Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information
Minutes, Nov. 18, 2015
The meeting was at Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave., Hartford.
Present: Jim Smith, Chris Powell, Tom Scheffey, Gary Gold, John Bailey, Mitch Pearlman, Jeff Daniels, Zach Janowski, Mike Savino, Paula Pearlman, Michele Jacklin, Mary Connolly, Dick Ahles.
The minutes of the Oct. 21, 2015 meeting were accepted.
Treasurer’s report: We have a balance of $8,563.22.
Dues structure: Treasurer George Lombardi examined our budget and determined $15,635 is needed to cover our annual expenses. Under the current dues structure, $20,250 would be produced if every organization pays. Because of the economy, not everyone pays. There also are questions about whether the dues structure is equitable. Smith examined the dues structure and proposed a more equitable approach. It would produce $18,950 if everyone pays their dues.
The new dues structure was approved. Smith will work on a letter to be sent out with the dues bills, detailing our work on behalf of their organizations.
Legislative agenda: Bailey distributed the agenda produced by the legislative subcommittee. Our issues are confidential trials, UConn Foundation and budget transparency, access to historical records, public employee contracts, the Office of Government Accountability and school bullying records. We will produce position papers, identify likeminded groups and meet with legislators and others.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI meeting will be Dec. 16 at noon at Wood-n-Tap.