FREEDOM OF
INFORMATION COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF
CONNECTICUT
In the Matter of
a Complaint by FINAL
DECISION
Dan Greenlaw and
America's Homebuying Consultants Inc.,
Complainants,
against Docket #FIC 87-34
Chief Assessor
of the Town of Hamden,
Respondent April 22, 1987
The above-captioned matter was heard
as a contested case on March 17, 1987, at which time the complainants appeared
and presented testimony 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 dated February 9, 1987, and filed with the
Commission on February 13, 1987, the complainants appealed to the Commission,
alleging a denial of their request for a public record.
3.
It is found that on the morning of February 9, 1987, complainant
Greenlaw requested to see the field card on a new house in Hamden at the local
assessor's office. He was told the card
was not in the file.
4.
It is found that complainant Greenlaw left a written request at that
time for a copy of the card, whenever it was found.
5.
It is found that on the afternoon of February 9, 1987, complainant
Greenlaw received a telephone call from an employee of the assessor's office,
saying the card was found but would not be released until after February 28,
1987.
6.
It is found that during the same telephone call the respondent explained
to complainant Greenlaw that the card would not be disclosed until the town's
Grand List was released.
7.
It is found that field cards typically contain property information such
as lot dimensions, structure dimensions, structure age and style, floor plans,
where the last owner's deed is recorded, and the most recent assessment.
Docket No. FIC 87-34 Page Two
8.
It is found, therefore, that the requested field card is a public record
subject to prompt disclosure under 1-15 and 1-19(a), G.S.
9.
Thus it is concluded that the respondent violated 1-15 and
1-19(a), G.S., by denying the complainants a prompt copy of the field card.
The following order by the
Commission is hereby recommended on the basis of the record concerning the
above-captioned complaint:
1.
The respondent shall forthwith provide the complainants with a copy of
the requested field card, described more fully in paragraphs 3 and 8 of the
findings, above.
2.
The respondent shall henceforth act in strict compliance with
1-15 and 1-19(a), G.S.
Approved by order of the Freedom of
Information Commission at its regular meeting of April 22, 1987.
ÿ
Catherine I.
Hostetter
Acting Clerk
of the Commission