Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. The law provides that a person can ask a public body for a copy of its records on a specific subject and the public body must provide those records, unless there is an exemption in the statute that protects those records from disclosure (for example: records containing information concerning trade secrets or personal privacy).
The Godley Park District complies with the intent and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the principal Illinois statutory enactment governing the inspection of public records.
The FOIA provides access to all “agency records”, except those which are specifically exempted within the Act. Exemptions are listed in Section 7 of the FOIA. Further, the FOIA permits “any person” to request access agency records.
HOW TO OBTAIN PARK DISTRICT RECORDS (FOIA):
Record requests involving the Godley Park District are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1, et. seq.) and should be directed in writing to Ken Sorensen, FOIA Officer, at the Park District Office, 500 S. Kankakee Street, Godley, Illinois, 60407; by Fax to (815) 458-6108; or by email to: ken@godleypark.com
The fees for document copies are $0.15 for black and white, letter or legal sized pages. No fees shall be charged for the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal sized copies requested by a requester. If the District is required to seek outside reproduction of documents, the fee will be the actual outside cost to the District. Certification of documents is also available upon request for a fee of $1.00 per record.
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act you may obtain the OMA Compensation Report by filling out a FOIA request, calling the Director and/or email.
How to submit a FOIA request:
A person can request public records in person, on the telephone or in a written letter. When requesting information in person, a “Freedom of Information Request” form needs to be completed by the person requesting the information. In the case of a request over the telephone, the Freedom of Information Officer for the District will complete the FOIA request form, forward a copy to the person making the request, and keep the required copy on file. When making a written request, be as specific as you can regarding the information you are requesting and be sure to include a phone number and return address. All requests should be directed to the Godley Park District, Freedom of Information Officer.
The FOIA states that requests be responded to within five (5) working days. However, the FOIA Officer may request an extension if the information requested will take longer to assemble. Also, the District may charge a minimal fee for reproduction of materials.
The Godley Park District Freedom of Information Officer: Ken Sorensen may be reached by telephone at (815) 458-6129 or in writing at 500 S. Kankakee Street, Godley, IL 60407.
How do I appeal a denial?
In the event of a denial, you may either file a Request for Review with the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC), or file a lawsuit in court. For complete information, contact PAC at:
Public Access Bureau
500 S. 2nd Street
Springfield , Illinois 62706
(217) 558-0486
What records are available?
• Accident, Injury and Incident Reports
• Accounts Payable and Receivable Records
• Annual Financial Report
• Attorney Bios
• Audits
• Bid Records
• Bill, Check, Invoice, Voucher and Warrant Listings
• Board of Commissioners Information
• Board of Commissioners Agendas and Meeting Minutes
• Bond Records
• Budgets
• Business License Records
• Capital Improvement Plan
• Certificates of Publications, Meeting Notices, Legal Notices and Press Releases
• Election Records
• Insurance Policies
• Investment Records
• Ledgers, Journals and Registers (General, Utilities, Accounts Payable and Receivable, etc.)
• List of Board and Commissions
• Material Safety Data Sheets
• Officials’ Oaths, Bonds and Appointments
• Ordinance and Document Index
• Ordinances, Resolutions, Proclamations and Motions
• Tax Levy Records
• Treasurer’s Reports
• Vendor Records
• Work Orders and Service Requests
Notice of Availability of Annual Audit and Annual Statement
Notice is hereby given that the annual certified audit and annual statement of the Godley Park District, Will & Grundy Counties, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning May 1 and ending April 30, is available for public inspection. The audit was conducted by Mack & Associates, PC. Inspection of the audit and/or annual statement is available at the administrative office of the Park District, 500 S. Kankakee Street, Godley, Illinois 60407 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The 2021-2022 Annual Audit and Statement is completed and available.
Illinois Prevailing Wage Act Notice
In accordance with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, the Godley Park District (“Park District”) has made a determination of the prevailing rate of wages to be paid to laborers, mechanics and other workers employed in public works projects for the Park District. The Park District has determined that the prevailing rate of wages as determined by the Illinois Department of Labor is the wage rates for Will and Grundy Counties.