City Council

CITY OF DANBURY CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION 155 DEER HILL AVENUE DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810 www.danbury-ct.gov COMMISSIONERS: Joseph W. Britton, Chair Glenda M. Armstrong Deborah A. MacCarry Michael Safranek, Vice Chair Wilson A. Hernandez Joseph G. Putnam Isabel C. Almeida, Secretary Daniel P. Jowdy Mary Jean Rebeiro MINUTES Meeting Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Time: 7:30pm Location: Conf. Rm 3C, City Hall Mr. Casagrande provided Commissioners with the Oath of Office. Serving as moderator, Commissioner Safranek called the meeting to order, took Roll Call and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Present – 9, Absent – 0 Also Present: Daniel Casagrande, Commission Legal Counsel; Joseph Mortelliti, Commission Legal Counsel. A motion was made by Commissioner Britton, seconded by Commissioner Jowdy, to nominate Michael Safranek as an Interim Chair to preside over the election of the permanent Chair. Motion carried unanimously. Election of Chairman A motion was made by Commissioner Almeida, seconded by Commissioner Putnam, to make Joseph Britton Chair of the Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Election of Vice Chairman A motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez, seconded by Commissioner Jowdy, to make Michael Safranek Vice Chairman of the Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Page 1 of 3 Election of Secretary A motion was made by Commissioner Safranek, seconded by Commissioner Jowdy, to make Isabel Alemida the permanent Secretary of the Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Britton provided an overview of the purpose of the organizational meeting. Presentation - Charter Revision Process Overview Attorney Casagrande provided an overview of the charter revision process, and discussed the requirements of multiple public hearings and submission of a draft report within sixteen months. He explained that the goal is to have the revisions presented to the public at the November 2026 election. He provided additional deadlines that will allow the process to be completed as expected. Commissioner Safranek asked about the amendment process after a draft report is submitted to the Council; Attorney Casagrande explained that suggestions can be made by the Council and the Commission will vote to include or decline those suggestions. Adoption of Commission Meeting Schedule and Rules of Procedure Chair Britton identified May and June as the months when the bulk of the work will take place. A motion was made by Commissioner Safranek, seconded by Commissioner Jowdy, that the Charter Revision Commission adopt a regular meeting schedule for the months of May and June 2026, to be held on Wednesdays at 6:30pm in compliance with all applicable laws, any meetings thereafter shall be scheduled and called by the Chair. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Britton provided a draft of the Rules of Procedures to assist with establishing a process for the meetings. A motion was made by Commissioner Safranek, seconded by Commissioner Almeida, that the Charter Revision Commission adopt the rules of procedure as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing #1 Date Chair Britton spoke on the requirement of having a Public Hearing before any work can begin. A motion was made by Commissioner Safranek, seconded by Commissioner Almeida, to have the first Public Hearing on April 30th at 7 o’clock in this building and subsequently published as subject by law. Motion carried unanimously. Further Discussion and Questions Chair Britton discussed his intent and expectations for the Commission. Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Safranek asked if commissioners will receive city emails; Chair Britton confirmed emails would be provided; and Attorney Casagrande briefly noted FOI reminders. Chair Britton asked that Commissioners contact him with questions, concerns and suggestions. Chair Britton spoke to the efficiency of the timeline, the need to be diligent, and the importance of the City Charter. The Commissioners introduced themselves. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Safranek, seconded by Commissioner Almeida, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Page 3 of 3