R25-095 RESOLUTION NO. R25-095
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON
4 BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THE FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE TO
INSTITUTE A PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION FOR MUNICIPAL CLERKS
6 AND THEIR STAFF; AND FOR ALL OTHER PURPOSES.
7
ti WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of City Clerks has expressed
() concern about the personal information of Municipal Clerks and staff being available through
10 public records requests. They have asked that the municipalities in Florida adopt a resolution
1 1 urging that these employees be added to the list of exemptions for public records requests; and
12 WHEREAS, many municipal staff perform duties that include, or result in, investigations
13 into complaints regarding election fraud, legal enforcement of hearings related to neglect or
14 abuse, or other activities that could lead to criminal prosecution and are exposed to threats and
15 other acts of violence; and
1(, WHEREAS, municipal clerks often administer elections. Some election workers have been
17 targeted for threats and violence due to the nature of the materials they are responsible for.
18 Further, clerks are often involved in legal enforcement proceedings in actions related to violations
19 of codes and ordinances. Occasionally, these proceedings have led to retaliation and threats by
20 defendants; and
21 WHEREAS, there are currently 27 public records exemptions in Florida. Of these
22 exemptions, eight are for local personnel who either investigate, enforce, or otherwise provide a
23 service that can result in contentious interactions when action is taken. Municipal clerks and their
24 respective staff fall within the window for greater protection; and
25 WHEREAS, the City Commission, upon the recommendation of staff, has deemed it in the
26 best interests of the city's citizens and residents to request the Florida State Legislature to institute
27 a public records exemption for Municipal Clerks and their staff.
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29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON
30 BEACH, FLORIDA, THAT:
31 SECTION 1. The foregoing "Whereas" clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as
32 being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution upon adoption.
33 SECTION 2. The City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Florida, does hereby
34 request the Florida State Legislature to institute a public records exemption for Municipal Clerks
35 and their staff.
36 SECTION 3. The City Clerk is hereby directed and authorized to send a certified copy of
37 this Resolution to Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Lori Berman, Representative Lois Frankel, the
38 Palm Beach County League of Cities, and the Florida League of Cities.
39 SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect in accordance with law.
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46 [SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
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48 PASSED AND ADOPTED this iy day ofr 1 / 2025.
49 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
50 YES NO
51 Mayor— Rebecca Shelton ✓✓
52
53 Vice Mayor—Woodrow L. Hay Pr1�Cv1
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55 Commissioner—Angela Cruz
56
57 Commissioner—Thomas Turkin
58
59 Commissioner—Aimee Kelley
60
61 VOTE ,_0
62 ATT
AI
63
64 at Ole / it ______
65 Maylee De - us, MPA, M C Rebecca Shelton
66 City Cle Mayor
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68 APPROVED AS TO FORM:
69 (Corporate Seal) F BO),4;1‘x
70 .. .'.yo•CORFp9. /,It G gini6
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- :SNC 4L
• 0 I Shawna G. Lamb
72 Rp
73 '•• 192 TFO.: 2; City Attorney