City of Torrington MEETING MINUTES
2011 Charter Revision Commission April 16, 2012
Present were Chairwoman Elinor Carbone, Vice-Chairman Vic Muschell and Commissioners Bill Battle, Gerry Zordan and Jim Thibault. Also present was Corporate Counsel Ernestine Weaver. Secretary James Steck and Commissioners Jim McKenna, Debra Brown and Marie Soliani were absent.
The City of Torrington 2011 Charter Revision Commission (the “Commission”) opened its meeting at 5:02 PM in Room 215 at City Hall, Torrington.
The Agenda for this meeting read as follows:
- Approve minutes of the April 2, 2012 meeting;
- Public Comment and Participation – (3 minutes per speaker);
- Discussion regarding C13-8, Expenditures exceeding $100,000;
- Discussion regarding “Advocacy Board” for resident complaints on policing;
- Discussion regarding Technical and other changes
- C15-1 Comptroller;
- C4-1 “Positions of profit”;
- C8-2 Board of Education vacancy and minority representation;
- Old Business;
- New Business;
- Schedule for Public Hearing;
- Adjournment
(Agenda Item #1) Approve April 2, 2012 Meeting Minutes
The April 2, 2012 meeting minutes were approved.
(Agenda Item #2) Public Comment and Participation
No public comment.
(Agenda Item #3) Discussion regarding C13-8, Expenditures exceeding $100,000
The discussion started with a review of the two draft questions and draft Charter language compiled by Ernestine Weaver. Vic Muschell asked if the draft language would be a new section in the Charter and Ernestine answered “Yes” as a continuation of section C13-8. Vic asked that the language be amended to refer to C13-8. Gerry Zordan motioned to approve the draft questions and move the Charter change recommendation forward. The vote passed unanimously.
(Agenda Item #4) Discussion regarding “Advocacy Board” for resident complaints on policing
This item came from a previous public comment regarding alleged police mistreatment and corruption. Jim Thibault commented that he felt this commentary was generated by what seemed a disgruntled citizen looking to lash-out at public services. Jim then motioned to not move forward with the request. Bill Battle seconded and the vote passed unanimously.
(Agenda Item #5) Discussion regarding Technical and other changes
Ernestine explained this change as correction of a typographical error. This change is complete and is of no further concern to the Commission.
- C4-1 “Positions of profit”
Ernestine explained these changes as being required to comply with State and Federal law. The change requires deletion of specific language regarding positions of profit held by City Council members.
- C8-2 Board of Education vacancy and minority representation
This language problem was initially noted in 2005 by the Secretary of State’s office. The problem refers to the filling of vacancies until the “next election” vs. “the unexpired portion of the term”. It also revises the language from “electing” (to fill a vacancy) to “appointing”.
- Ernestine agreed to draft revisions for all three technical changes
(Agenda Item #6) Old Business
No Discussion
(Agenda Item #7) New Business
No Discussion
(Agenda Item #8) Schedule for Public Hearing
The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 17 at 7 PM in the City Hall Auditorium
(Agenda Item #9) Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM
Respectfully submitted,
James A. Thibault
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