Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual Freedom of Information Conference. Missed it? Click here to watch a replay via CT-N

TO: Freedom of Information Commission
FROM: Thomas A. Hennick
RE: Minutes of the Commission’s regular meeting of January 11, 2012
     A regular meeting of the Freedom of Information Commission was held on January 11, 2012, in the Freedom of Information Hearing Room, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The meeting convened at 2:13 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:

     Commissioner Norma E. Riess, presiding
     Commissioner Sherman D. London
     Commissioner Owen P. Eagan
     Commissioner Jay Shaw
     Commissioner Jonathan J. Einhorn
     Commissioner Sean K. McElligott

     Also present were staff members, Colleen M. Murphy, Mary E. Schwind, Clifton A. Leonhardt, Victor R. Perpetua, Tracie C. Brown, Kathleen R. Ross, Lisa F. Siegel, Valicia D. Harmon, Paula S. Pearlman, Cindy Cannata and Thomas A. Hennick.

     Those in attendance were informed that the Commission does not ordinarily record the remarks made at its meetings, but will do so on request.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the minutes of the Commission’s regular meeting of December 14, 2011.
     Executive Director Colleen M. Murphy administered the oath of office to new commissioner Sean K. McElligott.
Brandon Holloway v. State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Cheshire Correctional Institution; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
    
     Brandon Holloway participated via speakerphone. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Attorney James Neil appeared on behalf of the respondents. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Vernal Morgan v. State of Connecticut, Department of Correction; Northern  Correctional Institution; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Vernal Morgan v. State of Connecticut, Department of Correction; Northern Correctional Insutitution; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Vernal Morgan v. Freedom of Information Liaison, State of
Connecticut, Department of Correction; and State of Connecticut,
Department of Correction
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Anthony Torres v. Joan Ellis, Freedom of Information Administrator, State of Connecticut, Department of Correction; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
     Anthony Torres participated via speakerphone. Attorney James Neil appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Anthony Torres v. Dannel P. Malloy, Governor, State of
Connecticut, Office of the Governor; and State of Connecticut,
Office of the Governor
     Anthony Torres participated via speakerphone. Assistant Attorney General Phillip Miller appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Nancy Rice and Friends of Animals v. Kent Haydock, Chairman,
Deer Management Committee, Town of Darien; Deer Management
Committee, Town of Darien; and David Campbell, First
Selectman, Town of Darien
     Nancy Rice appeared on behalf of the complainants. Attorney John Wayne Fox
appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.

Mike Sikoski v. Saul Nesselroth, as Chairman, Board of Ethics, Town of Mansfield; and Board of Ethics, Town of Mansfield
     Attorney Dennis O’Brien appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Nancy Burton and the Connecticut Coalition Against Millstone v. Daniel Esty, Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection; and State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection
     Nancy Burton appeared on behalf of the complainants. Attorney Melinda Decker and Mary Lou Kramer appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners voted, 5-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner Riess recused herself from participating in the matter. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Bart Bryant v. Attorney General, State of Connecticut, Office of the Attorney General; and State of Connecticut, Office of the Attorney General
     Bart Bryant appeared on his own behalf. Assistant Attorney General Kirsten Rigney appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners voted, 5-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner Einhorn recused himself from participating in the matter. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Dawn Luddy v. J. DeCarlo, Chief, Police Department, Town of
Branford; and Police Department, Town of Branford
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
     Kathleen K. Ross reported on the New Britain Superior Court Memorandum of Decision in Bradshaw Smith v. Freedom of Information Commission, et al. dated December 28, 2011.
     Lisa F. Seigel reported on the New Britain Superior Court Memorandum of Decision in Connecticut Department of Education, et al. v. Freedom of Information Commission, et al. dated December 29, 2011. 
                                                             
     Victor R. Perpetua reported on pending appeals.
     Colleen M. Murphy reported on ongoing activity related to the consolidation of the FOIC with other state agencies and made available copies of a report on that consolidation.
              
     Colleen M. Murphy reported on legislation.
     The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
_________________
Thomas A. Hennick

MINREGmeeting 01112012/tah/01122012