Recreational marijuana dispensary municipal approval (City of Somerville - Records Access Officer)
| Multi Request | Recreational marijuana dispensary municipal approval |
| Submitted | Jan. 24, 2019 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Liam Knox
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all files and communications relating to marijuana retailers' applications to begin selling recreational marijuana in Somerville, Cambridge or Boston from 2016-2019. In particular, I am looking for city guidelines and zoning ordinances related to the sale of recreational marijuana, and for communications regarding the approval of licensed recreational dispensaries or any obstacles to their approval (zoning issues, etc.)
I am also specifically looking for files and communications regarding Sira Naturals, the first retailer to have its recreational license approved (https://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/06/21/recreational-marijuana-vote-massachusetts-sira-naturals/), and any issues the company has had with municipalities that have caused a delay in the approval of its recreational sales.
I request that I be properly classified as a news media requester. I am an intern for MuckRock, and I am requesting this information in that editorial capacity. MuckRock is widely known for its investigative work as well as historical pieces based on public records requests.
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.
I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Liam Knox
From: Liam Knox
Hello,
I'd like to amend my previous request, since I've reviewed it and could see it being too broad.
I'm requesting a copy of all files, communications, memos, etc. relating to Sira Naturals, currently a medical marijuana dispensary in Davis Square, and its attempts to gain municipal approval for the sale of recreational marijuana in Somverille.
I am also seeking city guidelines and zoning ordinances related to the sale of recreational marijuana, and for communications with any aspiring recreational marijuana dispensaries regarding their approval or any obstacles to their approval (zoning issues, etc.)
I request that I be properly classified as a news media requester. I am an intern for MuckRock, and I am requesting this information in that editorial capacity. MuckRock is widely known for its investigative work as well as historical pieces based on public records requests.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Liam Knox
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on Jan. 24, 2019. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Somerville - Records Access Officer
Dear Mr. Knox:
This email is in response to your revised public records request which was received by the City on January 31, 2019, in which you requested:
"a copy of all files, communications, memos, etc. relating to Sira Naturals, currently a medical marijuana dispensary in Davis Square, and its attempts to gain municipal approval for the sale of recreational marijuana in Somverille [sic]"; and
"city guidelines and zoning ordinances related to the sale of recreational marijuana, and for communications with any aspiring recreational marijuana dispensaries regarding their approval or any obstacles to their approval (zoning issues, etc.)".
While you have stated that this request is an amendment of a previous request which was too broad, please be advised that a search of the City's email records using your revised search request resulted in 6,305 records. A good faith estimate for time spent to search, review, and segregate these records is set forth below. Alternatively, you may wish to begin your research after reviewing the materials contained in the following links to the City's website, and then submit a new public records request with an even more narrow focus.
https://www.somervillema.gov/adult-marijuana
(Compilation of links to marijuana ordinances, hearings, and licensing materials)
http://somervillecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/calendar.aspx
(Search City Council materials by entering "recreational marijuana" in the upper right hand corner.)
(Enter "recreational marijuana" in search box to globally search City website.)
The following is a good faith estimate for time spent to search, review, and segregate the 6,305 email records:
For search/segregation time expenses:
Position: IT Support Specialist = $ 25.00
Hourly Rate: $25.00 x 1 hour
(Actual Hourly Rate exceeds $25.00/hr)
Position: Assistant City Solicitor
Hourly Rate: $25.00 x 52.5 hours
(6,305 records x 30 seconds/record) = $1312.50
(Actual Hourly Rate exceeds $25.00/hr) _________
SUBTOTAL $ 1337.50
Less First 2.0 Hours of Search Time = - 50.00
($25.00 x 2 Hours) ________
TOTAL ESTIMATE $ 1287.50
Under G.L. c. 66, ยง10(d)(iii), the first two hours of search and segregation time are free.
Upon receipt of the estimated fee and the City's review of the relevant documents, the City will produce copies of the portions of the files which are public records and shall withhold or redact any document or portion thereof, specifying the applicable exemption(s). Please make your check payable to the City of Somerville and send it to my attention.
Please note that the fee is merely an estimate. Actual costs of reproducing the requested records and the costs associated with search and segregation time will be based upon the total number of responsive records located and actual search and segregation time, and will be due and payable prior to production of any records in excess of this initial estimate.
Sincerely,
Eileen M. McGettigan, Esq.
Special Counsel
Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development
City of Somerville
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-6600 x2524
Files
There are no files associated with this request.