FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
In the Matter of a Complaint
by FINAL
DECISION
Thomas Supina, Jr.,
Complainant
against Docket
#FIC 88‑225
Ashford Board of Selectmen,
Respondent December
14, 1988
The above‑captioned matter was heard as a contested
case on August 5, 1988, at which time the parties appeared and presented
evidence 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
of complaint filed June 14, 1988, the complainant alleged that the respondent
held an illegal meeting without notice, agenda, or minutes on June 6, 1988.
3. It is
found that the respondent met June 6, 1988 to interview two persons for the
position of tax collector, an elective office being filled with an interim
appointment.
4. It is
found that the interview of two persons for the position of tax collector was a
meeting within the meaning of §1‑18a(b), G.S.
5. It is
concluded that the respondent violated the open meetings provisions of §1‑21,
G.S., when it failed to post notice, provide an agenda, permit public
attendance, and provide minutes for its June 6, 1988 meeting.
The following order by the Commission is hereby
recommended on the basis of the record concerning the above captioned
complaint:
1. Henceforth,
the respondent shall comply with §1‑21, G.S.
Docket #FIC 88‑225 page
two
2. The
respondent is urged to review the final decision in #FIC 78‑128, Danbury
News Times, et al. vs. Town of Brookfield and the Board of Education of the
Town of Brookfield, which deals with the proper procedure for consideration
of the appointment of a person to fill the unexpired term of an elected
official.
Approved by order of the Freedom of Information
Commission at its special meeting of December 14, 1988.
Catherine
H. Lynch
Acting
Clerk of the Commission