The City of Galena complies with the standards set by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It is the policy of the City of Galena to fill all requests for public documents in as timely a fashion as possible.
In order to assist you and have a record of your request, we ask that all requesters complete a FOIA Request Form. Requests can be made by letter, telephone, fax, or email.
City Council minutes are available on our website. The public has a right to information produced by their government with certain privacy limitations (5ILCS 140/1). It is the policy of the City to provide assistance in obtaining this information.
Note: when you submit a FOIA request, your information becomes public record.
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.
By law, the maximum time to produce the information for routine requests is five business days; commercial requests are 21 business days. In rare cases, you will be notified, in writing, if an extension is needed. Some information may be denied; this notification will be in writing. There is an appeals process. the City Attorney will assist you in explaining the appeals process.
Please tell us if 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.
Fees
If a copy request is over 50 pages, copies are fifteen cents a page. View the full Fee Schedule.
Payment of all required fees must be made in cash, by a cashier's or certified check, credit card, or by money order prior to the examination, copying, or certification of any public record.
Waiver of Fees
The fees provided above may be waived or reduced by the FOIA Officer if the Requestor states the specific purpose of the request on the request form and establishes to the reasonable satisfaction of the FOIA Officer that a fee waiver or reduction would be in the public interest. Any request for fee waiver or reduction must be indicated on the Request Form at the time the Request Form is filed. A fee waiver or reduction will be considered to be in the public interest only if the principal purpose of the request is to disseminate information regarding the public health, safety, and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not for the principal purpose of personal or commercial benefit to the Requestor. The FOIA Officer may consider the number of requested public records and the cost and necessity of copying them in setting the fee waiver or reduction amount.
Summary of Municipality's Purpose
The Mission Statement of the City of Galena is:
"In order to maintain and enhance the quality of life and unique historic character of our community, the City of Galena provides quality municipal services that protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare. The services are provided with a commitment to excellence, efficiency, equity and fiscal responsibility."
City Census Population
The population of the City is 3,308 (2020 Census).
Types of Records Available from the Municipality
Administration: annual financial reports; sales tax receipts; liquor license fees; other license fees; accounts payables and receivables; salary schedules; administrative memoranda; correspondence received by the City; correspondence sent for the City; board policies, administrative rules and regulations; personnel policies; personnel files; office equipment; insurance records; capital equipment; workers compensation records; vehicle files; prevailing wage records
City Clerk: council agendas and minutes; resolutions; ordinances; tax levy ordinance; proclamations, newspaper publications and certifications; meeting calendars; agreements and contracts; communications to council, appointments and reappointments; bid specifications and tabulations; petitions for annexation; general licenses; liquor licenses; temporary liquor licenses; coin operated machines licenses; itinerant merchant permits; official bonds and oaths of office, general election records; freedom of information requests and indexes; records disposal listing
City Treasurer/Finance Department: annual treasurer’s reports; annual statements; motor fuel tax reported and collected; motor fuel tax allotments; payroll records; financial statements
Building Department: lists of registered contractors; fees for building permits; building inspection reports, building, electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits, building plans, building ordinance, demolition files, notices of violation of ordinances
Zoning Department: zoning permits, sign permits, site plans; zoning maps, comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance; guest accommodation licenses; code enforcement documents; flood plain management records; storm water detention documents
Fire: department activity reports, fire fun sheets; fire investigation reports, record of alarms
Legal: public opinions
Police: accident reports; offense reports; training records
FOIA Officer Contact Information
City of Galena FOIA Officer - City Clerk
City of Galena
101 Green Street
Galena, IL 61036
Fax: 815-777-3083
Email: mhyde@cityofgalena.org
City of Galena Police Department FOIA Officer - Police Clerk
311 N. Bench Street
Galena IL 61036
Fax: 815-777-4736
Email: lhouy@cityofgalena.org
INFORMATION TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO SUBMITTING A FOIA REQUEST
The information you are seeking may likely already be accessible on this website or by contacting the City of Galena department or office directly, and most likely will not require you to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Please visit the Staff Directory webpage for a directory of offices and departments.
