Simsbury charter commission approves amended draft, rejects motion to keep EDC in charter

The Simsbury Charter Revision Commission on Jan. 6 approved an amended proposed town charter and voted to send the draft to a public hearing on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Tariffville Room of the Simsbury Public Library.

Chair Kris Barnett opened the special meeting and noted the draft includes structural changes to several boards and commissions. Several residents and local business representatives urged the commission to keep the Economic Development Commission (EDC) in the charter, saying the EDC helps recruit and support businesses and contributes to grand-list growth. "The EDC has been very active in working with key stakeholders throughout town and regional partners," said Matt Arthur, who identified himself as EDC vice chair.

Commissioners debated whether the EDC should remain in the charter or be governed instead by an ordinance adopted by the Board of Selectmen. Commissioner Ronald Jodice argued keeping the EDC in the charter provides stability and noted the Main Street Partnership historically received $85,000 from the town budget, with about 75% used for salaries. Secretary Jeffrey Tindall countered that economic development is an explicit Town Manager goal and can be managed administratively.

Commissioner Jodice moved, with Commissioner Robert Helfand seconding, to keep the EDC in the charter; the motion failed (recorded as 1-8-0). Following additional discussion, the commission approved the charter as amended and voted unanimously to send the draft to a public hearing.

The commission also debated language in Section 705 addressing the police department. Town Attorney Robert DeCrescenzo reported Police Chief Boulter expressed concern that removing certain language could be interpreted as allowing a future Board of Selectmen to adopt an ordinance or resolution directing the police not to enforce a law; DeCrescenzo noted state law would supersede any such local action. A motion to remove the last paragraph of Section 705 (moved by Commissioner Helfand, seconded by Commissioner Brett) did not carry (vote recorded as 4-4-1, with Commissioner Jodice abstaining). The commission agreed instead to remove the single word "Members." at the start of that paragraph and to a small comma edit in Section 1001.

The draft report and the charter, as amended, were approved for submission to the public hearing by unanimous votes. The commission will consider public comment at the Jan. 21 hearing and, if appropriate, vote that night to transmit the proposed charter and draft report to the Town Clerk. The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.