Commission debates charter revision language amid new Community Services reorganization
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Summary
The commission reviewed comments sent to the Charter Commission and discussed whether to merge the disabilities commission with its work after last month’s reorganization that placed human services under a new Community Services department.
Members of the Fairfield Human Services Commission discussed comments already submitted to the Charter Commission and debated language to address disabilities and youth services as part of a proposed charter revision.
Commission members said Marty Schwartz submitted comments in mid-March and the Charter Commission has asked the Human Services Commission to provide a consolidated set of recommendations. Commissioners and staff discussed whether to merge the commission with a Commission on Disabilities, with some members expressing concern that such a merger could leave youth services underrepresented.
Officials told commissioners the departmental reorganization took effect last month and placed human services under a new Community Services department led by Anthony Calabrese. Commissioners noted parks and recreation functions have been reallocated within town government and said they will work with the Charter Commission to draft compromise language to present before the charter language is finalized for the ballot.
The Charter Commission asked for consolidated input in time for a possible November ballot; commissioners said they will circulate proposed language to members for review before formally submitting it to the Charter Commission.