Public Records Request

Public Records Request

Freedom of Information - Public Records Request

What is a Public Record?

Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. Exemptions may be found at Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws. For more information, please visit the Secretary of State's page on Public Information.

What is a Public Records Request?

A public records request is a request to either inspect, and / or copy public records. There is no requirement that the request be made in person or in writing, or be in any particular form. The person making the request is not required to identify himself/herself, or to provide information about the reason for the request or how the records will be used. The request must be clear enough to enable the Town to conduct a meaningful search. The Town may ask questions about the request in order to respond to the request fully and in a timely manner. The State acknowledges that access to information is a fundamental and necessary right of every citizen.

Where can I request a Public Record?

To obtain a copy and / or inspect public records maintained by the Town, you may submit your request in anyone of the following ways:

  1. Town of Wilbraham website by completing an online request form;
  2. Electronic mail by submitting an email request (see below for Departments and appropriate contacts);
  3. Typed or handwritten request by mail to the appropriate department;
  4. Facsimile by submitting the request to the appropriate department;
  5. In person by submitting a written or oral request to the appropriate department.

NOTE:  If department is not known, you can submit your request to the Town Clerk, who will forward the request to the appropriate department.

Public record requests shall include a reasonable description of the requested record to the records access officer (RAO) so that he / she can identify and locate it promptly. Under the law and to the extent feasible, the RAO shall provide public records to a requester in an electronic format unless the record is not available in an electronic format or the requester does not have the ability to receive or access the records electronically.

You are asked to provide the following information to ensure that we process your request as efficiently as possible:

  • Your name, address, email address and telephone number;
  • A reasonable description of the record(s) sought, containing specific dates and supporting information which will allow the Town to identify and locate the record(s);
  • Your preference to inspect/review record(s) or to copy the record(s); and
  • If you do not want your records electronically transmitted to you, the method you would like the records delivered.

What happens to my request?

The Records Access Officer must furnish a copy or permit inspection of public records within ten business days as long as:

  • The request reasonably describes the public record sought;
  • The public record is within the possession, custody or control of the municipality that the records access officer serves;
  • The public record is not exempted by statue; and
  • If applicable, the records access officer receives payment of a reasonable fee.

If the Records Access Officer is unable to provide a full response to your request within the ten business days he or she must respond to your request and include the following information:

  • Confirmation of your request;
  • Identify the correct RAO if the request was submitted to the wrong RAO;
  • Outline what will be withheld, if known;
  • Provide an explanation for the inability to provide the records within the timeframe;
  • When a response is expected.

*Responses will be delivered by email if an email has been provided otherwise; the response will be delivered by first-class mail.

Record Access Officers

Mailing Address:

Town of Wilbraham
[INSERT APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENT NAME]
240 Springfield Street
Wilbraham, MA 01095

Town of Wilbraham - Chief Records Access Officer:

Carole J. Tardif - Town Clerk
413-596-2800, ext. 200
Fax # - 413-596-2830

Departmental Records Access Officers:

Accounting – Derek Geser
413-596-2800, ext. 210
Fax # - 413-596-9256
Email Derek Geser

Assessors –  Christopher Keefe
413-596-2800, ext. 209
Fax # - 413-596-2820
Email  Christopher Keefe

Building Inspector – John J Walsh Jr
413-596-2800, ext. 204
Fax # - 413-596-9256
Email John J Walsh Jr

Conservation – Melissa Graves
413-596-2800, ext. 204
Fax # - 413-596-9256
Email Melissa Graves

Fire - Chief Michael Andrews
413-596-3122
Fax # - 413-596-2632
Email Michael Andrews

Police – Edward Lennon
413-596-3837
Fax # - 413-596-3189
Email Edward Lennon

Planning –Jeffrey Smith
413-596-2800, ext. 203
Fax # - 413-596-9256
Email Jeffrey Smith

Public Works – Tonya Basch
413-596-2800, ext. 208
Fax # - 413-596-9256
Email Tonya Basch

Town Admin / Selectmen – Nick Breault
413-596-2800, ext. 222
Fax # - 413-596-9256
Email Nick Breault

Treasurer / Collector – Thomas Sullivan
413-596-2800, ext. 207
Fax # - 413-596-2830
Email Thomas Sullivan

IT Department – Nate DeLong
Email Nate DeLong

Library – Karen Demers
413-596-6141
Fax# - 413-596-5090
Email Karen Demers

Recreation – Director Bryan Litz
413-596-2816
Fax# - 413-596-2836
Email Bryan Litz

Council on Aging – Director Paula Dubord
413-596-8379
Fax# - 413-596-8546
Email Paula Dubord

Veteran Services – Jered Sasen
413-596-8657
Fax# - 413-596-8546
Email Jered Sasen

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