November 19, 2004

Mr. John Izard, Jr., President of the Board of Directors

Ms. Debbie McCown, Executive Director

Piedmont Park Conservancy

P.O. Box 7795

Atlanta, GA 30357-0795

VIA FACSIMILE (404) 875-0530 

Dear Mr. Izard and Ms. McCown:

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 understand that the Piedmont Park Conservancy complies with Georgia’s Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-17-70 et seq.  However, we have learned that the Piedmont Park Conservancy will hold a meeting this evening that will be closed to the public.

We are concerned that this closure 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.  Please note that the definition for an agency subject to the Open Records Act is contained in the definitions portion of the Open Meetings Act; if an agency is subject to one act, it is subject to the other.  See O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70(a) referencing O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(a)(1).

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:       Mark C. Rusche, Esq., Conservancy Attorney (Facsimile 404-881-7777)

GFAF Board