Charter Revision Commission presents draft recommending clarifications, transparency measures

Kristen Barnett, chair of the Charter Revision Commission, presented the commission's 2025 draft report to the Simsbury Board of Selectmen at a special meeting on Feb. 18, saying the Town Charter is "a fundamental, legal document that serves as the Town's constitution." She described the commission's 16-month process, two public hearings and a record of public testimony that informed its recommendations.

The draft recommends retaining two-year terms for elected members and continuing the practice of having the First Selectman chosen by residents rather than altering term lengths or staggering terms. The commission also proposed clarifying the First Selectman's role as the primary connection between the Selectmen and the Town Manager and formalizing the Board of Selectmen's annual review of the Town Manager's performance.

Barnett told the board the commission sought clearer language limiting the Selectmen's authority to "direct/order" staff, recommended that alternates seated be of the same party as an absent member when available, and suggested ordinances to establish an Open Space Committee and a Conservation/Inland-Wetlands and Watercourses Agency. The draft also calls for public hearing notices to be posted on the town website and for the Code of Ordinances to be reviewed by the Selectmen at least once every four years.

The commission proposed several chapter-specific edits, including moving the Economic Development Commission to ordinance authority rather than listing it in the charter, clarifying responsibilities in chapters addressing elected boards and commissions, and updating the charter's administrative and financial sections to reflect an organizational chart and clearer lines of responsibility.

Barnett said the commission's materials, including commissioner biographies and meeting records, are posted on the town website. After the presentation and some discussion, the board did not take a motion on the draft at the Feb. 18 meeting.

First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis announced that a public hearing on the revised charter will be held on Monday, Feb. 23; the board has until March 6 to close the hearing period. The board may consider motions or formal action after the public comment period concludes.