John Foust - JDC
| Jefferson Banner - Opinion John Foust - JDC |
| September 8, 1999
David Olsen Dear Mr. Olsen, In light of the Jefferson County District Attorney's opinion that the Jefferson Development Corporation is quasi-governmental and subject to the State's open meetings law, pursuant to Wis. Stat. Ann. sec. 19.31 to 19.39, I write to request access to and/or a copy of the agendas, minutes and financial reports of the Jefferson Development Corporation (JDC) Board meetings from March 1, 1994 until the present. I would also like a list of JDC assets, monetary and physical. Several weeks ago you said you recorded the August 1999 JDC meeting. In particular, I would like immediate access to the audio tape of the minutes of the August meeting of the JDC, and any other existing audio recordings of JDC meetings since August 1998. If the unapproved minutes for the August meeting have been prepared, I would like a copy of them as well. As provided by the law, I will expect your response as soon as practicable and without delay. As per your earlier request, I'll spare the boiler-plate paragraphs about your obligations and my rights. I would prefer to receive any minutes, agenda and financial reports in electronic form if possible. I can supply floppy disks if necessary. Second-best would be access to paper copies. For the minutes, agendas and financial reports, perhaps it would be easiest to place a paper copy of these records in the binders kept in City Hall. This will complete the set of JDC records there that end in March 1994. I have not received a response to my August 20 request for access to the recording of the August 3 meeting of the Commerce and Industry Association (CIA). I urge you to continue your habit of recording the meetings of the JDC, CIA, and Chamber of Commerce. I note that you did not record the most recent special meeting of the CIA. These recordings are a valuable detailed record beyond the written minutes of the meetings. If the recordings are no longer made, I am confident the public will assign some meaning to your decision. Thank you for your assistance. If you have any questions, please call me at Sincerely, John J. Foust |