VILLAGES: 74 or C

Long Island is home to 97 villages ranging in size from Hempstead, which ranks as the most populous village in New York State, to Derring Harbor on Shelter Island, the state’s least populous. These municipalities are varied greatly in their responsiveness to records requests, with some responding faster than larger government agencies and one completely ignoring repeated requests. The cumulative grade for LI’s villages is a C.

Amityville: 80 or B-. Days: 1

Located in the southwesternmost corner of Suffolk County, the Village of Amityville is home to more than 9,500 residents. Within minutes of emailing our request to the village, its clerk called to discuss how we could obtain the records and guided us through the Amityville website. The village scored points for its response time, providing its meeting minutes and payroll list. It lost points for providing neither a written FOIL policy nor a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request, although the village website was updated to include that info before this report was completed. After receiving the grade, Village Clerk/Treasurer Dina Shingleton said that the village did, in fact, have a subject matter listing and a FOIL policy, but she was new on the job at the time and wasn’t able to find those documents. “We process all of our FOIL requests in a timely manner,” she said.

Asharoken: 90 or A-. Days: 32

The Village of Asharoken, an isthmus linking Northport and Eaton’s Neck on the North Shore of Suffolk County, is home to 654 people. Seven business days after emailing our request to the village, it acknowledged our request in a letter that that indicated we should expect a response in two to three weeks. Although its initial response was not received by the five-day deadline, the letter was postmarked in time. The village clerk emailed most of the documents within the 20-day deadline, earning a point for response time. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing but got points for sending its FOIL policy, board meeting minutes and payroll list. The village received a point in the helpfulness category for emailing its board meeting agendas, which it’s not required to maintain, and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Atlantic Beach: 75 or C. Days: 9

Home to more than 1,900 people, the Village of Atlantic Beach sits on the westernmost tip of Long Beach Island. Seven business days after we emailed our request to the village, its clerk emailed us back fully addressing our request. They lost a half point for not meeting the five-day deadline to acknowledge the request, but fulfilled the request ahead of the 20-day deadline. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Babylon: 80 or B-. Days: 11

The Village of Babylon, home to more than 12,100 people, is not to be confused with the Town of Babylon, of which it is a part. Seven business days after we mailed our request to the village, its clerk emailed us back fully addressing our request. It lost a half point for not responding within the five-day deadline. It got points for emailing copies of its payroll list and the village board minutes even though it could have sent a link to the documents on the village website. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, emailing board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. After receiving the grade, Village Clerk Patricia Carley maintained that the response “was made in a timely manner. We are very diligent in fulfilling FOIL requests.”

Baxter Estates: 55 or F. Days: 106

About 1,000 people live in the Village of Baxter Estates on the Port Washington Peninsula south of Sands Point. We emailed our request twice, sent a copy in the mail and called twice before we finally reached the clerk, who said it was her first week on the job. The village was deducted a point because we had to follow up so many times, but since the new clerk was responsive once we got in touch, it got a half point for response time. The village scored points for emailing the payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It received a point in the helpfulness category for emailing village board meeting minutes even though it could have sent a link to the documents on the village website and for sending its subpoena log that it’s not required to maintain. But it got no points since its website did not have any information on how to file a FOIL request. After receiving the grade, Village Clerk-Treasurer Chrissy Kiernan took issue with the score because the FOIL request was already filed before she started with the village. “Please know that at the time of your request, I was still familiarizing myself with the village’s records,” she wrote. She noted that the village provided most of the documents, created a log of subpoenas upon request, has since created the one missing document, the subject matter listing, and recently looked into implementation of FOIL-tracking software. “I hope this letter puts you at ease on how serious we take the transparency law and I hope you will reconsider our score.”

Bayville: 65 or D. Days: 81

Overlooking the Long Island Sound in northeastern Nassau County, the Village of Bayville has more than 6,700 residents. Five business days after we emailed our request, we received an email acknowledging it and stating that we’d receive a response within the 20-day deadline. When that deadline passed without an update, the village received a half point for response time. After following up twice, the village scored a point for emailing its subject matter listing but lost a point for not providing a written FOIL policy. After we followed up a third time for the rest of the requested documents omitted in the earlier reply, resulting in the deduction of a point, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing its agendas that it’s not required to maintain, but got no points for emailing a link to the village’s homepage in response to a request for its minutes and not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Bellerose: 85 or B. Days: 36

Located on the Queens border in western Nassau County, the Village of Bellerose, which more than 1,200 people call home, is not to be confused with the nearby neighborhood in Queens of the same name. Three business days after we emailed our request to the village, we received an email reply acknowledging the request. The village got points for its response time as well as emailing its FOIL policy, payroll list and board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It lost a half point because we had to follow up for one document that was missing from its response. It got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing copies of the village board meeting minutes even though they could have sent a direct link to the documents on the village website and for emailing its agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not comment on its grade.

Bellport: 60 or D-. Days: 85

The Village of Bellport is home to more than 2,000 residents on the South Shore of Suffolk County just east of Patchogue. We emailed our request to the village twice, mailed a hardcopy and called before receiving a response after the deadlines, resulting in no points for response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not providing a subject matter listing and we deducted a point because we had to follow up six times to get our request fulfilled. But the village gained a point in the helpfulness category for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Belle Terre: 65 or D. Days: 29

Overlooking the Long Island Sound on a North Shore peninsula in Suffolk County just north of Port Jefferson, the Village of Belle Terre is home to nearly 800 residents. After we emailed our request, we received a letter postmarked after the five-day deadline, but the village fulfilled the request within the 20-day deadline, so they lost a half point for response time. The village scored points for sending its payroll list and board meeting minutes but lost a point for not emailing the documents as requested. It lost a point for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for providing its village board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request, but got no points because it charged $6 for copies of the village board meeting minutes that were on the village website. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Brightwaters: 65 or D. Days: 13

Located near the geographic midpoint of Long Island on the South Shore of Suffolk County, the Village of Brightwaters has more than 3,000 residents. Seven business days after we emailed our request, we received a call requesting clarification. The next day, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It got a half point for its response time. The clerk overlooked the request for the subject matter listing. After a follow up, resulting in the loss of a half point, the clerk replied the same day to say the village doesn’t maintain one, for the loss of another point. It lost another half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. A point was deducted in the helpfulness category for asking why we were making the request but the village gained a point for its speedy reply, sending its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. It got no points for directing us to the village’s website homepage for the board meeting minutes and agendas instead of providing a direct link. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Brookville: 65 or D. Days: 89

The Village of Brookville, located in northeastern Nassau County, is home to more than 3,500 residents. Five business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk called to acknowledge the request and seek clarification. The village got points for supplying the payroll list and village board meeting minutes. But since the reply was after the 20-day deadline, it only got a half point for response time. Their initial reply omitted some requests, which required us to follow up five times, resulting in the deduction of one point, until the clerk was able to provide its subject matter listing, for one point. It lost a point for not providing a written FOIL policy. It got a point in the helpfulness category by providing copies of its board meeting agendas, which it isn’t required to maintain, and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. When informed of the grade, Village Clerk/Treasurer Winnie Citarella said: “We are disappointed we only received a barely passing grade, I’m sure we’ll do better next time. We do have a FOIL policy, which includes responding to all requests within five days. Your original request was forwarded by me to the Records Officer for processing. There was a inter-office mix-up where the attorney and I both assumed the other had responded within the deadline. We have taken steps to ensure this will no longer occur. If there’s another grading period in the future I’m sure we will achieve a more auspicious mark.”

Cedarhurst: 32 or F. Days: 105

Located in southwestern Nassau County, more than 6,600 residents live in the Village of Cedarhurst. After we emailed our request, we received a letter postmarked three days later from the village attorney. The letter acknowledged the request and asked that we provide written certification that we wouldn’t use the staff payroll information for fundraising purposes, which we provided. But when we followed up after the 20-day deadline passed without a response, the attorney asked us to resend the original FOIL request and then directed us to contact the village clerk, who provided the village board meeting minutes, for one point. The village got a half point for response time. When the village failed to respond to six follow-up requests, resulting in the deduction of a point, it constituted a denial, which was appealed. Since the 10-day deadline to respond to an appeal passed without the village providing the documents, the village lost another point and lost points for not providing its payroll list and subject matter listing. It got a half point because it did not fulfill our request for its FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for providing its board meeting agendas, which it’s not required to maintain, and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request.

Centre Island: 80 or B-. Days: 75

The Village of Centre Island, located on a peninsula overlooking Oyster Bay, has more than 400 residents. Three days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied to acknowledge it and responded with some documents and a partial denial within the 20-day deadline, earning a point for response time. The village got points for emailing its payroll list, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. It lost a point for not providing a written FOIL policy. The clerk did not acknowledge our request for the village board meeting agendas, and since we had to follow up twice to get them, the village lost a point. But it got a point in the helpfulness category for later providing those documents, which it is not required to maintain, and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Cove Neck: 90 or A-. Days: 42

Located on a peninsula jutting into Oyster Bay, the Village of Cove Neck is home to about 300 people. Seven business days after we emailed our request, we received an acknowledgement. The 20-day deadline passed without an update, resulting in no points for response time. The village got points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for providing a copy of its board meeting agendas that it isn’t required to maintain, but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Dering Harbor: 90 or A-. Days: 14

With just 11 residents, the Village of Dering Harbor on the North Shore of Shelter Island ranks as the least populous village in New York State. Two business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied to acknowledge it and ask that we re-submit the FOIL on a village form. The clerk responded within the 20-day deadline, earning a point for response time. The village got points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. In the helpfulness category, it got a point for its speedy reply and providing its board meeting agendas that it isn’t required to maintain, but a point was deducted for asking why we filed the request. It’s one of the few villages on LI that did not have its own website at the time we filed our request, although it since contracted to build one. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

East Hampton: 75 or C. Days: 90

About 1,100 residents live in the Village of East Hampton on the South Fork. Three business days after we emailed our request, we received an acknowledgement, but the village lost a half point when we didn’t hear back before the 20-day deadline. After we followed up twice, resulting in the loss of a point, the village got points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for providing its board meeting agendas that it isn’t required to maintain, but got no points since its website had no information on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

East Hills: 70 or C-. Days: 92

Located in the greater Roslyn area, the Village of East Hills is home to about 7,000 residents. After we emailed our request, we received a letter postmarked 10 days later indicating that we should expect a response in 20 days. When that deadline passed, resulting in no points for the response time, we followed up three times, resulting in the deduction of a point, before we finally received an email from the village attorney. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing copies of its minutes even though it could have sent a link to the minutes page on its website and emailing its meeting agendas that it isn’t required to maintain, as well as for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

East Rockaway: 80 or B-. Days: 26

The Village of East Rockaway in southwestern Nassau County is home to more than 9,800 residents. One day after we emailed our request, we received a call previewing the village’s letter of acknowledgement. The village scored points for its response time as well as providing its board meeting minutes, FOIL policy and payroll list. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing and another point was lost for not emailing the documents as requested. The village, which charged $23.50 for its records, got a point in the helpfulness category for providing its board meeting agendas, which it isn’t required to maintain, and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but got no points for charging for paper copies of village board meeting minutes when it could have sent a link to the minutes on the village’s website. The clerk-treasurer declined to comment on the village’s grade.

East Williston: 65 or D. Days: 67

Located in central Nassau County, the Village of East Williston is home to more than 2,500 people. One day after we emailed our request, we received a response acknowledging it, but the village later missed the 20-day deadline, so it got a half point for its response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list and village board meeting minutes. It lost a point for neither providing a FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It lost a point when we had to follow up for the payroll twice. In the helpfulness category, it got a point for sending its meeting agendas, which it isn’t required to maintain, and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but lost a point for referring us to the village’s website homepage for its minutes. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.



Farmingdale: 60 or D-. Days: 77

The Village of Farmingdale is home to more than 8,600 people on the Nassau County side of the border with Suffolk County. Four days after emailing our request, the village replied by mail to acknowledge it. The village then emailed its reply on the 20-day deadline, earning one point for its response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes, but didn’t acknowledge three other documents that were missing. After we followed up three times, resulting in the deduction of a point, the clerk did not provide a written FOIL policy and said the village doesn’t maintain a subject matter listing, resulting in the loss of two points. In the helpfulness category, the village got a point for emailing copies of its minutes when it could have just sent a link to the minutes on its website and for sending its FOIL log and meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but it got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Floral Park: 40 or F. Days: 121

More than 14,000 people live in the Village of Floral Park, which is located on the central Nassau County border with Queens. We emailed our request twice, mailed a hardcopy and called before the clerk acknowledged receiving the requests. The clerk said the office had an administrative backlog due to its fight against a proposed mini-casino at Belmont Racetrack, since scrapped. The village lost a point when we had to follow up three times. The clerk later sent a $22.50 bill for paper copies of the village’s minutes and payroll, for which it got three points. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. “While the village did not submit timely to your office all the requested documents due to unexpected extenuating circumstances, the village did fulfill your requests where possible,” Clerk Susan E. Walsh said. “The Village of Floral Park’s goal is to be transparent with public documents. Just last month, the Village of Floral Park upgraded to a new website for that exact purpose.”

Flower Hill: 95 or A. Days: 2

Located just below Port Washington on the North Shore of Nassau County, the Village of Flower Hill is home to more than 4,800 residents. Two days after we emailed our request to the village, we received a full response, earning a point for response time. The village got points for emailing its board meeting minutes, payroll list and subject matter listing. It lost a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, for providing its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not have a comment on its grade.

Freeport: 70 or C-. Days: 78

The Village of Freeport, which has more than 43,000 residents on the South Shore of Nassau County, is the second largest village in New York State. One day after we emailed our request, the clerk replied to acknowledge receiving it. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes within the 20-day deadline, but did not acknowledge all the documents listed in the request. After we followed up three times, resulting in the deduction of a point, the clerk got a point for providing the FOIL policy and lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing its FOIL log and meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village said that it planned to issue a statement disputing its grade.

Garden City: 75 or C. Days: 21

Located in central Nassau County, the Village of Garden City has more than 22,000 residents. One business day after we emailed our request to the village administrator, the clerk called to acknowledge it and indicated that it would take some time. When the village responded, it scored points for its response time, emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. They lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. In the helpfulness category, the village lost a point for asking why we filed the request but gained a point for sending its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain, for emailing copies of its minutes even though they could have just sent a link to where they’re posted on the village’s website and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not have a comment on its grade.

Great Neck: 60 or D-. Days: 90

The Village of Great Neck, home to more than 10,00 residents, is located on the north side of the Great Neck Peninsula. After we emailed our request to the village twice and mailed a hardcopy, the clerk called to acknowledge it and apologize for the delay, but the village lost a point for response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list and village board meeting minutes. The village got a half point for maintaining a subject matter listing but not being able to provide a copy as a result of a leaky roof that destroyed it. It got a half point for not sending its written FOIL policy, which we found in its village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the agendas that it’s not required to maintain, for sending copies of its minutes even though they could have just sent a link to where they’re posted on the website and for having information on how to file a FOIL request on its website. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Great Neck Estates: 80 or B-. Days: 42

The Village of Great Neck Estates, home to about 2,800 people, is on the North Shore of Nassau County on the Queens border. Three days after we emailed our request, we received an email acknowledging it, but the 20-day deadline lapsed before we heard an update, resulting in the village getting a half point for response time. The village scored points when the clerk emailed a $13 invoice and provided 40 pages of the payroll list, subject matter listing and board meeting minutes. It got a point for emailing its FOIL policy. It lost a point because we had to follow up twice. It received a half point for emailing one of the documents but sending paper copies of others. It picked up another point in the helpfulness category for sending its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Great Neck Plaza: 65 or D. Days: 62

Nearly 7,000 people live in the Village of Great Neck Estates, which is centrally located on the Great Neck Peninsula. After we emailed our request, the mayor’s assistant replied and said our original email was sent to their spam folder. Five days after resending the request, the village scored points for acknowledging the request and emailing the board meeting minutes. The 20-day deadline passed without an update on the remaining documents, so the village got a half point for its response time. After we followed up twice, resulting in the loss of a point, the village got points for emailing its payroll list. The village lost point for neither maintaining a subject matter listing nor providing a written FOIL policy. It got no points for helpfulness for directing us to Newsday for copies of the village’s payroll and not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but got a point for sending meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Greenport: 75 or C. Days: 86

Located on the North Fork, more than 2,200 residents live in the Village of Greenport. A month after we emailed our request, the village clerk emailed an acknowledgement with an estimate on when we’d receive the documents. The village got a half point for response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, village board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. The village was lost a point because we had to follow up three times after several village-requested deadline extensions passed before the request was fulfilled. In the helpfulness category, the village got a point for emailing its meeting agendas and FOIL log, neither of which is it required to maintain, and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request, but got no points for directing us to the village website for board meeting minutes. “We must do better,” village trustee Doug Roberts said when informed of the grade. “I will be bringing this up for discussion at our next work session. Thank you for your work to hold government accountable.” Clerk Sylvia Pirillo noted that the village has improved its responsiveness since we filed our request. “I did agree that one portion of your seven-part request could perhaps have been answered in a more timely manner,” she wrote. “Also, it must be simultaneously noted that the terminology ‘as far back as records are kept’ is nebulous at best, in terms of Records Access Requests. In the one-plus year since your request, the Village has streamlined its FOIL process, with great success.”



Head of the Harbor: 95 or A. Days: 62

As the name suggests, the 1,400-resident Village of Head of the Harbor overlooks Stony Brook Harbor. This is one of the few villages that doesn’t have an email address listed on its website, so we mailed our request. The reply acknowledging it was postmarked seven days after we sent it, but the village promptly turned over its records, so it got a half point for response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, board meeting minutes, FOIL policy and subject matter listing. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply and sending its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not return a request for comment on its grade.

Hempstead: 85 or B. Days: 36

The Village of Hempstead, not to be confused with the larger Town of Hempstead that includes the village within its borders, is the largest village in New York State, with more than 55,000 residents. Four days after we emailed our request, we received a call acknowledging it and a written reply followed soon after. The village replied within the 20-day deadline, earning a point for response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes but lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing a written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. In the helpfulness category, it got a point for emailing the meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request and got no points for directing us to the website homepage instead of sending a direct link to the minutes. “Eighty five I think is a really good score,” said Village Clerk Patricia Perez.

Hewlett Bay Park: 80 or B-. Days: 39

Located in the Five Towns area of southwestern Nassau County, the Village of Hewlett Bay Park has about 400 residents. Since this is one of the few villages for which neither a website nor email address could be found, we mailed our request and received a reply in the mail a month later indicating we’d be contacted in 20 days. The village scored points after the clerk emailed the payroll list and village board meeting minutes a week later. It received a half point for its response time. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing the meeting agendas that it is not required to maintain. “Nobody here ever said we do not have a FOIL policy,” Clerk Michelle Blandino said upon receiving the grade. “Not sure where you received that information from.”

Hewlett Harbor: 75 or C. Days: 60

More than 1,200 residents live in the Village of Hewlett Harbor, which is located in the Five Towns area of southwestern Nassau County. Unable to find an email address for the village, we sent our request by mail. Shortly after it arrived, the village attorney called to ask why we sent the request. The village clerk later called to say that he needed clarity on the request but refused to have the conversation over the phone, requiring us to visit village hall to discuss it in person. After the 20-day deadline passed, resulting in the loss of a half point for the village’s response time, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing, but it omitted two items. The village lost a half point because we had to follow up for the remaining documents. It got a half point when the village didn’t provide its written FOIL policy, which we later found in its village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain, got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request and lost a point for asking us why we filed the request and making us go to village hall to fulfill the request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Hewlett Neck: 75 or C. Days: 33

Nearly 500 residents live in the Village of Hewlett Neck, located in the Five Towns area of southwestern Nassau County. We emailed our request and received a reply in the mail a month later indicating we’d be contacted in 20 days. The village scored points after the clerk emailed the payroll list and board meeting minutes a week later. It received a half point for its response time. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point for emailing the meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. “Nobody here ever said we do not have a FOIL policy,” Village Clerk Michelle Blandino said upon receiving the grade. “Not sure where you received that information from.”

Huntington Bay: 80 or B-. Days: 14

The Village of Huntington Bay, which is home to more than 1,400 residents in northwestern Suffolk County, overlooks a body of water of the same name. Three business days after we emailed our request, the village administrator replied with a letter of acknowledgment. A week later, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, emailing minutes that could have been sent in a link, sending meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Islandia: 50 or F. Days: 93

Located near the Suffolk County seat in Hauppauge, the Village of Islandia is home to more than 3,300 residents. After we emailed our request twice, sent a copy by mail and called, the village sent a letter indicating that we would receive a response in 20 days, but that deadline passed without an update. For that, the village lost a point for response time, lost another point because we had to follow up more than three times, and, because the lack of response was considered a denial, it lost another point because we had to file an appeal in which it neither provided a written denial nor identified its appeals officer. The village eventually scored points for providing its payroll list, board meeting minutes, FOIL policy and subject matter listing. It also got a point in the helpfulness category for providing free paper copies of its subpoena log that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. It lost a point for not emailing the documents. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Island Park: 0 or F. Days: N/A

The Village of Island Park, an archipelago north of Long Beach, is home to about 2,000 residents. Island Park was the only village that did not respond to any of our attempts—eight in this case—to request records. We emailed our request twice, sent a copy in the mail, called twice and hand-delivered a copy. When the village didn’t reply, the lack of response was considered a denial, which we appealed to the mayor, village board and village attorney via email and regular mail. The village didn’t respond to that, either. Although the village board meeting minutes could be found online and it got a point in the helpfulness category for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request, that was not enough to improve its grade of zero, the lowest of any village. After being informed of the grade, the village finally responded with a link to its website directing us to the board meeting minutes, a copy of the payroll list and an explanation for why the rest of the documents weren’t provided. “Unfortunately, this FOIL request was unable to be fulfilled as the records requested do not exist,” said Jayme Klein, secretary to the village board. Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty said as a result of the audit, the village has put in place a retention officer and retention review officer to quickly respond to FOIL requests. “Going forward, we will take corrective actions, not only for the stakeholders, but for the public at large.” He added: “I’m cooperative, I don’t want to hide anything…I don’t know how it slipped through the cracks, it will never happen again.”

Kensington: 75 or C. Days: 19

More than 1,100 people live in the Village of Kensington, which is located at the base of the Great Neck Peninsula. One day after we emailed our request, the village clerk wrote back with an invitation to come to village hall to go through the files. We wrote back to ask if she meant that she was unable to provide copies of records and we could only inspect files in person. Without answering the question, the clerk wrote back to ask if we were looking for something specific. We reiterated the list of records requested. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. The village lost points for not maintaining a subject matter listing and because we had to follow up twice. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply and sending the meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. Clerk-Treasurer Arlene Giniger responded: “That’s why we provide the information on the website. The information is public, and anyone can use it.”

Kings Point: 5 or F. Days: 151

The Village of Kings Point is home to more than 5,000 residents at the northernmost tip of the Great Neck Peninsula. After we twice emailed our request, the village clerk responded to acknowledge it and said that the village attorney was reviewing it. After a month passed without an update, the village lost a point for its response time. We followed up again, and the village scored points for emailing its board meeting minutes. When we followed up a third time, resulting in the deduction of a point, the village got a point for emailing its payroll list. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. The clerk said that it could only provide paper copies of its agendas, which cost $1.75. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for providing copies of its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain, but got no points for sending us a link to its website homepage for its board meeting minutes and for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Lake Grove: 40 or F. Days: 91

Located just north of Lake Ronkonkoma and just south of Stony Brook, the Village of Lake Grove is home to more than 11,100 people. We twice emailed our request to the village, mailed a hardcopy and called twice without getting a reply. The village lost a point for its response time and another point because we had to follow up five times. Since the lack of a response constituted a denial, we filed an appeal, resulting in the loss of another point. Although it didn’t provide a written denial, it got a half point in the denial category for identifying its FOIL appeals officer in its FOIL form. The clerk then called to say that the village does not have a subject matter listing, so it lost a point. The village scored points for mailing hard copies of its board meeting minutes and payroll list with a bill for $26.75. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment.



Lake Success: 55 or F. Days: 1

The Village of Lake Success is home to nearly 3,000 residents on the Queens-Nassau County border just south of the Great Neck Peninsula. One day after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied with the village board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor a list of employees detailing their names, titles and salaries. The clerk said they don’t have a staff payroll list due to a reduced staff as a result of the 2-percent tax cap, which resulted in the in the deduction of a point because denying a FOIL request on the basis of being short staffed is forbidden by law. It lost a half point because we had to follow up once. It received a point in the helpfulness category for the speedy reply and sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Lattingtown: 100 or A+. Days: 30

Overlooking the Long Island Sound, the Village of Lattingtown, nestled between Glen Cove and Bayville, has more than 1,700 residents. Five business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied, indicating that we would receive a response in 20 days. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, board meeting minutes, FOIL policy and subject matter listing. It got one point in the helpfulness category for providing its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Laurel Hollow: 90 or A-. Days: 4

Located just north of Woodbury and south of Cove Neck on the Nassau-Suffolk county line, the Village of Laurel Hollow is home to about 2,000 residents. Four business days after we emailed out request to the village, it scored points when the clerk emailed its payroll list, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. It lost a point for not providing a written FOIL policy. It got one point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, providing the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Lawrence: 35 or F. Days: 92

More than 3,800 people live in the Village of Lawrence, located in the southwestern corner of Nassau County on the Queens border and overlooking Reynolds Channel. We twice emailed our request, mailed a copy and called twice but still received no reply. The village lost a point for its response time. The lack of a reply constituted a denial, which we appealed, resulting in the loss of another point because the denial was neither in writing nor identified the appeals officer. When the clerk finally acknowledged the request, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in its village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for providing the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. Village Administrator-Clerk/Treasurer Ronald Goldman said that the village thought it had responded appropriately and has improved its responsiveness since we filed our request. “I’m sorry that it was somewhat delayed; we try to be conscientious,” he said. “Since this whole process, we’ve added another person to our staff, so that should move things along.”

Lindenhurst: 40 or F. Days: 43

Overlooking the Great South Bay in southwestern Suffolk County, more than 27,000 residents call the Village of Lindenhurst home. Since no email address could be found for the village, we mailed our request and received a response postmarked 11 days later with a $19 bill for copies of the board meeting agendas and payroll list. The village scored points for sending those documents, but it lost half point for response time. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. The village lost a half point because we had to follow up for the board meeting minutes, which its clerk said were not kept up to date due to staffing issues, which resulted in the deduction of a point because denying a FOIL request on the basis of being short staffed is forbidden by law. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for providing its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not comment on its grade.

Lloyd Harbor: 75 or C. Days: 92

The Village of Lloyd Harbor, which has more than 3,600 residents, is northwestern Suffolk County, jutting into the Long Island Sound with Huntington Bay to the east and Oyster Bay to the west. When the village’s email account rejected our request, we mailed a copy. We received a letter postmarked six days later acknowledging it. When the 20-day deadline passed, we called up twice before the clerk emailed a response. As a result, the village got a half point for response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It neglected to include the subject matter listing, which it later supplied. Since we had to follow up three times, we deducted a point. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Lynbrook: 100 or A+. Days: 12

Nestled between Rockville Centre and Valley Stream in southwestern Nassau County, the Village of Lynbrook is home to more than 19,000 residents. Three business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk acknowledged it. Four days after that, the village scored points when the clerk emailed the board meeting minutes, FOIL policy and payroll list. The village lost a half point when we had to follow up for the subject matter listing, which it got a point for providing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, sending copies of minutes when it could have sent a link, sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Malverne: 50 or F. Days: 159

Tucked between Lynbrook and Floral Park, the Village of Malverne is home to more than 8,500 residents. When we twice emailed our request to the village without getting a response, we mailed the request. Five business days after that, the village responded by mail, showing that its first attempt to respond to our second email was returned to sender because it was sent to the wrong address. For that, the village lost a point for its response time. It blamed the lag in responding on staff cuts. It scored points for emailing its payroll list, subject matter listing and board meeting minutes, which were partially sent in paper form at a cost of $15.25. It lost a point for not providing a written FOIL policy. A point was deducted because we had to follow up three times. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but a point was deducted for asking why we filed the request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Manorhaven: 35 or F. Days: 99

Overlooking Manhasset Bay on the west side of the Port Washington Peninsula, the Village of Manorhaven has more than 6,500 residents. One day after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied to acknowledge it. The village scored points for emailing its board meeting minutes but lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. The clerk said the village does not maintain a list of employees detailing their names, titles and salaries, but said she would provide the staff payroll list. The village was deducted a point when we had to follow up four times in our unsuccessful attempts to obtain that document. When the village did not respond to those followups, it was considered to be a denial of that part of the request, which we appealed, resulting in the loss of another point because the denial was neither in writing nor identified its FOIL appeals officer. In response, the village attorney inquired about the appeal, but the 10-day deadline for the village to respond to it lapsed without the payroll list being produced, so the village lost another point. It got no points in the helpfulness category for emailing us a link to the village website homepage for the board meeting minutes instead of providing a direct link and got one point for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. After receiving the grade, Village Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Natalie Abramski said that her predecessor had handled our request and Abramski noted that if her work were graded, it would have scored higher. “We have launched an online FOIL and complaint program with GOVPILOT and we really are very good (at least I think we are) about getting back to requests in a timely fashion,” she said. “We do the best we can and take requests seriously. This program keeps a log of requests and dates when responses are due. Since most of the staff is new, an F rating …may have been appropriate for the past clerk, but certainly isn’t a reflection of the new staff or me. I feel we are closer to an A.”

*Massapequa Park: 95 or A. Days: 7

The Village of Massapequa Park is home to more than 17,000 people in southeastern Nassau County. The clerk called to acknowledge our request on the same day that it was sent and turned over its documents within seven business days, earning a point for its response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list, board meeting minutes, subject matter listing and FOIL policy. It lost a half point when we had to follow up for one document that was missing from its initial response. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, providing its FOIL Log that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website directing the public on how to file a FOIL request. When informed of its grade, the village thanked us for the A.

Mastic Beach: 90 or A-. Days: 7

Overlooking Narrow Bay and eastern Fire Island, the Village of Mastic Beach, home to about 13,000 residents, voted in November 2016 to begin the approximately year-long process of disbanding six years after incorporating. Five business days after we emailed our request, the village administrator wrote back. The village scored points for emailing its board meeting minutes, payroll list and subject matter listing. It lost a point for not providing a written FOIL policy. In the helpfulness category, the village got a point for a point for its speedy reply, sending its FOIL log, subpoena log and board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. “Thank you for your … kind recognition of the village’s compliance with FOIL-related laws,” Village Clerk/Administrator Susan Alevas said when told of the grade.

Matinecock: 85 or B. Days: 1

The Village of Matinecock, which is home to about 800 people, is just east of Glen Cove and west of Mill Neck. One day after we emailed our request to the village, it scored points when the clerk emailed the payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we found in the village code. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, providing the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Mill Neck: 80 or B-. Days: 29

Overlooking Oyster Bay just south of Bayville is the Village of Mill Neck, which has about 1,000 residents. Five business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk wrote to acknowledge it. The village replied within the 20-day deadline, earning a point for response time. It also scored points for emailing its payroll list and village board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. And it lost a half point because we had to follow up for that last document, which the clerk said the staff plans to compile at an unspecified later date. It got another half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It received a point in the helpfulness category for providing the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Mineola: 70 or C-. Days: 103

Located near the Nassau County seat, the Village of Mineola has more than 18,700 residents. Six business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk emailed to acknowledge it, but the 20-day deadline passed without an update, resulting in the village getting no points for response time. When the deadline passed, we called to check on the status of the request, but the clerk was unable to provide an update. With the lack of a response or request for an extension constituting a denial, we filed an appeal, resulting in the loss of another point because the village did not identify its FOIL appeals officer or provide a written denial. Nine business days after we filed the appeal, the clerk wrote to acknowledge that we should have been notified of the delay and indicated that we would receive the records in a week. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, subject matter listing and board meeting minutes. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. And it got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for referencing the website homepage in response to our request for the minutes and for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not comment on its grade.

Munsey Park: 70 or C-. Days: 58

The Village of Munsey Park is located at the base of the Port Washington Peninsula and has more than 2,600 residents. After we emailed our request to the village clerk but didn’t receive a reply, we sent a follow-up email, to which the village attorney replied three business days later, saying the first request went to spam folder. Three business days after that, the clerk replied with a bill for $5.95 for paper copies of the requested documents. After we mailed a check, the village scored points for sending its board meeting minutes, FOIL policy and payroll list. The village lost a point because we had to follow up twice for documents that were missing from its initial reply. The lack of response to those followups was considered a denial, which we appealed, resulting in the loss of another point, which the village gained back when it responded by providing its subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the board agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but got no points for charging us for paper copies of minutes that were found on the village website. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Muttontown: 65 or D. Days: 43

Located between Jericho and Oyster Bay, the Village of Muttontown has more than 3,400 residents. Three business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied with a bill for $14.50 for unspecified documents that it said to pick up in person. When we picked up the documents, they only included the village board meeting minutes and agendas. Because we had to follow up for the balance of the request, the village lost a half point. After the 20-day deadline passed without a request for an extension, resulting in the loss of a half point for its response time, the village scored points for its $1 bill for the remaining documents, including the payroll list and subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for providing its agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but a point was deducted because we had to pick the documents up in person. In response to receiving the grade, Village Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Lolis said that the board meeting minutes and agendas were too voluminous to scan and email, but did not respond when asked why other requested documents with smaller page counts couldn’t be scanned if the number of pages was the only issue. She also said that our follow-up conversation helped “to identify documents which although not directly responsive to your original FOIL might have provided some value in your research.” One document was titled “Inc. Village of Muttontown Subject Matter Listing,” which is precisely the document we requested, and the other was employees names and salaries, as requested.

New Hyde Park: 55 or F. Days: 86

Tucked between Floral Park and Garden City Park in western-central Nassau County, the Village of New Hyde Park has more than 9,700 residents. When the village didn’t respond to our first emailed request, we followed up and the clerk acknowledged it, saying that we would hear back in a week. But that deadline passed, resulting in the village losing a point for response time. We then followed up three more times, resulting in the deduction of a point. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Nissequogue: 85 or B. Days: 3

Overlooking Smithtown Bay, the Village of Nissequogue is home to more than 1,700 residents just north of St. James. Three business days after we emailed out request to the village, it scored points when the clerk emailed its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in its village code. In the helpfulness category, it got a point for its speedy reply and sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. When informed of the grade, Village Clerk Maryjane Kenney sent the FOIL policy. “Hopefully, this information will help in raising our score,” she said.

North Haven: 70 or C-. Days: 83

The Village of North Haven, which has more than 800 residents, is located on a peninsula that is the northernmost point on the South Fork. Unable to find an email address on the village website, we mailed our request and received an email reply seven days later with a bill for $6.75 for paper copies and a request for clarification on one of the requests. We provided the clarification, but the 20-day deadline passed before we heard back, resulting in a half point for response time. It lost a half point because we had to follow up once. The village scored points for sending its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

North Hills: 70 or C-. Days: 71

Located just south of the Port Washington Peninsula, the Village of North Hills is home to about 5,000 residents. We emailed out request to the village administrator and received a letter postmarked three days later acknowledging it followed shortly by a bill for $5.50. But, since we had to file our request in two FOIL forms due to the lack of space on them, a response to the second half of our request came after the five-day deadline, resulting in a half point for the village’s response time. After we followed up, resulting in the loss of a half point, the village sent a bill for $24 for the rest of the request. The village scored points for sending its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. Since we had to follow up twice, it lost a point. And because it didn’t email the documents as requested, it lost another point. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Northport: 85 or B. Days: 12

Overlooking Northport Bay and located just north of Greenlawn, the Village of Northport has about 7,400 residents. Three business days after we emailed our request to the village, its clerk wrote to acknowledge it. The village then supplied the documents five business days later, earning a point for its response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list and village board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining the subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, sending copies of its minutes when it could have sent a link to them, sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Ocean Beach: 70 or C-. Days: 61

The Village of Ocean Beach, home to about 80 year-round residents and hundreds of seasonal homeowners, is considered the unofficial capital of Fire Island’s 17 resort communities. We broke this request into two parts. One day after we emailed our first request to the village, its clerk called back with a bill for $14.25. When the documents arrived, the village scored points for sending its payroll list, FOIL log and subpoena log. Four days after we emailed our second request, the village clerk called with a bill for $7.25 and the village scored points for sending its village board meeting minutes and agendas. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It lost a half point because we had to follow up for the documents that weren’t included in the original reply. It lost a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point for its speedy reply, sending the board meeting agendas and logs that it’s not required to maintain as well as having information on the village’s website on how to file a FOIL request but got no points for charging us for paper copies of minutes and agendas that were found on the village’s website. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Old Brookville: 60 or D-. Days: 64

Located south of Glen Cove in northeastern Nassau County, the Village of Old Brookville is home to more than 2,100 residents. Four business days after we emailed our request to the village’s general inbox, the clerk replied to acknowledge it. Five business days after that, the clerk sent a $12 bill for 48 pages of unspecified documents. We sent the check and the village cashed it, but the 20-day deadline passed without the documents arriving. We called to follow up and the clerk re-sent the documents and when they arrived, the village scored points for providing its board meeting minutes and agendas. We followed up a second time to ask what happened to the other five documents requested. The village then lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. When we followed up a third time for the payroll list, resulting in the deduction of a point, the village got a point and a half: one for the document, the other for sending at least that part of the request via email. The village got another half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Old Field: 85 or B. Days: 35

Overlooking the Long Island Sound on a peninsula just north of Stony Brook, the Village of Old Field has more than 900 residents. We emailed our request to the village, but when we didn’t receive a reply, we sent a followup, to which the clerk replied that it has no record of the first email. A day after acknowledging the request, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. Since the village said it didn’t receive our initial email, we gave it a point for its response time and didn’t take off a half point when we had to follow up. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply after we got in touch, for sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. When informed of the grade, Mayor Michael Levine suggested the grade should be higher. “An 85 in my book has always been, and always will be, a B+,” he said. “You’re a tough grader!”

Old Westbury: 65 or D. Days: 79

The Village of Old Westbury, which is home to more than 4,600 people, is in northern Nassau County between Brookville and East Hills. We twice emailed our request, mailed a copy and called twice before we got a letter from the clerk stating that “the Village of Old Westbury has no records responsive to your request.” The village got no points for its response time and a half point for its written denial, which we appealed. In our appeal, we cited the fact that one of the five most recent board meeting minutes that we requested was on the village website and therefore clearly available. The village then scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. We followed up for the rest of the requested documents, resulting in the village being deducted a point because we had to follow up six times. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. When informed of the grade, Administrator Brian Ridgway declined to comment because the request predated his employment with the village.

Oyster Bay Cove: 75 or C. Days: 107

Located just east of Oyster Bay in northeastern Nassau County, the Village of Oyster Bay Cove has more than 2,100 residents. Nine business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied to request a two-month extension. When we followed up for an update, the clerk requested a second extension of two more weeks. When we followed up after that deadline passed, we did not receive a response. The village then lost a point for its response time. Since that lack of a response constituted a denial, we filed an appeal, but the village got a half point for identifying its FOIL appeals officer on its FOIL form. Since we had to follow up twice, the village was deducted a point. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, board meeting minutes and subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Patchogue: 75 or C. Days: 93

The Village of Patchogue, which is home to more than 11,700 residents, is on the South Shore of Suffolk County between Bayport and Bellport. Nine business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied, getting a half point for response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It later billed us $8 and mailed paper copies of its FOIL log, getting a half point for emailing some documents and mailing others. It lost a half point because we had to follow up once to fulfill the request. In the helpfulness category, the village got a point for sending agendas and FOIL logs that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but got no points for directing us to the village’s homepage to find the minutes. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Plandome: 80 or B-. Days: 71

The Village of Plandome, located on the southwest side of the Port Washington Peninsula, is home to more than 1,300 residents. We twice emailed our request, mailed a copy and called. The clerk blamed the lack of a response on a “pirate website” falsely purporting to be the village’s. That explained the lack of email response, but the village had yet to reply to the FOIL request we mailed 12 days prior, resulting in a half point for the response time. The village scored points for sending its payroll list and board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply once we got through but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Plandome Heights: 85 or B. Days: 49

About 1,000 residents live in the Village of Plandome Heights on the southwest side of the Port Washington Peninsula. Two business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk emailed to acknowledge it. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes, but the 20-day deadline passed before we received a reply on the remaining documents, resulting in the loss of a half point for response time. The village later lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Plandome Manor: 65 or D. Days: 48

Located on the southwest side of the Port Washington Peninsula, the Village of Plandome Manor is home to about 900 people. The second time we emailed our request, the village clerk called the same day to acknowledge it. The village scored points for emailing its FOIL policy, board meeting minutes and providing its payroll. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing and another because we had to follow up twice to get a full response to our request. The village lost a point in the helpfulness category for asking why we filed the request but got a point for sending its meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Port Jefferson: 35 or F. Days: 98

Located on the North Shore of Suffolk County between Setauket and Mt. Sinia, the Village of Port Jefferson is home to more than 7,700 residents. One day after we emailed our request to the village, it scored points when the clerk emailed its FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. The village requested a clarification on the subject matter listing, which we provided, and said it would send the payroll later, but the 20-day deadline passed without an update, resulting in the village getting a half point for response time. Since we had to follow up four times for those documents without a response, the village was deducted a point. The lack of a response on the remaining documents was considered a denial of those requests, which we appealed, but the village never responded to our appeal, so it lost a point. It lost points for not providing its payroll list or subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. Upon receiving the grade, Mayor Margot Garant said that the grade was manipulated and didn’t account for the documents her staff turned over. “We take great exception to your subjective grading system you designed for your FOIL project,” she said. “For instance, it does not account for the fact that the village did respond to five out of seven of your requests and sought further clarification from you on the remaining two. The village did its best efforts to respond to your bulk FOIL request and contends that your grading system is both inaccurate and subject to subjective manipulation. While we acknowledge that it was not complete, our initial compliance and the timing of the responses was well within the confines and spirit of the law.”

Port Washington North: 70 or C-. Days: 97

More than 3,100 people live in the Village of Port Washington North located just south of Sands Point on the Port Washington Peninsula. Four business days after we emailed our request to the village, it scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It lost a half point its response time because it didn’t deny that last document until after the 20-day deadline. It also lost a half point because we had to follow up. It got a point in the helpfulness category for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Poquott: 85 or B. Days: 37

Overlooking Port Jefferson Harbor, the Village of Poquott has more than 900 residents. Unable to find an email address for the village, we mailed our request and received an email acknowledging it five business days later. The village then replied within the 20-day deadline, getting a point for response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list and village board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its FOIL logs and board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Quogue: 85 or B. Days: 100

Overlooking Shinnecock Bay, the Village of Quogue, which is home to nearly 1,000 residents, is located on the west end of the South Fork and includes part of Westhampton Island. Four business days after we emailed our request to the village, it scored points for its response time and emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It lost a half point because we had to follow up for items that weren’t included in its initial reply. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Rockville Centre: 90 or A-. Days: 13

The Village of Rockville Centre, home to more than 24,000 residents in southwestern Nassau County, was the only village on Long Island we found that has a FOIL request submission tool on its website. Moments after filing, we received an automated acknowledgment. Ten business days later, the village scored points when its attorney emailed the board meeting minutes. Shortly later, the village attorney emailed the village’s payroll list and subject matter listing. It lost a point for not providing a written FOIL policy. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, sending its board agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. When informed of the grade, Mayor Francis X. Murray issued a statement: “The village and my administration are committed to total transparency.… The village does not need a written policy because it follows the statute to the letter. Despite receiving hundreds of FOIL requests each year, the village has an impeccable record of timely and complete responses, and has never been found to have violated the requirements of FOIL.”

Roslyn: 70 or C-. Days: 67

Located at the southernmost tip of Hempstead Bay, the Village of Roslyn is home to more than 2,700 residents. Five business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk called with a bill for $43.25 plus postage for 193 pages of documents. After we mailed the check, the village scored points for sending its FOIL policy, payroll list and board meeting minutes. Since we had to follow up for documents that weren’t included in the reply, it lost a half point. When we didn’t get an answer on the unfulfilled portion of the request until after the 20-day deadline, the village got a half point for its response time. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending the board meeting agendas and FOIL log that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Roslyn Estates: 95 or A. Days: 40

Just west of Roslyn, the Village of Roslyn Estates has more than 2,100 residents. When we didn’t hear back the first time we emailed our request to the village clerk, we followed up and received a reply saying that the first email was not received. Two business days later, we received an email acknowledging the request. One business day after that, the village scored points when the clerk emailed its payroll list, subject matter listing and board meeting minutes. It got a point for its response time after we finally got in touch. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. In the helpfulness category, it got points for its speedy reply, sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Roslyn Harbor: 35 or F. Days: 99

Northeast of Roslyn, the Village of Roslyn Harbor, home to about 1,000 residents, was the most actively resistant to complying with our request out of any village on Long Island. We twice emailed our request, sent a copy by mail and called before it was acknowledged. In response to our request for the village’s FOIL policy, the clerk said the village did not maintain one. But moments later, she said that in order to file a records request we needed to go to village hall, provide identification and give a reason. When we replied that it sounded like the village did have a FOIL policy, the clerk replied that she would have to research it, but when she later provided it, requiring identification wasn’t listed in the village’s FOIL policy, although she required this reporter to do so to obtain the village’s payroll information. The village scored points for emailing its board meeting minutes and later providing its payroll in person. It got a half point for emailing some documents but providing paper copies of others. Because we had to follow up four times, a point was deducted. When our requests for the subject matter listing and FOIL policy were denied, we filed an appeal, resulting in the loss of another point since the denial was neither in writing nor was the FOIL appeals officer identified. The clerk then provided the FOIL policy for a point. The village lost a point for not providing its subject matter listing. In the helpfulness category, the village was deducted a point for asking why we filed the request, requiring us to pick up documents in person and requiring identification, but it got a point for providing its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. Village Trustee Sandy Quentzel said she was disappointed in the grade and noted that the clerk who responded to our request is no longer employed with the village. “It’s not our intention not to give public records,” she said, noting that the village has a small staff. “We welcome another request. We take it seriously. Public records are public records.”

Russell Gardens: 70 or C-. Days: 41

Located at the base of the Great Neck Peninsula, more than 900 residents call the Village of Russell Gardens home. When we didn’t receive a response the first time we emailed our request to the village, we sent a followup, to which the clerk replied the same day asking for a 30-day extension. Four business days later, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for its response time and lost a half point because we had to follow up once. It got a point in the helpfulness category for providing its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Saddle Rock: 70 or C-. Days: 115

Overlooking Little Neck Bay on the west side of the Great Neck Peninsula, the Village of Saddle Rock is home to more than 800 residents. We twice emailed our request to the village and called before we got a response from the clerk, who asked us to send it a third time. For this, the village got no points for response time. When the village finally acknowledged the request, 20 business days passed before we heard back, which constituted a denial that we appealed, resulting in the loss of another point because the appeal was neither in writing nor identified the FOIL appeals officer. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, subject matter listing and board meeting minutes. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Sagaponack: 90 or A-. Days: 1

Located on the South Fork between Bridgehampton and Wainscott, the Village of Sagaponack is home to more than 300 residents. One day after we emailed our request, the village clerk called to acknowledge and fulfill it, earning a point for response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, sending the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Sag Harbor: 75 or C. Days: 70

Centrally located on the north side of the South Fork, the Village of Sag Harbor is home to more than 300 residents. Eight business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied to acknowledge it. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It later got a point for emailing its subject matter listing, but lost a half point because we had to follow up since it wasn’t included in the original reply. It also lost a point for its response time since the request wasn’t fulfilled until after the 20-day deadline. It lost another point for not providing a written FOIL policy. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. After being told the grade, Sag Harbor Trustee James Larocca defended the village staff. “Consider that Sag Harbor is a very small village with a very small full-time staff in Village Hall,” he said. “Our folks work very hard. We treat all requests seriously.”

Saltaire: 90 or A-. Days: 70

Thirty seven year-round residents and hundreds more seasonal homeowners live in the Village of Saltaire, the older of the two incorporated villages among the 17 resort communities on Fire Island. We twice emailed our request to the village and mailed a copy before the administrator replied, stating that the emails were caught in the spam filter. Since that wasn’t the village’s fault, it got a point for response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply once we got in touch and sending its agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Sands Point: 35 or F. Days: 112

The Village of Sands Point, home to more than 2,600 residents at the northernmost tip of the Port Washington Peninsula, was the only agency on Long Island to lose a point for charging an excessive price for documents. It charged $150 for an emailed copy of the village’s payroll list, which every other agency either provided for free or charged 25 cents per page for paper copies, the rate allowed by state law. Four business days after we emailed our request to the village, the clerk wrote back acknowledging it. The village scored points for emailing its board meeting minutes, got a half point for its response time and was deducted a point because we had to follow up three times for updates on the status of the request. It lost points for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. After the clerk finally sent the bill for the payroll, we sent a check the same day and the village emailed the document a week later. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for emailing its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. Village attorney Michael Sahn said “nobody ever wants to hear they get an F in anything.” He defended the village clerk, saying “she and the village were very responsive. If you deem it in your view that the village was not responsive, that is your view; that’s not our view.”

Sea Cliff: 85 or B. Days: 80

Overlooking Hempstead Bay from just south of Glen Cove, the Village of Sea Cliff is home to about 5,000 people. Nine business days after we emailed our request to the village, we received a request for a 30-day extension. The village got a half point for its response time. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy, subject matter listing and board meeting minutes. It lost a point because we had to follow up twice. In the helpfulness category, it got no points for directing us to the village website homepage for the meeting minutes and not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request but got a point for sending the board meeting agendas that it isn’t required to maintain. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Shoreham: 75 or C. Days: 63

Overlooking the Long Island Sound on the North Shore of Suffolk County between Rocky Point and Wading River, the Village of Shoreham is home to more than 500 residents. Two business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk wrote asking that we fill out a village FOIL form, which we did the same day. The village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. Since it sent some of the documents after the 20-day deadline, it got a half point for its response time. It lost a point because we had to follow up twice. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Southampton: 70 or C-. Days: 90

The Village of Southampton, home to more than 3,100 residents, is not to be confused with the Town of Southampton that includes the village on the South Fork. Eight minutes after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied to acknowledge it. The village scored points for emailing its payroll and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing a written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a half point for its response time when the 20-day deadline passed before the request was satisfied. It lost another point because we had to follow up twice to get a full response to the request. It got a point in the helpfulness category for providing the board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. When informed of the grade, Village Administrator Stephen Funsch questioned the premise of the report card. “So you requested all these municipalities to do all this work just so you can do a survey?” he asked. “Classic.”

South Floral Park: 65 or D. Days: 63

The Village of Floral Park, located in central-western Nassau County, is home to more than 1,700 residents. We twice emailed our request to the village and mailed a copy before we got a call from the clerk. The village got no points for its response time. It scored points for emailing its payroll list and village board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. It got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not comment on its grade.

Stewart Manor: 80 or B-. Days: 11

More than 1,800 residents live in the Village of Stewart Manor, located in central-western Nassau County just west of Garden City Park. Eight business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk fully responded to our request. The village got a half point for its response time. The village also scored points for emailing its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. The village also got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply, emailing minutes when it could have sent a link and for providing its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Thomaston: 95 or A. Days: 3

Just south of the Great Neck Peninsula, the Village of Thomaston is home to more than 2,600 residents. Two business days after we emailed our request, the village clerk replied to acknowledge receiving the request and seek clarification, which we provided. The village scored points when it emailed its payroll list, subject matter listing and board meeting minutes. It got a point for its response time. It got a half point for not providing its written FOIL policy, which we later found in the village code. In the helpfulness category, it got another for its speed, sending copies of board meeting minutes when it could have just sent a link to them online and sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

The Branch: 65 or D. Days: 41

The Village of The Branch, home to more than 1,800 residents, is located between Smithtown and Nesconset on the North Shore of central Suffolk County. Nine business days after we emailed our request to the village, its clerk wrote back to acknowledge it and note that the 17 pages of documents will cost $4.25. After we mailed the check, the village scored points for sending its payroll list and board meeting minutes. It got a half point for partially emailing its response. It got a half point for its response time. It got a half point for because we had to follow up once for missing documents in its initial reply. It lost point for neither providing a written FOIL policy nor maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. Mayor Mark Delaney said: “If you or your organization is looking to grade municipalities on transparency then I would give yours an “F” as we hold advertised public meetings regularly (which I have never seen you at), we have office hours where you can come and ask any question you like (again to my knowledge you have never availed yourself of that) and my cell phone number is on the website for anyone to use (I have never received a call from you that I am aware of). Utilizing FOIL requests instead of simply “showing up” is certainly within your rights but puts an unnecessary burden on a part time office staff that, like the rest of us in small village government, are largely volunteers. We would prefer to spend our time serving our residents and I think they would agree. I would argue that our residents enjoy a level of transparency that county and state government are simply incapable of.”

Upper Brookville: 90 or A-. Days: 13

More than 1,600 residents live in the Village of Upper Brookville located in the northwestern corner of Nassau County. Four business days after we emailed our request to the village, it scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. It got a point for its response time, but lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing. It got a point in the helpfulness category for its speedy reply and sending its and board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain but got no points for not having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Valley Stream: 80 or B-. Days: 62

Located on the Queens-Nassau County border, the Village of Valley Stream has more than 37,000 residents. After we emailed our request, the village clerk called back the same day to preview a letter of acknowledgement that arrived three business days later. In its reply, the village scored points for emailing its payroll list, FOIL policy and board meeting minutes. The village lost a point for not maintaining a subject matter listing and lost a half point for its response time when it missed the 20-day deadline to provide all of the documents without requesting an extension. It lost another half point when we had to follow up for documents that weren’t supplied in its initial response. The village got a point in the helpfulness category for sending its board meeting agendas that it’s not required to maintain and for having information on its website on how to file a FOIL request. The village did not respond to a request for comment on its grade.

Westbury: 90 or A-. Days: 15

The Village of Westbury, home to more than 15,000 people, is located in central Nassau County between New Cassel and Carle Place. 