Public Records Request
Records Requests
The City Clerk's Office manages the legislative history of the city, and maintains and preserves official city documents and records in accordance with Federal and State legal mandates and local policies.
The Missouri Sunshine Law provides that most records maintained by public entities are open for inspection and/or copy by individuals.
Board of Aldermen Minutes, Resolutions, and Ordinances are accessible online. Board of Aldermen records prior to online recordkeeping are retained in the City Clerk's office. Please submit a Public Records Request to obtain these records.
Questions regarding open records should be directed to the City Clerk's Office.
Applicable Fees
The Missouri Sunshine Law authorizes public agencies to charge fees for providing access to or furnishing copies of public records. This fee may be requested in advance and may include the cost of staff time required to make the information available as well as the cost of copying or reproducing the records.
Delayed or Denied Requests
Although every attempt will be made to provide the information requested in a timely manner, some requests may be delayed or denied if:
The request is unclear and should be submitted in more detail
Legal issues must be addressed before the records are released
The requested records are archived or stored off site
The volume of records requested is large and will take time to duplicate
The requested records do not exist
The requested records are exempt from disclosure by law
The established fee has not yet bene collected
Public Record Exceptions
The Missouri Sunshine Law
The Missouri Sunshine Law recognizes that some records contain information that is private in nature. For this reason, the act lists a number of exceptions for records that are closed, including:
Legal actions, causes of action, or litigation (except that votes, minutes, and settlement agreements must be opened to the public on final disposition, unless ordered closed by a court)
Leasing, purchase, or sale of real estate where public knowledge might adversely affect the amount paid in the transaction
Hiring, firing, discipling, or promoting a particular employee
Welfare cases of identifiable individuals
Software codes for electronic data processing
Individually identifiable personnel records
Records related to existing or proposed security systems
Records that are protected from disclosure by other laws
How to Request a Public Record
Record Requests
To request a public record, please utilize the following steps:
Check with the City Clerk's Office to determine whether or not the information you need is available
Submit your request for information in writing or fill out the Records Request Form. You are not required to submit the request in writing or use the form, but it helps clarify information and negate miscommunication. Make sure your request is as specific as possible so that it may be filled quickly and completely.
Most records will be produced within three (3) business days from the time the request is received. If the request must be delayed or denied, a written explanation for the delay or denial will be sent within three (3) business days.