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 February 11, 2015
     A regular meeting of the Freedom of Information Commission was held on February 11, 2015, in the Freedom of Information Hearing Room, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The meeting convened at 2:08 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:
     Commissioner Owen P. Eagan, presiding
     Commissioner Jay Shaw (participated via speakerphone)
     Commissioner Matthew Streeter
     Commissioner Christopher P. Hankins
     Commissioner Lenny T. Winkler
     Commissioner Francis J. Brady

     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, Virginia Brown, Cindy Cannata, and Thomas A. Hennick.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Commission’s special meeting of February 4, 2015.
     Those in attendance were informed that the Commission does not ordinarily record the remarks made at its meetings, but will do so on request.
Umar Shahid v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Correction; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
     Umar Shahid 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.
Umar Shahid v. Chief Court Administrator, State of Connecticut, Judicial Branch, Office of Court Administration; and State of Connecticut, Judicial Branch, Office of Court Administration
     Umar Shahid participated via speakerphone.  The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Umar Shahid v. Chief Court Administrator, State of Connecticut, Hartford Judicial Branch; and State of Connecticut, Hartford Judicial Branch
     Umar Shahid participated via speakerphone.  The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association v. Robert Powers, Director, Controlled Substances Toxicology Laboratory, State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services; and State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association v. Robert Powers, Director, Controlled Substances Toxicology Laboratory, State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services; and State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of  Scientific Services
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Bradshaw Smith v. Craig Cooke, Superintendent of Schools, Windsor Public Schools; and Windsor Public Schools
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
David Collins and the New London Day v. Governor, State of Connecticut, Office of the Governor; and State of Connecticut, Office of the Governor
     Assistant Attorney General Michael Skold appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners voted, 5-1, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner Eagan voted against adoption.
Laraine Weschler and the Waterbury Republican-American v. Chief, Police Department, Town of Watertown; Police Department, Town of Watertown; and Town of Watertown
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Bert Bosse v. Chairman, Board of Finance, Town of Lebanon; Board of Finance, Town of Lebanon; and Town of Lebanon
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Dawn Cantafio v. Chairman, Board of Education, Trumbull Public Schools; and Board of Education, Trumbull Public Schools
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.

     The Commissioners unanimously voted to reject an appeal of the denial of Request for Expedited Hearing in Virginia Brown v. State of Connecticut, Office of the State Comptroller, Docket #FIC 2015-055.
     Colleen M. Murphy reported on pending appeals.
     Colleen M. Murphy reported on legislation and an upcoming Government Administration and Elections Committee hearing at which she will testify.
     The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
_______________
Thomas A. Hennick
MINREGmeeting 02112015/tah/02112015