Public access will likely be denied to some reports approved by Summit Hill Borough Council, including the monthly police report listing numbers of arrests and related police activity.

On the recommendation of its solicitor, Attorney Robert Frycklund, the borough council refused to allow the media to see any of the monthly reports approved by the council.

Frycklund said he only makes recommendations; that the final decision is made by the council.

Specifically rejected was permission to see the monthly police department report.

The Times News reporter was denied access to the report, as was a citizen who made a request through the Freedom of Information Act.

Mary Ann Szczecina said to the council, “We come here as taxpaying citizens. There’s not transparency.”

She said she requested reports and the request was rejected.

“What information is available?” she asked.

Frycklund said he responded to her citizens Right to Know request and said criminal investigation information is exempt from the public records law. He said the monthly police report could have investigative material in it.

Szczecina said she doesn’t want to know names of individuals investigated. She said she was interested in numbers of arrests and whether the borough is cracking down on slum lords.

“You’re asking for a record that doesn’t exist,” the solicitor said, and then advised her to go to the Office of Public Records website.

When she asked another question, he told her that he isn’t her attorney; he’s the borough council’s attorney.

“You’re the person denying our request,” she said.

He responded, “Talk to an attorney.”

Council member Karen Ruzicka asked if a report that lists number of arrests and citations issued each month can be made public. The solicitor responded, “It refers to investigations.”

Mayor Jeffrey Szczecina said he can relate that the police department handled 341 calls in February and March and 248 calls this month. He said the chief of police submits a report to the council every month.

After the meeting, the solicitor explained that he interprets the law as meaning that reports, even though approved by the borough council, are not privy to the public.

Until this month, the council made routine reports available to the Times News, such as zoning inspection, figures, police reports and other information requested to clarify and better report on happenings in the community.

This month, only an agenda was permitted to be given to the media.