Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information
Minutes, Oct. 17, 2018
The meeting was at Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave., Hartford.
Present: Mike Savino, Michele Jacklin, Mitch Pearlman, George Lombardi, Steve Nevas, Gary Gold, Chris Powell, Paula Pearlman, Colleen Murphy, Tom Scheffey, John Bailey, Mary Connolly.
The minutes from the Sept. 20, 2018 meeting were accepted.
Treasurer’s report: Lombardi reported a balance of $2, 080.16. This is before bills go out for the new year and payments are received, but it is still alarming. It is only enough money to pay for one more bill from our lobbyist. There was discussion of how to improve fundraising, including individual memberships by supporters and users of the FOI Act. Lombardi said CCFOI’s two major expenses are the lobbying contract and the annual meeting. Between $11,000 and $13,000 needs to be raised each year.
A new Membership Committee is being formed. Anyone with ideas on fundraising or anyone interested in serving on the Membership Committee should contact CCFOI President Mike Savino.
Legislative report: Bailey reported our recommendations on transparency for the Statewide Data Plan have been accepted. Bailey said this gives the Freedom of Information Commission a “stake in the ground” for future discussions.
Website management: There was discussion of how to maintain the CCFOI website, an issue that depends on available funds.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI meeting is scheduled for Nov. 21 at noon at Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave., Hartford.