Since it is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society
that the public business be performed in an open and public manner
and that the citizens be advised of and (be made) aware of the performance
of public officials and the deliberations and decisions that go into
the making of public policy, all departments, agencies, commissions,
committees, boards, councils, bureaus, authorities and all subdivisions
thereof in or under the jurisdiction of the government of the City
of Pawtucket are hereby declared to be subject to all applicable provision
of the Rhode Island State Open Meeting Law and all amendments thereof.
The citizens of the city shall have and may exercise all of the remedies
provided by state law in cases of violation of the provisions of the
state open meetings law.
[Amended 7-31-1991 by Ch. No. 2211]
The public shall have the right of access to records pertaining
of the policy-making responsibility of the government of the City
of Pawtucket, subject only to such restrictions and limitations as
are provided in state law to protect the right of the individual to
dignity and privacy. Accordingly, the records of all agencies and
public bodies of the city to which the public access legislation is
applicable, excepting only those records specifically exempted therein,
shall be made accessible to any member of the public requesting the
same. Access shall include the right to make copies pursuant to the
provisions of the public access legislation. Any member of the public
shall have and may exercise all of the remedies provided by state
law in cases in which access to records has been denied.
[Added Ref. of 11-2-2010]
All agencies and public bodies of the city shall make available
to the public for review an electronic copy, accessible through the
city's official website, of all periodic financial reports required
by this charter to be submitted to the City Council and a current
budget for said agency or body and any report the City Council may
in the future require by ordinance.
[Added Ref. of 11-2-2010]
The City Clerk shall make available to the public for review
an electronic copy, accessible through the city's official website,
of any proposed ordinance upon introduction to the City Council in
accordance with Sec 2-201(8) of this charter, and the proposed annual
budget and budget ordinance upon introduction to the City Council
in accordance with Sec 2-201(9), and amendments to the proposed annual
budget, and the annual audit report submitted in accordance with Sec
2-503 of this charter.
[Added Ref. of 11-2-2010]
In December of each year, the City Clerk shall notify the residents
of Pawtucket through advertisement in newspapers of substantial circulation
and on the city's official website, of all terms expiring in the forthcoming
calendar year (twelve months), and current vacancies existing, on
all City Boards and Commissions appointed by the Mayor.