2016-05-12
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 12, 2016 – Special Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 7:05pm on Thursday, May 12, 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
Commissioner Millerd made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 9, 2016 Special Meeting as
amended. Commissioner Morelli seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 7–0.
CHAPTER 8 - APPOINTIVE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS – GENERALLY
Chairman Argazzi distributed revisions made to Chapter 8. Section 8-16-4 defines Term Limits (Board of
Ethics). Instead of six (6) years, make it terms. Repeal Town Ordinance 2-96, 2-20-1996.
Chairman Argazzi also distributed revised Section 8-1-2 Appointment and Education of Members.
Commissioner Kern mentioned it is good that some education be required in order to serve on Boards
and Commissions. He mentioned the importance of education with regard to the Inland Wetlands
Commission as an example. Overall, it is a good revision to be made to the present charter.
The Commission reviewed the revisions made by Chairman Argazzi following the May 9, 2016 meeting:
Section 8-2-7. Planning Commission. Duties.
Subparagraph g is fine. It is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to review site plans for the
purpose of determining conformity with the Zoning Regulations.
Regarding Section 8-3-7. Zoning Commission. Duties. It was agreed to remove Subparagraph d from
present charter. That subparagraph already exists under Section 8-2-7 Planning Commission. Duties.
Section 8-6-5 Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission. Miscellaneous. Kate Wall stated that
instead of Assistant Town Engineer the position is Deputy Public Works Director. Chairman Argazzi
mentioned he would remove liaison language throughout Charter.
Section 8-11-2 Conservation Commission. Duties.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 12, 2016 – Special Meeting
Commission agreed to remove the verbiage ‘Inland Wetlands and Water Course Commission’. It will not
be the responsibility of the Conservation Commission to make recommendations to the Inland Wetlands
and Water Course Commission.
Commissioner Kern mentioned that one can argue there should be a term limit for those serving on the
land use commission or any commission. It was mentioned that term limits was suggested by
Commissioner Morelli at the May 9, 2016 meeting. Commissioner Morelli suggested that an alternative
could be limiting the years someone could serve as chair. Chairman Argazzi stated that the problem is
getting qualified people and suggested that limiting the time someone can serve as chair might be
preferable.
Commissioner Kern spoke of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development; the present method
works.
Section 8-7-1. Constables. Establishment. Chairman Argazzi said that he wants to make more uniform –
clarification on the number of Constables.
Section 8-14-3. Berlin VNA. Duties. It was discussed to make this Section somewhat flexible.
Clarification: Town Council must respond to Statement of Need (SON) within thirty (30) days after the
Town Manager puts the SON on the agenda. This should apply to all of Section 8.
Commission agreed to leave golf in the hands of Parks and Recreation. If and when the Golf Course
becomes a self-sustaining Enterprise Fund, and then a Golf Commission should be looked at.
CHAPTER 9 – CODE OF ETHICS
Regarding the Code of Ethics, Commissioner Millerd mentioned that from the Town of Newtown’s Code
of Ethics, it is consistent with Berlin’s Section 9.5 Administration of Code. It was mentioned to keep
Section 9.5 in the charter.
Ms. Wall, Town Clerk stated that Denise McNair, Town Manager and Jim Wren, Finance Director are
presently working together on an ethics policy regarding employees.
BASIC FORM OF GOVERNMENT
It was discussed:
What is the best mechanism to manage affairs at large? Commissioner Kern mentioned that the history
of mayor has not always been effective. He used the Berlin Land Trust, Inc. as an example. Also, what
will become of the town manager? The present structure does not give the mayor enough power.
Commission all made valid points:
- What responsibilities should the mayor have?
- The mayor should work more with the town manager.
- Follow the structure of a corporation.
- Mayor does not have to be on council.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 12, 2016 – Special Meeting
BOARD OF FINANCE
The Commission discussed the need for a Board of Finance. Chairman Argazzi suggested that the
following structure should apply for the Board of Finance: Six (6) members; no more than three (3) from
each party; six (6) year terms; budgetary powers listed in the charter; goes to Council; if approved, then
goes to referendum; if does not get approved, then joint meeting between the Board of Finance and the
Town Council; 2/3 vote of combined members to pass.
Public hearing should be held by Board of Finance Committee before being sent to the Town Council.
Amend then send to council. If defeated, then back to Finance; same process.
It will be the duty of the Board of Finance to meet with heads of departments and council. Should meet
with Town Council for its priorities.
Commission spoke of the need for a Board of Finance especially with regard to the Board of Education.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING
Chairman Argazzi stated that it has to be decided: does the Town need a mayor or not? The discussion
of a Board of Finance would continue at the next meeting. Chairman Argazzi mentioned Hellyn Riggins
will attend the next meeting. The goal is to draft the revisions to the chapter, and for the draft to be
ready one (1) week from this meeting which would be Thursday, May 19, 2016. It was suggested that
these revisions are to be shared with Denise McNair, Town Manager.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Kern made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lomaglio.
Motion was approved 7 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 10:32 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Carina Andreoli,
Recording Secretary
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