HOW TO FILE A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST WITH THE BLUE ISLAND PARK DISTRICT

1. Please make your request for records in writing. The Blue Island Park District does not require the completion of a standard form for this purpose; however, the request must be in writing. You may submit your written request by personal delivery, mail, fax, or e-mail. 

   Please direct your request to:

   FOIA Officer – Octavio Carbajal
   Blue Island Park District
   12804 S. Highland Avenue
   Blue Island, IL 60406
   Fax: 708-385-3318
   E-mail: ocarbajal@blueislandparks.org

2. Please be as specific as possible when describing the records you are seeking. Remember, the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of records. It is not designed to require a public body to answer questions.
3. Please tell us whether you would like copies of the requested records, or whether you wish to examine the records in person. You have the right to either option.
   
4. There is no fee for up to 50 pages of standard paper copies. For beyond 50 pages, there is a 15-cent-per-page charge.
   
5. You are permitted to ask for a waiver of copying fees. To do so, please include the following statement (or a similar statement) in your written FOIA request: “I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request.” In addition, you must include a specific explanation as to why your request for information is in the public interest – not simply your personal interest – and merits a fee waiver.
6. Please include your name, preferred telephone number(s), mailing address, and if you wish, your electronic mail address.

The Freedom of Information Act, 096-0542, is the Illinois Statute governing the inspection of public records. This Act provides for public inspection of records in the possession of the Blue Island Park District. Exemptions also are provided to ensure the confidentiality of certain records. The Act went into effect on Jan. 1, 2010.

The Blue Island Park District will respond within five business days after the request is received (starting with the first business day after a request is received). In cases where additional time is necessary, a letter will be sent within the five business day period. Any written request faxed or emailed to the Blue Island Park District after business hours (normal business hours are considered to be 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, holidays excepted) will be considered received on the next business day.

Written requests may also be delivered to the FOIA Officer via mail, fax or in-person. Forms also can be electronically submitted via email to info@blueislandparks.org

FOIA Request Form

Fees
First 50 pages: No fee
51 pages and more: $0.15 per page
Certifying a public record: $1 per record
All other requests requiring outside duplication shall be charged the actual cost for the duplication.

FOIA Officer
Octavio Carbajal
12804 S. Highland Ave.
Blue Island, IL 60406

Written requests also may be electronically submitted via email or by fax at (708)-385-3318