TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Jointly with:
Charter Revision Commission
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
August 22, 2006
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Ms. Roberts called the joint meeting to order on August 22, 2006 at 7:10 p.m., directly after a public hearing, at the East Windsor Town Hall
II. ATTENDANCE – Board of Selectmen
Linda Roberts, First Selectman
Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
Gil Hayes, Selectman
Edward Filipone, Selectman
ATTENDANCE – Charter Revision Commission
Richard Leborious, Chairman
Kathy Bilodeau
Noreen Farmer
Joseph Roberts
Ralph Saunders
Ms. Roberts distributed a copy of the Charter with the attorney comment that was received at 4:30 the date of the meeting. Extensive discussion took place reviewing the Charter in its entirety and taking into consideration the comments given by the Town Attorney and incorporating some of the attorneys suggestions. The residency eligibility sections were discussed and the problems with enforcement with the language added regarding residency.
The bulk of the evenings discussion revolved around whether the Charter should be on the ballot as a Yes/No a/k/a Pass/Fail question or if it should be split into to several questions for the voters, and if so, how many questions. The Charter Revision Commission members backed stood by the Charter it presented and felt that a pass/fail ballot was the appropriate way to go, as they felt the Charter as revised was what the Town needed. It was felt splitting the Charter into questions was not the way to go. An email from excused member, John Parda was read for everyone in attendance. Mr. Leborious also explained that if the Charter does fail, as presented in one question, the Charter Revision Commission can be reappointed and the Commission can determine why it failed. At that point another draft can be
written which has changes which are more palatable to the voters, for example possibly, no Town Administrator, but referendum budget in place, etc.
The Board of Selectmen at one point were split on opinions of presenting the Charter as a pass/fail or splitting it into questions, with Ms. Roberts abstaining from the decision. It came down to the Board reaching a consensus of a pass/fail document as it was felt a paid administrator was needed and this should go before the voters as one question. If it fails, as Mr. Leborious suggested, the Commission can be reappointed and a Charter with necessary changes can be drafted and presented.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MOTION
MOTION: To recommend the Charter Revision Commission incorporate the revisions as discussed.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION MOTION
MOTION: To recommend to the Board of Selectmen the Charter as amended and reviewed and the Commission is in agreement with the recommendations.
Made by Ms. Farmer, seconded by Mr. Saunders
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MOTION
MOTION: To forward to the Town Clerk the recommended Charter Revisions for submission as “Pass/Fail” or “Yes/No”, as appropriate, on the ballot for the General Election on November 7, 2006.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
I. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Hayes.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
/cdc/
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
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