Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2021
The meeting was called to order at 12:34 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. The meeting was conducted remotely utilizing Zoom software in accordance with directives issued by the Governor because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also present: Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Operations Kevin D. Lawlor; Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Administration, Personnel and Finance John J. Russotto; State’s Attorneys Margaret E. Kelley (Ansonia/Milford), Paul J. Narducci (New London), Joseph T. Corradino (Fairfield), Dawn Gallo (Litchfield), Brian W. Preleski (New Britain), Michael A. Gailor (Middlesex), Patrick J. Griffin (New Haven), Paul J. Ferencek (Stamford/Norwalk), Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland), Maureen Platt (Waterbury) and Anne F. Mahoney (Windham).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys John P. Doyle, Jr. and Gail P. Hardy, Training Program Coordinator Vasi Gournaris, Legislative Liaison Melanie Dykas and Director of Communications Alaine Griffin.
State’s Attorney Ferencek moved to accept the minutes of the July 22, 2021 meeting. State’s Attorney Griffin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo reported on the Division’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including how the recent reinstatement of mask mandates by towns and cities in light of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant would impact courthouses.
State’s Attorneys Platt and Corradino reported that court business was “approaching normal” with more courtrooms reopening but other State’s Attorneys reported that absences due to summer vacations were holding up some court business.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto discussed getting new paralegals access to Westlaw online legal research and COLLECT certification and upcoming discussions about questions about the Case Management System that is currently in use at the Division.
State’s Attorney Griffin said the Training Committee is moving forward with its four-day “boot camp” for Deputy Assistant State’s Attorneys in September. He said the plan is to hold the event in-person but if there is a surge in COVID-19 cases in coming weeks, it could go virtual. State’s Attorney Griffin also asked State’s Attorneys to consult with their staffs about recommendations for topics for upcoming training sessions.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto said Training Program Coordinator Gournaris is setting up supervisor management training classes for the fall and spring. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lawlor said there would be future training for how to enter data to the complaint database. He asked the State’s Attorneys to designate someone from each Judicial District to participate in the training and oversee the input of data.
The State’s Attorneys voted unanimously in favor of adopting three new policies addressing workplace relationships, political activity and social media.
State’s Attorney Preleski reported that the Management and Operations Committee will meet soon to discuss the Division’s use of social media.
Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo said the Judicial Branch was continuing to develop its programming for the handling of infractions virtually. He said a new Hate Crimes Advisory Council would be meeting soon and the Division’s Conviction Integrity Unit would be operating within a few months.
There being no further business, State’s Attorney Preleski moved to adjourn. State’s Attorney Mahoney seconded the motion and it passed with no one in opposition. The meeting adjourned at 1:47 p.m.