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 April 11, 2012
     A regular meeting of the Freedom of Information Commission was held on April 11, 2012, in the Freedom of Information Hearing Room, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The meeting convened at 2:10 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:
     Commissioner Norma E. Riess, presiding
     Commissioner Sherman D. London
     Commissioner Owen P. Eagan
     Commissioner Amy J. LiVolsi
     Commissioner Sean K. McElligott
     Commissioner Matthew Streeter
     Also present were staff members, Colleen M. Murphy, Mary E. Schwind, Victor R. Perpetua, Clifton A. Leonhardt, Tracie C. Brown, Kathleen K. 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 March 28, 2012.
David Taylor v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health; and State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Faroulh Dorlette v. Angel Quiros, Warden, State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Northern Correctional Institution; Correctional Officer Sokolowski and Correctional Officer Blais, State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Northern Correctional Institution; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
     Faroulh Dorlette participated via speakerphone. Attorney James Neil appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The Commissioners unanimously voted to reopen the matter. The Commissioners unanimously voted to amend the Hearing Officer’s Report. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report as amended.* The proceedings were recorded digitally.
 Docket #FIC 2011-305
 Reggie Gonsalves v. Chief, Police Department, City of Bristol; and Police Department, City of Bristol
     Reggie Gonsalves participated via speakerphone. The Commissioners unanimously voted to table the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Donna Best v. Mayor, Town of Stratford; and Town of Stratford
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Sidney Wylie v. Martin R. Libbin, Deputy Director, State of Connecticut, Judicial Branch, Court Operations Division, Legal Services; and State of Connecticut, Judicial Branch, Court Operations Division, Legal Services
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Sidney Wylie v. Frank Limon, Chief, Police Department, City of New Haven; Police Department, City of New Haven; John DeStefano, Jr., Mayor, City of New Haven; City of New Haven; Sally Brown, Deputy Clerk, City/Town Clerk, City of New Haven; and City/Town Clerk, City of New Haven
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 786 v. Chief, Springdale Fire Department; and Springdale Fire Department
     The Commissioners voted, 5-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner LiVolsi recused herself from the matter.
Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 786 v. President, Long Ridge Fire Department; and Long Ridge Fire Department
     The Commissioners voted, 5-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner LiVolsi recused herself from the matter.
Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 786 v. President, Turn of River Fire Department; and Turn of River Fire Department
     The Commissioners voted, 5-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner LiVolsi recused herself from the matter.
Daniel P. Hunsberger and the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association v. President, Belltown Fire Department, Inc.; and Belltown Fire Department, Inc.
     The Commissioners voted, 5-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner LiVolsi recused herself from the matter.
Gregory Bishop v. Support Services Department, Police Department, City of Middletown; and Police Department, City of Middletown
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
     Commissioners voted, 4-2, to deny a motion for reconsideration dated March 22, 2012 filed by Robert H. Kalechman in Robert Kalechman v. First Selectman, Town of Simsbury; and Town of Simsbury, Docket #FIC 2011-239. Robert Kalechman appeared on his own behalf. Commissioners Eagan and LiVolsi voted against the denial.
     Lisa F. Siegel reported on the New Britain Superior Court Memorandum of Decision in Connecticut Department of Public Health v. Freedom of Information Commission and The Greenwich Time v. Freedom of Information Commission, et al. dated March 28, 2012.
     Valicia D. Harmon reported on the New Britain Superior Court Memorandum of Decision in Commissioner, Department of Correction v. Freedom of Information Commission and David P. Taylor dated April 5, 2012. Commissioners voted, 5-1, not to appeal the decision. Commissioner McElligott voted no.
                    
          Victor R. Perpetua and Lisa F. Siegel reported on pending appeals
          Colleen M. Murphy reported on the successful FOI Conference held April 3.
          Colleen M. Murphy formally announced the promotion of Mary E. Schwind to the position of Managing Director and Associate General Counsel.
          Colleen M. Murphy and Paula S. Pearlman reported on legislation currently being considered by the General Assembly.

          The meeting was adjourned at 3:29 p.m.
________________
Thomas A. Hennick
*SEE ATTACHED FOR AMENDMENT
MINREGmeeting 04112012/tah/04122012
AMENDMENT
Faroulh Dorlette v. Angel Quiros, Warden, State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Northern Correctional Institution; Correctional Officer Sokolowski and Correctional Officer Blais, State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Northern Correctional Institution; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
     The order in the Hearing Officer’s Report is amended as follows:
     The following order by the Commission is hereby recommended on the basis of the record concerning the above-captioned complaint:
     1. The complaint is hereby dismissed [with prejudice.]