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HomeMy WebLinkAbout073-26 (ResoDesignatingFOIAOfficer040126) rf ~ 0 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER FOR THE COUNTY OF FREDERICK, VIRGINIA WHEREAS,the Virginia Freedom of Information Act(FOIA), located at § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies,public officials, and public employees; and, WHEREAS, the policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities; and, WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly on April 20, 2016, approved amendments to the Freedom of Information Act(FOIA), §§ 2.2-3704.1 and 2.2-3704.2; and, WHEREAS,the revised statute requires all local public bodies that are subject to the provisions of§ 2.2- 3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia identify one or more Freedom of Information Act officers whose responsibility is to serve as a point of contact for members of the public in requesting public records and to coordinate the public body's compliance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, Karen Vacchio, who has served as the FOIA Officer since her appointment in May 2016, is retiring after 30 years of service to Frederick County. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Frederick, Virginia, hereby designates Patricia Scheulen-Ferrell as the Freedom of Information Act Officer, effective April 1, 2026. ADOPTED this 25t'day of March 2026 on the following recorded vote: John F. Jewell, Chairman Aye Jason C. Aikens Aye Albert L. Omdorff Aye Robert W. Wells Aye Michael D. Guevremont Aye Robert T. Liero Aye Gary R. Oates Aye A COPY ATTEST Michael Bollhoefer Frederick County dministrator No: 073-26 .r ,.� COUNTY of FREDERICK �a Office of the County Administrator 1738 Tel: 540.665.63 82 Fax: 540.667.0370 MEMORANDUM To: Board of Supervisors From: Ann W. Phillips Date: 3-19-26 Re: Designation of FOIA Officer In 2016, the General Assembly approved amendments to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) §§2.2-3704.1 and 2.2-3704.2. These changes require that all local public bodies that are subject to the provisions of FOIA identify one or more Freedom of Information Act officers who will serve as the point of contact for members of the public in requesting public records and coordinate the public body's compliance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Current FOIA Officer Karen Vacchio is retiring after 30 years of service to Frederick County. The Board has indicated a preference to locate the FOIA Officer position within the office of the County Attorney.Patricia Scheulen-Ferrell,a current staff member in the County Attorney's Office, has been serving in a backup capacity responding to FOIA requests and is ready to assume this important function, effective April 1, 2026. A copy of the designating resolution is attached. Staff is seeking Board action regarding this request. 107 North Kent Street 9 Winchester, Virginia 22601