FOIL Submission Audit: Town of Chili (Low-Moderate Friction)
→ This post is part of the Monroe County FOIL Submission Audit.
View hub
TL;DR
The Town of Chili permits FOIL requests to be submitted without using its online form, including by written request via mail, email, or fax. While Chili offers an online FOIL form that includes personal information fields and a certification checkbox, use of the form is optional, not mandatory.
This places Chili in a moderate-friction category, notably more accessible than many neighboring towns.
How FOIL Requests Are Submitted in the Town of Chili
Chili’s FOIL webpage explicitly states that requesters may:
- Submit a FOIL request using the FOIL form, or
- Submit a written request for records without using the form
Documented submission methods include:
- Fax
This is clearly stated on the FOIL webpage and does not condition submission on use of the online form.
Records Access Officer Identified (Strength)
The Town clearly identifies its Records Access Officer:
- Virginia Ignatowski, Town Clerk
- Mailing address provided
- Fax number provided
This satisfies core FOIL accountability requirements.
Online FOIL Request Form (Optional)
Chili provides an optional online FOIL Request Form for convenience.
The form includes fields for:
- Description of records requested
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Preferred response method
However, unlike several other towns reviewed, the webpage does not present completion of this form as mandatory.
Conditional Certification (Key Distinction)
The online form includes a certification related to lists of names and/or addresses, stating that:
Agencies may require certification only when a requester seeks lists of names and/or addresses for solicitation or fundraising purposes.
The form requires agreement to this certification only if the form is used, and the certification text correctly tracks the limited circumstance under FOIL where such a declaration is permitted.
⚠️ Important Distinction
Chili does not require blanket disclosure of purpose or intent for all FOIL requests. The certification is conditional and limited in scope.
Fees and Process Transparency (Strength)
The Town of Chili clearly discloses:
- Five (5) business day acknowledgment requirement
- Copying fees ($0.25 per page)
- No charge for electronic delivery
- Conditions under which mailing fees may apply
This information is presented clearly on the FOIL webpage.
Anonymous or Low-Disclosure Submission
Because Chili allows submission of written FOIL requests without use of the online form, the process supports low-disclosure submission as presented.
Requesters are not required by the webpage to provide:
- A name
- A mailing address
- A phone number
when submitting a written FOIL request outside the form.
Assessment
The Town of Chili demonstrates a notably more accessible FOIL submission model than many Monroe County peers.
Key findings include:
- Optional FOIL form
- Clear written-request alternative
- Email, mail, and fax submission supported
- Conditional (not blanket) certification language
- Clear timelines and fee disclosures
Summary Scorecard
- FOIL form required: No
- Online submission available: Yes (optional)
- Email/mail/fax submission documented: Yes
- Records Access Officer identified: Yes
- Personal information required: No (outside optional form)
- Purpose disclosure required: No (except conditional certification for lists)
- Anonymous or low-disclosure submission supported: Yes
- Overall assessment: Moderate Friction – Accessible by Design
Conclusion
As presented, the Town of Chili permits FOIL requests to be submitted without requiring completion of a standardized form and does not impose blanket disclosure or purpose-based certifications at intake. While an optional online form exists, Chili’s FOIL submission process is materially more accessible than many comparable towns.
Within the Monroe County FOIL Submission Audit, Chili stands out as a comparative bright spot in a region otherwise dominated by form-centric FOIL intake systems.
Legal & Reference Notes
- New York Public Officers Law §§ 87–89
- Town of Chili FOIL webpage
- Town of Chili FOIL Request Form