2016-05-19
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 19, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 7:00pm on Thursday May 19, 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
NEW BUSINESS
Bart Bovee made a motion to add to the agenda “Acceptance of minutes from May 12, 2016 Special
Meeting”. This was seconded by Brad Parsons.
Motion was approved 7 – 0.
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dennis Kern made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 12, 2016 Special Meeting as amended.
Sam Lomaglio seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 7 – 0.
George Millerd made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 16, 2016 Special Meeting as
amended. Maggie Morelli seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 7 – 0.
DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER
Changes to language in Section 8 were discussed, incorporating recommendations from past meetings
and inclusion of Board of Finance.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 19, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
- Council to approve policy matters and Board of Finance to approve appropriations of
monies. Policy approval authority and appropriation of finances approval authority
discussed. Processes for both approvals were discussed at length.
Chapter 9 – Code of Ethics – changes discussed as outlined in previous meetings.
Chapter 2 – Elections – changes discussed as outlined in previous meetings.
Chapter 3 – The Town Council – changes discussed as outlined in previous meetings
- Change number of signatures required in section 3-9 to propose an ordinance to the Council
from 5% to 3%.
Chapter 4 – Elective Officers and Boards – changes discussed as outlined in previous meetings.
Chapter 5 – Town Manager – changes discussed as outlined in previous meetings.
- Dennis Kern would like “efficiency” incorporated into duties of Manager and delineated in
Charter language.
- George Millerd requested lowest “qualified” bidder language be explored.
Chapter 6 – Appointive Officers and Departments – changes discussed as outlined in previous meetings.
- Section 6-10-6 – Discussion of “or such officials as it shall designate” language.
- Discussion of bonding thresholds requiring automatic referendum.
- This section to be reviewed by Bond Counsel.
Chapter 7 – Budgetary Process – changes discussed as outlined in previous meetings.
- Specific language establishing a planning meeting with all departments, including Board of
Education, to outline priorities for the upcoming year.
- Discussion of timelines surrounding the budget process and public hearing.
- Wording of advisory questions.
Discussion of the Mayor included:
- Duties and powers of the Mayor.
- Separately elected Mayor.
Dennis Kern stated he would like to see a separately elected Mayor. This would give the townspeople
someone to go to with their issues and know they would get a response. Mr. Kern would like to see the
Mayor have more than ceremonial power. Mr. Kern would also like to see the Mayor be paid.
Maggie Morelli states the current Mayor is available to the townspeople. Ms. Morelli states that the
Mayor’s ability to set the agenda is a powerful tool.
George Millerd introduced language from other Town Charters.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 19, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Sam Lomaglio states that the Mayor must be accountable. Mr. Lomaglio stated that the former elected
Mayor got a lot more done and the town ran much more efficiently.
The Commission agrees that the current system of the Council electing the Mayor is flawed.
The Commission discussed reducing the Town Council to 5 members.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING
Chairman Argazzi stated that the discussion of Mayor would continue at the next meeting. The
Commission will also discuss the Board of Education, electing the Zoning Commission, and Constables.
ADJOURNMENT
Dennis Kern made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by George Millerd.
Motion was approved 7 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 11:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kari Drost,
Recording Secretary
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