requesting.
How long does the governmental body have to respond to my request for information?
The Act provides that a governmental body must respond "promptly" to a request for information. If a governmental body is unable to produce the requested information within ten business days, the officer for public information must send you correspondence certifying that he is unable to do so and he must set a date and time when the records will be available to you.
Lubbock County has a tax office in Slaton, Texas, that is posted 30.06 on the entrance door. Building is owned by City of Slaton. The tax office is the only occupant of the building. Should not be posted, right?
Baytown Public Library has compliant 30.06 signage posted on the main entrance door.
City owned-- so not enforcable, right ?
But-- I would assume that school events (ie library field trips) occasionaly take place there, so does the facilty then fall under the rules related to school events ? Surely not.....
Just sent to the Texarkana Parks & Recreation manager:
Greetings!
I had occasion to be at the Southwest Center recently, and noticed some old signs on the doors stating that licensed concealed carry of handguns was prohibited.
That old language (from Vernon's Civil Statutes) has been obsolete since 1997. Cities (and any other unit of government other than the state legislature) cannot restrict the carry or possession of firearms in any way.
Since those notices are obsolete and unenforceable, can we get them scraped off? Concealed Handgun Licensees know the signs are meaningless, but not everyone does. It would be an unfortunate tragedy if a criminal got the idea that the Center was another "gun free zone" (also known as "unarmed victim zone") like Northern Illinois University, the Kirkwood Missouri city hall, or Virginia Tech.
Thanks for your time. If you have questions, feel free to call me at 903-xxx-xxx.
KBCraig wrote:Just sent to the Texarkana Parks & Recreation manager:
And his response:
Kevin,
Thanks for you email and information. I will have to check this
with the City Attorney's office. We will have it removed after
discussing the information you sent me. Thanks again for the heads up.
The Brazoria County Courthouse West Annex building in Angleton is posted (30-06). There is one meeting room that is used every other week for a family court by the State Atty General. The rest of the building houses tax office, engineer, purchasing, library adm etc.
They justify the 30-06 sign by the use of the meeting room as a courtroom every 2 weeks.
The same goes for the east annex, which houses the clounty clerk, HUD but no courtrooms.
Charles, am I understanding correctly that this may not be proper on their part?
