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Simsbury Charter Revision Commission submits amended draft to Town Clerk, urges better public notice
Summary
The commission closed its public hearing, approved amendments including relocating Library and Social Services directors in the charter text, and unanimously voted to transmit the revised draft to the Town Clerk while recommending steps to improve public notice and communication.
The Simsbury Charter Revision Commission voted unanimously Jan. 21 to submit an amended draft of the town charter to the Town Clerk and recommended steps to improve how residents are notified about meetings.
Madam Chair Kris Barnett said the commission would transmit the proposed charter and draft report to the Town Clerk for transmittal to the Board of Selectmen after the meeting; on a motion by Vice Chair Paul Henault, seconded by Commissioner Jacqueline Maulucci, the commission approved the submission by an 8-0 vote.
The vote followed a public hearing in which two residents raised concerns about specific charter language and transparency. Joan Coe, of 26 Whitcomb Drive, asked the commission to revisit Section 401 and questioned whether the First Selectman should receive a stipend if Simsbury adopts a town manager/town council form of government, saying many residents are unsure of the town’s form of government. "I observed the role of First Selectmen being referenced as 'First' and feel the First Selectmen should not be receiving a stipend if Simsbury is a Town Manager/Town Council style of government," Coe said.
Susan Masino, of 41 Madison Lane, opposed delegating grant-applying authority to staff and urged more oversight and transparency. She asked that all meetings be posted on the town listserv and recommended tightening future public-audience rules so speakers address the charter in its entirety when hearings are organized by chapters or sections.
Commissioners acted on a drafting correction identified by Library Director Lisa Miceli that moved the "Library Director" and "Social Services Director" from Section C "Municipal" to Section B "Directors" in Section 702. Vice Chair Henault moved the amendment, Commissioner Maulucci seconded, and the commission approved the change unanimously.
Commissioners also debated access to meeting records. Commissioner Jesse Schofield recommended expanding the set of meetings required to be recorded after residents asked for more access. Vice Chair Henault said he supports access but cautioned that requiring staff to record every board and commission meeting would be an onerous mandate and is not required by state law; he said meeting minutes should continue to follow Robert's Rules of Order, which requires recording motions and the discussions leading to votes. Management Specialist Franklyn Barrueco said Deputy Town Manager Fitzgerald will meet with Dr. Masino to discuss listserv issues and public-notice practices.
Commissioner Jacqueline Maulucci proposed language for the Draft Report urging the town to ensure public-notice systems are working and to develop additional communication methods. The commission approved an amendment to the Draft Report to include that recommendation (motion by Commissioner Robert Helfand, seconded by Commissioner Maulucci; unanimous vote).
Under the charter process Chair Barnett explained that after the Town Clerk transmits the draft to the Board of Selectmen the board has 45 days to schedule and hold a public hearing; after that hearing the Board has 15 days to submit any recommended changes back to the Charter Revision Commission. If no changes are submitted the Draft Report becomes the Final Report.
The commission approved the minutes of its Jan. 6 special meeting earlier in the session and adjourned at 6:33 P.M.
