FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

In the Matter of a Complaint by Final Decision

Gregory M. Conte,

Complainant

against Docket #FIC 92-98

Monroe Board of Finance,

Respondent February 10, 1993

The above-captioned matter was heard as a contested case on September 11, 1992, 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 and conclusions of law are reached:

1. The respondent is a public agency within the meaning of 1-18a(a), G.S.

2. By letter of complaint filed with the Commission on March 27, 1992, the complainant alleged that the respondent conducted business that was neither initially included on its agenda for a March 18, 1992 regular meeting, nor properly added to the agenda for that meeting, as required by 1-21(a), G.S.

3. The respondent concedes that the agenda for the March 18, 1992 meeting did not specifically identify the business to be transacted at the meeting.

4. Specifically, the respondent's agenda for the March 18th meeting failed to include agenda items for discussion and action regarding the transfer of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in funds, and action regarding the establishment of a sixteen thousand dollar ($16,000) special projects account for Hidden Knolls.

5. It is concluded that the respondent violated the provisions of 1-21(a), G. S., by failing to include, either initially, or by amendment, all items of business to be transacted at its March 18, 1992 meeting.

Docket #FIC 92-98 Page 2

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 strictly comply with the open meeting and agenda requirements set forth in 1-21, G.S.

2. The Commission wishes to remind the respondent that strict compliance with the notice provisions of 1-21, G.S., is required to ensure that the public is given meaningful notice of the business to be transacted at meetings.

3. The Commission notes that the respondent has changed the format of its agendas and the procedure of its meetings in an effort to ensure compliance with the Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act.

Approved by Order of the Freedom of Information Commission at its regular meeting of February 10, 1993.

Mitchell W. Pearlman

Acting Clerk of the Commission

Docket #FIC 92-98 Page 3

PURSUANT TO SECTION 4-180(c), G.S. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE NAMES OF EACH PARTY AND THE MOST RECENT MAILING ADDRESS, PROVIDED TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION, OF THE PARTIES OR THEIR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE.

THE PARTIES TO THIS CONTESTED CASE ARE:

Gregory M. Conte

136 Wheeler Road

Monroe, CT 06468

Monroe Board of Finance

c/o Atty. James P. White

Pullman & Comley

850 Main Street

P.O. Box 7006

Bridgeport, CT 06601-7006

Mitchell W. Pearlman

Acting Clerk of the Commission