FOIA
Freedom of Information Act
The St. Charles Park District is committed to open and transparent government. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) provides the public with access to records concerning the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of public officials and employees.
What is FOIA?
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) gives any person the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records maintained by the St. Charles Park District, except for records that are exempt from disclosure under state or federal law.
A public record includes documents, reports, letters, emails, photographs, electronic records, recordings, maps, contracts, and other materials prepared, used, received, possessed, or maintained by the Park District in conducting public business.
Certain records may be exempt from disclosure, including records containing private information, personal information protected by law, attorney-client privileged communications, certain personnel records, security-related information, and other records exempt under Section 7 of FOIA.
Submit a FOIA Request
Requests for public records should be submitted in writing and should describe the records sought with as much specificity as possible.
FOIA requests may be submitted by completing the form below:
FOIA requests may also be submitted by:
Email: foia@stcparks.org
By Mail or In Person:
Freedom of Information Officer
St. Charles Park District
101 S. Second Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
Freedom of Information Officer
Jenny Santos
Administrative Assistant to the Director of Parks and Recreation
Phone: 630-513-4316
Email: foia@stcparks.org
Response Time
Generally, the Park District will respond within five (5) business days after receiving a request. Certain requests may qualify for an extension of up to five (5) additional business days as permitted by law.
Requests submitted for a commercial purpose are subject to different response requirements under FOIA.
Frequently Requested Records
Many records are available without submitting a FOIA request.
Available on the Park District Website
The following categories of records are generally available online:
- Board of Commissioners meeting agendas
- Board of Commissioners meeting minutes
- ADA and accessibility information
- Annual budget
- Annual financial report and audit
- Bid opportunities and requests for proposals
- Community survey results
- Comprehensive master plan
- Organizational chart
- Use Regulation Ordinance
- Municipal Directory
Visitors are encouraged to search the website before submitting a FOIA request.
Records Available for Immediate Disclosure Upon Request
Pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the following categories of records are generally available for immediate disclosure upon request, provided the records are not exempt from disclosure and are readily available:
Governance Records
- Board of Commissioners meeting packets
- Board resolutions
- Board ordinances
- Approved policies and procedures
Financial Records
- Treasurer’s reports
- Financial statements
- List of bills
- Vendor payment reports
- Tax levy ordinances
- Appropriation ordinances
Administrative Records
- Employee position classifications
- Salary schedules
- FOIA logs
- Public records retention schedule
Contracts and Procurement Records
- Bid tabulations
- Construction bid documents after award
- Executed contracts
- Intergovernmental agreements
- Professional service agreements
- Requests for proposals (RFPs)
- Requests for qualifications (RFQs)
Personnel Information Available Under FOIA
The following information regarding District employees is generally disclosable:
- Employee names
- Job titles
- Dates of employment
- Current salaries
- Employment contracts
- Attendance records required to be disclosed under Illinois law
Personnel files and personal information protected by law are exempt from disclosure.
Fees to be charged for copying and for certification of public records
The first 50 pages of black-and-white, letter or legal-sized copies are provided at no charge.
Additional fees may apply:
- Letter-size copies: $0.05 per page
- Legal-size copies: $0.10 per page
- Non-standard documents: actual reproduction cost
- Certified copies: $1.00 per document
No fees are charged for searching, reviewing, or redacting records.
Electronic records will be provided electronically whenever feasible.
The Park District may waive or reduce fees when disclosure is in the public interest and not primarily for personal or commercial benefit.
Request for Review
If a FOIA request is denied, the requester may seek review by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC).
Illinois Attorney General
Public Access Counselor
500 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62706
Website: Illinois Attorney General
Requesters may also seek judicial review as provided by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.