# Open Records Case RTK-5493: A Timeline

> By Bailey Simrell. Created 2024-03-26. Updated 2026-07-22.

Canonical HTML: https://baileysimrell.com/posts/open-records-case-rtk-5493

# The Open Records Request: RTK-5493

This is the chronological story of an Open Records Request (RTK-5493) filed with the City of Scranton, seeking Zoning Board Hearing Minutes from 2005 to present.

## Initial Request and Response

On June 21, 2024, the City of Scranton responded to the initial Right-to-Know request:

[Initial Response - June 21, 2024](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/00%20-%202024-06-21_08.48.13_OOR_2024-1616_01.pdf)

## Extension Request

The City then requested additional time to process the request:

[Extension Request](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/01%20-%20RTK%205493%20-%20Zoning%20Board%20Hearing%20Minutes%20Since%202005%20-%20Extension.pdf)

## Agency Response

Following the extension, the City provided their formal response:

[Agency Response](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/02%20-%20RTK%205493%20-%20Zoning%20Board%20Hearing%20Minutes%20Since%202005%20-%20Response.pdf)

## Appeal Process

Due to concerns with the response, an appeal was filed:

[Appeal Letter](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/03%20-%20Bailey%20Simrell%20-%20City%20of%20Scranton%20-%20RTK-5493%20-%20Appeal%20Letter.pdf)

## Agency's Extension Request

The agency requested more time to address the appeal:

[Agency Extension Request for Appeal](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/04%20-%202024-1616%20-%20Agency%20Request%20for%20Extension.pdf)

## Official Response Order

The Office of Open Records issued their initial order:

[OOR Initial Order](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/05%20-%202024-07-15_13.15.42PM_OOR_2024-1616.pdf)

## Position Statements

The case developed through several position statements:

[Initial Position Statement](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/06%20-%202024-1616%20Position%20Statement.pdf)

[Notice of Incomplete Position Statement](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/07%20-%20Notice%20of%20Incomplete%20Position%20Statement%20OOR%20AP%20Dkt%20%202024-1616.pdf)

[Updated Position Statement](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/08%20-%202024-1616%20Position%20Statement%20(2).pdf)

## Final Documentation

The case concluded with these final documents:

[Agency Records Attestation](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/09%20-%202024-1616%20Attestation%20Regarding%20Agency%20Possession%20of%20Records.pdf)

[Response to City Position Statement](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/10%20-%20Response%20to%20City%20of%20Scranton%20Position%20Statement%20OOR%20AP%20Dkt%202024-1616.pdf)

[Final Determination](https://baileysimrell.com/assets/pdfs/11%20-%202024-1616_Simrell-Scranton_FD.pdf)

# Conclusion

This case demonstrates the complex process of obtaining public records through Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law system, including the various steps of requests, responses, appeals, and final determinations.

## Key Timeline Points:
- Initial Request and Response: June 21, 2024
- Extension Request Filed
- Agency Response Issued
- Appeal Filed
- Agency Extension Request for Appeal
- Multiple Position Statements Submitted
- Final Determination Issued

This chronological documentation provides a complete picture of how the Right-to-Know process works in practice, from initial request through final determination.