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CRC delays CAO/COO charter discussion until March 20 special meeting after First Selectman scheduling conflict
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Summary
The Commission agreed to move discussion of creating or memorializing a town manager/CAO/COO position to a special meeting on March 20 so First Selectman Gerber and invited select officials can attend. Commissioners also asked for legal clarification about whether the RTM must authorize such appointments and about budget ramifications.
The Charter Revision Commission voted to move agenda item 6 — a discussion about whether to create or memorialize a town manager/CAO/COO role in the charter — to the special meeting on March 20 so First Selectman Gerber and other invited officials could attend.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the CAO/COO discussion implicates who has authority to create positions, budget authority, and whether the RTM must authorize certain appointments. The commission sought a clear legal interpretation before deciding whether to add a permanent charter reference for such a role.
What happened at the meeting: Chairman Tresik moved to reschedule agenda item 6 to the Commission’s newly scheduled special meeting on March 20 and to invite First Selectman Gerber, Selectman Kupchak, Mr. Becker, and Miss Simpson. Commissioner Tresik’s motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Legal and budget questions raised: At the March 11 discussion commissioners reviewed charter language (section 6.2) that allows the First Selectman to delegate authority and refers to administrative assistance whose appointment "may be authorized by the RTM." Commissioners discussed whether "may be authorized" requires RTM approval of new positions or only budgeting by the RTM. Several commissioners said the RTM traditionally controls budget authorization and that creating a new permanent position could require budget approval. The commission asked staff to request a legal opinion clarifying whether the RTM must approve the creation of a CAO/COO and whether memorializing the role in the charter is necessary or advisable.
Next steps: CRC staff will seek a legal opinion and the Commission will hear the First Selectman and invited guests on March 20. The Commission agreed to defer formal charter language changes pending the First Selectman’s input and the attorney’s guidance.
Ending: The March 20 special meeting will include the CAO/COO discussion and related charter language; staff will circulate any requested job description or preamble the First Selectman’s office provides ahead of that meeting.
