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 25, 2015
     A regular meeting of the Freedom of Information Commission was held on March 25, 2015, in the Freedom of Information Hearing Room, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The meeting convened at 2:13 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:
     Commissioner Owen P. Eagan, presiding
     Commissioner Jonathan J. Einhorn
     Commissioner Matthew Streeter
     Commissioner Christopher P. Hankins
     Commissioner Lenny T. Winkler
     Commissioner Ryan P. Barry
     Commissioner Francis J. Brady

     Also present were staff members, Colleen M. Murphy, Mary E. Schwind, Victor R. Perpetua, Kathleen K. Ross, Tracie C. Brown, Lisa F. Siegel, Valicia D. Harmon, Paula S. Pearlman, Virginia Brown, Cindy Cannata, and Thomas A. Hennick.
     The Commissioners voted, 6-0, to approve the minutes of the Commission’s regular meeting of March 11, 2015. Commissioner Winkler abstained.
     Those in attendance were informed that the Commission does not ordinarily record the remarks made at its meetings, but will do so on request.
Timothy Townsend v. Commissioner, State of Connecticut, Department of Correction; and State of Connecticut, Department of Correction
     Timothy Townsend 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.
Adrienne DeLucca and the Berlin Education Association v. Superintendent of Schools, Berlin Public Schools; and Berlin Public Schools
     The Commissioners, voted, 6-0, to move this matter to the end of the contested hearing agenda. Adrienne DeLucca appeared on behalf of the complainants. Attorney Charles Stohler appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners voted, 6-0, to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report with the understanding that paragraphs 1-14 reflect the findings of fact by the hearing officer in the initial report considered by the commission on February 4, 2015. Commissioner Hankins recused himself from the matter.
Michael Aronow v. Executive Vice-President, State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut Health Center; and State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut Health Center
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Art Reid v. Fire Commission, Town of Fairfield; and Town of Fairfield
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
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 adopt the Hearing
Jeffrey Bond v. Chairman, Board of Finance, Town of Burlington; Board of Finance, Town of Burlington; First Selectman, Town of Burlington; Board of Selectmen, Town of Burlington; and Town of Burlington
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Joseph Sastre v. Chief Audit and Compliance Officer, State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut, Office of Audit, Compliance and Ethics; and State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut, Office of Audit, Compliance and Ethics
     Joseph Sastre appeared on his own behalf. Assistant Attorney General Holly Bray appeared on behalf of the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.  The proceedings were recorded digitally.
Stephen Salerno and the Southington Police Union v. Chief, Police Department, Town of Southington; Police Department, Town of Southington; and Town of Southington
     The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Gerald Scully v. Commissioner, 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.
Donald Meehan 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.
Chris Ehlert v. First Selectman, Town of Westbrook; Chairman, Board of Finance, Town of Westbrook; and Town of Westbrook
     Chris Ehlert appeared on his own behalf. Attorney John Bennett appeared on behalf of  the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report.
Seth Wolfe v. First Selectman, Town of Clinton; and Town of Clinton
     Seth Wolfe appeared on his own behalf. Attorney John Bennett appeared on behalf of  the respondents. The Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report. The proceedings were recorded digitally.

    Victor R. Perpetua reported on pending appeals.
     Colleen M. Murphy reported that Chairman Eagan had been nominated for another four-year term and that his confirmation hearing was scheduled for March 26, 2015.
      Colleen M. Murphy reminded commissioners that the annual FOI Conference is scheduled for April 10 at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station in Haddam.
     The meeting was adjourned at 5:04 p.m.

______________
Thomas A. Hennick

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