Committee forwards administration FOIA‑library ordinance with recommendation; companion councilmember bill sent with no recommendation

The committee considered two related measures to create an online Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request library and clarify open‑data definitions. Ross Catero, Director of Communications, said the administration's amended paper incorporates a "library notice" that includes a rubric and an appeal process. Catero described five inclusion criteria: when two or more requesters ask for the same records; if the records contribute to public understanding of city operations, policies or decision making; if they expose wrongdoing or misconduct; if they are relevant to program evaluation or accountability; or if they are otherwise of sufficient public interest. Exclusion categories include strong privacy or safety concerns, records that would compromise a minor, or records where redaction would be insufficient.

Councilmember Gibson (patron of a separate councilmember paper) said her paper had no recent amendments and expressed concern the administration's version gives the city discretion to decide what is included. Catero responded that decisions would be made by the city's FOIA manager together with subject‑matter experts and that an appeal process is available. Gibson asked about the 30‑day response window for appeals; administration officials said 30 days is a cap and they expect to respond faster where possible.

The committee moved, and approved, two procedural motions: forward the administration's FOIA library/open‑data paper to full council with a recommendation for approval, and forward Councilmember Gibson, Auerbacher and Lynch's paper to full council with no recommendation. Roll call voting was recorded; Gibson voted "No" on one roll-call for the administration's ordinance while other members voted "Aye." There was no public testimony during the hearing.

The measures will go to full council for final deliberation; the administration indicated it will supply further information about appeal timing and any past instances where FOIA releases raised privacy concerns.