CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE

TOWN HALL

May 3, 2006 7:00 PM

Present: Committee members: Bill Kirkpatrick, Brad Pellissier.

Alyson Vecchiarelli, Chair and Janet Starr, First Selectman David Pinney, Selectman Ernie Allsup, Town Clerk Ann Logan. Committee member Jordan Chatis arrived at 7:30.

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chair Alyson Vecchiarelli at 7:03.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of 4/26/06 were approved as written. Bill Kirkpatrick and Janet Starr voting in favor and Brad Pellisier abstaining.

It was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously to amend the agenda so that the Chair could briefly review salient points of Robert’s Rules: the Chair only votes in the case of ties, and if the vote is not unanimous, the individual votes must be recorded.

Review of Charter Language: None of the members present had suggestions for additional instances of language in the charter that needed review.

Discussion--Research: The items on the charge were discussed to determine which were substantive and needed further research and which are wording changes.

2.2 Voting Districts: Primarily a matter of language although perhaps some need to look at who will determine polling places. Substantive implications.

3.1 & 3.4 Board of assessors and Constables: Substantive in that both involve eliminating appointed town positions. Bill will research and arrange for both to attend a later meeting.

4.4b & 4.4d Publication of proposed and newly enacted ordinances: Substantive.

4.6 Clerk of Board of Selectman: Language change.

5.2 Start of appointed terms: Language to set a fixed date.

6.7 and 6.8 Special Appropriations: Substantive. Need to consult with Finance Board.

7.1 Date of Town Meeting: Substantive. Need to consult with Finance Board.

7.1a Referendums: Substantive as the charter contains nothing about how referendums are to be scheduled. Need to also consult the Finance Board.

7.1c Advertising Town Meetings: Language change. Substance is covered by state statute.

2.1a & 2.5a Selectmen vacancy: Wording contradiction in the charter that needs to be resolved. Resolution has substantive implications.

3.1 & 3.6 Appointment of presently elected positions: Substantive and controversial. Similar proposal defeated roughly 3 to 1 at last charter revision referendum.

The next meeting is Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Kirkpatrick

Secretary