Right-To-Know Law
Act 3 of 2008 is Pennsylvania's Right-To-Know Law (RTKL), which took effect January 1, 2009. More information on the law can be found at the Commonwealth's Office of Open Records or in the Citizens’ Guide to the Right-To-Know Law and the Sunshine Act.
What is a Record?
Defined under the RTKL as “any information regardless of its physical form or character that documents a transaction or activity of an agency and is created, received, or retained pursuant to law OR in connection with a transaction, business or activity of an agency.” “Records” include but are not limited to; building permits, maps and plans, agency decisions, minutes, letters, and more.
Right-To-Know Requests
To request a public record from North Manheim Township simply fill out the appropriate RTK Request Form and return it to the Open Records Officer (ORO). You must be as clear and as specific as possible when writing your request, transparency will help the ORO narrow down the document(s) you are requesting. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by e-mail. All requests must be in writing on the PA Record Request Form. Arrangements can be made for documents to be viewed at no charge by calling the office. Please be aware that fees may apply to obtain copies of the records.
Response
The Township shall make a good-faith effort to provide the requested public record(s) as promptly as possible. The Open Records Officer will cooperate with those requesting records to review and/or duplicate original Township documents while taking reasonable measures to protect Township documents from the possibility of theft, damage, and/or modification. The Open Records Officer shall review all written requests for access to public records. As soon as possible, but no later than five (5) business days after receiving a written request to access public records, the Open Records Officer shall respond to such requests in writing consistent with the Township's RTKL Policy.
Appeal Information
Appeals must be submitted to the Office of Open Records within 15 business days of the mailing date of the Township's response.
Open Records Officers
Tami M. Stump, Primary
Marcie Schultz, Alternate
Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition
Pennsylvania Right to Know Law
PA Records Request Form
North Manheim Township Policy
Additional Resources
PA Office of Open Records
33 Market Street, 16th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2234. T
Telephone (717) 346-9903
Fax (717) 425-5343
e-mail: openrecords@pa.gov
Schuylkill County District Attorney Office
Schuylkill County Courthouse
401 North Second Street
Pottsville, PA 17901
Phone: (570) 628-1350
Fax: (570) 628-1010