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 25, 2015
     A regular meeting of the Freedom of Information Commission was held on February 25, 2015, in the Freedom of Information Hearing Room, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The meeting convened at 2:12 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 Michael C. Daly
     Commissioner Lenny T. Winkler
     Commissioner Francis J. Brady
     Also present were staff members, 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 regular meeting of February 11, 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.
David Taylor v. Chairperson, State of Connecticut, Board of Pardons & Paroles; and State of Connecticut, Board of Pardons & Paroles
     David Taylor participated via speakerphone. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Marissa Lowthert v. Superintendent of Schools, Wilton Public Schools; and Wilton Public Schools
     Marissa Lowthert appeared on her own behalf.  Attorney Jessica Richman Smith appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Marissa Lowthert v. Superintendent of Schools, Wilton Public Schools; and Wilton Public Schools
     Marissa Lowthert appeared on her own behalf.  Attorney Jessica Richman Smith appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners voted, 6-1, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. Commissioner Winkler voted against adoption. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Marissa Lowthert v. Superintendent of Schools, Wilton Public Schools and Wilton Public Schools
     Marissa Lowthert appeared on her own behalf.  Attorney Jessica Richman Smith appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Marissa Lowthert v. Gary Richards, Superintendent of Schools, Wilton Public Schools; and Wilton Public Schools
     Marissa Lowthert appeared on her own behalf.  Attorney Jessica Richman Smith appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
David Woods v. President, State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut; and State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut
     David Woods v. President, State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut; and State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut
 Docket #FIC 2014-240
Suzanne Carlson and the Hartford Courant v. Executive Director, East Hartford Housing Authority; and East Hartford Housing Authority
     Suzanne Carlson appeared on behalf of the complainants. Attorney Ralph Alexander appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to remand the matter to the Hearing Officer.  The proceedings were recorded digitally.
William McKinney v. Chief, Police Department, City of Hartford; Police Department, City of Hartford; and City of Hartford
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
David Desroches and the Darien Times v. Stefan Pryor, Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Education; and State of Connecticut, Department of Education
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.

     The Commissioners unanimously voted to affirm the Decision Not to Schedule in: David Godbout v. Representative Andrew Fleischmann, State of Connecticut, General Assembly, House of Representatives, Docket # FIC 2014-214; David Godbout v. Representative Robert Godfrey, State of Connecticut, General Assembly, House of Representatives, Docket # FIC 2014-220; David Godbout v. State of Connecticut, Office of Governmental Accountability, Freedom of Information Commission, Docket # FIC 2014-222; David Godbout v. State of Connecticut, Office of Governmental Accountability, Freedom of Information Commission, Docket # FIC 2014-223; and David Godbout v. State of Connecticut, Office of Governmental Accountability, Freedom of Information Commission, Docket # FIC 2014-242. The proceedings were recorded digitally.
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to add to the agenda a discussion of a possible settlement  in Superior Court Docket HHB-CV-11-601-3130-S, Connecticut State Board of Education vs. Freedom of Information Commission et. al. The Commissioners voted, 6-0, to authorize Attorney Lisa Siegel to enter into negotiations to resolve this matter. Commissioner Hankins recused himself from this matter.
     Mary E. Schwind and Paula S. Pearlman reported on legislation and upcoming public hearings at which staff will testify.
     The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
 _______________
Thomas A. Hennick
MINREGmeeting 02252015/tah/02262015