2016-05-23
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 23, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 7:00pm on Monday May 23, 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
Mark Kaczynski, Mayor
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Maggie Morelli made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 19, 2016 Special Meeting as
amended. Bart Bovee seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 7 – 0.
DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER
Mayor Mark Kaczynski was invited in to the meeting. Mayor Kaczynski stated he was not in favor of
separating the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Kaczynski stated that he feels the town may
have too many boards and commissions. Mayor Kaczynski stated that he feels that the current system is
good and separation of the two commissions would only slow down the process. Mayor Kaczynski
stated that if more planning is needed, then one meeting could be devoted to planning.
Dennis Kern stated that he disagrees that the current system is working effectively. Mr. Kern stated that
the Planning function and the Zoning function are two separate and distinct functions. Mr. Kern stated
that the Planning function is directed by the Plan of Conservation and Development and is being lost in
the current process. Mr. Kern stated that he reviewed the minutes from the past two meetings of the
Planning and Zoning Committee and found very little planning being done. Mr. Kern stated that he feels
the current system of a combined Planning and Zoning Commission has structural problems that are not
related to staffing of town employees, but attributed to a lack of focused priorities that could be better
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 23, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
served by having two separate Commissions that are focused on their respective areas. Mr. Kern stated
that when two commissions are combined, something will be lost in the process, and in this case, it is
the planning that has been lost.
Mayor Kaczynski stated that he feels the bottleneck is due to town staffing levels. Mayor Kaczynski
stated that he feels there is not a lot of planning left to do as most of Berlin has been developed and the
plans have already been written.
Maggie Morelli questioned if the number of commissions should be decreased.
Chairman Argazzi asked the Mayor to comment on term limits. Mayor Kaczynski stated his opinion was
that he there is a 2 year learning curve before a Commissioner is up to speed. Mayor Kaczynski stated
that he supports terms longer than two years and term limits on Chairmen because turnover is also
healthy.
Mayor Kaczynski stated he is in favor of any change that makes our town government function better
and more efficiently.
Mayor Kaczynski exited the meeting.
The Commission reviewed the changes discussed in previous meetings.
Language surrounding Constables was discussed.
Term limits were discussed.
THE MAYOR
The position of Mayor was discussed and different options were presented.
The size of the Town Council and the minority representation was discussed in the context of the
functions of the Mayor.
Dennis Kern provided recommendations for the Mayor’s duties.
Bart Bovee proposed that the Mayor be Chairman of the Economic Development Commission.
The Commission discussed a Town Council with an elected Mayor. Discussion centered around
designing a system where the people can feel that their vote matters. The consensus was that the
Commissioners would like the people to vote for the Mayor.
The Commission discussed a 5 member Town Council.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 23, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
BUDGET HEARING
Charter language states budget is presented at a town meeting of electors of the Town of Berlin.
Commission would like to leave this language as written.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Dennis Kern proposed electing Zoning Commissioners. Mr. Kern feels this would provide the
townspeople with greater accountability for a board that is very important to the town’s development.
The Commission discussed elected versus appointed officials.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING
Chairman Argazzi stated that the Town Manager would be invited to the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Dennis Kern made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Sam Lomaglio.
Motion was approved 7 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 10:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kari Drost,
Recording Secretary
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