A: Your request must be in writing and clearly describe the information being sought. Use of the FOIA request form is not required, but recommended, to assure accurate contact information [i.e., name, address, telephone, email, etc.], for certification purposes if needed, and to help direct your request promptly. You can fax your request to 815-756-4255 or transmit your request via email here.

A: The response time for a FOIA request is 5 or 21 business days. Most FOIA responses are provided within 5 business days after receipt of the request. The response time can be extended automatically for 5 additional business days, and/or by mutual agreement between the requestor and AFTON TOWNSHIP. For “commercial” request, the response time for a FOIA request is 21 business days after receipt of the FOIA request. The 2010 FOIA defines a FOIA request for “commercial purposes” [5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.] in those instances where “use of any part of the public record or records, or information derived from public records, in any form for sale, resale, or solicitation or advertisement for sale or services.” Request by news media, non-profit, scientific or academic organizations are generally not considered to be for “commercial purposes.” Afton Township 10315 Keslinger Road • DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 8157564255 • Fax 815-756-4255 www.aftonshiptownship.org.

A: The response time for a FOIA request is 5 or 21 business days. Most FOIA responses are provided within 5 business days after receipt of the request. The response time can be extended automatically for 5 additional business days, and/or by mutual agreement between the requestor and AFTON TOWNSHIP. For “commercial” request, the response time for a FOIA request is 21 business days after receipt of the FOIA request. The 2010 FOIA defines a FOIA request for “commercial purposes” [5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.] in those instances where “use of any part of the public record or records, or information derived from public records, in any form for sale, resale, or solicitation or advertisement for sale or services.” Request by news media, non-profit, scientific or academic organizations are generally not considered to be for “commercial purposes.” Afton Township 10315 Keslinger Road • DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 8157564255 • Fax 815.756-4255 www.aftonshiptownship.org.

A: The basic charge for copying black/white paper documents is $0.15 per page if more than 50 pages. The first 50 pages are provided at no cost. Color copy or oversize copy [i.e. larger than standard 8×11 or 8×14 paper] may involve a greater fee equivalent to the actual commercial cost for reproduction. The basic fee for records on compact disc is $5.00 per disc. For commercial requests, there is a charge of $10 per hour if more than 8 hours are expended by Afton Township staff for searching/retrieving records. Afton Township will charge actual costs for retrieval/transporting public records from any offsite storage facility. For records search that require a search design to access Afton Township database records, you should discuss the scope of the search with Afton Township to assess the cost-effectiveness of a search design and/or a manual records search. Do not send any pre-payment checks with your FOIA request. If a fee is charged, Afton Township will notify the requestor of the charge. Once payment is received, the requested information will be sent out. Payment by credit card or debit card is not allowed. Payment is required by check or money order payable to “Afton Township.” No documents will be sent until receipt of payment.

 A: The guidelines for waiver or reduction of fees regarding pro se legal proceedings, for indigent person[s], or for civil legal service provider[s] are governed by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5 et seq.). Afton Township may waive or reduce fees if the specific purpose of the FOIA request and the fee waiver or reduction is in the public interest and are not for the principal purpose of “personal or commercial benefit.” The criteria for fee reduction or waiver are further discussed under Section 6 [c] of the amended FOIA, 5 ILCS 140/6 [c]. Such requests for fee waiver or reduction should be detailed in the FOIA request when submitted.

A: Pursuant to Section 9.5 of the amended FOIA, 5 ILCS 140/3.5, you can file a Request for Review in writing to the Public Access Coordinator in the Illinois Attorney General. You must file no later than 60 days after the denial. The Request for Review must be signed and include a summary of the facts supporting your allegation of error. These review procedures are further described in Section 9.5[b] through [g], and also in Section 11.5 of the amended FOIA, 5 ILCS 140/9.5 and 11.5 et seq. Any person denied access to inspect or copy any Afton Township record may also file for injunctive or declaratory relief before the circuit court for DeKalb County, Illinois, or before the circuit court for the residence of the requestor, as provided in Section 11 of the amended FOIA, 5 ILCS 140/11.

A: Personal identity information, such as addresses, date of birth, social security number, driver license, etc. are redacted and withheld from disclosure pursuant to the FOIA provisions concerning non-disclosure of “personal information” and “private information”, as defined, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq Afton Township 10315 Keslinger Road• DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Phone 8157564255 • Fax 815.756-4255 www.aftontownship.org.

A: Requested records can be provided by express overnight mailing, if so requested and if a prepaid mailing envelope or express delivery account number is provided with the FOIA request. In certain instances, the Housing Authority can arrange for electronic data transfer.

A: If you wish for your FOIA documents to be certified, include your request for certification, or send an Affidavit with your request for signature. Afton Township cannot certify your FOIA documents after the materials have been sent to you.