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February 1, 2005 Mayor Alan Hallman City of Hapeville P.O. Box 82311 Hapeville, GA 30354 VIA FACSIMILE (404) 669-2113 Dear Mayor Hallman: I am writing on behalf of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. We are an organization that seeks to advance the cause of open government and monitors freedom of information issues throughout this state. We have learned that some citizens of Hapeville may not be able to attend the monthly meetings of the city council, due to space constraints. As you know, the Open Meetings Act states that “[t]he public at all times shall be afforded access to meetings declared open to the public.” O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1© et seq. According to our courts, “[t]he Act is construed broadly to ensure public access to and input into the deliberative process and to foster confidence in our leaders and the decisions they make.” Claxton Enterprise v. Evans We are concerned that the limited size of the council’s meeting rooms may be contrary to public policy and the statute and urge you to review O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 et seq. which sets forth the requirements for properly held public meetings. To that end, I have enclosed a copy of our publication, Georgia’s Sunshine Laws: A Citizen’s Guide to Open Government. We would appreciate an explanation of what will be done to remedy these actions that go against the interests of the public. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you. Sincerely, Hollie Manheimer Executive Director Enclosure Cc: GFAF Board |
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