2016-05-16
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 16, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 7:00pm on Monday May 16, 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
Hellyn Riggins, Director of Development Services
Timothy Oakes, Board of Education President
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
John O’Brien, Town Constable, spoke in support of keeping all 7 Constables but putting in a provision
that Town Constables have priority over collection of all overdue taxes: auto, real estate, personal
property, and water/sewer. Mr. O’Brien states that Constables collect on commercial property
delinquencies only and the Town contracts out other tax debts.
Commissioner Kern stated that the use of an outside contractor was designed to expedite the process
by allowing the Town to circumvent the foreclosure process, not to take business away from Constables.
Commissioner Kern questioned if this was a policy issue or a Charter issue as the duties of Constables
are not outlined in the Charter.
All Commissioners recognized that this was another area where the requirement for training is
apparent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 12 minutes are currently being amended.
DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER
Hellyn Riggins was invited in to speak to the Commission regarding Planning and Zoning functions. Ms.
Riggins requested clarification on reason for separation of Planning and Zoning committees. Ms. Riggins
stated that the problem she sees is that there are still the same number of town staff that will now need
to cover the work of 2 commissions. She agreed that there needs to be a greater emphasis on planning
and suggested that the Planning and Zoning Commission could hold meeting specifically for Planning.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 16, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Commissioner Kern stated that he sees many delays because the current Planning and Zoning
Commission is trying to do too much and that the Planning function of the Commission is suffering
because of this. Commissioner Kern states that 2 commissions would have greater accountability and
ownership of their respective functions. Commissioner Kern stated that two commissions also allow the
work to be divided up and thereby made more efficient.
All agreed that training for Commissioners is very important as Commissions are only as good as their
members. Commissioners are responsible for the decision making of the Commission, not the Planner,
but they must be properly trained in order for them to make good decisions for the Town.
Ms. Riggins agreed that education is very important and that more planning needs to happen, but feels
that town staffing is an issue.
Ms. Riggins exited the meeting.
Timothy Oakes, Board of Education President was invited to speak.
Mr. Oakes stated that a 2 year term is too short for Board of Education members. He felt there was a
steep learning curve and that many projects are long-term projects that require long-term planning and
vision. Mr. Oakes stated that he was aware that Berlin is one of the only non-partisan BOE’s in the state
of Connecticut. Mr. Oakes states that partisanship is not an issue with the current BOE and that lots of
discussion and compromise go on in sub-committees.
Commissioner Lomaglio stated that two year terms should not matter as staff remains to carry out long
term plans and that most recommendations come from staff, not from the BOE members. BOE
members are there in an advisory role.
Mr. Oakes stated he likes a non-partisan BOE. Commissioner Lomaglio asked how vacancy was filled
after last election. Mr. Oakes stated 5 people applied for vacancy and BOE had long discussion in
executive session of applicants and chose the applicant that best fit with the current board members.
Commissioner Millerd stated that BOE candidates would still be able to petition to be on the ballot, but
would also have the option of being nominated by a political party if they did not want to collect
signatures.
Mr. Oakes stated he sees the potential for Town and BOE to share staff and services, such as payroll, in
the future.
Mr. Oakes exited the meeting.
Joseph Bajorski, former Town Councilor and former Board of Finance Member was invited to speak.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 16, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Mr. Bajorski stated he supports a Board of Finance. Mr. Bajorski stated that, in his opinion, the Town,
with the Board of Finance, ran much better than the current Town Council without a Board of Finance.
He stated the Town Council has many duties. A Board of Finance allows members to focus exclusively
on finances and leaves the Council time to focus on policy. Mr. Bajorski stated the former Board of
Finance allowed for good relationships between the Mayor and BOE.
Commissioner Kern asked how receptive the Board of Finance was to requests and ideas from Boards
and Commissions and the public. Mr. Bajorski stated the Board of Finance listened to all suggestions
and helped plan for future expenses and needs of the community. Mr. Bajorski stated the Board was
flexible and open-minded as most people who ran for Board of Finance positions had financial
backgrounds. Mr. Bajorski stated that the budget process under the Board of Finance was ongoing,
rather than reactionary.
The Commission discussed adding language mandating a joint meeting between the Town Council and
the Board of Finance to outline priorities prior to the budget season.
Mr. Bajorski exited the meeting.
Discussion continued on formation of a Board of Finance:
- Language added to Chapter 2 forming the Board of Finance.
- Initial terms of service – 6 year term vs 4 year term. Longer term makes board more
deliberative, but shorter term makes board more accountable.
- Filling of vacancies.
Discussion of Chapter 7 – Budgetary Process – included:
- Manager to present budget to Board of Finance.
- Duties of Board of Finance.
- Requirement of a meeting with Town Council.
- Budget referendum process, timing, and number of referendums held.
- Consequences of referendum defeat.
- Wording of advisory questions.
- Separate Town and BOE budget referendum advisory questions.
- Inclusion of minimum threshold of voter turnout for referendum to be binding.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING
Chairman Argazzi stated that the discussion of Board of Finance would continue at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Bart Bovee made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by George Millerd.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 16, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Motion was approved 7 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 10:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kari Drost,
Recording Secretary
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