Admitting it inappropriately closed its doors at a recent public meeting, New Haven’s Board of Fire Commissioners has made a pledge not to do public business in private anymore.
The pledge came three months after the Independent filed a complaint with the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC). The Independent argued that the Board violated freedom of information laws when it discussed public matters — the contentious entry-level fire recruitment process — behind closed doors at its monthly meeting on May 1.
Instead of fighting the matter at a hearing, commission Chairman William Celentano (pictured below) issued a letter to the Independent and the FOIC admitting to the misstep.
“As indicated in your complaint, the board closed to the public a portion of its May 1, 2007 meeting in order to convene in executive session to discuss litigation pending against the New Haven Department of Fire Services,” reads Celentano’s letter, dated July 31.
“While the board was still in executive session the topic segued into personnel matters involving the recent recruitment of entry level firefighters.
“The Board acknowledges that discussion of recruitment and hiring of entry level firefighters is not an appropriate use of executive session under Connecticut Freedom of Information Law. We have reviewed proper use of executive session with counsel to help us guard against this oversight in the future.”
Reached Thursday, Commissioner Boise Kimber (pictured at the top of this story) declined to comment on his thoughts on the FOIA complaint. “The letter is what it is,” said Kimber. “The board needs to speak with a unified voice. Let the chairman speak for the board.”
Reached by phone, Celentano said he’d do his best not to bar public business from the public eye again: “We’re gonna try,” he said. “You can never be sure of anything in this life, but we’re going to be wary of it going forward.”
Fire Union President Patrick Egan, who was also booted out of the room during the May 1 executive session meeting, vowed to issue a FOIA complaint if any future missteps ocurred: “I’m generous enough to recognize that they could make the mistake once, and with that, that’s where my generosity ends.”
is that american idol's Randy Jackson?
Boise Kimber has as much right to be on the fire commissioner's board as i do judging american idol. we all know everything the rev. does is for himself - the self ordained "al sharpton of new haven".
and mr. celentano's inability to guarentee his not breaking the law is outrageous.
it's a small miracle there aren't several neighborhoods in flames at any given time - thankfully the firefighters themselves can do THIER jobs correctly. props to them.