FREEDOM OF
INFORMATION COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF
CONNECTICUT
In the Matter of
a Complaint by FINAL
DECISION
Regina M.
Sternloff,
Complainant,
against Docket #FIC 88-193
Glastonbury Town
Council,
Respondent August 24, 1988
The above-captioned matter was heard
as a contested case on July 14, 1988, at which time the complainant and the
respondent appeared, stipulated to certain facts and presented testimony,
exhibits and argument on the complaint.
After consideration of the entire
record, the following facts are found:
1.
The respondent is a public agency within the meaning of 1-18a(a),
G.S.
2.
By letter dated May 25, 1988, and filed with the Commission on May 27,
1988, the complainant alleged the respondent convened in executive session for
an impermissible purpose during its meeting of April 27, 1988.
3.
It is found that item 3.(a) of the agenda for the respondent's April 27,
1988, meeting states: "Wage and
Salary Administration. (Executive
Session)."
4.
It is found that the respondent convened in executive session during the
meeting to review the performance of the town manager and discuss whether it
merited his continued employment and a salary increase.
5.
It is concluded that the executive session was convened for a purpose
permitted under 1-18a(e)(1), G.S.
6.
At the hearing, the respondent admitted that item 3.(a) of the agenda
contained ambiguous language.
7.
It is found that the agenda was vague and misleading and did not state
the topic to be addressed in a manner that communicated to the public what it
actually was.
Docket #FIC
88-193 Page Two
8.
It is concluded, therefore, that the respondent violated 1-21(a),
G.S.
The following order by the
Commission is hereby recommended on the basis of the record concerning the
above-captioned complaint:
1.
The respondent henceforth shall act in strict compliance with
1-21(a), G.S., and provide agenda that clearly communicate to the public
all topics the respondent intends to address at each of its meetings.
2.
The respondent shall provide a copy of this decision to each of its
members at its first meeting following receipt of the notice of final decision
in this matter.
Approved by order of the Freedom of
Information Commission at its special meeting of August 24, 1988.
ÿ
Catherine H.
Lynch
Acting Clerk of the Commission