Charter Revision Commission

MINUTES OF THE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Thursday, July 10, 2014, 6:30 pm Norwich, City Hall Room 335 Meeting called to order at 6:36pm, by Les King, Chairman. Members present: Linda Becker, Michael Gualtieri, Les King, Debra Dickey. Member absent: Kent Baker, Leland Loose, Janis Sawicki. The following Communications were reviewed and accepted in to be discussed at the August meeting. 1. Deborah Zoladz requesting to have the voters be able to approve the budget. 2. Kenneth Ring requesting that the Treasurer office be removed from an elective office and have the City Council select the individual as Treasurer as a cost saving measure. Approval of Minutes- Upon motion of Commissioner Becker, seconded by Commissioner Gualtieri, it was unanimously voted to accept the June 12, 2014 Minutes. Chairman King spoke with Michael Driscoll, he explained that unless an organization has by-laws stating otherwise, there can be no absentee voting. Commissioner Becker is going to do some further research into that rule. A letter was received from Yvette Jacaruso, President of the Board of Education, regarding additional information to her presentation at the previous meeting, copies of this letter will be distributed at next months meeting. Due to the absence of members at this meeting discussion and possible voting will take place at the next meeting. A motion by Commissioner Becker, seconded by Commissioner Gualtieri, to have a vote on the following topics was unanimous. The three topics that were discussed are: - Setting Council Salaries by ordinance. - Considering four year staggered terms for members of the City Council with a limit of two year terms. - Changing the title of the Council President Pro-tem to deputy Mayor. A presentation from Mayor Deborah Hinchey, representing the City Council, explained the importance of setting Council salaries by ordinance because of their great understanding and knowledge of the budget. There are events that members attend that are paid for through the Council budget. Along with a great amount of time spent beyond regular meetings dedicated to research and review of topics discussed over and above their fulltime careers. Mayor Hinchey, also said that four year terms, with term limits, would be more beneficial, because in a two year term, year one is spent learning and familiarizing with contacts and year two is focused on running again. Term limits could encourage creativity rather than complacency of a long standing member. Her suggestion was four year terms with two to three term limits, and staggered terms. No opinion for the change of the “Pro-Tem” title. She feels representation is properly served from each member despite title. She added that she sees the benefits in modernizing the Charter. Presentation from Ald. Bill Eyberse, said he does believe that the City Council salaries should be set by ordinance for the reason being, flexibility to coordinate with economic times rather than being bound by a Charter Law. Regarding term limits, four year terms would be beneficial because of the amount of knowledge to be gained and building and maintaining stronger relationships on all levels. He felt “Pro- Tem” is a suitable title. Ald. Terrell Wilson explained that having salaries set by ordinance for Council members would be easier than waiting for Charter revisions. That change would give the public a chance for input. Term length being changed from two to four years, would allow more time to familiarize with demographics of town, agencies, department heads, etc. He emphasized the volume of information that is to be expected to learn in the first year. Providing four years terms would provide the opportunity for better comprehension. He also explained that placing term limits may not be as beneficial, by discouraging younger members the opportunity to stay in for a longer period of time. He expressed that he could see the importance of changing the name “Pro-Tem” to “Deputy Mayor”, because of its connotation, and perhaps the wording of the Charter could be more explicit in defining what the title would hold. Ald. Mark Bettencourt suggested that the Council salary be kept set in the Charter with an escalator attached in order for it to change with economic times. He agrees that there is a learning curve when City Council member are elected, but that a four year term may be too long. He suggested a three year staggered term. He expressed the need for term limits by suggesting the rotation of people out on an annual basis with three year terms. He agreed that in the first year of a term is a lot of learning and extending the terms would provide my time to gain a full understanding of the position. He felt the title change of “ Pro-Tem” to “Deputy Mayor” may be a more modernized name. He asked in addition, to have the duties of the Mayor be more clearly defined in the Charter and regionalization of services. No new business. Topics that will be discussed at the next meeting will be: - Disband the Parking Commission - Combining the Parks and Recreation Departments The Commission suggested asking representatives from the NCDC, Chairman of the Parking Commission, City Council or Mayor, and the Chamber of Commerce to come to the August meeting and make a brief presentation on the possibility of disbanding the Parking Commission. Chairman King would speak to City Manager, Alan Bergren about who should be addressed on the topic of combining of Parks and Recreation Departments. Commissioner Becker also suggested that when invitational letters are sent, that some type of RSVP letter be provided so that the Commission can prepare and document the status of these topics and have a reference point for discussion. Recording Secretary, Bianca Muscarella, submitted her resignation which was accepted by the Commission as a communication. Upon motion of Commissioner Becker, seconded by Commissioner Gualtieri, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:43pm. Bianca Muscarella, Recording Secretary