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Orientation emphasizes FOIA limits, hearing rules, site‑visit cautions and 22a‑19 intervener process
Summary
Counsel advised commissioners on Connecticut FOIA obligations, public‑hearing procedures, site‑visit restrictions, ex parte communications and the statutory intervenor process under Conn. Gen. Stat. §22a‑19.
Attorney trainers advised the Norwalk City Inland Wetlands and Conservation Commission on public‑meeting and public‑record rules, and warned commissioners that routine communications can create an unlawful quorum meeting under Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act.
Matt Cepienza told the commission: “your communications are now subject to FOIA,” and explained that FOIA requires public agencies to make records available and to keep meetings open. He cautioned that “a back and forth communication amongst a quorum of this board” can constitute a meeting under FOIA and said commissioners should avoid substantive email…
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