MINUTES
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS
Thursday, July 8, 2021, 10am at the
Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Hwy.
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Call to Order
Chairman Frank P. Blando called the meeting to order at 10:05am.
Chairman Blando read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call. Six appellants were present. Five local Issuing Authorities and the State were present.
Board Members Present: Chairman Frank P. Blando, Esq., Secretary Carolyn Futtner Esq., , Esq., Dr. Cynthia Conrad, MD, Gudrun Johnson, Mr. M. Peter Kuck and Col. Chris Lewis.
Board Members Absent: Anthony Iaconis, Esq. and Chief Carl Rosensweig
Chairman Frank P. Blando administered the oath to all witnesses.
Hearings: Six cases were heard in the following order:
1) Case No. 21-219-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Brian Santa represented the Local Issuing Authority, First Selectman Lori Spielman, Town of Ellington.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
2) Case No. 19-551-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Doug Sauve represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner James C. Rovella, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection with one witness.
Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the State Issuing Authority, the revocation of the pistol permit. Chairman Blando, Secretary Futtner, Dr. Conrad, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. Kuck voted in favor of the State Issuing Authority. Col. Lewis voted in favor of the Appellant. Vote was 5-1 in favor of the State Issuing Authority at this time.
3) Case No. 21-183-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Brian Santa represented the Local Issuing Authority, First Selectman Lori Spielman, Town of Ellington.
Motion: Board member Kuck made a motion for the Appellant, motion was seconded by Board Member Johnson, motion passed unanimously.
4) Case No. 21-199-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman, Esq. Det. Leopold Clarke represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Jason Thody, Hartford Police Department.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Hartford to issue the permit. Vote was 6-0 in favor of the appellant.
5) Case No. 21-095-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on her own behalf. Ofc. Michael Zmayefski represented the Local Issuing Authority, Town Manager Mary Calorio, Town of Killingly.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Town of Killingly to issue the permit. Vote was 6-0 in favor of the appellant.
6) Case No. 20-401-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Ofc. Massetti represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Gerald Narowski, Derby Police Department.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Derby to issue the permit. Vote was 6-0 in favor of the appellant.
Secretary’s Report:
Board member Dr. Conrad made a motion to accept the minutes from June 17, 2021, seconded by Board Secretary Futtner, motion carried. Chairman Blando and Mr. Kuck abstained.
New Business:
Chairman Blando asked for the Office Manager to reach out to FOI to see if an Executive Order is needed to discuss the business of upcoming hearing decisions.
Peter Kuck spoke about his time on the Board and thanked the Board members for their kindness. He has served on the BFPE for 22 years 8 months.
Adjournment: Board member Col. Lewis made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Board member Kuck, motion carried. Meeting ended at 12:25pm.