2016-05-09
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 9, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 7:00pm on Monday May 9, 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
Tom Reid, Chairman of Public Building Commission
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
No comments
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dennis Kern made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 5, 2016 Special Meeting as amended.
Maggie Morelli seconded the motion. Bart Bovee abstained.
Motion was approved 6 – 0 with one abstention.
DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER
Tom Reid, Chairman of Public Building Commission was invited to make comments or suggestions on
any obstacles or barriers that he has identified in the current Town Charter. Mr. Reed feels the current
Charter works because of the commitment to civic duty of the members of all Boards and Commissions.
Dennis Kern asked Mr. Reid to explain the current process as outlined in the Charter. Mr. Reid explained
that the Public Building Commission (PBC) responds to a Statement of Need (SON) from the Town
Council by gathering information and preparing cost estimates. Once the Council votes to bond for the
project, the PBC prepares Requests for Proposals, solicits bids, and recommends the winning bid to the
Council. When the Council awards the bid, the PBC oversees the building project. Mr. Reid stated that
the only barrier he sees is that the PBC has no budget to conduct the preliminary cost estimate. Mr.
Reid feels the Town Council should allocate funds to the PBC when a SON is sent to the PBC so that the
PBC is able to hire appropriate consultants right from the start of the process.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 9, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Mr. Reid suggests that there should be a requirement that some members of PBC have some
construction-related experience. He states that experience is desirable but that he would not want to
limit or dissuade people with no experience from serving.
Discussion on if PBC should have control over renovations over a certain amount ($1 million?)
Tom Reid exited and the discussions continued as follows:
CHAPTER 8 - APPOINTIVE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS – GENERALLY
Bart Bovee argued against separating Planning and Zoning into 2 commissions because he feels one
board simplifies the process for contractors and businesses looking to conduct business in town. He
feels that if there were two separate Commissions than businesses would perceive this as an additional
obstacle to conducting business in town.
Dennis Kern argued that there is too much work for one Commission to do effectively and that two
Commissions would increase efficiency and effectiveness of the entire process.
Chairman Argazzi stated that the Town Plan of Conservation and Development is vital to the Town and
needs one board that fully understands it and advocates for its implementation.
George Millerd provided language from the Bristol Town Charter.
Further discussion included:
- Water Control Commission
- Merging of Economic Development Commission and activities into Town Council
responsibilities.
- Conservation Commission language.
CHAPTER 9 – CODE OF ETHICS
Discussion included:
- Incorporating Board of Ethics into Town Council responsibilities with the thought that
elected Town Councilors would be more accountable to the voters than appointed board
members.
- Requirement for training for Board of Ethics members. Current Board of Ethics members
have begun to meet and are undergoing training.
- Agricultural Commission – This is a policy decision that should be made by the Town Council.
The Charter Revision Commission would not have enough time to define an Agricultural
Commission. The Town may be better served with creation of an Agricultural Commission
by ordinance rather than by charter revision.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 9, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
CHAPTER 10 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Discussion of timing and dates for implementation of new charter provisions.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING
Chairman Argazzi stated that the discussion of Chapter 8 would continue at the next meeting as well as
discussion of a Board of Finance. Chairman Argazzi asked all Commissioners to bring ideas for designing
a Board of Finance that will function in coordination with the Town Council and Town Manager.
ADJOURNMENT
Maggie Morelli made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Bart Bovee.
Motion was approved 7 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 10:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kari Drost,
Recording Secretary
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