General Public Notice
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
Public Records Request Policy


Introduction:
It is the policy of the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio ("SWACO") that openness leads to a better informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy. It is the policy of SWACO to strictly adhere to the State Of Ohio's Public Records Act as set forth in Ohio Revised Code section 149.43. Any denial of public records in response to a request will be accompanied by an explanation, including legal authority, as set forth in the Ohio Revised Code.  If the request is in writing, any explanation denying a request shall also be in writing.

Section 1. Public records. SWACO, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, defines records as including the following: Any document – paper, electronic (including, but not limited to, e-mail), or other format – that is created or received by, or comes under the jurisdiction of SWACO that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of SWACO. All records of SWACO are public unless they are specifically exempt from disclosure under the Ohio Revised Code.

    -Section 1.1. It is the policy of SWACO, that, as required by Ohio law, records will  be organized and maintained so that they are readily available for inspection and copying.  Record retention schedules shall be updated regularly and made readily available to the public.

Section 2. Record requests. Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify or describe the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow SWACO to identify, retrieve, and review the records. If it is not clear what records are being sought, SWACO's Records Clerk or other designee shall contact the requester for clarification, and will assist the requestor in revising the request by informing the requestor of the manner in which SWACO keeps its records.

    -Section 2.1. The requester does not have to put a records request in writing, and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record. If the requestor does not desire to provide his or her identity, then SWACO will assign that requestor a "public records request number" which SWACO will use to track communications with the requestor and SWACO's responses to the request.
  
    -Section 2.2. Public records shall be available for inspection during regular business hours on days that SWACO is open for business. Public records will be made available for inspection promptly. Copies of records will be provided if requested and will be made available within a reasonable period of time. The terms “Prompt” and "reasonable” take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any legal review of the records requested.

       -Section 2.3. Each request will be evaluated to determine SWACO's estimated response time to the
request, taking into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any legal review of the records requested. If SWACO cannot immediately satisfy a public records request, then SWACO shall acknowledge receipt of the public records request and indicate to the requester the estimated number of business days it will take to satisfy the request; the estimated cost if copies are requested or mailing of copies is requested; and any known items within the request that may be exempt from disclosure. If necessary, SWACO shall update the information contained in the acknowledgement from time to time until the request for public records is satisfied.

    -Section 2.4.  Any denial of a requested public record shall include an explanation, including legal authority for the denial. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions will be redacted and the non-exempt portion released. If there are redactions in a record, each redaction shall be accompanied by a supporting explanation, including legal authority.
   
Section 3. Costs for Public Records. Requesters seeking copies of public records will be charged only the actual cost of making copies and, if appropriate, the costs of mailing copies of the requested records to the requester via U.S. Postal Service or some other delivery service.  SWACO may require a requester to pay the costs associated with copying, downloading or mailing records prior to providing the requester with the desired records.
  
    -Section 3.1. The charge for paper copies is five (5) cents per page.
    -Section 3.2. The charge for downloaded computer files to a compact disc is one (1) dollar per disc.
    -Section 3.3. There is no charge for documents transmitted via e-mail.
    -Section 3.4.  Requesters may ask that documents be mailed to them. They will be charged the actual cost of the postage and mailing supplies, as well as a five (5) cent per page charge for the paper copies, and a one (1) dollar cost for each compact disc.    


Meeting Notice Information

Please Note:
To obtain a copy of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio online:  CAFR on-line   or
call 871-5100

PLEASE NOTEThe SWACO BOARD OF TRUSTEE meeting originally scheduled for October 5 is CANCELLED.
New Date for October SWACO Board of Trustee Meeting: September 29, 2010

SWACO Board of Trustees Meeting Notice (BOT):
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) will hold it’s regular monthly Board of Trustees’ meeting beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the following dates:

SWACO Administration Building
2:30 pm
4239 London-Groveport Road
Grove City, Ohio 43123
614-871-5100

2010 Board Meeting Schedule

January 19

July 6
February 2-Cancelled • August 3
March 2  September 14
April 6
 October 5-Cancelled
New Date: September 29
May 4
 November 2
June 1  December 7


The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the meetings. To obtain a copy of an agenda, call 614-871-5100 or view when available, on SWACO’s website . (Items on the agenda may include, but are not limited to new business, old business, executive staff report and public comment. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the meeting.)


Below is the schedule for the Engineering, Operations and Compliance Committee (EOC), Planning and Programs Committee (PPC) and the Administrative Services Committee (ASC).

EOC/PPC/ASC Committee Dates:
January-None
 July 20
February 16
 August-Cancelled
March 16
 September 21
April 20
 October 19
May 18
 November 16
June 15
 December 21

Engineering, Operations and Compliance Committee (EOC)
Planning and Programs Committee (PPC)

To be held on above listed dates at the following location:
SWACO
2:30 pm
4239 London Groveport Road
Grove City, OH  43123

Administrative Services Committee
(ASC)
To be held on above listed dates at the following location:
Frick Law Building
5:00 pm
1265 Neil Avenue
Columbus,  OH  43201

Audit & Finance Committee

Monday, August 30 2010
4:00 pm
PNC Bank
155 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Legal & Legislative Committee
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
2:30 pm
Frick Law Building
1265 Neil Avenue
Columbus  OH  43201

OCTOBER BOARD RETREAT
The Solid Waste Authority Board of Trustees has scheduled a retreat for:
October 28, 2010
12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
Blue Moon Convention Center
1604 Gateway Circle, Grove City


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
(PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATES)

Pursuant to Section 343.08 of the Ohio Revised Code notice is hereby given by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) that three (3) public hearings will be held pursuant to law on establishing the following proposed rates and charges at the:
SWACO Franklin County
Sanitary Landfill
3851 London-Groveport Road
Grove City, Ohio 43123
  
Jackson Pike
Transfer Station
2566 Jackson Pike
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Morse Road
Transfer Facility
4262 Morse Road
Columbus, Ohio 4323

Georgesville Road
Transfer Facility

1556 Georgesville Road
Columbus, Ohio 43228












Effective Date


January 1
2011

January 1
2012
Type of Rate or Charge



Franklin County Sanitary Landfill
$39.75
$42.75
Jackson Pike Transfer Facility
$51.75
$54.75
Morse Road Transfer Facility
$52.75
$55.75
Georgesville Rd. Transfer Facility
$52.75
$55.75

PUBLIC HEARINGS: Three (3) public hearings will be held on the proposed rates at the:
SWACO Administration Building
4239 London Groveport Road
Grove City, Ohio 43123

on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 
9:30 am–10:30 am

Monday, September 20th, 2010
5:30 pm–6:30 pm

Wednesday, September 22nd
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm

The Board shall hear any person who wishes to testify on the proposed rates or charges. By Order of the SWACO Board of Trustees.