Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Freedom of Information Act
Plaintiffs filed complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief alleging violation of FOIA and Open Meetings Act. EPA violated FOIA by not providing public records requested as statutorily mandated. EPA violated Open Meetings Act in its procedure to grant certification of refining company's infrastructure improvements as pollution control facilities. Board improperly prohibited public comment and restricted opportunity to address public body to written filings, and discussed merits of Plaintiffs' claims in closed sessions, all in violation of mandates and overarching purpose of Open Meetings Act. (APPLETON and POPE, concurring.)