Two Versions of the Truth?

The Fish Lake Township official web site recently re-emerged after major reconstruction. Conspicuously missing from www.fishlaketownship.com are any official meetings minutes dated prior to 2008. In addition, the following “disclaimer” has now been posted on the web site;

“Every attempt is made to ensure the information on this site is accurate and current. Official hard copies of government policies, minutes and resolutions are available at the town hall and take precedence over the material found on this site. Please contact the township if you should discover any inaccuracies.”

Not provided is the current township “procedure” to obtain “official hard copies of government policies, minutes and resolutions.” Interested persons must first complete a written request form which is reviewed by the town board. The town board, currently comprised of Supervisors Carter, Cupit and Larkin, will review the request and determine whether or not the township will provide the requested information. If the township decides to withhold the information, the requestor’s only other alternative is to sue under Minnesota State Statutes, Chapter 13, “Government Data Practices.”

Why would Fish Lake Township suddenly be concerned about open public access to township information and documentation?