2016-04-25
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
April 25, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 7:00pm on Monday April 25, 2016 in
Caucus Room A of the Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT.
Those in attendance were:
Bart Bovee
Dennis Kern
Sam Lomaglio
George Millerd
Maggie Morelli
Brad Parsons
Paul Argazzi, Chairman
Kate Wall, Berlin Town Clerk
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
No comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Maggie Morelli made a motion to accept the minutes from the April 20, 2016 Public Hearing as
amended. Sam Lomaglio seconded the motion.
Those voting in favor were Bart Bovee, Sam Lomaglio, George Millerd, Maggie Morelli, Brad Parsons,
and Chairman Paul Argazzi. Dennis Kern abstained.
Motion was approved 6 – 0 with 1 abstention.
Maggie Morelli made a motion to accept the minutes from the April 20, 2016 Special Meeting as
amended. Sam Lomaglio seconded the motion.
Those voting in favor were Bart Bovee, Sam Lomaglio, George Millerd, Maggie Morelli, Brad Parsons,
and Chairman Paul Argazzi. Dennis Kern abstained.
Motion was approved 6 – 0 with 1 abstention.
DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER
CHAPTER 1
No changes
CHAPTER 2 – ELECTIONS
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
April 25, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The size of the Town Council was discussed.
Discussion on the addition of a Board of Finance was tabled.
Section 2-6 discussion included:
- Berlin is one of only 2 boards in the state to not be elected by party committees.
- Phase-in of new terms.
- Elect all members at the same time and length of terms.
- Nomination of candidates by political parties and eliminate need to petition of office by
obtaining signatures.
- Determine number of members and number from each political party.
- Inclusion of Unaffiliated candidates through gathering of signatures.
- Give voters the chance to decide the make-up of the Board of Education.
- Should BOE fill vacancies or Town Council?
Discussion of an elected Mayor was tabled. It will be added to this section at a later date if necessary.
CHAPTER 3
Section 3-8 discussion included:
Change bidding threshold amount required from $10,000.00 to $25,000.00 per staff suggestions.
Include provision for accumulation of expenditures to any one vendor in any one fiscal year.
Questioned adding Town Council approval authority for town as well as Board of Education to facilitate
cost savings through bundling of contracts.
Jim Wren invited to next meeting to clarify several issues.
Section 3-8c – discussion of language regarding advertising of legal notices to allow for digital media in
the future.
CHAPTER 4 – ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS
Section 4-3-1 Police Commission - discussion included Town Manager’s request that Town Council
approve grievances resulting in a monetary impact to the Town.
Further clarification of this requested from Town Manager and Police Commission Chairman.
Board of Education monthly reports – language to be added requiring information provided in monthly
reports to be provided in an electronic or mutually agreed-upon format.
CHAPTER 5 – MANAGER
Language added to clarify Interim Manager/Temporary Manager and timing.
Formatting of section to be changed to: Appointment, Duties, Purchase and Payments, Interim
Manager, then Removal.
Discussion of requirement for Manager to live in Town vs language stating “special preference” for
candidates living in Town.
Remove requirement for Town Manager to prepare and print annual report.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
April 25, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Discussion of appointment of Manager for a fixed term with option for renewal vs indefinite term at the
will of the Council.
The Commission requested guidance from the Connecticut Council of Municipalities and other Town
Charters regarding the term of the Manager vs at-will employment.
Commissioner Kern requested that the Commission look to change the Appointment process to attract
more qualified candidates on Boards and Commissions.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING
Chairman Argazzi requested that all Commissioners prepare for the next meeting by reviewing the first 5
chapters of the Charter again with the information requested from various sources and with the changes
discussed in this meeting.
Chapters 6 and 7 will be discussed at the next meeting as well as a Board of Finance, the budget process,
and referendum requirements.
ADJOURNMENT
George Millerd made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Dennis Kern.
Motion was approved 7 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 9:22 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kari Drost,
Recording Secretary
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