Charter Revision Commission

MINUTES OF THE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Thursday, June 12, 2014, 6:30 pm Norwich , City Hall Room 335 Meeting called to order at 6:33 PM, by Les King, Chairman. Members present: Kent Baker, Linda Becker, Michael Gualtieri, Les King, Janis Sawicki. Debra Dickey arrived at 6:37 PM. Members absent: Leland Loose Upon motion of Commissioner Becker, seconded by Commissioner Sawicki, it was unanimously voted to accept the online communication from Corey Butterfield, requesting the Charter Revision Commission to change the passage of the city budget by going to referendum. Approval of Minutes- Upon motion of Commissioner Becker, seconded by Commissioner Gualtieri, it was unanimously voted to amend the May 8, 2014 minutes with the following corrections. 1. “Review of the U.S. Tax Code”, requested by David Crabb, at the public hearing was removed. 2. “Review of the use of the words ‘capital expenditures’ as defined in the U.S. Tax Code”, requested by David Crabb at the public hearing was removed. 3. Change the name spelling of “Janice” to “Janis”. A presentation given by Yvette Jacaruso, President of Board, representing the Board of Education, on the importance of changing the length of terms from a two year to a four year terms. She gave a background of the demographics in Norwich Public Schools. A Board of Education Handbook and copy of President Jacaruso’s power point presentation was distributed for reference. She explained that in the first year the Board Members are expected to hire and evaluate the superintendent, if needed; understand the district and how to govern; serve on committees; develop and revise the yearly budget; monitor the progress of district leadership and student achievement; and vote on polices. The second year is to focus on re-election, as referenced in the power point hand out. The benefits, of a four year term would be: a reduction in cost, more time for the members to develop an understanding of guidelines, budgets, regulations, etc. It was noted a number of neighboring towns are all four year terms. Commissioner Becker asked if they would want staggered terms? The answer was yes. Commissioner Baker asked how many times someone is not reelected after the two year term? The answer was not very often. Dianne Slopak , one of the Registrars of Voters in Norwich, came to speak from the Registrar of Voters on why the length of terms should be changed from a two year term to a four year term. She distributed a copy of a letter sent to Commissioner Becker and a list of 167 towns in Connecticut and the length of term each of the towns serve. The Registrar of Voters has a number of tasks that are required to daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly mandated by the Secretary of the State with over 600 Statutes that cover the Registrar of Voters. There are a lot of tasks assigned and training for themselves and others in the two year allotment. She requested that if the change is made it occur in 2016, so that the term would begin in January 2017. This would give a full four years to get to a Presidential election and they do not want staggered terms. No new business. Chairman King recommended and unanimously agreed upon, that in addition to the review of City Council stipend , changing the title of City Council President Pro-tem be changed to Deputy Mayor, be added to the July agenda. The City Council will be invited to the next meeting to speak on these issues. Commissioners Becker and Sawicki noted that no one came to represent the City Council at this meeting which may influence the decision of whether or not to change the length of terms for the City Council. Commissioner Sawicki, explained that if any voting is done at next month’s meeting she will be casting an absentee vote, as Robert’s Rules of Order allows such a procedure. Commissioner Baker will also vote absentee as he will not be in attendance at the next meeting. Upon motion of Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Sawicki, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:27PM. Bianca Muscarella, Recording Secretary