Dear Mansfield Township (Warren),

This is a request for public records made under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and the common law right of access. I am not required to fill out an official form. Please acknowledge receipt of this message.

Public Records requested:

(1) Executive Meeting Notes for October 26, 2022, November 9, 2022, and November 22, 2022;

(2) For the period January 1, 2020 to the present, all communications, emails, contracts, memoranda of understanding, and Requests for Proposals/Bids to and from any Emergency Medical Service providers including "Independence First Aid Squad" and "Mansfield Emergency Medical Services"; and

(3) For the period January 1, 2020 to the present, all public records including but not limited to payments, operating costs, and donations relating to "Independence First Aid Squad" and "Mansfield Emergency Medical Services"

Please provide all responses electronically and through this website.

Thank you,
William N. Sosis

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2023-01-06 10:20:38 AM - Below are communications not captured by OPRAMachine because they were transmitted via email
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Subject: Re: OPRA Request 12/20/22
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2023 18:32:36 -0500
From: Bill Sosis <[email address]>
To: Township Clerk <[email address]>
CC: Michael Lavery <[email address]>

There is no need for “access” to OPRAMachine. You don’t have to do anything other than reply to the emails sent. There's also some case law on municipalities that refuse to use the OPRAMachine. As a "records custodian" you really need to consult "The New Jersey Open Public Records Act Handbook for Records Custodians". Specifically Page 17 which states:

Internet Requests: Some public agencies and third parties (such as OPRAmachine) have created or contracted out systems that allow a citizen to fill out an online request form and file it with the custodian over the Internet. The means of submitting a request form (mail, in-person, Internet) will not affect which records will or will not be available for access.
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On Thu, Jan 5, 2023 at 10:03 AM Bill Sosis <[email address]> wrote:

I just sent you a link showing that you already used the OPRAMachine system on December 21, 2022 to respond to an OPRA request. You also uploaded Ordinance No. 22-29 and signed your response as follows:

Jo-Ann Ricks
Acting Township Clerk
Mansfield Township
100 Port Murray Rd.
Port Murray, NJ 07865
Ph: 908-689-6151 ext. 128
Email: [email address]

Was it someone else that responded and signed your name?
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On Thu, Jan 5, 2023 at 9:45 AM Township Clerk <[email address]> wrote:

Mr. Sosis,
I am not sure what you just sent since I don’t have access to OPRA Machine but please be advised, I do not have access to OPRA Machine. I can only see what was sent via emails but I can’t respond via opra machine, only email. have deferred to the Twp Attorney as to whether or not we need to maintain it. Once counsel makes the determination, we will proceed accordingly.
We anticipate completing your opra request (via email) by tomorrow.
Thank you

Jo-Ann Ricks
Acting Township Clerk
Mansfield Township
100 Port Murray Rd.
Port Murray, NJ 07865
Ph: 908-689-6151 ext. 128
Email: [email address]

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From: Bill Sosis <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, January 5, 2023 9:38 AM
To: Township Clerk <[email address]>
Cc: Michael Lavery <[email address]>
Subject: Re: OPRA Request 12/20/22

Not sure why you suddenly don't have "access" to OPRAMachine when you used the system on December 21, 2022 to respond to an OPRA request. See: https://opramachine.com/request/ordinanc... Regardless, below is the link to where you can ADD yourself to OPRAMACHINE. Once there, I'm sure you'll agree that it can't be easier.

https://opramachine.com/change_request/new

William N. Sosis
15 Brantwood Terrace
Hackettstown, N.J. 07840-4101
T: (201) 655-6400
F: (201) 781-7855

Thanks,
Bill

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On Thu, Dec 29, 2022 at 5:09 PM Bill Sosis <[email address]> wrote:

Thank you for your letter. I have no issue with an extension but is a two-week extension really necessary for redacting? I would like to receive your response by Friday, January 6, 2023. Also, this request was submitted on December 20, 2022 and is due tomorrow, December 30, 2022. In the future, could the Town not wait until the last minute to request an extension.

On Thu, Dec 29, 2022 at 4:12 PM Township Clerk <[email address]> wrote:

Good Afternoon Mr. Sosis

Please see the attached letter requesting an extension for your OPRA Request.

Thank you

Jo-Ann Ricks
Acting Township Clerk
Mansfield Township
100 Port Murray Rd.
Port Murray, NJ 07865
Ph: 908-689-6151 ext. 128
Email: [email address]

<ATTACHED LETTER>

Township of Mansfield
100 PORT MURRAY RD. PORT MURRAY, NJ 07865
Telephone: (908) 689-6151 Fax 128 Fax: (908) 689-2840
OFFICE OF THE TOWNSHIP CLERK

December 29, 2022

Mr. Sosis,

Our office has reviewed your OPRA Request dated 12/20/22. I have been able to access our previous Acting Clerk's emails and gather the information however there are a substantial amount and some will need redacting. At the advice of the Township Attorney, Mr. Lavery, we respectfully request a 2-week extension making the new compliance date January 12, 2023. Please advised <sic> if this acceptable at your earliest convenience.

Please be further advised that at this time, our office has no access to OPRAmachine.com

Kind Regards,

Jo-Ann M. Ricks
Acting Township Clerk
Mansfield Township
100 Port Murray Rd.
Port Murray, NJ 07865
(908) 689-6151 ext 128
[email address]

cc: Michael Lavery via email
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