City of Asheville Submitted: April 27, 2021 | Updated: May 9, 2022

[See Editor’s Note](April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Hi City of Asheville, NC Government (Records Officer),

I'd like to make a public records request for the following information:

1) Please provide the name(s) and public personnel file(s) of any employees that manage or have managed any public comment portions of City Council meetings or meetings of City Council committee meetings from 01/01/20 through 04/15/21 (or as of the date the query is performed).

2) Also, please provide all text messages, call logs, and internet search history for said employees' cellular phones, laptops, tablets, desk top computers, net books, or any other digital device, mobile or otherwise, to include their land line telephones. All responsive records from 01/01/20 through 04/15/21 (or as of the date the query is performed).

Thank you for your assistance!

Editor’s Note: Sunshine Request makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.

Editors Note 04/27/21: The above submission has been revised. There are certain types of requests that we will not process, and certain records that we will not publish on www.sunshinerequest.com. We reserve the right to reject or remove requests, based on our own policies and judgement.

In the case of the request above, we will not fulfill a portion of #2, which asked for all “phone contacts”. This is likely not a matter of public record, but, is also not something that we’ll publish on our site.

Due to the personal nature of this type of information, we recommend that the sender reach out directly to the appropriate entity for assistance with that portion of the request, should they wish to pursue it.

Before submitting a request, please take a moment to review our tips for How to write and make a successful request. If you have additional questions about our site or how to make requests, please check out our FAQs or Policies page.

Thank you for using www.sunshinerequest.com!

Status: Completed

Documents:

Activity:

May 9, 2022 11:45 am
1 year ago

from: City of Asheville Public Records <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: May 9, 2022, 11:45 AM
subject: [External Message Added] City of Asheville public records request #21-3

Good morning, Sunshine Request,

As stated in my previous communication, the production of records for this request was done prematurely, before non-responsive records had been removed. The documents that were removed are those that were determined to be non-responsive.

Beth Bechel’s texts were temporarily removed while the review of records was being completed. Those texts are now able to be viewed.

I can say that I personally am not aware of this having happened with any other public records requests; it appears to be a unique situation in which records were inadvertently released prior to review.

If you have any questions, please reply to this message or contact [email protected].

Status: Clarification Provided
May 5, 2022 4:11 pm
1 year ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
cc: Public Records Request Inbox <[email protected]>
date: May 5, 2022, 4:11 PM
subject: Re: [External Message Added] City of Asheville public records request #21-3

City of Asheville Public Records,

I have another follow up to my previous message.

Thank you for confirming that these documents were intentionally removed by City Staff.

We’re not entirely clear why City Staff would spend time reviewing and removing documents on public records requests that have already been provided to the public. Can you provide any additional details as to what has prompted this effort by Staff, and whether that process is being applied just to this one request or to other requests as well?

We find it problematic that the City would take this action without providing any notification to the entity that made the request or to the general public. We understand that the results of public records requests may, in some circumstances, be revised after initial release. However, we feel that it is critical that City Staff clearly document these modifications for the sake of transparency and proactively communicate these updates to the requesting entity.

For this specific request, our team would like to request additional information regarding the changes that staff have made to the documents you previously provided. The City Staff response indicates that some documents were removed because they were “non-responsive” – Can you please provide us with a list of the documents removed for this reason?

The City Staff response also indicated that Beth Bechel’s texts have been made “viewable” again. Can you please clarify why those texts were removed, and why they were re-added at a later date?

Thank you for your assistance!

Sunshine Request Team

Status: Clarification Requested
May 3, 2022 4:33 pm
1 year ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: May 3, 2022, 4:32 PM
subject: Re: [External Message Added] City of Asheville public records request #21-3

Good afternoon City of Asheville Public Records,

Thank you for your help here! I’ve marked the request as completed on our site.

Have a good day.

Status: Completed
May 3, 2022 4:18 pm
1 year ago

from: City of Asheville Public Records <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: May 2, 2022, 4:18 PM
subject: [External Message Added] City of Asheville public records request #21-3

Good afternoon, Sunshine Request,

I apologize for the delayed response. The production of records for this request was done prematurely, before non-responsive records had been removed. The documents that were removed are those that were determined to be non-responsive. I have made Beth Bechel’s texts viewable again. If you have any questions, please reply to this message or email [email protected].

**Editor’s Note: The original files we received are on our Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/4/folders/1WvYCMyVN6fqdX4kK1eBloHd_7xWly04s

This request can also be seen on the City’s public records portal, NextRequest, at the following link: https://cityofashevillenc.nextrequest.com/requests/21-3

Status: Response Received from Government
April 9, 2022 4:32 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
cc: Public Records Request Inbox <[email protected]>
date: Apr 29, 2022, 4:32 PM
subject: Re: Your City of Asheville public records request #21-3 has been closed.

Good afternoon City of Asheville Public Records,

I’m following up on my last several emails that are seeking clarification about this request. Can you please provide an update?

I will plan on following up again in mid-May if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
April 15, 2022 3:51 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
cc: Public Records Request Inbox <[email protected]>
date: Apr 15, 2022, 3:51 PM
subject: Re: Your City of Asheville public records request #21-3 has been closed

Good afternoon City of Asheville Public Records,

Following up on my email from 10 days ago to make sure you’ve seen it?

We’ve now noticed that the documents we received originally on this request
(which we archived in our own Google Drive folder) are different than what’s currently posted on the City’s Google Drive. The City’s Google Drive link shows some folders with a modification date of February 10th, 2022, even though this request was completed back in November of last year. Also the attachments and Beth Bechel’s texts are no longer there.

Can you please explain to us why documents have been removed from the City’s Google Drive folder, and whether this was intentional or not?

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
April 5, 2022 3:11 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: Apr 5, 2022, 3:11 PM
subject: Re: Your City of Asheville public records request #21-3 has been closed.

Good afternoon City of Asheville Public Records,

Following up on my email from earlier today.

We’ve now noticed that the documents we received originally (which we archived in our own Google Drive folder) are different than what’s currently posted on the City’s Google Drive. The City’s Google Drive link shows some folders with a modification date of February 10th, 2022, even though this request was completed back in November of last year. Also the attachments and Beth Bechel’s texts are no longer there.

Can you please explain to us why documents have been removed from the City’s Google Drive folder, and whether this was intentional or not?

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
April 5, 2022 12:44 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: Apr 5, 2022, 12:44 PM
subject: Re: Your City of Asheville public records request #21-3 has been closed.

Good afternoon City of Asheville Public Records,

I’m following up on this already completed request because I need clarification. Upon further inspection, one of the responsive folders we got back is empty and we wanted to confirm that it was accurate?

The documents we are referencing are here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/105WC0qJR7NAp7WMkzhtdMSG2F1TrxfLB

The folder in question is for “Beth Bechel” – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QR7LJ5mfkgMbhDNFPyJ3w9TdGd0d5k8l

Any clarification you can provide would be helpful.

Thank you!

Status: Clarification Requested
November 11, 2021 3:59 pm
2 years ago

**Editor’s Note: This request can also be viewed on the City’s Public Records Portal, NextRequest, at this link: https://cityofashevillenc.nextrequest.com/requests/21-3

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: Nov 11, 2021, 3:59 PM
subject: Re: Your City of Asheville public records request #21-3 has been closed.

Good afternoon City of Asheville Public Records,

Thank you for your help with this request. I’ve marked it as completed on our site.

Have a good day!

Status: Completed
November 11, 2021 9:54 am
2 years ago

from: City of Asheville Public Records <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: Nov 9, 2021, 9:54 AM
subject: Your City of Asheville public records request #21-3 has been closed.

Hello, Sunshine Request,

The records you requested regarding the public comments portion of the City Council meetings are now available at the link below:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/105WC0qJR7NAp7WMkzhtdMSG2F1TrxfLB?usp=sharing

Please let me know if you have any difficultly accessing the documents.

All records have been released in accordance with the North Carolina Public Records Act. Your request has been fulfilled and is now closed. Reply to this message or contact [email protected] with questions.

**Editor’s Note to Sender: You can view the responsive records referenced by the City at the following URL:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/105WC0qJR7NAp7WMkzhtdMSG2F1TrxfLB?usp=sharing

Additionally, we do attempt to download our own copy of the records. However, the files were too large to upload directly to our site. Therefore, we have downloaded them and put them into our own Google Drive folder, here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/4/folders/1WvYCMyVN6fqdX4kK1eBloHd_7xWly04s

Status: Response Received from Government
October 13, 2021 12:53 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: [email protected]
date: Oct 13, 2021, 12:53 PM
subject: Re: Your City of Asheville public records request #21-3 has been published.

Good afternoon City of Asheville Public Records,

I am checking in on this request to see if there’s any update to report? I will plan on following up again in early November if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
September 13, 2021 4:48 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Public Records Request Inbox <[email protected]>
date: Sep 13, 2021, 4:48 PM
subject: Re: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good afternoon City of Asheville Government,

I am following up on this request from 4/28 to see if there’s any update to report: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

I will plan on following up again at the end of the month if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
August 24, 2021 1:40 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Liz Harper <[email protected]>
date: Aug 24, 2021, 1:40 PM
subject: Re: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good afternoon Liz,

Thank you for your last update on 7/29.

I will wait to follow up again until early September.

Appreciate your help!

Status: Government Processing Request
July 29, 2021 12:00 pm
2 years ago

from: Liz Harper <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Jul 29, 2021, 12:00 PM
subject: Re: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good morning Sunshine Request,
I’m reviewing these with the Legal team now. Due to the high number of text messages I anticipate it may take two more weeks.
Best,

Liz Harper (she/her)
Public Records Officer, City of Asheville
(828) 259-5631 [email protected]

Status: Government Processing Request
July 28, 2021 4:44 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Liz Harper <[email protected]>
date: Jul 28, 2021, 4:44 PM
subject: Re: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good afternoon Liz,

Checking in on this request to see if there was any update to report? I will plan on following up again in mid-August if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
June 10, 2021 3:59 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Liz Harper <[email protected]>
date: Jun 10, 2021, 3:59 PM
subject: Re: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good afternoon Liz,

I’m checking in on this request that was sent in on 4/28 to see if there was any update to report? I will plan on following up again at the end of the month if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
May 13, 2021 2:36 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Liz Harper <[email protected]>
date: May 13, 2021, 2:36 PM
subject: Re: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good afternoon Liz,

Thank you for confirming receipt of the request. I’ll plan on following up again later this month if I haven’t heard back by then.

Appreciate your help!

Status: Government Processing Request
April 29, 2021 12:32 pm
2 years ago

from: Liz Harper <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Apr 29, 2021, 12:32 PM
subject: Re: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good afternoon Sunshine Request,
I have received your public records request and will forward it to the appropriate person(s) for processing. Once processing is complete, I will forward you any responsive records. In the meantime, please let me know if you have questions.
All best,

Liz Harper (she/her)
Public Records Officer, City of Asheville
(828) 259-5631 [email protected]

Status: Government Processing Request
April 28, 2021 3:36 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Liz Harper <[email protected]>
date: Apr 28, 2021, 3:36 PM
subject: Record Request: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Good afternoon Asheville City Government,

I’d like to make a public records request for information that may be available in your office.

Please confirm receipt to let me know the request will begin processing, and if possible, please provide a rough estimate of when the request may be completed. I will plan on following up again in early-May if I have not heard back before then.

Here are the details of the request:

Subject: (April 2021) Request for City of Asheville, NC “Public Comment Employees” communications 01/01/20 – 04/15/21

Message: “Hi City of Asheville, NC Government (Records Officer),

I’d like to make a public records request for the following information:

1) Please provide the name(s) and public personnel file(s) of any employees that manage or have managed any public comment portions of City Council meetings or meetings of City Council committee meetings from 01/01/20 through 04/15/21 (or as of the date the query is performed).

2) Also, please provide all text messages, call logs, and internet search history for said employees’ cellular phones, laptops, tablets, desk top computers, net books, or any other digital device, mobile or otherwise, to include their land line telephones. All responsive records from 01/01/20 through 04/15/21 (or as of the date
the query is performed).

Thank you for your assistance!”

Thank you!

** Sunshine Request makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.

Status: Sent to Government
April 27, 2021 12:01 pm
2 years ago

Submitted to Sunshine Request

Status: Pending