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Workshop:
FOIA - What Board, Commission, & Committee Members Must Know
February 6, 2010
Middletown, CT
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Registration 9:00 a.m.
DESCRIPTION
Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) details requirements
for notice and access to public meetings, recordkeeping, and requests
for information. It applies to all local government agencies, departments,
institutions, boards, commissions, and authorities and their
committees.
In this in-depth program designed specifically for board, committee,
and commission members, attendees will learn about:
- Three kinds of meetings recognized under FOIA
- Requirements for public access, recordkeeping, and release of information
- When can the public be excluded?
- How to handle complaints
A Freedom of Information Commission report concluded that the FOIA
is widely misunderstood and ignored by municipal officials. All board,
committee and commission members need to understand the requirements
of FOIA to avoid costly and embarrassing complaints.
PROGRAM
Overview of the FOIA
- FOIA – CGS Sections 1-200- 1-241
Legal requirements for meetings
3 types of meetings
Caucus or Meeting?
Public records
- Maintaining records
- Handling requests
- What must be disclosed
- What need not be disclosed
FOI Commission Complaints
- Top reasons for complaints
- How to handle
Penalties & Costs of
Non-compliance
- Criminal charges
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Board, Commission, and
Committee Chairs and members
- Staffs to Boards and Commissions
- Mayors/First Selectmen
- Town/City Managers
- Town Clerks
- Department Heads
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Here's what past attendees have said about our FOIA Workshop
"Very informative on current guidelines."
"Everything I could imagine about FOI was covered."
"Well presented and topic specific. Exceptional use of a
short period of time."
"Excellent in all areas — handouts are top shelf."
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WHY ATTEND
- Understand FOIA applications to
your board, committee or commission.
- Ensure compliance with Public
Meeting requirements
- Minimize your exposure to FOIA
complaints
- Prevent time consuming hearings
and possible criminal penalties
SPEAKERS
Michael Markowicz, Esq., Associate
Murtha Cullina, LLP
Mr. Markowicz is a member of the Litigation, Municipal and Land Use
Practice Groups, and represents employers in public and private sector
labor
and employment related litigation.
Thomas A. Hennick,
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
Mr. Hennick is the Freedom of Information Commission's Public
Education Officer.
WHERE
Russell Library
123 Broad Street
Middletown, CT 06457
COST per attendee
CCM Member Town/City: NO CHARGE, Non-Member: $120
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For more information, or to register, call the CCM Training hotlines at (203) 498-3018 at any time or call (203) 498-3000 during business hours.
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DIRECTIONS
From the South Via I-91 or Wilbur Cross/Route 15: In Meriden, take Exit 18 (Route 66 East). Follow Route 66 into Middletown, where it becomes Washington Street. Pass Wesleyan Campus on right. Turn right immediately after St. Sebastian's Church onto Broad Street. Library is in the first block on the right.
From the South Via Route 9: In Middletown, take Route 66 West/Washington Street exit (Exit 15) off of Route 9. At the third light, turn left onto Broad Street. Library is in the first block on the right.
From the South Via Route 17: Follow Route 17 into Middletown. Take a left after Middletown Library Service Center onto Highland Avenue. Follow Highland Avenue which turns into High Street. Take a right onto College Street. Take your second left onto Broad Street. Library is on the left.
From the North Via I-91: Take Exit 22, Route 9 South (left lane exit). Follow Route 9 into Middletown and take the Washington Street/Route 66 West Exit (Exit 15). At the third light, turn left onto Broad Street. Library is on the right.
Parking: Russell Library has limited parking available. There is metered parking, on-street parking, and free parking in a nearby parking garage. Handicapped parking for is set aside in front of the entrance to the building, with an accessible ramped entrance to the building.
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