Charter Revision Commission

MINUTES OF THE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Thursday, April 10, 2014, 6:30 PM Norwich City Hall Room 335 Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm, by Les King, Chairman. Les King led everyone in the pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Kent Baker, Linda Becker, Debra Dickey, Michael Gualtieri, Les King, Leland Loose, and Janis Sawicki. Review of Minutes of January 22, 2014 Charter Revision Commission Organizational meeting. Upon a motion by Kent Baker, seconded by Linda Becker it was unanimously voted to accept the minutes. Review of Minutes of March 13, 2014 Charter Revision Commission Public Hearing. After brief input about clarification on comment made by Kathleen Murphy “she had concerns with zoning appeal process” she is not in agreement with it. Upon a motion by Kent Baker, seconded by Leland Loose it was unanimously voted to accept the minutes. Matters to be considered. Les King addressed the committee to explain that this meeting would be to create a process which the issues will be discussed. The tasks included: review the issues that the committee was asked to by the City Council, issues that were brought up at the public hearing, and anything else the committee members feel should also be considered. Once all of the topics are decided, a discussion should be had on each issue as to whether it will be retained or omitted. A brief discussion was had about the high importance of detailed notes to support any decisions made at the Charter Revision Commission meetings. There is no projected date for second public hearing. It will be later determined when more discussions are had. Linda Becker, expressed how it would be difficult to make a decision on the Norwich Fire Department without the City Council deciding on a budget. Any decision made will be greatly influenced by the budget. Debra Dickey, agreed with Linda Becker. She requested to know the population inside and outside the CCD. Kent Baker, suggested that there needs to be dates (meeting nights) assigned to each topic, CCD and Budget being two of them. He requested that the “ Tallman Report” needed to be made available to each member for review. Les King, requested copies of the past three Charter Revision Reports. He explained there will be assigned topics discussed at each meeting where speakers will be invited to help better educate the committee members to aid in making a decision. Les King, added that the Board of Education term will be added as an item that will be discussed. Kent Baker, suggested that the Board of Education terms will be discussed when Commission covers the length of terms which is already an established issue outlined for the committee by City Council . Upon motion of Kent Baker seconded by Leland Loose, passed by a 5 – 2 vote (with Debra Dickey and Janis Sawicki voting in opposition) to discontinue the discussion of changing the number of City Council Members at this time because of numerous past discussions and votes. Issues that will be discussed in addition to the seven already assigned by the City Council: 1. Parking Commission 2. U.S. Tax Code 3. Combining Parks and Recreation Departments 4. Zoning in the City 5. Norwich Public Utility contributing more than 10% Having a list now formulated, the Commission discussed to organize and prioritize the items according to the amount of research needed and arranging for speakers to come in. Chairman Les King requested that the Commission read the provided material: 1. A letter from Fire Chief Scandariato 2. Norwich Website Charter question and suggestions submitted by the public for the Committee. 3. Also to review the 2001 Charter Revision All future material will be sent out prior to meeting. Other business items: Be cautious of Freedom of Information No comments from Commissioners. Les King will get copy of CCM packet. Next Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Commission: Thursday, May 8th, 2014, Room 335, City Hall. Upon motion to Kent Baker, seconded by Leland Loose, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:42 pm.