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 March 13, 2013
     A regular meeting of the Freedom of Information Commission was held on March 13, 2013, in the Freedom of Information Hearing Room, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The meeting convened at 2:07 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 Matthew Streeter
     Commissioner Christopher P. Hankins.

     Also present were staff members, Colleen M. Murphy, Mary E. Schwind, Clifton A. Leonhardt, Tracie C. Brown, Kathleen K. Ross, Lisa F. Siegel, Gregory F. Daniels, Valicia D. Harmon, Paula S. Pearlman, Cindy Cannata and Thomas A. Hennick.
     Colleen M. Murphy administered the oath of office to new Commissioner Christopher P. Hankins.
     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 voted, 5-0, to adopt the minutes of the Commission’s regular meeting of February 27, 2013.  Commissioner Hankins abstained.
Edward Peruta v. Reuben Bradford, Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection; Thomas Hatfield, State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection; and State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Edward Peruta v. Reuben Bradford, Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection; Cynthia Powell, Office Supervisor, State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection; and State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Steven DeBow v. Human Resources Officer, Hartford Public Schools; Chief Information Officer, Hartford Public Schools; and Hartford Public Schools
     Steven DeBow appeared on his own behalf. Attorney Alexandra Lombardi appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Katherine Newcombe, Dayna McDermott and The Hampton Gazette v. Board of Education, Hampton Public Schools
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Robert Cushman v. Chief, Police Department, Town of Enfield; and Police Department, Town of Enfield
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Robert A. Cushman v. Chief, Police Department, Town of Enfield; and Police Department, Town of Enfield
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
 Docket #FIC 2012-353
Michael Vrtis and Realgy Energy Services v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Labor; and State of Connecticut, Department of Labor
     Michael Vrtis and Laura LaRocco appeared on behalf of the complainants. Assistant Attorney General Krista O’Brien appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to remand the matter to the Hearing Officer for further consideration and to issue an order for the respondents to provide to the Hearing Officer, for in camera inspection, copies of any of the requested records that the respondents claim to be exempt pursuant to attorney-client privilege by the close of business March 25, 2013. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Michael Vrtis and Realgy Energy Services v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Labor; and State of Connecticut, Department of Labor
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Gualberto Santiago v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services; and State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
     Colleen M. Murphy reported on pending appeals.
     Colleen M. Murphy reminded commissioners that the annual Freedom of Information Conference will be held on April 9, 2013 at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station in Haddam.
     Colleen M. Murphy and Paula S. Pearlman reported on legislation.

     The meeting was adjourned at 3:44 p.m.

                                                           ________________
                                                           Thomas A. Hennick
MINREGmeeting 03132013/tah/03152013