Public raises concerns about Charter wording as selectmen close hearing and begin 15-day review

The Board of Selectmen continued a public hearing on the Charter Revision Commissions 2025 draft report on March 2 and closed the hearing to begin the statutory 15-day period for further discussion.

Several residents addressed the board, praising the Commissions process while urging careful wording. Diane Nash said she attended the Commissions meetings and commended its work but warned that adding the title "Chief Executive" could confuse the public about the Town Managers responsibilities versus the Boards governing role. "She thinks throwing in the title of Chief Executive is confusing," Nash said.

Lori Boyko asked for clearer Charter language on which body has authority to create new boards, commissions and committees and suggested moving the Economic Development Commission out of the Charter and into ordinance-based authority so the Board can choose whether to maintain it. Ellen Gilbert recommended improving public notice for hearings with inexpensive sandwich-board signs at multiple town locations to increase awareness.

First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis noted the hearing was a continuation from Feb. 23, 2026, and after public comment the board voted to close the public hearing effective March 2, 2026. Closing the hearing begins a 15-day period in which the board may discuss potential changes and either adopt revisions or return items to the Charter Revision Commission for further work.

No formal action on the draft report was taken at the meeting; Mackstutis said the board expected further discussion of Charter revisions at its March 9 and March 11 meetings.

The hearing record and written comments (which the board said will be forwarded by email to all Selectmen) will inform the boards next steps during the post-close review period.