FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
In the Matter of a Complaint by FINAL DECISION
Karen Ann Hayward,
Complainant,
against Docket #FIC 90-93
Litchfield Board of Selectmen,
Respondent August 22, 1990
The above-captioned matter was heard as a contested case on April 12, 1990, at which time the complainant and the respondent appeared, stipulated to certain facts and presented testimony, exhibits and argument on the complaint. This case was consolidated with Docket ##'s FIC 90-95, FIC 90-96 and FIC 90-103 for hearing.
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 filed with the Commission on March 12, 1990, the complainant alleged she was denied access to the respondent's March 6, 1990, meeting.
3. It is found that when the complainant arrived at the respondent's March 6, 1990, meeting, the room was too crowded for her to enter it.
4. It is found that the complainant tried standing in an adjoining office, but was unable to hear the meeting.
5. It is concluded, therefore, that the respondent denied the complainant access to the meeting by failing to provide a large enough meeting space.
6. It is further concluded that the respondent violated 1-21(a), G.S., by denying the complainant access to the meeting.
7. It is found that the respondent took votes at its March 6, 1990, meeting.
The following order of the Commission is hereby recommended on the basis of the complete record in the above-captioned complaint:
Docket #FIC 90-93 Page Two
1. The respondent henceforth shall act in strict compliance with the open meeting requirements of 1-21(a), G.S.
2. The respondent shall forthwith cause a copy of this decision to be conspicuously posted in the town clerk's office and First Selectman's office for a period of 30 days.
Approved by order of the Freedom of Information Commission at its regular meeting of August 22, 1990.
Tina C. Frappier
Acting Clerk of the Commission
Docket #FIC 90-93 Page Three
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:
KAREN ANN HAYWARD
35 Litwin Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
LITCHFIELD BOARD OF SELECTMEN
c/o Ralph G. Elliot, Esq.
Tyler, Cooper & Alcorn
CityPlace - 35th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
Tina C. Frappier
Acting Clerk of the Commission