MINUTES
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS
Thursday, July 13, 2023, 10am
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
1111 Country Club Rd., Middletown, CT 06457
Call to Order
Chairman Carolyn Futtner called the meeting to order at 10:04am.
Chairman Futtner read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call. Seven appellants were present, two appellants failed to appear. Four Local Issuing Authorities were present along with the State, one Local Issuing Authorities failed to appear.
Board Members Present: Chairman Carolyn Futtner, Esq., Dr. Cynthia Conrad, Gudrun Johnson, Col. Chris Lewis, Chief Carl Rosensweig, and Stephen Sanetti, Esq.
Board Members Absent: Elbert Gray and Col. Kyle Overturf
Chairman Carolyn Futtner administered the oath to all witnesses.
Hearings: Nine cases were heard in the following order:
1 & 2) Case No. 22-031-R and 22-030-R, involving the revocation of pistol permits to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellants were represented by Rachel M. Baird, Esq. DESPP Legal Director Cynthia Isales, Esq. represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner James C. Rovella, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection with one witness.
Withdrawal: After a request for a continuance was denied, the appellants withdrew their cases.
3) Case No. 22-389-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Elias Martz represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Erik Costa, Middletown Police Department.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
4) Case No. 22-038-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. DESPP Legal Staff Attorney Matt Reed represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner James C. Rovella, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
5) Case No. 22-391-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Elias Martz represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Erik Costa, Middletown Police Department.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the Local Issuing Authority, the denial of the pistol permit. Vote was 6-0 in favor of the Local Issuing Authority.
6) Case No. 22-251-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Det. Lt. Ethan Mable represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Danbury Police Department with one witness (Appellant).
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the Local Issuing Authority, the denial of the pistol permit. Vote was 6-0 in favor of the Local Issuing Authority.
7) Case No. 22-437-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Lt. Bryce represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Stephen Pugner, Bethel Police Department.
Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the Local Issuing Authority, the denial of the pistol permit. Chairman Futtner, Dr. Conrad, Ms. Johnson, Col. Lewis, Chief Rosensweig and voted in favor of the Local Issuing Authority. Atty. Sanetti voted in favor of the Appellant. Vote was 5-1 in favor of the Local Issuing Authority.
8) Case No. 22-376-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. A representative failed to appear for the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Jeffrey Madden, Thomaston Police Department.
Motion: Chief Rosensweig made a motion for the Local Issuing Authority, due to the automatic disqualifier, motion was seconded by Ms. Johnson. After some deliberations, the Board took a roll as to the outcome of this case. Vote was 5-1 in favor of the Local Issuing Authority, again due to the automatic disqualifier.
9) Case No. 22-036-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. DESPP Legal Staff Attorney Matt Reed represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner James C. Rovella, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Motion: Board member Ms. Johnson made a motion for the State Issuing Authority, by default, due to the appellant failing to appear. Motion was seconded by Atty. Sanetti, motion passed unanimously
Secretary’s Report:
Board member Atty. Sanetti made a motion to accept the minutes from June 22, 2023, seconded by Col. Lewis, motion carried. Dr. Conrad and Ms. Johnson abstained. Vote 4-0-2 to approve.
New Business: Reminder of changes for hearing dates.
Adjournment: Board member Johnson made a motion to adjourn seconded by Board member Chief Rosensweig, motion carried. Meeting ended at 11:23am.