The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in Illinois is a state law that allows the public to access government documents and records. Under the Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140), any records in possession of public agencies can be accessed by the public upon written request. This includes a wide range of materials such as reports, letters, maps, photographs, electronic data, and more.
However, there are certain exemptions and confidentiality provisions that may prevent the release of some records. For example, records that are protected by other state statutes or those that fall under specific exemptions listed in the FOIA statute cannot be disclosed. (5 ILCS 140/7).
Requests for public records are fulfilled under the guidelines of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The City Clerk is the designated FOIA officer for the City of Northlake. The City Clerk’s office is located at 55 E. North Avenue, Northlake, IL 60164. You may contact the City Clerk, Nancy Pauletto, at (708) 343-4700 or by emailing [email protected]
MUNICIPAL RECORDS REQUEST
Any person requesting records of the City of Northlake may make such a request either in person or in writing at the City Clerk’s office located at 55 East North Avenue, Northlake, Illinois.
The proper FOIA form can be obtained either in person or on the City’s website by clicking here.
All written requests should be addressed to the FOIA Officer and made by mailing to the above address, faxing to 708-343-8708, or emailing to Nancy Pauletto [email protected] specifying in particular the records requested to be disclosed and/or copied.
All written requests should be addressed to the FOIA Officer at the address of the City Clerk’s office. If you desire that any records be certified, you must indicate that in your request and specify which records must be certified.
The fees for any such records, if the person requesting the records wishes them to be copied, are as follows:
- First 50 pages – no cost
- Any additional pages – up to $0.15 per page
- Electronic records will be formatted subject to reimbursement for the cost of the recording medium.
- Color copies or copies in a size other than letter or legal will be subject to reimbursement for the actual cost of copying.
- Cost of certifying a record will be $1.00.
Records may be furnished without charge or at a reduced charge as determined by the City if the person requesting the documents states the specific purpose for the request and indicates that a waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest. Waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest if the principal purpose of the request is to access and disseminate information regarding the health, safety, and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not for the principal purpose of personal or commercial benefit.
It is a violation of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/3.1(c) for a person to knowingly obtain a public record for a commercial purpose without disclosing that it is for a commercial purpose if requested to do so by the public body.
You have a right to have the denial of your request reviewed by the Public Access Counselor (PAC) at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). You can file your Request for Review with the PAC by writing to:
Public Access Counselor Office of the Attorney General
500 South 2nd Street - Springfield, Illinois 62706
Fax: 217-782-1396
Email: [email protected]
You also have the right to seek judicial review of your denial by filing a lawsuit in the State circuit court. 5 ILCS 140/11.
If you choose to file a Request for Review with the PAC, you must do so within 60 calendar days of the date of this denial letter. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). Please note that you must include a copy of your original FOIA request and this denial letter when filing a Request for Review with the PAC.
