MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 11, 2008
Chairman James McKenna opened the Public Hearing of the Charter Revision Commission Monday, February 11, 2008 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium.
Commissioners in attendance were: Chair James McKenna, Vice-Chair Victor Muschell, and Commissioners John Ciesco, Marie Soliani, Michael Nejaime, Mary Jane Gryniuk, Kenneth Edwards, Gerald Zordan and Thomas Telman.
Marie Soliani read the Notice of Public Hearing.
Chairman McKenna stated that the purpose of the hearing was to receive information from the public so that the Charter Revision Commission could make recommendations that would be supported by the public. He then circulated a list of ideas that had already been presented to the Commission and welcomed comments on those ideas as well.
Sandra Ammirato of 79 Brass Mill Dam Road addressed the Commission and asked that it consider legislation on fire arms. She mentioned that people use their firearms close to residences and it is a major safety concern.
Bill Battle of 69 Red Mountain Road addressed the Commission requesting that the school budget be submitted for a binding vote.
Joe Ammirato of 79 Brass Mill Dam Road further commented on the school budget process stating that no one “gets to have a say on spending.” He stated that more than 50% of the budget supports the schools but there isn’t adequate accountability on the spending.
Commissioner Nejaime said that the school budget matters are separate from the Charter matters in that their ability to spend is driven by state statutes.
Vice-Chair Muschell stated that the Board of Education is responsible for overseeing the schools’ budget, and the Board has to approve transfers of its funds.
Chairman McKenna then read the list of ideas brought to the Commission’s attention for consideration. He also noted that the Commission will be holding additional public hearings, however, if anyone wanted to comment at any other time during the process, the Commission meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month. Anyone wanting to speak or attend was welcome. McKenna also shared the proposed timeline of the Commission’s work. The goal was to be ready for the November election, so the Commission would need to finalize their work over the Summer in order to complete its public hearings and receive Council approval.
Chairman McKenna asked if anyone else wanted to speak.
Mike Clark, Chair of the Municipal Renovations Committee, requested the Commission to consider extending term limits from two years to four years for the Mayor and Council members. He mentioned that the brevity of the term creates impediments for getting things done quickly. Also, he recommended staggering the terms so that there would be continuity in government.
City Councilwoman Elinor Carbone of 300 Pumping Station Road requested that the Commission consider changing the number of people who comprise the Board of Education. She noted that Torrington, with ten Board members, currently has one of the largest Boards of Education in the state.
Commissioner Gryniuk questioned why Councilwoman Carbone thought the number was too high. She replied that it is difficult to schedule, coordinate and recruit interest for that many seats.
Vice- Chair Muschell noted that there was some history as to why the Board of Education is the size that it is. Commissioner Nejaime noted that the Board had had ten members serving an alternating a six year term.
Chairman McKenna asked if anyone else wanted to speak. Hearing and seeing none, he closed the public hearing at 7:00 p.m.
ATTEST: Ernestine Yuille Weaver
Corporation Counsel
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