2016-06-13
BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
June 13, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Argazzi at 6:10pm on Monday June 13, 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
Maggie Morelli
Brad Parsons
Paul Argazzi, Chairman
Kate Wall, Berlin Town Clerk
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
Jim Bugella, Peter DeFazio, and Sebastian Senia from the Timberlin Men’s Club addressed the
Commission. The gentlemen stated that the Timberlin Men’s Club has over 300 members and is one of
the largest Men’s Clubs in the state of Connecticut. The Men’s Club felt that Timberlin has very little
oversight. There is no Timberlin Golf Course representative/ liaison on the Park and Recreation
Commission. The members felt that a Timberlin Golf Course Commission is needed, such as the one
currently used by the Hunter’s Golf Course in Meriden.
DISCUSSION ON THE CHARTER
The Commission discussed forming a Timberlin Golf Course Commission and will incorporate language
to do so.
The Commission discussed suggestions for changing the number of members on the Commission for the
Aging from 5 to 7 and setting the minimum age for 4 members to 60 years old in accordance with state
and federal statutes.
The Commission discussed formation of an Agricultural Council and will incorporate language to do so.
The Commission discussed requiring the Mayor to be the Chair of the Economic Development
Commission vs being a member of the EDC. The Commission decided the Mayor shall be a voting
member of the EDC, but not the Chair.
The Council discussed the elected Mayor and Town Council and voter choice on the ballot. The
Commission decided to move forward with the Elected Mayor and the simple majorities as proposed.
Sam Lomaglio stated he was very bothered by the allegation expressed at the Public Hearing that the
Charter Revision Commission operated in secret and that proper Freedom of Information procedures
were not followed. The Commission noted that all procedures were properly followed and the Berlin
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
June 13, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Town Clerk’s office did a fantastic job of making sure all information was disseminated as efficiently and
judiciously as possible. The Commission and the Town Clerk met every deadline and obligation to the
public.
The commission discussed a partisan Board of Education. The Commission felt that by keeping the
ability to petition onto the ballot and only adding the ability to run on a party slate, the BOE would still
retain its ability to attract good BOE candidates whose primary goal is the education of the children. The
Commission felt a partisan BOE would also elevate the BOE on the voting ballot and add a level of
accountability to the voters.
The Commission discussed the terms of the BOE members. The Commission discussed 4 year, staggered
terms that would still allow the voters to change the direction of the BOE each election cycle.
Dennis Kern made a motion that the Charter should state that BOE members serve 4 year terms with
staggered elections (4 elected during one term and 5 elected during the next term). Bart Bovee
seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 4 – 2 with Sam Lomaglio and Paul Argazzi voting no.
Bart Bovee made a motion to approve the draft of the Charter as amended and forward said draft to the
Town Council for inclusion on the June 21,2016 Town Council Agenda. Maggie Morelli seconded the
motion.
Motion was approved 6 – 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Maggie Morelli made a motion to accept the minutes from the June 6, 2016 Public Hearing as amended.
Dennis Kern seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 5 – 0 with one abstention from Brad Parsons.
Bart Bovee made a motion to accept the minutes from the June 6, 2016 Regular Meeting as amended.
Maggie Morelli seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 5 – 0 with one abstention from Brad Parsons.
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BERLIN CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
June 13, 2016 – Special Meeting
** APPROVED MINUTES **
Chairman Argazzi stated that the Charter Revisions will be presented to the Town Council at the June 21,
2016 Town Council meeting. All Commissioners are invited to attend.
There will also be a Public Hearing on July 12, 2016.
ADJOURNMENT
Dennis Kern made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Maggie Morelli.
Motion was approved 6 – 0 and meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kari Drost,
Recording Secretary
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