2016-05-26
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 26, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 7:05pm on Thursday May 26, 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
Denise McNair, Town Manager
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Maggie Morelli made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 23, 2016 Special Meeting as
amended. Bart Bovee seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 7 – 0.
DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER
Denise McNair, Town Manager, was invited in to the meeting.
Ms. McNair took questions from the Commissioners.
Maggie Morelli asked Ms. McNair to explain how Constables are used in the Town. Ms. McNair stated
that in her opinion, the Charter should not mandate the use of Constables as first-line collectors of
delinquent taxes. Ms. McNair stated discretion should be left with the Tax Collector. Ms. McNair
explained that outside agencies may have tools that are not available to Constables (such as skip-
tracing) that increases their effectiveness.
Dennis Kern asked how the relationship between the Town Manager and the Mayor currently works and
if there are any conflicts. Ms. McNair stated that it is a very collaborative relationship that differs with
the personalities and management styles of the Mayors.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 26, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
George Millerd questioned if the Mayor should have specified duties outlined in the Charter.
Chairman Argazzi asked for clarification on the dollar threshold for inter-departmental budget transfers.
The Commission discussed the Park and Recreation Commission and the Timberlin Golf Course and the
possible formation of a Golf Course Commission.
Denise McNair exited the meeting.
The Commission reviewed all changes discussed in previous meetings.
The Commission reviewed suggestions made by Joseph Fasi, Bond Counsel, in regards to Section 6-10-6
Bond Authorization and Borrowing. The threshold for automatic referendum was discussed. The
Commission agreed to an automatic referendum for projects over $5 million.
The Commission discussed the number of Town Councilors. Dennis Kern argued in favor of a 7 member
Town Council. Mr. Kern stated that good government comes from the people and the people must have
opportunities to participate.
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The Commission agreed to a 7 member Town Council with an elected Mayor being the 7 member of
the Council.
The Commission discussed a partisan Board of Education.
- Maggie Morelli stated that she has not heard a good enough argument to make this change.
Brad Parsons stated that a partisan Board of Education would increase accountability.
- Sam Lomaglio stated that a partisan BOE would add a different perspective that could
change the status quo.
- George Millerd stated that current system does not foster candidates that run on a platform
that is made public. Mr. Millerd stated that he currently does not know what any of the
BOE candidates stand for because that information does not come out during the election
process.
- Chairman Argazzi stated that the current system does not allow for change.
- Sam Lomaglio stated that this question should be put out to the people as one separate
question on the Charter Revision Ballot so the Commission and the Council can see how the
voters feel about this issue.
- Chairman Argazzi stated that Board of Education candidates would still have the option of
petitioning for a spot on the ballot, as they do now.
Sam Lomaglio made a motion to accept Section 2-9-2 as revised and including a partisan Board of
Education. Motion was seconded by George Millerd.
Motion was approved 6 – 1 with Maggie Morelli voting no.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
May 26, 2016 – Regular Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Chapter 8 – The division of the Planning and Zoning Commission was discussed. Dennis Kern strongly
believes that the Zoning Commission should be elected. Mr. Kern stated that this is a crucial
commission that effects the lives of all the people in town and an elected board increases accountability.
Bart Bovee would like to see the Planning and Zoning Commission remain one commission.
Dennis Kern made a motion to divide the Planning and Zoning Commission into two separate
Commissions. Motion was seconded by George Millerd.
Motion was passed 5 – 2 with Brad Parsons and Bart Bovee voting no.
Dennis Kern made a motion to elect members of the Zoning Commission. Motion was seconded by Paul
Argazzi.
Motion was defeated 1 – 6 with Dennis Kern voting yes and all other Commissioners voting no.
The Commission discussed creating a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed charter changes.
PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING
Chairman Argazzi stated that the Commission has one meeting left before the public hearing and three
meetings before the final Charter is submitted.
ADJOURNMENT
Dennis Kern made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Sam Lomaglio.
Motion was approved 7 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 10:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kari Drost,
Recording Secretary
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