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 30, 2014
     A special meeting of the Freedom of Information Commission was held on January 30, 2014, in the Freedom of Information Hearing Room, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The meeting convened at 2:14 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:
     Commissioner Owen P. Eagan, presiding
     Commissioner Matthew Streeter
     Commissioner Christopher P. Hankins
     Commissioner Michael C. Daly
     Commissioner Ryan P. Barry

     Also present were staff members, Colleen M. Murphy, Mary E. Schwind, Clifton A. Leonhardt, Tracie C. Brown, Lisa F. Siegel, Kathleen K. Ross, Gregory F. Daniels, Valicia D. Harmon, Paula S. Pearlman, Cindy Cannata, and Thomas A. Hennick.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Commission’s regular meeting of January 8, 2014.
     Those in attendance were informed that the Commission does not ordinarily record the remarks made at its meetings, but will do so on request.
James Torlai v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police; and State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Alexander Wood and the Manchester Journal Inquirer v. Chairperson, State of Connecticut, Board of Pardons and Paroles; and State of Connecticut, Board of Pardons and Paroles
     Alexander Wood appeared on behalf of the complainants. Assistant Attorney General Steven Strom appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to grant intervenor status to Michael Arroyo for the purpose of presenting oral argument to the commission. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Adam Osmond v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services; State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services; Director, State of Connecticut, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services; and State of Connecticut, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
     Adam Osmond appeared on his own behalf.  Assistant Attorney General Patrick Kwanashie appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Scott Jascha v. First Selectman, Town of Monroe; and Town of Monroe
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Paul Bochicchio and Eveready Transportation v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation; and State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
George Winter v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Motor Vehicles; and State of Connecticut, Department of Motor Vehicles
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
R. Francis DiPrete v. Chairman, Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission, Town of Killingly; and Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission, Town of Killingly
     R. Francis DiPrete appeared on his own behalf. Attorney Douglas Williams appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Daniel Wade v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection; and State of Connecticut, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Lee Smith v. Superintendent of Schools, Middletown Public Schools; and Middletown Public Schools
     Donna Gagnon-Smith appeared on her own behalf. Attorney Anthony Shannon appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners voted, 4-0, to amend the Hearing Officer’s Report. The Commissioners voted, 4-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report s corrected.* The proceedings were recorded digitally. Commissioner Hankins recused himself from the matter.
Arthur Kureczka v. Jeffrey Bridges, Town Manager, Town of Wethersfield; and Town of Wethersfield
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Arthur Kureczka v. Jeffrey Bridges, Town Manager, Town of Wethersfield; and Town of Wethersfield
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to affirm the decision not to schedule a hearing in David Godbout v. Town of Weston, Docket #FIC 2013-185.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to affirm the decision not to schedule a hearing in David Godbout v. Bipartisan Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children's Safety Legislative Committee, State of Connecticut, Connecticut General Assembly, Docket #FIC 2013-180.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to affirm the decision not to schedule a hearing in David Godbout v. State of Connecticut, Bipartisan Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children's Safety Committee, State of Connecticut, Connecticut General Assembly, Docket #FIC 2013-190.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to affirm the decision not to schedule a hearing in David Godbout v. State of Connecticut, Bipartisan Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children's Safety Committee, State of Connecticut, Connecticut General Assembly, Docket #FIC 2013-192.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to affirm the decision not to schedule a hearing in David Godbout v. State of Connecticut, Bipartisan Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children's Safety, Connecticut General Assembly, Docket #FIC 2013-238.
     Colleen M. Murphy and Valicia D. Harmon reported on pending appeals.
     Colleen M. Murphy reported on the pending retirement of staff member Mary Beth Anderson.
     Colleen M. Murphy reported on legislation.

     The meeting was adjourned at 4:13 p.m.
________________
Thomas A. Hennick
MINSPECmeeting 013082014/tah/01312014
AMENDMENT
Lee Smith v. Superintendent of Schools, Middletown Public Schools; and Middletown Public Schools
     The Hearing Officer’s Report is corrected as follows:
     2. It is found that, by [letter] email dated May 25, 2012, the complainant sent an email to Colleen Werner, the Middletown High School Assistant Principal, Dr. David H. Larson, the Interim Superintendent of Schools for the Middletown Public Schools, Gene P. Nocera, the Chairman of the Middletown Board of Education, and the Middletown Board of Education, in which a copy of a bullying investigation report pertaining to her DAUGHTER was requested [daughter].  It is further found that, on May 14, 2013, the complainant renewed the request for records with Patricia Charles, the Superintendent of Schools for Middletown Public Schools.