1975-12-16 %pa IN COQ
Z./ ft. TOWN OF BERLIN
Y CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
�\5 E P ,�Oy TOWN HALL • BERLIN, CONN. 06037
ORATE
PATRICIA O. CORRIGAN December 16, 1975
CHAIRMAN
Meeting of the Charter Revision Commission was called to order by
Chairman Corrigan at 8:10 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room at
Town Hall. Those in attendance were: Commissioner Albert,
Commissioner Rosso, Commissioner Rio, Commissioner Bomba and
Chairman Corrigan. Mayor Powers, Town Clerk Mrs. Ward, and Town
Councel Attorney Jackaway were also in attendance.
The following items were discussed:
1. Vacancies - Section 2-15. Mayor Powers suggested that when
a vacancy occurs in the Mayor's position, that the Town Committee
of the same political party should fill the position. The
Deputy Mayor of the same political party would take over the
duties of Mayor until such vacancy is filled. If no Deputy
Mayor of the same political party exists, the Deputy Mayor with
the majority of votes in the last election would take over.
Such vacancy should have a time limit of thirty days to be
filled. If such vacancy is not filled within the thirty days,
a special election should be called. The same procedure should
be followed for a vacancy of Deputy Mayor.
2. Board of Finance.- Section 2-7. Suggestion was made by Mayor
Powers that the wording be changed so that no more than four
members of the same political party shall serve.
3. Zoning board of Appeals - Section 2-6. Mrs. Ward stated that
she was not able to follow the Charter as far as alternates for
the Zoning Board of Appeals. The charter calls for five
alternates. The only way this can be accomplished is to have
three alternates elected in the next election and have their
terms staggered to end in 1980, 1981 and 1982. In 1979 two
alternates could be eleeted.
• 4. board of n,ducation. Section 2-10. firs. Ward feels that the
petitions for candidates for the board of Education should have
the same deadlines as other elected offices.
5. Minutes. Commissioner Bomba and Mrs. Ward feel that all commissions
and boards should be required to file minutes with the Town Clerk
within seven days. This is required due to the new "right to
know" law.
Charter Revision CorCsion december 16, 1975
Page 2
6. Town Clerk. Commissioner Bomba suggested that the term of Town
Clerk be changed to four years. He feels this should be done for
continuity of office and because election time is the busiest
time of year for Town Clerks. He feels that it is nearly
impossible to do the job and campaign. Mrs. Ward was in agreement.
7. Corporation Councel. Section 5-2. Attorney Jackaway suggested
that the Charter provide authority to the Town Councel to settle
claims up to $300 without Executive Board approval.
8. Vice Chairmen. Commissioner Bomba suggested that all boards
and commissions appoint a Vice Chairman. Attorney Jackaway was
in agreement.
9. Alternates. Mayor Powers suggested that all boards and commissions
have alternates. He felt that it would give a greater number of
people in town a chance to serve and it would be a good "training
ground" from which to appoint commissioners and board members.
10. Executive Board. Commissioner Rio suggested that the number of
members be changed to five. Mayor Powers feels that the Executive
Board is functioning well with three members and should not be
changed to five.
11. Attorney Jackaway stated that he would be available to the Charter
Revision Commission for legal councel.
12. Mayor Powers asked Chairman Corrigan when the Charter Revision
would be ready to go to referendum. Chairman Corrigan stated
that the Commission plans to put the revision on the voting machine
at the next election. To meet this date the commission would have
to finish their work by mid June. Changes that are incorporated
will be forwarded to the Executive Board as they are completed.
Next meetings are to be held January 6 and January 20 and will include
the Tax Assessor and the Tax Collector.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Bourgoin
Recording Secretary
RECEIVED FOR FJLU
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