In my ongoing effort to get the Brentwood Selectmen’s emails, it seems that Karen Clement, the town’s Administrator, is trying to lay down some speedbumps by making it more difficult than necessary. The question is, why is this?
First, she wanted to deny access timewise because of the “HUGE” volume of 300 emails, and then it was that she had deleted former Selectman Frizzell’s email contra RSA 91:A prohibitions on deleting electronic records when hardcopy records had to be kept longer.
But, she’s is willing to release the “responsive records” so it’s a step forward.
However, I’m quite sure that IT folks that read GraniteGrok are going to have a rather puzzled look on their faces to the newest speedbump that has been placed upon me accessing those records:
—— Original Message ——
From: “Karen Clement” <KClement@brentwoodnh.gov>
To: “Skip” <Skip@granitegrok.com>
Cc: “Ken Christiansen” <KChristiansen@brentwoodnh.gov>
Sent: 12/13/2021 2:38:30 PM
Subject: RE: Re[6]: RSA 91:A Right To Know demandGood afternoon,
We are in receipt of your request made pursuant to RSA 91-A for the town assigned email accounts of the Selectboard members. As you have been aware, Mr. Frizzell’s email account has properly and legally been deleted due to his resignation, and the transitory nature of the documents sent in this account. However, in the spirit of transparency, we have inquired of our IT personnel to determine whether we can reacquire that account so the inbox/outbox contents may be disclosed. It appears that the messages can be recovered and may be disclosed, as appropriate pursuant to RSA 91-A.
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, because the town is required to use a computer to provide you with the records, you must pay the cost of doing so. Therefore, if you would like the town to engage a profession to recover the deleted files and retrieve all emails from January 1, 2021 to November 31, 2021 their cost is estimated to be $468 to complete this request. Please submit certified funds in the amount of $468. Upon receipt, the town will instruct its IT company to retrieve the files.
As we have discussed, the production of the volume of information that you have requested will take time to produce, therefore I anticipate being able to disclose part of the requested documentation on January 13, 2022, or at the very least provide you with an updated timeframe as of that date.
Thanks,
Karen Clement, CPM
Town Administrator
Town of Brentwood
kclement@brentwoodnh.gov
Well, then! I can think of several responses (and yes, they are all “clean”) as to this technical “solution” that has been proffered. Frankly, I’m in a rather jovial mood given that it would even be considered to be a “reasonable” offer.
So, while I consider what my response will be, I’d be happy if some of you out in GrokLand would make some suggestions – IT ones as I know you ALL would have rather “amusing” opinions on this. So, happy to see what you have in mind!
