IN THE Court oF COMMON PLEAS OF DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
COVER SHEET - NOTICE OF FILING OF MOTION OR PETITION UNDER.
LOCAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
CASE CAPTION: CIVIL CASE NO.
Delaware County v. Austin Nolen X ] “ (je Y 90)
NATURE OF MATTER FILED: (please check ane)
Ci Petition Pursuant to Rule 206.1 C1 Response to Petition [J Motion for Judgment on the
Pleadings Pursuant to Rule 1034(2)
(1 Motion Pursuant to Rule 2081 C1 Response to Motion 1] summary Judgment
Pursuant to Rule 10
Ci Family Law Petition/Motion Pursuant to Rule 206.8
jovembe:
A motion or petition was filed in the above captioned matter on the
Clrequires you, Respondent, to file an Answer within twenty (20) days of the above date to this notice, or risk
the entry of an Order in favor of the Petitioner. Answers must be filed and time stamped by the Office of
Judicial Support by 4:30 PM on the following date
1 requires you, Respondent, to appear at a hearing/conference on the _day of _
at in Courtroom ___, Delaware County Courthouse, Media, Pennsylvania, At this hearing/conference
‘you must be prepared to present all testimony and/or argument, and must ensure that your witnesses will be
present.
1 was timely answered, thus requiring the scheduling of the following hearing in the above captioned matter
on: at 10:00 AM in Courtroom -
You, Petitioner/Movant, are responsible for notifying all interested responding parties of this hearing date at
least ten (10) days prior thereto.
all parties must be prepared to present all testimony and/or argument and must ensure that
their witnesses will be present
1 auatifies as an Uncontested Motion or Petition, and as such requires neither an answer from the Respondent
nor the scheduling of a heating in this matter.
Citas been assigned to Judge
ee
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Mailing date: Processed by:= COUNTY SOLICITOR
Attorneys for
Delaware County
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
DELAWARE COUNTY, PA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
USTIN NOLEN NO.
Appellee
AND NOW, this : day of _ 2014, upon
ation of Appellant Delaware County's Petition Requesting Judicial
Review of a Final Determination of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records and
led thereto, it is hereby ORDERED and DECREED that
nation dated October 30, 2014 by Appeals Officer Angela Eveler, Esquire
of the Pen
vania Office of Open Records is hereby reversed.
BY THE COURTCOUNTY SOLICITOR
=
ania, Esquire
Attorneys for
610) 891-4072 Delaware County
DE COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Appellant DELAWARE COUNTY, PA
v CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NOLEN : NO.
Appellee
REQUEST FOR BRIEFING SCHEDULE/ORAL ARGUMENT
Appellant, Delaware Countyrespectfully requests that this Honorable
Court establish a briefing schedule and allow subsequent oral argument on the
legal issues raised in the attached Petition Requesting Judicial Review of a Final
Determination of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
JLE
Francis J Catania) Esquire
Attomey for Appéllant
Delawate-CotintyCE OF THE COUNTY SOLICITOR
ront Street
19063
Catania, Esquire
1 Attorneys for
Telephone: (610) 891-4072 Delaware County
COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Appellant DELAWARE COUNTY, PA
iL ACTION - LAW
NOLEN NO.
Appellee
PETITION REQUESTING JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A FINAL DETERMINATION
OF THE PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF OPEN RECORDS
1. The Appellant, County of Delaware (“County Appellant”), by and
through its undersigned attomey hereby appeals to the Court of Common Pleas of
Delaware County, Pennsylvania, from the Final Determination, pursuant to 65 PS.
$67 503(2), of Angela Eveler, Esquire, Appeals Officer for the Pennsylvania Office of
Open Records (“OOR”) issued and mailed October 30, 2014, A true and correct copy
of the Final Determination that Appellant asks this Honorable Court to review is
attached hereto, incorporated herein and labeled Exhibit “”
2, The County Appellant is the Home Rule Charter based county
government of Delaware County designated as a Second Class A County by the
Pennsylvania Legislature, physically located in the southeastern corner of thevania and as such is a “Local agency” as that term is defined
Right-to-Know Law ("RTKL”). See 65 P.S. §67.102 and §67.302
upon information and belief, the Appellee, Austin Nolen is an adult
th a mailing address of PO Box 54560, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
Austin Nolen (“Appellee”) addressed a Standard Right-to-Know Request
was received by the Delaware County Open Records Officer on or about
13, 2014 requesting:
“The following records of the Emergency Services
Department: I. The entirety of the grant application file
for the FEMA Urban Security Area Initiative granted used
to purchase “SWAT One,” a 2014 Lenco BearCat; II.
Training manuals and procedures for the above vehicle;
III. Procedures or agreements for other agencies to
request use of the above vehicle.”
‘A true and correct copy of Appellee’s request is incorporated herein by reference
and attached hereto as Exhibit “2”
On or about August 20, 2014, the Appellant issued a letter to
Requestor/ Appellee advising Requestor/Appellee that it needed an additional thirty (30)
days to respond to the request for the reasons set forth in the letter which is attached
hereto incorporated herein and labeled Exhibit “3”
6. On or about August 28, 2014, the Appellant issued a letter to
Requestor/Appellee denying Requestor/Appellee request, under four (4) Public Safetyof the August 28, 2014 letter is attached hereto, incorporated herein
On or about October 2, 2014 at 10:09 a.m., the Appellant received an email
ce of Open Records asking whether the Appellant received a copy of
1 to the Oifice of Open Records. The email included a copy of
ellee's September 16, 2014 appeal are attached hereto, incorporated herein and
eled Exhibit “5”
8. On or about October 2, 2014 at 3:04 pm., the Appellant responded via
‘email to the Office of Open Records indicating Appellant had not previously received a
copy of Appellee’s appeal to the Office of Open Records. A copy of this email of October
2, 2014 is included in the email chain attached as Exhibit “5”
9. Onor about October 2, 2014 at 3-41 p.m, the Office of Open Records
responded via email to Appellant and Appellee set forth timeline of the submission of
additional information, A copy of this email of October 2, 2014 is included in the email
chain attached as Exhibit “5”
10. On or about October 9, 2014, Appellant submitted correspondence via
email to Angela Eveler, Esquire of the Office of Open Records to the Office of Open
Records indicating that the requested records were in the possession of a third party+ the claimed exemptions still apply. Additionally, Appellant
document which was in its possession. A copy of the complete
is attached hereto, incorporated herein and labeled Exhibit “6”.
On or about October 10, 2014, Appellee submitted a Memorandum of Law
2 of Open Records. A copy of the Memorandum of Law is attached hereto,
herein and labeled Exhibit “7”
12. The Office of Open Records sent their Final Determination on or about
October 30, 2014 to the Delaware County Office of Open Records. A true and correct
copy of Office of Open Records’ Final Determination dated October 30, 2014 is
incorporated herein by reference and attached hereto as Exhibit “1”
13. The record on appeal before this Honorable Court is defined by 65 PS.
§67.1303(b) as:
a. Pennsylvania Office of Open Record’s Final Determination (Exhibit
%
b. The Appellee’s request (Exhibit “2”);
¢. County/Appellant's thirty-day extension letter dated August 20,
2014 to Appellee’s Request (Exhibit “3"};
d. County/Appellant’s Response to Appellee dated August 28, 2014
(Exhibit ’4");
fe. Office of Open’ Records email chain of October 2, 2014 including a
copy of Appellee’s September 16, 2014 appeal (Exhibit “5");
f County Appellant's Correspondence dated October 9, 2014 (Exhibit
“6"); and,g _ Appellee’s Memorandum of Law (Exhibit “7")
14, The Final Determination is not supported by competent and/or substantial
and/or any probative evidence. The Office of Open Records improperly considered facts
and/or argument submitted by Appellee in his appeal which was not supported by
competent evidence and not part of the initial request.
15, The purpose of the RTKL is “to promote access to official government
information in order to prohibit secrets, scrutinize the actions of public officials, and
make public officials accountable for their actions....” Bowling v, Office of Open
Records, 990 A.2d 813, 824 (Pa. CmwIth. 2010), appeal granted in part, 609 Pa. 265,
A3d 427 (2011)
16. As set forth in Exhibit
"to the extent that there are records that may be
responsive to Appellee’s request they are in the possession of Evalyn L. Fisher,
Executive Director, Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force, 111 Camars Drive,
Warminister, PA 18974, telephone number: 267-880-5177 and Appellee should make his
request of that entity.
17. The County Office of Open Records does not specifically know what
records that may be responsive to Appellee’ initial request are in the possession of the
Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and it is unnecessarily burdensome for
Appellee to request that Delaware County Office of Open Records provide him with
access to records that it does not physically have.lee would not be prejudiced by simply being required to make a
Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force.
The OOR Appeal Officer erred as a matter of law and abused her
discretion in ordering that the County produce the records of the Southeastern
Pennsylvania Regional Task Force. The OOR Appeal Officer acknowledged in the
Final Determination that the County Office of Open Records had produced the invoice
that it had in its possession (See Exhibit “6”) and that is not subject of this appeal
20. County Appellant respectfully requests permission to submit with this
Notice and Petition of Appeal, a memorandum of law in support of its appeal which
shall be deemed incorporated herein as though fully set forth prior to this Honorable
Court scheduling oral argument. In addition to its substantive arguments, County
‘Appellant believes that there are important procedural/due process considerations that
were violated by the Oifice of Open Records in how the appeal was decided and what
standard was used in reviewing County Appellants’ denial that involved legal issues
and require a complete briefing.
WHEREFORE, the County Appellant prays that this Honorable Court grants this
Appeal, reverses the determination of the OOR Appeal Officer and deny Appellee’s
est or, in the alternative, vacate the determination of the OOR Appeal Officer and
remand this matter for a new determination after the relevant parties are provided a full
opportunity to present competent evidence, challenge evidence presented by the otherside and make legal argument at a hearing to be conducted by the OOR Appeal Officer,
Jete record to be made of any and all proceedings before the OOR
Frantis}-Catania
Attorney fér Ap)
Delaware‘
a
November o% 2014VERIFICATION
1, Anne M. Coogan,hereby verify that Lam the duly appointed County Clerk and
the duly appointed Open Records Officer of County of Delaware and that the facts
zecited in the foregoing Petition of Appeal are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief; however, the aforementioned pleading was drafted
by my attorney in language chosen by him in order to comply with the appropriate
Rules, understand that false statements herein are made subject to the provisions of 18
Pa. CS.A. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
‘Anne M. Coogan, den Clerk and
Open Records Officer
County of Delaware
Date: ih 25 /ooltCERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Petition Requesting
Judicial Review of a Final Determination of the Pennsylvania Office of Open
Records was served this 25" day of November, 2014 by First Class United States
with postage prepaid, upon the following:
Austin Nolan
PO Box 54560
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Angela Eveler, Esquire
OOR Appeals Officer
Office of Open Records
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0025
Date: November BaerEXHIBIT “1”pennsylvania
OFFICE OF OPEN RECORDS
FINAL DETERMINATION
IN THE MATTER OF :
AUSTIN NOLEN,
Requester
Docket No.: AP 2014-1421
DELAWARE COUNTY,
Respondent
INTRODUCTION
Austin Nolen (“Requester”) submitted a request (“Request”) to Delaware County
(County") pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law, 63 P.S. §§ 67.101 et seq. (*RTKL") secking
various records from the County's Emergency Services Department. The County denied the
equest, stating that the information requested would threaten public safety or pose a security
risk, The Requester appealed to the Office of Open Records (“OOR"). For the reasons set forth
in this Final Determination, the appeal is granted in part and dismissed as moot in part, and
the County is required to take further action as directed
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On August 13, 2014, the Request was filed, seeking copies of the following records from
the County's Emergency Services Department:The entirety of the grant application file for the FEMA Urban Security
Area Initiative grant used to purchase “SWAT One,” a 2014 Lenco Bear
Cat;
1. Training manuals and procedures for the above vehicle;
Il, Procedures or agreements for other agencies to request use of the above
vehicle.
On August 20, 2014, the County invoked an extension of time to respond to the Request under
Section 902 of the RTKL. On August 28, 2014, the County denied the Request, stating that the
requested records are not subject to disclosure because they are exempt under the RTKL's public
safety exception, 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(2), and the exception pertaining to the physical safety or
security of infrastructure or resources, 65 P.S. $§ 67.708(bX3) iii).
On September 16, 2014, the Requester appealed to the OOR, challenging the denial and
stating grounds for disclosure. In his appeal, the Requester acknowledges that certain portions of
responsive records may be exempt under Section 708(b)(2) of the RTKL, but adds that “the
County must provide proof in enough detail to show that this exemption applies to all parts of all
requested records, and not just to certain portions of the requested records.” Additionally, the
Requester contends that Section 708(b)(3) is not applicable to any records responsive to the
Request. The Requester also argues that the County failed to provide an adequate description of
the records to which he was denied access, as is required under Section 903 of the RTKL. The
Requester notes that, although his attempt to mediate this matter with County was unsuecessfl
he was interested in pursuing a resolution through mediation, The OOR invited both parties to
supplement the record and directed the County to notify any third parties of their ability to
participate in the appeal pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.1101(¢),
Having received no submission from the County, the COR, on October 2, 2014,
contacted the County’s Open Records Officer, Anne Coogan. to verify whether the County
received notice of the appeal. On that same date, Ms. Coogan replied that the County did nothe appeal from the OOR. The Requester subsequently agreed to extend
the OOR to issue its final determination pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.1101(0)(1).
ded the County with additional time to submit supplemental information in
position, Although the OOR offered mediation to the parties, neither party
to the invitation,
On October 9, 2014, the County submitted correspondence to the OOR stating that, to the
the County has access to responsive records, it believes the cited exemptions apply. The
ry for most of the records, the County asserted, was the entity identified as the
eastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Fore. The County listed the contact information for
che Task Force. The County provided a record labeled “Quotation 10257” from Lenco Armored
‘Vehicles, acknowledging that this record did not appear to fall within the claimed exemptions,
On October 10, 2014, the Requesier filed 2 Memorandum of Law in response to the
County’s submission. The Requester reasserted his position that the County failed to meet its
burden of proof and asserted that any records in the possession of the Task Foree remain withi
the control of the County and must therefore also be produced.
LEGAL ANALYSIS
“The objective of the Right to Know Law ... is to empower citizens by affording them
access 10 information concerning the activities of theit government.” SWB Yankees LLC. v.
Winrermantel, 45 A.3d 1029, 1041 (Pa, 2012). Further, this important open-government law is
‘designed to promote access 10 official government information in order to prohibit secrets,
scrutinize the actions of public officials and make public officials accountable for their
actions.” Bowling v. Office of Open Records, 990 A.2d 813, 824 (Pa, Commw. Ct, 2010), aff'd
75 A.3d 453 (Pa. 2013).The OOR is authorized to hear appeals for all Commonwealth and local agencies. See 65
S. § 67.503(a). An appeals officer is required “to review all information filed relating to the
request” and may consider testimony, evidence and documents that are reasonably probative and
relevant to the matter at issue. 65 P.S. § 67.1102(a)(2). An appeals officer may conduct a
hearing to resoive an appeal. The decision to hold a hearing is discretionary and non-
appealable. Jd; Giurintano v. Dep't of Gen. Servs., 20 A.3d 613, 617 (Pa, Commw. Ct. 2011).
Here, neither party requested a hearing and the OOR has the necessary, requisite information and
evidence before it to properly adjudicate the matter.
The County is a local agency subject to the RTKL that is required to disclose public
records. 65 P.S. § 67.302. Records in possession of a local agency are presumed public unless
exempt under the RTKL or other law or protected by a privilege, judicial order or decree. See 65
PS. § 67.305. Upon receipt of a request, an agency is required to assess whether a record
requested is within its possession, custody or control and respond within five business days. 63
PS. § 67.901. An agency bears the burden of proving the applicability of any cited exemptions.
See 65 PS. § 67.708(b).
Section 708 of the RTKL clearly places the burden of proof on the public body to
demonstrate that a record is exempt. In pertinent part, Section 708(a) states: “(1) The burden of
proving that a record of a Commonwealth agency or local agency is exempt from public access
shall be on the Commonwealth agency or local agency receiving a request by a preponderance of
the evidence.” 65 P.S. § 67.708(a). Preponderance of the evidence has been defined as “such
proof as leads the factefinder ... to find that the existence of a contested fact is more probable
than its nonexistence.” Pa, Siate Troopers Ass'n v. Scolforo, 18 A.3d 435, 439 (Pa, Commw. Ct
2011) (quoting Dep't of Transp. v. Agric. Lands Condemnation Approval Bd., 5 A.34 821, 827P= Commw. Ct. 2010)), "The burden of proving a record does not exist ... is placed on the
sponding to the right-to-know request." Hodges v. Pennsylvania Department of
(Pa, Commw, Ct, 2011).
1, The appeal is moot as to the record provided during the appeal
The County, during the course of the appeal, produced one record responsive to the
west and for which it is not claiming any exemptions. The appeal as to that record, Quotation
refore dismissed as moot.
‘The County has not met its burden of proof for all remaining records
As for all other records responsive to the Request, the County asserts those records are
exempt from diselosure pursuant to Sections 708(b)(2) and (3) of the RTKL, Section 708(b(2)
exempts ftom disclosure “[a] record maintained by an agency in connection with .. law
enforcement or other public safety activity that if disclosed would be reasonably likely to
Jeopardize or threaten public safety ... or public protection activity.” 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(2).
Section 708(b)(3) of the RTKL exempts from disclosure “[a] record, the disclosure of which
creates a reasonable likelihood of endangering the safety or the physical security of a building,
public utility, resource, infrastructure, facility or information storage system...” 65 P.S. §§
67.708(b)(3)(i)-(ii). “Reasonably likely” has been interpreted as “requiring more than
speculation.” Carey v, Dep't of Corr., 61 A.3d 367, 374-75 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2014).
In the present case, the County did not present any evidence to prove that disclosure of
the records responsive to the Request would be reasonably likely to jeopardize public safety or a
public protection activity, or endanger the safety or the physical security of a building, public
Utility, resource, infrastructure, facility or information storage system. Nor did it present
evidence that records responsive to the Request do not exist within its possession, custody orcontrol. Unsworn statements in the County's final response and correspondence filed during the
course of the appeal cannot be considered competent evidence to sustain the County's burden of
proof, See Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh v. Van Osdol, 40 A.3d 209, 216 (Pa
w. Ct. 2012) (holding that unswom statements of counsel are not competent evidence):
. 2048 (Phila. Com. Pl. June 28, 2011)
City of Philadelphia v. Jucang, July Term 2010,
holding that unswom factual statements in a legal memorandum are not evidence). Therefore,
County has not met its burden of proving that records responsive to the Request do not exist
in its possession, custody or control, or are exempt from disclosure under Section 708(b)(2) or
of the RTKL.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the Requester’s appeal is granted in part and dismissed as
moot in part, and the County is required to provide access to all responsive records, other than
Quotation 10257, within thirty days. This Final Determination is binding on all parties. Within
thirty days of the mailing date of this Final Determination, any party may appeal to the Delaware
County Court of Common Pleas. 65 P.S. § 67.1302(a). All parties must be served with notice of
the appeal. The OOR also shall be served notice and have an opportunity to respond as per
Section 1303 of the RTKL. This Final Determination shall be placed on the OOR website at:
hitp://openrecords.state.pa.
FINAL DETERMINATION ISSUED AND MAILED: October 30, 2014
ANGELA EVELER, ESQ.
APPEALS OFFICER
Sent to: Austin Nolen (via e-mail only);
‘Anne Coogan (via ¢-mail only)EXHIBIT “2”pennsylvania
OFFICE OF OPEN RECORDS
STANDARD RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUEST FORM
August 13th, 2014
DATE REQUESTED:
REQUEST SUBMITTED BY: = [W| E-MAIL U.S. MAIL ]Fax — [_] IN-PERSON
REQUEST SUBMITTED TO (Agency name & address): CONMtY of Delaware, Anne Coogan
Open Records Oicer, 201 West Front Street, Room 208, Media, PA 19063
NAME oF REQUESTER Avstin Nolen
P.O, Box 54560
STREET ADDRESS
hiladelphia, PA 19148
CITYISTATEICOUNTY/ZIP(Reauired):
TELEPHONE (Optional): EMAIL (optional): Publicrecords@jonntowery.com
RECORDS REQUESTED: "Provide as much specific detail as possible so the agency can identify the Information.
Please use additional sheets if necessary
The following records of the Emergency Services Department: |. The entirety of the grant application
file for the FEMA Urban Seourity Area Initiative grant used to purchase "SWAT One," a 2014 Lenco
BearCat: |, Training manuals and procedures for the above vehicle; Ill, Procecures or agreements
for other agencies to request use of the above vehicle,
Yes to copies, no to inspection, no to certified copies, yes to advance notification
DO YOU WANT COPIES? YES or NO
DO YOU WANT TO INSPECT THE RECORDS? YES or NO
DO YOU WANT CERTIFIED COPIES OF RECORDS? YES or NO
DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE IF THE COST EXCEEDS $100? YES or NO
** PLEASE NOTE: RETAIN A COPY OF THIS REQUEST FOR YOUR FILES **
“TIS A REQUIRED DOCUMENT IF YOU WOULD NEED TO FILE AN APPEAL **
FOR AGENCY USE ONLY
OPEN-RECORDS OFFICER:
2 Ihave provided notice to appropriate third parties and given them an opportunity to object to
request
DATE RECEIVED BY THE AGENCY:
AGENCY FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAY RESPONSE DUE:
“Public badies may fill anonymous verbal or written requesis, If the Fe
provided for in this Act, the request must be in writing. (Section
why information is sought or the intended use af the information unless otherw
to pursue the relief and remedies
ssis need not include an explanation
1d by law. (Section 708.)EXHIBIT “3”COUNTY CLERK
(GOVERNMENT CENTER BUILDING
201 WEST FRONT STREET
MEDIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19063,
Phen (630) 91-1260
COUNCIL
‘THOMAS. MeGABRICLE ane a co0GaN
cualnaiaY OUNTY CLERK
Mamio s.cIvaa JR.
eens August 20, 2014
‘COLLEEN P. MORRONE.
SOHN P, MefLAIN
‘DAVID, WETTE,
Mr, Austin Nolen
P.O, Box 54560
Philadelohia, PA 19148
Re: Right-to-Know Law Request No. 2014-183
Dear Mr. Nolen:
‘This letter acknowledges receipt by the County of Delaware Office of Open
Records of your written request whicn you made under the Pennsylvania Right-
to-Know Law (Act 2 of 2008, 65 P.S. § 67.101, et seq.).(‘RTKL)). This office
received your request on August 13, 2014. Therefore, under the R , awritien:
response to your request was due on or before August 20, 2044. This letter is
provided pursuant fo that requirement.
You are hereby notified that, for the reason(s) sst forth below, the County of
Delaware will require an additional 30 calendar days, (2., until September 20,
2044, in which to provide a final written response to your request,
Your request is under legal review which is necessary
whether the requested record(s) is/are @ "public recor
the RTKL. RTKL 65 P.S, §67.902(a)(4)
determine
Yor purposes of
Thank you for writing to the County of Delaware Open Records Office,
Sincerely
Lae Ht Cogirs
‘Anne M, Coogan
‘Open Records OfficEXHIBIT “4”August 28, 2014
Mr, Austin Nolen
P.O. Box 54560
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Re: Right-to-Know Law Request No. 2014-163
Dear Mr, Nolen:
You were notified by letter from this office dated August 20, 2014 that the RTKL Office
required an additional 30 calendar days, i.e., until September 20, 2014 in which to
provide a final written response to your request. This letter is provided pursuant to that
requirement,
We have reviewed your request and determined that what you have requested
is/are not "public records” for purposes of the RTKL. Consequently your request is
denied for reasons set forth in Section 708 of the RTKL, specifically:
The record you requested is a record maintained by an agency in connection
with the military, homeland security, national defense, law enforcement or other
public safety activity that, if disclosed, would be reasonably likely to jeopardize or
threaten public safety or preparedness or public protection activity or a record
that is designated classified by an appropriate Federal or State military authority
85 P.S, 67.708(b)(2)
‘The record you requested is a record, the disclosure of which creates a
reasonable likelihood of endangering the safety or the physical security of a
building, public utility, resource, infrastructure, facility or information storage
system which may include documents or data relating to computer hardware,
source files, software and system networks that could jeceardize computer
security by exposing a vulnerability in preventing, protecting against, mitigating or
responding to a terrorist act; 65 P.S, 67.708(b)(3)(i)Mr. Austin Nolen
August 28, 2014
Page 2
The record you requested is a record, the disclosure of which creates &
reasonable likelihood of endangering the safety or the physical security of a
building, public utility, resource, infrastructure, facility or information storage
system which may include lists of infrastructure, resources and significant special
events, including those defined by the Federal Government in the National
Infrastructure Protections, which are deemed critical due to their nature and
which result from risk analy consequences
assessments; antiterrorism protective measures and plans; counterterrorism
measures and plans: and security and response needs assessments; and 65
P.S. 67.708(b)(3)(ii)
The record you requested is a record, the disclosure of which creates a
reasonable likelihood of endangering the safety or the physical security of @
building, public utiity, resource, infrastructure, facility or information storage
system which may include building plans or infrastructure records that expose or
create vulnerability through disclosure of location, configuration or security of
critical systems, including public utility systems, structural elements, technology,
‘communication, electrical, fire suppression, ventilation, vasteweater
sewage and gas systems. 65 P.S. 67.708(b)(3)(ii)
Right to Appeal
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO CHALLENGE THIS DENIAL OF YOUR REQUEST. IN
ORDER TO DO SO, YOU MUST FILE WRITTEN "EXCEPTIONS" WITH THIS
AGENCY'S RIGHT TO KNOW LAW EXCEPTIONS UNIT WITHIN FIFTEEN (15
BUSINESS DAYS OF THE MAILING DATE OF THIS LETTER. YOUR WRITTEN
EXCEPTIONS MUST STATE THE REASONS WHY YOU CLAIM THAT EACH
IDENTIFIED RECORD IS A PUBLIC RECORD FOR PURPOSES OF THE RIGHT-TO-
KNOW ACT. YOUR WRITTEN EXCEPTIONS ALSO MUST EXPLAIN WHY YOU
DISAGREE WITH THE REASONS SET FORTH IN THIS LETTER FOR DENYING
YOUR REQUEST. YOUR EXCEPTIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE
FOLLOWING OFFICE:
Terry Mutchler, Executive Director
Office of Open Records
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street
joor
Harrisburg, PA 17120Mr, Austin Noien
August 28, 2014
Page 3
1 be advise
yermitted by law.
this correspondence will serve to c
this record with our office
Sincerely.
Anne M. Coogan
Open Records ©
County of Delaware
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063EXHIBIT “5”OpenRecords
‘Thursday, November 20, 2014 3:14 PM
Denise Latch (dmiep@att.net)
denise Jan Delavtare County; AP 2074-1421 - Response from Ms, Coogan and Mr. Nol
requested
Importance: High
Jer, Angela [mailto:aeveler@p2.gov}
‘hursday, October 02, 2014 3:41 PM
To: OpenRecords; publicrecorés@johntowery.com
Subject: RE: Nolen v, Deleware County; AP 2014-1421 - Response from Ms, Coogan and Mr, Nolen recuested
Importance: High
Dear Ms. Coogan,
he OOR will re-open the record to allow
Given that the County is asserting that it did not receive notice of the appe
the County an opportunity to file supplemental information/evidence in SypPAT of its position. Given the time
sion in this matter, however, the County's submission should be mace 6n O°
sible to extending the submission period further, such extension iS
ime frame within which the OR may issue a Final
constraints imposed by the ATKL for
before October 8, 2014. While the OOR is am
dependent on the agreement of Mr. Nolen to extend the ©
Determination. Please confirm your receipt of this e-mail
Dear Mr. Nolen,
Would you be agreeable to extending the time period within which the (OR is required to issue a det
er, such that the led on of before October 30, 2014? Please advis:
possible.
as soon as
tion wor
eal that he is interested in pursuing a resolution of this
that Mr, Nolen indicates in his
ree DOR to mediate this appeal, both parties must agree to participate [0 he
‘to mediation, the OR will conduct a mediation. Here is lin to our Mediation
Alternatively, itis no’
dispute through mediation. In order fo
jon process. If the parties 2a
medial
Request Form:
20.%20informaivé20Med 2oRequest%20Fill%20in.odf
1 state.pa.us/public/oor/Form¥
bites://www.
appeals officer wt
The appeals office
Mediation d -e confidential and, where mediatian fails, the appeals
was not privy to
who conduct the medi
hich would most
ny pending appeat in t
‘ediation sessions,
jon will not deci successful.
ree to mediation. Then, each pa » and submit the completed form and
ail if you
‘edule a mediation session.
let me knew vie e
2ipt, the OOR will
upon
s on Monday, October pate in mediation. Unless the OOR
reeable to mediation, the abo
you wish t
Kindly advise by close of busin
fat hoth parties are
Ce.
‘ounty submission is due
et 8, 2014) remains inpie Anasta Eveter
The OOR’s Annual Training on the RTKL is being held on October 22, 2014 in Harrisburg. Details and
registration forms are available at http://openrecords.state.pa.us.
From: OpenRecords [mailto:OnenRecords‘co.delaware.pa.us]
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2014 3:04 PM
To: Eveler, Angela
Subject: RE: Nolen v. Delaware County; AP 201:
1424
fice of Ope!
veler, Angela [mailto:aeveler@pa.cov]
‘Thursday, October 02, 2014 10:09 AM
To: OpenRecords
Ce: public
‘Subject: Nolen v, Delaware County; AP 2014-1421jogan,
e-mailed a Notice of Appeal packet to Delaware County on September 18, 2024 pertaining to
ice of Open Record
fase confirm whether or not the County received the Notice? (See attached)
jove-referenced appeal. Can you ples
‘ank you for your time and attention in this regard.
Sincerely,
‘Angela Eveler | Attorney
Office of Open Records
Commonwealth Keystone Bu
400 North Street, 4th Floor | Harrisburg, Pi
e: 717-346-9903 | aeveler@oa.cov
sw.newPA.com | www.visitPA.com
ing
Confidentiality Notice: Ths electronic communication is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the party ‘0
whom it is addressed. If received in error, please return to sender
‘the OOR's Annual Training on the RTKLis being held on October 22, 2014 in Harrisburg. Details and
registration forms are available at http://openrecords.state.p2.us.V pen|
Gence
Septer
Via E- Mail only: Via E- Mail only:
Austin Nolen Anne M. Coogen,
PO Box 54560 Open Records Officer
Philadelphia, PA 19148 Delaware County
Government Center Building
201 West Front Street
Media, PA 19063,
enrecor
RE; OFFICIAL NOTICE OF APPEAL -
OCKET # AP 201
Dear Parties:
Please review this information carefully as it affects your legal rights.
¢ Office of Open Records (“OOR”) received this appeal under the Right-to-
now Law, 65 P.S. §§ 67.101, er seg. (“RIXL”) on September 16, 2014, The process to
follow in submitting information to the OOR is attached, A binding Final Determination
will be issued in 30 calendar days as set forth in the RTKL
‘The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has held that an agency is permitted to assert
exemptions on appeal, even if the agency did not assert them when the request was
originally denied. Levy v, Senate of Pa, 65 A.34 361 (Pa. 2013). Accordingly, the
agency may supplement its response within the time irame set forth below.
‘You may submit information and legal argument to support your position by
5:00 p.m, seven (7) business days from the date on this letter, Please include the
docket number above on all submissions.
‘The law requires that your position must be supported by sufficient facts and
citation to all relevant sections of the RTKL, case law, and Final Determinations of the
OOR. Statements of fact must be supported by an affidavit made under penalty of
perjury by a person with actual knowledge. An affidavit is required to demonstrate
tence of records. Blank sample afSdavits are available on our websitelen of proving that records are not subject to public
1 provide to OOR must be provided to all parties,
Agency Must Notify Third Parties: or seourity intere:
of an employee of the agency; contain confidential, proprietary or trademarked records
a person or business entity; of i by acontzactor or vendor, the agency must n
uch parties of this appeal immediately and provide proof of that notice to the OOR
within 7 business days.
Such notice must y
ana 2) advising that interested persons may request to participate in this
appeal (
The has held that “the burden {is} on third-party
contractors ... to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the [requested]
are exemnp' legheny County Dep't of Admin. Servs. v. A Second Chance, Ine., 13
sree ds, 1042 (Pa. Commw, Ct. 2011), Failure to participate in an appeal before
the OOR may be construed as a waiver of objections regarding release of the
roquested records.
Law Enforcement Records of Local Agencies: District Attorneys are
to appoint appeals officers to hear appeals regarding access to criminal inves
records in possession of a local agency. If records were denied in part upon
requester may consider filing @ concurrent ap ¢ District Attorney ¢
County where the agency is located if the recor in part, because they are
investigative records of a local agency.
f you have qué
sions, contact the assigned Appeals Officer in writing and copy
Enclosures:
Assigned Ay
er contact information
hOORREQUEST TO PARTICIPATE AS DIRECT INTEREST PARTY
Please accept this as a Request to participate as a 3 party with a di
pending appeal before the Office of Open Records pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.
‘he following stasements under penalty of perjury as more fully
OOR Pocket No:
Name of Direet Interest Partiefpant Information: ct
E-mail
Date you received actual notice of the appeal:
Name of Requester:
ess/CitylStatelZi
Telephone/Fax Numbers_
Bee
Name of Agency: a -
Address/City/State/Zi
Record at issue:_ ee
Statement of Direct Interest
Thave a direct int record(s) at issue as
maployes of the agency
ation or trademarked records
containing confidentiel or proprictary inf
Other: (attach adcitional pa
o the final determination in support
[L] thave atached 2's final determination,
(aust be signed)
Please submit this form the Appeals Officer assigned to the appeal. Remember to copy all parties on
{itis correspondence. The Office of Open Records will not consider cirect interest filings submitted
after a Final Determination has been issued in the appeal.pennsylvania
OF OPEN RECORDS
APPEALS OFFICER: Angela Kveler, Esquire
CONTACT INFORMATION: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Office of Open Records
Commonwealth Keystone Building
4400 North Street, 4" Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120-02,
PHONE (717) 346-9903
EACSIMILE: (717) 428-5343,
ATL
Preferred method of contact
and submission of information: EMAIL
Please direct submissions and correspondence related
to this appeal to the above Appeals Officer. Please include the case
name and docket number on all submissions.
You must copy the other party on evervthing you subn
to the OOR.
‘nable and both
involving similar
The OOR website, hitp://openrec
ged to review prior final determin
at may impact this ap;
e encour
records and fees
parties aAvstin Nolen
2.0, Box 5456
Philadelphia, PA 19148
pen Ri
h Keystone Build
eystone
‘am appealing the adverse
y, Tam at
[public