MINUTES
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS
Thursday, January 7, 2021 10:00AM
TEAMS VIRTUAL HEARING
Call to Order
Chairman Frank P. Blando called the meeting to order at 10:00am.
Chairman Blando read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call. Five appellants were present, one appellant failed to appear. Five local Issuing Authorities and the State Issuing Authority were present.
Board Members Present: Chairman Frank P. Blando, Esq., Secretary Col. Kyle Overturf, Carolyn Futtner Esq., Anthony Iaconis, Esq., and Gudrun Johnson and Chief Carl Rosensweig.
Board Members Absent: Dr. Cynthia Conrad, MD and Mr. M. Peter Kuck
Chairman Frank P. Blando administered the oath to all witnesses individually as their cases were heard.
Hearings: Six cases were heard in the following order:
1) Case No. 20-408-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Greg Wityak represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief William Baldwin, Torrington Police Department.
Withdrawl: The appellant withdrew his case.
2) Case No. 20-028-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman, Esq. with one witness. Trp. Armando Bettini represented the Local Issuing Authority, First Selectman, Sandra Allyn-Gauthier, Town of Preston with one witness.
Decision: Due to a tie decision, the Board sides with the appellant and orders Preston to issue the pistol permit. Vote was Chairman Blando, Atty Futtner and Atty. Iaconis voted in favor of the appellant. Board Secretary Overturf, Chief Rosensweig and Ms. Johnson voted in favor of the Issuing Authority. Tie vote 3-3.
3) Case No. 19-360-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Alex Giannone represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner James C. Rovella, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection with one witness.
Continued: This case has been continued to April 1, 2021.
4) Case No. 20-387-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Greg Wityak represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief William Baldwin, Torrington Police Department.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Torrington to issue the pistol permit.
5) Case No. 20-525-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. Sgt. Ashley Taylor represented the Local Issuing Authority, Acting Chief Rebeca Garcia, Bridgeport Police Department.
Motion: Board Secretary Overturf made a motion for the Local Issuing Authority, by default, due to the appellant failing to appear. Motion was seconded by Board member Johnson, motion passed unanimously.
6) Case No. 20-313-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Ashley Taylor represented the Local Issuing Authority, Acting Chief Rebeca Garcia, Bridgeport Police Department.
Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and orders Bridgeport to issue the pistol permit. Chairman Blando voted in favor of the Local Issuing Authority. Board Secretary Overturf, Atty. Futtner, Atty. Ioconis, Chief Rosensweig and Ms. Johnson voted in favor of the appellant. Vote was 5-1 in favor of the appellant.
Secretary’s Report:
Board Secretary Overturf made a motion to accept the minutes from December 10, 2020, seconded by Ms. Johnson, motion carried. Chief Rosensweig and Atty. Iaconis abstained.
Dormant Cases:
New Business:
Old Cases:
Adjournment:
Board Secretary Overturf made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Atty. Iaconis. Motion carried, hearing ended at 12:10pm.