Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Overview
The City of Loves Park adheres to the statutes set forth by the State of Illinois Attorney General’s Office as it pertains to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1. The act allows for the inspection of records maintained by the City of Loves Park and other public bodies. The act also provides for exemptions of certain secure information. Recent amendments to the act (signed into law August 17, 2009 and effective January 1, 2010) have been incorporated into the City’s rules and regulations implementing the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
For more information on the Freedom of Information Act, please visit FOIA.gov, follow the IL-FOIA link above, or visit the Illlinois Attorney General’s Office website.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
All requests to inspect, copy, or certify public records must be submitted to the City in writing and in the appropriate form (mail, personal delivery, fax, e-mail, or other means available). The City will respond to each written request to inspect, copy, or certify public records within five (5) business days after it is received, unless an extension of time is determined necessary. The first business day is the day after the City receives a FOIA request. The City will respond to a written request made for commercial purposes within 21 business days after it is received. Requests for information governed by specific statutes will be provided in accordance with such statutes.
Forms
As a convenience measure, the City does have a standard form available for individuals to assist them with their information requests. The form is not required in order for a FOIA request to be submitted, however the City does require that all information requests be submitted in writing.
Communication & Contact Information
All notices and other communications relating to a request to inspect, copy, or certify public records, all requests for copies of the FOIA Rules, and all requests for any other information relating to the City’s implementation of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act must be directed to:
City of Loves Park
ATTN: FOIA Officer
100 Heart Boulevard
Loves Park, Illinois 61111
Telephone: (815) 654-5034
Facsimile: (815) 654-8660
Email: sheilamills@cityoflovespark.com
Fees
Applicable fees for copies, certification, or mailing of public records must be paid prior to receiving the requested documents. There is no fee for up to the first 50 pages of standard paper copies, however for pages beyond 50 copies there is a $0.15 per page charge. Oversized copies are charged the same price to reproduce them. Additional fees are detailed in the FOIA Booklet dated January 2010.
All fees must be paid prior to release of public records.