1991-06-24ME
CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
TOWN OF BERLIN
A meeting of the Charter Revision Commission of the Town of Berlin was called to
order by Chairman Cugno at 7:00 p.m. in the Finance Board Room at the Town Hall
on Monday, June 24, 1991. Members present were: Chairman Jeffrey Cugno, Kathryn
Kearns, -J!a Mrd; Paul Eshoo, Henry Russak, Stephen Greatorex, Thomas Pavano, and.
Anthony Gandolfo. Absent was Richard S-vranson.
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CCommissioners voted to amend the minutes of June 24, 1991. All in favor
Chairman Cugno introduced Mark Russak, a guest at tonights meeting, who presented
the Commission with information on suggestions for a Charter Commission and securing
a new Charter. Following this introduction Chairman Cugno presented the Commission
with a draft of the proposed schedule of meetings and. public hearings for the Charter
Revision Commission. Chairman Cugno stated that this draft is open to suggestions
and changes.
At 7:30 p.m. Mr. Donald Goodrich, a guest speaker'at tonights meeting, began his
presentation. Mr. Goodrich stated that he is the Director of Finance for the Town
of Portland but prior to this position he was with OPEC. His position at OPEC was
head of Municipal Research Operation and his responsibility was working with towns
and cities to help them draft, adopt and amend Charters.
Mr. Goodrich presented the Commission with three packages and they are as follows:
(1) Why Adopt a Charter - this package was put together for towns
that did not have a Charter. It contains guidelines and sugg-
estions for a Charter Revision Commission,
(2) Charter Revision Commission Action Flow Chart - this package
contains information on the following topics:
(a) organization of Charter Revision Commission
(b) Decision making and drafting
(c) Public hearings
(d) Advertising & referendum
(e) Municipal Clerk responsibilities
(3) Chief F_xecutive Officers Powers & Duties - this package contains
information on the different types of form of government.
At the conclusion of Mr. Goodrich's presentation the Commissioners had several quest-
ions for Mr. Goodrich. Chairman Cugno thanked Mr. Goodrich for his informative
presentation.
Following the presentation the Commissioners discussed the proposed schedule of events.
Commissioner Russak stated that he felt the Commission should have better press cover-
age. Chairman Cugno responded by saying he will do his best to see that there is
adequate press coverage such as agenda.schedules, educational information and news
worthy items for press release.
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The next issue discussed was invitees; such as when and who to invite. Chairman Cugno
suggested that the Commissioners bring suggestions to the next meeting as to whom they
would like to invite. They will start to discuss the different forms of government and
decide when to hold public hearings.
Commissioner Gandolfo would like to hear public testimony to get a sense of what
the public i•.ants for a form of government.
Commissioner Kearns felt a public survey would be more informative, rather than public
testimony, in choosing a form of government.
Commissioner Greatorex informed the Commission that on July 15, 1991 Professor Hill
will speak on the different forms of government for our towns and cities. He then
presented the Commission with an outline on steps and time schedules for Charters
based on the States Statutes.
Commissioner Eshoo motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. All voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Busnarda
Recording Secretary