Aug 1, 2022 Lawrenceville Borough Highlight

On July 18 2022 I went to Lawrenceville Borough office and requested a list of public documents from the Secretary. I was sent out for 20 minutes, I imagined so they could be put together. I asked for these documents verbally as the note I left was my own copy of sloppy thoughts, I didn't expect to request these in writing nor was I provided a form or request to do so. I thought I was just stepping out to be polite and not distracting. I only received some of these items.
-Receipt for playground mulch discussed the question of playground certification with the Secretary as my reason for this request.
-Meeting minutes for June and May specifically, discussed with the Secretary that if there are others approved I would like copies of those in order to achieve the full scope of information being collected, especially in relation to the recent DEP v Lawrenceville Borough case that's now been settled.
-Invoice for PennDot as mentioned in prior meeting minutes
-Invoice for Penn-York Accounting firm also mentioned in prior meeting minutes.
-Invoice/Receipts for Advertising expenses of May, June, and July as approved by minutes in prior meetings.
When I returned I was informed that my request was being denied, not just the invoices I requested but also the meeting minutes, and agendas. I provided the Secretary with my business card and contact information in the event that she acquired permission to provide my requested documents and she attached this to a copy of my sloppy brain thought note card. She assured me that it was out of her control and that the council President had denied my requests. I politely complied and left. There is a sign on the door and inside the office that states no video or audio recording in the building. It's worth mentioning that there is no reasonable right to privacy in public spaces and that includes the Lawrenceville Borough office located on Main St. I have politely not recorded when requested (I have been previously denied the right to record public meetings in other places) even though these requests are in direct violation of my First Amendment rights regardless of my state registration as Independent Media but as a citizen. I politely challenge anyone with the authority to remove the no recording signs from the office building.
It is also worth noting that I was provided some of these documents following the meeting on August 1 and making a public request. I make a conscious effort to not interfere with residents' ability to participate, see and hear their officials conducting business and even offer to provide the paper for my requests. I find it only appropriate at this time to highlight my own personal interactions with Lawrenceville Council as it is not my intent to focus on any one individual in attendance.
You can find the documents provided in a separate post and at the end of the video. Watch it twice for the full effect and my commentary. For full context, be sure to watch the livestream and join us when we're live, send us your photos, or request an interview while we're at any of the meetings. I am more than happy to provide a place for residents and guests to share their messages.
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