West Haven charter panel approves sending proposed draft to City Council after edits

The West Haven Charter Revision Commission voted May 28, 2026, to approve its recommendation report and forward a proposed draft of the city charter to the City Council. The special meeting, held at the Harriet North community room, concluded with a voice vote after several substantive edits to the draft were adopted.

The commission addressed a last-minute insertion concerning the Allentown volunteer fire department. The commission's attorney proposed replacing several detailed subparagraphs with concise language that "the board of fire commissioners shall be responsible for the management, discipline, and control of the city of West Haven fire department" and that the board "shall have such powers and duties as may be set forth by law, including the ordinances." Chief Ku, speaking for the Allentown Volunteer Fire Association, told the commission that the revised clause "eliminates my concerns."

Members also approved adding the director of finance to the cooperation/compliance review so corporate counsel will confirm that funds exist to support contracts. The commission consolidated provisions on "positions of profit," removing separate rules that had applied to formerly elected posts such as treasurer and tax collector, and agreed to grandfather current board and commission members who would be affected to avoid removing someone midterm.

Audit language was moved to a council/audit section and updated to require audits be performed in accordance with recognized standards, including GASB and professional auditing standards; current solicitation and auditor-term limits were retained. The commission clarified that the Board of Assessment Appeals will have two-year terms "and until their successors shall be elected and qualified," to prevent unintended concurrency with a four-year mayoral term if the mayoral term changes.

On procedural direction, the commission authorized corporation counsel and staff to continue non-substantive scrivener edits and to fix typographical errors as the draft is prepared for submission. Commissioners were told the draft must be filed with the town clerk; the council will receive a presentation on June 9 and a conferral meeting between the two bodies is scheduled for June 24. The City Council will adopt any ballot question language and publish explanatory text to voters if it proceeds.

A motion to approve the recommendation and send the draft to the City Council was moved and seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. The commission adjourned after completing the business on the agenda.