The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. Exemptions are described under 5ILCS 140, Section 7 and Section 7.5. In addition, some records may be subject to confidentiality provisions imposed by other state or federal law; the FOIA process for disclosure of information does not supersede these other applicable statutory and judicial mandates.

For non-commercial purpose requests, a response will be provided within five (5) business days from the day after the request is received. For commercial purpose FOIA requests, a response will be provided within 21 business days from the day after the request is received.

The first day starts on the business day after the requested is “received”. The date that the request was received does not count as “day one.” Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(d), that time period may be extended for an additional five business days from the date of the original due date. If additional time is needed, you will receive an extension letter. In addition, a written agreement with the requester can extend the deadline for response beyond the statutory time requirements.

FOIA requests must be in writing and sent to one of the Park District FOIA officers and include the following information:

• Requester’s full name, address and phone number.
• A description of the records being requested. Please be specific when describing the requested records.

Established Fees

Copies (8.5×11”or 8.5×14”, B&W)

• First 50 pages                    Free
• Additional pages              $0.15/side

Other Types of Records with Set Fees

• Actual Cost

Certification

• $1.00/record plus copy cost

Mailing

• Cost of Postage

If the requested records are of a type not listed above, then the fees charged for copying the records will be the actual charges incurred by the District, and the above fees will not apply. The above fees will also not apply if the fee for the requested records is otherwise fixed by statute. If the requested records are produced on an electronic medium, then the Requestor must pay the actual cost of the medium.

Agreement to Pay Fees

Unless a waiver is requested and approved, I agree to pay the following fees for all public records copied at my request:

• Copies – 8 1/2 x11
• Copies – Oversize
• Certification No Charge for first 50 copies. $0.15 over 50 copies (Actual Charge to Reproduce $0.50 per page/document)

I further acknowledge and agree that, if the services of an outside vendor are required to copy any public record, including tape recordings, I shall pay the actual charge that the Park District incurs in connection with such copying services, notwithstanding the fees stated above.